NFL Picks Week 9: 3 Underdogs That Will Cover the Spread and May Win Outright

Phil GNov 1, 2011

Week 9 of the NFL season is usually when experts and fans alike determine whether teams are headed for the playoffs, mediocrity, or the famous Radio City Hall.

There are a few good match-ups and even fewer headliners. The Ravens—Steelers matchup is always interesting and the PatriotsGiants game should be good as well. The rest of the games are average at best but I'm sure we'll witness a few surprises.

Speaking of surprises, Vegas has a few head scratching spreads. Its time to prove Vegas wrong.

Cincinnati @ Tennessee

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Listed Odds: Tennessee (-3) vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati is one of the more underrated teams in the National football league right now. Andy Dalton has matured quickly and looks like a natural in Jay Gruden's west coast offense. Green is showing why he was the 4th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, as he leads all rookies in receptions and receiving yards thus far in the season.

The Mike Zimmer led defense for Cincinnati is playing at a high level and is a major reason why the Bengals are tied for second at 5-2 in the ultra competitive AFC North.

The Titans are a solid football team but they rank in the bottom half of the league (27th) in stopping the run. Cedric Benson is returning to the Bengals after serving his one game suspension and should be the difference in the game.

Expect Cincinnati to win big.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans

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Listed Odds: New Orleans Saints (-8) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Saints are coming off an embarrassing defeat to the St. Louis Rams and will now face a rested Tampa Bay teaming coming off a well needed bye.

This Bucs previously defeated the Saints in week 6 and I expect the rematch to be just as exciting. The Saints defense should continue to struggle, especially if LeGarrette Blount is healthy enough to play. The oddsmakers have the Saints (-8) favored over the Bucs, but expect Tampa to escape the Superdome with a last minute field goal.

St. Louis @ Arizona

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Listed Odds: Arizona (-3.5) over St. Louis

I expect St. Louis to win outright in this game. The Cardinals are a mess right now. Kevin Kolb looks lost and that Cardinals secondary is absolutely atrocious. These two teams are likely playing for nothing, as San Francisco looks primed to run away with the division title at 6-1.