NFL Week 9 Picks: Underdogs Destined to Spoil Favorites

Every week of the NFL season features great matchups, as well as lines you just cannot avoid playing. 

There are clear-cut favorites that should have no problem covering the spread, but then there are those that really make you think. 

Often times it's best to just stay away from those lines, but occasionally an underdog will get some extra love, and it's too hard to pass up. 

With seven games with lines at seven points or higher in Week 9, here are three underdogs destined to spoil the fun for the favorites. 

 

Tampa Bay + 8.5 

The Buccaneers hit the road to take on their division rival, the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay is fresh off a bye, and they will be ready to stick it to the Saints once again. 

New Orleans has struggled with NFC South play this season, barely beating the Carolina Panthers and losing to the Bucs three weeks ago. 

Toss in the fact that the Saints were just embarrassed by the St. Louis Rams, who had yet to win a game, and things aren't stacking up for New Orleans. 

The Saints are very good at home, but the Bucs are getting to many points, as this will be a close division battle. I like the Saints to win, but they will not cover. 

Prediction: Saints 31, Buccaneers 24

 

Cincinnati  + 3 

The Bengals must play away from home for the second straight week, as they take on the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. 

Andy Dalton has been much better than expected, and the Bengals are in great position to make some noise in the AFC North. They need a victory right before they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, which is why the Bengals will be on their A-game against the Titans. 

The Titans are favored because it's a home game, but with a week run game they will struggle to find success. The Bengals are second against the run this season and ninth against the pass, and they will do enough to walk away victorious on Sunday.

Prediction: Bengals 31, Titans 26 

 

Chicago + 8 

Another road underdog team that will do well in Week 9 is the Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. 

The Bears are coming off a bye, and even though the Eagles just stomped all over the Cowboys in Week 8, Chicago will be prepared to shut down Michael Vick and company.  

The Eagles still struggle against the run, which is something Chicago excels at. Matt Forte is the Bears offense, and he is going to thrive in prime time. 

I still like the Eagles to win, but they won't cover the spread, as this will be a tough battle all night. 

Prediction: Eagles 28, Bears 24