NFL Week 9 Picks: 4 Teams Sure to Establish Conference Supremacy

As the playoff picture becomes more clear, those who stand out within their own conference begin to emerge as the elite.

The interesting thing about 2011 is that of the four teams listed below, two of them had losing records in 2010. These types of turnarounds are what make pro football great and why each season is more exciting than the last.

Green Bay Packers (at San Diego)

The Packers are an obvious choice and are the best until proven otherwise.

This week Green Bay travels to San Diego and to play the Chargers. San Diego is coming off two straight losses on the road. The Packers are still susceptible to the pass, but Philip Rivers has yet to see a pass rush like that of the Packers.

San Diego's defense has yet to face an offense as prolific as Green Bay's (yes, the Packers' offense is better than the Patriots). The Packers win another road test and the only unfortunate thing about this game is that San Diego is no longer the best in the AFC West.

Packers over Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs Baltimore)

If there's one game you watch in Week 9, let it be the Ravens at the Steelers. It's arguably the NFL's best rivalry and with Baltimore already having beaten Pittsburgh once this season, you know the Steelers will be going all out.

Pittsburgh may be without some of their better linebackers, but Joe Flacco has been inconsistent in recent weeks and as a result Baltimore hasn't been all that impressive. On the other hand, the Steelers' offense is becoming very fluid.

Ben Roethlisberger has a diverse array of WRs he can rely on as well as TE Heath Miller, not to mention their improved ground game. Sure it will be tough moving the ball on Baltimore, but with a better offense than the Ravens and a defense that's arguably just as good, the Steelers solidify themselves as the AFC's front runner.

Steelers over Ravens

San Francisco 49ers (at Washington)

This is a game that's most likely going to be off the NFL radar. Although the 49ers are 6-1, dominating in the NFC West doesn't hold much weight.

Add in the Redskins who've lost three straight and San Fran will tack on another win thanks to a defense that will completely shut down the Washington offense. However, this game could also tell us a little more about the 49ers' offense.

The Redskins do have a respectable and underrated defense, so don't expect San Fran to rack up all kinds of points. RB Frank Gore will be zoned-in and Alex Smith will feel pressure from Redskin linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

It's a close one and it's somewhat of a trap game, but San Fran prevails as they have a much more efficient offense.

49ers over Redskins

Buffalo Bills (vs NY Jets)

Say what you want, but the Buffalo Bills are getting better each week and becoming one of the NFL's elite franchises.

Thanks to a dynamic offense that will move the ball against an overrated Jets' defense, Buffalo maintains their lead in the AFC East. This game will also build some much needed confidence for their defense.

Buffalo's D is excellent at forcing turnovers but still allows too many points. However, they know Mark Sanchez can be prone to throwing picks, so getting pressure on him is crucial. The Bills will blitz all day, force turnovers, and match New England's win total through nine weeks.

Bills over Jets

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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