NFL Week 9 Picks: Underrated Teams That Will Pick Up Key Victories

Most of what the casual NFL fan understands comes via ESPN or the NFL Network. And while that's not all bad, the major networks tend to focus in on the league's top teams while spending little time on the second-tier competitors.

With that in mind, here are three under-the-radar teams that will pick up important wins on Sunday.

Buffalo Bills (5-2)

Buffalo was on top of the football world after defeating the New England Patriots in Week 3. The Bills have since faded into the background because they lost to Cincinnati the very next week. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Co. have regained first place following New England's loss to Pittsburgh.

A home win against the New York Jets this week will go a long way toward ending Buffalo's playoff drought, which currently spans more than a decade. Fred Jackson will need to be in elite form once again because the Jets will be ready to stop the short passing game.

Prediction: Bills 24, Jets 20

Houston Texans (5-3)

The Texans were expected to run away with the AFC South once it became apparent Peyton Manning wouldn't be taking the field for Indianapolis. Houston's up-and-down season has led the media to forget how much potential the Texans have.

They are 3-0 in the division and haven't suffered a bad loss. While the defense is still a work in progress, there are noticeable improvements from when New Orleans racked up 40 points in Week 3. If the Texans can get Andre Johnson back to 100 percent, they will be very dangerous come playoff time.

Prediction: Texans 27, Browns 13

Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)

After a brutal start that saw the Chiefs lose their first three games by 82 points, Kansas City has done the impossible and turned its season around. The Chiefs have won four straight games, including two against their closest division rivals, and have a manageable remaining schedule.

Whatever head coach Todd Haley told his team after a close loss to San Diego worked to perfection, because they've been a different team since. The defense has been making key stops and Jackie Battle has added some much needed stability to the offensive attack. Don't count them out in the AFC West.

Prediction: Chiefs 20, Dolphins 10