Fantasy Football Week 9: NFL Eliminator Picks To Keep You in the Game

Despite a surprising Saints loss, the number of perfect entries left in ESPN Eliminator only fell to 11,132. The Ravens almost had consecutive defeats, but were able to beat the Cardinals on a last-second field goal and prevent more destruction to perfect entries. The 49ers and Texans were also popular picks last week that walked away with victories.

I'm hanging in there at 8-0 as the Titans took care of the Indianapolis Colts in Tennessee, 27-10.

Here are my picks through Week 8:

Week 1: San Diego Chargers

Week 2: New York Giants

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys

Week 4: Green Bay Packers

Week 5: New Orleans Saints

Week 6: Cincinnati Bengals

Week 7: Carolina Panthers

Week 8: Tennessee Titans

There are several intriguing matchups for Week 9, and a few big question marks on popular picks on ESPN thus far.

Why are the New York Jets (4-3) getting almost 11 percent of selections against the Buffalo Bills (5-2)? And, they are on the road against their cross-state rivals. I don't get it; I'm avoiding this one.

If I had to pick, I would take the Bills. But I'd rather save them for a better matchup. Here's the kicker, the Jets are hosting the Bills in Week 12—if you're so in love with the Jets in this matchup, at least wait for the home-field advantage.

Dallas is getting big support against Seattle. Neither team looked good last week, but Seattle's combined 15 points from the last two weeks makes the Cowboys an attractive option at home. They're receiving about 22 percent of selections.

The Atlanta Falcons are getting some love as they go on the road to Indy. The Falcons have looked better since they have been emphasizing the running game with Michael Turner and putting less pressure on QB Matt Ryan. However, I've been picking on the Colts a lot lately and I think they will win at least one game this year. Will it be this week? Probably not.

The Kansas City Chiefs are a strong team playing a home game this week, albeit coming off short rest from their Monday night game. The winless Dolphins put a scare in the Giants last week, but ultimately came up short. The Dolphins have been keeping it close lately, this one may come down the wire for the Chiefs.

Here's how my brain works: I was very tempted to take the Arizona Cardinals this week as they battle a fellow one-win team at home in the St. Louis Rams. It would be a great opportunity to steal another win with a poor team.

My concern is the possible return of Sam Bradford and the rejuvenated play of Steven Jackson. I'll keep my eye on the injury report for Bradford, but I'm not sure I can pull the trigger on this one.

The Houston Texans, at home, against the Cleveland Browns seems like the best option to me. Unfortunately, it is a herd pick at about 21 percent of selections. I know I would feel much better if I ended up going out on a more adventurous pick like the Cardinals, but everything seems to be in order for Houston to win this handily.

The injury bug has hit the Browns, the Texans' running game has been excellent and Matt Schaub has been consistent.

Week 9 Selection: Houston Texans