NFL Week 9 Picks: Predictions for Every Marquee Matchup

This weekend's schedule has three games on it that I would consider marquee matchups. Considering the number of bad games we've been forced to endure over the past few weeks, that's actually a lot of solid games worth watching. 

Here are my picks for this weekend's big games:

New York Jets (4-3) at Buffalo Bills (5-2)

The Bills have surprised almost everyone this season by coming out as a solid all-around team. Buffalo already boasts wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots and now has a chance to take down the division rival Jets. 

Gang Green will enter the game after a bye week, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will have sorted out all of their issues. The Jets are currently 22nd in the NFL in passing offense (207.7 yards per game) and a dismal 28th in rushing offense (92.4 yards per game). The Jets are so shaky on that side of the ball it really doesn't matter how good Rex Ryan's defense is.

The Bills have been outstanding on the ground, racking up 140.6 yards per game, while balancing that with 239.6 yards per game through the air. That offensive balance makes Buffalo incredibly difficult to defend. I think this game will be close but the Bills are the better all-around team and that will show as they pull away late.

Prediction: Buffalo 27, New York (Jets) 21

New York Giants (5-2) at New England Patriots (5-2)

This game is receiving a fair amount of hype because the Giants have been on a roll lately. Quarterback Eli Manning has done an excellent job working with a banged up group of receivers, but the Giants' utter lack of a rushing offense (85.6 yards per game) will come back to haunt them against the Patriots. 

To beat New England you have to control the clock and keep the ball out of Tom Brady's hands. The G-Men will not be able to do that. 

The Patriots suffered a disappointing 25-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, and this weekend against the Giants I expect them to bounce back. Picking against Brady and Bill Belichick at home is never a smart idea, so I'm not going to do it. 

Prediction: New England 30, New York (Giants) 21

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

Think the Steelers are ready to exact some revenge for the 35-7 Week 1 beating they received from the Ravens? Yeah, me too. 

The Steelers have gotten on a roll after a 2-2 start, winning four straight entering a matchup with their hated rival. Meanwhile, the Ravens are struggling behind quarterback Joe Flacco. They barely escaped what would have been a shocking loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8 with a 30-27 comeback win. That followed an embarrassing 12-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7.

The Ravens are not playing good football right now and the Steelers are. Plus, the game will be in Pittsburgh and Ben Roethlisberger and company will be looking to dish out some payback. I just don't see the Steelers dropping this on.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 34, Baltimore 24