NFL Week 9 Picks: Why This Will Be a Big Week for NFC East

There is no reason—barring half of the team contracting a rare flu the night before the game, thereby rendering them unable to play—that the Dallas Cowboys should lose to the Seattle Seahawks this week.

Dallas (-11.5 to -12.5, depending on where you look) has far more talent, is coming off of an embarrassing loss in prime time to their hated rival Philadelphia and is playing the game at home.

And honestly, guys—the Seahawks are dreadful. Dallas is better than the Seahawks in just about every measurable stat except for third-down conversion percentage allowed (Dallas is at 44.1 percent) and points allowed (tied at 23.1).

If Dallas loses to Seattle, they might as well pack it in.

But they won't. Like the rest of the NFC East, this week promises to be a big one for the 'Boys.

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles

This is a little stat I like throwing around, so I should probably put it here as well: In the past 2.5 games since the second half against Buffalo, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 71-30.

Be afraid, Chicago—be very afraid.

Actually, it might just be Jay Cutler who should be scared, seeing as the Eagles are sixth in the NFL with 37 sacks, and the Bears have already given up 21 sacks and 40 quarterback hits this season.

Or we could break it down this way: The Bears are 23rd in total yards allowed (380.6 per game) and 12th in points allowed (21.4 per game). The Eagles are first in total yards gained (449.3 per game) and ninth in points scored (25.6 per game).

Unless Matt Forte goes off in a HUGE way—and we all know that is very possible—I simply don't see the Eagles losing this game.

San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins

Yes, I actually think the Redskins will win this game. No, I'm not crazy.

I wrote about this game previously, but I'll leave you with one important thing you really should be paying attention to: Despite being 6-1, the 49ers (-3 to -4, depending on where you look) are only slight favorites to beat a team that has lost three straight games.

The line is speaking to me, people—an upset is brewing.

New York Giants at New England Patriots

OK, so I don't actually think the Giants are going to beat a Bill Belichick team after the Patriots got smacked around by the Steelers last week.

But...I do think they'll cover.

I mean, they're getting 10 points—10 friggin' points—and they're a 5-2 team that should be able to move the ball on the Patriots' defense. Namely, their fourth-rated pass offense should move the ball on the Patriots 32nd-ranked pass defense.

So no, they won't win. But in a game I expect to be a shootout, they most certainly will keep it close.