NFL Picks Week 9: Oakland Raiders and More Winners of Division Showdowns

Divisional games are important in the NFL. Not only does a win in a divisional game guarantee you a win and a division rival a loss, but it is also a huge tiebreaker for playoff spots. 

There are five divisional showdowns this week. In three cases, it's a rematch of an earlier season game. In two of those cases, the earlier loser will get a measure of revenge and even the season series. 

But, let's take a quick look at all five and get a sense of what we can expect.

New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It seemed that the Saints lost last week because they overlooked the Rams. That's not excusable. The season is 16 games and when you overlook an opponent and lose, you have no one but yourself to blame. I just don't see the Saints doing that again. 

The Buccaneers have already beaten the Saints this year, so New Orleans knows it's possible. That game was in Tampa Bay, New Orleans did just about everything wrong, and still had a chance to win. 

The Saints are very hard to beat in New Orleans. I don't see that happening here.

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

This is a tough game to call. These are two teams that will likely be contending for a playoff spot. I am calling for a split from these two this year. 

Since this game is in Buffalo, I am going with them to win this weekend. 

I like their defense against the Buffalo offense, and I expect Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson to do enough against the Jets' defense to win.

Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

The Broncos just aren't a very good team. There isn't much to say about this one. The Raiders won an ugly game in Denver in Week 1. 

This one may be just as ugly, but the result will be the same.

That's just fine for the Raiders.

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals

This is surely the NFL's game of the week. A heavyweight clash between two 1-6 teams in the desert. That practically sells itself. 

The Rams are an improving team. I like what they did against the Saints last week and expect that to continue against the Cardinals. 

I expect Chris Long to consistently get into the Arizona backfield.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

In all seriousness, this is the game of the week. A lot has happened since the 35-7 beat down that the Ravens gave the Steelers in Week 1.

The last two weeks have scared me away from the Ravens a little bit. I think they will have a good year, but they are struggling right now. 

I'll go with the hot Steelers' team that just beat the Patriots. They are also playing this one in Pittsburgh.