NFL Week 9 Picks: Buccaneers vs. Saints and Most Pivotal Games

There's still plenty of football left this NFL season, but that doesn't mean certain games can't swing momentum this early.

Don't believe the coach-speak that "every game is the most important game" because that simply isn't true.

When you're battling a team for the division lead, for example, getting an opportunity to knock them down a notch is golden.

Here are the three most pivotal matchups of Week 9.

3. New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

It's hard for me to believe the Jets or Bills will take the AFC East over the New England Patriots, but I do think both teams have a good shot at a wild-card spot.

Right now, the Bills are one game ahead of the Jets and are coming off an impressive 23-0 shutout of the Washington Redskins.

The Jets, on the other hand, have won their last two games after struggling early.

I expect the Jets' pass defense to limit Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in this game, but I'm not so sure Mark Sanchez and Co. will be able to score enough. The Bills defense is improving and the team is coming off a nine-sack day against the Redskins.

I'm taking the Bills in this one.

2. Ravens at Steelers

It never seems to matter how the Ravens and Steelers are playing when the rivals match up: they always bring it.

This is one of the most exciting rivalries in football and it's always a physical, in-your-face game when the two are pitted against each other.

The Steelers are coming off a rousing victory against the Patriots. The Ravens have looked mediocre their last two games.

But the Ravens have given up the second-fewest points this season (15.7) and you know they're going to play fast and furious at Heinz Field.

I expect this to be a great game, but it will be the Steelers coming away with the victory at the end.

1. Buccaneers at Saints

This is turning into a back-and-forth battle between the Buccaneers and the Saints.

Last season, the Buccaneers defeated the Saints in their last game of the season, marking a truly remarkable turnaround, but still missed the playoffs.

In 2011, the Buccaneers have already beaten the Saints in Week 6, 26-20, and are looking for the series sweep.

But despite the Saints losing to the St. Louis Rams in Week 8, I expect them to bounce back in a big way. I still consider the Saints a superior squad to the Buccaneers, and they've only gotten better with the addition of running back/receiver Darren Sproles.

In New Orleans, expect the Saints to extend their division lead.