NFL Week 9 Picks: Predicting Which Teams Will Come Out on Top

It's inevitable that NFL picks will be made each week from people all over the country, as well as the world.

So with that in mind, here are predictions for Week 9 in the 2011 NFL season.

Miami at Kansas City

Kansas City has caught fire NBA Jam-style, and it doesn't appear that they will be slowing down anytime soon. Their defense has been forcing turnovers like no other these past few weeks, and they have a ton of confidence. In other words, that doesn't bode well for the winless Dolphins.

Chiefs over Dolphins

Atlanta at Indianapolis

This may appear to be a trap game for the Falcons just because Indy plays better at home and is bound to get a win at some point. However, Atlanta has been making great strides in becoming road warriors, and the offense is beginning to hit a rhythm.

They simply have too much talent and execution for the Colts to handle.

Falcons over Colts

Tampa Bay at New Orleans

This is a gut-check game for both teams. New Orleans is coming off a very disappointing road loss, whereas the Bucs are much like the Saints in being a susceptible road team.

The difference here though is not that Tampa Bay is on the road. The difference is that New Orleans is at home, where they rarely lose. The Superdome is a magical place, and with Drew Brees slicing the Bucs' young defense, New Orleans gets a much-needed divisional win.

Saints over Buccaneers

NY Jets at Buffalo

The only thing that will keep the Jets alive in this game is if Buffalo decides to go with a pass-heavy game plan. New York struggles in running the ball and stopping the run, so why not let RB Fred Jackson take over?

He averages over 100 yards per game and the Bills' D is solid when it comes to forcing turnovers. The Bills win because of coaching.

Bills over Jets

Seattle at Dallas

Based on the economic law of probabilities, combined with the inconsistency that is the Dallas Cowboys, Big D should play better this week, since they were terrible last week.

Seattle's offense struggles to move the chains and Dallas has a solid defense. As long as Tony Romo and the 'Boys don't excessively turn the ball over, the Cowboys win this game handily.

Cowboys over Seahawks

Cleveland at Houston

The Browns may be desperate for a win, but it's not going to come on the road against a Texans team that knows how to win without two of their best players.

Cleveland's weakness is stopping the run, which coincidentally happens to be Houston's offensive strength. In turn, that will help setup the pass to manipulate the Browns' solid pass defense.

Texans over Browns

San Francisco at Washington

This is an interesting matchup, because, despite the inability to consistently be effective through the air, San Francisco still manages to maneuver through defenses with RB Frank Gore.

Washington has a solid defense, but unfortunately their offense is arguably the worst in pro football, which helps the San Fran D, because, although they don't force a lot of turnovers, getting those three-and-outs is crucial.

Then again, they may force a decent number of turnovers this week, since it is the Redskins' offense.

49ers over Redskins

Cincinnati at Tennessee

Another road test for the Bengals, and another tough opponent incoming for Tennessee. Cincinnati has a Top 10 defense, and the Titans are dead last in rush offense. So much for Chris Johnson dominating with his new contract.

Let this season be a lesson and this game continue to prove that NFL RBs shouldn't hold out, because unless you're Emmitt Smith, missing training camp is going to rough you up.

Bengals over Titans

Denver at Oakland

The QB situation in this game is quite unique, as both quarterbacks are vastly overrated and both franchises gave up way too much to get each guy.

With the Broncos having a slightly improved defense and ground game since Week 1, Denver keeps it closer than expected, but Oakland's defense steps up big against a weak Broncos' passing game.

Raiders over Broncos

NY Giants at New England

Week 9 is where we learn a little bit more about the Giants. With arguably the most difficult schedule remaining, New York visits New England, and the Pats' are looking for a response win.

They will get one, as the Giants have issues on defense, whereas the Pats' stellar offense will simply outscore them. Thanks to a one-dimensional New York offense, New England's defense plays better than expected.

Patriots over Giants

St. Louis at Arizona

Probably the one game that fans in St. Louis and Arizona even care about, as both teams are 1-6 and at the bottom of the NFC West. Not to mention St. Louis just won the World Series, so they're still on a baseball hangover.

As for the Cardinals, at least getting to watch Larry Fitzgerald is a treat, and he's really the only player worth watching in this game. Not to mention he's by far the best player on the field. Arizona wins by process of elimination, as they have Fitz, whereas the Rams have Brandon Lloyd.

Cardinals over Rams

Green Bay at San Diego

Other than slow starts and mid/late-season runs, one other thing the Chargers are known for is ending a winning streak. And they will arguably be Green Bay's toughest test yet. The only problem is they're rather vulnerable right now.

Not only was Green Bay on a bye last week, but San Diego lost a heartbreaker to Kansas City on the road. Also, the Bolts have yet to face an offense or a pass rush quite like Green Bay's.

Packers over Chargers

Baltimore at Pittsburgh

This is obviously the game of the week, and arguably the NFL's best rivalry. And although Pittsburgh may not be fully loaded this week, you know they'll be prepared, regardless of who suits up.

Baltimore's offense has been shaky the past few weeks, and this game will be very telling as to how good they really are. Beat the Steelers once, shame on you, beat Pittsburgh again, well you get the idea.

The Steelers win because they don't turn the ball over and Flacco underachieves once again.

Steelers over Ravens

Chicago at Philadelphia

Perhaps the most crucial non-divisional game to this point, because Philly needs to stay alive in the NFC East after their slow start, while the Bears are trying to stay within striking distance of Green Bay and Detroit.

Both are on two-game winning streaks, however, Philadelphia is much more versatile and dynamic, whereas all the Bears can do is give Matt Forte the ball on every snap and hope he doesn't wear out by halftime. It's close throughout, but the Eagles pull away about halfway into the final quarter.

Eagles over Bears

Last Week: 9-4

Overall: 68-48

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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