NFL Picks Week 9: Breakdown and Predictions for Biggest Games

Every week of the NFL season is filed with games that are very enticing, but what makes it even better is when the games feature big rivals or two elite teams. 

We've reached the halfway point of the season, and several teams are in desperate need of a turn around, or else their hopes and dreams of a great season will be lost. 

Here's a breakdown and my predictions for the biggest games of Week 9. 

Green Bay at San Diego 

The Packers are fresh off a bye, and they will be ready roll out west against the Chargers. San Diego is in desperate need of a win, as losing their third straight game would put them in a huge bind.

Philip Rivers has been far from the elite QB he should be, but going up against Aaron Rodgers should motivate him to play better on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams were picked to win their division, as well as play in the Super Bowl by a number of different analysts and experts. So far, the Packers are the only team that looks like they will live up to the hype.

Key Matchup: Chargers' secondary vs. Aaron Rodgers

The Chargers are third in the NFL in passing defense, but they've only faced one top notch QB this season, which was Tom Brady, and he torched them for over 400 yards passing.

Rodgers is capable of doing the same thing, but the Chargers' defense needs to make big plays in order to stay alive and give their offense a chance. 

Prediction: Packers 30, Chargers 21

This will be a good game for a bit, but the Packers are too talented, and they will put the game away in the fourth quarter. 

Baltimore at Pittsburgh 

Easily the biggest game of Week 9, these two AFC North rivals cannot stand each other. The Steelers will be highly motivated on Sunday night since the Ravens embarrassed them in Week 1. 

Ever since that loss though, the Steelers have been on a roll, preventing opposing offenses from having much success. 

The Ravens have had some pathetic losses to awful teams, but they are always ready to take on the Steelers. 

Key Matchup: Steelers defensive front vs. Ray Rice 

Pittsburgh has allowed two 100-yard rushers this season. The first was Rice in Week 1, and the other was Arian Foster in Week 4. Other than those two times, the Steelers have done a fantastic job of keeping the run game in check. 

Rice has had his ups and downs this season, but he will be on his A-game Sunday night. The Steelers pass defense will limit Joe Flacco's production, which means Rice has to step up. The best way to beat the Steelers to wear out their defense and chew up the game clock. 

Prediction: Steelers 27, Ravens 24

The Steelers will win at home to even the score with Baltimore, but this game will be close throughout. Whichever team can create more turnovers will win this game. That's hard to predict considering both defenses are extremely gifted at getting after the ball. 

Chicago at Philadelphia 

The Monday night game will be very exciting to watch because the Bears are well rested after their bye, hungry for a win and the Eagles are feeling super confident after thrashing the Cowboys last weekend. 

Philadelphia is favored at -8, but this game is going to be much closer than that. Never underestimate a Chicago defense that's had two weeks to prepare. 

Jay Cutler has to avoid costly mistakes if the Bears want to win, but the Eagles offense must also do the same against a tough Chicago defense. 

Key Matchup: Eagles defensive front vs. Matt Forte 

The Eagles have been atrocious at times against the run this season, and they're going to have a tough time slowing down Forte. He's practically the entire Bears offense leading the team in rushing and receiving. 

The Bears need to work the run game efficiently on Monday night, which will keep Michael Vick and company off the field. Limiting the number of Eagles' offensive series is the best to take them down. 

Prediction: Eagles 28, Bears 24

Another great primetime game for all of America to see, the Eagles will win a close one at home in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia will come back down to Earth after last weeks big victory, as the Bears give them a big scare on Monday night.