NFL Week 9 Predictions: Baltimore Ravens and Road Teams That Will Surprise

Life on the road can be tough, especially for those in the NFL.

Facing off against a playoff-bound powerhouse is only tougher when it happens to be in front of thousands of face-painted, screaming supporters.

For teams like the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants, this is the reality in Week 9.

Despite the odds stacked against road teams week in and week out in the NFL, check out the three teams destined to pull off shockers in Week 9:

Baltimore Ravens

Remember what Ray Lewis and company did to the defending AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers back in Week 1?

They turned Big Ben and the Steelers' offense over seven times en route to a 35-7 blowout win over their AFC North rival. That doesn't happen by accident.

Although Week 9 in Pittsburgh looks to be different given the opposite trends of each team, don't sleep on the Ravens just yet. Quarterback Joe Flacco is confident after leading the greatest comeback in team history last Sunday over Arizona, and Baltimore found success transitioning to the hurry-up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Three weeks ago the Bucs took down Drew Brees and the Saints in Tampa, which means they'll go for the sweep this Sunday in New Orleans.

Sure, the Saints are a perfect 3-0 in the Superdome this season, but did you see what happened to them last week inside a dome?

The Bucs are fresh off a bye week and Josh Freeman, much like Brees, will have his serious face on as this game is a must-have for both teams. In a season of surprises, Tampa Bay edges New Orleans on the road.

St. Louis Rams

Yet another divisional matchup in which the road team is no slouch, the Rams take to the desert to attempt to get a leg up on the Cardinals in the NFC West.

Both squads are 1-6 and teetering on the edge of pathetic, but just one week ago the Rams were winless, and now they're world-beaters after upsetting New Orleans.

Playing on the road qualifies St. Louis as an underdog on Sunday, and Tim Tebow is a long-shot to overcome the Raiders on the road, so by default, the Rams shocking Arizona in Week 9 becomes the third surprising road victory of the weekend.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke