NFL Week 9 Picks: High Profile Teams That Can't Lose

You've most likely heard of a must-win game in the NFL, but have you ever heard of a can't-lose game?

They may essentially look like the same thing, but the truth is they are completely different ideas.

A must-win is a game that you need to win, and everything is focused on the winning. Can't-lose games are much worse, because you are playing not to lose.

These games usually come after horrible losses or upsets, when your team is reeling and just trying to survive.

That's the difference between a must-win and a must-lose, as small as it is.

Here are a few teams this week that cannot lose their respective matchups: 

Dallas Cowboys

Just when it looked like the Cowboys may be getting back on track, they ran into the Philadelphia Eagles, who are getting back on track. The Cowboys looked absolutely silly in a smack-down by Vick and the Eagles. If they lose this game to the Seattle Seahawks, their season is going to be in jeopardy. 

Atlanta Falcons

Simply put, the NFC South may be one of the most competitive divisions in the league. Just one loss can be the difference between contending and the cellar.

With the Buccaneers and Saints squaring off this Sunday, the Falcons have a chance to gain a game when they go against the woeful Colts. 

New Orleans Saints

After last week's loss, and knowing that the Falcons have a pretty easy win coming their way, the Saints cannot afford to lose this game. If they do, they lose ground in the division. The equation is literally that simple. 

New England Patriots

With the Bills on a hot streak, the Patriots and Tom Brady cannot afford to have two bad games in a row. The Giants are a very beatable team, but the Pats need to square up their defense if they want this win.