NFL Week 9 Picks: Games Sure to Come Down to the Wire

The NFL regular season has given fans a ton of excitement, and Week 9 will be no different. 

There are a number of great matchups this weekend, which will make for some great football. Several teams are in must-win situations, and if they lose they could be out of the playoff race. 

Here are three games that are certain to come down to the wire in Week 9. 

Tampa Bay at New Orleans

The last time these two teams met, the Saints lost a close one as a result of some mental errors from Drew Brees. This time around, the Buccaneers must play in New Orleans, which is no easy task.

Josh Freeman continues to grow as an NFL quarterback, but Brees will get the better of him in Week 9. It looks as though Mark Ingram won't be playing this Sunday, which puts even more pressure on Brees. 

Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles have to step up, while the Saints defense must find a way to stop the run. 

Expect a close game throughout, with Brees and company getting the job done late in the fourth quarter. 

Prediction: Saints 31, Buccaneers 24 

Chicago at Philadelphia 

The Bears are fresh off a bye and ready to take on the confident Eagles. Philadelphia is feeling great after its big win in Week 8, but the Eagles will come crashing back down to earth when the Bears challenge them for four quarters. 

Matt Forte will have a field day and will run all over the Eagles defense, while Chicago's will find a way to prevent Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy from both having monster performances. 

Chicago has had two weeks to prepare for Philadelphia. The fact that this game is on Monday night makes it even sweeter. 

In the end, Jay Cutler will cost his team the game with a costly mistake and the Eagles will avoid another loss. 

Prediction: Eagles 28, Bears 24 

Baltimore at Pittsburgh 

The biggest game of Week 9 features two rivals that cannot stand one another. Yes, the Ravens crushed the Steelers in Week 1. However, since that loss, Pittsburgh has regrouped and is playing great football. 

Playing at home will greatly benefit Pittsburgh, but the Ravens will be ready for some smash mouth football on Sunday night. Since this game is in prime time, expect both teams to be on their A-game, which should make for a great contest. 

The Steelers have to contain Ray Rice, while the Ravens must find a way to create turnovers once again. 

Pittsburgh will even the score when they get the job done this week. They are the better overall football team right now. A close victory won't make the Steelers the clear favorites in the division, but it will give them the confidence they need moving forward. 

Prediction: Steelers 27, Ravens 24