NFL Week 9 Picks: Defenses That Will Carry Their Teams

The old saying in the NFL is “Defense wins championships.” The saying is true for a number of teams this week, as they will have to rely on their defense to pull off a huge victory in Week 9. 

As the season is now entering into the second half, teams can ill afford to drop a crucial game this week. A defensive collapse this week could lead to a downward spiral for these teams that results in them missing out on a playoff spot.  

But, fans of these teams will not have to worry about that situation, as these defenses will have no problem in stopping their opponent's offenses this Sunday. 

Oakland Raiders 

The Oakland Raiders are playing the very turnover-prone Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Plus, if you add to the fact that the Raiders more than likely will be without their running back Darren McFadden and will be starting Carson Palmer, this Raiders offense will have a tough time scoring points.

The defense will be called upon to make a lot of stops, while limiting the Broncos offense.   

The Raiders need a win this week, as they are in a three-way tie with the Chiefs and Chargers in the AFC West.

Predicted Score: Oakland 20, Denver 3

Pittsburgh Steelers 

It’s the Steelers' most physical and toughest game of the year, as almost every time they play the Baltimore Ravens the game is a tight, low-scoring game. This week, the Steelers will need a huge game from their defense to stop Ray Rice and the Ravens. 

The Steelers defense was embarrassed in Baltimore in Week 1, so you should expect to see a huge bounce-back game for this team.  

Pittsburgh will make a point to shut down the Ravens run game, making quarterback Joe Flacco beat this Steelers team through the air—which he will not be able to do. 

Predicted Score: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 14

New England Patriots  

New England should have lost by a lot more than just eight points last week against Pittsburgh. The defense did step up, not allowing the Steelers to score in two trips into their red zone.  

This week against the New York Giants, the passing defense has to step up. The Giants will try to throw the ball a lot, since they lost running back Ahmed Bradshaw to a broken foot.  

The offense will struggle to put up points this Sunday, as the Giants will be putting a lot of pressure on Brady. If the Pats defense can step up and have a good game, it will lead to a much needed victory for the Patriots.

Predicted Score: New England 24, New York Giants 17

Three teams that will have to rely on their defenses to have a great game on Sunday. These three teams will all have dominant performances that will help lead their teams to come out on top in these must-win games.

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