NFL Picks Week 9: Who Will Triumph in Bright Lights of Prime Time

If all goes to plan, we are going to get two excellent prime time games this weekend. There is a very distinct possibility that three of the four teams in action will make the playoffs. 

Both the Ravens and Steelers are in good position to make the AFC playoffs, while the winner of the Bears vs. Eagles game will be in good standing to make the postseason in the NFC. 

Still, we can't be sitting on any fences here by saying that we should be happy to see four good teams and let that be the end of it.

No, we're in the business of making picks. So without further ado, let's get to the matchups.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

I am fully expecting that we'll see some big offensive plays in this game but very few sustained drives. So, if big offensive plays are going to decide it, I am going to have to go with the Steelers.

I know that the Ravens embarrassed the Steelers in Week 1, but that game was in Baltimore, this one's in Pittsburgh. 

The Ravens have not been particularly strong over the last few weeks while the Steelers have been picking up their play as of late.

Ben Roethlisberger in particular is heating up and Mike Wallace may be the best big play threat in the game. 

The Steelers will make one more big play in this one and win.

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles

The Keystone State will get a nice double dose of NFL prime time action this weekend. Like with the Sunday Night game, I am going with the home team.

I expect a big game from Matt Forte. But the Eagles have a great pass rush and the Bears still do struggle to keep Jay Cutler upright. 

Chicago has been running great packages to protect Cutler, but doing so this week will leave them too vulnerable against the rest of the Philadelphia defense. 

The Eagles just have too many playmakers on offense. The Bears have a good run defense, but are still vulnerable against the pass. The Eagles have one of the best groups of receivers in the NFL.

It will be another close one, but the Eagles will hang on.

Predictions:

Steelers 27, Ravens 20

Eagles 24, Bears 20