NFL Week 9 Predictions: Underdogs That Will Cover Spread in Losing Efforts

Some NFL upsets only happen in Vegas.

I'm referring to when the favorite wins as expected, but not the way expected. Often times teams avoid close calls while those who bet on them do not.

Check out these three underdogs who will come close to pulling off surprises in week 9, even though they will ultimately come up short:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +9 vs. New Orleans Saints

The Bucs are struggling, but so are the Saints. So this line seems much too high in my opinion. Sure, the Saints are undefeated at home in 2011, but the Bucs have only played two road games.

At 4-3, just a half game behind New Orleans for the NFC South division lead, Tampa has plenty to play for and a whole lot of motivation to perform on Sunday.

This rivalry is always a slug-fest, just look at the first meeting this season in Florida; the Bucs won a close one. Look for the same in Week 9 with New Orleans taking another nail-biter.

San Francisco 49ers -4 vs. Washington Redskins

The Redskins have lost three consecutive games to the surprise of no one, but don't count them completely out in Week 9.

The Niners come in hot and are on upset alert as Washington provides the perfect opportunity for them to have a letdown after having won five-straight since Week 2.

In true 'Skins fashion, I expect them to choke late, but I expect a field goal to be the difference as San Francisco edges out Washington on the road by three points.

New York Giants +9 vs. New England Patriots

The Giants come into their Super Bowl XLII rematch with the Patriots as severe underdogs. Both teams are 5-2 and enter Week 9's matchup with plenty to gain.

Big Blue's lackluster schedule thus far has raised questions about whether they are true contenders, while the Pats' suspect defense has many wondering if they can return to championship form in 2011.

Either way, both teams are far too flawed for a line this big. Tom Brady will be back to his old self this Sunday in Foxboro, but the Giants are a formidable opponent and will keep it close all the way until the final whistle. Pats win after stopping Eli Manning on Giants' final drive of the game.