NFL Picks Week 9: Teams That Will Ride Defensive Play to Victory

They say that defense wins championships in the NFL, and that's the truth, but the fact is, defense can also win you some very important games.

In a league that is so offensively charged up lately, defense is still king when all is said and done.

Just look at the past few Super Bowl contenders for proof of that statement.

The Packers rode their defense all the way through the playoffs last season, and of course, the Steelers are known for their defensive prowess. 

Week 9 of the 2011 NFL season is going to feature quite a few great defenses.

Here are teams that are going to ride their defense to victory:

Buffalo Bills

The Bills square off with the Jets at home this weekend. While Buffalo's offense has certainly been high powered this season and their home field advantage has been indisputable, it's the defense that will step up against the Jets.

Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense has had a hard time getting things going in 2011, and even though the Bills squad isn't elite, they are incredibly opportunistic. I expect the Bills to cause a few turnovers.

Kansas City Chiefs

If you watched the Chiefs beat the Chargers on Monday Night Football last weekend, you would know that it was their defense that led the way.

The one thing about the Chiefs defense is that they never stop up front. Their defense front seven, led by Tamba Hali, runs on a continuous motor and excels at getting after the quarterback.

They should have no problem tearing up a Miami Dolphins team that is going to have trouble winning a game this season.

Philadelphia Eagles

If the Eagles want to continue their hot streak they need to continue being opportunistic on defense. The "dream team" was assembled with a shut-down defense in mind, and they showed a bit of what they can do last week against the Cowboys.

Jay Cutler and the Bears are notorious for throwing the ball away, and being susceptible to pressure. The Eagles are going to have to win this game on defense.