NFL Week 9 Picks: Chris J. Nelson's Predictions

This has certainly been a different season for me than in years past. Because of work during the MLB postseason plus a wedding and week-long honeymoon last month, I have seen only two of the Dolphins' seven games this season live. Fortunately, I should be free for every game the rest of the way, leading to more consistent coverage and hopefully better game picks as well!

I'm still not doing too badly this season, as my percentage correct through eight weeks (66.4) is higher than the one I finished with in 2010 (65.4). On to this week's games!

Last week's record: 8-5
2011 season record: 77-39 (66.4%)

Jets over Bills

It's an upset with the Jets on the road and the Bills playing so well, but New York has the talent to win this game, and I think they will in a game that could define their season.

Cowboys over Seahawks

Dallas is coming off an embarrassing prime time rout at the hands of the Eagles, but they are a far superior team than the Seahawks, and I like their chances here.

Falcons over Colts

There's no question the Falcons have been underachievers this year, and the passing game hasn't quite gotten into a rhythm, but I haven't seen a worse team this year than the Peyton Manning-less Colts. I don't see how Indy wins this game barring a miracle.

Chiefs over Dolphins

I don't think Kansas City is as good as their record, nor do I think Miami is as bad as theirs. Still, the Chiefs are at home and playing pretty well off a nice win over the Chargers last week, so they're the pick.

Saints over Buccaneers

The Saints strangely followed up a 62-point performance with an upset loss to the Sam Bradford-less Rams, and Tampa Bay always gives them a challenge. I still like New Orleans to even up the season series at home.

49ers over Redskins

It's hard to believe San Francisco is this good, and part of me wants to pick the Redskins to break their three-game skid, but I can't go with a team having major quarterback issues against a defense playing as well as the Niners' is.

Texans over Browns

Cleveland is down to Chris Ogbonnaya at running back with Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty out, and they'll have a hard time beating Houston even with Andre Johnson still on the shelf. I like the Texans.

Titans over Bengals

Cincinnati is performing better than expected with rookie Andy Dalton at quarterback, but I like the solid Titans at home and expect Chris Johnson to finally break out a little bit.

Raiders at Broncos

I believe Oakland has upgraded at quarterback despite Carson Palmer's rough first outing, and I don't expect much out of Denver as long as Tim Tebow is under center.

Patriots over Giants

New England is coming off a close loss to fellow AFC East elite Pittsburgh, but I think they'll rebound with a big offensive day against the Giants.

Rams over Cardinals

Part of this pick is banking on Sam Bradford playing, especially considering Arizona will be without their own starting quarterback. But even if Bradford is out, I think St. Louis has the upper hand with the experienced A. J. Feeley against second-year man John Skelton.

Packers over Chargers

San Diego is once again underachieving despite good talent, and Green Bay is simply too good to pick against right now.

Steelers over Ravens

One of the NFL's best rivalries is always a toss-up, but Pittsburgh has been consistently good this year, while Baltimore has been extremely up and down. I'll play it safe(r) and take the Steelers at home.

Eagles over Bears

Philadelphia's offense looks to be back on track and is pretty unstoppable right now, so I like them over the Bears.

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Chris J. Nelson majored in journalism at Georgia State University and currently works for Turner Sports in Atlanta. He operates his own Miami Dolphins website, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight, and he can be followed on Twitter here.