NFL Picks Week 9: Road Teams That Are Locks to Win on Sunday

Playing on the road is always tough in the NFL.

Even if you're pitted against the winless Indianapolis Colts like the Atlanta Falcons are in week 9, the overused cliche' "any given Sunday" can prove true when least expected.

Still, records don't lie at this point in the season, midway through 2011 we are beginning to sort out pretenders from contenders and that gives way to these three teams, destined for a W on the road in week 9:

Atlanta Falcons Over Indianapolis Colts

As previously mentioned, the Falcons are in good shape to get a win on Sunday as they take on the 0-8 Colts who look absolutely lost without the leadership of future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

The Falcons are seven-point favorites on the road and it's hard to shake your head at that line considering just how awful the Colts have looked in recent weeks. Just two weeks ago they gave up 62 points in a real, live NFL game against the Saints.

San Francisco 49ers Over Washington Redskins

Jim Harbaugh's streaking Niners are headed to the nation's capital to take on the declining 'Skins in week 9. San Francisco is favored by five points in this matchup, but they'll likely win by more if Washington fails to score a single point like last week against Buffalo.

Since Rex Grossman was benched in favor of John Beck a few weeks ago the Redskins have looked pathetic and now find themselves in the NFC East basement despite their hot 3-1 start.

Green Bay Packers Over San Diego Chargers

At the beginning of the season this matchup may have looked like a potential Super Bowl preview, but in week 9 the question is whether the Bolts can make the playoffs after losing two-straight on the road.

San Diego will return home in search of some positive momentum this weekend, but they will have to do it against the NFL's last unbeaten, the Green Bay Packers who are torching opposing defenses and coming off a bye week.

The line favors Green Bay by six and it's hard to argue. The Chargers are coming off a short week and have very little to hang their hats on at midseason.