Week 9 of the NFL season is here, and it’s time to make your picks for another action-packed slate of games. With the playoff picture beginning to take shape, every matchup carries added importance as teams look to build momentum, protect their positioning, or keep their postseason hopes alive.
This week’s schedule features several intriguing divisional battles, potential upsets, and must-win opportunities that could reshape the standings. From marquee matchups between playoff contenders to games
featuring teams desperate to turn their seasons around, there are plenty of opportunities to separate the favorites from the underdogs.
The goal is simple: pick the outright winner of every Week 9 matchup. No point spreads, no over-under totals — just predicting which team will come out on top. Check out the full slate, make your selections, and see how your picks perform.
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My Week 9 Picks
(Bye: Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Baltimore Ravens — Thurs., 8:15 p.m. ET
Lamar Jackson is likely out for the year after suffering a thumb injury in Week 8’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Its another disappointing season for the two-time NFL MVP.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars have shown that 2025 was no fluke. They are even more dominant in 2026.
My Pick: Jaguars 30-13
Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons — Sun., 9:30 a.m. ET
Woof. The Falcons did not give up a single pass completion but were shutout 16-0 to the Bucs. The Bucs ran the ball a whopping 52 times with their running backs and I am sure the Falcons defense will feel that throughout practice this week.
My Pick: Bengals 27-24
Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
The Browns are on the AFC’s 8th seed in the playoff picture. The Browns will need some help if they want to unseat the New England Patriots (7th seed).
My Pick: Browns 26-20
Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts are probably going to sell off players to recoup draft picks after they sold out for 2025 with the trade of Sauce Gardner. Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs are likely gone.
My Pick: Cowboys 34-28
Denver Broncos @ Carolina Panthers — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
Traveling to Carolina for an early start might be tough for Denver to handle especially with the Panthers having extra days to prepare.
My Pick: Panthers 23-20 (OT)
Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
Lions might score 50…
My Pick: Lions 48-14
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
Can Nick Sirianni lose 7 games in a row? Yes he can!
My Pick: Giants 26-21
New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
After two tough games against the Seahawks and Broncos defenses, Patrick Mahomes gets Aaron Glenn’s Jets – munch.
My Pick:
Los Angeles Rams @ Washington Commanders — Sun., 1:00 p.m. ET
Sean McVay returns to his coaching roots – D.C. The Commanders might be somewhat sneaky as Jayden Daniels possesses dual threat capability. Washington is surrendering 26.0 ppg on defense. With Washington getting a divisional win, the Rams need to control the game against an inferior opponent.
My Pick: Rams 30-20
Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Chargers @ Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET
Justin Herbert might get killed against Will Anderson Jr and the Texans defensive line.
My Pick: Texans 34-17
Las Vegas Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers — Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Kyle Shanahan won’t get outcoached by Klint Kubiak.
My Pick: 49ers 37-17
Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks — Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Emotional wins are great until you have to play a tough, physical divisional opponent the next week.
My Pick: Seahawks 30-23
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears — Sun., 8:20 p.m. ET
The Bucs pounded the rock in Week 8 but good luck doing that against Jeffery Simmons and the Bears in Chicago.
My Pick: Bears 29-20
Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings — Mon., 8:15 p.m. ET
We’ll find out which is better: Josh Allen and the Bills offense or Brian Flores and his Vikings. But since, Jahmyr Gibbs was able to run effectively against the Vikings, I expect James Cook and Josh Allen will be able to do the same.
My Pick: Bills 28-17
