The New Orleans Saints face the Los Angeles Rams this Halloween week. The big story of the game for the Saints is the first career start at quarterback for rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough, and deservedly
so, but the Saints’ futility against the Rams in Los Angeles looms even larger. The Saints could certainly call the “Rams House” their own personal house of horrors, as the Saints have not defeated the Rams in Los Angeles in a very long time. How long? Well, the Saints haven’t defeated the Rams in Los Angeles since December 1994, just as Dumb and Dumber was about to hit theaters and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was taking over the holiday for the very first time. Let’s hope the Saints give out more treats than tricks this holiday week.
Let’s take a look at this and all of the exciting NFL action in Week 9 this Halloween.
Last week, I went 8-5
I told you so: Ravens over Bears!
What do I know: Giants over Eagles?
***
WEEK 9
Thursday, October 30th – Thursday Night Football
Ravens (2-5) at Dolphins (2-6)
This battle of the AFC’s most disappointing teams will be won by the Baltimore offense. Baltimore wins 31-16.
Pick: Ravens
***
Sunday, November 2nd – Early Games
Bears (4-3) at Bengals (3-5)
Cincy will find it hard to recover from their stunning loss to the Jets last week. Chicago wins 27-12.
Pick: Bears
***
Vikings (3-4) at Lions (5-2)
Minnesota’s offense simply won’t be able to keep up with Detroit’s high-octane offense. Detroit wins 31-19.
Pick: Lions
***
Panthers (4-4) at Packers (5-1-1)
Green Bay will get a big lead early and never look back. Green Bay wins 33-23.
Pick: Packers
***
Broncos (6-2) at Texans (3-4)
The resurgent Texans will keep this one close at home, but Denver finds a way to win this defensive showdown in the closing moments. Denver wins 18-16.
Pick: Broncos
***
Falcons (3-4) at Patriots(6-2)
Well, at least it won’t be 23-3, right? New England wins 24-7.
Pick: Patriots
***
49ers (5-3) at Giants (2-6)
San Francisco has been on a roller coaster since Week 3, but their ride will get a little calmer this week. San Francisco wins 33-10.
Pick: 49ers
***
Colts (7-1) at Steelers (4-3)
Pittsburgh has hit a rough patch in recent weeks, and it will only get rougher against the best team in the AFC. Indianapolis wins 25-13.
Pick: Colts
***
Chargers (5-3) at Titans (1-7)
The Chargers have been a bit erratic since the start of October, but they have beat the teams that they should, and they will do so again here. Los Angeles wins 23-19.
Pick: Chargers
***
Sunday, November 2nd – Late Games
Jaguars (4-3) at Raiders (2-5)
Jacksonville will handle the anemic Raiders offense in Vegas. Jacksonville wins 21-18.
Pick: Jaguars
***
Chiefs (4-3) at Bills (5-2) – Game of the Week
This almost certainly feels like a playoff preview once again, and should play out like a playoff game itself. Both teams appear to be back on track after some rough patches, and the winner here puts themselves in great position going into the second half of the season. KC has had the best of Buffalo in the playoffs, but these aren’t the playoffs. Buffalo wins 27-25.
Pick: Bills
***
Saints (1-7) at Rams (5-2)
You would be hard-pressed to find a tougher scenario to begin the Tyler Shough era in New Orleans. Facing a Super Bowl contender, one of the NFC’s elite, on the road. Now that is quite a tall test for a test for a rookie quarterback making his first full start in the NFL. The deadly Rams pass rush will be too much for the Saints offensive line to handle, making Shough’s debut a game to forget. It’s possible that facing the toughest challenge of the season right away is just what Shough needs, and we all hope it is, but this game will be a decisive win for the Rams regardless. Los Angeles wins 28-12.
Pick: Rams
***
Sunday Night Football
Seahawks (5-2) at Commanders (3-5)
Seattle has quietly been one of the better teams in the NFC, while Washington has been lost without Jayden Daniels. Both teams will keep their current streaks going. Seattle wins 21-19.
Pick: Seahawks
***
Monday, November 3rd – Monday Night Football
Cardinals (2-5) at Cowboys (3-4-1)
The Dallas offense has been rolling and will continue to roll over Arizona. Dallas wins 27-19.
Pick: Cowboys
***
There you have it, Week 9 snd Halloween is here. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!
