The beat rolls on for the Arizona Cardinals when they are H-bomb big underdogs of at least 6.5 points.
In their fourth consecutive game where the spread qualified, the Cardinals covered, and they've won three of the four against the Chargers, Rams, and Cowboys.
And I’ve had a seat on that carpet each time, including, of course, the erasure of a 14-point lead in Arlington, Tex., and an overtime win. Each H-bomb-eligible game has been on the road.
Jess Root did keep pace with me in Week 8 as the underdog Dolphins (+7) covered against the Patriots. The H-bomb eligibles were 3-2 and the other winner was the Titans (+10.5) against the Bengals.
The two losers were the Colts (+10) against the Jaguars and the Chargers (+6.5) vs. the Rams.
Week 9 big underdog games
So, here we are
in Week 9 with five eligible games, including Thursday night, when the Ravens (+9.5) lost big to the Jaguars. The other four are:
- Detroit Lions (-7) on the road vs. Miami Dolphins
- Kansas City Chiefs (-10) at home vs. N.Y. Jets
- San Francisco 49ers (-10) at home vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Seattle Seahawks (-8.5) at home vs. Cardinals
It shouldn’t be a surprise where my H-bomb is headed. Have to stick with a hot hand, even given the issues the Cardinals are dealing with at running back and wide receiver. The Seahawks have problems of their own with quarterback Sam Darnold out, backup Drew Lock dealing with a right-elbow problem plus other injuries on the offensive line and with defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
Seattle lost only three of 20 games in 2025 on the way to a Super Bowl triumph and have already lost four this season. It’s hard to fathom that a Cardinals victory would tie them with the Seahawks at 4-5.
Jess is also dropping his H-bomb on a NFC West team as the 49ers are coming off their bye to face the Raiders.
H-bomb standings
Direct hit record (outright win) in parentheses
- Howard: 6-2 (4)
- Jess: 5-3 (0)
- Overall: 22-11-3 (11)
- Games +10 or more: 6-3 (3)
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL Week 9 big underdog picks of the week
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