The spread-adjusted picks and projections of Sporting News for NFL Week 9 of the 2022 season need additional patience. Even though most games played out as predicted, a sizeable number of unexpected outcomes went against the trend. After inconsistent results, surviving and advancing to the second half is essential.
In Week 9, there will be an abundance of tight matchups with minimal gaps between the opponents. Here is the most recent fearless forecast of football predictions.
How to watch all games of the NFL Week 9?
All Games Live broadcast: NFLNetwork Live (try it free)
NFL Week 9 picks against the spread
- Week 5 Game of the Week picks against the spread: Colts @ Broncos (-3.5, 44 o/u).
Thursday at 8:15 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
In Week 5, the Broncos lost a challenging game on the road against the Raiders and also lost running back Javonte Williams (knee) for the season. The good news is Russell Wilson has gotten going in the downfield passing game, and this week they face a poor back seven in coverage. At best, the Colts will have Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in the backfield and will be missing defensive captain Shaquille Leonard for another game (concussion). All team has been terrible on the road this season, and Matt Ryan will have a night to forget.
Read More: If you missed Week 4 of the NFL 2022 season
Pick: The Broncos cover the point spread and win 24-13.
- AFC Game of the Week (and Upset): Bengals at Ravens (-3, 48.5 total).
Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
The Ravens’ pass defence falls short of expectations due to its continued reliance on blitzing to generate pressure and its lackluster cover cornerbacks. Joe Burrow can again find mismatches for his trio of wide receivers as the Bengals’ passing offence has regained its early momentum. The Ravens will succeed with Lamar Jackson’s downfield passing, but they lack the firepower to manage the ball efficiently with their usual running game.
Pick: Bengals win 27-24.
- The NFC Game of the Week pits the Cowboys against the Rams (-4.5, 43.5 total points).
Sunday at 4:50 p.m. Eastern Time, Fox airs a newscast.
Will Cooper Rush return to the starting quarterback position, or will Dak Prescott make his return? Michael Gallup’s return has added much-needed pop to the Cowboys’ passing game, as the offence has cleaned up around the quarterback. They won’t run the ball particularly well against the Rams, so this contest will likely be a fight in the air where ball security will be crucial. The Rams prevail in the battle between Cooper Kupp and CeeDee Lamb by holding off a late comeback.
Pick: The Rams will win 20-17, but they will not cover the spread.
- Patriots (-3, 46.5 o/u) vs Lions (lock of the week)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox,
Regardless of who starts the quarterback, the Patriots’ attack will keep things simple against a Lions’ defence that can’t stop anything. Expect a strong dose of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson at home and coverage and pressure gimmicks from Bill Belichick to frustrate Jared Goff. Matt Patricia wants this game badly against the squad he previously coached, and he anticipates that his side will have a more intelligent and physical game plan.
Pick: The Patriots will cover the spread and win 30-20.
- Giants vs Packers (-8, 41.5 o/u)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network
Daniel Jones (ankle) should be able to play for the Giants, but that doesn’t provide much offensive promise beyond Saquon Barkley against a Green Bay run defence in free fall. Aaron Rodgers’ now red-hot targets will not be slowed by the Giants’ secondary despite the Packers’ ability to wear out the Giants’ pass rush. Green Bay fans will substitute cheddar for stilton, but their genuine support makes it feel like they are at Lambeau across the pond.
Pick: The Packers will cover the spread and win 31-17.
- Bills at Steelers (-14, 47 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Steelers will give the first NFL start to rookie quarterback Kendy Pickett instead of former Bills backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Expect Pickett to be competitive thanks to his guts and daring passing against a battered secondary. The Bills will be able to grind out a victory with a run-heavy attack and leave the door open for the young quarterback opposite Allen.
Pick: The Bills will win 31-19, but they will not cover the spread.
- Chargers (-3, 48 total points) at Browns
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Given that their defence has grown much more susceptible against the run, the Chargers have a bit of a trap game in this situation, but the odds are already relatively modest in their favour. Without Myles Garrett in front, the Browns’ defence cannot stop much, yet the Chargers can still annoy Jacoby Brissett without Joey Bosa. Los Angeles will provide a poor game script for Cleveland to eliminate the possibility of a road setback.
Pick: The Chargers cover the point spread and win 24-20.
- Bears at Vikings (-7, 44 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Bears’ passing offence improved slightly with Justin Fields, but his throwing is still inaccurate, and they cannot entirely rely on his agility in their running game. Defensively, they lack the personnel to handle Justin Jefferson and a revitalized Adam Thielen, and they’ve shown they’re vulnerable to the power run. At home, the Vikings defeat another division opponent to improve to 4-1.
Pick: The Vikings cover the point spread and win 24-16.
- Seahawks at Saints (-5.5, 45.5 total), -5.5 point spread.
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox,
Still bolstered by dangerous wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks’ offensive line allows Geno Smith and Rashaad Penny to perform at their highest levels. Injuries have decimated the Saints’ offensive, with rookie wide-out Chris Olave being the lone bright spot, but the Saints have an excellent opportunity to control the game with their rushing game at home. Under Pete Carroll, Seattle is healthier and continues to perform well outside of the West Coast.
Pick: The Saints will win 27-24, but they will not cover the spread.
- Dolphins (-3, 43 o/u) vs Jets (43 total points).
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS,
The Dolphins will start Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback against his former team, squaring off against Zach Wilson, who has contributed to the Jets’ improving offence. In this game, the Jets’ secondary will struggle to handle Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and the running game against Miami’s formidable front. Wilson lacks the same firepower, and the Dolphins’ blitz packages will affect him more, whereas Bridgewater will have a little more assistance from the running game.
Pick: The Dolphins will cover the spread and win 24-17.
- Falcons at Buccaneers (-8, 48 o/u)
Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, Fox airs
The Falcons are nearing the end of their time with quarterback Marcus Mariota, as Drake London and Kyle Pitts are underutilized in the passing game. On the road, they will also be without a crucial weapon, Cordarrelle Patterson. After a demanding early schedule, Tampa Bay is overdue for a classic thumping of a division opponent. Against the Chiefs, the Bucs’ offence began to play much better. Tom Brady remains on fire during a blowout.
Pick: Buccaneers cover the spread and win 34-14.
- Titans (-2.5, 42.5 over/under) vs Commanders
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Titans continue to be a highly unpredictable, week-to-weekly up-and-down squad. They fell to the Giants and the Bills before defeating the Raiders and the Colts. The Commanders are dreadful versus the pass and wide receivers, but without youngster Treylon Burks, the Titans have limited alternatives there. Carson Wentz tends to perform better at home against inferior defences and will ensure that Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel are effective against poor coverage.
Pick: The Commanders triumph 30-27.
- Texans at Jaguars (-7, 44.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
At home against an injury-ravaged Chargers defence, Houston received a little improved performance from Davis Mills, but the Texans were again gashed in the rushing game and gave up a large number of huge plays via the air. While Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk, James Robinson, and Travis Etienne dominate offensively, the Jaguars’ front seven will wreak havoc on the road-weary Mills.
Pick: The Jaguars will win 34-20 and cover the spread.
- 49ers (-5, 39.5 total) visit the Panthers
Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
The 49ers performed poorly on their first two road trips in Chicago and Denver. They will redeem themselves against Carolina, which provides a defensive test but will be unable to produce enough points against Baker Mayfield and the San Francisco defence. Matt Rhule will never be able to outcoach Kyle Shanahan and inspire the team he is rapidly losing against a much more difficult opponent.
Pick: The 49ers will cover the spread and win 27-14.
- Eagles (-5, 49.5 o/u) @ Cardinals Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
The Eagles should establish their passing game in the desert, far from Philadelphia’s wind, rain, and cold. Jalen Hurts will play with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and the Eagles’ explosive rushing attack will also have an impact. As a dual threat, Kyler Murray will not encounter as many open areas against Philadelphia’s defence.
Pick: The Eagles will cover the spread and win 30-22.
- Chiefs versus Raiders (-7, 51 total)
ESPN, Monday 8:15 p.m. ET
Patrick Mahomes has the Chiefs’ offence in great rhythm with his rushing and passing abilities. The Raiders’ offence has become reliant on the run because Derek Carr is still adjusting to a complex passing game. The Chiefs have dominated this matchup in recent years and will force Las Vegas into an unpleasant negative game script while moving the ball with a creative will.
Pick: The Chiefs will cover the spread and win 38-27.
Statistics for the NFL Week 5
Week 4 record: 11 wins and 5 losses
9-7 record against the spread in week 4
Season record in ascending order: 39-24
Season record against the spread: 33 wins and 31 losses
