Week 8 was the first week of the 2022 regular season where the results of games were to expectation. The good teams won, and the bad teams lost – with two major exceptions. The train wreck that is the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers continues to stun the country. This is a team made up of the greatest quarterback of all time and three Pro Bowl wide receivers. The NFL Week 9 Picks stay within the confines of who we have seen is a good team, and bad on the opposite side. Let’s roll through this Sunday and cash some tickets.
Green Bay Packers (-190) at Detroit Lions (+158) –Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
With each passing week, the Packers’ record continues to skid farther from expectations. After four losses in a row, they head to Detroit to take on their NFC North rival and right the ship. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense have struggled, scoring just over 18 points per game. That’s good for third lowest total in the NFC.
This week they will face the worst pass defense in yards per attempt, completion percentage, and opposing quarterback rating. The Green Bay defense held up last week against Buffalo. They need to do that again against a Detroit offense that either scores 24+ points, or not at all.
Green Bay Packers Notable Injuries: QB Aaron Rodgers (Q), WR Allen Lazard (Q), WR Christian Watson (Q)
Detroit is the only other team in the NFC North on a longer slide than Green Bay. They have lost five games in a row despite scoring an average of 25 points per game. Not to mention quarterback Jared Goff averaging 270 yards per game.
In last week’s loss to Miami, Goff had over 300 yards and a touchdown and will have to keep pace this week against the Green Bay defense. Going against the same defense that held Josh Allen in check, especially in the second half, will require smart throws from Goff and limited turnovers. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will be Goff’s main target again. On the other hand, the Lions will hope running back D’Andre Swift will be healthy and productive all game.
Detroit Lions Notable Injuries: RB D’Andre Swift (Q), WR Josh Reynolds (Q), TE Brock Wright (Q), OT Taylor Decker (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Green Bay Packers Start ‘Em
- Aaron Jones 2. Allen Lazard 3. Romeo Doubs
Green Bay Packers Sit ‘Em
- Amari Rodgers 2. Green Bay Defense 3. Christian Watson
Detroit Lions Start ‘Em
- Amon-Ra St. Brown 2. D’Andre Swift 3. Michael Badgley
Detroit Lions Sit ‘Em
- Jared Goff 2. Jamaal Williams 3. Josh Reynolds
Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 9 Picks
This game is really the season for either team. Whoever loses should start focusing on next season, but the winner may still have a chance. Maybe. Look for the Packers to come into this game focused on establishing their offense. If that doesn’t happen this week against one of the worst defenses in football, it’s not happening against anyone else. Expect a back-and-forth game that is high scoring but not the best football of the weekend.
Final Score: Green Bay 34 – Detroit 28
Wicked Wagers – Green Bay -3.5 (-110) / Over 49.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Aaron Jones First Touchdown Scorer (+500)
Los Angeles Chargers (-155) at Atlanta Falcons (+135) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
Coming off a week of needed rest, the Chargers head to Atlanta looking to get back in the win column. They are 4-3 this season and only one game behind the Chiefs in the division.
This season Justin Herbert has thrown 12 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions leading an offense dominated by the passing game. Herbert’s top target this season has been running back Austin Ekeler, partially due to a banged up receiving core. With the rest, the Chargers are hoping to see Keenan Allen back to full form to help as another target.
Los Angeles Chargers Notable Injuries: RB Austin Ekeler (Q), TE Donald Parham Jr. (Q), WR Keenan Allen (Q), WR Mike Williams (O)
The Falcons play host again following a big division win just a week ago. After a colossal collapse in the final seconds of the game against Carolina, the Falcons were aided by a boneheaded penalty, missed extra point, and missed field goal in overtime. They would eventually win on their own field goal from their stud kicker.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for 3 touchdowns but had 2 interceptions, including one at a critical time. The Falcons rushing attack, however, was able to put up 167 yards on the ground against Carolina. On the defensive side of the ball, Atlanta has allowed 26 points per game this season. In last week’s game they allowed PJ Walker to throw for 300+ yards and allowed 500 yards of total offense.
Atlanta Falcons Notable Injuries: RB Cordarrelle Patterson (IR), CB A.J. Terrell (O), OT Elijah Wilkinson (O)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Los Angeles Chargers Start ‘Em
- Justin Herbert 2. Austin Ekeler 3. Joshua Palmer
Los Angeles Chargers Sit ‘Em
- Keenan Allen 2. Gerald Everett 3. Donald Parham
Atlanta Falcons Start ‘Em
- Kyle Pitts 2. Tyler Algeier 3. Younghoe Koo
Atlanta Falcons Sit ‘Em
- Atlanta Defense 2. Drake London 3. Marcus Mariota
Los Angeles Chargers vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 9 Picks
This matchup will get interesting as the Chargers are primarily a passing offense against a Falcons defense that is one of the worst in the league against the pass; the Falcons offense favors the run and will face a Chargers defense that allows the most yards per carry in the league. Watch for this game to be a high scoring affair of big plays, but ultimately the consistency of Los Angeles to win out.
Final Score: Los Angeles 28 – Atlanta 24
Wicked Wagers – Los Angeles Chargers -3 (-105) / Over 49.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Props – Marcus Mariota Total Rushing Yards Over 33.5 (+105) /
Austin Ekeler Longest Rush Under 13.5 Yards (-105)
Buffalo Bills (-600) at New York Jets (+430) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
One week after hanging on against the Packers in primetime, the Buffalo Bills will take on the Jets. This will be a divisional matchup of the two teams atop the AFC East. Last week was an “off” week for quarterback Josh Allen, who finished the game with a rating below 80. Allen was uncharacteristically picked off twice. On the season, however, he averages the most yards per game in the league and is #2 in touchdowns thrown. Allen’s biggest target is wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who averages over 100 yards per game and has caught 7 of Allen’s 19 touchdowns thrown. This week they will face a Jets secondary that might be the best in the league. Not to mention a front that can put pressure on any quarterback.
Buffalo Bills Notable Injuries: CB Tre’Davious White (Q), LB Matt Milano (Q), S Jordan Poyer (O), OT Spencer Brown (Q)
It might be shocking to fans not wearing green on Sundays to see the Jets so high in the standings this year. After losing to the Bengals in Week 3 and turning back to their 2nd year quarterback, New York has won four straight before losing to the Patriots last week. Those include wins over the Packers and division rival Dolphins.
Despite the run with Zach Wilson under center, the Jets wins lie with the strength of the defense. They only allowed 56 points combined over those four wins and even held the Patriots to 22 points. The key to winning this week will have to be to keep it a low scoring game for New York. This matchup will feature an offense scoring 22 points per game against a Buffalo defense that has allowed just 14 points per game.
New York Jets Notable Injuries: Corey Davis (O)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Buffalo Bills Start ‘Em
- Josh Allen 2. Stefon Diggs 3. Devin Singletary
Buffalo Bills Sit ‘Em
- Gabe Davis 2. Isiah McKenzie 3. Nyheim Hines
New York Jets Start ‘Em
- Garrett Wilson 2. Michael Carter 3. Greg Zuerlein
New York Jets Sit ‘Em
- Zach Wilson 2. James Robinson 3. Elijah Moore
Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets NFL Week 9 Picks
The spread for this game has moved to 11.5 points, but there is some magic in the Jets’ game. Don’t expect Zach Wilson and company to show up and blow out the Buffalo defense any better than Aaron Rodgers could last week. However, the defense can produce turnovers and possibly even add points on the board themselves. Look for this game to be closer than expected and for the Jets to cover the spread.
Final Score: Buffalo 24 – New York 17
Wicked Wagers – New York Jets +11 (-110) / Under 46 (-110)
Wicked Player Props – Von Miller Total Sacks Over 0.75 (-110)
Josh Allen Longest Rush Over 15.5 yards (-120)
Minnesota Vikings (-170) at Washington Commanders (+143) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
Game Preview
The Vikings are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. After winning their last five following their loss to Philadelphia, Minnesota finds themselves with the biggest lead in any division. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has not been having headline-grabbing games but is averaging just above a 90 rating this season. Most importantly, he’s been winning.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has 750 yards receiving this season, good for third most in the league. However, he hasn’t caught a touchdown since Week 1. Jefferson will get some competition as the Vikings will have a fully healthy Adam Thielen and newly acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson. When the play call is a run, Dalvin Cook will be looking to replicate his game from last week. He had over 100 yards and a touchdown but is facing a defense that plays the run better than pass. Minnesota’s own defense has been allowing over 20 points per game. However, they also have 10 sacks, 4 interceptions and 2 fumbles in the last two wins.
Minnesota Vikings Notable Injuries: TE Irv Smith Jr. (IR), CB Cameron Dantzler Sr. (Q)
Three weeks ago, nothing was looking good for Washington, then it looked even worse when quarterback Carson Wentz went down. However, the Commanders managed to win that game against the Bears. Since then, they’ve gone on to win two more against the Packers and Colts with Taylor Heinicke under center.
This week Heinicke will face a defense that allowed over 300 yards passing just a week ago. Also, he will lean on wide receiver Terry McLaurin a lot for big plays. Washington’s defense has allowed 22 points per game but has also allowed under that average for the last four weeks in a row. They also have not forced many turnovers this season. However, they have an interception and four fumble recoveries in those same four games.
Washington Commanders Notable Injuries: WR Jahan Dotson (O), RB J.D. McKissic (O), DE Chase Young (O), LB Cole Holcomb (O), LB David Mayo (O)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Minnesota Vikings Start ‘Em
- Justin Jefferson 2. Dalvin Cook 3. T.J. Hockenson
Minnesota Vikings Sit ‘Em
- K.J. Osborn 2. Alexander Mattison 3. Greg Joseph
Washington Commanders Start ‘Em
- Terry McLaurin 2. Antonio Gibson 3. Taylor Heinicke
Washington Commanders Sit ‘Em
- Logan Thomas 2. Dyami Brown 3. Curtis Samuel
Minnesota Vikings vs Washington Commanders NFL Week 9 Picks
It’s easy when naming the best NFL teams to think of others ahead of either team in this matchup. However, they will both look to prove themselves this week. Expect Hockenson to make a name for himself right away and Jefferson to get back on the board with a touchdown. Washington will play from behind, but the Viking defense will keep them in check.
Final Score: Minnesota 31 – Washington 20
Wicked Wager – Minnesota Vikings -7.5 (+165)
Wicked Player Props – Justin Jefferson Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-103)
Taylor Heinicke Total Completions Over 20.5 (-113)
Las Vegas Raiders (-139) at Jacksonville Jaguars (+115) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
The Raiders are coming off a difficult loss in which they were shut out by the Saints. Some thought they were ready to turn the corner, but their Week 8 result suggests otherwise. The Derek Carr-Devante Adams connection hasn’t been as advertised. They were only able to connect once this past Sunday in what marked a new low point for the duo. They’ll have a chance to turn things around in Week 9 against a sluggish Jaguars team.
Las Vegas Raiders Notable Injuries: TE Darren Waller (Q), WR Davante Adams (P)
The Jaguars are also coming off a tough defeat. It’s starting to look that way every week with this team. This time it came in London at the hands of Russell Wilson. It was Jacksonville’s 5th consecutive one possession loss. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t looked like the same player since early in the season. However, running back Travis Etienne has been able to pick up the load. Etienne is riding back-to-back 100-yard performances. It will be critical for the Jags to find a way to put together a complete offensive performance.
Jacksonville Jaguars Notable Injuries: WR Jamal Agnew (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Las Vegas Raiders Start ‘Em
- Devante Adams 2. Josh Jacobs 3. Daniel Carlson
Las Vegas Raiders Sit ‘Em
- Derek Carr 2. Mack Hollins 3. Raiders Defense
Jacksonville Jaguars Start ‘Em
- Travis Etienne 2. Trevor Lawrence 3. Christian Kirk
Jacksonville Jaguars Sit ‘Em
- Zay Jones 2. James Robinson
Las Vegas Raiders vs Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Week 9 Picks
The battle of two AFC cellars will go to the home team. Trevor Lawrence will have his best game since September, as the Raiders fall to 2-6. From a betting perspective, this is a great spot to grab the Jaguars at plus money.
Final Score: Jacksonville 27 – Las Vegas 19
Wicked Wager – Jaguars Moneyline (+123)
Wicked Player Prop – Travis Etienne Total Rushing Yards Over 79.5 (-113)
Carolina Panthers (+270) at Cincinnati Bengals (-335) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
The Carolina Panthers suffered the most devastating loss of the season in overtime last week to the Falcons. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a missed extra point, and a missed field goal cost the team a chance at a share of first place in the NFC South. Despite the heartbreak, PJ Walker looked solid and has established himself as the team’s starting quarterback. He’ll have a tough test this Sunday against a Bengals team that’s dying for a win.
Carolina Panthers Notable Injuries: CB Donte Jackson (Q), RB Chubba Hubbard (O)
The Bengals are coming off a blowout loss in Cleveland. It was a loss that couldn’t have sat well with fans of a team that played in the Super Bowl 9 months ago. Cincinnati will have to turn things around if they plan on making it back anytime soon. The injury to Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t helped, but we’re talking about a team that prides themselves on offensive weapons. It’ll be time for that depth to show itself this Sunday against the Panthers.
Cincinnati Bengals Notable Injuries: WR Ja’Marr Chase (O), DT Josh Tupou (O), CB Mike Hilton (O), CB Chidobe Awuzie (O)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Carolina Panthers Start ‘Em
- D’Onta Foreman 2. DJ Moore
Carolina Panthers Sit ‘Em
- PJ Walker 2. Terrace Marshall Jr. 3. Eddy Pineiro
Cincinnati Bengals Start ‘Em
- Joe Burrow 2. Tee Higgins 3. Tyler Boyd
Cincinnati Bengals Sit ‘Em
- Joe Mixon 2. Hayden Hurst
Carolina Panthers vs Cincinnati Bengals NFL Week 9 Picks
The Bengals will have the perfect opportunity to work out the kinks on offense with Ja’Marr Chase sidelined. As banged up as they are, they still have two excellent wide receivers. More importantly, they still have Joe Burrow. This game will be an opportunity that they take advantage of, as Joe Burrow bounces back with a big performance.
Final Score: Cincinnati 30 – Carolina 16
Wicked Wager – Bengals -7 (-115)
Wicked Player Prop – Joe Burrow Total Completions Over 23.5 (-125)
Miami Dolphins (-200) at Chicago Bears (+175) – Sunday, 1:00 PM EST
The Miami Dolphins have established themselves as the new offensive powerhouse of the league. Their offense has been led by Tyreek Hill, who is already nearing 1,000 yards, and Jaylen Waddle. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa bounced back last week with a big performance. He lead a comeback win in Detroit after looking sloppy the week prior. It will be critical that this team continues to pick up wins against subpar and mediocre opponents.
Miami Dolphins Notable Injuries: OT Austin Jackson (D), LB Jaelan Phillips (Q),
Unlike the Dolphins, the Bears continue to struggle in the passing game. The team ranks last in the league in pass yards per game. This is an issue they tried to address this week at the trade deadline with the acquisition of Chase Claypool. Claypool has a massive frame, which the Bears will be hoping helps in the downfield passing game. In contrast with the pass, Chicago leads the league in rushing. We’ll see if they can start to build a more balanced offense this week against the Dolphins.
Chicago Bears Notable Injuries: FS Eddie Jackson (Q), CB Kyler Gordon (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Miami Dolphins Start ‘Em
- Tyreek Hill 2. Jaylen Waddle 3. Tua Tagovailoa
Miami Dolphins Sit ‘Em
- Mike Gesicki 2. Chase Edmonds
Chicago Bears Start ‘Em
- Khalil Herbert 2. Chase Claypool
Chicago Bears Sit ‘Em
- Justin Fields 2. N’Keal Harry 3. Bears’ Defense
Miami Dolphins vs Chicago Bears NFL Week 9 Picks
The Bears will hang around in the first half until the Dolphins decide to pour things on in the second. Miami will have another big offensive performance, giving the Bears a close look at what they are trying to build. This will be a high scoring game, ending with roughly 57 combined points. The over/under line at 45.5 is much too low – let’s hammer it.
Final Score: Miami 37 – Chicago 20
Wicked Wagers – Dolphins -4 (-112) / Over 45.5 (-108)
Wicked Player Prop – Jaylen Waddle Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+100)
Los Angeles Rams (+130) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-150) – Sunday, 4:25 PM EST
Game Preview
Los Angeles looked good, until they didn’t, last week against the San Francisco 49ers. They had a commanding lead and looked almost dominant at one point. However, the momentum shifted to San Fran and the Rams never got it back.
Their running game has been non-existent, but it looks like Cam Akers will be back with the team on Sunday. The offense just hasn’t clicked that well, and Allen Robinson has had less of an impact than everyone expected. The Buccaneers haven’t looked good this year and this game is a make it or break it for both teams.
Los Angeles Rams Notable Injuries: LB Jake Hummel (O), WR Van Jefferson (Q)
Tampa Bay is on a 3-game losing streak and this game is a must win for them. Especially if they hope to win the division. All in all, they just haven’t looked like a team that’s been accustomed to winning for the last two years.
Their offense sputters and has been largely inconsistent. Their defense is sloppy and missed tackles are seen on almost every drive. Play calling is questionable at best, and every first down is followed up with an unsuccessful run play. For the Buccaneers to win Sunday’s game, Tom Brady will have to look sharp, and their defense will have to limit Cooper Kupp’s impact.
Buccaneers Notable Injuries: CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (Q), CB Carlton Davis III (Q), DE Akiem Hicks (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Rams Start ‘Em
1. Cooper Kupp 2. Rams Defense
Rams Sit ‘Em
1. Matt Stafford 2. Allen Robinson II 3. Rams Running Backs
Buccaneers Start ‘Em
1. Leonard Fournette 2. Mike Evans 3. Chris Godwin
Buccaneers Sit ‘Em
1. Julio Jones 2. Defense/Special Teams
Los Angeles Rams’ vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 9 Picks
This is a tough one to predict. Both teams can look so hot and then so cold in the same game and neither has played consistent football. However, I’m going to go with the Vegas lines on this one. Jalen Ramsey hasn’t been the same corner this season, expect Mike Evans to go off for 100+ yards and a touchdown.
Final Score: Tampa Bay 21 – Los Angeles 20
Wicked Wager – Buccaneers Moneyline (-150)
Wicked Player Prop – Tom Brady Total Passing Touchdowns Over 1.5 (-135)
Tennessee Titans (+475) at Kansas City Chiefs (-625) – Sunday, 8:20PM EST
Game Preview
The Titans find themselves a double-digit underdog at -12.5 on Sunday night. Ryan Tannehill will be a gametime decision, but it doesn’t matter who plays quarterback for the Titans in this one.
Last week against the Texans, the Titans held a 14-3 lead throughout most of the game until the 4th quarter. At that point, Houston scored a touchdown to make it a one score game. They outlasted their opponents, and the game finished at 17-10. The problem with this week is that the Chiefs are one of the top teams in the AFC. The Titans cannot rely on Derrick Henry to beat Kansas City by themselves.
Tennessee Titans Notable Injuries: QB Ryan Tannehill (Q), S Amani Hooker (O)
Kansas City demolished the 49ers 44-23 before going on their bye. Additionally, Andy Reid has a great record coming off a bye, so the Chiefs will come out firing. They’re an offensive juggernaut and while the Titans have a solid defense, they’re no match for Mahomes’ wizardry.
Tight end Travis Kelce is the best in the game, and the offense will run through him on Sunday night. Kansas City is one of the healthiest teams in the league with only one player on the injury report. They will move to 6-2 after dismantling the Titans.
Kansas City Chiefs Notable Injuries: TE Jody Fortson (O)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Titans Start ‘Em
1. Derrick Henry 2. Randy Bullock
Titans Sit ‘Em
1. Ryan Tannehill 2. Malik Willis 3. Robert Woods
Chiefs Start ‘Em
1. Patrick Mahomes 2. Travis Kelce 3. Juju Smith-Schuster
Chiefs Sit ‘Em
1. Chiefs running backs 2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Tennessee Titans vs Kansas City Chiefs NFL Week 9 Picks
This is the easiest game of the NFL week 9 picks. Tennessee’s defense isn’t good enough to keep them in it, and offensively, they only have Derrick Henry. The Chiefs will stack the box and stop the run on 1st and 2nd downs until the Titans show they can move the ball through the air. This one will be a blowout.
Final Score: Chiefs 34 – Titans 20
Wicked Wager – Chiefs -12.5 (-110)
Wicked Player Prop – Travis Kelce Total Receiving Yards Over 71.5 (-115)