NFL WEEK 9 PICKS: Joe Burrow and the Bengals show the Bills who’s boss

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The lines are from Sportsbook Review and the home teams are in CAPs.

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PITTSBURGH -2.5 over Tennessee

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It was always going to be a tough assignment going on the road on a short for rookie Will Levis in his second start.

Kansas City -1.5 over Miami in Germany

Patrick Mahomes looked very much like a guy battling the flu last week and the Chiefs offence suffered. He should be back to 100% in this one and facing a Dolphins defence that has some holes in it. Also, watch out for the injuries on Miami’s offensive line.

ATLANTA -4.5 over Minnesota

Taylor Heinicke takes over for Desmond Ridder and all we can say is: It’s about time. The Falcons were being held back by the sophomore QB. Minnesota goes into its first game without Kirk Cousins at a very obvious disadvantage.

Seattle +6 over BALTIMORE

The Ravens could be caught looking ahead here, with games against the Browns and Bengals up next. The Seahawks are the rare West Coast team that actually has a good record in early games, going 16-4 since 2018.

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CLEVELAND -8 over Arizona

Clayton Tune isn’t getting much of a chance in his first (and only?) career start against this great defence. And with Deshaun Watson looking set to come back, we’ll lay the points, even if we’re not happy about the big number.

L.A. Rams +3.5 over GREEN BAY

We’re betting that Matt Stafford guts it out through his hand injury. If he does, then the Rams have the advantage over the Packers in this one, we feel.

HOUSTON -2.5 over Tampa Bay

This game will say a lot about C.J. Stroud with how he and the Texans bounce back from that gutting loss against the Panthers last week. The Bucs didn’t make any moves at the deadline and are kind of just treading water right now.

NEW ENGLAND -3 over Washington

The Commanders weren’t doing so hot before they sold off two of their best players and started looking to the future. While it’s dicey to back this version of the Patriots and Mac Jones, we think Bill Belichick should enjoy getting after the QB on pace to be the most-sacked ever.

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NEW ORLEANS -8.5 over Chicago

Does anyone really know what the Bears are doing, giving up a second-rounder for a pending free agent? They’re also at a rest disadvantage in this one and have a Thursday nighter up next. The bloom fell off Tyson Bagent’s rose real quick last week, too.

Indianapolis -2.5 over CAROLINA

The Panthers won their Super Bowl last week and are now due for a letdown. The Colts offence has been surprisingly decent and could put up some numbers here.

LAS VEGAS -1.5 over New York Giants

This is a great spot for a new-coach bounce for the Raiders, who rightfully cleaned house this week. The Giants are circling the drain and the return of Daniel Jones isn’t going to provide the boost they need.

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PHILADELPHIA -3 over Dallas

The game of the week right here looks every bit like a coin flip. These teams are very evenly matched, but the big advantage is at QB for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts, even at less than 100%, provides much more than Dak Prescott has this season.

CINCINNATI -1.5 over Buffalo

The Bengals are on the rise, with Joe Burrow looking fully recovered from his pre-season calf injury. The Bills will look to ride the emotion of Damar Hamlin’s return to the scene of his near-death, but their injury list is just too long to ignore.

NEW YORK JETS +3.5 over L.A. Chargers

The Chargers got a one-game reprieve against the Bears last week, but face a tougher task here against the Jets – specifically the Gang Green defence.

Last week: 8–8

This season: 56-63-3

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