Week 9 Picks

Looking to build on last week's 7-6 mark, without further ado, I give you the picks in the league where they play............for pay...

New York Jets (5-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-5) - The Lions got their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, back last week and they pulled out a win against Washington while the Jets were shut out by the Packers. This one is not going to be easy for the Jets, but their defense will not let them down in Detroit. It's going to be close, though. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Miami Dolphins (4-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-2) - This should be a struggle between two hard hitting, physical teams. The good news for the Dolphins is that they aren't playing at home where they are 0-3, but they are coming north in a cold weather month, which, historically, has not been kind to them. Miami is good enough to keep this one close, but Baltimore is just a bit better. Pick: BALTIMORE

New England Patriots (6-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-5) - Looking at the records it would be easy to say that the Pats will roll to an easy win this week, but I don't see it that way. Cleveland's played tough most of the year and they are coming off a shocking win in New Orleans. However, since trading Randy Moss, New England seems to be reverting back to their Super Bowl winning formula by controlling the ball and winning close games. The Browns will keep it within 7, but New England finds a way. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

San Diego Chargers (3-5) @ Houston Texans (4-3) - The Chargers have made a habit of making 2nd half of the year runs to make the playoffs, and if they're going to do it this year, now's the perfect time to start. The Texans defense is terrible (they've given up 30+ points in the last 3 weeks) and the Chargers can move the ball effectively. Troubling for the Chargers is that TE Antonio Gates is questionable. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Chicago Bears (4-3) vs Buffalo Bills (0-7) in Toronto - The Bills make their annual pilgrimage to Toronto this week. They have played better than their 0-7 record indicates and they've been close the last 3 weeks. The Bears struggle to protect their quarterback and after getting destroyed by the Giants they have really been exposed. It's a risky pick, but I like the Bills here. Pick: BUFFALO

Arizona Cardinals (3-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2-5) - The Cardinals have not been good this year, don't be fooled by their 3-4 record; if not for Sebastian Janikowski missing a chip shot field goal at the end of regulation in week 3, they'd be 2-5 as well. They've lost 4 games by 10 or more points and they don't have a quarterback who can play. The Vikings, meanwhile, have a hall of famer at quarterback, but he's not playing like it. Brett Favre has turned the ball over at the most inopportune times and is a huge reason the Vikings are in the hole they're in. Even still, the Vikings have been consistently competitive and should be able to win here. Pick: MINNESOTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (5-2) - SI's Peter King had an interesting stat about the Bucs: the record of the 5 teams Tampa Bay has beaten: 12-24; the record of the two teams they've lost to: 10-5. As you can see, Atlanta is 5-2. I think Tampa Bay is headed in the right direction, but they're certainly taking a step up in class this week and on the road, as well. Pick: ATLANTA

New Orleans Saints (5-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-6) - The Saints looked like they were back on track in their win last week over the Steelers. The Panthers only score 12 points per game with Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, and the Saints score 20 a game and they have Drew Brees as their quarterback. Sorry, but I just don't think the Panthers really have a chance here. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

New York Giants (5-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-3) - The Giants travel across the country to play in one of the loudest buildings in the league. The Seahawks will be without starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and will go with Charlie Whitehurst instead, so if the Giants defense knocks another quarterback out of the game, we'll find out who the Seahawks 3rd string QB is. While the Giants do appear superior on paper, a couple things have to concern you: the Seahawks edge in special teams and the effect of crowd noise on the Giants offense. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Indianapolis Colts (5-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) - The Eagles caught the bye week at the right time as they will get QB Michael Vick, WR DeSean Jackson, and T Jason Peters back this week. The Colts, also decimated by injuries, may have WR Austin Collie back, so there is some good news for the defending AFC Champions. The Eagles offense has looked best with Vick at the helm, and if he's in there this week, I think the Eagles have a slight edge. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) @ Oakland Raiders (4-4) - A game between these two teams has not mattered in about 20 years. Both teams boast strong running games and there should be a heavy emphasis on the run in this one. I think this one is close, and the Chiefs have been very good in close games. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Dallas Cowboys (1-6) @ Green Bay Packers (5-3) - This one looked like a playoff preview heading into the season, but the Cowboys have been a big disappointment. Jon Kitna hasn't looked totally inept in replacing Tony Romo at quarterback, but the Packers are still better than the Cowboys right now. Pick: GREEN BAY

Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) - I think this one will be closer than expected. The Bengals will be able to keep the Steelers close, but ultimately, I think Carson Palmer turns the ball over late and the Steelers come away with the win. Pick: PITTSBURGH and 42 points.