NFL Week 9: Picks and predictions

Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) reacts to his sack of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Sean Mannion (14) (not pictured) during the first quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

1 of 3

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The NFL Week 9 late is full of very intriguing games, and Matt Verderame lays out his picks and why you revel in the parity.

This is why we watch the National Football League. Sure, some watch to simply be entertained and others watch because they just bet their mortgage and second kid on the over, but most of us sit there on Sunday to see good contests.

In 2016, we haven’t seen enough of that in primetime, but the other games have been compelling for the most part. We have an incredible race in the AFC West, two explosive rookies leading the exciting Dallas Cowboys, and a couple of quarterback (Derek Carr, Matt Ryan) are having MVP-caliber seasons.

All in all, parity (or mediocrity, if you prefer) are not ruining football. In other words, sit back and relax, it’s going to be just fine. While we wait for the games to begin, here are my Week 9 NFL picks. They are gold.

Atlanta Falcons (-3.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s not rocket science, folks. Atlanta (5-3) is a pretty good team while the Buccaneers (3-4) just lost at home to a team that committed 23 penalties, lost the turnover battle and missed two field goals.

Pick: Atlanta 30, Tampa Bay 20

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5)

The Steelers (4-3) have to win this game if they want a chance of a bye week in the playoffs. On the other side, Baltimore (3-4) needs it to stay alive. Go with the better quarterback.

Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 23

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (-3)

This is a rivalry game, so throw the book out. Philadelphia (4-3) and New York (4-3) are even in so many ways but the difference is in the trenches. The Giants can’t block or get a rush. The Eagles can do both.

Pick: Philadelphia 28, New York 24

Home/NFL