NFL Week 9 2018: Picks and predictions

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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes during the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs (-9) at Cleveland Browns

The Browns (2-5-1) fired everyone. Kansas City (7-1) is beating the daylights out of everybody. Gregg Williams now has to figure out how to stop Patrick Mahomes without getting himself suspended for a year. Tough ask, and perhaps an impossible one considering how this week has gone.

Pick: Kansas City 33, Cleveland 19

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-3)

The Dolphins (4-4) are somehow in the playoff race while the Jets (3-5) all but fell out of it with a loss to the Bears last week. Sam Darnold is struggling, and going on the road to play a desperate, albeit flawed Miami team isn’t a great recipe for getting back on track.

Pick: Miami 23, New York 21

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-3)

This is going to be the best game of the week in many respects. Baltimore (4-4) needs to win, while Pittsburgh (4-2-1) can start salting the AFC North away with a victory on the road. Additionally, these two teams legitimately despise each other. Should be a slobberknocker.

Pick: Baltimore 26, Pittsburgh 22

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (-6.5)

This is the most predictable game of the week. The Panthers (5-2) are going to score points and get out in front, the Buccaneers (3-4) will play through myriad turnovers and watch Ryan Fitzpatrick get white-hot before falling just short in the end. It’s been the story of Tampa Bay for quite some time now.

Pick: Carolina 31, Tampa Bay 27