NFL 2023 Week 9 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. Week 9 marks the halfway mark of the NFL season. That's right after this week the season is at its halfway mark. We certainly seem to have our teams that might be playing some January football while those who are just trying to get through this season. For this week, I'll keep an eye on

NFL Rant of the Week

So one of the games this weekend will feature both the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs. Two teams with prolific offenses and defenses that can beat up people. The game won't be in Arrowhead nor will it be in Hard Rock Stadium. It will be in Frankfurt, Germany of all places. I get you want to increase the appeal of the game to Europe but you can't do both teams dirty like that. Place two bottom feeders there but you can't do that to our sport. Shame on you NFL. 

Week 9 Preview

The Ninth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and finish in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Week 9 will feature a 14-game slate where 28 teams will play. Teams on bye will be the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. The week will feature a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, seven early games, three late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the doubleheader this week while CBS will carry the single, regional game this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 9 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate.

Tennessee (3-4) @ Pittsburgh (4-3) (Amazon; 8:15 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Titans

The Titans beat the Falcons and the Steelers lost to the Jaguars last week. Week 9 opens up with a decent matchup in the AFC. The Titans come off a big win against the Falcons where Will Levis threw four touchdown passes in his NFL debut. He might've gotten a bit of help from his wide outs but overall we can say that the kid did good. Pittsburgh is definitely a hot mess on offense. They might be without Kenny Pickett in this game If so, then Mitchell Trubisky is the Steelers go to guy. The book is still out on Trubisky this season but he can be a bit more of a pocket presence than Pickett can. Most Yinzers would say that a retired Ben Roethlisberger could toss better than the two. It feels like this game could go Tennessee's way if the Steelers offense has a poor showing. 

Miami (6-2) @ Kansas City (6-2) (NFL Network; 9:30 am): TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins

The Dolphins beat the Patriots and the Chiefs lost to the Broncos last week. Sunday morning slate begins with a game in Frankfurt, Germany for the first time. It'll be a treat for sure as the two top teams in the AFC do battle. At this point in the season it seems like the Dolphins are the better team than the defending champions as they have a versatile offense with multitude of weapons. Kansas City kind of got humbled in Denver as they held Patrick Mahomes to without a touchdown in only the 3rd time in his career. I think the deciding factor is that the Chiefs running game isn't as up to par as it is with the Dolphins. I think both defenses are pretty even. It could be a slugfest while you devour breakfast. 

Chicago (2-6) @ New Orleans (4-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Saints; CV: Saints

The Bears lost to the Chargers and the Saints beat the Colts last week. Chicago has been really been a letdown this year just by the record alone. Their offense and defense is not really good. I do like some pieces in their running game but other than that they just don't seem like a team that makes you quiver in your boots. New Orleans has been one of those teams as well but they have won a few more games this year. Their offense got off to a good footing last week and if they can play like that the rest of the way, they could be a force come December and January. I think the Saints will take it. 

Arizona (1-7) @ Cleveland (4-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Browns; CV: Browns

The Cardinals lost to the Ravens and the Browns lost to the Seahawks last week. Arizona has been as expected, pretty bad. They have attempted to be somewhat competitive in their games to give their fans some hope but other than that, they're pretty bad. They have holes in their offense as they don't have anyone to throw to outside of Malcolm "Hollywood" Brown. Let alone a hole in quarterback. Cleveland has a hole in quarterback as PJ Walker is not cutting out to be an NFL quarterback. The Brownies need to have DeShaun Watson back as soon as possible. If it comes down to Walker again at quarterback, I don't think its the end of the world. Walker just has to cut back on the turnovers. 

LA Rams (3-5) @ Green Bay (2-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Rams lost to the Cowboys and the Packers lost to the Vikings last week. Los Angeles had been one of the better teams in the NFC for the first part of the season and then the injuries to Matthew Stafford came coming down. Stafford was injured once again in the blowout loss to Dallas. Personally I'd like to see the Rams run the ball a bit more. Green Bay had been one of those teams that looked good. They were at one point at a 2-1 record but the wheels fell off. Their losses haven't been blowouts by no stretch but they seem like they are just one play away from winning them. Biggest disappointment in Green Bay is the fact that they don't run the ball more as well. Gotta give Jordan Love some help and a breather. I think the Rams will take it. 

Minnesota (4-4) @ Atlanta (4-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Falcons

The Vikings beat the Packers and the Falcons lost to the Titans last week. Minnesota will be without Kirk Cousins who for the first time in his career will not start a game due to an achilles injury suffered last week. The Vikings answer to this news is trading for Joshua Dobbs from the Cardinals. While Dobbs is not at the same level as Cousins, he can put together some good throws. As long as he throws it to someone with the same jersey as him, I think they can take care of business and continue to win. Atlanta has been a weird team that somehow is in the thick of the NFC South division race with New Orleans. They can put together some good games but when they look like awful, they look really bad. I Think the Vikes will win with their new quarterback. 

Seattle (5-2) @ Baltimore (6-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

The Seahawks beat the Browns and the Ravens beat the Cardinals last week. Seattle is somehow in 1st place in the NFC West. Kind of a shocker as far as the 49ers being where they are at in this point of the season. I had thought they'd be in the thick of it let alone get in 1st. They've done it with some clutch defense while producing points on offense. Last week's win against Cleveland was like that. Baltimore has been up to their usual selves on offense. They kind of went on auto-pilot against the Cardinals and somehow beat the red birds by seven points. They'll need to wake up a bit as the Seahawks can put together drives and such. I'll take the Ravens in a toss-up matchup. 

Tampa Bay (3-4) @ Houston (3-4) (CBS; 1:00): TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Buccaneers lost to the Bills and the Texans lost to the Panthers last week. Tampa played alright enough to almost top the Bills on the road. They've relied a bit too much on Baker Mayfield and need to get their running game going. Their defense can keep them in it as they have a decent defense. Houston had been one of the surprising teams in the league but they've been falling a bit back down to earth. They should've won against the Panthers last week but they let a kicker beat them. CJ Stroud sadly doesn't have a lot of weapons and that might hinder the rest of the Texans success in 2023. I think the Texans will take the win but it also feels like a toss-up. 

Washington (3-5) @ New England (2-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Commanders

The Commanders lost to the Eagles and the Patriots lost to the Dolphins last week. Washington made some noise in the trade deadline by trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young. What it means is that the Commanders are building for the future. Their defense will likely take a step back. Their offense has put up points but they aren't like the 1991 Redskins. The Patriots have been playing better on offense for the last few weeks. Last week's loss to the Dolphins was proof that the Pats cannot make mistakes otherwise their offense will have to play catch-up. New England was quiet in the trade deadline and they probably should've put forth some effort to build for the future. Despite this I do like the Patriots in the matchup as their offense should have a decent day against a diminished Washington defense. 

Indianapolis (3-5) @ Carolina (1-6) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts

The Colts lost to the Saints and the Panthers beat the Texans last week. Indy had been a surprising team in the early part of the season but have lost three straight games. Yep they were at one point 3-2 in the season. Their offense should be better than it should with Gardner Minshew at the helm. The Colts running game is good as the tandem of Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss can put teams on edge. Carolina for the first time this season won a game. They had to rely a bit too much on their kicker Eddie Pineiro last week but a win is a win. Bryce Young played well and they limited the turnovers on offense. I like Chuba Hubbard as a reliable running back and Adam Thielen can be a good wide out for them. I think the Colts will end their streak and get a win. 

Dallas (5-2) @ Philadelphia (7-1) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Eagles

The Cowboys beat the Rams and the Eagles beat the Commanders last week. The game of the season before Eagles-49ers in Week 13. Dallas comes into this game playing well since the loss to the 49ers. The Cowboys offense has continued to be their good old selves while putting up points. I had questions whether their defense can put together the hurt on offenses but they haven't really disappointed. Philly goes into this matchup with a bit of a challenge to their defense. They always seem to play not well against Washington. I would be a bit concerned with Jalen Hurts ball protection in this game. He and the Eagles offense will have a huge test this week as they will play their best opponent in this game. I'll go Cowboys with the upset. 

NY Giants (2-6) @ Las Vegas (3-5) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

The Giants lost to the Jets and the Raiders lost to the Lions last week. A game that might make some offensive football lovers cringe. The Giants would produce -9 net passing yards in the loss to the Jets. In other words, pretty bad. Daniel Jones might play or he won't. I'm just going to go into this game with the mindset that Tommy DeVito plays under center. I don't think it ends well for the Giants. Las Vegas has had their woes on offense as well as Jimmy Garoppolo has the passing yards to show for it but not the passing touchdowns. At this point he is their best shot at producing touchdowns. I'm not as worried for the Raiders defense as Maxx Crosby is producing one of his better seasons. I'll take the Raiders.

Buffalo (5-3) @ Cincinnati (4-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bills

The Bills beat the Buccaneers and the Bengals beat the 49ers last week. A rematch of the AFC divisional back in January. Buffalo comes into this game surviving a scare against the Buccaneers. Their offense has been utilized by Josh Allen who seems to carry the load a lot. He is certainly the versatile quarterback. Buffalo's defense will get a boost as they get Rasul Douglas from the Packers via trade. Cincinnati has been playing well since starting off at 0-2 and then 1-3. They got a good boost of confidence in beating the 49ers last week. The reemergence of the Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase connection has been beneficial as well as seeing Joe Mixon return to form as well. I think the Bengals defense has been the unsung hero in this season. Have to imagine that there will be a tribute to Damar Hamlin at some point in this game. Despite that, I'll take the Bengals.  

LA Chargers (3-4) @ NY Jets (4-3) (ABC/ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Jets

The Chargers beat the Bears and the Jets beat the Giants last week. Los Angeles got a big win and kept Brandon Staley off the head coaching firing block. I do like the Chargers offense in this matchup as they do have a few weapons that they can use. Their defense is not as good but against the Jets offense, they don't necessarily have to be good. Zach Wilson played alright last week against the Giants but he didn't really lead them to a touchdown drive late in the game. Breece Hall has been an intriguing running back that I wish saw the ball more in goal-line situations. The Jets defense is good but even they get tired eventually. If the Chargers control the ball, then they have a good shot to win. I like their chances. 

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

CBS Single

Seattle @ Baltimore
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Tampa Bay @ Houston
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Chicago @ New Orleans
Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan

Arizona @ Cleveland
Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

Indianapolis @ Carolina (Late)

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

FOX Early

LA Rams @ Green Bay

Adam Amin, Daryl Johnston

Washington @ New England
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Minnesota @ Atlanta

Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth

FOX Late

Dallas @ Philadelphia
Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson

NY Giants @ Las Vegas

Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: 

Records

Cardinal Viking:

2023: 
Week 1: 10-6

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8

Week 6: 9-6

Week 7: 4-9

Week 8: 10-6    

Total: 70-52

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2

My record: 

2023:
Week 1: 9-7

Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 14-2

Week 5: 7-7

Week 6: 8-7

Week 7: 5-8

Week 8: 10-6

Total: 75-47

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 9 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom