NFL Picks Week 9: To Live And Die In LA

The New Orleans Saints face the Los Angeles Rams this Halloween week. The big story of the game for the Saints is the first career start at quarterback for rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough, and deservedly so, but the Saints’ futility against the Rams in Los Angeles looms even larger. The Saints could certainly call the “Rams House” their own personal house of horrors, as the Saints have not defeated the Rams in Los Angeles in a very long time. How long? Well, the Saints haven’t defeated the Rams in Los Angeles since December 1994, just as Dumb and Dumber was about to hit theaters and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was taking over the holiday for the very first time. Let’s hope the Saints give out more treats than tricks this holiday week.

Let’s take a look at this and all of the exciting NFL action in Week 9 this Halloween.

Last week, I went 8-5

I told you so: Ravens over Bears!

What do I know: Giants over Eagles?

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WEEK 9

Thursday, October 30th – Thursday Night Football

Ravens (2-5) at Dolphins (2-6)

This battle of the AFC’s most disappointing teams will be won by the Baltimore offense. Baltimore wins 31-16.

Pick: Ravens

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Sunday, November 2nd – Early Games

Bears (4-3) at Bengals (3-5)

Cincy will find it hard to recover from their stunning loss to the Jets last week. Chicago wins 27-12.

Pick: Bears

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Vikings (3-4) at Lions (5-2)

Minnesota’s offense simply won’t be able to keep up with Detroit’s high-octane offense. Detroit wins 31-19.

Pick: Lions

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Panthers (4-4) at Packers (5-1-1)

Green Bay will get a big lead early and never look back. Green Bay wins 33-23.

Pick: Packers

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Broncos (6-2) at Texans (3-4)

The resurgent Texans will keep this one close at home, but Denver finds a way to win this defensive showdown in the closing moments. Denver wins 18-16.

Pick: Broncos

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Falcons (3-4) at Patriots(6-2)

Well, at least it won’t be 23-3, right? New England wins 24-7.

Pick: Patriots

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49ers (5-3) at Giants (2-6)

San Francisco has been on a roller coaster since Week 3, but their ride will get a little calmer this week. San Francisco wins 33-10.

Pick: 49ers

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Colts (7-1) at Steelers (4-3)

Pittsburgh has hit a rough patch in recent weeks, and it will only get rougher against the best team in the AFC. Indianapolis wins 25-13.

Pick: Colts

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Chargers (5-3) at Titans (1-7)

The Chargers have been a bit erratic since the start of October, but they have beat the teams that they should, and they will do so again here. Los Angeles wins 23-19.

Pick: Chargers

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Sunday, November 2nd – Late Games