Welcome to our NFL Week 9 Picks Straight Up! This week, we have had trades, massive contract extensions, game-changing injury reports, league-altering rumors, and so much more. With the midseason point approaching, things could not be more exciting in the NFL, especially with an NFL slate like this one.

So without further ado, it is time to bring you our expert NFL Week 9 Picks Straight Up. Below, you will find my picks, some highlighted matchups, and the schedules and spreads for every game this week.

 

 

 

NFL Week 9 Picks Straight Up & Odds For All 14 Games

With Week 9 here, we have some great matchups on paper, and with four teams on bye, we are left with a 14-game slate. In the following section, you will find my predictions, with the teams I anticipate coming away with a victory highlighted in bold. Odds are courtesy of BetMGM:

 

 

 

NFL Week 9 Picks Straight Up: Denver Broncos ML (+110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

I know I picked against the Texans last week, and it came back to bite me in the you-know-what, but that wasn't against this Broncos team. The way I see it, this game is strength vs. strength on one side of the ball and strength vs. weakness on the other, so let's dive in.

Despite some inconsistencies, the Denver Broncos have been consistently dominant on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They are the first team in NFL history with over 35 sacks while only giving up 10 sacks or fewer through eight games. That means their offensive line is strong enough to protect Bo Nix from the likes of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, and their defensive line is good enough to make life difficult for C.J. Stroud. I do expect Derek Stingley to win his matchup against Courtland Sutton, but with other weapons emerging like RJ. Harvey and Troy Franklin, while Evan Engram has also found his footing in the offense, I think Nix will be able to find other places to go with the ball.

Meanwhile, I do not expect the Texans' offensive line to be able to keep Stroud clean. Last week, the Texans were able to get a win due to their ability to control the line of scrimmage. It was the first game this season where Houston did not give up a single sack. Did something finally click? Or were they just going up against a 49ers defensive line so banged up and void of any talent that they had to make a trade this week to sure it up? My money is on the latter. So now going up against one of the most dominant defenses, I do not expect the Texans to win the battle on the line of scrimmage. While the Broncos are without their superstar cornerback, Pat Surtain, I think it won't be as big a loss with the pressure that the Broncos' defensive line will be able to produce. I think this game will be a regression to the mean, where Stroud will be one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Broncos will be able to come away with a low-scoring, hard-fought victory. I love the Broncos here at the value we are getting.

 

 

 

NFL Week 9 Picks Straight Up: Jacksonville Jaguars ML (-158 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

I feel like every time I put some stock into the Jaguars, they go on to disappoint me, but here we go again. At these odds against the bottom-dwelling Las Vegas Raiders, how can I not? In their last outing, the Raiders were completely shut out against the Kansas City Chiefs. The same Kansas City Chiefs that lost to this very Jaguars team a week before. While I cannot be very complimentary about the Jaguars' consistency on the offensive side of the ball, they have certainly shown more of a spark than the Raiders. 

Yes, I can hear you already… “But Bryan! The Raiders are getting Brock Bowers back from injury! He is the spark they need!” Wrong. Bad. No. When on the field this season, Brock Bowers was playing through a PCL injury and a bone bruise. He has not been 100% all season, and even now, he stated that while he is closer after a few weeks off, he's STILL not 100%. Even if he was, this offense is more than a tight end away from competency. They still have serious issues at quarterback and offensive line, and I think this Jaguars defense will be able to capitalize.

For the Raiders defense, it feels like it has been Maxx Crosby and everyone else. While Maxx Crosby has been playing his absolute heart out, it's still 11 on one. I don't expect things to be pretty for the Jags in this one, but I am expecting a win, and I think we are getting pretty good value here.

 

 

 

How To Bet On NFL Week 9 With The BetMGM Bonus Code & Unlock $150 In Bonus Bets

If you want to make the most of our free picks, try signing up to BetMGM with our exclusive bonus code ALARM!

This welcome bonus is straightforward and inclusive, giving you the chance to place wagers on any matchup you like during NFL Week 9. After registering through this offer, simply deposit at least $10 and place a qualifying bet of $10 or more.

As long as you bet at least $10 with your first bet, you're ready to just kick back and root for it to win. If it does, you’ll get $150 in bonus bets, even if you're betting a big favorite like the Rams over the Saints! In other words, you’re getting 15/1 odds on anything when you become a new member with our BetMGM bonus code ALARM!

 

 

 

NFL Week 9 Spreads For All 14 Games Provided By BetMGM Sportsbook

We just unveiled our NFL Week 9 picks, and below are the spread odds for each matchup, provided by BetMGM Sportsbook:

  • Ravens -7.5 vs. Dolphins +7.5 (TNF)
  • Broncos +1.5 vs. Texans -1.5
  • 49ers -2.5 vs. Giants +2.5
  • Colts -3 vs. Steelers +3
  • Panthers +13.5 vs. Packers -13.5
  • Vikings +8.5 vs. Lions -9.5
  • Chargers -9.5 vs. Titans +9.5 
  • Falcons +5.5 vs. Patriots -5.5
  • Bears -3 vs. Bengals +3
  • Jaguars -3 vs. Raiders +3
  • Saints +14 vs. Rams -14
  • Chiefs -2 vs. Bills +2
  • Seahawks -3 vs. Commanders +3 (SNF)
  • Cardinals +2.5 vs. Cowboys +2.5 (MNF)

Be sure to come back and check out our NFL Week 9 Picks Against the Spread or take advantage of our BetMGM bonus code ALARM by signing up now!