NFL Picks: Week 9

NFL Picks: Week 9

We are now at the halfway point of the NFL season. We also have the game of the decade, or this year’s version of it, in Indianapolis. Without further adieu, here are this week’s picks:

Last Week: 9-4
Season: 77-39

Dallas at Philadelphia: The biggest game of the year in Philly is when the Cowboys come to town. It bugs the Philly people even more that Cowboy fans couldn’t care less about the Eagles compared to the Redskins and Giants. The Iggles have to be affected by the legal troubles in coach Andy Reid’s family, as both of his young adult sons were sentenced to jail on the same day for drug-related violations this week. The Cowboys are coming off a bye week, which keeps Tony Romo out of Hollywood. Pick: Dallas

New England at Indianapolis: Undefeated vs. Undefeated. The Patriots have been a well-oiled killing machine. The Colts have been unbeatable, as well. Maybe I get caught up with style points, but I have a hard time seeing anyone stopping the Pats. I’d love the see the Colts win, but I don’t see it happening. Pick: New England

Houston at Oakland: Yuck. The Texans won three games before the injury bug hit. Now, they are simply horrible. The Raiders are somewhat competitive, but still aren’t very good. You would have to be a committed fan to watch this game. Or, stuck in Houston, Beaumont, or Bryan. This is a stinker. Pick: Oakland

Seattle at Cleveland: Points will be rung up in this one. The Browns are the surprise of the league with a 4-3 record. Derek Anderson continues to improve his trade value while keeping Brady Quinn on the bench. Pick: Cleveland

Green Bay at Kansas City: Brett Favre is just incredible. He’s playing as well as ever at age 38. The Chiefs have duct-taped this season into something that’s not that bad. They’ve come a long way from their Week 1 loss to the Texans. When you’re hot, you’re hot, and Brett Favre is hot. Pick: Pack

Carolina at Tennessee: The two-headed quarterback monster of David Carr and Vinny Testaverde lead the Panthers into Music City, where they meet Vince Young and Co. The Titans continue to find ways to win. Pick: Tennessee

San Francisco at Atlanta: Double yuck. The Niners have slipped during the absence of QB Alex Smith. The Falcons are simply floundering. I’m glad I don’t have to watch this one. Trent Dilfer vs. Byron Leftwich. I’ll take Leftwich. Pick: Atlanta

San Diego at Minnesota: The Chargers have gotten it together. This one is a classic running back matchup between LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson. L.T. runs all over the Vikings in the dome. Pick: San Diego

Jacksonville at New Orleans: This is a good matchup that not many people are excited about. The Jags continue to win, even with Quinn Gray at QB. The Saints are now only a game out of first place after starting the season 0-4. Saints continue to roll. Pick: New Orleans

Denver at Detroit: One team is playing well, the other one is struggling. But, the roles are reversed here. The Lions are 5-2, which is uncharted territory in recent years for this team. Thank you, Detroit! Pick: Detroit

Cincinnati at Buffalo: Ugh. Neither team is real great, but the Bills can be plucky at times, such as last week when they out-uglied the Jets. Pick: Buffalo

Washington at New York Jets: The Redskins are fairly pedestrian, but they’ll look like Super Bowl winners against the Jets. The Jets are not good. Pick: Washington

Arizona at Tampa Bay: The Bucs aren’t bad. Neither are the Cardinals. Neither team is that good, though. This game defines mediocrity. Go with the home team. Pick: Tampa Bay

Baltimore at Pittsburgh: The Ravens need this one to have a chance in the AFC North. The Steelers are a good team, right behind the Patriots and Colts. Monday Night in the Steel City? Come on. Never pick against Pittsburgh on Monday night. Pick: Pittsburgh

Bye: New York Giants, Miami, Chicago, St. Louis