A few back-door covers in Week 8 — including the Packers against the Bills and Carolina’s Hail Mary against the Falcons — turned what could’ve been a big week into a mostly mediocre week.
Still, that proves our growing read on things is still mostly intact. Charles Curtis led the way this time, going 9-6 (52-58-3), Prince Grimes went 8-7 (55-65-3), Caroline Darney went 7-8 (57-63-3) and Blake Schuster went 6-9 (39-53-3).
Here’s a word from everyone ahead of the Week 9 action:
Prince: It’s pretty sad when 8-7 feels good… but it does.
Blake: Ok, the rust is off. I’m feeling much better this week.
Charles: DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK!
Caroline: Under .500 on the week, but still the most wins overall so I’ll take it.
1
Eagles at Texans (+14)
Prince: Eagles
Houston will be lucky to score in this one.
Blake: Texans
Two touchdowns is quite a lot. Especially on Thursday Night Football, where scoring goes to die. Philly wins, but it’s an ugly one.
Charles: Texans
Thursdays can get weird, Houston somehow covers.
Caroline: Eagles
The Eagles haven’t done anything to make me think they can’t cover a 14-point spread, and the Texans haven’t done anything to make me think they can.
2
Vikings at Commanders (+3.5)
Prince: Vikings
This is where Washington’s little run comes to an emphatic end.
Blake: Vikings
Washington may have good vibes following the news that Dan Snyder is exploring a sale of the team, but those will be gone by halftime.
Charles: Vikings
A high-scoring game means I back Kirk Cousins and all the talent around him.
Caroline: Vikings
New weapon TJ Hockenson will only help the Vikes, and I just have very little faith in the Commanders.
3
Bills at Jets (+12.5)
Prince: Bills
If the Pats didn’t humble the Jets, Buffalo will.
Blake: Jets
A double-digit home dog in a divisional game is hard to pass up.
Charles: Bills
Zach Wilson gets benched at halftime and the tabloids will have a field day.
Caroline: Bills
IT’S ME, NUMBER ONE BILLS FAN.
4
Packers at Lions (+3.5)
Prince: Lions
Detroit moves the ball well enough to give the Packers a game at home.
Blake: Lions
The vibes couldn’t possibly be worse in Green Bay right now.
Charles: Lions
I’m tempted to take the Packers to right the ship … but they haven’t shown signs of that.
Caroline: Packers
Don’t worry, I hate myself, too.
5
Panthers at Bengals (-7.5)
Prince: Panthers
Recency bias? Maybe. But Carolina looks better than I expected, and the Bengals were terrible their last time out.
Blake: Bengals
A full week to gameplan without Ja’Marr Chase in the huddle should help Joe Burrow at home.
Charles: Panthers
I can’t trust that Bengals D right now after what we saw Monday night.
Caroline: Panthers
I don’t know that I’m comfortable saying that the Panthers win, but I’m comfortable saying the Bengals did not look good on Monday.
6
Raiders at Jaguars (+1.5)
Prince: Raiders
Blah. Hard to name two teams I trust less.
Blake: Jaguars
[insert shrug emoji here]
Charles: Raiders
I flipped a coin. Heads was Raiders.
Caroline: Jaguars
Sure, I guess.
7
Colts at Patriots (-5.5)
Prince: Patriots
Sam Ehlinger is about to get the Bill Belichick experience.
Blake: Patriots
Last week I picked the Pats because they were playing Belichick’s favorite punching bag (the Jets), now they get Belichick’s second-favorite punching bag.
Charles: Patriots
Bill Belichick against a young QB at home? Mwahahahaha!
Caroline: Patriots
I don’t have a ton of faith in the Pats right now, but I have even less in the Colts.
8
Dolphins at Bears (+5.5)
Prince: Dolphins
I find myself more and more impressed with the Bears. But this won’t be their game.
Blake: Dolphins
Prince nailed it, but this could shape up as the most fun game of the week. Hammer the over.
Charles: Dolphins
Justin Fields is playing better, but this screams a 10-point win for Miami.
Caroline: Dolphins
If this was like a 7.5-point spread, I might go with the Bears. But, it’s not, so…
9
Chargers at Falcons (+3)
Prince: Falcons
Chargers are so banged up. I’ll take the points.
Blake: Falcons
Points and even money on a home team that’s 6-2 ATS? Sold.
Charles: Falcons
Bet on Atlanta covering — their style of play continues to keep games close.
Caroline: Chargers
Atlanta will keep it close, but Chargers win it late.
10
Seahawks at Cardinals (-2)
Prince: Seahawks
I’m rolling with the best quarterback in the NFC West.
Blake: Seahawks
Not trusting Kyler during Call of Duty season.
Charles: Seahawks
Geno Smith, QB of a feisty playoff team. Wild!
Caroline: Seahawks
Much like the Seattle Mariners, I’m here for a fun Seattle team.
11
Rams at Buccaneers (-3)
Prince: Rams
Taking the points because these offenses stink.
Blake: Buccaneers
Feels like this is a make or break game for Tampa’s season and Tom Brady.
Charles: Rams
I worry about Brady against the Rams’ defense.
Caroline: Rams
Man, if you had told me that this game was going to be this uninteresting at this point of the season, I would have called you a liar.
12
Titans at Chiefs (-12.5)
Prince: Titans
I don’t know. This could also be a 30-point blowout, but I think the Titans hang around if Ryan Tannehill plays.
Blake: Chiefs
Sooner or later the Titans are going to have to throw the ball to keep up with Kansas City and that creates its own set of problems.
Charles: Titans
You know what? The Titans play teams close, even teams like the Chiefs. That’s a surprisingly large spread. But can I switch this pick if Ryan Tannehill doesn’t play?
Caroline: Chiefs
I hesitated with the spread being that big, but sure. Let’s go Chiefs.
13
Ravens at Saints (+3)
Prince: Ravens
I think Baltimore might go on a little run here.
Blake: Ravens
Another perfect stage for Lamar to show off.
Charles: Ravens
I think Baltimore’s figuring it out!
Caroline: Ravens
Even though it’s on the road, I’m going with Lamar Jackson.
