Week 9 of the NFL season brings us one of the worst matchups of the year in Jets-Dolphins. That is must-not watch TV. There is plenty of other solid action and expect lots of great offensive performances and some highlight defensive efforts among 11 bold predictions.
Lions and Raiders will light up scoreboard
This one feels like it could turn into an old-fashioned AFL contest. High-scoring, lots of offense, especially plenty of passing with Matthew Stafford and Derek Carr in control. Someone on Detroit — is it Marvin Jones Jr.’s turn? — will have multiple TD grabs. Don’t be stunned to see more than 60 points and 650 yards through the air in what will be a fun day in the Bay Area.
The Eagles will beat the Bears by a field goal
This would be fitting after the teams met in the playoffs and the double-doink sunk Chicago. It isn’t going to be a flubbed kick that will send Chicago to its fourth straight loss. It will be a Jake Elliott kick. Oh, and if you are counting, another loss would give the Bears more than they had in 2018.
Chargers will pop the Packers
Ken Whisenhunt has been dismissed. And to show everyone how he was the problem — which he wasn’t — Philip Rivers and the Chargers’ offense will come to life against Green Bay. Look for Rivers and Aaron Rodgers to go for close to a combined 700 yards and a handful of TD pass but the Bolts will improve to 4-5 on a late score by Keenan Allen.
Redskins-Bills will go over
Washington heads to Buffalo and the over/under total is 36.5, which is the lowest in the NFL this season. The previous low was the 37 combined points projected for the the Denver-Jacksonville game in Week 4 and the Chicago-New Orleans game in Week 6. History suggests the low under is begging for an “over” wager. The Bills might have to do it on their own if Bill Callahan has to start Dwayne Haskins.
One of the two unbeatens will fall
It might look like the Patriots are more vulnerable than the Niners since they play Baltimore and SF faces Arizona. Not quite sure that will hold up as the Patriots’ defense should prevent a huge challenge for Lamar Jackson. A short weak and a banged-up backfield could present issues for the Niners. Don’t be stunned when one or both take a tumble.
Chiefs won’t lose fourth straight at home
The last time KC lost four straight home games was 2012 when Romeo Crennel was its coach and the season finished 2-14. That was the year befor Andy Reid arrived the Chiefs’ renaissance occurred. Minnesota is playing well and is due to get derailed.
Broncos will stymie Baker Mayfield 
AP Photo/David Richard
The Browns head to the Mile High City. Denver has all sorts of QB issues. The Browns have them, too. While Cleveland needs to get out of Denver with a victory, it won’t be simple against Vic Fangio’s defense, which is stingy. A rookie free agent vs. a Heisman winner at QB should be a no-contest. However, the misbehaving Browns are going to make sure it becomes one.
Ryan Tannehill will outduel Kyle Allen
At the start of the season, this looked like a matchup of Heisman winners Marcus Mariota and Cam Newton. The Titans and Panthers give us Ryan Tannehill and Kyle Allen, instead. The former Dolphin will lead Tennessee to its third straight win under his direction as Allen is unable to rebound from Sunday’s shellacking by the Niners.
Seahawks will pick 3 Jameis Winston passes
Speaking of falling Heisman winners, look for the Seattle defense to give Jameis Winston more trouble. He’s had issues finding his teammates for the past few weeks and it won’t get easier with the loud Seattle crowd behind the Seahawks. Look for three passes to be picked of as the Seahawks advance to 7-2.
Daniel Jones will have multiple fumbles
Daniel Jones has a problem. He’s shown ability since taking over for Eli Manning. However, the rookie from Duke can’t seem to hang onto the football. He has already fumbled eight times. Expect that to reach double digits as the Dallas defense will harass Big Blue.
Jets-Dolphins will be stunningly awful
If you don’t know what to expect when these sad-sacks get together, don’t expect much. Neither team’s offense has a “drive” gear, and both defenses are susceptible to astonishing incompetence. See the third-and-20 play by Pittsburgh against Miami on MNF that turned into a Steeler TD. This is only the first — worst — round of two for the AFC East flops. However, there is the possibility of a game that will be more awful: Dec. 22, the Bengals visit Miami. Cheer for the Jets to take both games against the Dolphins, so we could be looking at a winless battle as a gift before Christmas.
