Week 9 Predictions: Welcome Back New England

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I don't know about everyone else, but I hate the bye week. It feels like a month has passed since the Patriots last played. It is time for the Patriots to get back to work. Here are this weeks picks.

Patriots 34 Dolphins 14

Will Joey Porter finally stop with the whole spygate thing? Get over it already. Unlike Joey Porter, Brady and crew will do their talking on the field. The Patriots will score early and often, and Miami will not be able to keep up.

Colts 35 Texans 31

The Colts looked vulnerable against the 49ers last week, and Houston has the weapons to put some points on the board. Add in a banged up Colts secondary, and the Texans have a real shot in this one. In the end however, Peyton Manning will do just enough to keep the Colts unbeaten. If this game was in Houston, it might have gone the other way.

Ravens 21 Bengals 13

A month ago the Bengals went to Baltimore and shocked the Ravens. Things will be different this time, as the Ravens defense will step up and shut down Cedric Benson, Carson Palmer and the rest of the Bengals offense.

Cardinals 30 Bears 24

The Cardinals have been the most inconsistent team in the NFL this season. Just when you think they are ready to make another playoff run, they get hammered like they did against the Panthers last week. Expect the inconsistency to continue, but in a good way for Arizona, as Kurt Warner will bounce back from a dreadful 5 int performance with a big game.

Falcons 38 Redskins 10

Matt Ryan looked bad against the Saints on MNF, but the Redskins should not give him anything to worry about. The Redskins have not scored over 17 points in a game this year. The Falcons could have that many by the half.

Bucs 16 Packers 13

This is just a hunch. The Bucs have to win at least once this year right? The Pack has a banged up offensive line, so maybe this will be the week the Bucs defense gets it together. Plus they have had two weeks to prepare. Josh Freeman can't be any worse than Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson. What the heck, I'll give the Bucs the win.

Jaguars 13 Chiefs 10

I was tempted to pick the Chiefs here, as the Jags have been bad defensively. Then I remember the kind of season Matt Cassel was having and though better of it. Maurice Jones-Drew will be big again this week.

Seahawks 23 Lions 6

T.J Houshmandzaheh had words with Matt Hasselbeck last week, but expect these two to hook up several times against a poor Lions pass defense.

Saints 42 Panthers 17

The Saints will make franchise history, going to 8-0 after this one. The Panthers have been better lately, winning 3 of 4, but do you think they really have a chance? Yet another game of 40 plus points for the Saints.

Chargers 34 Giants 21

It is time for New York to panic, as the Giants will lose their fourth straight. The Chargers will be the latest team to put up big offensive numbers against a suddenly struggling Giants defense.

49ers 28 Titans 10

A week ago the 49ers looked solid on defense, holding Peyton Manning in check. This week should be easy by comparison. Vince Young will struggle, and the 49ers will break a three game slide.

Eagles 37 Cowboys 28

Look for the Eagles to get another huge division win. One week after beating the Giants at home, the Eagles will do the same to the Cowboys this week.

Steelers 20 Broncos 10

Josh McDaniels suffered his first career loss last time out in Baltimore. He will now achieve another career first this week - a losing streak.