The 2026 NFL season reaches its midpoint with Week 9, featuring several high-profile matchups that have drawn significant attention from bettors and analysts alike. CBS Sports and SportsLine have compiled expert picks against the spread for every game, with the SportsLine Projection Model simulating each contest 10,000 times and showing a profit of more than $5,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since inception.
Key Matchups and Consensus Leans
The New York Giants, leading the NFC East, visit the Philadelphia Eagles as 3.5-point underdogs after a bye week, while the Eagles start a new quarterback. Senior NFL writer Pete Prisco favors the Eagles to cover the spread. In New England, the Green Bay Packers are 3-point underdogs against the Patriots on a weekend celebrating Rob Gronkowski's Hall of Fame induction and Tom Brady's return to Foxborough as a broadcaster. John Breech predicts the Packers will upset New England, citing Green Bay's strong defense and Drake Maye's inconsistency against winning teams. Sunday night features the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Chicago Bears, with Chicago favored by 6 points after acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons; Jordan Dajani backs the Bears to continue their roll.
Notable Expert Selections
Pete Prisco likes the Dallas Cowboys (-6) to rebound against the struggling Indianapolis Colts, and the Seattle Seahawks (-11) to dominate the Arizona Cardinals. Tyler Sullivan favors the Los Angeles Rams (-5.5) over the Washington Commanders, citing Jayden Daniels' recent accuracy issues. Eric Cohen projects the Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5) to blow out the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers (-10) to cover against the Las Vegas Raiders. Zach Pereles recommends the under 42.5 in the Houston Texans–Los Angeles Chargers game, while R.J. White leans toward the under in Monday night's Buffalo Bills–Minnesota Vikings matchup, with Jordan Dajani taking the Vikings +3.5 at home.
With multiple divisional rivalries, prime-time showcases, and a historic Patriots weekend, Week 9 offers a wide array of betting angles. Experts emphasize the value of the SportsLine model's simulations and survivor pool insights for those looking to navigate the slate with confidence.
