The betting column enters Week 9 with a 21-19 season record after going 3-2 last weekend, leaving it two games over .500 at the season's halfway point. Key misses included the OVER 43.5 in Dolphins-Patriots (New England won 24-19) and Zay Flowers failing to reach 90+ receiving yards after Lamar Jackson's early injury.
Broncos -2.5 at Panthers (-120)
Denver (6-2) travels to Carolina, which has lost its last two games 43-13 and 27-19. The Panthers' offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and Bryce Young's margin for error is minimal against a Broncos pass rush that ranks among the league's best. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman has shown promise and could find the end zone against a weak Carolina run defense.
Drake Maye 1+ Interceptions (-110)
After throwing seven interceptions in his first four weeks, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has just one pick over his last four games with 11 touchdowns. However, he faces a Packers defense that leads the NFL with 15 forced turnovers and 10 interceptions. Green Bay's varied pressure packages and disguised coverages could force a turnover.
Sione Vaki 20+ Rushing Yards (-110)
The Lions' fourth-round pick from Utah had a breakout game in Week 8 with 65 yards on 11 carries against Minnesota. With Jahmyr Gibbs on pace for 463 touches, Detroit may increase Vaki's workload if they build an early lead against Miami. The Dolphins allowed 38 rushing yards to Patriots backup Corey Kiner last week.
Texans at Chargers UNDER 42.5 (-121)
Los Angeles hasn't scored a touchdown in two straight games and has topped 20 points only once this season. Houston's defense, despite underachieving, has talent and comes off a bye. The Chargers' defense ranks seventh in EPA per play and 10th in success rate, defending the middle of the field well where C.J. Stroud prefers to attack. Houston's red-zone struggles and inability to run the ball support a low-scoring game.
Drake London 6+ Receptions AND 80+ Receiving Yards (+112)
The Falcons-Bengals game in Madrid features a favorable matchup for London. Cincinnati allows the second-most passing yards (1,196) and third-highest yards per attempt (9.4) on throws between the numbers — exactly where London thrives. From Weeks 3-7 (excluding games with Cooper Rush at quarterback and a rainy game vs. Tampa Bay), London ranked seventh in NFL yards on such throws. With Michael Penix Jr. starting and no rain forecast, volume and efficiency should be high.
Season record: 21-19. Week 9 straight-up picks: Jaguars over Ravens, Bengals over Falcons, Saints over Browns, Cowboys over Colts, Broncos over Panthers, Lions over Dolphins, Rams over Commanders, Giants over Eagles, Chiefs over Jets, Texans over Chargers, Seahawks over Cardinals, Patriots over Packers, 49ers over Raiders, Bears over Buccaneers, Bills over Vikings.
