Last week brought two overtime games, three outings that were decided by at least 20 points, and a rain-filled battle between the Buccaneers and Falcons that Tampa Bay won 16-0 despite not completing a single pass.
That leaves plenty to follow up this weekend — which matchups stand out from what could turn out to be a busy slate of football?
Below, we’ll examine the schedule and discuss our best NFL Week 9 predictions, including picks for winners, spreads, over/unders, team totals, and more on PrizePicks.
Make your NFL Week 9 predictions on PrizePicks now!
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Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction on Spread for NFL Week 9
Time + How to Watch: 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network
The Falcons were done in by the rain last week, failing to score a point in their ugly loss. QB Michael Penix Jr. succumbed to the conditions, finishing with 125 passing yards, 0 TDS, and 4 INTs. Before that poor showing, Penix had just 1 INT over his first five games.
While Penix likely won’t be that bad again in Spain, being away from Atlanta isn’t ideal for the young signal-caller. In 10 career home games, he had 13 TDs, 3 INTs, and averaged 224.2 passing yards. Over 10 road contests, he's mustered 8 TDs, 8 INTs, and averaged 179.7 passing yards.
His completion rate is nearly 10 percentage points lower on the road (55.2%) than it is at home (65.1%).
The Bengals almost lost what should have been an easy matchup against the Titans last week, needing overtime to pull out a 43-36 victory. That was played in Cincinnati, where the team is 2-1. The team is 3-1 on the road, however, with each victory coming by at least 7 points.
Cincinnati’s offense has been locked in during a three-game winning streak, scoring 31+ points in each game. QB Joe Burrow produced 14 total TDs during that span.
With how much Penix has struggled away from Atlanta, the Falcons’ offense might have a difficult time keeping up.
Make your Bengals vs. Falcons prediction for NFL Week 9 on PrizePicks.
Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers Prediction on Spread for NFL Week 9
Time + How to Watch: 1 p.m. ET on CBS
The Panthers had additional time off heading into this matchup following their 27-19 loss to the Packers last week on Thursday Night Football. Over their last two games, they allowed a combined 70 points.
According to RBSDM, they sit 19th in dropback EPA/play allowed and 25th in rush EPA/play allowed for the season.
After a strong start to the current campaign, Panthers QB Bryce Young’s production has been on the decline. Since Carolina’s bye in Week 5, he has 4 TDs and 3 INTs over his last three games.
He didn't complete more than 56.1% of his pass attempts in any of those three matchups, leaving his completion rate for the season at a career-low 58.7%. It might not be helping that he is battling a knee injury that he suffered in Week 3 against the Browns.
With Carolina’s offense already struggling, a matchup against the Broncos might not help the Panthers snap out of their funk. Denver excels against the pass, ranking seventh in dropback EPA/play allowed. A 58.7% completion rate ceded is the second-best mark in the league.
The Broncos’ defense alone could help carry the team to a decisive victory.
Make your Broncos vs. Panthers prediction for NFL Week 9 on PrizePicks.
Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints Prediction on Spread for NFL Week 9
Time + How to Watch: 1 p.m. ET on CBS
The Browns will take the field with a different QB under center this week. With QB Deshaun Watson still in the concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders is in line to start.
We’ve seen Sanders lead Cleveland’s offense before, and the results weren’t pretty. He started the final seven games last season, recording 9 INTs to go along with just 7 TDs. In five of those tilts, he threw for fewer than 200 yards.
The Browns potentially having a compromised offense leaves them in a tough spot on the road against the Saints. New Orleans had a bye last week, so it comes into this matchup well-rested. Starting S Justin Reid, for instance, is back to full participation in practice after sustaining a Week 7 concussion.
The Saints have struggled to be productive on the ground without RB Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring), who remains on IR. However, QB Tyler Shough will still have WRs Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele at his disposal.
Olave has three 100-yard games this season, two of which came at home. Rookie WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday, but he still might not be ready to make his NFL debut.
Even if he doesn’t play, the Saints only being favored by 3.5 points at home seems low given the issues the Browns have at QB.
Make your Browns vs. Saints prediction for NFL Week 9 on PrizePicks.
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The Bengals look to improve on their excellent record on the road when they face the Falcons in Spain during Week 9. The Broncos, meanwhile, could also succeed in their road matchup with the Panthers.
It’s a different story for the Browns, who are down to their backup field general in a difficult road setting against the Saints.
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