NFL Week 9

We have the biggest in-season matchup in some years with New England at Indianapolis today. Normally an undefeated defending Super Bowl champion would be favored over anyone at home, but the Colts are facing a rampaging Patriots squad that has shown no mercy all season, so we look for another high-scoring affair in Indy today and a Patriots cover.

Meanwhile, in a curious bit of timing, the league's two winless teams, the Dolphins and Rams, have a bye week. Rumor has it the NFL hierarchy has asked both teams to stay home for the remainder of the season.

We went 6-7 in Week 8 and now stand at an abysmal 45-63-7 for the season. On the upside, there's half a season to go. Remember, these picks are for recreational purposes only and are not to be used as the basis for any actual cash wager, unless you have disposable income to fritter away.

SUNDAY
Redskins -3.5 Jets: Despite being obliterated by rampaging Patriots last week, Washington still the better team here. Jets get spark from Kellen Clemens, but Skins put up enough points. Redskins 27-21

Packers +2.5 CHIEFS: Two teams performing ONbeyond expectation thus far, and I see a defensive struggle. Fun stat of the week: Kansas City is the only team Brett Favre has never beaten. And so it shall remain. Chiefs 19-17

Cardinals +3.5 BUCCANEERS: Another fun stat--All four Cardinals road games have been decided by three points or less. Stay with the trend. Bucs 24-21

TITANS -4 Panthers: Carolina a perfect 4-0 on the road this year, but QB situation is iffy with David Carr returning and ferocious Titans DL should wreak havoc. Titans 33-23

FALCONS -3.5 49ers: Go enjoy the foliage. Falcons 27-10

Saints -3 JAGUARS: Quick, name the Jaguars starting QB. Saints can probably still win the NFC South. Saints 27-21

Broncos +3 LIONS: It's November. How is it possible Detroit is favored over Denver? Broncos 30-24

Bills -1 BENGALS: Bills are two last-second FG's from being 5-2 and in playoff contention. They're 4-0 at home ATS and should grind it out against NFL's 31st ranked defense. Bills 23-20

Chargers -7 VIKINGS: Chargers played so well following Southern California wildfires, Norv Turner plans pregame locker-room bonfire. Chargers 37-13

BROWNS -1.5 Seahawks: Cleveland quietly becoming offensive juggernaut. APB out on Shaun Alexander. Browns 34-14

RAIDERS -3 Texans: After enjoying the foliage, it's time to rake the leaves. Raiders 28-24

Patriots -5 COLTS: Tom Brady eats Peyton Manning's lunch then has dinner with Giselle Bundchen. Some guys are just blessed. Still perturbed over Videogate, Belichick performs mock ritual killing of Eric Mangini during halftime show. Patriots 37-31

SUNDAY NIGHT
EAGLES +3 Cowboys: Eagles rally to win one for Andy Reid's junkie sons. Meanwhile, now more than ever, The Olbermann Rule is in effect, after the star NBC newsman smeared Rudy Giuliani this week. How much longer does this man stay on the payroll? Eagles 17-16

MONDAY NIGHT
STEELERS -9 Ravens: Spread seems a little high, but Baltimore just can't score plus they're 1-6 ATS. Steelers do enough and Ray Lewis whines some more. Steelers 27-13