Week 9 NFL Preview: Seahawks, Rams, Cardinals, and Bills Face Tough Challenges
We are now entering the back half of the 2023 NFL regular season, with Week 9 set to kick off. The Seattle Seahawks and the rest of the NFC West have had an eventful first half of the season, with the San Francisco 49ers initially looking like the team to beat. However, injuries and inefficiency have exposed some vulnerabilities, and the Seahawks capitalized on this by defeating the Cleveland Browns in a thrilling game-winning drive last weekend. Now, the Seahawks have the opportunity to take a one-game lead over the Niners in the division race, but they face a tough upcoming schedule.
Speaking of tough challenges, the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals will both be making 10AM appearances on the road. The Rams will be hosted by the Green Bay Packers, while the Cardinals will face the Cleveland Browns. These morning road games can be tricky, but both teams will be looking to secure important victories.
One of the most anticipated matchups of Week 9 will be between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. Both teams were expected to be among the AFC’s best, but they have struggled so far this season. The Bills have a 5-3 record, but their losses have come against teams that are not considered top contenders. The Bengals, on the other hand, started the season with a losing record but have shown signs of improvement recently.
Seahawks at Ravens – 10:00am – CBS - O/U 44
The Seahawks will travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, a team they last defeated on the road back in 2015. Since then, both teams have undergone significant changes. The Ravens currently have one of the best scoring defenses in the league, allowing only 15.1 points per game. While the Seahawks have a strong defense of their own, my gut feeling is that the home team will come out on top. The Ravens are favored to win by a touchdown, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
The pick: Under 44 points, Ravens win straight up but the Seahawks cover
Rams at Packers – 10:00am – FOX - O/U 38.5
The Rams and Packers are both facing their own challenges this season. The Rams have undergone major roster changes and are dealing with an aging and injured quarterback. The Packers, on the other hand, are navigating their first official season of the ”Jordan Love era,” but there are concerns about Love’s long-term potential. The Packers are listed as 3-point favorites, but a lot depends on the health of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Ultimately, I believe the Packers will come out on top.
The pick: Over 38.5, Packers win straight up and cover
Cardinals at Browns – 10:00am – CBS – O/U 38
The Cardinals have struggled this season and are considered 9-point underdogs against the Browns. The uncertainty surrounding Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has added to their woes. Meanwhile, the Browns have had a solid season despite their loss to the Seahawks last week. Playing at home gives the Browns an advantage, and I confidently predict a victory for them.
The pick: Under 38, Browns win straight up and cover
Bills at Bengals - 10:00am – CBS – O/U 50.5
The Bills and Bengals were expected to be top contenders in the AFC, but both teams have faced their fair share of struggles. The Bills have a 5-3 record but have suffered losses against teams that are not considered strong opponents. The Bengals started the season poorly but have shown improvement recently. Despite the high over/under of 50.5 points, I believe the Bills have the more complete roster and will come out on top. DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Bills as 2-point favorites.
The pick: Under 50.5 points, Bills win straight up and cover the spread
These are our picks for Week 9 of the NFL season. Stay tuned for more exciting matchups and football action!