Justin Herbert
Let's make some serious cash with FantasySP's Week 9 edition of NFL best bets!
Week 9 started with a bang as Jonathan Taylor and Carson Wentz led the Indianapolis Colts to a convincing 45-30 victory over the injury-riddled New York Jets. The standings are beginning to shape up across the NFL and no team in the AFC has pulled away. The 4-5 Colts are very much still in the picture, although the 2-6 Jets should begin thinking about next season. As the postseason picture begins to become more clear, it's time to gear up for this week's edition of NFL best bets. It takes a lot of energy and research to have success over the course of a season when it comes to sports betting. Over the last three weeks, we are 9-6 with our picks. Let's make some real money in Week 9. Here at FantasySP, we are committed to helping you cash. Remember, if you win 55% of your bets, you are a really good gambler. We are looking at some eye-opening odds this week and will help you decipher the best games to place your money on, whether it's moneylines, over-unders, or prop bets. With that, let's dive in.
WEEK 9 NFL BEST BETS
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-6)
Although the Saints lost Jameis Winston for the season, third-stringer Trevor Siemian filled in admirably during last week's upset victory over Tom Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champs. Despite the fact that Taysom Hill is expected to suit up this week after dealing with concussion symptoms, Sean Payton has named Siemian the starter. Still, Hill is expected to see some snaps and will be rotated in depending on the game flow. New Orleans' strength isn't their passing game anyway, so the starting quarterback doesn't make an enormous difference to me. Siemian proved that he can manage a game enough to get a victory. The Saints' strengths are the running game, featuring Alvin Kamara and the newly acquired Mark Ingram, as well as their defense. Marcus Lattimore is going to shut down whoever he lines up against. But it won't be Calvin Ridley.
The Atlanta Falcons will be without their superstar wideout, who has stepped away from the game to focus on personal problems. The Falcons have been pretty atrocious on both sides of the football, but I do expect this game to be closer than one might expect given each team's respective records. Nonetheless, I'm comfortable placing my money on the Saints in this clash of NFC South rivals. The Saints play very well on their home field and the Falcons are 4-6 as underdogs against the spread over their last 10 contests. The Saints should have no problem covering the six-point spread.
The Pick: Saints (-6)
Prediction: 24-14 Saints
Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys (-10)
This game's spread has sky-rocketed since opening at 4.5 points. Dallas is coming off an impressive primetime victory over the Minnesota Vikings with Cooper Rush under center. Now, they get superstar quarterback Dak Prescott back into a loaded offense featuring Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and CeeDee Lamb. Plus, Dallas should expect Michael Gallup back from Injured Reserve after a several-week absence.
On the other side of the ball, the Denver Broncos may have given up on their season by trading away pass rusher Von Miller. And even though Denver has Jerry Jeudy back in the lineup, second-year tight end Noah Fant will be inactive after testing positive for COVID-19. It's hard to imagine Denver's dink-and-dump offense keeping up with the high-powered Cowboys. Although the spread if a bit loft, Dallas should have no problem taking care of business in Jerry World. They are 9-1 in their last 10 contests against the spread.
The Pick: Cowboys (-10)
Prediction: 37-24 Cowboys
New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers (+3.5)
This game's spread has been changing throughout the week due to the uncertainty of Sam Darnold's availability for the Panthers. Darnold is highly questionable due to a shoulder injury and concussion symptoms. Even if he is able to play, he has been on a massive downward spiral since Carolina's miraculous 3-0 start to the season. The Panthers have lost four of their last five games and even though they might get Christian McCaffrey back, it's doubtful that CMC will be at full strength. And nobody wants to see P.J. Walker starting at quarterback for the Panthers if Darnold is unable to suit up.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have been playing quite well despite the fact that rookie quarterback Mac Jones is coming off his worst performance of the season. After eclipsing 300 yards and tossing two touchdowns without turning the ball over in Week 7 against the Jets, Jones only managed 218 scoreless passing yards against the Chargers last week. Although it was ugly, New England escaped with their second consecutive victory and have salvaged their season. This is a must-win for both teams and it's hard to envision Bill Belichick not finding a way to defeat the undermanned Panthers.
The Pick: Patriots -3.5
Prediction: 26-20 Patriots
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Las Vegas Raiders at New York Giants (+3)
The G-Men have played well this season despite their 2-6 record. They were an offsides penalty away from upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football last week. They also have very close losses to Washington and Philly this season. Daniel Jones has played well despite the lack of Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay for much of the season. The G-Men will again be without Barkley, who is on the COVID-19 list, and Sterling Shepard will also be out, but the Giants will get Golladay back, and rookie Kadarius Toney has emerged as a significant threat whenever he touches the ball. Plus, this is a revenge game for Devontae Booker. With Barkley inactive, Booker will be the featured back and should do some damage in both the running and passing game.
The Raiders are probably the weakest 5-2 team in the National Football League. Emotions have to be high after the recent news regarding Henry Ruggs. Derek Carr's top wideout won't be on the field so it will be up to Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and Bryan Edwards to carry the Vegas pass catchers. Vegas is only 4-6 against the spread as favorites and I don't think they are nearly as good as their record suggests. Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham did an excellent job slowing down Patrick Mahomes in Week 8, and I think he'll do the same against Carr in Week 9. However, I think the Raiders will narrowly avoid the upset loss. But they won't cover the spread.
The Pick: Giants +3
Prediction: 28-26 Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles (+1.5)
After suffering a backbreaking defeat to New England last week, now is the time to place your wagers on Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Yes, the Chargers have not looked quite as dominant as of late and the Eagles are coming off a 44-6 thrashing of the winless Detroit Lions. However, you aren't going to get many opportunities to bet on the superior team while laying less than a field goal. I'm placing multiple units on this one. I think the Chargers emerge victorious fairly easily in this one.
The Pick: Chargers (-1.5)
Prediction: 31-23 Chargers
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