Week 9 takes some big teams off the board. The defending champs won’t be suiting up, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two others will get a break.

It should still be a festive week for football fans and anyone who wants to bet on NFL games, as we are now at the mid-season point. Teams typically are who they say they are at this stage of the year, which should help us place some winning bets, and also nudge us in the right direction when betting on the Super Bowl.

Week 8 in the NFL was a ton of fun, so let’s cross our fingers and hope week nine is half as good. I’ll run through each game’s odds and matchup history and close things out by offering my winner prediction for every contest.

NFL Week 9 Schedule

NFL Week 9 Odds

The NFL odds for week nine look pretty good on paper. We have several marquee matchups, with a huge NFC North clash between the Vikings and Lions being one of the more intense battles of the week.

This could be a good week for targeting some NFL underdog picks, too. The Miami Dolphins, for instance, are interesting +190 underdogs at home, while a division rivalry featuring the Vikings and Lions could produce an upset.

As for as surprising week nine NFL lines, Green Bay opens as a touchdown favorite at home against Carolina, while the Rams are almost 10-point favorites at home as well. Those are the two biggest NFL week 9 point spreads, with most of the other games looking relatively competitive on paper.

The question, then, is if the two largest spreads of week nine will produce a shocking result, or if bettors should stick to the more tightly priced affairs. My suggestion is to stick with the more competitively priced games at your favorite sports betting sites, but this figures to be a week where just about anything goes.

I’ll take a look at the history of each week 9 and work my way to my preferred pick for each contest. Want extra help with your Week 9 NFL picks? Check out what the best handicappers have to offer before finalizing your wagers.

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NFL Week 9 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 9 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Odds

The Baltimore Ravens head to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins in week 9, giving NFL fans a potentially sweet Thursday Night Football showdown.

Baltimore and Miami have faced off 19 times in their history, with the Ravens leading the all-time series, 11-8. Baltimore smoked Miami the last time they met in 2023 (56-19), but the Dolphins are 4-2 over the last six games.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Predictions

Lamar Jackson and co. perpetually have a leg up on just about anyone they face, but I actually don’t hate the value the Dolphins offer here.

Yes, Miami got smoked in this same matchup a couple of years ago, but Miami does have a ton of speed on the field via Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane, so offensively we know they can bring it.

The kicker for me, of course, is that the Dolphins are +190 home dogs and they’ll need a big win like this to keep pace with the Bills in the AFC East. While a straight up win is far from a lock, I’d be interested in that bet and really like Miami at +5.5, especially with the Ravens hiking down to Miami on a short week.

Bet: Miami Dolphins +5.5 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears head to Ohio to battle the Cincinnati Bengals in week 9. These two sides have met just 12 times in history, with both teams nabbing six wins each.

It’s been a standstill overall, but it’s been all Chicago lately, with the Bears winning each of the last three meetings. Chicago took the last one (20-17), and two of the last three games have been decided by just a field goal.

Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

If we only think about the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals are at home and have a stacked offense featuring Ja’Marr Chase, this game starts to feel like an easy call.

However, Chicago got off to a nice start before crumbling last year. They also have a new coaching staff and evolving talent that promotes optimism on offense, while their defense displayed serious bite a year ago.

Cincy should still take care of business, but don’t be shocked if this one is a bit closer than expected thanks to the struggles the Bengals have had on defense.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals ML (-162)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Odds

The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions give us potentially one of the nastiest battles of week nine. They faced off two times last year, with Detroit pulling away with a win each time out.

Overall, Minnesota owns a massive 80-45-2 edge in the all-time series, so the Lions still have a lot of work to do. Detroit has won five straight and six of seven, however, so they’re well on their way to evening the score.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Predictions

Detroit has clearly had Minnesota’s number lately, and it’s even worse that they’ve been the aggressor when all the marbles are on the line.

Both teams are set to endure a ton of change this year, but the Vikings might be the team that’s harder to trust as they head into life with youngster J.J. McCarthy finally running the show under center.

Minnesota has a shot at an upset just because divisional battles are always predictable – especially in the brutal NFC North – but I still give the edge to the Lions, who were 7-2 at home a season ago.

Bet: Detroit Lions ML (-198)

Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

The Green Bay Packers play host to the Carolina Panthers in week nine, giving us the 19th such matchup in NFL history. Green Bay has dominated the series to this point, as they own a win over the Panthers in an NFC title game, and are 12-6 against Carolina, lifetime.

The Packers won a 33-30 shootout in 2023 and have secured wins in three consecutive meetings with the Panthers. Green Bay is also 6-2 in this series at Lambeau Field.

Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers Predictions

Green Bay is among the group of NFL teams hoping to make a huge splash in 2025, and if they’re to take things to the next level, they need to take care of business in spots like this.

Carolina made some nice moves to boost their chances in the NFC South, so I do worry a bit about the 7.5-point spread. The Packers have a nice home-field advantage and are a dynamic offensive team with a surging defense, but Carolina projects to be a team somewhat on the rise. This series has historically been pretty competitive, too, so money money would be on this being more of a game than many expect.

Bet: Carolina Panthers +7.5 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans Odds

The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans don’t have a rich history, only meeting 10 times prior to their scheduled week 9 clash. 

Denver holds a 6-4 advantage so far, but lost the most recent battle in a tight 22-17 affair in 2023.

Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans Predictions

Both of these teams are playoff hopefuls once again, as they made it to the NFL playoffs in 2024 and will try to keep the good times going. Houston should have a reasonable shot working out of the weak AFC South, but Denver has it tough with the Chiefs in the AFC West.

A 2nd year regression from C.J. Stroud may have the Texans looking like the underdog in a lot of tight matchups like this, but it won’t be by much. Stroud is still a talented young passer, and he’s blessed with several explosive weapons – most notably Nico Collins.

Denver does have some nice weapons of their own, as well as a nastier defense. That said, Demeco Ryans has been an underrated coach since arriving in Texas, and I like the idea of getting them as slight dogs on their home field.

Bet: Houston Texans ML (-105)

Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots Odds

The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots face off for just the 17th time in league history in week 9, with the Pats hoping to add to their 10-6 series lead.

These two teams are best known for the “28-3” Super Bowl comeback (or collapse?), and haven’t met since 2021, when the Pats blanked the Falcons, 25-0. New England has also won seven in a row in the series, and will have the benefit of playing at home in this one.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots Predictions

The Atlanta Falcons have begun a new era with Michael Penix under center, but only time will tell if it will lead to great things. He definitely gets help from stud running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, but there’s no guarantee the Dirty Birds avoid an 8th straight loss in this series.

New England has just as much reason for optimism on the other side, as quarterback Drake Maye looks like the superior prospect compared to Penix, and the arrival of head coach Mike Vrabel gives the Pats a backbone they’ve missed since firing Bill Belichick.

Atlanta has more raw talent, but the Pats are at home in a matchup they’ve owned.

Bet: New England Patriots ML (-162)

San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants Odds

The San Francisco 49ers head to the Big Apple in week nine, where they’ll take on the New York Giants. The two sides have met 43 times in an even series that has the Niners holding a 22-21 edge.

It’s been mostly San Francisco of late, though, as the Niners won the last meeting (30-12) in 2023, and have won three of the last four games in the series.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants Predictions

The 49ers officially handed the keys to their offense to Brock Purdy via contract extension this off-season, and he continues to have the tools to make magic happen.

He should be able to put the likes of Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle to use against the G-Men, even though their already improving defense could be a bit of a problem.

San Francisco has a massive offensive edge, though, as the Giants have Malik Nabers and not much else. This game could end up being closer than expected, but a 49ers win feels like a virtual lock.

Bet: San Francisco 49ers ML (-180)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Indianapolis Colts in week nine, with Indy trying to chip away at an insurmountable 27-8 series deficit. 

Pittsburgh has dominated the Colts overall, but lost the last meeting in a 27-24 nailbiter last year, and have dropped two in a row.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

Aaron Rodgers will try to keep the Steelers relevant in week nine, and by all accounts he should have a good chance to get a win here at home. A-Rod is notorious for playing his best football in front of the home crows, while Pittsburgh grades out as the better team across the board.

Indy has a constantly shaky quarterback situation, so it’s really Jonathan Taylor or bust for them on offense. With the Steelers having the better defense and Rodgers giving them the best offensive balance they’ve had in years, they look like the easy call.

Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

The Los Angeles Chargers battle the Tennessee Titans in week nine, giving fans and sports bettors the 51st meeting in this series.

It’s been all L.A. to this point, as the Bolts hold the 30-19-1 advantage. Tennessee got the upper hand (27-17) in the most recent showdown last year, but the series has been up and down lately, with the two sides splitting the last four games right down the middle.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

L.A. should be the aggressor in this game, even though they are on the road. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has this team as focused as ever, while new rookie running back Omarion Hampton should have plenty of running lanes against this Tennessee defense.

The Titans are going to be a tough team to trust with Cam Ward running the show in his first season, while these squads are simply on opposite ends of the NFL spectrum at the moment.

I’d prefer a wider spread if I was going to give the Titans a lot of love. They could offer solid value as a home dog, but this is definitely one spot where I’ll stick with the favorite.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers -4.5 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

The New Orleans Saints travel to California in week nine, as they gear up to take on the Los Angeles Rams. These two teams combined for one of the most controversial playoff endings ever, and have met an insane 80 times.

L.A. has the 45-35 series edge, and have dominated lately with two straight victories and a 4-1 run over the last five contests.

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

Matthew Stafford continues to lead a stellar Rams offense, which has solid balance and can especially work serious magic down the field with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

L.A. would still be in the mix to get the win here even if Derek Carr were still around, but since he retired, he left the Saints with a sorry quarterback room – and one that won’t be able to hang with the Rams.

Bettors could opt for the YOLO route, but L.A. feels like a slam dunk, even with this big spread.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams -9.5 (-110)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders Odds

The Jacksonville Jaguars visit Sin City this week, where the Las Vegas Raiders await them. Las Vegas got the win in a tight 19-14 clash last year, but this will be just the 12th ever showdown in this series.

Overall, the Jags have the edge with a 6-5 record, while the two sides have split their last four meetings right down the middle (2-2).

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

Both of these teams made positive changes prior to the season, so there is a good amount of optimism for all parties involved. That said, this game is in Las Vegas, and the Raiders have a much more experienced coach and the more appealing roster on paper.

A collection of elite talent featuring Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers gives the Raiders the arguable talent edge, while this is a pretty tight line at home. Give me the value with the home team.

Bet: Las Vegas Raiders ML (-122)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills could pick up right where they left off, when KC edged out the Bills 32-29 in the AFC playoffs.

This has grown into a bitter rivalry, with the Bills holdin the upper hand over the last five games (3-2), but seeing both of their defeats coming in postseason play. The overall record has been just as heated, with Buffalo holding a slim 30-26-1 advantage.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

This is a tough matchup to predict, as the series goes back and forth and these teams are really evenly matched. In addition, the Bills get to play host and they have handled KC well in the regular season.

Kansas City is as dangerous as ever, and getting them as a +114 underdog just isn’t something bettors can say very often. Josh Allen is as dynamic as they come, but he lacks proven studs on offense, and betting against Patrick Mahomes is often a foolish mistake.

In the name of value – and a more explosive Chiefs passing attack – I find it incredibly hard to get away from the KC moneyline.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs ML (+114)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders Odds

The Seattle Seahawks prepare to take on the Washington Commanders in week nine, giving fans a potential fire fight on Sunday Night Football.

Washington was a dynamo in primetime games last year, and they come into this one holding a 13-10 series advantage. The Commanders lost a shootout (29-26) the last time these two sides faced off in 2023, but the series has been back and forth with a 2-2 standstill over the last four meetings.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders Predictions

This is a tough game to call, just because Washington is one of those teams that could regress a bit in 2025. They had numerous close calls last year, whereas the Seahawks arguably upgraded under center with the arrival of Sam Darnold.

Whatever happens, a shootout appears to be in the cards, and a close game can be expected. A Commanders win at home is still likely, but I think Seattle can keep it interesting under the bright lights.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks +5.5 (-115)

Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds

The Arizona Cardinals head to Big D to take on the Dallas Cowboys, with the two facing off on Monday Night Football.

Arizona and Dallas have faced each other a whopping 92 times, which is thanks to previously residing in the NFC East division together. Dallas has the upper hand with a 56-35-1 series record, but they’ve struggled lately, going just 1-4 over their last five games against the Cards.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys Predictions

While the Cardinals have run the show in this series lately, I think Dallas hits back and gets the win here. They look like a solid value bet at home with the entire nation watching, and they should be a lot better than they were a year ago.

A healthy Dak Prescott helps them out considerably, while an aggressive defense featuring Micah Parsons could give Kyler Murray trouble. Both of these teams offer upside on offense, but Dallas at -122 feels like a steal.

Even if you disagree, this game should have some fireworks. With a healthy 47.5 game total, this could be a nice spot to target some NFL player prop bets this week.

Bet: Dallas Cowboys ML (-122)

NFL Week 9 Best Bets

You can pick and choose with Week 9 NFL picks you use, but these are my favorite Week 9 NFL bets:

• Detroit Lions -198
• Carolina Panthers +7.5 (-110)
• Kansas City Chiefs +114
• Dallas Cowboys -122

This may or may not have the makings of one of the best NFL parlays for week 9, but these are undeniably my four favorite bets for this week.

I’ll kick things off with the Detroit Lions moneyline. They were in the NFC title game two years ago and many felt they were a Super Bowl lock going into last year. Despite going through some rough changes this past offseason, they’re equipped to once again crack some skulls.

Naturally, I like them at home, where they were tough to beat in 2024, and a date with a Vikings team they know (and have owned) makes them a terrific bet to get the win.

If you’re betting against the spread in week nine, start with the Panthers at +7.5. It isn’t that I like them to win or that Green Bay is bad. But the Panthers are better than anyone expected them to be, and winning by a touchdown in the NFL simply isn’t easy.

Betting against Kansas City is another no-no for more. The Bills are certainly the team to convince me to do so if I were going to stray from Patrick Mahomes, but +114 for the Chiefs is too good to pass up.

Lastly, the Cowboys are at home on MNF and the Cardinals are narrow dogs. Dallas looks way better than they did without their fearless leader last year, and AZ just isn’t a team I ever trust.

You can use this list of week 9 NFL picks together or as solo bets, and of course, you can use any of my week 9 NFL predictions to place some bets.