{"id":34827,"date":"2021-11-04T11:40:27","date_gmt":"2021-11-04T01:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=34827"},"modified":"2021-11-04T11:40:28","modified_gmt":"2021-11-04T01:40:28","slug":"2021-nfl-week-9-tips-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2021\/11\/2021-nfl-week-9-tips-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 NFL Week 9 Tips & Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve officially reached the midway point of the NFL season as we look ahead to another exciting 14-game slate.<\/p>\n

The Colts basically have their entire season riding on Friday\u2019s game against the Jets, while Monday\u2019s slate features an important early window matchup between the 4-4 Patriots and Panthers.<\/p>\n

The primetime slot could turn into a high-scoring thriller when the Titans and Rams meet in Los Angeles, followed by a must-win game for both the Bears and the Steelers on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Week 9 holds plenty of playoff implications, and you can find our tips for every game in our preview below!<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Colts to Cover the Line (-10.5 Points) @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Jets pulled off one of the upsets of the season last week over the Bengals thanks to an unexpected 400-yard, three-touchdown game from backup quarterback Mike White.<\/p>\n

The Colts, meanwhile, blew a healthy lead for the second week in a row, this time against the Titans in a crucial divisional game they really needed to win.<\/p>\n

The euphoria surrounding White\u2019s performance last week has swept over New York, but it\u2019s hard to read too much into one game against what was always a very questionable Bengals secondary.<\/p>\n

Instead, I like the Colts to cover the double-digit spread.<\/p>\n

The turnover-prone Carson Wentz is a liability under centre, but I think Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines can put up some big numbers against a Jets defence that is allowing an average of 115 yards on the ground.<\/p>\n

In their last four games, the Colts have blown leads to the Titans and Ravens with wins over the Texans and Niners sandwiched in between. They haven\u2019t been as bad as their record suggests, and I think they\u2019ll keep their season alive in this must-win game.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Jets @ Colts<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints <\/div>\n
Tip: SGM: Back the Saints to Win & Under 42 Total Points @ $2.82<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The NFC South has gotten a little more interesting following the Saints’ upset over the Bucs last week.<\/p>\n

Both teams now have two losses on the season, but New Orleans might be able to tie things up atop the division with a win over the Falcons on Monday.<\/p>\n

Atlanta had its two-game winning streak snapped last week at the hands of Carolina, and Falcons fans won\u2019t feel particularly confident about this game knowing they\u2019ve lost three straight to the Saints dating back to 2019.<\/p>\n

James Winston\u2019s season-ending knee injury does make this game a little more interesting, but I don\u2019t think his absence is enough to sway this one in favour of the Falcons.<\/p>\n

Head coach Sean Payton is a whiz when it comes to coaching backup quarterbacks, and with Trevor Siemian showing last week that he can hang in the pocket and complete some basic throws, I still think the Saints are in good hands.<\/p>\n

Lastly, the Falcons are also missing Calvin Ridley indefinitely due to mental health concerns, which has made the opposing defence’s job much easier as they focus on Kyle Pitts.<\/p>\n

With the Falcons averaging just over 20 points a game, I\u2019m firmly with the Saints.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Falcons @ Saints<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Cowboys to Cover the Line (-10 Points) @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Cowboys have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league, and they should be able to boost their playoff chances with a win over the struggling Broncos this week.<\/p>\n

Denver scraped in with a seven-point win over Washington last Monday to snap a four-game skid, but with the injury list a mile long and the offence struggling to find points, a win on the road in Dallas looks close to impossible.<\/p>\n

The Cowboys, on the other hand, are in a very good spot with Dak Prescott likely returning from a calf injury that kept him on the sidelines last week against Minnesota.<\/p>\n

The Dallas offence is operating at a very high level right now, while the defence has been almost impossible to run and throw against.<\/p>\n

With Denver\u2019s pass rush also looking much weaker following the Von Miller trade, I\u2019m with the Cowboys to cover and make a statement.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Broncos @ Cowboys<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
New England Patriots @ Carolina Panthers<\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Patriots 1-13 @ $2.30 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Patriots take their perfect 3-0 record on the road to Carolina this week in what is a big game between two 4-4 sides.<\/p>\n

New England returned to .500 last week with a huge upset over the Chargers, while the Panthers snapped a four-game skid with a victory over the Falcons.<\/p>\n

Mac Jones is in the running for Rookie of the Year, and so long as he continues to do what\u2019s asked of him, I\u2019m happy to be with the Patriots on this occasion.<\/p>\n

New England\u2019s defence is the main concern in this game, but like we saw last week, I\u2019m backing the genius of Bill Belichick to shine through.<\/p>\n

The future Hall of Famer basically made Justin Herbert play left-handed for the full four quarters, and considering Belichick has a ton of experience playing against Sam Darnold, I think we\u2019ll see a similar story unfold.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Patriots @ Panthers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Minnesota Vikings @ Baltimore Ravens <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Vikings to Cover the Line (+5.5 Points) @ $1.94<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

Now at 3-4, the season is quickly slipping away for the Vikings, and they aren\u2019t about to find this week\u2019s game any easier against a well-rested Baltimore side.<\/p>\n

The Ravens likely spent the bye week reflecting on their blowout loss to Cincinnati a fortnight ago, and they should sense the importance of a bounce-back win given the fact both the Bengals and Steelers breathing down their neck in the AFC North.<\/p>\n

Running the ball is going to be tough this week for the Vikings, but I still think they\u2019re in with a chance given how competitive they\u2019ve been on the road this year.<\/p>\n

Minnesota lost in overtime in Cincinnati back in Week 1, and then followed that up with a one-point loss to the Cardinals in Arizona a week later.<\/p>\n

The Vikes also picked up their first road win over the Panthers in Carolina two weeks ago, so recent form suggests this one could turn out to be close.<\/p>\n

Minnesota currently ranks eighth in passing yards offensively, which is a concern for a Baltimore secondary that has given up close to 300 yards per game.<\/p>\n

If the Vikings offensive line can provide a clean pocket for Kirk Cousins, I think they\u2019ll go close.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Vikings @ Ravens<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Bengals to Cover the Line (-2.5 Points) & Over 47.5 Total Points @ $3.70 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Browns and the Bengals both suffered losses last week, adding further drama to what is undeniably one of the most wide-open divisions in the league.<\/p>\n

Cincinnati has opened the -2.5 point favourite with home-field advantage, largely due to Cleveland\u2019s recent injury crisis.<\/p>\n

Kareem Hunt remains on the sideline for this key divisional clash, but the Browns should feel good about the way their defence is playing after holding both the Broncos and Steelers to just two touchdowns.<\/p>\n

The Bengals offence is obviously a much tougher challenge though, especially with wide receiver Ja\u2019Marr Chase in Rookie of the Year form and Joe Burrow finally getting some time in the pocket.<\/p>\n

Cincy\u2019s defence was a big concern in the loss to the Jets last week, but they\u2019ve still been very good against the run this year, holding opponents to under 100 yards a game.<\/p>\n

I think the Browns will go run-heavy with Baker Mayfield less than 100 percent, and while that might keep things close early on, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s a sustainable recipe against this high-octane Bengals attack.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Browns @ Bengals<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Bills to Cover the Line (-14.5) & Over 48.5 Points @ $3.50<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Bills should be able to build on their lead in the AFC East when they meet the Jags in Jacksonville this weekend.<\/p>\n

Buffalo bounced back from the loss to Tennessee a fortnight ago with a convincing 26-11 victory over the Dolphins last week.<\/p>\n

The Bills’ defence gave up only 262 total yards on the day, while they also forced a pair of turnovers against Tua Tagovailoa in his return.<\/p>\n

Buffalo\u2019s defence currently ranks second in takeaways this season, and I think they\u2019ll add to that number against the turnover-prone Trevor Lawrence this week.<\/p>\n

The No. 1 overall pick has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this year, and that trend looks likely to continue with running backs Carlos Hyde and James Robinson listed as questionable on the injury report.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Bills @ Jaguars<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins <\/div>\n
Tip: Over 46 Total Points @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

This game could go a long way to determining who picks first overall in next year\u2019s Draft.<\/p>\n

Despite both teams sporting a 1-7 record, the Dolphins have opened short-priced favourites with Tua Tagovailoa back under centre.<\/p>\n

The lefty completed only 54% of his passes last week for 205 yards in the loss to the Bills, but this does look a nice game for him to get some of his mojo back against a Texans secondary that has basically given up.<\/p>\n

The Houston offence, meanwhile, has anything but.<\/p>\n

The Texans managed to cover the lengthy spread last week in their 38-22 loss to the Rams, and I don\u2019t think Davis Mills will have any trouble picking apart an equally bad Dolphins defence.<\/p>\n

This game is tough to get excited about from a betting standpoint, but I really can\u2019t get the Dolphins anywhere close to their current price.<\/p>\n

Instead, I think we\u2019re in for a high-scoring game based on how poorly both defences have played.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Texans @ Dolphins<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Las Vegas Raiders @ New York Giants <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Raiders to Cover the Line (-2 Points) @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

It\u2019s been another awful week for the Raiders off the field, but they can\u2019t afford to let distractions get in the way with the AFC West very much up for grabs.<\/p>\n

Vegas sits atop the division at 5-2, and they\u2019ve got a very winnable game in hand this week to try and add to that record.<\/p>\n

To be fair, the Giants gave the Chiefs all they could handle last Tuesday before things fell apart inside the final five minutes, but I still think this is a much tougher test against a very underrated Raiders defence.<\/p>\n

Vegas has allowed the ninth-fewest yards through the air this season, while they\u2019ve also proven very dangerous when it comes to forcing turnovers.<\/p>\n

None of that bodes well for the battered and bruised Giants, so with a slim spread on offer, I\u2019m happy to take the Raiders to cover on the road.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Raiders @ Giants<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Los Angeles Chargers @ Philadelphia Eagles <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Eagles to Cover the Line (+1 Point) @ $2.02<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

There\u2019s still plenty of football left to be played, but there\u2019s no doubt this is an important game for the Chargers as far as the AFC West is concerned.<\/p>\n

Back-to-back losses to the Ravens and Patriots has left Los Angeles sitting at 4-3 on the season, and while this week\u2019s game against the Eagles looks winnable, it\u2019s far from a guarantee.<\/p>\n

At 3-5, Philly has plenty to play for themselves, while they\u2019ve also got the momentum of last week\u2019s 44-6 win over the Lions behind them.<\/p>\n

Jalen Hurts was a star last week on the ground, and I think he\u2019ll have no trouble finding space against a Chargers defence that has allowed the second-most rushing yards in the league.<\/p>\n

Speaking of defence, Philly\u2019s pass rush has also been sneakily underrated this season, which doesn\u2019t bode well for Justin Herbert on the back of last week\u2019s struggles against New England.<\/p>\n

Getting into a shootout won\u2019t be ideal, but the Eagles can keep this game close if Hurts and the defensive line have their way.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Chargers @ Eagles<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Packers to Cover the Line (+7.5 Points) @ $1.87<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

We were supposed to get our first Rodgers v Mahomes matchup this week at Arrowhead, but unfortunately Green Bay\u2019s No. 12 has tested positive to COVID and has been ruled out for Monday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n

The virus has swept through the Green Bay locker room over the last two weeks, and while the Pack did well to overcome Davante Adams and Allen Lazard\u2019s absence last week, it\u2019s hard to see them replicating that performance without their gunslinger.<\/p>\n

That said, the Chiefs’ defence is awful, so there is a chance Green Bay at least keeps this game close if Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon can run the ball effectively.<\/p>\n

Kansas City was lucky to survive last week\u2019s game against the Giants, and I also have plenty of confidence in the Green Bay defence to put pressure on Mahomes and force him into another turnover or two.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Packers @ Chiefs<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the 49ers to Cover the Line (+2.5 Points) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Cardinals were handed their first loss of the season last week against the understrength Packers.<\/p>\n

You could call that loss a blessing in disguise with the pressure of a perfect season now over, but a bounce-back win also looks far from a guarantee this week in San Francisco.<\/p>\n

Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, and A.J. Green have all been listed on the injury report for the Cards, meaning they might have to go about this one short-handed.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the Arizona defence is capable of winning this game all on their own \u2013 much like they did when the Cardinals faced the Niners back in Week 5, a game they won 17-10.<\/p>\n

That said, the Cardinals will have to face Jimmy Garoppolo this time around, a quarterback that isn\u2019t short on confidence following last week\u2019s big win over the Bears.<\/p>\n

Overall, this is one of the trickiest games of the week to try and pick, but with Kyler nursing a sprained ankle, I think the Niners can keep this tight.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Cardinals @ 49ers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Tennessee Titans @ Los Angeles Rams <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Rams to Cover the Line (-7.5 Points) @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

There\u2019s no doubt the Rams resemble a Super Bowl contender, but it\u2019s fair to say the Titans are a much tougher task compared to the teams they\u2019ve faced over the last month.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles made short work of the Seahawks, Giants, Lions and Texans through October, but Tennessee is a completely different beast when it comes to scoring.<\/p>\n

The Titans have won four in a row now with a couple of impressive wins over the Chiefs and Bills, while last week\u2019s come-from-behind win over the Colts was full of merit.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Derrick Henry\u2019s untimely injury is going to place enormous pressure on Ryan Tannehill, who so far has looked anything but the guy we saw back in 2019.<\/p>\n

On one hand, I can see the Titans hanging tough for the first half, but I still think the Rams have too many weapons to challenge what is arguably one of the worst defensive teams in the league.<\/p>\n

The Rams are averaging over 400 yards and 30 points a game this season, so unless Tannehill pulls off a miracle, I can\u2019t see them matching the pace for a full four quarters.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Titans @ Rams<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Chicago Bears @ Pittsburgh Steelers <\/div>\n
Tip: Under 40 Total Points @ $1.87<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

This probably won\u2019t be the most exciting Monday Night Football game we\u2019ve ever seen, but it does hold plenty of weight as far as the Wild Card picture in both conferences is concerned.<\/p>\n

The Steelers have rattled off a trio of wins to improve to 4-3, while the Bears find themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum after losing to the Packers, Bucs and Niners in succession.<\/p>\n

Chicago managed to find some points last week against San Francisco, but there\u2019s still a lot left to be desired from rookie Justin Fields and his lack of a supporting cast.<\/p>\n

The Steelers, on the other hand, have looked much-improved defensively, holding each of their last three opponents to 20 points or less.<\/p>\n

To be brutally honest, neither side resembles a genuine playoff contender, but with the Bears’ defence also capable of holding opponents to a low total, I think the Under is probably the best play here.<\/p>\n

The Total has gone Under in six of Chicago\u2019s last seven games, so I\u2019m happy to play it safe and back a low-scoring game.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Bears @ Steelers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve officially reached the midway point of the NFL season as we look ahead to another exciting 14-game slate. The Colts basically have their entire season riding on Friday\u2019s game against the Jets, while Monday\u2019s slate features an important early window matchup between the 4-4 Patriots and Panthers. The primetime slot could turn into a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":24708,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[6725,7000,85,47,48,234,2077,7003,7002,6999,7001,168,72],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-34827","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-football","tag-2021-nfl-season","tag-2021-nfl-week-9-preview","tag-betting","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-betting","tag-nfl-odds","tag-nfl-tips","tag-nfl-week-9-betting","tag-nfl-week-9-odds","tag-nfl-week-9-preview","tag-nfl-week-9-tips","tag-odds","tag-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":null,"md_tip_date_end":null,"md_market_url":"","tip_date":"04\/11\/2021","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34827\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34827"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=34827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}