Inferno’s NFL Week 9 Picks
Denver Broncos 24 vs. 18 Atlanta Falcons Inferno’s Pick: Broncos
The Falcons have the better offense, but their defense just can’t be trusted with a lead. Also the Bronco defense has a slight edge as they allow a mere 5.3 yds per play and hold opponents to 48 percent scoring rate while in the red zone.
Seattle Seahawks 24 vs. 27 Buffalo Bills Inferno’s Pick: Bills
Outstanding quarterback matchup between Russell Wilson and Josh Allen in New York. Both teams have pretty evenly matched defenses, however, Seattle has some key injuries to their secondary this weekend. This game will be hard fought, but in the end the Bills will steal a win at home.
Chicago Bears 21 vs. 28 Tennessee Titans Inferno’s Pick: Titans
On paper this looks like a pretty even matchup, however, the Titans are better coached, more aggressive and more productive while in the red zone- 79 percent success rate. “Da Bears” are talented, but their offense just hasn’t found their rhythm yet. Titans take this one.
Baltimore Ravens 28 vs. 24 Indianapolis Colts Inferno’s Pick: Ravens
While the Baltimore defense has shown huge signs of vulnerability the past few weeks, this is the week they regain their confidence against the Colts’ veteran quarterback, Philip Rivers. The Ravens’ defense is relentless and can easily prey on Rivers’ lack of mobility in the pocket. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson needs to keep the Colts’ defense off-balance with his legs to open up the passing game.
Carolina Panthers 21 vs. 31 Kansas City Chiefs Inferno’s Pick: Chiefs
Panthers’ running back Christian McCaffrey will be back in the starting lineup this weekend, but I doubt he will be able to hit the ground running right away. The Panthers’ offense is creative, but the Chiefs defense is experienced and fast enough to counter Carolina’s schemes. Not to mention, Kansas City has the NFL’s kryptonite, Patrick Mahomes, under center. Worse case scenario, Mahomes bails the Chiefs’ defense late in the game.
Detroit Lions 20 vs. 28 Minnesota Vikings Inferno’s Pick: Vikings
After a huge road victory at Lambeau Field, the Vikings are entering this game with some serious momentum. Their defense looks sharp, but it is their offense that has been sloppy— despite a breakout performance last week. It’s worth noting that Minnesota has a mere 39 percent third down conversion rate. The Vikings will need to convert on third down to give their defense a break and keep Detroit’s Matthew Stafford and Adrian Peterson off the field.
New York Giants 24 vs. 21 Washington Inferno’s Pick: Giants
The Giants are due for a breakout performance. Giants take this on the road.
Houston Texans 20 vs. 23 Jacksonville Jaguars Inferno’s Pick: Jaguars
Frustration continues to boil in the Texans’ locker room and it appears as though the team may have just decided to pack it up and try again next season. Jacksonville will take this one at home by a small margin.
Las Vegas Raiders 28 vs. 24 Los Angeles Chargers Inferno’s Pick: Raiders
Ideally, we would pick the Chargers, but their defense is the AFC equivalent of the Atlanta Falcons defense— can’t be trusted with a lead. Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert will be challenged by the aggressive Raider secondary and will need to create plays with his legs. Needless to say, the Raiders will win because the Chargers can’t seem to win close games anymore.
Pittsburgh Steelers 34 vs. 21 Dallas Cowboys Inferno’s Pick: Steelers
No contest. Steelers stay perfect.
Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals Inferno’s Pick: Cardinals
Kyler Murray is enjoying a breakout season and it appears that he will continue his dominance this weekend at home against the Dolphins. Sure, Miami has “Tua Time” but his NFL debut was less than stellar. Also, the Cardinals offense (76 percent) is more effective in the red zone than the Dolphins (60.7 percent). On the other hand, Arizona’s defense has held opponents to 44.44 percent success rate while in the red zone, whereas Miami’s defense has allowed their opponents to accumulate a 68 percent success rate.
New Orleans Saints 24 vs. 34 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday Night Football) Inferno’s Pick: Bucs
Two future hall-of-fame quarterbacks will square up in Tampa Bay on national television, but it’ll be Tom Brady who will have the edge over Drew Brees. Michael Thomas is still questionable for the Saints, which limits Brees’ options on third down. Not to mention, it doesn’t help that the Saints’ offense is so methodical and predictable. Tampa has a tremendous defensive unit and specializes in neutralizing opponent’s running game. Meanwhile, Brady’s offense is absolutely stacked. Sure, wide receiver Chris Goodwin may be questionable, but Tampa just added Antonio Brown to their repertoire. Look for Brady to turn in a stellar performance tonight on national television.
New England Patriots 28 vs. 18 New York Jets (Monday Night Football) Inferno’s Pick: Patriots
The Patriots have struggled tremendously on offense this year, but this should be the game that Cam Newton and Co. bounce back. The Jets have failed to win a game this year and are in desperate need of help on offense and defense. If Newton can protect the football, the Patriots will cruise to a road victory.