As you sort through the remains of your post-October 31st sweets, the NFL presents an action-filled Week 9 schedule. Undoubtedly, the highlight is the continuation of the matchup between signal-callers Allen and Mahomes, with Buffalo hosting Kansas City at their stadium. While this game will command attention in the later part of the day, the earlier games also promise excitement, including Minnesota versus Detroit from the Motor City, New England welcoming Atlanta, and a defensive showdown between Denver and Houston.
Before settling in to savor your favorite chocolate treat, finalize your wagering plans. If the holiday distracted you from focusing on potential winning bets for the weekend, we are here to assist. Below, discover our suggested wagers for Week 9 along with predictions for each game on the schedule.
Teams observing bye weeks during Week 9: Cleveland, New York (Jets), Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay.
NFL odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. Wager on NFL games at FanDuel and obtain $300 in bonus bets with a successful $5 wager.
- Monday, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC | Fubo, accessible via free trial)
Even with Murray still sidelined, Brissett possesses the skill to exploit the Dallas defense. The Cowboys are allowing opposing quarterbacks to achieve a 112.0 passer rating this season, which is the lowest ranking in the league. With Harrison Jr. and McBride available, Brissett has numerous options to inflict damage and potentially upset Dallas.
Conversely, Arizona’s defense is strong. The Cardinals are among the top 10 in opponent passer rating, and if they can limit Prescott and his teammates, it could swing the game in their favor. While Arizona has suffered five consecutive defeats, they have been favorable to bettors during this period, holding a 3-2 ATS record.
Projected score: Cardinals 30, Cowboys 27
The pick: Cardinals +3
- Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox | Fubo, accessible via free trial)
I’ll remain unconvinced until I witness McCarthy’s performance, as he is expected to return this week for Minnesota. This occurs after Wentz was placed on injured reserve, and it’s uncertain if O’Connell is thrilled about playing his young quarterback, but circumstances have forced his hand. Apart from a fourth-quarter play against the Bears in Week 1, McCarthy has played poorly for seven quarters. This includes a Week 2 showing where he failed to lead the Vikings to double-digit points, throwing two interceptions and fumbling three times (losing one).
And now he’s expected to return and face a Lions team entering Week 9 with a four-game home winning streak, each victory by at least 15 points? Detroit is also averaging 36.7 points per game at Ford Field in 2025. Additionally, the Lions are 4-0 ATS as favorites this season, and I anticipate that trend to continue.
Projected score: Lions 33, Vikings 21
The pick: Lions -8.5
Agent’s Take: Did the Vikings miscalculate their quarterback decisions by going all in on J.J. McCarthy?
Joel Corry
- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. (Fox | Fubo, accessible via free trial)
I harbor some reservations about the Jaguars, despite their 4-3 record coming off the bye and their position in the AFC playoff race. These doubts largely stem from Lawrence, who has yet to impress me significantly as a passer in 2025. Currently, Lawrence holds an 80.6 passer rating, which would be the lowest since his initial season. The offensive line hasn’t provided much support either, contributing to his 20 sacks this season. With Crosby poised to cause disruption off the edge, the Raiders have a chance to secure a home victory.
Smith’s performance in 2025 hasn’t been stellar, and he has been playing with limited support due to tight end Bowers’ knee injury sustained in Week 1. Bowers, along with wide receiver Meyers, are expected to return this week, which should invigorate the Raiders’ passing game, particularly against a Jags defense that is allowing 245.7 passing yards per game (ranked 27th in the NFL).
Projected score: Raiders 23, Jaguars 20
The pick: Raiders +2.5
- Sunday, 8:20 p.m. (NBC | Fubo, accessible via free trial)
Daniels is another prominent player set to return this week, potentially boosting the morale of a Commanders team that is 3-5 this year. Will it be enough to secure a win? I remain skeptical, especially against a Seahawks team that is often underestimated. Seattle ranks among the top 10 in the NFL in points scored (27.6) and points allowed (19.4) per game this season, and also holds the third position in yards per play (6.0) and yards per play allowed (4.7).
This could be another game where Washington’s defense struggles. In their last three games, the Commanders have allowed a league-high 32.3 points per game, and opposing quarterbacks have averaged a 111.2 passer rating during this period. The duo of Darnold and Smith-Njigba could excel in prime time. While wagering points on the road is already risky, Seattle is 3-0 straight up and ATS on the road this year.
Projected score: Seahawks 30, Commanders 24
The pick: Seahawks -3
- Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox | Fubo, accessible via free trial)
To what extent does Houston’s improved performance reflect a genuine turnaround, and how much is attributable to injuries affecting the San Francisco 49ers? I anticipate gaining clarity on this matter this weekend, and I lean towards the latter explanation. A significant detail from Houston’s dominating victory last week was that Stroud completed the game without being sacked. It’s difficult to imagine a repeat performance; I expect the third-year quarterback to face pressure, particularly against the Broncos. Denver leads the NFL with 36 sacks this season, surpassing all other teams by 10 sacks.
In addition to pressuring the quarterback, this defense should capitalize on a key deficiency in Houston’s offense: red zone efficiency. Houston is scoring touchdowns on only 42.1% of its red zone opportunities, which is the second-lowest rate in the league. Now, they face a Denver red zone defense that allows touchdowns on just 40% of opponents’ trips, tying for the best in the NFL. This game might be more one-sided than the narrow spread suggests.
Projected score: Broncos 24, Texans 20
The pick: Broncos +1.5
Rest of the bunch
Bears at Bengals
Projected score: Bengals 27, Bears 24
The pick: Bengals +2.5
Panthers at Packers
Projected score: Packers 33, Panthers 17
The pick: Packers -13.5
Chargers at Titans
Projected score: Chargers 28, Titans 14
The pick: Chargers -9.5
Falcons at Patriots
Projected score: Patriots 27, Falcons 20
The pick: Patriots -4.5
49ers at Giants
Projected score: 49ers 24, Giants 17
The pick: 49ers -2.5
Colts at Steelers
Projected score: Colts 30, Steelers 21
The pick: Colts -3.5
Saints at Rams
Projected score: Rams 27, Saints 17
The pick: Saints +14.5
Chiefs at Bills
Projected score: Bills 28, Chiefs 24
The pick: Bills +1.5
