Week 9 NFL Picks and Projections: Cardinals and Cowboys Battle
By Paul Novak
Each week our panel of Editors, Paul Novak and Mitch Quesada, and Writers Richard Riley, Colin Floyd, Kenny Jackson and Thomas Oide give their NFL picks and projections for the upcoming week of the regular season. Continue on to find out why each staff member picked the way they did.
Paul Novak
Prediction: Broncos defeat Patriots
Why: The Peyton Manning and Tom Brady rivalry continues and this time, Manning has a complete team behind him. Look for the Broncos to route the Pats on their own home turf.
Prediction: 49ers defeat Rams
Why: I’d like to pick the Rams here, especially with STL playing tough games against their divisional opponents. The 49ers had the Bye Week to prepare and I don’t think they’ll lose at home after so much rest.
Mitch Quesada
Prediction: Cowboys defeat Cardinals
Why: The last time the Cardinals played a decent team on the road, they lost to the Broncos. I know Dallas lost to Washington, but great team’s lose sometimes and I don’t expect the Cowboys to drop two in a row at home. For now, they are real.
Prediction: Dolphins defeat Chargers
Why: The Dolphins have the 3rd-best pass defense in the league, and it might be one of the few able to contain Philip Rivers. Miami has won three of their last four and should have beat Green Bay which would have given them a four-game win streak. The red-hot Dolphins will win this one in the upset of the week.
Colin Floyd
Prediction: Cardinals defeat Cowboys
Why: These are the two hottest teams in the NFC right now. The best rushing attack going up against the third best rushing defense. I think Dallas loses two games in two weeks because the Arizona front seven hold DeMarco Murray to under 100 yards for the first time all season.
Prediction: Chargers defeat Dolphins
Why: If you had seen this matchup a year ago it would have looked subpar, but thanks to both teams’ respective resurgences, the league’s third-ranked pass defense takes on Phillip Rivers and Co. for what promise to be a close one.
Kenny Jackson
Prediction: Saints defeat Panthers
Why: The Panthers disappointing defense will not be able to stop a Saints offense that may have found it’s footing last week.
Prediction: Ravens defeat Steelers
Why: The Steelers erratic season continues with a loss at home to a division rival.
Thomas Oide
Prediction: Patriots defeat Broncos
Why: When the lights shine brightest, Tom Brady, not Peyton Manning, is always the guy who shows up.
Prediction: Colts defeat Giants
Why: The Colts just lost last week. Andrew Luck NEVER lets the Colts lose two games in a row, especially at the midseason.