Week 9 Picks and Preview
Carolina AT Kansas City
The Panthers have followed up their 3 game win streak by dropping the last 3 to Chicago, New Orleans, and Atlanta. This is not the best time for a trip to Kansas City but here we are. Realistically there’s not much chance of a Panthers win this weekend, in fact it’s likely to get pretty ugly, so for Carolina fans just enjoy the probably return of CMC and look for bright spots among the team’s young core.
What to Watch
Christian McCaffrey is looking to make his first appearance since injuring his ankle in week 2. Although he’s unlikely to affect the outcome of the game much, it’ll be nice to see Carolina’s best offensive player back in action. Expect him to be used in a rotation with Mike Davis, who’s done an admirable job feeling in during CMC’s absence.
Baltimore AT Indianapolis
The Ravens hit the road after a deflating loss to the undefeated Steelers in week 8. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson committed 4 turnovers, the vaunted Ravens defense gave up the lead twice with two long TD drives in the second half, and the offensive line suffered massive losses with the season ending injury to Ronnie Stanley and rookie guard Tyre Philips heading to IR. If that weren’t enough, lock down corner Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19 meaning he’ll miss this week’s game at Indy. Along with Humphrey, 7 other Ravens were placed on the reserves/Covid list as high risk contacts: Tyus Bowser, Matt Judon, Patrick Queen, L.J. Fort, Terrell Bonds, Malik Harrison, and DeShon Elliot. Otherwise known as the entire defense.
With any luck, those 7 players will continue to test negative and will be allowed to play, albeit without any practice. Either way Baltimore will be shorthanded on offense and defense this week but it’s not all bad news, Philip Rivers is still Philip Rivers. The ancient one has 10 TDs to 6 picks this season and heads up a Colts offense that strikes fear in no one. The Colts defense is legit though and with the offensive line and wide receiver issues, Baltimore’s best bet is to continue building on the run game they found in week 8 with Dobbins going for 115 yards and Edwards racking up 87 and a TD. If the Ravens can limit their turnovers and penalties and lean on their stable of running backs, they should be able to survive the uncertainty on defense and get away with a W.
What to Watch
The Ravens defense will not have much practice time this week with multiple starters hitting the reserve/Covid list. The Colts offense is not exactly imposing but it could be tough for Baltimore to be on the same page defensively. Much like the offense, if they can limit their mental mistakes, they should be fine in week 9.
Week 9 Picks (updated Sunday)
Brodny (77-41-1)- GB Atl Seattle Tenn Baltimore KC Detroit Washington Houston LAC Pitt Arizona TB NE
Jose (74-44-1)- GB Denver Seattle Tenn Baltimore KC Detroit NYG Houston Raiders Pitt Arizona NO NE
Eric (60-44-1)- GB Sea Bal Houston Ten KC Wash Minn ATL LV PITT AZ Tampa NE
Jansen (82-36-1)- GB Falcons Seahawks Titans Ravens Chiefs Vikings WFC Texans Raiders Steelers Cardinals Bucs Patriots
Brandi (62-42-1)- GB Atlanta Seattle Chicago Baltimore KC Minnesota Washington Houston Vegas Pitt Arizona Tampa Bay New England