Here’s our NFL picks for week 9

Our hope is that Kevin Greene and the Green Bay Packers will be happy with Sunday’s performance. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

As we head into the NFL Week 9, the schedule will once again bring about some interesting games. There will be blowouts. There will be some upsets. And those of us who try to figure out who will win and then go public with our picks will once again be embarrassed with our picks.

So, with that said, here we go with my  picks for this weekend’s games.

Lions at Jaguars: The Lions actually won a game last week to jump back into the NFC North race. With three wins, Matthew Stafford should lead his team over the Jacksonville Jaguars with too much of a problem. But then again that’s what we said about the Packers when they played the Jags last week. The Jags’ defense is decent and their offense nearly doubled the Packers’ last week. They just haven’t figured out how to win games yet. I feel they will give the Lions some issues, but I think in the end it’s Detroit. Lions 23 Jacksonville 17

Ravens vs. Brown: This is a game where defense will rule the day and it may be a game where the Browns finally use their defense to win a game. Yes, this could be one of the bigger upsets on this Sunday. The Ravens come into the game with a 5-2 record facing the Browns at 2-5. But I think the Browns are the best two-win teams in the league. They show it today by dispatching the Ray Lewis-less Ravens. Browns 19 Ravens 16

Bills vs. Texans: On paper, this looks to be a no-brainer. The Texans have continued to show week-in and week-out that they are one of the teams to beat in the AFC. Today will be no different. After the Packers destroyed the Texans a couple of weeks ago, they have continued to show why they are so tough to beat – their defense destroys opponent offensive plans. The Texans make mincemeat of the Bills – Texans 34 Bills 10

Panthers vs. Redskins: If there is a trap game for the Redskins this season, this could be it. Though they are playing at home, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are better than their 1-6 record shows. The Panthers nearly beat the 6-win Bears last week on the road and could easily do the same to the Redskins. Another upset in this one as the Panthers slow RGIII enough to get the win. Panthers 22 Redskins 20

Bears vs. Titans: This is one of those games that I would hope the Bears would lose and for the Packers chances to win the North Division, it’s one Green Bay needs to have the Bears falter. However, I think the Bears find a way to win this one. Most likely with their defense. Bears 17 Titans 13

Broncos vs. Bengals: Peyton Manning will continue to roll with the Broncos as they head to Cincinnati for what should be an easy win. The 4-3 Broncos should have enough offense in this one to get by the Bengals, sending them to a 3-5 record. Broncos 27 Bengals 17

Dolphins vs. Colts: Now this is an interesting game. The Dolphins and Colts both come into the game with a 4-3 record, but the biggest story has been Ryan Tannehill’s knee. Should he not play, the advantage shifts heavily to the Colts. If he does play, it levels the field. Andrew Luck has been everything everyone thought he would be and he will continue to show why he was the number one pick. The Colts win this one at home. Colts 26 Dolphins 20

Vikings vs. Seahawks: The Seattle defense will be the deciding factor in this game as the Vikings’ Christian Ponder continue to implode. Even Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson won’t be able to save the Vikings in this one. Seahawks rookie QB Russell Wilson will again do just enough to put points on the board against a tough Vikings D. Because the Vikings can’t score, this one will be over by halftime. Seahawks 19 Vikings 13

Buccaneers vs. Raiders: The Raiders have been playing better of late, as have the Bucs. This should be a highly competitive game where the winner might be decided by a field goal. In fact, this is a game that might be decided in overtime. I think somehow the Bucs find a way to win this one. Bucs 23 Raiders 16

Steelers vs. Giants: This has got to be the best game of the week. Big Ben marches his troops into New York where the Giants have been beating teams like the Cowboys (twice), Redskins and San Francisco. I think they do it again – dispatching the Steelers by playing will in all three phases. Giants 24 Steelers 21

Cowboys vs. Falcons: Though I think the Falcons aren’t as good as everyone is making them out to be, but this won’t be the week when they get exposed. The Cowboys took the Giants to the brink last week, but couldn’t close the deal. I don’t see them beating the Falcons in Atlanta. The Falcons may blow out the Cowboys in this one. Falcons 34 Cowboys 17

Eagles vs. Saints: The downward spiral of the Philadelphia Eagles continues this week as Drew Brees continues to show why he is one of the best ever. He will cut the Eagles defense to shreds in this one while playing at home. I just don’t think Michael Vick is the answer in Philly and he will take one step closer to the bench with a mediocre performance in this one. Saints 30 Eagles 20

Cardinals vs. Packers: Aaron Rodgers will throw for three TD and the Packers defense will record at least three sacks in this game where the Packers again show why they are serious contenders to win the NFC North. Look for a big day by Clay Matthews and watch as RB James Starks gets a shot at reviving the Packers dormant run game. Packers 28 Cardinals 13

Here is the full schedule for the week …

National Football League Schedule