Packers vs. Patriots Week 9 predictions, picks for every NFL game

Predictions for every Week 9 game, including the Green Bay Packers’ meeting with the New England Patriots.

A week after falling just short against the LA Rams, the Green Bay Packers stay on the road to take on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

If the Packers can pick up a win here it would show they are ready to contend with the best teams in the league.

Will they get back on track in Week 9?

Green Bay (3-3-1) at New England (6-2)

If the Packers defense can play anywhere close to the level of last week’s performance against the Rams, they will have a chance to win this game. Buffalo’s defense did a nice job limiting New England’s offense to just 18 points on Monday night.

Had the Bills been more productive on offense, they might have won the game.

If the Packers can replicate that performance, Aaron Rodgers and the offense should have no trouble putting up points, despite how inconsistent the unit has been so far this season.

Matching the Bills’ defensive effort won’t be easy, though. For starters this game is in New England. And the Patriots offense is averaging 29.9 points per game, fourth-most in the NFL.

We’re yet to see a complete performance on both sides of the ball from Green Bay, which is why the team is 3-3-1 entering this game.

I expect this to be a close game with plenty of points. But like last week, the Packers come close but fall just short on the road.

Pick: New England

Oakland (1-6) at San Francisco (1-7)

This could be the battle for first overall pick in next year’s draft. With backup quarterback C.J. Beathard potentially out of this game due to injury, I’m picking the Raiders on Thursday night.

Pick: Oakland

Chicago (4-3) at Buffalo (2-6)

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Nathan Peterman is expected to start at quarterback for the Bills this week. Peterman has thrown just one touchdown with four interceptions this year. Chicago’s defense has 17 takeaways this season, second-most in the NFL.

Pick: Chicago

Tampa Bay (3-4) at Carolina (5-2)

It’s the return of Fitzmagic for the Buccaneers. Expect Tampa Bay’s offense to be fun to watch, but the Panthers are too strong and will have no trouble putting up points against the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense.

Pick: Carolina

Kansas City (7-1) at Cleveland (2-5-1)

Even with a coaching change, the Browns won’t become the second team to defeat the Chiefs this season. Cleveland is 26th in passing defense and now faces Patrick Mahomes, who has 26 touchdowns already this season.

Pick: Kansas City

NY Jets (3-5) at Miami (4-4)

It’s uncertain whether Ryan Tannehill will return for the Dolphins this week, but even if he does he might not be at 100 percent. I like the Jets in this one.

Pick: NY Jets

Pittsburgh (4-2-1) at Baltimore (4-4)

Baltimore dominated the meeting between these two teams earlier in the season. At home this week, it could be a similar story.

Pick: Baltimore

Detroit (3-4) at Minnesota (4-3-1)

The Vikings have been surprisingly inconsistent so far this season, but they now take on a Lions offense without Golden Tate. Minnesota should be able to run the ball in this game and pick up a key divisional victory at home.

Pick: Minnesota

Atlanta (3-4) at Washington (5-2)

It’s time to take Washington seriously, especially on defense. Despite some inconsistent play on offense, they now get a good matchup against a struggling Falcons defense.

Pick: Washington

Houston (5-3) at Denver (3-5)

Winners of five straight, the Texans look like playoff contenders. Here’s a prediction: Demaryius Thomas scores the game-winning touchdown on his debut. For the Texans… in Denver.

Pick: Houston

LA Chargers (5-2) at Seattle (4-3)

Playing in Seattle is never easy, but the Chargers have won five out of their last six. Their only two defeats? Against Kansas City (7-1) and the LA Rams (8-0). With an extra week to prepare for this game, the Chargers get the win on the road.

Pick: LA Chargers

LA Rams (8-0) at New Orleans (6-1)

The Rams have won eight in a row, the Saints six. The winner here could end up with the NFC’s number one seed. LA has won a couple of close games, but after a slow start to the season New Orleans looks almost unstoppable. Playing at home gives the Saints the slight advantage.

Pick: New Orleans

Tennessee (3-4) at Dallas (3-4)

How big of an impact will Amari Cooper have on the Cowboys offense? Despite giving up a first-round pick, I think he’ll be a good addition for Dallas. Both teams are returning from their bye, but the Cowboys are my pick to win at home.

Pick: Dallas

Last week: 11-3

Season: 73-48