NFL Week 9, 2024: Is the Season Half Over or Half Started?
It's time for the Chiefs' offense to show up. I say 30+ points this week.
NFL Quick Hitters:
Cowboys - I don’t really give a team credit that gets blown out and in the second half makes a small comeback. The score may look better but the game still wasn’t close. The Cowboys aren’t a talented team. I think a .500 season is the best they can do. I believe they are getting back Parsons and Ron Bland back so maybe the defense will have a little more pop. But neither of those two will help stop the run.
Chiefs - will their offense dominate a game this year? They win but the offense keeps it close. Patrick Mahomes is a winner. The Chiefs are winners. They’ll be the team to beat. Are the team to beat. But I think they will need their offense to beat the Ravens or maybe the Lions in the Super Bowl. First step would be to just go a game that they don’t turn over the ball.
Teams that are done - Cowboys, Bengals, Jags, Raiders (didn’t have a real shot anyway), and the Jets are not playoff teams this year. Their seasons are done. And surprisingly, none of these teams seem to be in a position to make a jump next year. Maybe the Jags. They have a lot of talent. But they will likely fire their coach and start over. Raiders and the Cowboys are years away. Bengals have a great QB/WR combo but the defense is horrific and they can’t run the ball. Plus they don’t pay anyone and are not an organization that seems committed to winning.
Eagles - They’ve looked good since they’ve got their wide receivers back. And winning seems to have solved their chemistry problems. Winning does that. And the Eagles are talented. Very talented. Probably choose the Eagles over the Commanders. They’ll win their division. Don’t think they can beat the Lions. And they are just one wacky loss away from internal strife and turmoil. It’s easy against bad teams. They’ll need to beat the good ones also.
NFL Games: Week 8
Last week’s totals: 11 - 5: Took a couple of flyers last week based on a favorite team or player. Back to hardcore this week.
Season’s totals: 80 - 43
Survivor pick/Lock of the week: (current streak 5) Commanders - Giants are done. They fight hard but you can almost see the entire team deflate when Jones makes a turnover at teh worse possible time. Won’t pick against the Giants again. Not because I think they’re going to win but it’s just too easy to pick against or the Panthers every week.
(Oh, and if you use these picks - or the fantasy lineup at the bottom - to gamble do so at your own risks. I’m a ‘gut feel’ type of picker. I don’t do a computer analysis.)
Week 9: Thursday Night Game
Texans vs. Jets - Texans are banged up. I think the Jets have a chance. It’ll be close but an Rodgers interception in the fourth quarter wins it. Texans win.
Sunday Games
Falcons vs. Cowboys - Cousins can throw but he’s a statue in the pocket. He’s a perfect target for the ‘boys who may be getting back Parsons. Makes it close. But I think the Falcons run it down the Cowboys throat. Falcons win.
Broncos vs. Ravens - Ravens are pissed. They gave one away against the Browns. Ravens bounce back in a big way. Ravens win.
Dolphins vs. Bills - This is a must win for the Dolphins. I think their season was over when Tua went down. They’ll be dangerous week-to-week but are in danger of being done. Bills win.
Saints vs. Panthers - Carr should be back at QB. Should be enough. Saints win.
Raiders vs. Bengals - Bengals win on the strength of their QB. Too little too late though. Bengals win.
Chargers vs. Browns - Winston was lucky to win last week. he gave the ball away but the Ravens just forgot to catch it. Chargers catch the interceptions and win the game. Chargers win.
Commanders vs. Giants - Commanders romp. These are two teams going in opposite direction. Commanders win.
Patriots vs. Titans - Hmm. Going with the home team but this is a pick ‘em. If Drake Maye was starting I’d probably pick the Patriots. Titans win.
Bears vs. Cardinals - Bears are a good, talented, young team. They are learning to win. They’ll be tough for years to come. Cardinals have been on a roll. Feels like they are ready for one of their ugly games. Bears win.
Jags vs. Eagles - Eagles are strong and on a roll and at home. Jags are realizing their season is over. Eagles win.
Lions vs. Packers - Game of the week if Love is healthy and plays. It’s tough to play in GB. Lions are stepping up to the contender role. Lions win.
Rams vs. Seahawks - Rams are always ready to play. They’re well coached. They have talent and a elite QB. But it’s a division game. They know each other. Rams win.
Colts vs. Vikings - Vikings need a win. They get a win. Vikings win.
Monday Night Game
Buccaneers vs. Chiefs - Chiefs get an extra day of prep. I think it’s what their offense needs. Chiefs go a game without turning over the ball. They score 30+. Mayfield turns it over trying to keep up. Win the game. Chiefs win.
My FanDuel lineup: (Last week score 67.2, +$22) Week 9: C. Williams, B. Robinson, D. Montgomery, R. Odunze, Shakir, Harrison Jr., Pitts, Bowers, Commanders.
Season score: +$27
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