Mattie T’s Week 9 NFL Predictions

Time for that Justice League Update!

Last week, i got contributions from just about everyone in my lineup, as it was enough to lift me past SHOW ME YOUR TD’s for a 58-45 win. Not only do i have a 2-game lead in my division, but also a 2-game lead for best record & i lead the league in scoring! Will look to improve to 8-1 & am a 15-point favorite against PLAYOFF SPOILERS 10/11 on Sunday. It’s good that i am racking up wins on a week-to-week basis, because i’m pretty sure that i will see some of these teams again in the playoffs.

Week 8: 7-6

Overall: 68-49 (.581)

Chargers/Texans:

If the Chargers plan to notch their 1st road win of the season on Sunday, they’ll have to do it without Antonio Gates (toe), Malcolm Floyd (hamstring) & Legadu Naanee (hamstring), who are all doubtful for their game against Houston.

Former Tennessee star Kelley Washington was signed by the team this week & could immediately make a big impact against the Texans’ 32nd ranked pass defense.

Philip Rivers is looking for his 6th 300 yard passing game this season on Sunday, which would be a new career-high.

For Houston, they hope that Andre Johnson will be ready to go after he re-aggravated an ankle injury that was suffered during their Week 8 loss to Indianapolis.

I think the Texans’ only chance at a win here is a big game from Arian Foster. Foster has the tools to do it, but i think the Chargers’ offense has a field day as they’ll notch another big win heading into their bye week.

Mattie T’s Pick: San Diego

Cardinals/Vikings:

After a week of controversy & turmoil following the surprising release of Randy Moss, Minnesota will try to get things on the right track on Sunday as they host Arizona.

With Sidney Harvin (knee) not a sure lock to play, look for the Vikings to ride Adrian Peterson against the Cardinals’ 30th ranked run defense.

Bernard Berrian may be asked to step up on Sunday, as he had a great performance 2 years ago in his last game against Arizona.

Minnesota will get a much-needed win and stall off the boo birds…for now.

Mattie T’s Pick: Minnesota

Saints/Panthers:

After a huge win over Pittsburgh in Week 8, New Orleans will look to keep it going against Carolina on Sunday.

They’ll be going for their first season sweep over the Panthers since 2001, and will have both Jabari Greer & Tracy Porter back for Week 9.

With DeAngelo Williams out, Carolina will once again turn to Jonathan Stewart in hopes of getting their struggling offense going against New Orleans’ 16th-ranked run defense.

Look for the Saints to use Chris Ivory often, as it will lead them to a divisional road win.

Mattie T’s Pick: New Orleans

Patriots/Browns:

Could be a possible trap game for New England with a huge Week 10 showdown looming against Pittsburgh.

Tom Brady should finally be able to get it together against Cleveland’s 26th ranked pass defense, as he’s had four straight games in which he’s failed to throw for multiple touchdown passes.

Colt McCoy should have another good start, but the Browns will fall just short in delivering a major upset.

Mattie T’s Pick: New England

Buccaneers/Falcons:

Huge NFC South matchup, which will be for 1st place in the division.

Might be a high-scoring affair with the Falcons’ 27th ranked pass defense going up against the Buccaneers’ 30th ranked run defense.

Tampa Bay will have to find a way to slow down Roddy White on Sunday, as he had a 201-yard receiving game 2 weeks ago & is on pace for 123 catches this season.

In what should be a very close game, i actually trust Josh Freeman more than i do Matt Ryan. Freeman has showed a lot of poise & has not made a lot of mistakes to this point, as Ryan will be taking on a defense that leads the league in interceptions.

Bucs get their 6th straight road win here, but it won’t be easy.

Mattie T’s Pick: Tampa Bay

Bears/Bills:

Buffalo came oh-so-close to finally notching their first win of the season, but fell short as Ryan Succop’s game-winning 35 yd field goal beat them in overtime during Week 8.

The Bears will look to get Matt Forte going on Sunday against the Bills’ 32nd ranked run defense, as they just gave up 274 rushing  yards to Kansas City last week.

Both return men should be worth watching, as Devin Hester & Roscoe Parrish both rank 1st & 2nd respectively in punt returns of 20-yards or more this season.

Even though Buffalo claimed Shawne Merriman off waivers Wednesday, he is not expected to make his team debut on Sunday.

Look for Jay Cutler to also attack a Bills secondary that has just one interception all season, as Chicago picks up a road win in front of the Rogers Centre crowd.

Mattie T’s Pick: Chicago

Dolphins/Ravens:

Baltimore hopes that their bye week can fix an embarassing defensive effort they showed two weeks ago, as the Ravens needed overtime to knock off winless Buffalo 37-34 in a surprising shootout.

Miami has had trouble finishing drives, as Dan Carpenter has booted 10 field goals in his last two games.

This should be very close, but i think Joe Flacco will find just enough cracks in the Dolphins’ secondary to lead Baltimore to a home win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Baltimore

Jets/Lions:

Two of the top draft picks from 2009 (Mark Sanchez & Matt Stafford) will hook up on Sunday for the first time ever, as this game could present a lot of points with the Jets’ 3rd ranked rush offense & the Lions’ 7th ranked pass offense.

Brad Smith could have himself a big game, as Detroit has struggled in special teams’ play & allowed a big return to Washington’s Brandon Banks during their Week 8 win.

The Jets will have to contain Ndamukong Suh, who’s having a solid rookie season with 6.5 sacks so far.

This should be a remotely close game, but the Lions’ inability to stop the run will cost them a chance at a big home upset.

Mattie T’s Pick: N.Y. Jets

Giants/Seahawks:

If the Seahawks plan to beat the Giants on Sunday, they will have to do so without Matt Hasselbeck (concussion), as he’s already been ruled out.

In steps Charlie Whitehurst, who will make his first career NFL start against New York’s 2nd ranked defense.

The Giants’ defense has been a huge part to their 4-game win streak, as they are tied for the NFL lead with 24 sacks.

Eli Manning should be able to have a big day against Seattle’s 29th ranked pass defense, while New York’s defense will do the rest in a big road win.

Mattie T’s Pick: N.Y. Giants

Colts/Eagles:

Could be a shootout with two of the league’s top five offense hooking up against eachother from Lincoln Financial Field.

Michael Vick will return to the Eagles’ starting lineup on Sunday & looks to run wild against the Colts’ 28th ranked run defense, as the team will also use a lot of LeSean McCoy in an effort to keep Peyton Manning off the field.

Despite getting torched by Kenny Britt in Week 7, Philadelphia still has an 11th ranked pass defense & will most likely have Asante Samuel line up against Reggie Wayne, as Samuel is familiar with the Colts from his days in New England.

Manning’s 200th consecutive start will be ruined, as Andy Reid will remain unbeaten following a bye week as the Eagles win a close & high-scoring game.

Mattie T’s Pick: Philadelphia

Chiefs/Raiders:

Big game for Oakland, as a win puts them just a half-game out of 1st place.

They will have to do it without top cornerback Nmandi Asomugha, who suffered a knee injury during their Week 8 win over Seattle.

That should spell good news for Dwayne Bowe, who’s looking for his fourth straight game with a touchdown reception.

As for Kansas City’s offense, they should be able to run wild against Oakland’s 26th ranked run defense.

Outside of their Week 6 loss to Houston, the Chiefs’ defense has been legit as noone has been able to score more than 20 points against them so far this season.

Kansas City keeps that going on Sunday, as Oakland’s recent offensive powersurge is limited as the Chiefs pick up a statement road win at the Coliseum.

Mattie T’s Pick: Kansas City

Cowboys/Packers:

2nd straight trip to Lambeau Field for Dallas, as the Cowboys were held to just an offensive touchdown during their 17-7 loss on November 15th, 2009.

With Donald Driver (quad) expected to miss Sunday’s game, the Packers can lean on Brandon Jackson against Dallas’ 24th ranked run defense.

Green Bay has had trouble stopping the run also, so Felix Jones & Marion Barber could have success on the ground.

Unless the Cowboys’ secondary can force some takeaways against Aaron Rodgers, the Packers should be able to move the ball well here & maintain their 1st place standings in the NFC North.

Mattie T’s Pick: Green Bay

Steelers/Bengals:

After throwing for no touchdowns during their Week 8 loss to New Orleans, Ben Roethlisberger & the Steelers’ offense has a chance to get things right against Cincinnati’s 20th ranked pass defense.

Carson Palmer will need to elevate his game in order for the Bengals to have a chance at an upset, as he’s currently ranked as the AFC’s worst passer on 3rd downs.

Pittsburgh will put in another strong effort defensively en route to a big road win.

Mattie T’s Pick: Pittsburgh