CBS Sports analyst "Dajani Dimes" enters Week 9 with a 19-20-1 record on top-five against-the-spread picks and a 62-57-2 overall ATS mark after a strong 11-3 Week 8. The expert highlights five best bets for the upcoming slate, backed by DraftKings Sportsbook odds.
Denver Broncos (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers
Bo Nix leads the NFL since 2000 with 9.1 yards per attempt when trailing by one score in the fourth quarter and has 15 game-winning drives in under three seasons. The Panthers have allowed 42.7 points per game at home this year and have surrendered 23 sacks, matching Denver's league-topping sack total. Projected score: Broncos 24-20.
Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-3)
New Orleans returns from its bye with potential reinforcements including offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., guard Cesar Ruiz, and rookie wideout Jordyn Tyson. Cleveland has lost three straight road games and quarterback Deshaun Watson is in concussion protocol. Projected score: Saints 23-17.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5)
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is out with a quad injury, but backup Drew Lock torched Arizona in Week 2 (19-of-26, 235 yards, three TDs). Seattle's defense ranks among the league's best and faces a Cardinals team starting Gardner Minshew. Projected score: Seahawks 24-13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (-6)
Caleb Williams has thrown for 30+ points with zero turnovers in three straight games since returning from a hamstring injury. D'Andre Swift leads the NFL with 10 rushing touchdowns. Baker Mayfield is 1-12 in prime time since 2021 and has thrown just 64 yards combined over the last two weeks. Projected score: Bears 30-20.
Buffalo Bills (-3) at Minnesota Vikings
With Kyler Murray ruled out, Carson Wentz starts for Minnesota. Wentz threw three touchdowns in a Week 1 win over Green Bay, and the Vikings defense leads the NFL in points allowed (13.3 per game), passing yards allowed (154.9), red-zone TD percentage (25%), and sacks per game (3.6). The expert takes the points with Minnesota. Projected score: Vikings 24-23.
Other Week 9 leans include Jaguars (-10) over Ravens, Falcons (+3) over Bengals, Chiefs over Jets (+10), Lions (-7) over Dolphins, Cowboys (-5.5) over Colts, Rams (-4.5) over Commanders, Giants over Eagles (+3.5), 49ers over Raiders (+10), Texans over Chargers (+5.5), and Packers (+3) over Patriots.
