The betting column enters Week 9 with a 21-19 season record after a 3-2 performance last weekend. The analysis highlights five key wagers for the upcoming slate, including a road favorite, a quarterback interception prop, a rookie running back yardage play, a game total, and a star receiver prop in the international game in Madrid.
Broncos -2.5 at Panthers
Denver (6-2) travels to Carolina as a 2.5-point favorite. The Panthers have lost their last two games by a combined 43-13 and 27-19, with an offensive line decimated by injuries. The Broncos' pass rush presents a difficult matchup for quarterback Bryce Young, while rookie running back Jonah Coleman has shown promise against a weak Carolina run defense.
Drake Maye 1+ Interceptions
After a rough start with seven interceptions in four weeks, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has thrown just one interception over his last four games. However, he faces a Packers defense that leads the league with 15 forced turnovers and 10 interceptions. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's pressure packages could force a turnover.
Sione Vaki 20+ Rushing Yards
Lions rookie Sione Vaki, a fourth-round pick in 2024, logged 65 yards on 11 carries against Minnesota in Week 8, nearly doubling his previous career high. With Jahmyr Gibbs on pace for 463 touches, Detroit may increase Vaki's workload if they build an early lead against a Dolphins defense that allowed 38 yards on seven carries to a backup runner last week.
Texans at Chargers Under 42.5
Los Angeles has failed to score a touchdown in two consecutive games and has topped 20 points only once this season. Houston's defense, despite underachieving, possesses significant talent and faces a Chargers offense that struggles in the red zone. The Texans' own offensive limitations, particularly in the running game and red zone, support a low-scoring affair.
Drake London 6+ Receptions and 80+ Receiving Yards
The Falcons-Bengals matchup in Madrid features a favorable matchup for London. Cincinnati allows the second-most passing yards (1,196) and the third-highest yards per attempt (9.4) on throws between the numbers, where London has thrived. From Weeks 3-7, he ranked seventh in the NFL in yards on such throws. With quarterback Michael Penix Jr. starting and no rain projected, volume and efficiency are expected.
Season record: 77-44. Last week: 9-5. Full Week 9 straight-up picks: Jaguars over Ravens, Bengals over Falcons, Saints over Browns, Cowboys over Colts, Broncos over Panthers, Lions over Dolphins, Rams over Commanders, Giants over Eagles, Chiefs over Jets, Texans over Chargers, Seahawks over Cardinals, Patriots over Packers, 49ers over Raiders, Bears over Buccaneers, Bills over Vikings.
