With the NFL trade deadline looming, Week 9 offers a final look at rosters before front offices decide to buy, sell, or hold. Here are the key betting picks for the weekend, highlighted by a Green Bay Packers upset in New England and a Los Angeles Rams road win in Washington.
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bears, riding a three-game winning streak and 3-1 against the spread at home, host a Buccaneers offense that has completed just 7 of 14 passes for 64 yards over its last two games. Chicago's defense, bolstered by Jeffery Simmons' debut, is expected to stifle Tampa Bay's limited passing attack. Projected score: Bears 28, Buccaneers 20. Pick: Bears -6.
Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Despite a divisional win over Miami, the Patriots showed vulnerability. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye leads the NFL in total yards and touchdowns since Week 4 but faces a Packers defense allowing only 14.6 points per game over the last five contests (third in the league). Jordan Love enters Week 8 leading the NFL in passing yards and 20-plus air-yard completions. Projected score: Packers 23, Patriots 21. Pick: Packers +3.
Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels posted a career-high 17.2% off-target rate in Week 8, while the Rams defense ranks fifth in total yards allowed (301.1 per game). Washington is 0-5 following a win since last season with a -9.0 points-per-game differential. Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua face a Commanders secondary yielding a 100.6 passer rating (25th). Projected score: Rams 27, Commanders 21. Pick: Rams -4.5.
Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has lost 13 of its last 15 games and allows 27.8 points per game (third-most). The Colts' offense may further limit Jonathan Taylor, who played a season-low 62.3% of snaps in Week 8. Dallas' offense could reach 30 points against a struggling defense, while Daniel Jones owns a 68.7 passer rating and a 3-10 record since Week 9 last year. Projected score: Cowboys 30, Colts 17. Pick: Cowboys -4.5.
Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's offense averages 279.4 yards (fourth-lowest) and 20 points per game (sixth-lowest). With Kyler Murray sidelined, Carson Wentz starts, but the line has barely moved: Bills -3. Buffalo leads the league with 33.3 points per game and scores touchdowns on 70% of red-zone trips (fifth-highest). Projected score: Bills 24, Vikings 17. Pick: Bills -3.
Remaining Week 9 Picks
Bengals at Falcons (Madrid): Falcons +3 (Projected 27-26). Jets at Chiefs: Chiefs -8.5 (30-20). Lions at Dolphins: Lions -6.5 (34-23). Browns at Saints: Saints -3.5 (24-20). Giants at Eagles: Giants -3 (24-17). Broncos at Panthers: Panthers +3 (21-20). Texans at Chargers: Chargers +6 (24-20). Raiders at 49ers: Raiders +9.5 (27-20). Cardinals at Seahawks: Seahawks -8.5 (33-20).
