2025 NFL Week 9 Expert Picks

At Bleacher Report's betting roundtable, a lot can change within a week. In the previous slate of games, there were five lone-wolf picks. This week, our experts reached a unanimous agreement on five games.

What could go wrong?

B/R analysts Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton and Brent Sobleski and editors Ian Hanford and Wes O'Donnell believe their unanimous picks are the result of great betting minds thinking alike on spreads.

If that's the case, the B/R crew is in for a strong week headed into the second half of the season. Gagnon and O'Donnell still managed to squeeze in their lone-wolf picks, those two contrarians.

Take a look at the standings. There's a three-way tie for second place, and a few guys are looking to make up some ground in Week 9.

Now, let's get to the 14-game slate.

ATS Standings 

1. Moton: 69-52

T-2. Hanford: 64-57 

T-2: Knox: 64-57 

T-2. O'Donnell: 64-57 

T-5. Gagnon: 59-62 

T-5. Sobleski: 59-62

7. Davenport: 56-65

Lone Wolf Picks: 12-11

Lines are from DraftKings as of Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.

DK Line: Ravens (-7)

Gagnon: Dolphins (+7)

Lamar Jackson is back, but that doesn't mean a still-flawed Ravens team will run away with a short-rest road game against a team that is better than its record. Baltimore has lost three straight road games, while the Dolphins haven't been outscored by more than six points in any of their last eight home games. They'll keep this close. 

Moton: Ravens (-7)

On Tuesday, Jackson said, "I'm ready to go now," when reporters asked him about his status for this game. You can take his word over what head coach John Harbaugh said about his status last week. With the two-time NFL MVP back on the field, coupled with Derrick Henry, the Dolphins' 28th-ranked run defense won't have an answer to stop Baltimore's ground game.

Miami hasn't lost a home game by more than six points this season, but Baltimore needs a momentum-building performance to regain confidence after a slow start. The Ravens roll the Dolphins out of their own stadium on Thursday. 

Predictions

Ravens: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski

Dolphins: Gagnon

DK Line: Lions (-8.5)

Davenport: Lions (-8.5)

It's a red flag any time we all agree on a pick, but it's hard to justify taking the Vikings, even with a spread this big. Minnesota misses Sam Darnold more and more with each passing day. J.J. McCarthy has essentially played one good quarter of NFL football in his career. And the Lions are at home coming off a bye. Dan Campbell will have the Lions playing aggressively, making this game unlikely to be close.

Knox: Lions (-8.5)

It looks like we're all on the Lions, which is understandable. Detroit has moved past whatever issues it had with its double-coordinator change and is every bit the powerhouse it was a year ago. The Vikings, meanwhile, are pretty much forced to go back to McCarthy at quarterback. It's just hard to back a quarterback with two career starts on the road in Detroit. Of course, none of this guarantees the Lions will run away with this one. 

Divisional games are always unpredictable, and the Lions, even coming out of their bye, have more defensive injury concerns than any team would be comfortable having. If the Vikings—who rank 28th in average drive time—prevent their 14th-ranked defense from having to carry the load again, they should have a chance of keeping this one close. None of us thinks they will, but bettors should always exercise caution when large lines and familiar opponents are involved. 

Predictions

Lions: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski

DK Line: Patriots (-5.5)

O'Donnell: Falcons (+5.5)

This is a pretty cruel line. In the Patriots' five-game win streak, they're averaging 30-plus points per game and giving up fewer than 15 points per game. In fact, they've only given up 20 points once over this stretch, and that was to the Bills.

The Falcons are a true Jekyll and Hyde bunch made all the more concerning—and I can't believe I have to type this—by Michael Penix Jr.'s status, which is still unknown at time of writing. 

Drake London's status is also TBD, which is a huge deal. And yet this line is still less than a touchdown in New England. Every other panelist is flying on the coattails of Super-Maye, but winning six straight in the NFL is really tough. The Falcons consistently burn me whether I'm picking with them or against them, so give me these points. 

Sobleski: Patriots (-5.5)

While the Falcons potentially getting a handful of starters back in the lineup—Penix, London, linebacker Jalon Walker and defensive back and Billy Bowman Jr.—should ensure Atlanta doesn't play as pitifully as it did last weekend against the Dolphins, a bounce-back against the Patriots shouldn't be expected. 

New England is genuinely one of the AFC's best teams, with a young quarterback in Maye, who's actually playing at a high level. These two teams are trending in opposite directions, with the Patriots winning their last five games and the Falcons losing two in a row. 

Predictions

Falcons: O'Donnell

Patriots: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, Sobleski

DK Line: Chargers (-10)

Hanford: Chargers (-10)

This one makes me a bit nervous, but the Titans have lost by at least 10 points in every game since Week 1. I expected the on-field product to look better as Cam Ward improves or after Brian Callahan was fired, but that hasn't happened, and the issues fall on both sides of the ball. 

The Chargers are coming off a few days of extra rest, are slowly getting healthier and have an ascending RB in Kimani Vidal who should turn in another strong performance against this Titans run defense, especially if Jeffery Simmons is out with injury again. 

O'Donnell: Chargers (-10)

Only one game was decided by one score or less in Week 8. Surely the close games will come back in Week 9.

This matchup is one of four with spreads larger than a one-possession game (eight points or more) on our sheet. But the Titans have lost by 10 or more points in six of their seven defeats. The last time they didn't lose by 10 or more (not counting that ridiculous win in Arizona) was in Week 1. 

The Chargers look like they've bounced back from a string of injuries and some head-scratching play and are coming off a mini-bye.

Cam Ward isn't Tennessee's only issue, and the mistakes we regularly see from the Titans, against a team like L.A., mean points the other way. I don't love this, but we're all on the Chargers for a reason. 

Predictions

Chargers: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski

DK Line: Colts (-3)

Hanford: Colts (-3)

Half the panel is on the Steelers because they're the Steelers and have a habit in the past of winning or covering games they should not and perhaps there's still some lack of belief in the Daniel Jones-led Colts. And perhaps that happens here, but I just don't see it. 

The Steelers defense has allowed at least 369 yards in six of their seven games. They're not even close to stopping anyone, let alone playing well, and now they face the league's hottest hand in Jonathan Taylor.

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense will do their job, but Teryl Austin's defense will be overmatched yet again and unable to get off the field as Taylor racks up another huge game. Colts by at least a touchdown.

Sobleski: Steelers (+3)

Be prepared for this game to be a shootout. Neither squad's defense is playing particularly well. It's not over the top to say both units are soft.

The Colts' success is built on fielding the league's most efficient offense, with the game's best ground attack. Daniel Jones has played well, of course, but that offense has overshadowed the fact that Indianapolis has legitimate issues on the other side of the ball. 

The Colts have little in regard to an edge rush. The linebackers can be exploited in the passing game. Furthermore, the secondary is riddled with injuries.

Expect Rodgers to have a field day against this group and allow the Steelers to go punch for punch with the Colts offense.

Predictions

Colts: Davenport, Hanford, O'Donnell

Steelers: Gagnon, Knox, Moton, Sobleski

DK Line: Broncos (-1.5)

Knox: Broncos (-1.5)

We're pretty split on this one, which isn't surprising. Houston's defense—which ranks first in both points and yards allowed—is championship-caliber. Its offense is starting to find an identity too. 

However, I'm inclined to back the more balanced team here. Denver has a top-five defense and a top-10 offense, and it appears to be getting better offensively with each passing week. The Broncos have won five in a row for a reason. They're really good. And the line is low enough that I'll take the hotter team in what is essentially a coin-flip game. 

Moton: Texans (+1.5)

Pay close attention to a notable injury and the return of a key player regarding the Houston Texans' aerial attack against the Denver Broncos' pass defense.

Texans star wideout Nico Collins is trending toward playing in Week 9 after missing the team's previous game in concussion protocol. Broncos All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II won't suit up because of a strained pectoral.

Quarterback statuses move betting lines, but it's hard to ignore the edge Houston will have in the passing game without one of the league's best cover defenders on the field.

Texans eke out a win over the Broncos, who are 2-2 straight up and 1-3 ATS away from Denver, which includes a narrow 13-11 victory over the New York Jets in London.

Predictions

Broncos: Davenport, Gagnon, Knox, O'Donnell

Texans: Hanford, Moton, Sobleski

DK Line: 49ers (-2.5)

Davenport: Giants (+2.5)

It's not easy to get behind the Giants, especially after the team lost rookie running back Cam Skattebo to a season-ending ankle injury in last week's loss to the Eagles.

However, the list of injuries that have ravaged the 49ers is dizzyingly long, and the last two times they played away from home, the impact of all that attrition was evident. Even the best-coached teams can only take so much, and the Niners have been teetering for weeks.

Jaxson Dart shoves them over the edge on Sunday.

O'Donnell: 49ers (-2.5)

Sure, the Giants could rally and play with inspiring aplomb in the wake of Cam Skattebo's brutal injury. Big Blue, with Jaxson Dart at QB, has proved to be a feisty bunch, after all. Feisty may not be good enough to scrape together a less-than-field-goal spread against a better-coached team, though. 

The 49ers have their issues, and that is injuries aside, but they haven't lost back-to-back games yet this season and usually show up stronger when you least expect it. I see the Giants struggling with CMC and the Niners' offense in this matchup. A week after getting bested by DeMeco Ryans, Kyle Shanahan will be out to prove a point. 

Predictions

49ers: Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell

Giants: Davenport, Sobleski

DK Line: Bears (-2.5)

Knox: Bears (-2.5)

In almost any other scenario, I'd sprint away from the Bears as road favorites against an unfamiliar opponent. The egg they laid against the Ravens in Week 8 is alarming. Yet, it's not as alarming as the pathetic defensive performance Cincinnati showcased against the Jets. 

The Bengals' defense really is that bad, and if Joe Flacco is less than 100 percent, I have a hard time believing they can keep pace in this one.

It feels weird to be saying in 2025, but the Bengals' hopes really do hinge on Flacco. He has a shoulder injury, and I have zero faith in Zac Taylor's ability or willingness to adjust. 

Sobleski: Bengals (+2.5)

For all of the talk regarding how poor the Bengals defense is, the Bears aren't much better on that side of the ball. Chicago may not rank dead-last like Cincinnati. However, the Bears also find themselves among the bottom eight in total defense.

Meanwhile, Joe Flacco provided a spark for the Bengals offense to get the ball moving again, particularly by targeting Ja'Marr Chase regularly. 

This pick is an acknowledgement that the Bengals can move the ball and score some points, which should, at minimum, keep this game close if not seeing Cincinnati capture an outright victory. 

Predictions

Bears: Hanford, Knox, Moton

Bengals: Davenport, Gagnon, O'Donnell, Sobleski

DK Line: Packers (-12.5)

Gagnon: Panthers (+12.5)

There's some recency bias in this line, as well as a lot baked in for Bryce Young's injury. The Packers haven't won a game by more than 10 points since Week 1, and the Panthers have been feisty this year. They'll keep it close against a team that could be caught looking ahead to Philadelphia in Week 10.

Knox: Packers (-12.5)

I probably believe in the Panthers more than most, and I certainly believe in the Packers less than they deserve. The reality, though, is that Green Bay has been dominant at home, and its two non-wins on the road were filled with more flukes than an encyclopedia on whale anatomy. 

Carolina is a fringe wild-card team. The Packers are title contenders. As long as Green Bay can avoid whatever hangover comes after downing Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, the Packers should cruise. 

Predictions

Panthers: Gagnon, Hanford, Sobleski

Packers: Davenport, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell

DK Line: Rams (-13.5)

Davenport: Rams (-13.5)

Given the Saints' struggles and the Rams' strength, it is difficult to make a case for New Orleans in this matchup.

The Rams are a legitimate Super Bowl contender with a Hall of Fame quarterback, no shortage of weapons and a young defense that might be the NFC's best.

The Saints are starting a 26-year-old rookie at quarterback, which puts them at a disadvantage against a strong L.A. squad. This won't be a trap game. Or a back-door cover. It's going to be a blowout.

Hanford: Rams (-13.5)

This is a tough spot for rookie Tyler Shough to make his first start. The Rams are one of the league's best scoring defenses, one of the top red-zone defenses and are second in the league in sacks as a team. 

On top of that, Puka Nacua should be back in the fold on offense, giving Matthew Stafford pretty much his full array of weapons against a defense allowing over 26 points per game. The Rams will be rested and ready to continue their potential Super Bowl run. Shough makes a few big mistakes, and Los Angeles rolls to a win at home.

Predictions

Rams: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski

DK Line: Jaguars (-3)

Moton: Raiders (+3)

The Las Vegas Raiders could see Brock Bowers healthy for the first time since their season-opening win over the New England Patriots. He tried to play through a knee injury between Weeks 2 and 4, but the All-Pro tight end wasn't in his usual form in those outings. 

With a healthy Jakobi Meyers and the addition of Geno Smith's former Seattle Seahawks teammate, Tyler Lockett, along with Bowers, Las Vegas exploits Jacksonville's 27th-ranked pass defense to keep this one close enough to cover or win outright.

Sobleski: Jaguars (-3)

Interestingly, both of these squads are coming off bye weeks, thus extra time to prepare for this specific contest and/or the opportunity to rectify previous issues.

In regards to the Raiders, the extra time isn't going to change the talent deficiencies found at certain points within the roster. Whereas the Jaguars have plenty of talent. They simply need to play a more disciplined brand of football. 

Some may point toward the potential return of Bowers to the Raiders lineup as a differentiator. At the same time, the Jaguars are expected to increase Travis Hunter's role as a target in their offense.

Mainly, Jacksonville can hold a distinct advantage if it doesn't play sloppy football and cuts down on penalties, which should occur after self-scouting. 

Predictions

Jaguars: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, O'Donnell, Sobleski

Raiders: Gagnon, Moton

DK Line: Chiefs (-2.5)

Gagnon: Bills (+2.5)

The Bills have had Kansas City's number in the regular season, so I'm confused as to why they'd be getting points at home in this spot. Buffalo lost its last home game to New England, but that works out well because it hasn't lost two consecutive home games since 2021. 

O'Donnell: Chiefs (-2.5)

I hate not rolling with the Bills. They have won the last four regular-season meetings, yet they have lost each of the postseason meetings. This is going back to the playoffs in the year of 2021. So, this is one of those games where I fast-forward in my mind what could be later this season. 

I'm going to flip the script and have a rolling Chiefs team get the win and cover, putting the Bills on their heels in November (which would be three losses in their last four games) and setting the table for Josh Allen to finally beat Patrick Mahomes when it really matters—in January.

Predictions

Chiefs: Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell

Bills: Davenport, Gagnon, Sobleski

DK Line: Seahawks (-3)

Gagnon: Seahawks (-3)

The Seahawks are 3-0 straight-up and against the spread on the road this season, and they've won nine straight road games. That streak will eventually end, but Washington is in a bit of a free-fall, and there's no telling what (if anything) it'll get from Jayden Daniels. I have Seattle winning this by a touchdown.

Hanford: Seahawks (-3)

It seems like a possibility Daniels could return for SNF, but I would still expect him to be limited and that doesn't bode well against a Seahawks defense that has looked like one of the fastest units in the league this season. And Washington isn't likely to be able to take any heat off of Daniels with as flat as its run game has looked. 

Sam Darnold is in a good spot here against a defense that has struggled to stop the pass this year, and the Seahawks' run game has a chance to find its groove too as Washington's defense has struggled in that aspect as well.

Even if Daniels plays, it's hard to look at this matchup and find much that would make you think this game is closer than a touchdown.

Predictions

Seahawks: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski

DK Line: Cowboys (-3)

Davenport: Cowboys (-3)

That Dallas is only getting a field goal at home against a two-win Cardinals team is as scathing an indictment of the Cowboys' ghost-like defense as can be offered. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray is also 9-0 at AT&T Stadium dating all the way back to high school. 

However, the Cowboys (for all their flaws) are still a better team than the Cardinals, and Dak Prescott is going to come out firing after last week's clunker. The Dallas defense has been inconsistent, but the team has enough talent to win at home.

Moton: Cowboys (-3)

The Cowboys aren't a playoff-caliber team. Last week, we saw the gap between them and the Denver Broncos, but they'll face a slumping Arizona Cardinals squad that has lost five consecutive games.

Arizona will start Jacoby Brissett for a third consecutive game, or Kyler Murray will return from a mid-foot sprain. Regardless of who takes snaps under center for the Cardinals, the Cowboys are a better team with a potent aerial attack that can move the ball against Arizona's 25th-ranked pass defense.

Dallas wins by at least a touchdown. 

Predictions

Cowboys: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski

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