Posted by Gridiron Experts Week 9 Picks
Houston at Indianapolis-9
How big is this game for the Houston Texans? Big enough that star wide receiver Andre Johnson has been quoted as saying this is “the biggest game of our lives.” The Texans have always been the little brother that the Colts never took seriously, but things are about to change. Gridiron Experts is probably taking the biggest gamble so far of the ’09 season by taking the Texans to win this weekend, but we’re not that worried. We called the Lions beating the Redskins earlier in the season and people laughed, but if you look at the stats this isn’t such a long shot.
The Texans’ defense ranks fourth in the NFL over the past five weeks and is tops in the NFL against the run in that span. Throw in a bunch of injuries to the Colts and the fact that Indianapolis plays the Patriots next week (overlook) and we like the battle red to pull off an upset. Texans 30-27
Detroit at Seattle-10
The Seahawks are not having a great season but are favored by 10 over the Lions this weekend. While the difference between these teams is only one win, the road hasn’t been great to Detroit. The 12th man is hungry in Seattle, and considering the NFC West isn’t too far out of reach, fans should get to see their home team run up the score in a glorious win. Seahawks 26-14
Pittsburgh-3 at Denver
Could the key to beating the mighty Broncos be the hurry-up offense? The Ravens used it last week in their big win, and Roethlisberger is excellent at running it. With a bye week to game plan for Denver, this match-up seems less like a stretch and more like a Steelers victory. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 4-0 on Monday Night Football. Steelers 24-20
Games | Spread | Our Pick | Against Spread |
Washington at Atlanta | ATL-10 | ATL 28-10 | Falcons |
Arizona at Chicago | CHI-3 | ARZ 27-23 | Cardinals |
Baltimore at Cincinnati | BAL-2.5 | BAL 20-17 | Ravens |
Houston at Indianapolis | IND-9 | HOU 30-27 | Texans |
Miami at New England | NE-11 | NE 31-17 | Patriots |
Green Bay at Tampa Bay | GB-9.5 | GB 26-13 | Packers |
Kansas City at Jacksonville | JAC-6.5 | JAC 17-16 | Chiefs |
Detroit at Seattle | SEA-10 | SEA 26-14 | Seahawks |
Carolina at New Orleans | NO-13 | NO 31-16 | Saints |
San Diego at NY Giants | NYG-5.5 | NYG 26-23 | Chargers |
Tennessee at San Francisco | SF-4 | TEN 24-21 | Titans |
Dallas at Philadelphia | PHI-3 | PHI 30-26 | Eagles |
Pittsburgh at Denver | PIT-3 | PIT 24-20 | Steelers |
Last Week: 9-4 | ATS: 7-6
Overall: 78-39 | ATS: 64-53
I like the Houston over Indy pick however. Overlook game and too many injuries on defense for Indy to overcome.