NFL Best Bets: Week 9
The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Parker Silverman.
We’re officially halfway through the NFL season, and this season has flown by. With the trade deadline just passed, fans can enjoy watching some old faces in new places. With that, here are my best bets for this upcoming week.
Seattle Seahawks (5-3) at Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
Spread: ARZ -2 -110
Moneyline: ARZ -120
The Seahawks have looked impressive through the first half of 2022. That’s thanks to the offensive prowess of quarterback Geno Smith, who ranks in the top-10 in passing yards, and the top-5 in touchdown to interception ratio, completion percentage and passer rating.
The Seahawks have been buoyed as of late with the play of rookie running back Kenneth Walker III. The Michigan State rookie has been nothing short of exceptional. Walker has started three games for the Seahawks this year, all three which ended in Seattle victories. He’s averaging well over 5 yards an attempt this year.
Transitioning to the Cardinal sideline, Arizona has been in free fall as of late. The Cardinals, whom many had as a potential playoff team to start the year, are now two games below .500 and have struggled mightily.
Quarterback Kyler Murray has put together an average campaign, throwing 10 touchdowns to six interceptions in 2022. He hasn’t received much help via the ground game, however, as Murray leads the Cardinals in rushing yards on the year with less than 300 yards.
The Cardinals defense also has top safety Budda Baker and starting cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. both questionable for Sunday’s game, which presents a potential challenge when having to guard Seattle’s receiving tandem in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Seattle is 2-2 on the road this season, and 5-3 against the spread. Arizona is 1-3 at home, and an even .500 against the spread. The Cardinals open as two point favorites due to home field advantage, but I’m looking the other way, taking Seattle outright at plus odds.
Pick: SEA +110
Baltimore Ravens (5-3) at New Orleans Saints (3-5)
Spread: BAL -2.5 -110
Moneyline: BAL -135
The Ravens travel south to take on the Saints on Monday Night Football, their second straight matchup on primetime. Both teams are coming off big wins last week, as Baltimore downed Tampa Bay 27-22 and the Saints shut out Las Vegas 24-0.
Baltimore’s offense is led by its sensational quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has over 2,100 all purpose yards on the season, leading the Ravens in passing and rushing yards.
The Ravens have injuries of their own to deal with, however. Top wide receiver Rashod Bateman was ruled out, as he is opting into having season-ending lisfranc surgery. Superrstar tight end Mark Andrews is listed as questionable, as he left Thursday’s game early with shoulder and ankle injuries.
On the other sideline, the Saints seek to start quarterback Andy Dalton once again. Dalton has been efficient in 2022, throwing for nine touchdowns to only four interceptions (three in one game).
The real threat for New Orleans is standout running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara showed off his rushing and receiving ability last week against the Raiders, taking 18 carries for 62 yards and catching nine passes for 96 yards. He found the endzone three times as well.
Jackson is 15-2 all time in primetime games, and the Ravens are 3-1 against the spread on the road this season.
New Orleans, on the other hand, is 2-2 at home and 2-5 against the spread in 2022. I’m going to take the Ravens to cover in this one.
Pick: BAL -2.5 -110
Bonus picks:
HOU +13.5 vs. PHI
WAS +3 vs. MIN
NYJ +11.5 vs. BUF
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Parker Silverman is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email pws5405@psu.edu.
