NFL Betting: Week 9
The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Evan Popalis.
The first half of the 2021 NFL season has provided memorable moments and intensely close matchups. Surprises have not been hard to come by, and there are no clear-cut favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February.
With Week 9 on the horizon, let’s take a look at some betting options for the 12-game Sunday slate.
Atlanta Falcons +6 vs. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are currently on a trip around the quarterback carousel. After Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL against the Buccaneers last week, the two remaining healthy options are Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian.
Penalties against Tampa Bay saved New Orleans from blowing its comfortable lead. Matt Ryan is a veteran, and multiple weapons accompany him in Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson. Consistent special teams from Atlanta will allow it to contribute field goals as well.
Relying solely on Alvin Kamara will bite the Saints in this matchup. Plus, after convincing wins against Green Bay and New England, New Orleans has lost the following weeks against Carolina and the Giants.
The Saints win within a field goal.
Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins: Over 46 points
Halfway through the season, Houston is right where it was expected to be. Yet, the Dolphins have had a head-scratching year. As both teams sit at 1-7, this contest provides a chance to shake a seven-game losing skid for either side.
These squads are downright awful at running the football. Meaning, both quarterbacks will be dropping back to pass 35-40 times. The return of Tyrod Taylor provides a spark for the Texans. In the two games that Taylor has started and remained healthy, the final points were 58 and 52.
The quarterbacks will provide an offensive show with these teams trying to escape two months of losing football.
Los Angeles Chargers -1.5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This is a bounce-back game for the Bolts and a value pick regardless. Los Angeles had a let-down loss in a game that it had led for the majority versus the Patriots. Philadelphia is coming off its biggest win of the year against the league’s worst Detroit Lions.
The weapons for the Chargers outweigh those for Philadelphia significantly. The only outlets where the Eagles are clear-cut favorites are in the secondary and the kicking game.
Expect Justin Herbert to bounce back and pick apart the Birds come Sunday.
Green Bay Packers +7 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
With Aaron Rodgers on the shelf, it is time to see the 2020 1st round pick of Jordan Love at the helm. Picking the Packers as an underdog in this situation fits nicely. The Chiefs are 2-6 against the spread this year.
Green Bay is by far the superior team and has won seven straight games. Without an offsides call, the Chiefs may have lost to the two-win Giants. There are drastic holes with this Kansas City team, while Green Bay has most of its ducks in a row.
Time plays a critical factor in this pick as well. The Packers last played two Thursdays ago against the Cardinals, with the Chiefs playing Monday night versus New York. This game comes down to the wire, and do not be shocked if the Lambeau boys win.
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers -2
NFC West matchups always seem to bring fascinating results. Arizona has injury concerns with Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. San Francisco is battling for its playoff life on Sunday.
Falling to 3-5 would be a difficult hole to climb out of in the loaded NFC.
Jimmy Garoppolo put the team on his back against the Bears, showing a gritty side we had not seen before. The 49ers also possess weapons that can threaten the Arizona defense.
Both of these teams have similar identities. San Francisco gets the train rolling again with an impressive victory over the Cardinals.
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Evan Popalis is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email epopalis83@gmail.com.
