The first half of the 2024 NFL season ended with a wacky Week 9. After the Rams beat the Vikings in the first game on the slate, there were plenty of unpredictable outcomes and wild finishes in one-possession games. Beyond that, some road teams dominated and some home teams fell in the final minutes.

This sets up Week 9 to have its own wild ride, dropping back to 15 games versus the full 16-contest slate we saw last week.

Without further ado, here are some fearless predictions in the latest version of Sporting News’ NFL picks and predictions against the spread.

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NFL picks against the spread for Week 9

• Texans (pick them, 42.5 o/u) at Jets

Thursday 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video

These are two of the best pass defenses in the league, and each faces a QB with adversity. CJ Stroud is dealing with burnout at the receiver position, while his Jets counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, is dealing with dysfunction all over the place. The difference will be that the team will be more willing to run to be better offensively. The Texans haven’t shied away from playing the often dominant ground game with Joe Mixon, while the Jets will continue to mismanage the touches of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.

Take: The Texans win 23-20 and cover the gap.

MORE JETS: Aaron Rodgers says Jets need to embrace ‘the darkness’

MORE TEXANS: Stefon Diggs injury update

• Game of the week: Lions (-3.5, 47.5 o/u) at Packers

Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

The Packers watch Malik Willis go back to QB because of a damaged Jordan Love (groin). This will limit their offensive firepower needed to overcome another explosive game for the Lions offense. The Packers can be separated inside in the passing game and are also shaky against the run at times, playing directly into the hands of Detroit’s explosive and balanced offense.

Take: The Lions win 30-23 and cover the gap.

MORE: Jordan Love injury update

• Lockdown of the Week: Eagles (-7, 46 o/u) vs. Jaguars

Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

The Eagles offense is locked in again with Jalen Hurts feeling out with his elite receivers to execute all the big plays called by Kellen Moore. The Jaguars defense has been terrible against the pass all season, and Hurts should light it up on the home field. Former Eagles coach Doug Pederson comes in with a bland Trevor Lawrence, and his QB faces a receiving corps riddled with injuries.

Take: The Eagles win 34-14 and cover the gap.

MORE: Christian Kirk injury update

• Upset of the week: Cowboys (+2.5, 52 o/u) vs. Falcons

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox

The Cowboys are a tough matchup for the more pass-happy Falcons with Kirk Cousins. Their defense isn’t built to win here either, as it can give up a lot against the pass and Dak Prescott will remain relentless throwing to CeeDee Lamb and others. Atlanta needs to run enough to win, but it will fall because Dallas will wisely choose not to run much at all.

Take: The Cowboys win 30-27.

MORE COWBOYS: Why the 49ers’ key TD wasn’t ruled offensive pass interference | Trevon Diggs confronts reporter after defeat

MORE FALCONS: Kirk Cousins ​​​​proves that the Falcons made the best offseason move in the NFL

• Dolphins at Bills (-6.5, 49 o/u)

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Bills are rolling with their offense, finding the right balance between Josh Allen’s efficient passing and dominating the running game. That’s a bad 1-2 punch for a Dolphins defense on the ropes. The Dolphins can stay in the game by rotating De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, but in the end they will fade late with some pressure on Tua Tagovailoa.

Take: Tickets win 31-21 and cover the spread.

MORE: Tua Tagovailoa Praises His Slide During QB Rush

• Raiders at Bengals (-7.5, 45 o/u)

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox

The Bengals have been in and out of the playoffs after their 0-3 start and need to play better at home to have any chance. Joe Burrow seems absent whenever Tee Higgins isn’t playing to help him and Ja’Marr Chase. Here, the Bengals relieve Burrow with a prolific running game featuring Chase Brown and Zack Moss. Lou Anarumo’s much-maligned defense may provide a recovery game after the Eagles’ mess.

Take: The Bengals win 34-17 and cover the gap.

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• Chargers (-2, 42.5 o/u) at Browns

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Chargers will stick to their “run the ball, stop the run” formula, knowing they can cause problems in pass defense for Jameis Winston. Justin Herbert builds on last week’s performance to build a lead in the air so his teammates can get the start on Winston and preserve a low-scoring game in the second half.

Take: The Chargers win 20-13 and cover the gap.

MORE: Comparing the Browns offense with Jameis Winston vs. Deshaun Watson | Jameis channels Eminem in interview

• Patriots vs. Titans (-3, 38 o/u)

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox

The Patriots are feeling it with their running game and defense, and Jerod Mayo will have another strong performance on the road. Regardless of either team’s quarterback, New England will run the ball better and also make defensive plays and takeaways to steal another one against the true worst team in the AFC .

Take: The Patriots win 20-17.

MORE: Drake Maye Injury Update

• Commanders (-3.5, 43 o/u) at Giants

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox

Jayden Daniels is locked into the running game every week to facilitate his downfield passes. But the big recent development for Washington is Dan Quinn’s defense getting better every week. They will continue to pummel the struggling Giants offense that can’t seem to get a break in the game.

Take: The Commanders win 23-16 and cover the gap.

MORE: Jayden Daniels Hail Mary Reactions | Daniels surpasses Caleb Williams | Daniels impresses during his post-match interview

• Saints (-7, 45 o/u) at Panthers

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

QB plans were derailed for both teams due to injuries and ineffectiveness. This is shaping up to be an uninspiring, low-scoring battle between second-year QBs Bryce Young and Jake Haener. The team with the best playmakers, Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, will score just enough.

Take: The Saints win 20-17 but are unable to cover the gap.

MORE: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings | NFL Picks for Week 9

• Broncos vs. Ravens (-9, 44.5 o/u)

Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Broncos field a solid offense with dual-threat QB Bo Nix playing well, channeling his inner Lamar Jackson. Now he faces the real Lamar Jackson in a big match for both playoff hopefuls. Nix and Sean Payton will guard Denver with good passing and pass defense, but in the end Denver’s front will be worn down by Derrick Henry.

Take: The Ravens win 26-23 but are unable to cover the gap.

• Bears (pick ’em, 44.5 o/u) at Cardinals

Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

The Bears head to the desert to make up for their dry performance in Washington. Kyler Murray vs. Caleb Williams presents yet another duel of Heisman-winning QBs and No. 1 overall picks. Murray prepares with his supporting cast, but the problem here will be Arizona’s run defense. Chicago’s overall defense will bounce back from the shock of a Hail Mary.

Take: Bears win 23-20.

MORE: Caleb Williams struggles in duel with Daniels | Tyrique Stevenson apologizes for Hail Mary mistakes

Kirby Lee

• Rams (pick ’em, 48.5 o/u) at Seahawks

Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox

The Rams will be relentless in handling Kyren Williams, and the Seahawks will once again have no answers for the run. They also began to struggle in the secondary, failing to initiate the pass rush for Mike Macdonald. Seattle’s fast pace will play more into the hands of Los Angeles’ busy, rested and healthy offense.

Take: Rams win 31-27.

MORE RAM: Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp silence trade rumors in win over Vikings

MORE SEAHAWKS: Seahawks defensive players struggle on the sidelines

• Colts at Vikings (-5.5, 45.5 o/u)

Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock

Anthony Richardson is trying to hold down the starting job over Joe Flacco, but the only thing he offers is a rushing threat to help Jonathan Taylor out of the backfield. The declining second-year QB won’t avoid pressure and the Vikings’ turnover-driven offense. On the other hand, Sam Darnold can attack another secondary that can’t stop Justin Jefferson or any of Minnesota’s receivers.

Take: The Vikings win 27-20 and cover the gap.

MORE VIKINGS: How referees missed a blatant face mask penalty during security at Rams vs. Vikings game

MORE PATTERNS: Shane Steichen says Colts are sticking with Richardson | Richardson checks himself due to fatigue

• Buccaneers at Chiefs (-9, 44.5 o/u)

Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

The Chiefs get a break with a short-handed Buccaneers passing game in Kansas City, making it a tough prime-time spot for Baker Mayfield. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce should combine for another big game and get more help from the wideouts all over the field. Tampa Bay will have to run to win, but it can’t do that effectively here, especially when the game script turns negative.

Take: The Chiefs win 27-10 and cover the gap.

Statistics of the week

• Record from week 8 directly: 10-5
• Week 8 record against the spread: 7-8
• Since the start of the season: 83-39
• Since the start of the season against the spread: 64-57