Given how wild this NFL season has been thus far if you are still alive in your Survivor Pool, then props to you. This will be the last week we give our best bets considering that most participants are out or their pools are long-wrapped up. Let’s pick.
Giants over Texans
The Texans will be lucky if they win another game this season. Through nine weeks, it is evident Davis Mills is not the long-term answer at quarterback. The best-case scenario for the Texans for this season is to secure one of the top two picks in the NFL Draft to select Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud as their franchise QB. The Giants, however, have been one of the league’s surprises with a 6-2 record, coming off their bye. Refreshed after falling to the Seahawks in a disastrous performance two weeks ago, the Giants will look to pound the ball with Saquon Barkley, the same way Derrick Henry ran all over the Texans in Week 8. This is an excellent week to take the Giants.
Titans over Broncos
Despite losing AJ Brown in the offseason, the Titans are much better than anyone predicted this year. After nearly defeating the Chiefs on Sunday night, Tennessee will return home to take on the offensively inept Denver Broncos this weekend. While the Broncos sport a top-10 defense, they also traded away their best defensive player Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins. His absence will be felt, especially with Derrick Henry set to carry the workload again. By trading Chubb, the Broncos now have to fill the void he left behind, which will work against them in the Titans’ run-heavy offense. Another big day for Henry.
Cowboys over Packers
Who would have thought the Packers season would be all but mathematically over by Week 9? Well, a sparse and unproven receiving corps and a banged-up offensive line will do just that. Add a head coach whose flaws have been exposed and a disinterested Aaron Rodgers, and you know the Packers are finished. The Cowboys, however, have much to play for, competing for a Wild Card berth, and will look to defeat the Packers in Lambeau this weekend. Dallas’ offense seems to be back on track following Dak Prescott’s return and should capitalize on a disenfranchised squad that looks unmotivated to play. Take the ‘Boys.
Saints over Steelers
The Saints are the most inconsistent team in the league, which is why they should win Sunday against the Steelers. After a lackluster performance against the Ravens on Monday night, the Saints will rely on Alvin Kamara to make the necessary plays to move the ball down the field. The Steelers made news last week when they traded away one of their top receivers, Chase Claypool, to the Bears. Even though Claypool was not heavily involved with the offense this season, it is still one less playmaker to guard. Just like the Saints shut down Davante Adams two weeks ago, they should be able to do the same against Pittsburgh’s receiver. After nine weeks, there are slim pickings, so the Saints are worth the shot.
Eagles over Commanders
If you held onto your Eagles’ pick for some reason, this is another week to take the lone undefeated squad. After two solid starts, Washington QB Taylor Heinicke proved why he is nothing more than a backup in the Commanders’ loss to the Vikings last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Eagles are flying high and will enjoy an 11-day break before taking the field Monday night. Eagles are a near-lock.
