It’s only Week 9 in the NFL, but it can be argued the season could be done for teams like the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks if they lose this week.
From playoff expectations to desperation.
It won’t officially end their seasons, but it will put them in holes likely too deep to dig out from.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Houston Texans (+105) at New York Giants (-125)
Somehow the Jets are favored (1.5 points). New York is overdue for a competent game, and the Texans are down their top two receivers. However, until New York doesn’t look like a dumpster fire, stay away from them. Take the Texans on the moneyline (+105).
Dallas Cowboys (+120) at Atlanta Falcons (-145)
The Cowboys are watching their season slip and are 2.5-point road dogs. If they lose this one, their path to a division title is all but dead, and being a playoff contender becomes more unlikely. If the Dallas defense can rattle Kirk Cousins, there a chance. Take the Cowboys on the moneyline (+120).
Las Vegas Raiders (+260) at Cincinnati Bengals (-350)
The Bengals are big favorites (7 points at -105 Raiders, -115 Bengals). If you look at Cincy’s last seven games, the Bengals beat the teams they’re supposed to and lose to the teams they should. All three of their wins are by seven points or more. Take the Bengals and lay 7 points (-115).
Los Angeles Chargers (-125) at Cleveland Browns (+105)
The Browns have struggled early but played their best game of the season last week and have their third straight home game. This should be a low-scoring game, and Browns defense is strong enough to limit the Chargers. Take the Browns on the moneyline (+105).
New England Patriots (+150) at Tennessee Titans (-185)
This game has a very low Over/Under (38 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Both teams have strong defenses and offenses that struggle. This should be a field-position game that may require a defensive touchdown to top this number. Take Under 38 points (-110).
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Washington Commanders (-190) at New York Giants (+155)
The Commanders are solid road favorites (4 points at -110 for both teams). Three of Washington’s last four wins have come by 11 points or more and, while the last four losses for the Giants have been by 5, 10, 25, and 12 points. Nothing should change. Take the Commanders and lay 4 points (-110).
New Orleans Saints (-350) at Carolina Panthers (+260)
The Saints are big favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). New Orleans has lost six straight games (the last four by a total of 78 points). But, the Saints trucked Carolina 47-10 in Week 1, and the Panthers are a worse team now. Begrudgingly take the Saints and lay 7.5 points (-110).
Denver Broncos (+350) at Baltimore Ravens (-450)
Baltimore is a huge favorite (9 points at -110 for both teams). The Broncos have won five of their last six games but haven’t beat a legitimate contender in any of them. The Ravens are stinging from a loss to Cleveland, but nine points is too many to give away. Take the Broncos plus 9 points (-110).
Miami Dolphins (+225) at Buffalo Bills (-275)
The Bills are pretty big home favorites (6 points at -110 for both teams). Buffalo has been on the road four of their last five games, and the Bills’ last two home games have produced wins by 37 and 24 points. Buffalo knocked out Tua the first time they played and may force him to make business decisions on Sunday. Take the Bills and lay 6 points (-110).
Jacksonville Jaguars (+280) at Philadelphia Eagles (-350)
The Eagles are huge favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Jaguars are 0-3 on the road (in the United States), and the Eagles have hit their stride with three straight wins, including W’s by 25 and 20 points on the road the last two weeks. The Jags can’t hang with the surging Eagles. Take the Eagles and lay 7.5 points (-110).
Chicago Bears (-110) at Arizona Cardinals (-110)
The Over/Under on this game is in the middle of the pack (44.5 points at -110 for both). The Bears haven’t won on the road this season, whereas the Cardinals are playing their third straight road game. Look for Arizona to score enough to surpass that number. Take Over 44.5 points (-110).
Detroit Lions (-175) at Green Bay Packers (+145)
Detroit is a road favorite (3.5 points at -105 Lions, -115 Packers). The Lions are 3-0 on the road and have been imposing their will. The Packers have allowed two teams to score 30 points and lost both (Eagles and Vikings). The Lions have scored more than 30 points in each of their last four games. Take the Lions and lay 3.5 points (-105).
Los Angeles Rams (-130) at Seattle Seahawks (+110)
The Rams are road favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both teams). LA has won its last two games and has its starting wide receivers back. Seattle has lost four of its last five, including its last three games at home. The 12th Man isn’t a threat this season. Take the Rams and lay 1.5 points (-110).
Indianapolis Colts (+200) at Minnesota Vikings (250)
The Vikings are solid home favorites (5.5 points at -115 Colts, -105 Vikings). Three of Indy’s four losses have come by three points and, while the Vikings should win, the game may be closer than having to lay that many points. Take the Colts plus 5.5 points (-115).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+350) at Kansas City Chiefs (-450)
The Over/Under is middle of the road (45.5 points at -110 for both). The Bucs offense can still move the ball, and the Chiefs are due to have a big game offensively after struggling. If Kansas City gets an early lead, the Chiefs won’t let up. Take Over 45.5 points (-110).