With the 2026 NFL season at its midpoint, Week 9 offers a full slate of games and a fresh set of NFL Week 9 picks from CBS Sports and SportsLine experts. The action begins Sunday morning in Madrid with the Cincinnati Bengals facing the Atlanta Falcons and concludes Monday night with the Buffalo Bills visiting the Minnesota Vikings.
Bengals vs. Falcons (Madrid)
Cincinnati enters as a 3-point favorite after its offense, led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, has been rolling. Atlanta’s ground game has struggled recently, with Bijan Robinson managing 48 carries for 200 scoreless yards over the past three weeks. Jared Dubin expects the Bengals to cover, reasoning that if Cincinnati contains Robinson, Atlanta may not be able to keep pace through the air with Michael Penix Jr.
Browns at Saints
New Orleans, a 2.5-point favorite, returns from its bye for its first home game in nearly a month and could get offensive linemen Kelvin Banks Jr. and Cesar Ruiz back, while rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson might make his NFL debut. Cleveland, meanwhile, is on its third straight road game after a 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh and may turn to Shedeur Sanders if Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol. Jordan Dajani likes the Saints to win.
Cowboys at Colts
Dallas is a 6-point favorite despite a poor home loss to Arizona. Pete Prisco expects the Cowboys’ passing game to get back on track against an Indianapolis team that is struggling and facing trade speculation.
Broncos at Panthers
Denver, a 3-point favorite, has ridden Bo Nix’s late-game comebacks, including a fourth-quarter rally against Kansas City. Carolina has fired its defensive coordinator and has offensive line issues, with Bryce Young sacked 11 times over the past two games. Dajani is backing the Broncos.
Lions at Dolphins
Detroit is a 7-point favorite in Miami, and the SportsLine Projection Model likes the Lions to improve to 6-2. Zach Pereles suggests Sione Vaki over 20 rushing yards as a prop, noting Jahmyr Gibbs’ heavy workload and a potential favorable game script.
Rams at Commanders
Los Angeles is a 5.5-point favorite. Tyler Sullivan points to Jayden Daniels’ erratic passing against Philadelphia, when he had an off-target rate of 17.2%, and Washington’s 0-5 record following a win since last season. He expects Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua to have a big game.
Giants at Eagles
Prisco is taking the Eagles to cover as 3.5-point favorites, though he predicts a late Giants win. New York is coming off a bye in first place, while Philadelphia is dealing with several issues after a loss to Washington.
Jets at Chiefs
Kansas City is a 9.5-point favorite. Eric Cohen predicts the Chiefs will end the Jets’ streak of one-score games with a three-touchdown victory, led by Patrick Mahomes.
Texans at Chargers
Zach Pereles recommends the Under 42.5. The Chargers have not scored a touchdown in two straight games and face a talented Houston defense coming off a bye.
Cardinals at Seahawks
Seattle is an 11-point favorite. Prisco expects the Seahawks to take out their frustration from a home loss to Chicago on Arizona, which is turning to Gardner Minshew at quarterback.
Packers at Patriots
New England is a 3-point favorite on a day it celebrates Rob Gronkowski’s Hall of Fame induction and welcomes Tom Brady back to Foxborough. John Breech is picking the Packers to pull the upset, citing Green Bay’s surprisingly strong defense and Drake Maye’s uneven play against winning teams.
Raiders at 49ers
San Francisco is a 10-point favorite. Eric Cohen likes the 49ers and the Over, noting that six straight Raiders games have seen 56 or more points.
Buccaneers at Bears
Chicago is a 6-point favorite on Sunday night. Dajani is backing the Bears, pointing to Jeffery Simmons’ impact on defense and Caleb Williams’ strong recent play. He also notes Baker Mayfield’s 1-12 primetime record since 2021.
Bills at Vikings
Buffalo is a 3.5-point favorite. Dajani is taking the Vikings with the points, expecting Carson Wentz to start and open up Minnesota’s passing attack. He highlights the Vikings’ top-ranked defense in several categories.
