The NFL Week 9 picks from CBS Sports writers Jordan Dajani and Jared Dubin reveal sharp disagreements on several of the weekend’s biggest games, including the Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid and the Green Bay Packers at the New England Patriots.
Jaguars heavy favorites against Ravens
Jacksonville heads to Baltimore for Thursday night as a 10-point favorite, and both analysts expect the Jaguars to cover. Dajani points to Jacksonville’s 14-3 record over its last 17 games, Trevor Lawrence’s league-leading 112.6 passer rating and a run defense that has gone 24 straight games without allowing a 75-yard rusher. He projects a 28-13 Jacksonville win. Dubin is even more decisive, citing Baltimore’s third-string quarterback situation and the short week, and predicts a 27-6 Jaguars victory.
Bengals and Falcons split opinions in Madrid
The Bengals are 3-point favorites for the international matchup, but Dajani sees an upset. He questions Cincinnati’s defense after it allowed 440 yards to Tennessee, including the Titans’ first 300-yard passing game since 2023, and wonders what Bijan Robinson might do after Tony Pollard ran for 117 yards and two scores. Dajani also notes cornerback DJ Turner’s heel injury and Cashius Howell’s broken wrist. He takes Atlanta 27-23.
Dubin stays with Cincinnati. He highlights the Bengals’ offensive roll behind Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and points out that Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson has 48 carries for 200 scoreless yards over the last three weeks. While Cincinnati allows 4.8 yards per carry, Dubin believes Dexter Lawrence can help keep Robinson in check and doubts Michael Penix Jr. can match Burrow score for score. His pick: Bengals 27, Falcons 20.
Rams favored on the road in Washington
Both writers like Los Angeles at -5.5. Dajani frames it as a revenge spot for Sean McVay, who spent seven seasons in Washington before becoming the Rams’ head coach. McVay lost his first meeting against his former team but has won the last two by at least eight points. The Rams have won back-to-back games by 14 or more and could get Myles Garrett back. Dajani predicts 27-17; Dubin, who notes Washington lost Daron Payne to a significant injury, forecasts 24-16.
Broncos picked to handle Panthers
Denver is a 2.5-point road favorite at Carolina, and both experts back the Broncos. Dajani praises Bo Nix’s clutch play, noting his league-leading 9.1 yards per attempt when trailing by one score in the fourth quarter since 2000 and his 15 game-winning drives. He also points to Carolina’s 23 sacks allowed, tied for second-most in the NFL, with 11 in the past two games, and a Panthers defense that has given up 42.7 points per game at home. Dajani picks 24-20; Dubin, less sold on Nix but confident in Denver’s defense against a leaky Carolina line, picks 23-17.
Packers and Patriots draw split picks
Green Bay is a 3-point underdog at New England, and both writers take the Packers. Dajani cites Green Bay’s extra rest after a Thursday win and Jordan Love’s league-leading 2,246 passing yards, plus a receiving duo of Christian Watson and Matthew Golden that reached 600 yards each through eight games for the first time since 2022. He expects the Packers’ defense, allowing 14.6 points per game over its last five, to test Drake Maye. Prediction: Packers 27, Patriots 24. Dubin also leans on the rest and Watson’s recovery from a ribs injury, projecting 26-20.
Bears vs. Buccaneers: spread disagreement
Chicago is a 6-point home favorite on Sunday night, and Dajani backs the Bears. He credits the Jeffery Simmons trade for transforming Chicago’s defense, noting the Bears allowed 3.0 yards per play with Simmons on the field and 13.3 without him in his debut. He also praises Caleb Williams, who has averaged 286.7 passing yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions since returning from injury. Dajani picks 30-20. Dubin also expects Chicago to win but takes Tampa Bay with the points, predicting 21-17 as the Buccaneers lean on their running game and timely blitzes.
Bills at Vikings: Monday night split
Buffalo is a 3.5-point favorite at Minnesota, but Dajani takes the Vikings and the points, especially if Carson Wentz starts in place of the injured Kyler Murray. He recalls Wentz throwing three touchdowns in a Week 1 win over Green Bay and notes Justin Jefferson’s best game of the season came with Wentz. Dajani also cites Minnesota’s league-leading defense in points per game, passing yards allowed, red-zone touchdown percentage and sacks per game. He predicts Bills 24, Vikings 23. Dubin backs Buffalo, expecting Josh Allen and James Cook to run the ball effectively against a Minnesota offense that struggled against Detroit. His pick: Bills 20, Vikings 14.
