Sean's Week 9 NFL Predictions

Here's a quick look at my week nine picks. I've included an "X-Factor" player for each game that I think will have an impact this week. I also threw in a little prediction of how they would play just for fun. However, my picks are serious!

My overall season record: 71-47

Chiefs @ Chargers

The Chiefs have been a mess at the quarterback position as both have been injured in recent games. Matt Cassel will be the starter. Handing off the ball to Jamaal Charles may seem like the best option the Chiefs have, except the Chargers have a top notch run defense. With the game being a divisional matchup, it could be more interesting than people think. Chargers 24-14

X-Factor: With Jared Gaither coming off an injury, expect Tamba Hali to make a statement although I believe they will receive the loss.

Prediction: 2 sacks.

Denver @ Cincinnati

Expect Denver’s offensive success to continue in this game. Peyton Manning has been on fire with his new offense and the chemistry is really starting to show. The young receivers for the Broncos are finally showing their full potential as well. I don’t expect the Bengals offense to put up huge numbers on the Broncos defense. Broncos 31-13

X-Factor: Expect Demaryius Thomas to continue a strong season.

Prediction: 2 touchdown receptions and over 100 yards.

Baltimore @ Cleveland

Again divisional matchups are always hyped up more than normal games, and the Browns did keep it close in a loss in their earlier matchup this season 23-16. I believe the Ravens will silence the Cleveland crowd and come out on top again. Ravens 27-10.

X-Factor:  Joe Flacco has been inconsistent this year, but I believe he’ll play well just like the last time these teams faced off.

Prediction: Another 300 yard game for Flacco.

Arizona @ Green Bay

There is one big stat coming into this game. Sacks. These two offensive lines have given up the most sacks in the NFL. Clay Matthews for the Packers and Daryl Washington of the Cardinals are drooling at the opportunity. However, Aaron Rodgers has had success this year even after being sacked multiple times.

Packers 31-10

X-Factor: Clay Matthews must be ecstatic with a chance to get a win and most likely dominate the offensive line.

Prediction: 3 sacks.

Buffalo @ Houston

As a huge Bills fan, this game makes me sick to my stomach to think about. The Bills have had two solid chances to prove themselves this season. Those games were against the Patriots and the 49ers, and we all know how that went. I believe the Bills will try to make an effort to slow down Arian Foster, opening up the passing game. Houston 37-17.

X-Factor: Matt Schaub will have a big day, after Foster has success on the ground despite a great effort to slow him down.

Prediction: 3 touchdown passes and over 300 yards passing.

Miami @ Indianapolis

I believe this will be a close game. Miami will control the game in time of possession, giving Reggie Bush many carries. Miami has done a great job stopping the run. This trend should continue, forcing Andrew Luck to throw the ball.

Miami 20-16

X-Factor: Reggie Wayne

Prediction: Double digit receptions and a touchdown on the day.

Detroit @ Jacksonville

Detroit should take a much-needed win in this game. Their division is too tough to miss a chance like this to win a game. Without Maurice Jones-Drew I don’t see the Jaguars pulling this one off. Jacksonville has spread the wealth around in his absence, seeing what other players can do. However, MJD is a big factor to be missing on an already bad offensive team.

Detroit 24-6

X-Factor: Calvin Johnson

Prediction: Megatron doubles his season total of touchdowns in this game, with two touchdowns.

Chicago @ Tennessee

Chris Johnson has only two touchdowns on the season, and they came against a terrible Bills defense. Don’t expect much out of him against the top run defense in the league. Although Hasselbeck is a veteran, I wouldn’t want him throwing the ball all game against these Bears corners.

Chicago 23-9

X-Factor: Julius Peppers

Prediction: One sack, and contains Chris Johnson, not letting him get to the outside.

Carolina @ Washington 

What an exciting matchup to watch. Cam Newton vs. Robert Griffin III. I expect this game to be a fast paced offensive game on both ends. Cam Newton will have nice numbers against this Redskins defensive unit. Robert Griffin III won’t be too shabby himself against a hurting Panthers defense. I believe the Panthers will be able to pull off their second win in a thriller.

Carolina 28-24

X-Factor: Cam Newton

Prediction: 2 passing touchdowns, and even runs one in himself.

Tampa Bay @ Oakland

The Buccaneers can stop the run, but they can’t stop the pass. They go into Oakland, which is never a fun place to play. The Raiders need a win to keep a good divisional race close. I can see Carson Palmer having a great game against this defense, especially if McFadden can help out a little bit.

Oakland 17-13

X-Factor: Carson Palmer

Prediction: Two touchdown passes on the day.

Minnesota @ Seattle

To put it plain and simple, the Vikings have thrived through Adrian Peterson this year. Seattle has not lost at home all season, and I believe this defense can slow down Peterson. Don’t expect Christian Ponder to lead the Vikings to victory in a loud Seattle environment.

Seattle 16-6

X-Factor: Marshawn Lynch

Prediction: Lynch will pass the century mark and have the only touchdown scored this game.

Pittsburgh @ NY Giants
 

I believe this game will produce a different outcome than most people think. Even without Troy Polamalu in the defensive backfield, I think that Pittsburgh will pull off a win. Big Ben will have a big game in the air and avoid the Giants elite pass rush. After all, Roethlisberger is not the easiest quarterback to take down by any means.

Steelers 34-26

X-Factor: Ike Taylor

Prediction: Eli will make a mistake to his favorite target, Victor Cruz. Ike gets his first pick of the season, and turns it into six much needed points.  

Dallas @ Atlanta

Atlanta has played very well in the dome, especially under Matt Ryan. The Falcons passing attack made talented Philly corners look bad. Although I don’t think Claiborne and Carr will look as bad, the Falcons passing game will still be overwhelming. If Romo gives the ball to this Falcons offense, expect game over.

Falcons 35-23

X-Factor: Matt Ryan

Prediction: Matty Ice stays hot and throws four touchdowns against the Cowboys, racking up 300 yards.

Philadelphia @ New Orleans

The Saints being at home is what scares me the most about my pick. I believe Michael Vick will play a cleaner game against the worst defense in the league, despite the loud New Orleans fans. If LeSean McCoy gets a few more touches than usual, it will definitely help Vick’s cause. Brees will make this game very interesting though.

Eagles 31-28

X-Factor: Desean Jackson

Prediction: A couple big plays to this dynamic playmaker will quiet down the dome. 2 touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving.