The NFL landscape shifted dramatically following a pivotal week in which the Detroit Lions defeated the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings, the Denver Broncos upset the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Chicago Bears beat the Seattle Seahawks with the help of trade acquisition Jeffery Simmons. As the league prepares for Week 9, CBS Sports writers Jordan Dajani and Jared Dubin have shared their predictions for several high-profile matchups. These selections are based on betting lines taken on November 4 from DraftKings Sportsbook.
In Thursday night's game, both analysts favor the Jacksonville Jaguars over the Baltimore Ravens. Dajani highlights the Jaguars' remarkable 14-3 record over their last 17 games and their status as the only team leading its division by three or more games. He notes that Trevor Lawrence leads the league in passer rating, while the Jaguars possess the statistically best run defense. Dubin agrees, arguing that the Ravens lack the necessary personnel to compete, particularly with a third-string quarterback and a short week preparation time.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons will face off in Madrid, with Dajani backing the Falcons to cover the spread. He points to injuries in the Bengals' secondary and a recent defensive lapse against the Tennessee Titans. Dubin, however, sides with the Bengals, citing the explosive play of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He also questions the Falcons' recent struggles in the running game despite the presence of Bijan Robinson.
For the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Washington Commanders, both experts predict a Rams victory. Dajani views the game as a potential revenge match for head coach Sean McVay, who has a strong recent record against his former team. Dubin believes the Rams can leverage their running game against a Commanders defense that recently lost key player Daron Payne to injury. Both analysts expect the Rams to maintain their recent winning momentum.
Denver’s Bo Nix is a focal point in the matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Dajani praises Nix’s efficiency in fourth-quarter situations, noting his high yards per attempt when down by one score. He also highlights the Panthers' offensive line issues and their recent defensive struggles at home. Dubin is more cautious about Nix but trusts the Broncos' defense to pressure Bryce Young and keep the game low-scoring. Both writers predict a Denver win.
In the NFC North clash, the Green Bay Packers visit the New England Patriots. Dajani favors the Packers, pointing to their strong passing attack led by Jordan Love and the defensive improvement of the Bears' rivals. He notes that Love leads the NFL in passing yards and that the Packers' defense has allowed only 14.6 points per game over its last five contests. Dubin also backs Green Bay, emphasizing the extra rest the team received after winning on Thursday, which allows star receiver Christian Watson more time to recover from a rib injury.
The Sunday night contest features the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Chicago Bears. Dajani strongly supports the Bears, citing the immediate impact of new defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who recorded six tackles and a sack in his debut. He also highlights quarterback Caleb Williams' impressive statistics since returning from injury. Dubin agrees Chicago will win but believes Tampa Bay can keep the score close by utilizing its effective running game and blitzing schemes.
Finally, the Buffalo Bills travel to Minnesota, where the Vikings may start Carson Wentz due to a hamstring injury for Kyler Murray. Dajani favors the Vikings, arguing that Wentz could energize the offense and that the Vikings' defense remains the best in the league. He points to Minnesota's dominance in points allowed and sacks. Dubin, conversely, predicts a Bills victory, believing Buffalo can exploit the Vikings' offensive inconsistency with their own strong rushing attack led by Josh Allen and James Cook.
