Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season features a slate of cross-conference games that serve as potential previews for future Super Bowl matchups. The schedule includes high-profile contests such as the Buffalo Bills facing the Minnesota Vikings, the New England Patriots taking on the Green Bay Packers, and the Denver Broncos playing the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals will host the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, marking the first game of the season to be played in Spain.
The Bengals are favored by 3.5 points in that international matchup. This line reflects the Falcons' recent struggles, as they became the first team this season to be shut out, suffering a 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Other notable games on the schedule feature significant point spreads, including the Kansas City Chiefs against the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers against the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Seattle Seahawks against the Arizona Cardinals.
SportsLine, which provides advanced computer model predictions for NFL betting, has analyzed the latest odds for the week. The model simulates each game 10,000 times to generate its picks. Since its inception, the system has reported a return of more than $5,000 for players wagering $100 on top-rated selections. Entering Week 9, the model has a record of 60 wins and 51 losses on its top-rated picks dating back to 2024.
One of the model's strongest predictions for the week is a win for the Washington Commanders against the Los Angeles Rams. The Commanders are listed at plus 5.5 points and have a 47.5 percent chance of covering the spread. The model projects that Washington will cover in nearly 60 percent of simulations. This prediction is supported by the team's strong performance under quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has started and finished all of Washington's games. The Commanders are 3-1 against the spread in those contests and lead the NFL in turnover differential with a plus-seven margin.
The offensive dynamics further support a Commanders victory. Washington is averaging over 140 rushing yards in games started by Daniels. The Rams, meanwhile, were vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks in Week 5, allowing 234 rushing yards to Josh Allen and the Bills in a loss. Los Angeles is also 1-3 against the spread in its last four games played in the Eastern Time Zone. The model expects the game to be decided by less than a field goal.
In another key prediction, the model favors the Kansas City Chiefs to cover against the New York Jets. The Chiefs are listed at minus 9.5 points with a 46.5 percent probability of covering. Kansas City has covered the spread in both of its games this season where it was a favorite by more than a touchdown. Over the last five such instances, the Chiefs are 4-1 against the spread.
The Jets are 2-4 against the spread in their last six games as underdogs by more than a touchdown. The model highlights the disparity between Kansas City's No. 5 scoring defense and New York's No. 25 scoring offense. Projections indicate the Jets will be limited to just 3.8 yards per carry, while quarterback Geno Smith is expected to fall short of 200 passing yards.
With the Chiefs projected to cover in over 50 percent of simulations and the over hitting in nearly 60 percent of them, the model suggests the total points may be high. The system has also identified four A-rated spread picks for the week, offering potential value for bettors. All updated odds and specific predictions for every game on the Week 9 schedule are available through the SportsLine platform.
