The 2026 NFL season reaches its halfway point with Week 9, featuring several high-profile matchups. The New York Giants visit the Philadelphia Eagles in a NFC East showdown, while the Green Bay Packers travel to New England to face the Patriots on a weekend celebrating Rob Gronkowski's Hall of Fame induction and Tom Brady's return to Foxborough as a broadcaster. Sunday night showcases the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Chicago Bears, and Monday night closes the week with the Buffalo Bills at the Minnesota Vikings.
CBS Sports experts and SportsLine analysts have released their picks against the spread for every game. Jordan Dajani backs the New Orleans Saints (-2.5) over the Cleveland Browns, citing the Saints' bye-week rest and potential player returns. Pete Prisco favors the Dallas Cowboys (-6) to rebound against the struggling Indianapolis Colts. Dajani also rides the Denver Broncos (-3) against the Carolina Panthers, noting the Panthers' defensive struggles at home. Zach Pereles highlights a player prop for Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (20+ rushing yards) in the Lions' (-7) matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
Tyler Sullivan likes the Los Angeles Rams (-5.5) to cover against the Washington Commanders, pointing to Jayden Daniels' recent accuracy issues. Prisco selects the Eagles to cover as 3.5-point underdogs against the Giants, while SportsLine expert Eric Cohen predicts a Chiefs (-9.5) blowout over the New York Jets. Pereles leans to the under 42.5 in the Houston Texans (-4.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers game, citing both teams' offensive limitations. Prisco also tabs the Seattle Seahawks (-11) to dominate the Arizona Cardinals.
In the marquee Packers-Patriots game, John Breech picks Green Bay to upset New England (-3), arguing that Patriots quarterback Drake Maye struggles against winning teams and the Packers' defense is underrated. Cohen favors the San Francisco 49ers (-10) and the over against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jordan Dajani backs the Bears (-6) over the Buccaneers, citing Chicago's defensive improvement after acquiring Jeffery Simmons and Caleb Williams' strong play. For Monday night, Dajani takes the Vikings (+3.5) with Carson Wentz potentially starting at quarterback against the Bills.
