CBS Sports betting columnist enters Week 9 with a 21-19 season record after a 3-2 performance in Week 8. The column highlights five key wagers for the upcoming NFL slate, including a point spread play on the Denver Broncos and player prop bets for Drake Maye, Sione Vaki, and Drake London.
Broncos -2.5 at Panthers
The Broncos (6-2) are favored by 2.5 points against the Carolina Panthers. The column argues Carolina's fast start was unsustainable, citing offensive line injuries and a defense that has allowed 43 and 27 points in the past two weeks. Denver's pass rush and rookie running back Jonah Coleman are seen as advantages.
Drake Maye 1+ interceptions
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has thrown 11 touchdowns and one interception over his last four games, but faces a Green Bay Packers defense that leads the league with 15 forced turnovers and 10 interceptions. The column expects defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's pressure packages to generate a turnover.
Sione Vaki 20+ rushing yards
Detroit Lions rookie running back Sione Vaki logged 65 yards on 11 carries in Week 8, nearly doubling his previous career high. With starter Jahmyr Gibbs on pace for 463 touches, Vaki could see increased workload against a Miami Dolphins defense that allowed 38 rushing yards to backup Corey Kiner last week.
Texans at Chargers UNDER 42.5
The Los Angeles Chargers have not scored a touchdown in two consecutive games and have topped 20 points only once this season. Facing a Houston Texans defense coming off a bye, combined with the Chargers' strong defense (seventh in EPA per play), the column projects a low-scoring affair.
Drake London 6+ receptions and 80+ receiving yards
In the NFL's Madrid game, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London is favored to exploit a Cincinnati Bengals defense that allows the second-most passing yards on throws between the numbers (1,196 yards, 9.4 yards per attempt). London ranked seventh in yards on such throws from Weeks 3-7, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is expected to start without weather concerns.
The column also lists straight-up winners for all Week 9 games, projecting the Jaguars, Bengals, Saints, Cowboys, Broncos, Lions, Rams, Giants, Chiefs, Texans, Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, Bears, and Bills to win.
