SportsLine's proven computer model has unveiled its five best bets for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season, offering a parlay that could return nearly +3000 if all selections hit. The model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, entered the week on a 60-51 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024 and has generated more than $5,000 in profit for $100 players since its inception.
The headline matchup features the Minnesota Vikings, the league's last unbeaten team, as 3-point home underdogs against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Meanwhile, the 6-1 San Francisco 49ers host the Las Vegas Raiders, who are 10-point underdogs.
In the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals visit the Seattle Seahawks with the line shifting several points after news that Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (quad) will not play. Gardner Minshew will start for Arizona, which rallied from 14 points down to defeat the Dallas Cowboys 33-30 in overtime in Week 8. Running back Tyler Allgeier leads the Cardinals' ground game with 72 carries for 323 yards and two touchdowns, including 147 yards and a score against Dallas. Tight end Trey McBride tops the receiving corps with 66 receptions for 544 yards and five touchdowns.
Seattle's offense, ranked 11th in scoring at 24.0 points per game, will turn to Drew Lock, who guided the team to 31 points in his previous start this season. Lock will have top target Jaxon Smith-Njigba (64 receptions, 985 yards, 9 touchdowns) at his disposal. Arizona averages 21.9 points per game, ranking 21st.
The model's top pick is the Over 39.5 in the Cardinals-Seahawks game, which hits in 76% of simulations. The Over has cashed in six of Arizona's last 10 games and three of Seattle's last five. The model also identified four other matchups where it believes the line is significantly off, including multiple spread picks hitting well over 50% of the time.
Other notable Week 9 lines include the Los Angeles Rams vs. Washington Commanders (+4.5), Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers (+5.5), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears (-6) on Sunday Night Football. The Chargers have lost 10 consecutive games dating back to last season.
