NFL Week 9 presents a pivotal slate ahead of the Tuesday trade deadline, offering a final chance to evaluate teams before front offices decide to buy, sell, or hold. Here are the top last-minute picks for the weekend.
Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
The Packers are favored to upset the Patriots in Foxborough. New England struggled against Miami last week, while Green Bay's defense has allowed just 14.6 points per game over the past five games, ranking third in the NFL. Quarterback Jordan Love leads the league in passing yards and completions of 20-plus air yards. Projected score: Packers 23, Patriots 21. Pick: Packers +3.
Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders
The Rams are expected to win and cover on the road. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels posted a 17.2% off-target rate in Week 8, the third-highest of his career. Los Angeles' defense allows 301.1 total yards per game, fifth in the league. Washington is 0-5 following a win since last season with a -9.0 points-per-game differential. Projected score: Rams 27, Commanders 21. Pick: Rams -4.5.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears
The Bears, 3-1 against the spread at home, are projected to win their fourth straight. Tampa Bay's passing attack has completed only 7 of 14 attempts for 64 yards over the past two games. Chicago's defense, bolstered by Jeffery Simmons' debut, looks dominant. Projected score: Bears 28, Buccaneers 20. Pick: Bears -6.
Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts
Dallas is favored to cover despite a poor defense. Indianapolis has lost 2-13 over its last 15 games and allows 27.8 points per game, third-highest in the NFL. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones owns a 68.7 passer rating, worst in the league, and is 3-10 as a starter since Week 9 last year with 13 touchdowns and 20 turnovers. Projected score: Cowboys 30, Colts 17. Pick: Cowboys -4.5.
Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings
Buffalo, averaging a league-best 33.3 points per game, is a 3-point road favorite. Minnesota's offense averages just 279.4 total yards per game (fourth-lowest) and 20 points per game (sixth-lowest). With Kyler Murray sidelined, Carson Wentz starts. The Bills score touchdowns on 70% of red-zone trips. Projected score: Bills 24, Vikings 17. Pick: Bills -3.
Other notable picks: Falcons +3 vs. Bengals (Madrid), Chiefs -8.5 vs. Jets, Lions -6.5 vs. Dolphins, Saints -3.5 vs. Browns, Giants -3 vs. Eagles, Panthers +3 vs. Broncos, Chargers +6 vs. Texans, Raiders +9.5 vs. 49ers, Seahawks -8.5 vs. Cardinals.
