NFL Week 9 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup breakdowns for every game

Key Points:

• Jacksonville enters Thursday night with a top-five scoring offense and a top-two defense in points allowed, while Baltimore faces significant challenges without injured quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, relying on rookie Joe Fagnano for his first NFL start against a high-pressure Jaguars defense.
• The Bengals boast one of the league’s best receiving duos in Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, with Higgins ranking second in receiving yards and both receivers thriving against an injury-plagued Atlanta secondary, setting the stage for a potential high-scoring shootout.
• Denver’s four-game winning streak is tempered by a lackluster offense and a defense that struggles away from home, while Carolina, despite a sub-.500 record, leads the NFC South and could leverage extra rest and recent changes to secure a narrow home victory.
• The Colts and Cowboys face low points this season, with Indianapolis focusing on trade rumors and Dallas recovering from a home loss; key matchups include Jonathan Taylor against Dallas' weak run defense and whether the Colts can contain Dallas’ potent passing attack.
• Buffalo is favored over Minnesota despite the Vikings starting Carson Wentz due to Kyler Murray's injury; Minnesota’s heavy blitzing defense aims to disrupt Josh Allen, but Buffalo’s balanced offense and running game may outpace the Vikings, leading to a likely Buffalo victory.