Bucs (5-2) @ Falcons (5-2), 1:00PM ET
Who would have thought in preseason that the winner of this game would be in first place in the NFC South heading into the second half of the season? Raheem Morris rolled some eyes when he said that the Bucs were the best team in the NFC two weeks ago, but nobody will be laughing if they can beat the Falcons this Sunday. For his career, Matt Ryan has only lost once at the Georgia Dome (his rookie year against the Broncos) and Atlanta had the luxury of having last week off. Look for both of these teams to try and shove the ball down each others’ throats and allow their defense to win the game. Expect a steady dose of LeGarrette Blount and Michael Turner this week.
CURRENT ODDS: FALCONS –9
Dolphins (4-3) @ Ravens (5-2), 1:00PM ET
The Ravens are coming off a bye and the Dolphins are coming off yet another road win. Miami is now 4-0 on the road this season, which is amazing considering its 0-3 at home. The Joe Flacco-Anquan Boldin connection has been outstanding this year, but Baltimore would love to get Ray Rice more touches if he’s healthy (he’s battled nagging injuries for most of the year). The Dolphins are still searching for more consistency from quarterback Chad Henne, especially in the red zone. Brandon Marshall has 47 catches for 588 yards, but has only reached paydirt once. Henne may be able to take advantage of a Baltimore defense that has allowed 57 points in their last two games.
CURRENT ODDS: RAVENS –5
Colts (5-2) @ Eagles (4-3), 4:15PM ET
We’re going to find out just how good this Eagles team is when Peyton Manning comes to town this Sunday. Michael Vick should be back after suffering a rib injury several weeks ago, but the onus this weekend will be on Philly’s defense. Indy is depleted offensively, but Manning is a master at taking what the defense gives him and moving the ball methodically up the field. If the Eagles can’t figure out a way to control the clock and keep Manning on the sidelines, then they’re going to be in for a long afternoon. Philly needs a win to avoid dropping to .500 and perhaps multiple games behind the Giants in the NFC East.
CURRENT ODDS: EAGLES –2.5
Chiefs (5-2) @ Raiders (4-4), 4:15PM ET
Who would have thought that this game would be so important early in the year? The Raiders have won two straight by a combined score of 92-17, while the Chiefs struggled against the Bills but managed to come out victorious in order to improve to 5-2. Kansas City is just 1-2 on the road this year, while Oakland is 3-1 at home. If the Chiefs are for real, they have to be able to beat a divisional opponent on the road. The Raiders are hot, but they’re still the Raiders. Consistency is not one of their strong suits.
CURRENT ODDS: RAIDERS -3
2010 NFL Week 9 Opening Odds:
405 Chicago Bears –2.5 (41)
406 Buffalo Bills +2.5 (41)
407 San Diego Chargers -3 (50.5)
408 Houston Texans +3 (50.5)
409 New Orleans -6.5 (41)
410 Carolina Panthers +6.5 (41)
411 Arizona Cardinals +9 (41)
412 Minnesota Vikings –9 (41)
413 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +9 (45.5)
414 Atlanta Falcons –9 (45.5)
415 New York Jets –3.5 (43.5)
416 Detroit Lions +3.5 (43.5)
417 Miami Dolphins +5.5 (40.5)
418 Baltimore Ravens –5.5 (40.5)
419 New England Patriots –5.5 (44)
420 Cleveland Browns +5.5 (44)
421 New York Giants –5.5 (41)
422 Seattle Seahawks +5.5 (41)
423 Kansas City Chiefs +2.5 (41)
424 Oakland Raiders –2.5 (41)
425 Indianapolis Colts +2.5 (47)
426 Philadelphia Eagles -2.5 (47)
427 Dallas Cowboys +9 (43.5)
428 Green Bay Packers –9 (43.5)
429 Pittsburgh Steelers -4.5 (41)
430 Cincinnati Bengals +4.5 (41)
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