NFL Week 9 Predictions and Preview

We couldn’t have made a worse start with our NFL tips in Week 8. The Cardinals didn’t turn up, Kyler Murray hurt his ankle and they never looked like covering a 10.5 point spread. It was encouraging for them that they still could have won the game in the 4th quarter even after such a poor display. The Titans beat the Colts but only by 3 points. It should have been more comfortable but that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Here’s hoping we get off the mark this weekend. Check out our NFL Week 9 predictions and preview below.

Saturday 6pm: Las Vegas Raiders (5-2) @ New York Giants (2-6)

The MetLife Stadium is the venue for this Week 9 clash between the Raiders and the Giants. The Raiders have had a turbulent few weeks off the field. Jon Gruden was fired for sending offensive emails and then this week, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was cut after he was charged in relation to a fatal car crash. So, while the Raiders have had two weeks to prepare for this game, it has hardly been plain sailing.

Rich Bassacia is in charge of the Raiders now and he has done well. He is 2/2 so far but those two wins came against the Eagles and the Broncos, two pretty average teams. It could be argued that the Giants are ordinary too, but Joe Judge’s team are probably a shade unfortunate to have a 2-6 record. They have lost three games by three points or less and their defense is improving all the time. The Giants offense hasn’t been setting the world alight but they still managed to push the Chiefs all the way last time out.

Injury Worries

The Giants top running back, Saquon Barkley, remains out so it’ll be up to Devontae Booker to earn the hard yards on the ground. Seemingly Golladay and Toner will be fit to play which is a big bonus. The Giants have only had 714 total yards rushing this season, scoring 7 TDs. However, the Raiders are even worse with 598 rushing yards and 3.5 yds per carry. These two teams like to pass the ball and the Raiders have been better defending those passing plays. They have only allowed 6.3 yards per play in comparison to 7.1 by the Giants.

Even so, I’m not sure that the Raiders should be the favs for this match. Yes, their record looks much better on paper but as we mentioned earlier, The Giants have lost some very close games. I was impressed by them, especially defensively, against The Chiefs last week and if Daniel Jones improves just a little bit more, they can beat the Raiders. Back the Giants on the moneyline at odds of 2.28 with Pinnacle.

NFL Week 9 Predictions: Giants to win the match @ 2.28 (Pinnacle)

Dave Stevos