Long story short, never boast about past picks and just move on to the next round, which we’ll do here with these NFL Week 9 offerings:
Eagles 26, Texans 16: The Eagles can claim 8-0 as the best start in franchise history. That’s only because 30-year-old walk-on Vince Papale never got to start in 41 career games from 1976-78. Line: Texans +14
Falcons 24, Chargers 20: The Chargers’ defense is allowing the NFL’s most yards per run (5.7). The Falcons run like bullies on those Atlanta streets. Line: Falcons +3
Dolphins 21, Bears 14: The Bears, after exporting another defensive captain, are taking the W-I-N out of the Windy City. Line: Dolphins -5
Bengals 31, Panthers 17: History says these teams tied 37-37 when they last met in Cincinnati in 2014. Line: Bengals -7 1/2
Packers 28, Lions 26: The Packers didn’t trade for anyone, but they do swap a four-game losing streak for a win at Detroit. Line: Lions +3/1/2
Raiders 26, Jaguars 16: Shut out last week at New Orleans, the Raiders win in their encore trip to the southeast. Line: Raiders -1 1/2
Patriots 16, Colts 14: When DeForest Buckner sacks Mac Jones, 49ers fans might wonder about the ones that got away. But don’t go there. Line: Colts + 5 1/2
Bills 31, Jets 21: Condolences to Jets coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich for having to face the Bills’ offense, which they’ll do again in a month. Line: Jets +12 1/2
Vikings 27, Commanders 21: Washington is exploring an ownership sale. Kirk Cousins surely is among those who like that. Line: Vikings -3 1/2
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 21: J.J. Watt, as a new dad, fiercely protects his house against the scary Seahawks. That shrinks Seattle’s NFC West lead to a half-game over the idle 49ers. Line: Cardinals -2
Buccaneers 28, Rams 24: The NFL’s past two champions meet, and it’s not on prime time? Someone must have known these teams would be under .500 entering November. Line: Bucs -3
Chiefs 27, Titans 23: Google “Andy Reid after a bye” and there’s your clue for this pick: 20-3 overall (best in NFL history), 12-1 at home. Line: Titans +12 1/2
Ravens 33, Saints 21: Baltimore won the Super Bowl in the Superdome a decade ago. Monday night, the lights don’t go out on this Ravens’ win. Line: Ravens -2 1/2
Last week: 9-6 straight up, 6-9 against the spread
Season: 70-52-1 straight up, 67-56 against the spread
