The New Orleans Saints return to the field this week, as they come back from their bye to host the Cleveland Browns. Changes were made since the Saints' loss in Paris, but they were far more minimal than most had hoped. Now we will see if those changes move the needle in a positive direction for the Saints. As the second half of the 2026 season begins, the Saints have to decide if they want to save themselves or not. It is time for the Saints to sink or swim. The swimming needs to start right now, because the waters only get more treacherous after this, and the sinking will occur quickly otherwise.
Let's take a look at this and all of the exciting NFL action in Week 9.
Last week, I went 11-3
I told you so: Cardinals over Cowboys!
What do I know: Browns over Steelers?
***
Thursday, November 5th – Thursday Night Football
As the quarterback carousel in Baltimore continues to spin, Trevor Lawrence and the Jags continue to roll. Jacksonville wins 35-24.
Pick: Jaguars
***
Sunday, November 8th – Very Early Game
Joe Burrow will make up for all those completed passes that the Falcons didn't have to compete with in their shutout loss last week. Cincinnati's conquest of Atlanta in Spain will be a brutal affair. Cincinnati wins 38-17.
Pick: Bengals
***
Sunday, November 8th – Early Games
Carolina is attempting to avoid a three-game losing streak, but they have the misfortune of facing Denver, who is on a four-game winning streak, a streak that may not be challenged until they host Buffalo on Christmas Day. Denver wins 23-21.
Pick: Broncos
***
Following a four-game losing streak and the dismissal of their GM, Indy may be punting on this season, just the opponent Dallas needs, as they hope to keep pace in a very south-like NFC East. Dallas wins 27-21.
Pick: Cowboys
***
Kansas City rebounds from a heartbreaking loss in Denver, with a dominating performance against the Jets. Kansas City wins 28-14.
Pick: Chiefs
***
After an up and down start to the season, Detroit has found their rhythm over the last month, and that continues in Miami. Detroit wins 30-16.
Pick: Lions
***
Philly is on an astonishing six-game losing streak, a freefall that continues to seven here, despite a spirited fight. New York wins 28-27.
Pick: Giants
***
After an alarming first six weeks of the season, the Rams have begun to right the ship in recent weeks, and that trajectory continues in Washington. Los Angeles wins 28-14.
Pick: Rams
***
Honestly, the Saints haven't shown they have the coaching or discipline to beat anyone at this point, but a choice is being made here to believe. To believe the Saints can and will win their first home game of the season. To believe they have enough pride as a team to win in the face of so much losing. To believe these players can, for one Sunday, overcome the deficiencies in their coaching, front office, and beyond. For this Sunday, we believe. Saints win 24-17.
Pick: Saints
***
Sunday, November 8th – Late Games
The two most disappointing teams in the AFC this season face off in this one, but only one of them is truly the worst, and that team is the Bolts. Houston wins 26-14.
Pick: Texans
***
San Francisco comes into this one off their bye week, with the stinging loss in Atlanta still bitter in their mouths, while Vegas is coming off a much-needed win that snapped a four-game slide. On the surface, the Niners should handily win here, but this student (Klint Kubiak) vs. master (Kyle Shanahan) matchup should be an intriguing chess match that will ultimately come down to a game-winning field goal by the home team in the closing moments. San Francisco wins 37-34.
Pick: 49ers
***
Both of these teams have really found their footing, both having won four of their last five games, but the home team finds a way in the end in this one. New England wins 28-22.
Pick: Patriots
***
Even without Sam Darnold, Seattle wins this pivotal game behind an inspired defensive performance. Seattle wins 38-14.
Pick: Seahawks
***
Sunday Night Football
The Bucs have had their fun dominating division rivals and not completing passes, but that ends here in the Windy City. It will be surprisingly closer than expected in the final score, but the Bears will win this one. Chicago wins 23-21.
Pick: Bears
***
Monday, November 9th – Monday Night Football
These division leaders may have equal records, but these teams are not equal. Minnesota's defense will only carry them so far, then Josh Allen and the Bills will take it from there. Buffalo wins 28-20.
Pick: Bills
***
There you have it, Week 9 is here. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!
