Our football staff is focused on six of Sunday's biggest games for our NFL predictions in Week 9 on November 2.
First, we'll focus on Colts vs Steelers and Texans vs Broncos in the early window. Later in the afternoon, we have a best bet for the marquee matchup on the slate between the Chiefs and Bills. We also have picks for Bears vs Bengals, Vikings vs Lions, and more.
Let's dive into our expert NFL picks and best bets for the Week 9 Sunday slate.
NFL Predictions & Picks — Week 9
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
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  | 4:25 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NFL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Colts vs Steelers Spread Prediction
The Colts are currently running the National Football League.
Daniel Jones is this years' Sam Darnold, and the Colts are demolishing just about every team they face.
The Colts have one of the strongest offenses in football, and Jonathan Taylor is having a renaissance.
Indianapolis ranks fourth in third-down success rate, first in fourth-down success rate, and top-10 in red-zone conversion rate.
This Colts offense is going to have their way with a Steelers defense that has struggled immensely this season.
Pick: Colts -3 (-115)
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Broncos vs Moneyline Best Bet
By Dylan Wilkerson
I am dubbing this the "Are These Teams Good?" Bowl.
Both of these teams have decent records. The Texans are fighting for a playoff spot, and the Broncos currently sit atop of the AFC West.
Both of these defenses are extremely stout, as both rank top-3 in third-down conversion rate allowed.
The Texans have a huge defensive advantage in the pass game.
The Broncos offense is 26th in dropback success rate, but they are 16th in dropback EPA, indicating that they rely heavily on explosives.
I don't see how the Broncos are able to sustain success in the air against this Texans defense.
Pick: Texans Moneyline (-125)
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Panthers vs Packers Total Prediction
By Bet Labs
The system titled "High Winds" is built on how weather directly impacts offensive efficiency and scoring potential.
When average wind speeds climb into the double digits, passing games struggle with accuracy, kicking becomes unreliable, and play calling leans more heavily toward conservative runs.
This naturally limits explosive plays and lowers scoring opportunities.
With temperatures sitting in a reasonable range that does not drastically impact player stamina or ball handling, wind becomes the defining variable.
Both regular season and postseason games fit this mold, as weather remains an equalizer regardless of stakes.
Betting the under in these conditions takes advantage of how the market often undervalues the true effect of sustained wind on football outcomes.
Pick: Under 44.5 (-110)
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Vikings vs Lions ATS Pick
By Bet Labs
The system titled "Great Condition Divisional Road 'Dogs" works on the belief that divisional underdogs traveling in good weather during the early and middle parts of the season carry hidden value.
In the NFL, division games are often tighter and more unpredictable because of the familiarity and rivalry factor which narrows the talent gap.
When the visiting team is the 'dog in September, October, or November, conditions are generally stable with limited wind allowing both teams to execute their normal game plans without weather being a major factor.
In these spots, the public often overvalues the home side, yet divisional familiarity and the motivational boost of playing a rival make the road 'dog more competitive than the line suggests.
Pick: Vikings +8.5 (-110)
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Bears vs Bengals Spread Prediction
By Dylan Wilkerson
Getting the Bears as under a field-goal favorite against the current state of this Bengals team feels like a misstep.
The Bears have advantages in both the pass and run games offensively. They also have the edge defensively in the passing game.
I will always look for opportunities to bet against the Bengals defense, and this opportunity is clear as day this week.
Pick: Bears -2.5 (-115)
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Chiefs vs Bills ATS Best Bet
Buffalo’s defense has had the benefit of playing four of the worst 10 offenses this season, according to DVOA, yet the Bills rank 19th in yards per play allowed.
In the two games they faced a viable offense, against Baltimore in Week 1, they surrendered 40 points; and in their loss at home versus New England, they allowed six yards per play.
The Bills will also be missing their most talented defensive player for the foreseeable future in defensive lineman Ed Oliver.
Oliver led the team in pressures in 2024, and was leading the team in sacks this season despite only playing 108 snaps as his health was rounding into form.
Buffalo's inability to pressure Patrick Mahomes is a major problem.
The Bills’ offense also lacks an explosive element in the passing game in their current state.
Josh Allen had 163 yards passing a week ago, with 104 of those coming after the catch. Allen attempted 12 passes to wide receivers against the Panthers, with an average depth of target of just 4.7 yards.
Mahomes is playing at an elite level and will test every level of a Buffalo defense that grades out as the worst tackling defense in the league through eight weeks.
Given the way the Chiefs offense is playing, their matchup with this version of the Bills warrants them being at least a field goal favorite no matter where this game is taking place.
I expect the Chiefs to prove they are clearly the better team right now in this game.
Pick: Chiefs -2 (-110)
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