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NFL picks Week 9: Most entertaining game could be between the Ryan brothers

Excluding the Ravens-Browns game, here are predictions for each of Week 9's games.

Jeff Zelevansky

Cincinnati Bengals (-3) at Miami Dolphins

The Bengals have been red-hot of late and travel to play a Dolphins team that's been the exact opposition. Take into consideration that Miami will be without Jonathan Martin and the Dolphins have plenty of issues. Prediction: Bengals 27, Dolphins 14

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (-7.5)

Who would've thought the Falcons would be this bad? Well, they are and it's not only because of injuries. This team is unable to make plays when they're needed and have been as non-clutch as possible this year. The season is beginning to slip away from Atlanta. Prediction: Panthers 24, Falcons 20

Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys (-10.5)

Dez Bryant meltdown aside, the Cowboys are good enough to beat most teams in the NFL. Sunday's game against Minnesota shouldn't be a problem. Prediction: Cowboys 34, Vikings 20

New Orleans Saints (-6) at New York Jets

Which Jets team shows up? The one that beat New England or the one that got obliterated by Cincinnati. Given it's a battle of the Ryan brothers, it should be entertaining at least. Prediction: Saints 31, Jets 27

Tennessee Titans (-3) at St. Louis Rams

The Rams have no offense outside of Zac Stacy right now and he's hobbled by an ankle injury. The Titans should be able to do enough to secure a win. Prediction: Titans 20, Rams 10

Kansas City Chiefs (-3) at Buffalo Bills

The Chiefs' defense has been outstanding all year. But the offense has been of the game-managing variety. It's prone to a bad game and a couple of costly turnovers at some point. This could be the week. The Bills' defense isn't bad and could wind up doing just enough to hand Kansas City its first loss. Prediction: Bills 17, Chiefs 14

San Diego Chargers (-1) at Washington Redskins

A lot of talk in Washington has centered around the Redskins eventually reaching their potential. How about this one, guys: They're just not that good. The Chargers are an improving team fresh off a bye. This is a rather easy pick. Prediction: Chargers 31, Redskins 21

Philadelphia Eagles at Oakland Raiders (-2.5)

The Eagles have been abysmal the past two weeks and will have to trot Nick Foles out once again. Which Foles will it be this week? The 296-yard throwing one or the other that was erratic against Dallas? Prediction: Raiders 27, Eagles 21

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks (-16)

It's unknown if Percy Harvin will be in the lineup this week and Sidney Rice is out for the season with a torn ACL. The offense could be one-dimensional this week. Thankfully for Seahawks fans, Seattle's hosting Tampa Bay. Prediction: Seahawks 24, Buccaneers 13

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-6.5)

The Steelers proved why they're still a bad team last week, even with the win over the Ravens two weeks ago. The Patriots might be one of the worst 6-2 teams in recent memory. This game could wind up close throughout. Prediction: Patriots 27, Steelers 23

Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Houston Texans

The Colts are proving to be one of the best teams in the NFL and should be able to handle a Texans team. The 2.5-spread seems a bit close, though Case Keenum showed he might actually be an upgrade over Matt Schaub after all. Prediction: Colts 30, Texans 24

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-10.5)

Both teams can score a lot of points, though the Bears will have to play Josh McCown once again. Still, Matt Forte should be able to keep the game close, even against a tough Packers' front seven. Prediction: Packers 41, Bears 34