It wasn't a bad day to back an underdog last week, with four winning outright (Eagles, Browns, Cardinals, Patriots) and three losing the game but winning against the spread (Colts, Raiders, Jaguars). How shocking was it to see Cleveland defeat the Ravens? What a difference a quarterback can make.
Who could be this week's Browns, Jaguars, Raiders or Colts? I've got a few ideas...
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Best NFL Week 9 Underdog Picks
If every dog has its day, who will claim Sunday as their day? Don't be surprised if one (or more) of these teams pulls off an upset.
Los Angeles Chargers (-1.5) vs. Cleveland Browns (+105)
Ok, so the Browns are not much of an underdog, but as long as they have plus-money odds, they qualify. The Chargers have finally started to embrace the passing game in the last couple of weeks. Only Baker Mayfield (700) has thrown more passing yards in the last two weeks than Justin Herbert (628).
However, the Browns have finally found some mojo with the change at quarterback. After taking down the Baltimore Ravens with Jameis Winston at quarterback, they are certainly going to believe they can handle the Chargers.
To be fair, Los Angeles has a solid defense. But we like the Browns with Winston under center to break through against a Chargers defense more than Herbert vs. the Browns’ defense.
Pick: Browns Moneyline (+105 at BetMGM)
New England Patriots (+150) vs. Tennessee Titans (-3.5)
This had to be a tricky line to set. Both teams have struggled all season long to generate offense and score points. Somehow, the Titans’ defense is No. 1 in the league in terms of the total yards allowed (265.4), yet they are only 1-6. That's because the defense is still giving up 28 points per game (tied for No. 28 in the league).
Tennessee must be getting the points because they are playing at home. But these are two bad teams; no one should be favored in this game. Neither team has a competitive advantage over the other. However, if Drake Maye plays - advantage, Patriots.
With him under center, the offense has been somewhat productive; he had three touchdown passes against Houston and completed 70.3% of his passes against Jacksonville. So, if he can play - and he's trending towards playing after leaving the game last week with a concussion - I like the Patriots to win this game.
But if Jacoby Brissett gets the start, this game is a toss-up.
Pick: Patriots Moneyline (+150 at BetMGM)
Broncos (+350) vs. Ravens (-8)
From what we've seen from both teams this season, the Ravens should have a pretty easy time with the Broncos. But the same was true last week against the Browns and earlier in the season against the Raiders. Three of their five wins were by one score, so the Ravens could easily be 3-5 rather than 5-3.
Denver's defense has kept the Broncos competitive in several games as Bo Nix adjusts to the speed of the NFL, and he's getting better. Against the worst pass defense in the league (Baltimore allows 291.4 yards per game; 310 per game in their last three), Nix could have a coming-out party against the Ravens’ defense.
Or Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will dominate the game. Just don't count on that against a Denver defense ranked third in total defense.
Pick: Broncos +8 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
