NFL Picks Week 9: Calling out the slate

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)

Minnesota (5-2) might not be a very good team, but is somehow getting the job done. Meanwhile, St. Louis (4-3) is looking like a team that is coming together. The Rams also already have three division wins, something that is very impressive in the NFC West.

Pick: Minnesota 17, St. Louis 16

Washington Redskins at New England Patriots (-14.5)

This is going to be a flat-out killing. New England (7-0) is the best team in football, and Washington (3-4) is not. Any time you have Jay Gruden and Kirk Cousins going against Bill Belichick, it is time to grab a beverage and start laughing.

Pick: New England 41, Washington 16

Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints (NO LINE)

New Orleans (4-4) is beginning to show signs that it can contend for a playoff spot. On the other sideline, Tennessee (1-6) just fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt and is in complete disarray. This will be a massacre.

Pick: New Orleans 36, Tennessee 17

Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (NO LINE)

New York (4-3) could be without Ryan Fitzpartick for this game, which might make things very interesting. Then again, Jacksonville (1-6) is nothing short of a rancid dumpster fire with no extinguisher in sight.

Pick: New York 20, Jacksonville 10

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5)

Pittsburgh (4-4) needs to win this game. Oakland (4-3) has been playing really solid football and could absolutely win this game. Jack Del Rio has done a tremendous job with this group. That said, Ben Roethlisberger is out for blood.

Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Oakland 20