NFL Game Picks Week 9: New York Jets Go Home Wounded

November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74, right) talks to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) on the sideline during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (3-4) Miami Dolphins head coach Dan Campbell’s magic potion may have worn off or maybe the Patriots are immune to its effects. Either way, the Dolphins now play highly competitive teams outside the AFC South division. According to ESPN’s Mike Rodak, Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor likely returns to the lineup:

Bills head coach Rex Ryan will finally unleash his pass-rushers up front and earn the victory over the Dolphins.

The Pick: Buffalo Bills

St. Louis Rams (4-3) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

This contest features two winning teams in an old school smash-mouth football game. The Minnesota Vikings rank 30th in passing offense, and the St. Louis Rams rank 32nd in passing offense.

Vikings rookie wide receiver and spark plug, Stefon Diggs, missed practice with a hamstring injury.

Prepare for a grind-it-out 17-14 type of finish. The last running back standing wins this contest.

Two years ago, the choice would be easy in picking running back Adrian Peterson to lead the Vikings to victory. However, in a grueling physical matchup take the fresh young legs. Rams running back Todd Gurley leads the Rams to victory.

The Pick: St. Louis Rams

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) at New York Jets (4-3)

According ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s will start against the Jaguars on Sunday:

Backup quarterback Geno Smith didn’t embarrass himself against the Oakland Raiders last week, but the drop off became apparent in Smith’s late fourth-quarter miscues. Fitzpatrick plays with more game-situation awareness and performed well enough to maintain his starting position. The Jaguars play with more fight, but the Jets defense will wake up after an abysmal showing on the west coast to hold Jacksonville to 10 points or less in a victory.

The Pick: New York Jets

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4)

The Raiders have defied conventional NFL wisdom over the past two weeks by winning a road game and thrashing an above .500 team in consecutive weeks. This year, Oakland is for real. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr will rise to become a top-10 signal-caller in this league, but the old guard takes this one away from the upstart west coast team. The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t lose consecutive games on Heinz Field. They’re without starting running back Le’Veon Bell, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a multitude of weapons to target against the Raiders’ 31st-ranked pass defense.

The Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

Next: Giants in a Tough Matchup