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

By Maurice Moton

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Nov 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) makes a pass during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)

A rookie quarterback leading a sub .500 team seems like somewhat of a cakewalk for the New York Giants, but think again. The Giants have surrendered 100 rushing yards to their last four opponents. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank fourth in rushing and won two of their last three games. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Jason Pierre-Paul is expected to make a return to the field. Don’t expect him to become a game-changer in his first game back. He’s healthy enough to play, but his damaged hand will force him to make significant adjustments to his play style. The Giants can rack up yards against poor pass defenses, but they struggle with decent secondaries. The Bucs rank 14th in pass defense under defensive guru and head coach Lovie Smith.

The Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Atlanta Falcons (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (2-6)

The San Francisco 49ers should be the last team providing bulletin board material, but that’s exactly what they did this week per Bayareasportsguy.com writer Kyle McLorg:

So, it’s Blaine Gabbert’s time to improve his NFL resume in a very poor setting against a team coming off an embarrassing home loss with even more motivation since they’re such a “weak defense.” Good luck Gabbert. It’s not going to help though.

The Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Denver Broncos (7-0) at Indianapolis Colts (3-5)

The Indianapolis Colts confirmed the termination of offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, but it won’t change the outcome of this game. The Colts field the 27th-ranked passing offense and the 28th-ranked rushing offense, facing the best defense in the league in terms of total yardage. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck usually plays well late, but the Denver Broncos will accumulate an insurmountable lead to overcome.

The Pick: Denver Broncos

Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (2-5)

The Dallas Cowboys earned an early victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on the road, but this week the tables turn. The Eagles will come into this contest prepared off a bye week. They’re also starting to find their stride, winning two of the last three. The Cowboys haven’t won a game since beating the Eagles in Week 2. No Tony Romo for the Cowboys equates to six consecutive losses.

The Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Next: NFL Power Rankings Heading Into Week 9

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Chicago Bears (2-5) at San Diego Chargers (2-6)

Not much to see here. It’s just two struggling teams to attempting to keep their seasons alive. The San Diego Chargers lost their leading wide receiver, Keenan Allen, for the season due to a kidney injury:

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates continues to battle an MCL injury at less than 100 percent.

The Chicago Bears won’t have running back Matt Forte in the lineup, but they’ll have wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Martellus Bennett, which should be enough to beat the Chargers at home.

The Pick: Chicago Bears

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