2009 NFL Predictions Week 9

Last week was a rough one in terms of NFL prediction as fans saw a good number of upsets. During week 9 of the NFL season, expect the better teams to come out on top as they begin to make a push for the NFL playoffs. Here are the free NFL predictions for week 9 and five can't miss games.

Five Can't Miss NFL Games

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

While the Texans are a long shot in terms of catching the Colts for a division title, a win this week can help position themselves for a shot at a wildcard berth. Look for the Texans to rely upon the backfield of Steve Slaton and Ryan Moats as they pound the ball against the Colts defense.

Though the Colts offense racked up over 400 yards last week, they escaped with a four point victory over the 49ers. Things will be different against a Texan team that can score. Look for Manning to right the ship and make sure the offense takes advantage of any opportunity to score.

Prediction - Indianapolis 31 Houston 28

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves back in the hunt for the NFC East after winning their third game in a row. The success of the offense has taken center stage, with the Cowboys scoring more than 26 points in the last three games. They will need continued production from quarterback Tony Romo if they are going to knock off the Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles did what they wanted against the Giants last week during their 40-17 victory. The Eagles should find success against the Cowboys if they can force Romo back into his bad habits and rush his passes. The Eagles have 14 interceptions this season, which is ranked second in the NFL.

Predictions - Philadelphia 28 Dallas 17

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

The Baltimore Ravens snapped their losing streak while making sure they stay within a game of the division lead. The Ravens defense will need to step up again this week when they face the Bengals' Cedric Benson, who rushed for 120 yards the last time they meet during week 5 of the NFL season.

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a bye week after the team dismantled the Bears defense by racking up 45 points. If the Bengals are going to come away with a win, they will need to find a way to put pressure on the Ravens' Joe Flacco and taking advantage of a Ravens' defense that tends to over pursue.

Prediction - Cincinnati 24 Baltimore 21

Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears

The Arizona Cardinals lost a key game last week and will need to rebound in week 9 if they want a chance to earn a second NFC West crown. The key to their success will be their defense and their ability to force Cutler into making hasty throws and eventually turnovers.

The Chicago Bears continue their push to the NFL playoffs with an easy victory over the Browns last week. While they have found some success with quarterback Jay Cutler at the helm, he has been a major issue when it comes to their losses. The Bears will have a chance to win this game if running back Matt Forte is able to build upon his 121 yards from scrimmage last week.

Predictions - Arizona 28 Chicago 21

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to play like Super Bowl champions and will have a chance to show they can win on the road, where they are 1-2. The Steelers will find success if they can shut down the wide receivers of the Broncos while using their running game to control the offensive tempo.

The Denver Broncos experienced their first loss of the season to the Ravens last week. All eyes will be on the team to see how well they respond against the Super Bowl champions. The Broncos will need to slow down the pass rush of the Steelers and find a way to get Eddie Royal involved again in the offensive unit.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 21 Denver 13

The Rest of the Schedule

Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons

The Washington Redskins offense has been lacking any firepower and will need to find a way to put up points against one of the better defenses in the NFC. The Falcons will win the game but will end up coming away with a narrow victory.

Green Bay Packers at TampaBay Buccaneers

The Green Bay Packers will look to rebound this week as they face the last winless team in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unless the Bucs were able to find an offense during the bye week, this is going to be a long game for them. The Packers will win this game by double digits.

Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off a bye week and ready to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars who lost without a fight to the Titans. Both teams have plenty of off the field distractions and will lead to a low scoring game and a Jaguar victory.

Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks

When it comes to stinkers in the NFL, every week has one and this game fits the bill. The Detroit Lions offense is lost without Calvin Johnson while the Seattle Seahawks offense fails to show up on a consistent basis. The home team, Seahawks, will earn their third victory of the 2009 NFL season.

Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers

The Tennessee Titans finally dropped the goose egg with a win last week while the San Francisco 49ers has continued their slide, losing three in a row. The Titans will be traveling out west, which usually does not bode well for the visiting team. The 49ers will earn a win and snap their losing streak with a three point victory.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

The Carolina Panthers will need their dual threat backfield of Williams and Stewart to have monster days if they want to keep the Saints off the field. The New Orleans Saints should have no problem on their home turf and come away with another win as they march to a division title.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

The Miami Dolphins' offense has to rebound against an AFC East foe, the New England Patriots. While the Dolphins Wildcat will score some points this week, it will not be enough against Brady and his wide receivers.

San Diego Chargers at New York Giants

The San Diego Chargers still have life in them while the Giants need to find a way to fix Manning's nosedive in recent weeks. Look for the New York Giants secondary to be exposed in a high scoring game where the Chargers come out on top.

Year to Date 51 - 29

Resources

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl

http://www.nfl.com