Zac's Backs: 2009 NFL Week 9 Picks

Welcome back to the only NFL picks on Associated Content that are getting married this weekend. That's right, readers. It's finally that time. This is the week 9 edition of Zac's Backs.

Yet another "meh" week for yours truly as I went 8-5 in my week 8 NFL picks. As I stated last week, some readers/friends told me that my picks would indeed suffer until the "I Dos." Perhaps they're right, after all. I do have one week to redeem myself with these NFL picks. At least there's one thing we all know. The Cleveland Browns can't lose this week.

With that said, here are my week 9 NFL picks.

Washington at Atlanta

The Falcons are undefeated at home and the Redskins are winless on the road. Oh yeah. They're also the 2009 Redskins.

Winner: Atlanta

Arizona at Chicago

Kurt Warner looks like, well, an old Kurt Warner. Sure, the Cards are 3-0 on the road but this is one of those west coast playing an east coast team at 1 pm games. The Bears' defense should be more than enough to take out Arizona in Chicago.

Winner: Chicago

Baltimore at Cincinnati

A huge game that will determine that top team in the AFC North, at least for one week. The Ravens have looked quite shaky over the past month but ca-rushing the undefeated Broncos in Baltimore almost makes you forget the three game losing streak. Even still, I like the Bengals mostly because the game is being played in Cincy and Palmer and company had an entire week to prepare for Baltimore.

Winner: Cincinnati

Houston at Indianapolis

I've said all along that the Texans would finish 8-8 at the end of this season. My NFL picks are sticking with that prediction as I see them losing to the Colts twice this month.

Winner: Indianapolis

Miami at New England

There's a part deep inside that makes me want to pick the upset here. I simply don't believe in Miami's defense enough, though, so I'm going with the safe bet and the Pats.

Winner: New England

Green Bay at Tampa Bay

OK, Bucs. My hope of seeing back-to-back NFL regular seasons with two winless teams is still intact but you're my last hope. My NFL picks and dreams are riding on you.

Winner: Green Bay

Kansas City at Jacksonville

Games like this are only really talked about in NFL picks. I'm sure that Jags will take care of business against the lowly Chiefs. Jacksonville can't really lose to two terrible NFL teams in a row, can they?

Winner: Jacksonville

Detroit at Seattle

Another game that, outside of NFL picks, nobody cares about. I just can't pick any football team that loses to the 2009 St. Louis Rams.

Winner: Seattle

Carolina at New Orleans

The Panthers' slow start is going to kill them come December. Sure, Carolina has looked better in the past month or so. They're playing the best team in football on the road this Sunday, though. Pick the Saints as they'll roll to a big win.

Winner: New Orleans

San Diego at New York Giants

Normally, I don't post my Giants pick due to my upcoming game preview. With the wedding coming up, though, I don't believe I'll have the time to post my normal preview. The Giants have killed my NFL picks as well as my will to live over the past three weeks. The Giants absolutely must win this game to save the season. I'm picking the Giants, simply because I know Big Blue will give me a big wedding present this weekend.

Winner: New York Giants

Tennessee at San Francisco

The 49ers offense is fortunate to be playing a horrible defense this weekend. Can San Fran stop the beast that is Chris Johnson? My NFL picks say "nope."

Winner: Tennessee

Dallas at Philadelphia

The NFL game of the week in my book. Unlike many NFL experts, I had the Cowboys as the second best team in the NFC East all along. Too bad for me that the Giants, not the Eagles, are number three.

Most NFL picks are going to have the Eagles winning big. I actually see it being a very good football game. Pick the Eagles but don't be shocked if the Cowboys pull off the road win.

Winner: Philadelphia

Pittsburgh at Denver

Yet another great football game in week 9. The Steelers had an extra week to get ready for the Broncos while Denver will be attempting to bounce back after a humiliating loss in Baltimore. My NFL picks and power rankings have been rather high on the Broncos (except for last week when I picked Baltimore). Pittsburgh is a fine football team but this game is being played in Denver at night in November. I just can't pick against the Broncos under those circumstances.

Winner: Denver

One final note as I prepare for the weekend. Many readers have sent comments/emails wishing me luck and offering congrats as the wedding as drawn near. I wanted to take this short time to thank all of you for your well wishes, advice, etc. I have arguably the best readers here on Associated Content. Thanks again.

And with that, my week 9 NFL picks have come to an end. That's all for me. You've been great as always. Enjoy V on ABC. It's going to be AWESOME.