We continued our solid prognostication with another solid showing last week.  We’re going to try and build on that positive momentum for Week 9.

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore

This pick is pretty simple: If Ben plays then the Steelers will win.  If not, the Ravens will.  I think Ben will play.  Steelers 27, Ravens 20. 

Dallas vs. Cleveland

One of the best teams in football against the winless Browns.  Cleveland will be competitive for a while in this one.  Cowboys 31, Browns 17. 

Jacksonville vs. Kansas City

No Alex Smith, no Spencer Ware, no Jamaal Charles, no problem.  The Jaguars can’t beat anyone right now.  Chiefs 34, Jags 13. 

N.Y. Jets vs. Miami

The Dolphins have a slightly better roster and they’re playing at home.  New York was lucky to win last week in Cleveland.  Miami is about to be the worst 4-4 team in the NFL. ‘Fins 23, Jets 17. 

Philadelphia vs. N.Y. Giants

The line shows the Giants as favorites, which is puzzling due to how they’ve played.  They’re begging us to take Philly, so I’ll go the other way.  G-men 20, Eagles 17. 

Detroit vs. Minnesota

The Vikings haven’t lost at home since they’ve opened U.S. Bank stadium, but their offensive line can’t block anyone.  This figures to be a low-scoring affair and I like the upset special.  Lions 17, Vikings 13. 

Carolina vs. Los Angeles

The Panthers are coming off a huge home win against Arizona and the Rams have been mostly terrible for a decade.  This is a new year.  Rams 24, Panthers 20. 

New Orleans vs. San Francisco

The Saints won a huge game against the Seahawks last week, and now they travel to play one of the worst teams in the NFL.  It should be easy, but somehow the 49ers will make it a fourth quarter game. Saints 20, 49ers 16. 

Tennessee vs. San Diego

The Titans can run the football and play solid defense.  That’s about all they can do, but it’s been good enough to get them to .500.  I’m calling for a big road upset.  Titans 27, Chargers 23. 

Indianapolis vs. Green Bay

The Colts aren’t a particularly good football team around a great quarterback.  The Packers are an average football team around a great quarterback. I’ll take average over bad, especially when average is at home. Packers 38, Colts 27. 

Denver vs. Oakland

This is the Raiders chance to really announce their presence as a contender in the AFC.  Although the Broncos offense is mostly inept, they will find a way to win in the Black Hole. Broncos 24, Raiders 21. 

Buffalo vs. Seattle

The Seahawks are really tough to beat at home, and not even the return of Percy Harvin will help Rex Ryan’s Bills.  Seahawks 31, Bills 13. 

Last week: 8-4-1

Season: 61-52-2