Swami Sez: Chris Berman’s Week 9 NFL picks
Season record: 29-13 ATS (last week: 3-2)
Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams
I liked how Carolina played at home last week off the bye, dominating Arizona 30-20. But there is just something about this game I like for the Rams. They come home from London and off a bye week, get to wash their socks, sleep in their own beds and play at the Coliseum for just the third time this season. Gregg Williams’ defense gets after Cam Newton in this one.
Score: Los Angeles 22, Carolina 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs
I’m not concerned with Nick Foles starting for Alex Smith. He looked fine in relief last week against Indianapolis and he has been in Andy Reid’s system. This Kansas City defense keeps setting up short fields for its offense and Jacksonville is the type of team it feasts on. The Jaguars are a turnover machine. The Chiefs take care of business at home.
Score: Kansas City 26, Jacksonville 16
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
That was a really tough loss for Philadelphia last Sunday night in Dallas. As long as it hasn’t taken them all week to get over that one, I like the Eagles here. The Giants are off a bye, but that won’t solve their offensive line problems. Philadelphia’s defense is really good and it will get to Eli Manning. I don’t see the Eagles losing all three divisional road games this year.
Score: Philadelphia 24, New York Giants 17
Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers
San Diego may be only 3-5, but the Chargers’ effort has been outstanding. They haven’t quit at all, despite some heartbreaking losses. The Chargers’ run defense is pretty good, so it will be tough for DeMarco Murray and Marcus Mariota to get going. There will be a lot of Mariota supporters on the nonstop from Honolulu, but this one smells like Chargers to me. Dan Fouts will be on the call, famous Chargers alumni are back and San Diego is wearing the powder blues ahead of the stadium vote? Go Chargers, go.
Score: San Diego 27, Tennessee 20
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Norv Turner’s departure can’t be helpful right now for Minnesota, but I haven’t lost faith in the Vikings even after two losses. I’m a little concerned with how Detroit played last week against Houston, which is a worse version of this Minnesota team. In a division game where you’re giving me a head start, I’ll take the points. The Vikings will win the game, but the Lions keep it close.
Score: Minnesota 19, Detroit 16