With the NFL season reaching its halfway point, CBS Sports experts have released their Week 9 picks and score predictions. The slate features several intriguing matchups, including a Thursday night game where the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Baltimore Ravens, an international game in Madrid between the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, and a Sunday showdown at Gillette Stadium where Tom Brady returns as a broadcaster while the Green Bay Packers face the New England Patriots.
Jaguars vs. Ravens (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
The Ravens are dealing with a quarterback crisis: Lamar Jackson is headed to injured reserve with a thumb injury, and backup Tyler Huntley is unlikely to play due to a toe injury. That leaves undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who is also nursing an ankle injury, as the likely starter. The Jaguars, meanwhile, have found their rushing attack under new head coach Liam Coen, rushing for a season-high 183 yards in a 42-7 win over the Colts in Week 8. Trevor Lawrence thrived with the run game, posting a 153.3 passer rating on just 10 completions. Pick: Jaguars 30-13 over Ravens.
Bengals vs. Falcons (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, Madrid)
Both teams arrive in Madrid on Tuesday, neutralizing the travel advantage that has favored the late-arriving team in previous European games. The Falcons' defense struggles against the run, but the Bengals' offense has been unable to establish a ground game. However, Cincinnati's defense has allowed 621 yards to tight ends this season, setting up a potential big game for Kyle Pitts. Joe Burrow is on a historic streak, averaging 314.7 passing yards and 4.3 touchdowns over his last three games. Pick: Bengals 34-31 over Falcons.
Packers vs. Patriots (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Tom Brady returns to Foxborough as a Fox broadcaster, and Rob Gronkowski is being inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled against winning teams, throwing six touchdowns and eight interceptions in five such games. The Packers' defense has been surprisingly strong, even without Micah Parsons. Pick: Packers 23-20 over Patriots.
Buccaneers vs. Bears (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Tampa Bay has embraced a pre-World War II style offense, winning its last two games with just seven total completions while rushing for over 300 yards in each. The Bears boast the league's second-best rushing attack and are coming off a Monday night win in Seattle. Pick: Bears 23-20 over Buccaneers.
Bills vs. Vikings (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Minnesota's defense is elite, but the offense has sputtered with Kyler Murray at quarterback, frustrating star receiver Justin Jefferson. Buffalo's defense has struggled against the pass, surrendering 254.7 yards per game. The matchup pits Josh Allen against a dominant Vikings defense, while the Vikings' offense faces a vulnerable Bills secondary. Pick: Bills 24-17 over Vikings.
Other notable picks: Cowboys over Colts, Chiefs over Jets, Lions over Dolphins, Giants over Eagles, Rams over Commanders, Broncos over Panthers, Texans over Chargers, Browns over Saints, 49ers over Raiders, Seahawks over Cardinals. Byes: Titans, Steelers.
