CBS Sports expert Dajani Dimes, who went 11-3 against the spread in Week 8, has released his top five NFL Week 9 picks along with additional game projections. The expert's overall against-the-spread record stands at 62-57-2 with a 72-48-1 straight-up mark.
Denver Broncos (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers
Bo Nix led the Broncos to a fourth-quarter comeback against the Chiefs, and Denver's defense ranks top five in sacks. Carolina has allowed 42.7 points per game at home this season and has surrendered 23 sacks. Projected score: Broncos 24-20.
Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-3)
The Saints return from a bye with potential reinforcements including offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., guard Cesar Ruiz, and rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson. Cleveland lost 27-6 to Pittsburgh and may start Shedeur Sanders with Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol. Projected score: Saints 23-17.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5)
Seattle will start Drew Lock, who threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-7 win over Arizona in Week 2. The Cardinals turn to Gardner Minshew after his three-touchdown comeback against Dallas. Projected score: Seahawks 24-13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (-6)
Caleb Williams has led the Bears to 30+ points with zero turnovers in three straight games, while D'Andre Swift leads the NFL with 10 rushing touchdowns. Baker Mayfield has thrown just 64 yards combined in his last two games and is 1-12 in prime time since 2021. Projected score: Bears 30-20.
Buffalo Bills (-3) at Minnesota Vikings
With Kyler Murray ruled out, Carson Wentz starts for Minnesota. Wentz threw three touchdowns in a Week 1 win over Green Bay, and the Vikings defense leads the NFL in points allowed (13.3 per game) and passing defense (154.9 yards per game). The expert takes the Vikings +3. Projected score: Vikings 24-23.
Other Week 9 picks include Jaguars (-10) over Ravens, Falcons (+3) over Bengals, Chiefs over Jets (+10), Lions (-7) over Dolphins, Cowboys (-5.5) over Colts, Rams (-4.5) over Commanders, Giants over Eagles (+3.5), 49ers over Raiders (+10), Texans over Chargers (+5.5), and Packers (+3) over Patriots.
