As the NFL heads into Week 9, analysts are focusing on key trends and matchups that could shape betting outcomes. A notable pattern emerges in the Seattle Seahawks' home games against the Arizona Cardinals: four of their last five meetings in Seattle have been decided by exactly 10 points. The Seahawks have won 10 straight meetings overall and enter Sunday as 8.5-point favorites, though the line has dropped from an opening 12.5 points due to injuries to quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive lineman Leonard Williams, guard Quenton Nelson, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Expert Pick: 49ers vs. Raiders
SportsLine expert Eric Cohen, who finished the 2025-26 season with a 188-96-1 straight-up record (66%) and is 70-50-1 (58%) on 2026 picks, recommends backing the San Francisco 49ers (-9.5, 51.5) to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders. Cohen projects a 34-24 final score, with the Over also hitting. The 49ers are 8-1 straight-up following their last nine bye weeks, while the Raiders are 1-5 over their last six with a rest disadvantage. San Francisco ranks sixth in scoring defense; Las Vegas ranks 31st. Cohen notes that six straight Raiders games have seen 56 or more total points, a trend he expects to continue despite the 49ers missing receivers Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Christian Kirk.
Other games with spreads of at least a touchdown include the Detroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins (+6.5), the 49ers vs. Raiders (+9.5), and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets (+9.5). Cohen has also identified five games projected to be decided by 13 or more points, which could offer significant value on alternate lines.
