Nick Wright’s Picks for Week 9: Lions Roar, Chiefs Roll, Steelers Get Respect

Let’s start with some honesty: I was this close to keeping Dallas on the card this week — and then I remembered that defense. A defense so bad it made Bo Nix look like prime Peyton. I yanked them at the last minute, and thank God for that.

So, forget the Cowboys. Let’s talk about the games that actually matter. I’ve got five plays for NFL Week 9, and yes, I feel as confident about these as I’ve felt about anything all season.

Detroit (-8.5) vs. Minnesota

Let’s begin in the Motor City, where the Lions are rolling and Jared Goff is quietly destroying the Vikings every time he sees them.
He’s 8-0 against the spread versus Minnesota in a Lions uniform. Detroit’s on extended rest, and the Vikings — well, let’s just say “total mess” might be kind.

We don’t know how healthy J.J. McCarthy really is, or if he’s the next guy to find out that Detroit’s defense eats bad quarterbacks for breakfast. And when the Lions win, they don’t just win — they pour it on.

I love the Lions here. It’s my favorite play of the week. Detroit -8.5. Lock it in.

Pittsburgh (+3) vs. Indianapolis

This one’s simple: Never doubt Mike Tomlin at home getting points. You can throw numbers at me all day, but they all tell the same story — this guy covers.

Do I feel amazing about the Steelers’ defense right now? No. Does that matter? Also no. Because history says when you’re giving Tomlin three at home, you bet Tomlin. I like Pittsburgh +3.

San Francisco (-2.5) at NY Giants

The Giants’ season effectively ended when they blew that game to Denver. Since then? Beaten up, banged up, and called out. When Carl Banks is questioning Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux’s name is floating in trade rumors, you know the vibes are off.

Meanwhile, San Francisco is a machine. Doesn’t matter who’s under center — they travel, they dominate. I’ll gladly lay 2.5. The Giants are floundering, the Niners are focused. Easy choice.

Kansas City (-1.5) at Buffalo

Here’s where I break from the “sharp” side. The sharps love getting points at home with Buffalo. Me? I’m not overthinking it. The Chiefs are the best team in football.

Most of Mahomes’ mediocre ATS numbers come from being huge favorites. This isn’t that. This is essentially a pick’em. The Chiefs win by at least a field goal. I’ll take Kansas City -1.5.

Seattle (-3) at Washington

I know — West Coast team heading East. Normally that’s a red flag. But Seattle? They actually thrive in this spot: 17-8-2 ATS in East Coast games over the past half-decade.

Washington’s defense is broken and its roster is bruised. Seattle’s one of the most underrated teams in football, and I’ll ride them here. Seattle -3.

The Week 9 Card

So there it is:

• Detroit -8.5
• San Francisco -2.5
• Kansas City -1.5
• Seattle -3
• Pittsburgh +3

Four favorites and one dog. I feel great about it.

Damonza’s Teaser: “By Any Means Necessary”

Damonza has cooked up an eight-point teaser — Lions, Chargers, basically moneyline plays with the extra points, and the Chiefs. It’s gutsy, but I like it. Detroit and L.A. should be in the bag, and if the Chiefs can keep it within a touchdown (or win outright), that ticket cashes.

Player Prop of the Week: Josh Allen Anytime TD

We’ve been hot on these touchdown props. Let’s keep it rolling.

This week, give me Josh Allen anytime touchdown in the Chiefs-Bills game. Even money. Buffalo’s going to need him to put the cape on, and when they get down near the goal line, Allen loves the tush-push. Simple, smart, profitable.