The AFC is a different dimension without Lamar Jackson involved, and with his return this season in doubt, the Ravens are without a paddle. 

That was evident when Jackson left after one snap to a thumb injury in Sunday’s 36-10 whipping to Buffalo. 

Jahmyr Gibbs found the antidote to Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense and ran for 153 yards to hand the Vikings their first loss of 2026.  

And wouldn’t you know it, Patrick Mahomes exhibited signs of mortal life in the fourth quarter, getting stuffed on fourth-and-goal in the game’s final play against Denver. 

Chalk was heavy last week, and so was the Buccaneers’ running game — it’s been 52 years since an NFL team won a game without completing a pass. 

NFL Week 9 confidence rankings 

15 points: Jaguars over Ravens

Jackson’s absence is worth enough points on the spread to make a heavyweight conference clash a potential laugher. Your guess is as good as mine on who will be taking snaps for Baltimore. 

14 points: 49ers over Raiders

I realize it’s lame to rank two of the longest favorites on the slate atop this list. The 49ers are well rested, getting healthier and have the veteran group to trust not losing on home turf to a developmental Raiders team right after their first loss of the season. 

13 points: Lions over Dolphins 

With a date against New England next week and a Dolphins team that just fought to cover the spread against the Patriots, this could be a trap game. But I’ll still place faith in Detroit’s explosive rushing attack and a defense that’s turned a corner over its past three games. 

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

12 points: Bengals over Falcons

There’s the Joe Cool we know. Throwing for 462 yards and five touchdowns will do it. There’s no limit to the Bengals passing attack, and the Falcons just lost to one that didn’t complete a singular attempt.

11 points: Chiefs over Jets

Another week, another humiliating loss for the J-E-T-S JETS! A second-half defensive collapse and red-zone stalls cost them in a 38-33 shoot out to Las Vegas. The Mahomes clutch factor may not seem as foolproof as before, but it won’t be necessary anyway. 

10 points: Bears over Buccaneers 

It’s fair to say Caleb Williams is a matchup-proof threat after powering through the Seahawks’ No. 1 passing defense. This comes down to stopping Bucky Irving, and Chicago’s top-10 rushing defense should do the trick. Jeffery Simmons will ensure it. 

9 points: Bills over Vikings

It took an overpowering offense to top the Vikings. Now comes Josh Allen, who is a top-five quarterback in EPA per dropback against the blitz. The Vikings are falling back to Earth.

8 points: Seahawks over Cardinals 

The Cardinals have been good for a couple of surprises this year. The Gardner Minshew effect always wears off at some point, and the Seahawks have the defense to bottle him regardless of which version of Sam Darnold shows up. 

7 points: Broncos over Panthers

Bo Nix’s late-game heroics and a clutch defense has the Broncos looking like the AFC contender they were projected to be. Bryce Young has conjured points against unprepared teams a time or two, but he won’t here. 

Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos throws the football while warming up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on November 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images

6 points: Texans over Chargers

The Chargers have now gone consecutive games without a touchdown. As long as things stay the way they are, the winlessness continues. 

5 points: Giants over Eagles

There’s a lot to be positive about since the Giants topped the Texans in overtime before their bye week. There’s a lot to be negative about since the Eagles have lost Jalen Hurts and six straight games.

4 points: Rams over Commanders

The Rams aren’t winning convincing games. Still, one thing they have is Sean McVay, and that’s enough to stump Washington’s lack of discipline and communication. 

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3 points: Cowboys over Colts

Lots in common here: both teams wear blue and are very embarrassing. As ugly as this is, the Cowboys have the upside on offense in contrast to a completely feckless Colts attack. What defense? 

2 points: Packers over Patriots

Green Bay isn’t sexy, although Jordan Love is willing his way while the defense makes big stops. New England has allowed some meager opponents to stick around, so lean toward the NFC North pedigree. 

1 point: Saints over Browns

The Browns only win when you allow them to. New Orleans scores almost six more points per game, and it’s rested and at home. 

LAST WEEK: 10-4 | 81.0% points earned

SEASON: 69-52 | 60.3% points earned

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.