2013 NFL Week 9 Report

The ninth week of the NFL season sees a bit smaller of a schedule than we're used to, as six teams have bye weeks and another six will get next week off. There is a definite lack of big games, with none of the contests on the slate ones that you don't want to miss. We'll have to wait two weeks for that, when Kansas City visits Denver.

As I mentioned last week, we'll run the Points Per Minute of Possession forecasts for two more weeks and then take a look at how they have performed, where they are doing well and where they are struggling.


There will be three sets of numbers for each game; a straight Points Per Minute of Possession Power Rating and then two projected scores, which are based on the article Points Per Minute of Possession Averaging System.

Week 9 PPMP Plays Cincinnati PR by 2.48
Cincinnati 23-21
Cincinnati 25-17

Dallas PR by 7.42

Dallas 32-22
Dallas 50-35

Saints PR by 13.78
NO 26-19
NO 39-9

Tenn. PR by 1.63
Rams 22-21
Tenn. 23-17

KC PR by 5.88
KC 24-19
KC 24-11

SD PR by 3.51
SD 27-24
SD 43-30

Eagles PR by 13.89
Oakland 25-22
Eagles 51-16

Seattle PR by 22.60
Seattle 26-13
Seattle 35-0

Baltimore PR by 1.40
Cleveland 21-20
Cleveland 16-16

NE Pats PR by 13.67
NE 23-16
NE 25-4

Colts PR 18.77
Colts 26-20
Colts 49-7

GB PR by 4.80
GB 31-25
GB 53-45

Remember, when you're dealing with mathematical-based forecasts injuries are not taken into consideration and the stats that are used were set by the other players, such as the case with the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, etc. A little bit of caution should be used when looking at those games.

The Plays

Pittsburgh at New England: It was after the Steelers lost to the Vikings that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Pittsburgh was the worst team in the league.

Since that time, the Steelers have gone 2-1 and made a serious comeback attempt last week against Oakland after digging themselves a big hole early. The Patriots aren't the same team that we've seen the past few seasons and believe that Pittsburgh can keep this one close. The line has dropped to 6.5 in many places and it's doubtful that the number will climb back to 7.

Baltimore at Cleveland: The Browns got some decent play from Jason Campbell last Sunday, but how much do you think Kansas City was up for that game? The Ravens come into Cleveland a little bit more focused and are in dire need of a victory to climb back to .500 and remain in the playoff hunt. Believe they will get it here.

Atlanta at Carolina: The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league this year, right up there with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans. The Panthers are playing well, but I'm still not entirely sold that they are in a position to be favored by more than a touchdown against a team that has some talent.

Chicago at Green Bay: Yes, Jay Cutler is going to miss this game, but McCown is a competent backup and the line is inflated here. If it wasn't the Monday night game I would likely stay away, but for a token wager, I'll side with the underdog.