NFL Week 9 underdogs: Jaguars, Buccaneers, Ravens
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Underdogs moved to 69-50-1 against the spread this season after posting an 8-6 record in Week 8, and there were even two outright victories - Philadelphia Eagles (+1) and Los Angeles Chargers (+3.5).
Here are three to back in Week 9, with each worth a shot on the moneyline as well:
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Line: Texans -2.5
After suffering through a dud of a game in Week 8, fans in London will be treated to a delectable AFC South clash on Sunday as the Texans and Jaguars aim to keep pace with the division-leading Indianapolis Colts.
The public has sided with 5-3 Houston all week, but the line continues to drop. You would be smart to hop on Jacksonville now before this becomes a pick'em. Deshaun Watson's heroics bailed out the Texans in Week 8 as they narrowly beat the Raiders in Houston - a common theme all season. The brilliance of Watson will keep them competitive in every game they play, but his abilities also result in an overvalued line on a weekly basis. He's constantly asked to cover up Houston's deficiencies, and there are a lot of them.
The Texans announced this week that J.J. Watt was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. It's another blow to a bad defense that has allowed 110 points over the last four weeks (27.5 per game). The team also has an issue keeping Watson upright, allowing 24 sacks already this year (eighth-most in the NFL). That's especially worrisome against a Jaguars defense rounding into form. Jacksonville's 29 sacks this season are third-most in the NFL, with 20 of those coming in the last three home games. The pass rush will give Watson fits, while Gardner Minshew will pick apart a porous Houston secondary.
Pick: Jaguars +2.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks
Line: Seahawks -6.5
The jury is still out on the Seahawks, who are still without an impressive win on their resume. They've beaten a lot of bad teams in close games while losing to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens at home. The Saints game appeared a lot closer than it was thanks to a pair of late touchdowns, including one with no time left on the clock.
The Buccaneers can be difficult to predict, but Bruce Arians has them playing with a bit more consistency for the first time in years. Jameis Winson's turnovers remain an issue, but Tampa has an improving defense to go with a dynamic offense and will be a handful for a Seattle team that doesn't boast a ton of talent. The Bucs also have the NFL's stingiest run defense, allowing just 68.6 yards per game (the Saints are second with 84.3). Seattle won't be able to lean on the run game like they love to do, while Tampa should be able to feast on a Seahawks secondary that ranks 27th in the NFL in yards allowed.
In the Pete Carroll-Russell Wilson era, Seattle is 3-7-1 ATS as a home favorite while giving six-to-eight points. Meanwhile, Winston is 10-5-2 ATS (8-4-2 on the road) in his career as an underdog of six or more.
Pick: Buccaneers +6.5
New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
Line: Patriots -4
The Ravens are shaping up to be a popular underdog on Sunday Night Football as they set out to deal the Patriots their first loss of the season. New England has been virtually untouchable thanks to a defense on pace to break several NFL records. The talent on the Patriots is undeniable, but the reality is, they have yet to face a formidable team.
New England's opponents this season have a combined 12-39 record, with the 19th-ranked Buffalo Bills' offense the best unit they've seen all season. Five of their eight games have come against bottom-five offenses. This could be a correction game against the Ravens' second-ranked unit, which is averaging an incredible 434.9 yards per game. The Patriots' secondary will make it tough on Lamar Jackson to find open receivers, but his scrambling ability adds another dimension that should help keep New England on its heels.
Meanwhile, Tom Brady has hardly impressed despite the easy schedule. The offensive unit as a whole will need to be productive, as New England's defense is unlikely to limit Baltimore to 14 or fewer points, a feat they've accomplished in every game this year. Four points is too high for what should be a field goal game.
Pick: Ravens +4
Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.