UTTQ Predictions: Week 9

Here we stand at the midway point of the season for the majority of teams. The bad teams are bad and the elite teams are spectacular. In a slate of early games that features a slew of uneven match ups apart from the NFC South clash in the Superdome, here's my picks.

NEW YORK JETS 17, BUFFALO 34
Buffalo has been very impressive this season at Ralph Wilson Stadium this season. The Jets have been disappointing thus far and a loss on Sunday will rile up the fan base. However, look for Ryan Fitzpatrick to have a strong game and continue their perfect home record.

SEATTLE 10, DALLAS 24
The Cowboys were embarrassed by the Eagles last weekend and will be looking for redemption against the hapless Seahawks, which fell further into futility after losing to the Browns. With Tavaris Jackson struggling with injuries, Seattle just doesn't have a lot of pop on offense. Look for Dallas to bounce back here.

ATLANTA 31, INDIANAPOLIS 10
The last time we saw the Colts they lost in historic fashion, 62-7 to the Saints. Needless to say, the team is an absolute mess and it's hard to imagine even Peyton Manning could right the ship. On the other hand, after a rocky start, the Falcons are looking strong and should continue that streak this weekend.

MIAMI 13, KANSAS CITY 24
"Suck for Luck" anyone? While everyone related to the Dolphins may claim ignorance of the idea, there really isn't any positive alternative at this point. The Dolphins are not a good team and may need to start things afresh next season and having the top pick in the draft will surely help. The Chiefs on the other hand have risen from the dead with a four game win streak which should stretch to five come Sunday.

TAMPA BAY 21, NEW ORLEANS 28
The Saints have played two distinctly opposite weeks of football. From destroying the Colts 62-7 to being uncompetitive against the Rams, New Orleans has had an up and down season. The same can be said about the Bucs who now sit atop the division. In a game in which, the Saints will try to avenge an early season loss to Tampa, look for Brees and company to step up and deliver a win.

SAN FRANCISCO 20, WASHINGTON 12
The way the Redskins are going, they may not win many games with an offense decimated by injuries. The 49ers are looking strong and continue to win and should improve to 7-1 as one of the most surprising teams of the season.

CLEVELAND 17, HOUSTON 30
With the loss of Montario Hardesty and Peyton Hillis, the Browns are reeling on offense with the lack of a running game. Houston is clicking on offense even without Andre Johnson who should be back soon. Look for Schaub and company to keep it up.