Against the Odds: Week 9

OK, we all know betting on sports is illegal in 46 states, so don't do it unless you're in Vegas, Oregon, Montana or Delaware, but if you're going, you can make these bets for me.

1. Cleveland at Houston (-10.5), Sunday, noon — Arian Foster is on a roll. Since returning from injury in Week 5, he's been arguably the best running back in football. The Browns don't do a very good job of stopping the run. Add to that the fact that star wide receiver Andre Johnson might be back after missing four games, and the Texans should win this game going away at home.

2. New York Jets at Buffalo (-2), Sunday, noon — The Jets have been pretty underwhelming this season, particularly on defense by their standards. True, they can still shut down a passing game with their corners that are rivaled only by Philadelphia's, but they have been shredded a couple of times by the run. That bodes well for Buffalo running back Fred Jackson, who has emerged this season as an All-Pro caliber player. The Bills defense has been a takeaway machine, and when you're going up against Mark Sanchez things have a good chance of going you way. This game is in Buffalo, and the Bills win by at least a field goal.

3. Miami at Kansas City (-4), Sunday, noon — Look at the Chiefs. After being absolutely embarrassed in Week 1 and losing Jamaal Charles for the season, things looked pretty sour for them. But now they're on a roll, most recently beating the San Diego Chargers in overtime on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium to pull into a tie for first place in the wide-open AFC West. Matt Cassel is starting to look good again and the running game has been sustained by Jackie Battle and Dexter McCluster. And that defense is playing lights out right now. Miami just is not good. At all. This is as close to a lock as you can get.

4. St. Louis (+2) at Arizona, Sunday, 3:15 p.m. — The Rams are coming off perhaps the most shocking game of the season when they put it on the New Orleans Saints, who were coming off a seemingly 100-point win over the Colts the week prior. Brandon Lloyd's acquisition by the Rams has been a big jumpstart to the Rams' offense, and Steven Jackson is healthy. Not to mention Sam Bradford could return this week and Kevin Kolb is out for the Cardinals. Yup, give me the Rams.

5. Seattle (+11.5) at Dallas, Sunday, noon — The Cowboys are going to win this game, and it will never really be a close game. But I could see it being a situation where Seattle makes a run late and scores to get within 10. The Cowboys are littered with defensive injuries heading into this week as Mike Jenkins and Sean Lee are both most likely out. If Lee is out, that means a lot of Keith Brooking and Bradie James trying to play in pass coverage. That's not a good thing. Tavaris Jackson can actually sling the ball around. But don't fret, Cowboys fans, they won't lose this game.

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