Surviving Week 9

Everyone got through last week, and only the Eagles had any kind of a sweat, so there’s not much to say about that. I wanted to take the Lions, but only realized later I had used them in Week 5 and pivoted to the Chargers in my home pool and the Dolphins in the offshore sports book one.

Let’s take a look at Week 9:

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This is a tough week, with the top teams being the PJ Walker Browns and the Saints. I’d feel better about the Browns if Clayton Tune were starting for the Cardinals, but if it’s Kyler Murray, I’d probably stay away at 49 percent.

My initial lean is the Saints — they’re good on both sides of the ball, and they draw a Bears team that’s playing with its backup QB. But the Bears just traded for Montez Sweat, for God knows what reason, which means they’re still motivated to win now. It’s not that Sweat himself (though he’s a good player) will be such a difference maker, but the message it sends. It’s probably not enough to sway me, though, so I’m probably on the Saints, unless Tune were starting for Arizona, and even then it’s close.

I’d also consider the Falcons for the pot-odds fade, but I’m a little nervous Joshua Dobbs suits up and gives the Vikings a fighting chance. There’s better than a 50 percent chance either the Saints or Browns lose, so if you got through with the Falcons, you’d be assured of a big chunk of your pool going down.

The Ravens (who most have used) also make a little sense. The Seahawks can keep up though if it turns into a game where the last team to score wins.

Bottom line, my lean is Saints, but if Tune is starting, it’s a closer call. I’m also tempted to take the Falcons, but as of right now, I’m staying away after the Vikings got Dobbs.