Week 9 Betting Picks: Rams-Commanders and Falcons-Bengals

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Rams Backed Against Short-Handed Commanders as Falcons Face Bengals in Spain

Commanders money has started to appear, moving the line from 5 or 5.5 earlier in the week to 4.5. Miles Garrett has practiced all week and is believed to be ready to return on defense, while tight end Ferguson is back for the Rams.

Washington’s depleted group of receiving options raises questions about where its points will come from. With no scary Terry and the team’s second and third options also hurt, the Commanders could struggle offensively. However, there is also little trust in the Rams’ offense.

Diggs does not appear to be a primary part of the offense, but he plays on passing downs and scored a touchdown last week. Washington may have to lean on him more heavily.

The Rams have won two straight, and it feels as though they may be building momentum. If they are going to take another step, this is the week to do it. Washington has not won consecutive games in two years and is coming off a victory, although the Commanders do not need to win outright to cover.

The preferred play is the Rams, along with the under. Los Angeles has struggled to score consistently while also missing field goals and extra points. The early 1 p.m. start for a West Coast team could also contribute to a lower-scoring game, with a result around 22-17 making sense.

The Commanders deserve credit for enduring a difficult stretch while remaining in the NFC East race, but the focus then shifts to the Falcons and Bengals at 9:30 a.m. Eastern in Spain.

The weather is expected to be ideal, especially compared with what Atlanta faced in Tampa last week, when the Falcons could not get anything going. Cincinnati is favored by three, with the total sitting around 53 to 53.5.

Overseas games have produced plenty of scoring and back-and-forth action this year, but the total still feels too high. Atlanta remains difficult to trust, even though the Falcons have repeatedly performed better against the spread than expected.

Cincinnati appears capable of winning convincingly, potentially by a score such as 38-10, but the Bengals have often come back down to earth in similar spots. Atlanta should also respond after being shut out and losing to a team that did not complete a pass. That embarrassment could provide motivation for a stronger performance.