NFL Sure-Fire Picks Week 9: Will the Real Bengals Please Stand Up?

This week's Sure-Fire Picks have us wondering exactly who the Cincinnati Bengals are, but we are counting on them to deliver a knockout blow. Last week, I was 3-1 again on picks taking me to 21-6 on the season, in our on-going quest to help you win a pizza and sweatshirt from Enzo's in our Pro Football Pick'em Contest.

CINCINNATI over JACKSONVILLE
After a 3-0 start, the Bengals have been up and down and have been extremely difficult to predict. Last week's win over Baltimore was a good win for this ball club, because the Ravens are a good team. Jacksonville isn't the worst team in the league, but they are led by a rookie quarterback, Blake Bortles, who has been an interception machine. Can you say pick 6?
My Prediction: Bengals 37 | Jaguars 17

(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

KANSAS CITY over N.Y. JETS
Funny how the Jets seems to show up almost every week on the losing side of the sure-fire picks. Well, if you have see them play, you would understand why. With Geno Smith on the bench, the Jets actually have a chance to win this week, but the Chiefs are getting better and don't stumble here.
My Prediction: Chiefs 31 | Jets 20

SAN FRANCISCO over ST. LOUIS
Despite the fact that the 49ers haven't looked very good for most of the first half of the season they are 4-3. That's bad news for the rest of the league, because they are starting to get healthy - and will only get better. The Rams have been one of the  yo-yo teams who over-chieve, and then underwhelm. The Niners beat the Rams in St. Louis by two touchdowns three weeks ago. This week at home, make it three touchdowns.
My Prediction: 49ers 38 | Rams17

PHILADELPHIA over HOUSTON
But for a last minute defensive lapse, the Eagles would have beaten Arizona last week in what was a stinging loss. Philadelphia is one of the better teams in the NFC, but they have struggled to show the consistency of a true contender. Going on the road to beat a decent - but not great - team could really go along ways toward getting the Eagles ready for two showdowns with the Cowboys later in the month. The Texans aren't inept by any means and should give the Eagles all they can handle, but it won't be enough.
My Prediction: Eagles 27 | Texans 21