The uncertain status of ailing quarterbacks is the bane of the NFL bettor. A standout going from likely-to-play status to a scratch can have the impact of gale force winds on a spread; witness the full-touchdown shift last week on the Cowboys-Vikings line when Dak Prescott was declared out in the 11th hour.

As these words are being typed, the status of Prescott and two other regulars -- the Cardinals' Kyler Murray, the Panthers' Sam Darnold -- is iffy for Sunday. Teaser players who are pondering whether to wager on their games are advised to wait for any clarification.

But a deadline must be met, so limited evidence has been weighed on the trio as we roll out three teaser picks for Week 9 -- one pairing on the spreads, one on the totals and one on the under-the-lights matchups Sunday and Monday. 

Totals teaser: Raiders-Giants Under 52.5, Broncos-Cowboys Over 43.5

The light is flashing yellow for Prescott to go, more likely to turn green than red. In all but one of his five starts, Cowboys games have reached at least 60 points. Denver cooperated by trading eventual Hall of Fame LB Von Miller this week, thus easing Prescott's return from a brief injury hiatus. With Teddy Bridgewater at QB, the Broncos are capable of scoring in the 20s.

The Raiders abruptly waived most reliable WR Henry Ruggs III this week after his arrest. The Giants expect another absent week from RB Saquon Barkley for a variety of reasons. The past two Giants game have resulted in 28 and 37 points scored. The probable return of RB Josh Jacobs presumably would lead to more Las Vegas usage of the ground game.  

Which Week 9 spreads represent the best teaser plays? And how should you tease the primetime matchups? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 9 teaser picks from the expert who returned more than $2,500 on his NFL picks from 2016-20 and hit 56 percent of his ATS picks last year!