Three NFL experts from the Prime Time Sports Talk staff came together to share their picks for Week 10.
These three writers will continue to make their picks for the entire season, earning two points for any correct win-loss outcome and an additional three points for correctly predicting the exact score. (Failure to accurately predict a tie will be treated as a loss.) A cumulative points total and record will be listed at the bottom of every article. An archive of all 17 regular-season and four playoff editions can be found here.
Mike Fanelli, Joe Heller, and Andersen Pickard contributed to this article.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans
Mike Fanelli: Titans 23, Colts 20
The winner of this game has the inside track to winning the division and hosting a playoff game. Both teams have struggled at times this season, but the Titans got an ugly win last week while the Colts collapsed in the second half. In Week 10, Derrick Henry has a big game and the Titans get the close win.
Joe Heller: Titans 31, Colts 20
The last time the Titans played in primetime, they manhandled Josh Allen and the Bills. This time, they will win decisively and stretch their division lead to two games. Derrick Henry will have a big game on the ground; after leading the lead in rushing most of the season, he is currently trailing Dalvin Cook by 15 yards.
Andersen Pickard: Titans 24, Colts 17
The Colts’ defense is good, but Derrick Henry is a whole new beast. He should have no trouble running over the Colts on national television, leading the Titans to a one-score win over their division rivals.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
Mike: Eagles 27, Giants 20
When these teams faced off a few weeks ago on Thursday night, it took a game-winning drive by Carson Wentz to get the Eagles the victory. However, the Eagles will have two weeks to prepare for this game and are starting to get healthy. Meanwhile, the Giants’ only two wins this year have come over the dysfunctional Washington Football Team. Eagles win by a touchdown or more.
Joe: Giants 24, Eagles 20
In a game that could potentially determine the NFC East’s playoff representative, the Giants’ defense will come up huge. The unit has been playing good team football as a whole as of late. Carson Wentz and the Eagles will struggle out of the bye week.
Andersen: Giants 17, Eagles 13
NFC East football is unpredictable and very, very sloppy. The Eagles are the division leaders right now, but they have only one win in which they scored at least six more points than their opponent. The moral of the story? The Eagles win, but they don’t win by a lot. Meanwhile, the Giants’ defense has looked very strong as of late, giving them a legitimate chance at toppling the Eagles.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers
Mike: Packers 41, Jaguars 24
Whether Gardner Minshew or Jake Luton start at quarterback, there is no way on earth the Jaguars win this game. The Packers got the easy win over the San Francisco 49ers last week, and with the few extra days to get their guys healthy, expect this game to be over by halftime.
Joe: Packers 38, Jaguars 17
This game will get out of hand quickly. Aaron Rodgers will put up a four-touchdown game as the Packers win with ease. For the Jaguars, they will creep ever closer to the No. 1 pick.
Andersen: Packers 42, Jaguars 24
The Jaguars looked like arguably the best team in the AFC South after Week 1. Then, things went downhill fast. Jake Luton looked good in his NFL debut and he should lead the team to a respectable performance in Week 10. However, the Packers are on a whole different level and will destroy the Jaguars with ease.
Washington Football Team vs. Detroit Lions
Mike: Lions 23, Washington 17
On Sunday, Alex Smith will make his first start since the famous leg injury he suffered a few years ago. Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford will command the helm for Detroit. While both teams are coming off a divisional loss, one is starting their third quarterback this season and the other has a Pro Bowler. Lions win by less than a touchdown.
Joe: Washington 27, Lions 20
The biggest feel-good story this season, Alex Smith will get the start for Washington. Building off of his solid game last week, he will lead his team to a win against Matthew Stafford and the Lions.
Andersen: Washington 20, Lions 13
The difference-maker in this game will be Kenny Golladay. If he plays, the Lions should be able to create enough of a challenge for the Washington defense that they cruise to victory. But if Golladay is out, the Lions will employ Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola as their top two receivers. As of now, it appears Golladay won’t be able to play. Washington has a very strong defense and should take some of the pressure off of Alex Smith in his first start (and win?) since the injury.
Houston Texans vs. Cleveland Browns
Mike: Browns 30, Texans 28
Despite facing a team that hasn’t won since Week 1 and was starting a rookie sixth-round pick at quarterback, the Texans barely got the win over the Jaguars last week. The Browns will have two weeks to prepare for this game and could have Nick Chubb back. While Deshaun Watson does everything he can to keep them in the game, the Texans lose by less than a field goal.
Joe: Texans 24, Browns 17
Baker Mayfield is on the COVID-19 list. While he will play on Sunday, his lack of reps during practice this week is not a good sign. The Texans are coming in on a positive note after picking up their second win of the season last week.
Andersen: Browns 24, Texans 17
This game has the potential to surprise us, especially if Cleveland cannot stop the Texans’ red-hot passing attack. However, the Browns are the better team and are likely welcoming back Nick Chubb this week. Keep an eye on this one, but feel comfortable in the Browns’ chances to win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
Mike: Buccaneers 34, Panthers 20
The Sunday night game was hard to watch if you are a Buccaneers fan. However, they should right the ship this week against the Panthers. After starting the season 3-2, the Panthers have lost four straight and are at the bottom of the NFC South. To make things worse, Christian McCaffrey is not expected to take the field this week. Expect Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to blow the doors off on the Panthers and win by double-digits.
Joe: Buccaneers 27, Panthers 20
Both teams come in on the heels of losses, albeit in the opposite fashion. Tom Brady will lead his team to victory late in the fourth quarter as Antonio Brown has more of an impact in his second game. The Panthers will likely be without Christian McCaffrey once again.
Andersen: Buccaneers 28, Panthers 21
This game is incredibly hard to predict. The Buccaneers should win, but will they be led by their running backs or wide receivers? Can Carolina’s secondary continue to play well? Will the Buccaneers be able to switch from a passing attack to a rushing attack midway through the game if necessary? How will the Panthers manage their game plan without Christian McCaffrey? All signs point to a Bucs win, but things could get sloppy on Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins
Mike: Dolphins 27, Chargers 24
Other than the Kansas Chiefs, the team you want to avoid playing the most right now is the Dolphins. Head coach Brian Flores has the team playing some outstanding football as they sit in second place in the AFC East with a 5-3 record, winning four games in a row. Meanwhile, the Chargers find new ways to lose in the fourth quarter every week. In a matchup between rookie quarterbacks, expect the Dolphins to keep their push for the playoffs alive.
Joe: Dolphins 34, Chargers 30
This matchup between the fifth and sixth picks in the draft will likely be the first of many between them. The Dolphins’ defense gives them the edge in this game.
Andersen: Dolphins 27, Chargers 24
Ignore everything else you’ve read about watching other games this week because Dolphins-Chargers is the game to watch. First-round quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert will go toe-to-toe while mastermind head coach Brian Flores looks to continue his candidacy for Coach of the Year. In the end, the Chargers are too unproven to be picked in this one. Miami has played great football as of late and should edge out Los Angeles in a narrow battle.
Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Mike: Raiders 27, Broncos 24
Somehow, the Broncos found a way to lose to the Atlanta Falcons last week. With a 3-5 record in the ultra-competitive AFC, their playoff chances are slim. Meanwhile, the Raiders won on a last-second defensive stand and are in the middle of competing for an AFC Wild Card spot. The Raiders keep their winning streak alive and improve to 6-3.
Joe: Broncos 27, Raiders 20
The Broncos’ running game and their pair of rookie receivers, KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy, will be the deciding factor against their division rivals. The Raiders will fall further behind the Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC West.
Andersen: Broncos 27, Raiders 23
I’ll keep picking the Broncos until they prove that they are bad at football. Denver has been on the losing end of a lot of close games and could finally emerge victorious this week. The Raiders have a shaky defense and will lose. Drew Lock and the Broncos pull off a second-half comeback to defeat Las Vegas.
Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Cardinals
Mike: Cardinals 37, Bills 34
As underdogs, the Bills got the impressive win over the Seahawks last week while the Cardinals fell to the hands of the Dolphins. The pressure is on the Cardinals to get the win as the NFC West division race is tightening. Both teams have excellent dual-threat quarterbacks and struggling defenses. Expect a shootout in the desert with the home team pulling out the close victory.
Joe: Bills 34, Cardinals 27
Josh Allen will continue his MVP-caliber season, tossing three more touchdown passes. The Cardinals will be playing from behind all game and come up just short.
Andersen: Bills 31, Cardinals 28
The Bills continue to prove that they are legitimate. After taking advantage of Seattle’s porous secondary last week, they will face a more stingy Arizona team this week. Keep an eye on Tre’Davious White, who could shut down DeAndre Hopkins, forcing Kyler Murray to improvise. It’ll be close, but Bills by three.
San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints
Mike: Saints 34, 49ers 20
The 49ers are the most banged-up team in the league right now. Their starting quarterback and tight end may not play the rest of the season, and they may not know until the weekend which running backs and wide receivers are healthy. Meanwhile, the Saints destroyed the Buccaneers on the road on Monday night and should have no problem handling the 49ers at home.
Joe: Saints 34, 49ers 17
A week after Aaron Rodgers and co. scored at will against them, the 49ers get Drew Brees and the Saints. Brees and his full complement of weapons for the second straight game will put up points fast, quick, and in a hurry.
Andersen: Saints 37, 49ers 24
You know you’re in a bad place when you have no idea who your team’s leading wide receiver, running back, and tight end will be just one day before a road game. Nick Mullens has looked solid lately, and he could lead a good game if he limits his turnovers against a shaky Saints defense. Nevertheless, New Orleans will win by multiple scores.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
Mike: Seahawks 38, Rams 34
After their loss to the Bills last week, the Seahawks are only one game up on the Cardinals and Rams for the NFC West division lead. The winner of this game will likely be the division leader heading into Week 11. These two teams have had some great battles in the past, and this matchup shouldn’t be any different. However, it’s hard to bet against Russell Wilson.
Joe: Seahawks 34, Rams 20
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will beat up on their division-mates. Look for Jalen Ramsey and DK Metcalf to battle all game long with Metcalf coming out on top. The Rams’ defense will have a rare bad game.
Andersen: Seahawks 41, Rams 38
Points, bad defenses (yes, the Rams included), points, touchdown, points, scoring, bad defenses, Seahawks win. Russell Wilson for MVP. Send tweet.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike: Steelers 30, Bengals 24
Coming off their bye week, the Bengals will have two weeks to prepare for this game and hopefully have Joe Mixon back. However, despite their ugly performance against the Dallas Cowboys last week, the Steelers are the only undefeated team in the league for a reason. This rivalry produces exciting games, so expect another great game on Sunday with the Steelers getting the victory.
Joe: Bengals 24, Steelers 21
The Bengals had an extra week to prepare for the Steelers. With the uncertainty for the Steelers with quarantines and continued testing expected throughout the week, the Bengals hand their division rivals their first loss of the season.
Andersen: Steelers 21, Bengals 17
This game could end up being surprising, but it’s impossible to confidently predict last year’s worst team in football defeating the only undefeated team remaining. Steelers win, but this will be another one of those AFC North games that provides must-watch TV.
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
Mike: Ravens 24, Patriots 10
If Brady were still in New England, this game would actually belong on Sunday night. However, the Patriots aren’t the same team they once were. While this game won’t be pretty, the Ravens should have no trouble getting the double-digit win.
Joe: Ravens 31, Patriots 20
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are on a roll while the Patriots narrowly escaped MetLife Stadium with a last-second win. Baltimore will win this one handily, keeping pace with the Steelers. Combined with a Pittsburgh loss, the Ravens will be just one game behind Pittsburgh.
Andersen: Ravens 28, Patriots 17
This game will be fun, but it’s not worthy of placement on Sunday night. The Ravens and Lamar Jackson continue to look good and should defeat the Patriots by two scores.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
Mike: Vikings 27, Bears 20
After looking like NFC North division contenders, the Bears have lost three in a row and are only two games out of last place in the division. Meanwhile, the Vikings have won two in a row thanks to the terrific play from Dalvin Cook. This game could go either way, but one team is playing well and the other one is struggling. Vikings get the close victory as Cook has another big game.
Joe: Vikings 27, Bears 17
Dalvin Cook has eclipsed the 200-yard mark in back-to-back games. He will make it a hat trick this week, with all three feats coming against the three teams in the Vikings’ division. The Bears’ offense will struggle once again.
Andersen: Vikings 21, Bears 17
These two teams have had fairly similar seasons in terms of highs, lows, and overall performance. While defense wins games, the Vikings are the better team as of late. If Dalvin Cook hits 200 scrimmage yards, the Vikings will win.
Point Totals
Mike: 178
Joe: 172
Andersen: 171
Records
Mike: 89-44
Joe: 86-47
Andersen: 84-49
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