NFL picks and predictions for Week 10

Note: This pick was posted in our TNF thread on Thursday. I am listing it here for record-keeping purposes.

Thursday Night Football: The Ravens’ defense is good, but Baltimore’s offense isn’t clicking too often and I think QB Joe Flacco takes liberty to freelance to give his guys some one-on-one shots downfield that our cornerbacks can come away with, like CB Joe Haden did back in Week 2. The last time these two teams met, Dennis Pitta caught pass after pass for first downs on third down. If OLB Jamie Collins is assigned to him for much of the game, that could be a big difference maker. Overall, the poor play of the Browns’ safeties will eventually catch up to them as they wilt away in the second half again. Ravens 27, Browns 20

Stepping Off the Wagon: After a hot start to the year, I think people are ready to step off the Wentz wagon. Atlanta's defensive concerns will prevent them from running the table, but this is a game that I see truly coming down to who has the better quarterback in crunch time, and right now, Matt Ryan still gets that edge. Falcons 31, Eagles 27

Toss-Up: Both of these teams have struggled with consistency. The Buccaneers had higher expectations heading into the season, while Chicago really doesn't have any sort of identity on offense due to their quarterback situation. The Bears haven't won on the road yet and Doug Martin returns for Tampa, so I will give them the edge. Buccaneers 20, Bears 13

Staying Hot: The Saints have won four of their last five games, and Denver's offense has sputtered a bit during that stretch, with questions at both quarterback and running back. New Orleans might lose some shootouts, but they'll definitely score -- this week, I just don't think Denver's offense is rolling enough to match their pace on the road. Saints 30, Broncos 24

Even Wins: Who would've thought that heading into Week 10, the Packers and Titans would each have the same number of wins? I keep putting my faith in the Packers, believing their offense of old will come to fruition one of these weeks. I'm still waiting, and I'm still putting my faith in them for another week against a Titans team with a lackluster secondary. Packers 28, Titans 20

Something in the Water: Here's a fun stat: the Texans are 5-0 at home and 0-3 on the road. Those three losses have come against tough opponents in Denver, Minnesota, and New England. The Jaguars aren't nearly the same caliber team, but I think there's something to the road woes that'll get the Jaguars a much-needed win here. Jaguars 23, Texans 20

Keeping the Grind: Even though the offense was plentiful last week, the Panthers still grinded out another win, and I've been encouraged by their defense coming to life since the bye week. There's still time for them to get back in the playoff race, and they'll continue that roll against a red-hot Chiefs team. Panthers 28, Chiefs 17

When is it Goff Time? Don't get me wrong -- I don't care for Jeff Fisher. But, even with the Rams' offensive struggles, I don't know if we can jump on him too much for being patient with Jared Goff. We talk about how quarterbacks should really have the benefit of being able to sit for a year and soak everything in, so maybe that's what the Rams are doing? The Jets' run defense will force Los Angeles into a one-dimensional, ugly game. Jets 21, Rams 14

Sinking Ship: The Vikings are a sinking ship right now, and that first round pick coughed up for Sam Bradford is going to look worse with each passing loss. Washington had a loss and then a tie before their bye, but they'll use that time off to come out re-energized and ready to keep taking advantage of the fact that Minnesota can't do anything on offense. Redskins 24, Vikings 17

Color Me Intrigued: Who would've thought that Miami vs. San Diego would've been a compelling game? The Chargers continue to deliver exciting finishes each week, and the Dolphins are a team to talk about due to their running game now. I'll take the home team in a high-scoring affair. Chargers 31, Dolphins 27

Question Time: The Steelers struggled in Roethlisberger's first game back last week, but Dallas generally is not a pass-rushing team and that doesn't bode well for them against Big Ben. We'll see Dak Prescott's worst game of the season this week, just in time for people to start wondering about Tony Romo. Steelers 34. Cowboys 20

Next: The Cardinals are not living up to their expectations, but the 49ers are losing by an average of about 17 points per game. This one is a lock. Cardinals 38, 49ers 10

Sunday Night Football: A Super Bowl re-match with both teams playing at a high level? Sunday Night Football definitely has the game of the week. This should be a close one, but never bet against the Patriots at home. Patriots 31, Seahawks 28

Monday Night Football: The Bengals can't take much comfort knowing they tied before the bye week and then watched Baltimore seize control of the AFC North. Now, they come off the bye in prime time against a hot Giants team. Giants 28, Bengals 23