NFL 2015: Week 10 Picks
It hasn't been the kind of year I would have wanted picking games, but who cares.
I'll admit I get a little upset when the team I picked losses, but this has been a great NFL season and it's hard to believe that it's half over. So many storylines and teams to watch down the stretch that the second half of the season should be just as good as the first.
With that being said, I've put all 32 teams in five different categories based on their performance thus far and their outlook for the rest of the season.
See you in January...
New England Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals
Carolina Panthers
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Arizona Cardinals
Glass is half full...
Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons
Oakland Raiders
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
New York Jets
New York Giants
Glass is half empty...
Buffalo Bills
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints
Doesn't deserve a playoff spot, but will get a home playoff game because the NFL hasn't changed the playoff format to a seeding format like it is in the NBA, which needs to be done soon...
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
Stick a fork in them, they're done...
Detroit Lions
San Diego Chargers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns
Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens
Washington Redskins
With that being said, here's who I think we'll see in the playoffs. Patriots, Bengals, Broncos, Colts, Raiders and Jets in the AFC. Panthers, Packers, Giants, Cardinals, Falcons and Vikings in the NFC. As you can see from my record so far picking games, I've been wrong before, so don't be surprised if we see some other teams make a move towards the playoffs. My money is on the Rams, Seahawks, Steelers and Eagles getting into contention.
Now for my Week 10 picks.
Week 10 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
NY JETS over Buffalo (Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NFL): Despite a torn ligament in his thumb, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start again on Thursday night versus the Bills. Fitzpatrick suffered the injury last week out in Oakland two weeks ago as the Jets fell to the Raiders after Geno Smith took over at quarterback. Fitzpatrick lead the Jets to a hard fought win against the pesky Jaguars last week and with him under center again this week, I like the Jets over the Bills.
GREEN BAY over Detroit (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): After starting the season 6-0, the Packers have lost two straight and are now tied for the division lead with the Vikings. Green Bay was outscored 66-39 the last weeks against Denver and Carolina and gave up a combined 927-yards of offense. The offense has looked out of sink, RB Eddie Lacy has been benched due to his lack of productivity -- 38-yards on 16 carries the last two games -- and the defense can't stop anybody. With that being said, however, there is some good news for Packer fans. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers return to Lambeau Field this week and they're playing the 1-7 Lions. Expect the losing streak to come to an end.
Dallas over TAMPA BAY (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): The Cowboys have yet to win a game this season without Tony Romo, but that'll change on Sunday. Dallas has been in all but one game without Romo -- a 30-6 Week 5 loss to the Patriots -- and QB Matt Cassel played well last week and almost beat the Eagles. Cassel will play well against the Buccaneers this week and beat rookie Jameis Winston.
Carolina over TENNESSEE (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Can the Panthers go undefeated? I doubt it, but when you look at their schedule, there aren't many games left where I see the Panthers being underdogs. Carolina has Tennessee, Washington, Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta (twice), New York Giants and Tampa Bay left on their schedule. Besides at Atlanta and the games against the Giants, I don't see Carolina losing. Could we see an undefeated Panthers and Patriots team meet in Super Bowl 50? We shall see. Panthers will beat the Titans on Sunday in the meantime.
ST. LOUIS over Chicago (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Even if Bears RB Matt Forte returns from a knee injury to play against the Rams, I still like St. Louis here. The Rams have the fourth best rushing attack in the league behind rookie RB Todd Gurley and expect him to get the ball a lot on Sunday with the Bears having the 24th ranked rush defense. Rams will run all over the Bears en route to a win.
New Orleans over WASHINGTON (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Classic game where I make the incorrect pick. This is one of those games where if I pick the Redskins, they'll lose, but if I pick the Saints, they'll also loss. I feel like a can't win, something both the Saints and Redskins now a little thing about this season. New Orleans is 4-2 in their last six games and Drew Brees is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league right now. I'll go Saints, which means you should probably pick the Redskins.
PHILADELPHIA over Miami (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): One word describes both the Eagles and Dolphins in 2015, inconsistency. At times, both teams have looked like world beaters and other times you watch them play and wonder how some of their players managed to get on an NFL roster. Eagles need a win to keep pace in the NFC East and I think they'll win with the game in Philadelphia, but who knows which team will show up on Sunday.
PITTSBURGH over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): No Ben Roethlisberger. No Le'Veon Bell. No problem. The Steelers have won without Big Ben and Bell before and I think they'll do it again on Sunday. Whether Josh McCown is healthy enough to play on Sunday or it's Johnny Manizel at quarterback for the Browns, I still like the Steelers at home. Cleveland hasn't won in Pittsburgh since 2003.
Jacksonville over BALTIMORE (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I've watched Baltimore several times this season and although they've been in every single game, they're still 2-6. One reason the Ravens haven't been able to find success this season is because they have a horrific secondary. They are giving up the fourth most passing yards/game at 283.9, which I'm surprised it isn't more than that. Jacksonville is a young team, but they have two of the best young, up and coming, receivers in the league both of whom are named Allen. Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson have combined for 1,342-yards on 76 receptions and 12 touchdowns. QB Black Bortles is improving and with these two weapons at his disposable, the Jaguars are going to be good here soon, very soon.
OAKLAND over Minnesota (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): This could be the best game of Week 10. If you haven't been tracking what the Raiders and Vikings have done in 2015 then you need to catch up. Minnesota is currently tied with Green Bay for first place in the NFC North and they give up the second fewest PPG at 17.5. RB Adrian Peterson also leads the league in rushing. Oakland is 4-4, but they've been all but one of their games this season and are right in the thick of things regarding the AFC Wild Card. QB Derek Carr has been terrific throwing 19 touchdown passes to just four interceptions and posting a QB Rating 104.3, sixth best in the league. Minnesota's two losses this season have come on the road and Oakland is a very difficult place to play. I like the Raiders in this one.
New England over NY GIANTS (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): If there is one team that is the Achilles heel of the Patriots organization under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady it is the New York Football Giants. The Patriots have lost two of their last three games against the Giants with both of those losses coming in the Super Bowl. I think the Giants have a chance of knocking the Patriots off here with the game being in New York/New Jersey, but I don't think it will happen. The Giants are giving up 422.6 YPG this season on defense and they face the best offense in the league on Sunday. Advantage New England. Look for a close game, but the Patriots remain unbeaten.
DENVER over Kansas City (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Denver fell back to Earth a little bit after last week's loss in Peyton Manning's former home Indianapolis. The Broncos defense looked human as they gave up a season high 27-points and forced zero turnovers. Denver still has a great team and I know people are concerned about Peyton Manning throwing too many interceptions -- he threw two more last week and leads the league with 13 -- but Denver will only lose one or two more games in my opinion because of that defense. Kansas City has been playing better, but they won't be one of the few teams to knock off the Broncos this season.
Arizona over SEATTLE (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): It's hard to pick against Seattle when they are at home, but I really like what I've seen from the Cardinals. Carson Palmer and Chris Johnson are leading this team and with a win on Sunday night, Arizona will be three games up on Seattle. The Seahawks have been playing better, winning two straight after starting the season 2-4, but those two wins were against the 49ers and Cowboys. Arizona and Seattle are two tough, physical teams, so don't be surprised if we see a hard fought game for 60 minutes. In the end, I like Carson Palmer and the Cardinals.
CINCINNATI over Houston (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Bengals are in the middle of a three game stretch all in primetime and I expect another terrific performance from the orange and black. Andy Dalton and the Bengals had a tough battle with the Browns in the first half of last Thursday nights game, but Cincinnati dominated the second half, outscoring Cleveland 17-0. Houston is remarkably still in the AFC South hunt at 3-5, but look for the Bengals to remain unbeaten as they beat up on the Texans on Monday Night Football.
Bye: Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Francisco
Last Week: 7-6
Overall: 81-51 (.614)
I'll admit I get a little upset when the team I picked losses, but this has been a great NFL season and it's hard to believe that it's half over. So many storylines and teams to watch down the stretch that the second half of the season should be just as good as the first.
With that being said, I've put all 32 teams in five different categories based on their performance thus far and their outlook for the rest of the season.
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| Cam Newton, Tom Brady and Andy Dalton have lead their teams to 8-0 records through the first nine weeks of the season. (Getty Images) |
New England Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals
Carolina Panthers
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Arizona Cardinals
Glass is half full...
Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons
Oakland Raiders
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
New York Jets
New York Giants
Glass is half empty...
Buffalo Bills
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints
Doesn't deserve a playoff spot, but will get a home playoff game because the NFL hasn't changed the playoff format to a seeding format like it is in the NBA, which needs to be done soon...
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
Stick a fork in them, they're done...
Detroit Lions
San Diego Chargers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns
Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens
Washington Redskins
With that being said, here's who I think we'll see in the playoffs. Patriots, Bengals, Broncos, Colts, Raiders and Jets in the AFC. Panthers, Packers, Giants, Cardinals, Falcons and Vikings in the NFC. As you can see from my record so far picking games, I've been wrong before, so don't be surprised if we see some other teams make a move towards the playoffs. My money is on the Rams, Seahawks, Steelers and Eagles getting into contention.
Now for my Week 10 picks.
Week 10 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
NY JETS over Buffalo (Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, NFL): Despite a torn ligament in his thumb, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start again on Thursday night versus the Bills. Fitzpatrick suffered the injury last week out in Oakland two weeks ago as the Jets fell to the Raiders after Geno Smith took over at quarterback. Fitzpatrick lead the Jets to a hard fought win against the pesky Jaguars last week and with him under center again this week, I like the Jets over the Bills.
GREEN BAY over Detroit (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): After starting the season 6-0, the Packers have lost two straight and are now tied for the division lead with the Vikings. Green Bay was outscored 66-39 the last weeks against Denver and Carolina and gave up a combined 927-yards of offense. The offense has looked out of sink, RB Eddie Lacy has been benched due to his lack of productivity -- 38-yards on 16 carries the last two games -- and the defense can't stop anybody. With that being said, however, there is some good news for Packer fans. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers return to Lambeau Field this week and they're playing the 1-7 Lions. Expect the losing streak to come to an end.
Dallas over TAMPA BAY (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): The Cowboys have yet to win a game this season without Tony Romo, but that'll change on Sunday. Dallas has been in all but one game without Romo -- a 30-6 Week 5 loss to the Patriots -- and QB Matt Cassel played well last week and almost beat the Eagles. Cassel will play well against the Buccaneers this week and beat rookie Jameis Winston.
Carolina over TENNESSEE (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Can the Panthers go undefeated? I doubt it, but when you look at their schedule, there aren't many games left where I see the Panthers being underdogs. Carolina has Tennessee, Washington, Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta (twice), New York Giants and Tampa Bay left on their schedule. Besides at Atlanta and the games against the Giants, I don't see Carolina losing. Could we see an undefeated Panthers and Patriots team meet in Super Bowl 50? We shall see. Panthers will beat the Titans on Sunday in the meantime.
ST. LOUIS over Chicago (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Even if Bears RB Matt Forte returns from a knee injury to play against the Rams, I still like St. Louis here. The Rams have the fourth best rushing attack in the league behind rookie RB Todd Gurley and expect him to get the ball a lot on Sunday with the Bears having the 24th ranked rush defense. Rams will run all over the Bears en route to a win.
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| Drew Brees has thrown for 892-yards and 10 touchdowns in the past two games. (The Advocate Staff Photo/Scott Threlkeld) |
PHILADELPHIA over Miami (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): One word describes both the Eagles and Dolphins in 2015, inconsistency. At times, both teams have looked like world beaters and other times you watch them play and wonder how some of their players managed to get on an NFL roster. Eagles need a win to keep pace in the NFC East and I think they'll win with the game in Philadelphia, but who knows which team will show up on Sunday.
PITTSBURGH over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): No Ben Roethlisberger. No Le'Veon Bell. No problem. The Steelers have won without Big Ben and Bell before and I think they'll do it again on Sunday. Whether Josh McCown is healthy enough to play on Sunday or it's Johnny Manizel at quarterback for the Browns, I still like the Steelers at home. Cleveland hasn't won in Pittsburgh since 2003.
Jacksonville over BALTIMORE (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I've watched Baltimore several times this season and although they've been in every single game, they're still 2-6. One reason the Ravens haven't been able to find success this season is because they have a horrific secondary. They are giving up the fourth most passing yards/game at 283.9, which I'm surprised it isn't more than that. Jacksonville is a young team, but they have two of the best young, up and coming, receivers in the league both of whom are named Allen. Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson have combined for 1,342-yards on 76 receptions and 12 touchdowns. QB Black Bortles is improving and with these two weapons at his disposable, the Jaguars are going to be good here soon, very soon.
OAKLAND over Minnesota (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): This could be the best game of Week 10. If you haven't been tracking what the Raiders and Vikings have done in 2015 then you need to catch up. Minnesota is currently tied with Green Bay for first place in the NFC North and they give up the second fewest PPG at 17.5. RB Adrian Peterson also leads the league in rushing. Oakland is 4-4, but they've been all but one of their games this season and are right in the thick of things regarding the AFC Wild Card. QB Derek Carr has been terrific throwing 19 touchdown passes to just four interceptions and posting a QB Rating 104.3, sixth best in the league. Minnesota's two losses this season have come on the road and Oakland is a very difficult place to play. I like the Raiders in this one.
New England over NY GIANTS (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): If there is one team that is the Achilles heel of the Patriots organization under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady it is the New York Football Giants. The Patriots have lost two of their last three games against the Giants with both of those losses coming in the Super Bowl. I think the Giants have a chance of knocking the Patriots off here with the game being in New York/New Jersey, but I don't think it will happen. The Giants are giving up 422.6 YPG this season on defense and they face the best offense in the league on Sunday. Advantage New England. Look for a close game, but the Patriots remain unbeaten.
DENVER over Kansas City (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Denver fell back to Earth a little bit after last week's loss in Peyton Manning's former home Indianapolis. The Broncos defense looked human as they gave up a season high 27-points and forced zero turnovers. Denver still has a great team and I know people are concerned about Peyton Manning throwing too many interceptions -- he threw two more last week and leads the league with 13 -- but Denver will only lose one or two more games in my opinion because of that defense. Kansas City has been playing better, but they won't be one of the few teams to knock off the Broncos this season.
Arizona over SEATTLE (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): It's hard to pick against Seattle when they are at home, but I really like what I've seen from the Cardinals. Carson Palmer and Chris Johnson are leading this team and with a win on Sunday night, Arizona will be three games up on Seattle. The Seahawks have been playing better, winning two straight after starting the season 2-4, but those two wins were against the 49ers and Cowboys. Arizona and Seattle are two tough, physical teams, so don't be surprised if we see a hard fought game for 60 minutes. In the end, I like Carson Palmer and the Cardinals.
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| TE Tyler Eifert celebrates with teammates after scoring his third touchdown of the game last week against Cleveland. Eifert leads the NFL with nine touchdown receptions (The Cincinnati Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar) |
Bye: Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Francisco
Last Week: 7-6
Overall: 81-51 (.614)
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