NFL Week 10 Preview/Predictions

 

Disclaimer: I slipped up and told Brad I picked the Titans. I actually beleive that Carolina will win this game. 

Hello, everybody. The boys are back for week 10 of NFL picks. The great Smeltzer is still in first place, but as you can see by the graphic above, my cousin Brad (who also did a fantastic job of making this graphic as well as all of our graphics throughout this NFL season), is quickly gaining on me at just one game back. Hopefully, I will still be in front after this week. Jeff and David are the only members of our panel without a win, as they picked the Jets on Thursday night. I have already predicted the Steelers-Browns game, and that can be seen right here http://joesmeltzer775.blogspot.com/2015/11/steelers-browns-3-keys-to-victory.html.

1:00
The ''Who the hell cares?'' game of the week
Jags (2-6) at Ravens (2-6)

Joe: The records of these two teams say it all. The Ravens have been competitive in most of their games, and they are playing at home. I expect Baltimore to take this one, but that doesn't mean I give a damn. Ravens 34, Jags 20. Not that I care

The '' Our explanations for predictions are unnecessary'' game of the week
Panthers (8-0) at Titans (2-6) 

Joe: The Panthers are hot, the Titans are not. Tennesse will not be able to compete with Carolina. Panthers 31, Titans 10

Brad: I'll take an undefeated team over the Titans any day of the week.

David: Panthers. Ditto (whatever that means).

Jeff: One good team versus one bad team. A short and simple game.

The ''Dallas is kinda due'' game of the week
Cowboys (2-6) at Bucs (3-5)

Joe: Barring a miracle, the 2015 Dallas Cowboys will go down as the definition of bad luck. The Cowboys have lost six in a row, due in large part to Tony Romo and Dez Bryant being out for extended periods of time (Romo is still injured). With their playoff hopes all but destroyed, I think the Cowboys are due for a win. Their last three losses have been by a combined total of 14 points, and I think that the stars will finally align in Tampa Bay on Sunday. Tampa Bay ranks just 29th in the league in points against, as opponents have been averaging 28.9 PPG against their defense. This will allow the Dallas offense to finally break through. Expect Darren McFadden to have 100+ yards rushing. Cowboys 33, Bucs 20.

Brad: Tampa Bay. Dallas is lost without Romo.

David: Dallas has to break through at some point.

Jeff: Jameis Winston will lead the Bucs to victory.

The ''Battle of the Midwest.''
Bears (3-4) at Rams (4-4) 

Joe: I've been high on the Rams all year long, but they have been inconsistent. That said, they are more talented than Chicago is, and I expect that to be evident on Sunday. Jay Cutler has been a gun-slinger ever since returning from injury, but Robert Quinn will be ready and waiting for him. Playing at the Edward Jones Dome will prove to be kind to St. Louis, and the great Quinn will have at least two sacks. Oh, and that Todd Gurley fella might put in a good days work. Rams 34, Bears 14.

Brad: This is a toss-up, but the Rams are a better overall team, and they are playing at home.

David: Interesting matchup. I'll go with St. Louis in a close one.

Jeff: Picking the Bears based on my gut.

The ''Poor Jim Caldwell'' game of the week
Lions (1-7) at Packers (6-2)

Joe: I have an easier time breathing than I did predicting this game. Packers 38, Lions 10.

Brad: The Pack has lost two in a row, but are still a top 5 team.

David: No explanation needed.

Jeff: I sure don't remember the last time the Packers lost 3 in a row.

The ''Drastic climate change'' game of the week
Dolphins (3-5) at Eagles (4-4)

Joe: The Eagles are ready to roll, having won three of their last four games. The Eagles are a very talented team that is starting to put it together, and they are my pick to win the albeit weak NFC East. The Dolphins, on the other hand, look poised for a lost season. Being a warm weather team playing in Philidelphia won't help, either. Eagles 34, Dolphins 20.

Brad: Eagles. Homefield advantage is the key.

David: Eagles. That is all.

Jeff: Demarco Murray will run wild on the fish.

The ''This is just kind of there'' game of the week
Saints (4-5) at Redskins (3-5)

Joe: The Saints have shown some good things this season, but they just have not been able to find a consistent rhythm, especially when playing on the road. For this reason, I am picking the Skins in a coin flip game. Kirk Cousins will have 300+ yards passing against an awful Saints defense, and he will get the best of Drew Brees in a shootout. Redskins 34, Saints 30.

Brad: Drew Brees is on fire right now, and the Redskins won't be able to stop him

David: Redskins. This will give me added reason to root for them as I will be at the game.

Jeff: As long as Brees is playing well, I don't think the Redskins can answer him.

4:05
The ''Battle of the 70s dynasties.''
Vikings (6-2) at Raiders (4-4) 

Joe: Both of these teams had fantastic runs in the 70s while the Raiders won a Superbowl and the Vikings lost 3 of them. In the present day, these are two teams that are currently on the upswing. I expect the stars of both teams to shine in this one, as Adrian Peterson will have 100+ yards rushing while Amari Cooper will have 90+ yards receiving. However, since Oakland is at home, and I really can't see the Vikings starting at 7-2, I'm taking the Silver and Black. Derek Carr is a stud, and he will have another big game passing with the help of Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Raiders in a close one. Raiders 35, Vikings 30.

Brad: Oakland is playing great, but I think Latavius Murray's injury will hinder the Raiders chances of winning.

David: Raiders in a close one. Looking forward to it.

Jeff: AP will run all over the Raiders.
4:25
Patriots (8-0) at Giants (5-4)
Will the Patriots lose?
No.

The ''Mile High Mismatch.''
Chiefs (3-5) at Broncos (7-1)

Joe: I was skeptical of the Broncos as they skated through their first six games, but they made a believer out of me when they pounded Green Bay in week 7. Denver finally has a reliable defense and even with DeMarcus Ware out with a lower back injury, I still do not expect Alex Smith to lead KC to what would be a massive upset. Last weeks slip at Indianapolis was just a blip on the radar, and Denver is the real deal. Broncos 28, Chiefs 14.

Brad: Peyton Manning in Mile High does not bode well for this struggling KC team

David: This will be a bounce back game for Denver, and their defense will be dominant.

Jeff: The Chiefs have been a letdown all year, but I think they will put up a close fight in a losing effort.

The ''Bring back Faith Hill'' game of the week
Cardinals (6-2) at Seahawks (4-4)

Joe: It is obvious that the Cards are for real. However, they might be in for a slip up here. The Seahawks have been a mixed bag this year, but I think that Quest Field and defense will be the key to a Seattle win on Sunday Night. It will be close, but I think the Hawks will be focused and ready to pull off a mini-upset on NBC. Seahawks 24, Cardinals 14.

Brad: This is a huge game for Seattle, and I think the 12th man will be the difference.

David: Mini upset? Nope. Seattle is too tough at home.

Jeff: Gut feeling that the Cards will win.

The ''Bring Back Hank Williams Jr.'' game of the week
Texans (3-5) at Bengals (8-0)

Joe: ''Are you ready for some football? A Monday Night mismatch?'' Andy Dalton is a stud. The Bengals are on fire. The Texans stink. Easy call here. Bengals 35, Texans 13.

Brad: Houston is playing really bad, and Andy Dalton is playing really well. Bengals will win, but I have a hunch it might not be a blowout.

David: Bengals. Another boring Monday Night game.

Jeff: Texans have been sloppy on both sides of the ball, and the Bengals will take advantage of it.

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