Week 10 Picks

Week 10 in the NFL season means that there are a bunch of teams facing do or die situations. At 3-5, a team's playoff hopes could hinge on the result of this week's game. If you are 3-5, and you lose this week, then your playoff hopes are not totally dead, but they are on life support just waiting for the plug to be pulled. The list of 3-5 teams playing this weekend includes: New Orleans, St. Louis, the Jets, Buffalo, Cincy, Oakland, Dallas, and Philly. You can include Tennessee but they are 3-6, so their playoff hopes are pretty much done. The same could be said for the 3-6 Redskins, who have a bye this week. If you fall to 3-6, then you would have to go 6-1 down the stretch for at least a fighting chance to make the playoffs as a Wild Card. It doesn't look like there is a random 8-8 division winner out there this season, so the route that the 2011 Broncos took from 3-5 to AFC West Champs at 8-8 is unlikely to occur again this year. The difference between 3-6 and 4-5 is monumental. At 3-6, you have to get really hot the last seven games, and you can't afford any hiccups. Out of that group, do you really trust any of those teams getting extremely dangerous over the final seven games of the season? I didn't think so. Maybe you can make a case for the Eagles and the Cowboys, but that is it. It truly is do or die for some teams already in the 2012 campaign. The 3-5 teams that win will extend their playoff lives a little bit longer, while the teams that lose can start thinking about next year. Onto the picks for Week 10......

Last Week's Record: 8-6
Overall Record: 59-67-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NEW ENGLAND (-10) over Buffalo: I am truly disappointed in the Bills this year. They played hard last week at Houston, but the inconsistent play of Ryan Fitzpatrick has hurt them this season. Look for the Pats to put forth a top notch effort and cruise to an easy win at home.

New York Giants (-4) over CINCY: Does anyone else think that Eli Manning is going to be helped by picking the brain of his brother when he goes against the Cincy defense a week after Peyton carved them up? I definitely think that will help Eli get out of his funk this week. The Giants have everyone right where they want them. Once people doubt Eli and his team, the G-Men respond.

San Diego (+3) over TAMPA BAY: This is a huge game for two 4-4 teams. The Bucs look like real contenders for that final playoff spot in the NFC. The Chargers might even be a little underrated at this point. I think Philip Rivers is due for a big time performance, and I like the Chargers as road underdogs to win the game outright.

MIAMI (-6) over Tennessee: I'm done picking the Titans this year. I made a bad call by picking them to make the playoffs, and Mike Munchak might be on his way out after the season ends. This has the potential to be close, but everytime I doubted the Dolphins this year, they seem to rise up and surprise me. The line is a little too high, but I'll take them to get the job done at home.

Oakland (+7) over BALTIMORE: Upset alert in Baltimore this week. Everyone expects an easy Ravens win, but I like the Raiders to keep this game close. I know Darren McFadden might not play, but I have a feeling the Raiders will be competitive in this game. I don't like the Raiders playing the early game on the East, but I'll take them and the points anyway. This feels like a 23-20 game either way.

Atlanta (-2) over NEW ORLEANS: Why does everyone think that the Saints are back? Did anyone watch them just mail in the game at Denver two weeks ago? I know they beat the Eagles in crucial game last Monday night, but that game was more about how pathetic the Eagles are at this point. The Falcons get a little revenge on the Saints for running up the score in New Orleans late in the season last year.

MINNESOTA (+3) over Detroit: Everyone that was on the Vikings bandwagon a few weeks ago has suddenly jumped off after watching the Vikings the past few weeks. I know Christian Ponder hasn't played well in about a month, but I think they will play really well this week at home. The Lions are back in the race at 4-4, but this week might be a tough one for them. I love the fact that the Vikings are getting points at home.

New York Jets (+6) over SEATTLE: This game goes two ways: Seattle wins big at home, or the Jets pull off the shocker. I'm taking the Jets because everyone loves the Seahawks in this game. Plus, can't you see Rex Ryan devising some sort of gameplan to contain and frustrate Russell Wilson? Also, this would be a typical spot for the Jets to invigorate their fanbase by winning this game in Seattle, and then they will let down that same fanbase by dropping a game at St. Louis next week.

Dallas (-2) over PHILLY: Two 3-5 teams meeting in a must see matchup. It is the game of the week featuring two of the most overhyped and disappointing teams of 2012. Only the Cowboys and Eagles could meet in a game with such huge ramifications. At least the Cowboys have shown at times that they are close to breaking through and becoming a playoff type team. The Eagles have looked shitty all season long. Take Dallas on the road, and if they win this game, then watch out because they could potentially get on a run.

St.Louis (+12) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Niners will win this game, but I'll grab the points for the Rams on the road. What happened to the Rams mojo after their 3-2 start? They won't win the game, but they will keep it closer than expected.

Houston (+2) over CHICAGO: The Bears are getting it done with their defense. They get stops, get after the quarterback, and create turnovers nonstop. Plus, when you get scores from your defense it makes things a lot easier for your offense. I think the Texans will find a way to win this game. Look for a solid day out of Arian Foster, and they will keep the Bears defense on their heels with the play action game. J.J. Watt and that defense will make Jay Cutler's night hell.

PITTSBURGH (-11) over Kansas City: The Steelers got themselves to 5-3, and now they have the hapless Chiefs coming into town for a Monday nighter. This has all the makings of a 27-3 win, and Pittsburgh will cruise to 6-3.

CAROLINA (+4) over Denver: This game scares me for one reason: Cam Newton. I know he has struggled at times this year, but he has the ability to take over a game at any moment. I wouldn't be surprised to see Cam put up a stat line like this against the Denver defense: 285 yards passing and 2 TDs/90 rushing and 1 TD. The Broncos haven't faced that kind of threat all season. This will be a tough one for the Broncos. Winning back-to-back road games is never easy in the NFL. This is a very dangerous game, and that is why I'm picking the Panthers at home.

Final Score: Panthers-27 Denver-21