NFL Week 10 Picks

We are closing in on the halfway mark on the regular season, which means it's make-or-break time for a lot of NFL teams.

Baltimore Ravens (6-2) vs. Miami Dolphins (2-7) Thursday 8:20 p.m. ET

TV: FOX/NFL NET Line: BAL -7.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- As of right now, the Ravens sit as the number two seed in the AFC and are in first place in the AFC North. Baltimore is coming off an impressive stretch in which they've won two out of their last three games. Lamar Jackson is putting up a good case for the MVP, and Justin Tucker shows why he is the most accurate kicker in the league.

- For the Dolphins, they are uncertain whether or not Tua Tagovailoa will play in Thursday's game. The quarterback sat out last week's game due to a finger injury, with Jacoby Brissett starting in his place. Tua's status heading into Thursday's game is still up in the air, so Brissett will be ready to take his place if he's unable to go. Regardless of who starts, they need a win, or else Brian Flores' job will be in jeopardy.

PREDICTION:

I think Miami will show some heart in this game, but the talent of Lamar will be too much, and the Ravens will overpower Miami. Pick: BAL -7.5

Atlanta Falcons (4-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (6-2) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Line: DAL -9.0

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- We are halfway into the season, and the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in the hunt. After an impressive at the Superdome last week, Matt Ryan and the explosive Falcons' offense will look to continue that success. The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss at home, so I think Arthur Smith's squad will look hungry in this one. If the Falcons were to pull this off, I would one-hundred percent buy into the Falcons making a playoff run.

- Dallas is coming off an embarrassing loss at home to the Denver Broncos. An ordinarily reliable offense was a non-factor, as they had only 290 yards of total offense. After starting the season off strong, the Cowboys seem to have taken a step back. If they want to prove to the NFC that they are the team to beat, Dak Prescott, and that offense has to step up this weekend against a hungry Atlanta Falcons team.

PREDICTION:

I believe that this Falcons team led by Arthur Smith is legit. I said it in my recap last week, but if the Falcons played the Saints last season, they lose that game nine times out of ten. Don't let that record fool you; the Falcons came to play this season. With that said, I do think Dallas pulls this off, but nine points seems like a lot. I like the Atlanta Falcons to cover the spread. Pick: ATL +9.0

New Orleans Saints (5-3) vs. Tennessee Titans (7-2) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Line: TEN -3.0

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The story heading into this week for the Saints is at the quarterback position. Will Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill get the start this weekend? In my opinion, I don't think Siemian is the guy. While he did show some promise against Tampa, he didn't show his best against the Falcons. Also, Hill is ready to play after suffering a concussion a couple of weeks back, and head coach Sean Payton has been very vocal about how much he like Hill's style of play.

- The Tennessee Titans are quite the story. After losing their best player for the season, the Titans came out last Sunday night and utterly destroyed the LA Rams. While the departure of Derrek Henry hurts, they show that they can still dominate on the defensive side. Not to mention, they still have some talent on offense as well. Expect to see more of Ryan Tannehill as he looks to spread it around to A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Not to mention, they also have Adrian Peterson in the backfield to add some experience.

PREDICTION:

I'm sold on Mike Vrabel's team right now. I thought that their season was over after Henry went down, but it looks like their season is just getting started. The Saints have talent on both sides of the ball, but they don't have a grip on a quarterback. I see the Saints' defense keeping it close, but ultimately, the Titans will get it done.

Pick: TEN -3.0

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-5) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Line: IND -10.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- Can the Jags shock the world again? I can't get over the fact that they beat one of the best teams in the AFC last weekend. While this week's game against the Colts isn't easy, Trevor Lawrence will be hoping to get some help on offense in the form of RB James Robinson. After missing last week's game with an injury, he's cleared to get back out there. Lawrence also injured his leg during last week's win, but he, too, is expected to play.

- The Indianapolis Colts have been an exciting team this season. While they started the season slowly, they seem to be finding something on offense. Jonathan Taylor continues to run the ball with a purpose, and Carson Wentz finds his groove throwing the football. Overall, this Colts team is in a prime position to make a strong push for the playoffs this season.

PREDICTION:

I think the Jaguars could potentially make this game interesting for the first half, but the speed of Taylor and the balanced offense the Colts bring will be too much. I like Colts big in this one.

Pick: IND -10.5

Cleveland Browns (5-4) vs. New England Patriots (5-4) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Line: NE -1.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The most intriguing matchup in the early slot features two teams that are on a roll. The Cleveland Browns are coming off an impressive win at Cincy in their first game without Odell Beckham. QB Baker Mayfield looked solid in the outing, and Nick Chubb also provided some spark on the ground game. However, the Browns will be without Chubb and backup running back Demetric Felton after testing positive for COVID. Expect D'Ernest Johnson to get the start this weekend.

- Like the Browns, the New England Patriots are continuing to improve. Rookie QB Mac Jones has earned Bill Belichick's trust in running the offense, as he continues to spread the football around while limiting the turnovers. The big story in their three-game winning streak has been the play from their defense. Specifically, Matthew Judon has been a menace getting to the quarterback, and J.C. Jackson is a ball hawk in the secondary.

PREDICTION:

This game is way too close to call. Both teams are playing some good football, and they match up well on paper. Both Mayfield and Jones have similar strengths on offense, and both defenses are great at bringing pressure to the quarterback. However, the game is in Foxborough, which is why I'm leaning towards the Patriots this weekend. Pick: NE -1.5

Buffalo Bills (5-3) vs. New York Jets (2-6) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Line: BUF -13.0

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The Bills are coming off their worst performance of the year so far. Josh Allen may have had the worst game of his career as well. Overall, it was an embarrassing loss for the Bills, who came into last week's game against Jacksonville as the odds-on favorite to win the AFC. I still consider them a serious playoff contender, but they shouldn't take this game lightly.

- Yes, the New York Jets are not good, but they still have wins against two potential playoff teams this season. You never know which version of the Jets will show up, so I guess we will have to see what happens.

PREDICTION:

I have a feeling this game could get interesting, considering how both teams have been playing lately. However, I think the Bills will bounce back after an embarrassing loss, and Josh Allen will get it together. The Bills win this game and cover the spread.

Pick: BUF -13.0

Detroit Lions (0-8) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Line: PIT -9.0

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The Detroit Lions are coming off their bye, which means they will feel like a new team. Head coach Dan Campbell reportedly took the Eagles' film and buried it. I think the offense will show up for Detroit. QB Jared Goff will get his receivers involved. Look for T.J. Hockenson to make an impact in this game.

- Well, the Steelers got the win last Monday, but they didn't make it look easy. The defense let the Bears claw back in the game, but in the end, Big Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to victory. Big Ben has to be on point if they want to win this game, and the defense has to step up.

PREDICTION:

The Steelers are better than the Lions in almost every category but don't count the Lions out. Even though the Lions are winless, Dan Campbell's squad shows a lot of heart. I think the Lions will get a win, just not this week. I like the Steelers to win, but I think it will be closer than nine points. Pick: DET +9.0

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) vs. Washington Football Team (2-6) Sunday 1 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Line: TB -9.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- After their loss to the Saints, the Bucs had a chance to rest during their bye week. Tom Brady is coming into this week as the odds-on favorite to win the league MVP. Rob Gronkowski (back spasms) should be healthy enough to start, but you never know with him. I feel like the Bucs have flown under the radar all season. Everyone has been talking about the Cowboys, Packers, Cardinals, etc., but they aren't talking about the Bucs nearly as much. The Bucs are an incredibly balanced team with an explosive offense and a dangerous defense.

- Unlike the Bucs, the Washington Football Team has been struggling all season. I'm not sure what the timetable is on QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury, so I guess Taylor Heinicke is still your guy. Heinicke has had his moments, but he has struggled to get the ball in the end zone. Not to mention, the defense, which showed so much promise last season, has been dreadful this season.

PREDICTION:

I don't see this game being very close. Washington will put up some points, but Tom Brady and the explosive Tampa offense will be too much. I like Tampa big in this one. Pick: TB -9.5

Carolina Panthers (4-5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (8-1) Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Line: ARI -10.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The Carolina Panthers are not a bad team by any means. They have a solid defense, and Christian McCaffrey will get the majority of snaps at running back this week. The one thing holding them back has been the play of their quarterback. Sam Darnold started the season off well but has since gone back to his usual self. If the Panthers want to get to .500, they need Darnold to step it up, or he will get benched very quickly.

- The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a very impressive against the Niners without their top two playmakers on offense. It gets even better, as Kyler Murray should make his return after missing last week's start due to a sprained left ankle. As for DeAndre Hopkins, the star-wideout is considered day-to-day due to an ongoing hamstring issue. RB Chase Edmunds will also miss this week's game, but James Connor has filled in nicely since Edmund's departure.

PREDICTION:

If Kyler Murray is healthy enough to play, I don't see this game being very. If he doesn't play, I still expect the Cardinals to win and cover the spread. The Panthers have a solid defense, and McCaffrey will offer a much-needed spark on offense, but I think Darnold will make too many mistakes, and the Cards will win this game. Pick: ARI -10.5

Minnesota Vikings (3-5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Line: LAC -2.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- I think the Vikings are too good to be sitting at 3-5. They held a 24-6 lead heading at one point in the game last weekend against Baltimore and still lost. The Vikings have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, with a top-five running back (Dalvin Cook) and one of the best-receiving duos in the league (Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen). Despite the talent on offense, they've also developed the knack for coughing up leads late in games. If they get off to a big lead in this game, they have to make sure and keep that lead because Justin Herbert won't make it easy.

- After back-to-back tough weeks, the Chargers got a much-needed win last weekend against Philly. Justin Herbert put together a fantastic performance after not playing his best football. I think the win last week was a huge stepping stone for Herbert and the Chargers. They needed that win to put them back on track. The AFC West is still very much up for grabs, and they have a chance to do a lot of damage down the stretch.

PREDICTION:

I see both offenses putting up a lot of points with Kirk Cousins spreading the ball around nicely for the Vikings. Ultimately, I see Justin Herbert as the better man in this one. The Chargers will make enough stops late in the game, and I think LA will win this by a field goal. Pick: LAC -2.5

Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) vs. Denver Broncos (5-4) Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Line: DEN -2.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- Despite narrowly losing to the Chargers at home, the Eagles have been improving. A big reason for their improvement has been their willingness to go back to the run game. After abandoning at the beginning of the season, Philly looked too one-dimensional. Jalen Hurts, who is considered a dual-threat quarterback, wasn't running the ball as much. Philly has gone back to the ground game in their past two games, and they've been very productive. Hurts is starting to use his legs a lot more, and the combination of Jordan Howard and Boston Scott has worked out nicely for the Philly backfield.

- Like the Eagles, the Broncos have also been improving. They are coming quite the win on the road at Dallas. Denver's defense flat-out dominated Dallas's offensive line, even without the presence of Von Miller. Teddy Bridgewater has also started to throw the ball downfield a little more often, opening things up for the Denver passing game. Not to mention, the running back tandem of Melvin Gordon III and rookie Javante Williams has been clicking as of late.

PREDICTION:

Despite the Broncos having a big win last weekend, I'm still not entirely sold on them. They've been inconsistent on offense this season, and Philly's defense is pretty solid. I also think Jalen Hurts will play a smart game, and the Eagles will get upset on the road.

Pick: PHI +2.5

Seattle Seahawks (3-5) vs. Green Bay Packers (7-2) Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Line: GB -3.0

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The big news out of Seattle is that QB Russell Wilson is ready to go, and he will get the start this weekend at Green Bay. Wilson is coming off finger surgery and has missed the last three weeks. Having Wilson back gives Seattle a much-needed boost on offense. While Geno Smith has been decent, Russ is twenty times better. Look for DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to have monster games catching the football.

- The Packers are an entirely different story. We are unsure as to whether or Aaron Rodgers will play this weekend. The quarterback sat out last week's loss at Kansas City after testing positive for COVID. The timetable is set for Saturday on Rodgers' return to the game, making the likelihood to play up in the air. Either Jordan Love or the newly acquired Blake Bortles will get the nod if he doesn't go.

PREDICTION:

If Aaron Rodgers suits up, I expect the Packers to pick apart a terrible Seattle defense. However, if Rodgers doesn't play, I expect a bit more of a tighter contest with Russell Wilson and the Seahawks edging the win.

Pick: GB -3.0 (w/ Rodgers), SEA +3.0 (w/o Rodgers)

Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5-3) Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET

TV: NBC Line: KC -2.5

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- The Kansas City Chiefs have won their last two games, but it hasn't looked pretty. Barely edging out the Giants at home, and squeaking by a Packers team without Aaron Rodgers at home, isn't ideal. Despite a lack of productivity, Patrick Mahomes is still confident in this team. If the Chiefs are to continue their winning ways, they have to increase the productivity on offense. As of right now, the Chiefs have the most challenging remaining schedule among all teams.

- This is a crucial game for the Raiders, as they currently sit in first place of the AFC West. The West has been a mixed bag in that every team in this division has a chance to win. Derek Carr has had a great year throwing the football, but the story for the Raiders has been on the defense. Max Crosby has stepped up in a big way on the defensive side. The Raiders are constantly pressuring the quarterback, and Crosby is a big reason why.

PREDICTION:

This game is up in the air for me. Divisional games are always tough to choose, and both of these teams are in a good place. If I had to choose one team, I'd pick Vegas to win at home. KC has had many problems on both sides of the ball, so I believe the Raiders will get the win as the home dog. LV: +2.5

Las Angeles Rams (7-2) vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-5) Monday 8:15 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN Line: LAR -4.0

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

- Last week, the Rams had a rude awakening after getting destroyed at home by the Titans. Matthew Stafford had no time to throw the football, and the Titans' defense forced Stafford to make some awful decisions. However, the Rams do get a considerable boost this week. That's right. Von Miller will make a long-awaited debut for the team after coming over from the Broncos. I'm excited to see what Miller brings to the table. Lining him up opposite Aaron Donald will be a scary sight for all offensive lines.

- If the Niners want to get into the playoffs this season, they have to start winning games. A loss on Monday will give Niners six losses on the year and a step closer to elimination from the playoffs. A plus for San Fran is that they have George Kittle fully healthy, and he will hope to impact Monday's game.

PREDICTION:

I think Jimmy Garoppolo will spread the ball around for the Niner, but ultimately, they will be no match for the Rams' explosiveness. Stafford will bounce back, and the defense will get a much-needed boost from Miller. I expect this game to be close, but the Rams will edge it out.

Pick: LAR -4.0

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Jake Klausner covers all things sports for ThePyrrhic.com. Keep your eyes peeled for NFL Analysis, World Series Recaps, and more from Jake.

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