Ramblin’ Fan NFL Week 10 Picks and Predictions

Nov. 04, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass during first half action against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

NFL Week 10 is here and we are in the “separation time” of the season where the true playoff contenders start to put some space between themselves and the rest of the league.  Following a 3 game losing streak it looks as if the Rams are not true playoff contenders this season, there is still time for them to make a playoff push but it will require near perfection down the stretch.  This week gets started on Thursday Night Football with the Colts traveling to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars.  The Colts are surprisingly sitting at 5-3 and in the thick of the playoff hunt in the AFC, with Andrew Luck looking every bit as good as advertised.  Watching the Thursday Night Football broadcast will mean having to listen to Mike Mayock drool over Luck, but it should be worth it to see this kid in action.  Last week was another good week for me as I went 12-2 to bring my overall record up to 81-51 on the season and now for the picks and predictions for NFL week 10.

Colts @ Jaguars.  Andrew Luck set a rookie record last week for passing yards against the Dolphins.  I don’t think he will need to throw it as often for the Colts to come out on top this weekend so don’t expect another 400+ yard performance. Colts win 24 – 13.

Giants @ Bengals.  The Giants may be in another one of their famous mid-season slumps, but it appears Andy Dalton is officially in a sophomore slump.  Going to have to go with the defending champs.  Giants win 27 – 20.

Titans @ Dolphins.  The Dolphins have been a surprise team for me this season, and what Tannenhill has managed to do in his rookie year is impressive.  The Dolphins do have a pretty good run defense which should keep Chris Johnson from breaking out in this game.  Dolphins win 20 – 13.

Lions @ Vikings.  Have the Lions finally woken up?  They are currently riding a two game winning streak and bring the NFL’s number one passing offense into the game against the Vikings who have lost two straight in spite of Adrian Peterson’s 300+ rushing yards over those two games.  If the Lions can build an early lead and force the Vikings to throw the ball they will win this game.  Lions win 31 – 17.

Bills @ Patriots.  Tom Brady and the New England Patriots had a bye week following their dismantling of the Rams at Wembley Stadium in week 8.  The Patriots with an extra week to prepare against a disappointing Bills defense spells trouble.   Patriots win 35 – 3.

Falcons @ Saints.  I for one do not believe the Saints are “back” after they beat the Eagles last week.  The way the Eagles were running the ball against the Saints in that game certainly didn’t go unnoticed by the Falcons.  The Falcons will probably start the game by pounding the ball at the Saints with Turner between the tackles and Rodgers on the perimeter.  Even if the Saints can slow down the Falcons running attack the Falcons can light it up with Jones and White on the outside.  Drew Brees and the Saints offense will produce, but it probably wont be enough. Falcons win 31 – 28.

Chargers @ Bucs. The Bucs have found themselves a pretty good running game all of a sudden, and it is making Josh Freeman’s life so much easier.  I don’t expect Martin to rumble for another 200 yard game but if he doesn’t break 100 I would be surprised.  Bucs win 17-10.

Broncos @ Panthers.  Peyton Manning against Cam Newton, who would have thought before the season that this game would be so low on the radar?  Manning is playing about as well as he ever has and will probably only continue to get better as his new teammates learn all of his pre-snap gestures.  The Broncos also play pretty good defense and are beginning to look like an AFC power.  Broncos win 31 – 16.

Raiders @ Ravens.  The Ravens haven’t exactly been playing great football lately, but the Raiders may not have any running backs come sunday.  Joe Flacco has been better at home than on the road this season and they do still have Ray Rice, I just don’t see how the Raiders pull off the upset in Baltimore.  Ravens win 24 – 17.

Jets @ Seahawks. Has any team been as much of a disappointment as the New York Jets?  I understand losing Revis and Holmes had to seriously affect their capabilities but this team has still underperformed.  The Seahawks are a much better team at home where Russell Wilson has yet to throw an interception.  Wilson will probably throw the ball fewer times than Marshawn Lynch carries it, which is exactly what Seahawks fans want to see. Seahawks win 24 – 10.

Cowboys @ Eagles. The NFC East has been a bit of a train wreck this season hasn’t it?  On paper they field 3 of the most talented teams in the NFL in the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants.  Well this NFC East showdown between 3-5 teams will finally put one team out of the playoff race completely.  Demarcus Ware has to be excited about this game after watching what the Saints were able to do to the Eagles last week.  Cowboys win 27-24.

Rams @ 49ers. The homer in me believes that this will be a close game, and while I do believe the Rams can beat the 49ers I just can’t predict that they will.  The 49ers are just the better team right now, and since this game is in San Fransisco I just don’t see the Rams picking up their first road win of the year against a well coached and well rested 49ers squad.  49ers win 20-17.

Texans @ Bears. Probably the toughest game of the week to predict.  Two of the NFL’s elite teams square off at Soldier Field in what could be an instant classic.  Both of these teams have excellent running games and defenses backed by above average quarterbacks who can get hot at any time.  This is going to be a great game to watch and when in doubt go with the home team, especially if that teams home is Soldier Field.   Bears win 30-27.

Chiefs @ Steelers.  Besides the Bills @ Patriots game this is likely to be the least competitive game of the week.  The Chiefs haven’t played a single snap while holding the lead this year!  That and the Steelers seem to be putting it together, and the game is in Pittsburgh, sorry Chiefs fans.  Steelers win 35 – 6.

Week 10 Matchups

Pick

Colts @ Jaguars

Colts

Giants @ Bengals

Giants

Titans @ Dolphins

Dolphins

Lions @ Vikings

Lions

Bills @ Patriots

Patriots

Falcons @ Saints

Falcons

Chargers @ Bucs

Bucs

Broncos @ Panthers

Broncos

Raiders @ Ravens

Ravens

Jets @ Seahawks

Seahawks

Cowboys @ Eagles

Cowboys

Rams @ 49ers

49ers

Texans @ Bears

Bears

Chiefs @ Steelers

Steelers

Last Week

12-2

Overall Record

81-51