DTTWSB Week 10 NFL Picks

Another week in the NFL, another great slate of games. Like last week, a lot of the great games will be played in the afternoon. Unfortunately for me I will be forced to watch the Seahawks play since I live in the Great Northwest. The game I'm most looking forward to seeing is the match up between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. I think that's going to be a great game. There are some other fantastic match ups that I will be playing close attention to as well. Last week I went 8-6 with my picks once again. That brings my overall record to a poor 79-51. The excited thing about this week is that all 32 teams will be in action so that gives me a chance to stack wins. Let's take a look at my picks for Week 10.

Steelers at Bengals: Steelers

This is a huge game for both teams. Finally the Bengals have a chance to show that they're a legitimate threat in the AFC North. The Steelers also cannot afford to lose this game since they've already lost two AFC North games and have three losses overall. I don't the Bengals are ready to see an angry Steelers team come to town. I actually think this game could get out of hand. Begnals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton has been balling this year, but he hasn't faced a defense of this caliber yet. The big thing the Steelers need to do if they want to win is protect Ben Roethlisberger. If Roethlisberger is under pressure the Bengals will be able to create turnovers. Ultimately, I like the experience of Pittsburgh to go into Cincy and pull out the W, especially after a home loss.

Lions at Bears: Bears

The black and blue division has been going strong so far this season. These two teams have somewhat outplayed my expectations for them during the preseason. Detroit has started this season 6-2 while the Bears are 5-3 and have beaten the Eagles in Philadelphia. Soldier Field will be rocking when the hometown Bears take the field and I expect it to stay that way throughout the game. I don't Matthew Stafford is ready for the pass rush that the Bears are bringing. That Bears defense showed it wasn't playing around on Monday night and should pick up where it left off. Detroit does have the ability to get to Jay Cutler though. The advantage that the Bears have is that the field will most likely be in poor condition so that should slow down the fast track Lions. At the end of the day I just see Chicago making more plays to win a close divisional battler.

Giants at 49ers: 49ers

Oh man, in terms of the NFC playoff picture this is a gigantic mid-season game! The red-hot 49ers have been playing out of their minds under head coach Jim Harbaugh. They're welcoming a very good Giants team who came of their best game of the season so far. I can't wait to see this game because both these teams are physical and play football the way it was meant to be played. My big concern in this game is that this is usually around the time where the Giants have their annual mid-season collapse which is why I'm taking the home team. Even though the Niners have Alex Smith, I think Harbaugh does an excellent job keeping him on task. I think Eli Manning will struggle with the pass rush of the 49ers. They're physical and will get in his face. Give me San Fran to go 8-1.

Patriots at Jets: Jets

Whenever these two teams get together it's always a great game. I'm expecting much of the same when they tangle on Sunday Night Football. So far this season New England has had major problems with their defense. Offensively they're also limited since they don't have a legitimate deep threat. I think the Jets will take advantage of the fact that the Patriots two biggest playmakers are tight ends. The Jets are also coming off their biggest win of the year when they destroyed the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Ground and pound is back and Gang Green has to be happy about it. They're at their best when they can effectively run the ball and use play action fake. As long as Mark Sanchez doesn't lay an egg I think the Jets should win this game by a touchdown.

***Upset Special***
Texans at Buccaneers: Buccaneers

In my upset of the week I like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to beat the Houston Texans. The Texans have been playing great football this year especially without their two best players in Andre Johnson and Mario Williams. Defensively they've improved immensely under the direction of Wade Phillips. With all that said, I like the Bucs to upset them since they're at home. Tampa Bay has been inconsistent all season, but whenever they come off a bad game they usually play very well. We'll see if the Texans can stop a power running game when they're on the road. My guess is no if you ask me. I think this will be a very close game that will come down to Josh Freeman making a crucial play to win the game for Tampa.

The rest of the week's picks:

Raiders at Chargers: Chargers
Saints at Falcons: Falcons
Rams at Browns: Browns
Bills at Cowboys: Cowboys
Jaguars at Colts: Colts
Broncos at Chiefs: Chiefs
Redskins at Dolphins: Redskins
Cardinals at Eagles: Eagles
Titans at Panthers: Panthers
Ravens at Seahawks: Ravens
Vikings at Packers: Packers