NFL Week 10 picks

Well, I felt real confident about last week's picks, and had my worst week of the season!  Just goes to show ya...

The Thursday night games start this week.  I hate them, as I refuse to pay the $19.95 monthly fee for NFL Network, when I'd probably only use it to watch ten games (eight NFL and two college bowl games) all year long.  There are enough analysis shows on ESPN and other networks, I don't need it for that.  I know, I'm a lousy American - I'm too practical to waste money.

Thursday:  Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers - The Bears defense is looking bad again.  The 49ers have trouble moving the ball, but the offensive line is not protecting.  Given the 49ers propensity to rush the QB, that will cause turnovers.  I think the 49ers will score a touchdown or two off interceptions, and that'll be the difference in the game.  49ERS, 24-17

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers:  The Panthers are struggling.  They were able to score against the Saints defense, but their own defense is somewhat lacking.  That should open things up for Matt Ryan and company.  FALCONS, 31-23

Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans:  Both teams are struggling this season, but Tennessee seems to be moving in the right direction.  Their upset of San Francisco last week could be the harbinger of good times ahead.  TITANS, 17-13

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers:  Ooh, this should be a goodie!  Big Ben is having his best season in his pro career, and the Steelers are keeping things grounded.  Carson Palmer and Ochocinco finally seem in synch, though, and the Bengals' D is tough, too.  The Bengals have swept the division so far, and they're looking to stay perfect in that regard.  The Steelers are bearing the burden of defending their Super Bowl title, and with the exception of a hard-fought game against Chicago, have done a good job of that.  This game could really go either way, and may depend on who holds the ball last and which defense still has gas late in the fourth.  STEELERS, 20-17

Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins:  This has been a season to forget in Washington.  The Broncos are hoping to throw off the Giants' disease and prevent a three-game slide after starting perfect.  I think, against this opponent, the Broncos regain their winning ways.  With a shattered secondary, this could be a career day for Kyle Orton.  BRONCOS, 31-13

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings:  The Vikings offense will romp over the overmatched Lions defense.  VIKES, 34-10

Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets:  The Jags really don't have the stats to support a 4-4 record, and the 4-4 Jets will prove that.  The Jets are struggling since the bubble burst over Mark Sanchez, but their defense continues to keep them contenders.  JETS, 20-13

New Orleans Saints at St Louis Rams:  The Saints defense is tough, but I just can't pick a shutout here.  I'll be close to one, though.  SAINTS, 38-6

Tampa Bay Bucs at Miami Dolphins:  The Bucs over-extended themselves to be Green Bay last week.  They'll come back to earth this time, as the Dolphins' wildcat confuses their defense and the Dolphins' quick defense shreds the Bucs' line.  DOLPHINS, 24-9

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers:  Losing two in a row won't be good for the Pack, but they showed too many holes in the secondary for Dallas to ignore.  COWBOYS, 34-23

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders:  Pah, do we even care about these two teams at this point?  Well, I suppose somebody does.  At this point, KC is simply trying to get through the season and see how they compare to Tampa, Detroit, and the Rams in the race for the top draft pick.  Oakland isn't doing much better, and they'll definitely be shopping for a new QB after this season.  Their running game is good enough to pull them through this one, especially with Larry Johnson gone from KC.  RAIDERS, 23-16

Philadelphia Eagles at San Diego Chargers:  A bit of a challenge for the Eagles defense, but I think they're up to the task.  San Diego has been streaky this year, and I think Philly will put them into a bad streak.  EAGLES, 27-17

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals:  The Cards offense has too much power for the undermanned Seahawks to control.  The Cards defense isn't great, but the Seahawks offense just hasn't been able to muster much momentum this season.  CARDS, 31-16

Evening - New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts:  Despite the fact that these two are not in the same division, they continue to play each other annually in the regular season.  This is the seventh straight year.  The Patriots used to own Indy, but the Colts have triumphed in the past two years.  I'll pick the Colts, but this might be the source of Indy's first loss of the season.  COLTS, 26-23

Monday - Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns:  New Browns versus old Browns, and the Ravens have owned this rivalry since it began.  That should continue this year, as the Browns are in disarray.  Neither QB is working, they released their best WR due to complaints by King James, and the coach is on the hot seat.  Fans are starting to revolt, and management has promised to change things.  Sounds like rough times in Cleveland.  RAVENS, 16-6