NFL 2024 Week 10 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that was Week 9 brought us to the tipping halfway point of the season. As a result I will be posting the playoff picture from here on out until the end of the regular season.

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 10

Welcome to the first of many editions of the playoff picture. In this section I will be talking about the seeding, who might be playing come wild card weekend and who's still in the hunt and who's not. Let's start with the NFC.

NFC

Seeding

1st seed: Detroit Lions (7-1)

2nd seed: Washington Commanders (7-2)

3rd seed: Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

4th seed: Arizona Cardinals (5-4)

5th seed: Minnesota Vikings (6-2)

6th seed: Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)

7th seed: Green Bay Packers (6-3)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Green Bay @ Washington

Philadelphia @ Atlanta

Minnesota @ Arizona

In the Hunt

Tampa Bay (4-4), Chicago (4-4), San Francisco (4-4), LA Rams (4-4), Seattle (4-5), Dallas (3-5), Carolina (2-7), New Orleans (2-7), NY Giants (2-7)

A bit of an early projection for sure but the Lions are ahead based on winning percentage. Keep in mind the first four seeds are the division leading teams the three teams are wild cards. It could be that we have another case of a team with a better record visiting a team with a worse record in the wild card round (i.e. Minnesota and Arizona). Let's look at the AFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)

2nd seed: Buffalo Bills (7-2)

3rd seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

4th seed: Houston Texans (6-3)

5th seed: Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

6th seed: LA Chargers (5-3)

7th seed: Denver Broncos (5-4)

Super Wild Card Weekend

Denver @ Buffalo

LA Chargers @ Pittsburgh

Baltimore @ Houston

In the Hunt

Indianapolis (4-5), Cincinnati (4-5), NY Jets (3-6), Tennessee (2-6), Miami (2-6), Cleveland (2-7), Jacksonville (2-7), Las Vegas (2-7), New England (2-7)

Should keep in mind that the Bills host the Chiefs in Week 11. That might be a big game in the AFC assuming the Chiefs lose a game between now and then. Most of the seeding is a bit obvious as winning percentage and record is the tiebreaker. Some teams have had a bye week, while some haven't. Still early to make a definitive statement on who's winning the divisions. 

Week 10 Preview

The Tenth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Baltimore, Maryland and finish up in Inglewood, California. Week 10 will have a 14-game slate where 28 teams will play. Teams on a bye this week are the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. Week 10 will have a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, seven early games, three late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. There will be four divisional matchups, six interconference games, two NFC games and two AFC games. FOX will have the single, regional game while CBS will carry the doubleheader this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 10 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate.

Cincinnati (4-5) @ Baltimore (6-3) (Amazon; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Ravens

The Bengals beat the Raiders and the Ravens beat the Broncos last week. Joe Burrow and company showed the rest of the NFL what they are capable of when they have a good offense and can beat defenses. You might have to remember that the Raiders defense is not the Ravens defense. The last time these two teams met was a neck and neck contest where the Ravens got the last laugh with a Derrick Henry touchdown. That was in their own backyard this will be in M&T Bank Stadium. It could be a long one for the Bengals. 

Baltimore was a bit of a concern after a shocking loss to Cleveland in Week 8. You have to keep in mind that they were on a five-game winning streak. I have to think that in a divisional matchup on a short week, I would have to expect the passing game to be a more of an emphasis for the Ravens this week. You don't want to lose Derrick Henry in a short week. Maybe they might find some solace in the fact that the Bengals defense isn't that great and that they can gain a fair amount of yards. In terms of a short week, I think the Ravens will take this one. 

All-time series: Ravens lead 31-27

NY Giants (2-7) @ Carolina (2-7) (NFL Network; 9:30 am)

Pick: Giants

The Giants lost to the Commanders and the Panthers beat the Saints last week. This game will be in Munich, Germany in Allianz Arena. The Giants are at 2-7 on the season and pretty much their play speaks to their record. They're pretty awful. Still at least Daniel Jones has more touchdowns than interceptions. I think the Giants should do alright in this game as long as turnovers aren't an issue. The Panthers aren't a great team on either offense or defense. They're not a great defensive team. I'd like to see the G-men do a bit more of running the ball as they haven't had a big day running the ball. Give the Germany fans something to cheer about. 

Carolina had two rare things happen last week. They won a game and Bryce Young being the quarterback that lead them to the such win. The Panthers found a way to win and hung around with the Saints. It was enough for the Saints to fire their head coach Dennis Allen on Monday. Onto this game, the Panthers have some momentum going into this game. I like Chuba Hubbard as a running back as he just runs the ball and gets yards after the carry. The Panthers are still a mess on offense but at least they have something to work with. They're not a trainwreck. I think the Giants will win this game. 

All-time series: Panthers lead 7-6

Buffalo (7-2) @ Indianapolis (4-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Bills

The Bills beat the Dolphins and the Colts lost to the Vikings last week. The Bills won against Miami but it was a close one. A bit of a closer one than they would've wanted as the Dolphins looked like what they should've been for most of the season. They did have that injury to Tua Tagovailoa for most of the season. Suffice to say, the Bills will need to get back to playing solid defense against the Colts. The Bills are still the class of the AFC East and I still think they should win in this game. They could find themselves in a trap game in a dome stadium. 

The Colts had a bit of a letdown last week with Joe Flacco last week against Minnesota. In previous games where Flacco started, he would get the Colts down the field and score touchdowns. The Colts in this game might find themselves in a bit of trouble. The Bills are a really good team and their quarterback needs to be slowed down as much as possible in order to win. He has yet to have a bad game outside of the Texans game. Maybe he might be due in this game? I think the offense of the Colts will need to be careful in passing against this defense. If they get a turnover, this might be a tough one for the Colts to win. I'll take Buffalo. 

All-time series: Bills lead 38-33-1

Atlanta (6-3) @ New Orleans (2-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Falcons

The Falcons beat the Cowboys and the Saints lost to the Panthers last week. The Falcons got a big win against the Cowboys. Granted it was against the Cowboys who seem to be in a free fall. They also have Dak Prescott out for a few weeks too. How sad for them. Anyway, the Saints offense seems to be in a disconnect and their defense is also not that great either. It seems like a long time ago when the Saints won a game. It was also against the Cowboys when they won. I think the Falcons should find a way to win by getting the ball to their weapons. They have to step up as Drake London suffered an injury against Dallas. 

The Saints might've made the right decision in letting Dennis Allen go. His leadership was nearly non-existent and his team was somewhat dysfunctional. It was also perhaps because his team lost their 7th straight game after going on a 2-0 start. Darren Rizzi takes over the reins as head coach. The book on Rizzi is that he's a special teams mastermind who coordinated that unit for the Saints and the Dolphins. I'm not sure how well the team will respond to their new interim head coach. I have to think that they have issues outside of the head coach that they need to address. The defense is just one of them. I think the Falcons take this game as the Saints seem like a bit of a distraction filled at the moment. 

All-time series: Falcons lead 56-55

Denver (5-4) @ Kansas City (8-0) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Broncos

The Broncos lost to the Ravens and the Chiefs beat the Buccaneers last week. The Broncos were having a successful season. Then the buzzsaw loss to the Ravens came. They perhaps might learn that they weren't as good as they thought they were. Perhaps it was a bit of a humbling loss. Suffice to say, I think we learned a bit more of the Broncos than the Ravens. Their defense kind of got exposed as they had Derrick Henry run all over them and the rest of the Ravens offense showed them off. That's okay, the Ravens were an angry team and they took it out on the Broncos. They have one tough team last week and another one this week. The Broncos have a long shot but they have a chance to win against the Chiefs. Bo Nix will be the key to do it. 

Kansas City is the last undefeated team in the NFL. They have an 8-0 record but their record kind of puts up a certain amount of deodorant to it. Or at least paraphrasing the late John Madden "winning is the great deodorant." The Chiefs finally have more touchdowns than interceptions for Patrick Mahomes. They added Josh Uche from New England to bolster the defense and DeAndre Hopkins to solidify the wide receiving corp. It seems like a team that is all full of stars. What more do they need? Despite the newest additions, they almost lost to the Buccaneers with no Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. I feel if the Chiefs lose at this point this season, it might be against the Broncos. I'll take a risk and take the Broncos. 

All-time series: Chiefs lead 72-56

Minnesota (6-2) @ Jacksonville (2-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings beat the Colts and the Jaguars lost to the Eagles last week. Minnesota got back into a winning column last week against Indianapolis. They did for the most part well enough. They had a good amount of offense in the game while taking advantage of turnovers that the Colts were giving them. In this game, I think they should have a solid shot to win. The defense of the Vikings should find themselves at an advantage as the Jaguars offense isn't that great they can put up points but they can give up turnovers as well. 

Jacksonville has been a rough team to watch as of late. They started off roughly against the Eagles but did start to comeback but they couldn't stop Saquon Barkley and the clock. Jacksonville cannot let a deficit happen like that. They cannot let Justin Jefferson go wild on the field and catch balls. They're not that good to do that. I think the case for the Jaguars to win will have to be a gameplan utilizing Tank Bigsby and the running game. I'll take the Vikings. 

All-time series: Vikings lead 6-1

New England (2-7) @ Chicago (4-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Patriots

The Patriots lost to the Titans and the Bears lost to the Cardinals last week. New England has had a rough season, much like last year's team except probably worse defense. An offense that is a little better but not much. Drake Maye has been a bit of a success despite the losing. Last week against the Titans was a bit of a letdown as he both guided the Patriots to a overtime game but also costed them a chance to win. They will need to play a better game especially Maye as the Bears defense is not a slouch. Their wide receivers have yet to have a great game as they drop the ball way too much and they let down their quarterback a lot. I'm looking at Ja'Lynn Polk as one of the reasons why. 

Chicago has been a bit of a weird team. Their offense should be a lot better than they should be. They should have a lot more explosiveness on offense with Caleb Williams and the supporting cast that they have. They should find some solace in knowing that the Patriots defense is not great against the run. It was something that the defense took pride in last year. If they can open up the run game then the rest should fall in place. I really should trust the Bears in the game but they've let me down in the past and I don't want to take them again. I'll go with the Patriots. 

All-time series: Patriots lead 10-5

Pittsburgh (6-2) @ Washington (7-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Steelers

The Steelers had a bye and the Commanders beat the Giants last week. Last time we saw the Steelers was a Monday night win against the Giants. They had a deficit early in the game but eventually did chip away from the G-men and won on the offense. The book on Russell Wilson as a Steeler has been kind of a success. He hasn't had a bad game so far. The Steelers defense got a bolster to their defensive line core with Preston Smith from Green Bay. It'll help get more of a pass rush with TJ Watt. It feels like a bit of a toss up of a matchup but the Steelers might find a tough test in this game. 

Washington has been arguably the biggest surprise this season. They are at 7-2 for the first time since 1996 back when they were still in RFK stadium. They ended up not making the playoffs that season as they fell apart. This team feels a bit better than that. Jayden Daniels has been a fun person to watch as he can beat you with his legs and arm. The defense has been a bit of an improvement with Dan Quinn as head coach fronting that unit. The game will be a battle of the defenses as the Steelers have a great rush defense and the Commanders have the best passing defense. I think if Najee Harris can have a good day, I'll take the Steelers. 

All-time series: Commanders lead 43-33-3

San Francisco (4-4) @ Tampa Bay (4-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers had a bye and the Buccaneers lost to the Chiefs last week. Last time we saw San Francisco was a win against the Cowboys. It was a close win but a win is a win. The story of the 49ers this season has been much of the same in one word: injuries. The offense has been really dealing with the injuries. Christian McCaffrey is close to being able to play but he is likely going to be available in a couple of weeks. We will have to see if Deebo Samuel will be available to play for this game. It might be a bit of a trying time for the 49ers. 

Tampa Bay had fought a tough game against the two-time defending champions. The Buccaneers defense was the unsung heroes in the loss as they kept the game close for their offense to do something. The losses of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have had their effect. Cade Otton has been the workhorse that has had to take up the slack over the loss of the two. I am not sure how well the Buccaneers can do against the 49ers. I still feel the 49ers as a whole is a bit too much to handle. I'll take the 49ers. 

All-time series: 49ers lead 20-7

Tennessee (2-6) @ LA Chargers (5-3) (FOX; 4:05 pm)

Pick: Chargers

The Titans beat the Patriots and the Chargers beat the Browns last week. Tennessee got a win. It was a close win as it was an overtime win but the Titans now face against a better team in the Chargers. Mason Rudolph has been kind of an eh quarterback for the Titans. The trade of DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs definitely doesn't make his case any easier. Tennessee does have Tony Pollard who has been having a good year for them with 622 rushing yards and three touchdowns. I just don't see them winning this game. 

The Chargers are at 5-3 through nine weeks of the season. The turnaround is pretty profound as they have Jim Harbaugh. He probably should change his name to Jim Turnaround Harbaugh as he has had success in turnarounds with San Francisco, Michigan and now Los Angeles. The Chargers have been more of a running team since the ole ball coach became coach. Taking the pressure off of Justin Herbert. I think the Chargers should win this based on a balanced offense of pass and run. Essentially the same formula that has been working for them all season. 

All-time series: Chargers 29-19-1

NY Jets (3-6) @ Arizona (5-4) (CBS; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Cardinals

The Jets beat the Texans and the Cardinals beat the Bears last week. New York's season has been a bit of a rough one. They are at 3-6 and now face a must-win game yet again. Still the Jets are pretty much in a "run the table" or a "playoff game every game until the Super Bowl" mindset. Aaron Rodgers has had an alright season but he might be facing off against one of the underrated defenses in Arizona. I think the offense will do alright but man oh man the Davante Adams connection needs to do well. 

Arizona got a big win against the Bears last week. It was a game where the offense might've faced a challenge against the Bears defense. They proved that they could handle it and not only put up 29 points in the win last week, they held the Bears offense to under 10 points. James Conner had a good game and has been having a good season as well. Marvin Harrison Jr. has had a good season and has a good case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Jets might have a solid shot to win this game but I think their season is done. 

All-time series: Jets lead 6-4

Philadelphia (6-2) @ Dallas (3-5) (CBS; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles beat the Jaguars and the Cowboys lost to the Falcons last week. Philadelphia had a really good game against the Jaguars. They really should've won that game by more but it was a closer result than what Eagles would've wanted. Saquon Barkley had a career day it feels with 212 all-purpose yards in the win against the Eagles. He certainly helped my fantasy team last week. The sad news is that he is also questionable in this game with a back injury. It seems according to Rotowire that he should be playing against Dallas. I think he will be needed for the Cowboys. 

Dallas has been having a rough season. The season got even worse with Dak Prescott being injured in the loss against Atlanta. It isn't season ending but it is a hamstring injury that will last for about 4 to 6 weeks. It will likely mean that Cooper Rush will get the start. He is a capable quarterback who has been in this rodeo before. Pun perhaps intended. The running game of Dallas has been the biggest thing that hasn't gotten going this season. It has to be a big thing to happen in this game. The Eagles will probably take this game but in rivalry games, anything is possible. 

All-time series: Cowboys lead 74-56

Detroit (7-1) @ Houston (6-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm)

Pick: Texans

The Lions beat the Packers and the Texans lost to the Jets last week. Detroit had a big win against rival Green Bay. They didn't even put up a lot of yardage in the win. The Packers gave them the ball and they just proceeded to do their thing. They kind of put up a cruise control win. They could've done more damage if they wanted to. Granted it was like 50 degrees and raining. The Lions in this game might be dealing with a team with the same caliber. The run defense might be facing against a decent test. 

The Texans lost a rough game against the Jets. They really got outplayed and got outmatched a bit. With the lengthy break after a Thursday night game they have at least some time to recover and gameplan against one of their biggest tests of the season. This game will give us info more on how well the Texans can play rather than the Lions. Stefon Diggs won't be able to play as he is dealing with a season ending ACL injury. That means their wide receivers will need to pick it up. The game might be a bit of a trying one for the Texans but I haven't done a lot of upsets in this post yet. I'll take a risk. 

All-time series: Texans lead 4-1

Miami (2-6) @ LA Rams (4-4) (ESPN; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins lost to the Bills and the Rams beat the Seahawks last week. Week 10 wraps up with a decent matchup on ESPN and ESPN2. The game is decent as Tua Tagovailoa is back and he and the Dolphins nearly upset the Bills on the road. I have to think that the Bills are a pretty good team. If they can play as they did against them, who knows what it might be like against the Rams. They might need to ensure that Tua is still upright. At least you have to pump the brakes just a bit on the Dolphins. De'Von Achane will need to play a good game as well. 

The Rams are at 4-4. They got a good win against the Seahawks. It was an overtime win but a win is a win. As far as I'm aware, Puka Nacua will still be able to play despite being ejected in the win against Seattle because of throwing a punch. I guess red cards don't exist in NFL football. Soccer term in case you were wondering. The Rams defense will need to play a really good game as the Dolphins are playing better at least after a one game performance. If they can slow down Tyreek Hill, they might have a good shot to win this game. 

All-time series: Dolphins lead 12-2

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

CBS Early

Denver @ Kansas City

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Pittsburgh @ Washington

Ian Eagle, Trent Green

Buffalo @ Indianapolis 

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty

CBS Late

Philadelphia @ Dallas

Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

NY Jets @ Arizona

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

FOX Single

New England @ Chicago

Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston

San Francisco @ Tampa Bay

Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady

Minnesota @ Jacksonville

Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez

Atlanta @ New Orleans

Joe Davis, Greg Olson

Tennessee @ LA Chargers (Late)

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma 

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2024 Week 10 Maps

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Week 9: 12-3

Total: 94-44

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 10 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom