NFL Picks Week 10: Underdogs That Will Upset Contending Teams

Heading into Week 10, there are a number of NFL teams that have separated themselves from the pack and appear poised to lock out postseason berths in the next month.

At this point, we're beginning to get a feel for which teams are for real, and which are either still at least a year or two away from contending, or still need additional pieces to be taken seriously.

Nonetheless, upsets have been relatively common during the 2012 season, as even the most apparently lopsided matchups have ended in surprising victories for underdog teams.

Week 10 will be no different, so here's a look at some of the underdogs who will upset heavily favored teams who are considered near-locks for the postseason.

Atlanta at New Orleans

Before the season, there wouldn't have been a clear favorite for this game, as the Saints, just two years removed from their Super Bowl victory, would have appeared to be more than capable of winning at home against the Falcons.

However, with the Saints sitting at 2-5 heading into their Monday night clash with Philadelphia, the undefeated Falcons are certainly the heavy favorite, but that won't stop Drew Brees and company from deal Matt Ryan's team their first loss of the season.

It'll be a shootout between two of the league's best, but the Saints will edge the league's last unbeaten team an unexpected loss in the Big Easy.

Prediction: New Orleans 37, Atlanta 31 

Oakland at Baltimore

The Ravens are hurting on defense without emotional leader Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb on the field, but they still manage to win football games, and they'll be 6-2 entering next Sunday's game against the Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium.

At the other end of the field, Oakland is in dire need of a win in order to keep its fading postseason hopes alive, and it will get one against Joe Flacco's Ravens on Sunday.

It won't be pretty, but Carson Palmer and Darren McFadden will key a big offensive day for the Silver and Black, and Oakland will leave Baltimore with a very important victory.

Prediction: Oakland 24, Baltimore 20

Buffalo at New England

The Bills have been consistently inconsistent all season, as they've struggled to string consecutive strong performances together, which is why they enter their Week 10 date at Gillette Stadium with a disappointing 3-5 record.

The Patriots, on the other hand, have basically been exactly what we've come to expect from Tom Brady's teams, as they've won by outscoring teams, despite a lackluster pass defense.

During the first meeting of the season between these two teams, the Pats blew the Bills out 52-28 in Buffalo, but things will be different this time.

C.J. Spiller will lead the way offensively for the Bills, as they'll pull off the upset in New England in a close battle between these two AFC East rivals.

Prediction: Buffalo 23, New England 21