NFL Week 10 Picks: Predictions for Games with Biggest Playoff Implications

Now that the first half of the NFL season has wrapped up, Week 10 is going to feature some interesting games with big playoff implications.

With Aaron Rodgers hurt for the Green Bay Packers, the NFC North is now wide open.  Meanwhile, there are tight races in the NFC West, NFC East and even the AFC West.  Some teams are fighting for a first-round bye, while others are just trying to grab a wild-card spot.

Below is a full list of predictions for Week 10, followed by a breakdown of the biggest games that will begin to shape the playoff picture.

Away	Predictions	Home
Philadelphia Eagles	17-20	Green Bay Packers
Jacksonville Jaguars	10-28	Tennessee Titans
Buffalo Bills	27-20	Pittsburgh Steelers
Oakland Raiders	13-21	New York Giants
St. Louis Rams	17-28	Indianapolis Colts
Seattle Seahawks	27-21	Atlanta Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals	24-20	Baltimore Ravens
Detroit Lions	30-20	Chicago Bears
Carolina Panthers	24-28	San Francisco 49ers
Houston Texans	21-20	Arizona Cardinals
Denver Broncos	38-27	San Diego Chargers
Dallas Cowboys	28-31	New Orleans Saints
Miami Dolphins	13-21	Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Detroit Lions (5-3) at Chicago Bears (5-3)

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10

Time: 1 p.m. ET

TV: FOX

Prediction: 30-20, Lions

There is currently a three-way tie atop the NFC North, and with Rodgers out for the next few weeks, the winner of this game will likely be in the driver's seat for the division.

The Detroit Lions have struggled to string wins together, but they still have a winning record and are coming off of a bye.  Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are on fire right now, with the star wide receiver putting up 47 receptions for 821 yards and seven touchdowns through the first eight games.

Reggie Bush and Joique Bell have given the Lions the balance that they so desperately needed in 2012.  They've been incredibly versatile running backs out of the backfield, combining for 1,385 total yards and seven touchdowns.

Although Josh McCown was able to lead the Chicago Bears to a big win last week, Jay Cutler is now finally ready to play once again.  Marc Trestman confirmed on Friday that Cutler appears to be good to go:

The offense has played well all year, but the real concern in 2013 has been the defense.  The Bears just haven't looked the same without Brian Urlacher, as they're allowing 381.1 yards and 28.3 points per game.

That struggling defense should be the deciding factor in this one.  The Lions are simply too dangerous on offense right now, and Johnson will likely have yet another big game as Detroit sweeps the two-game series against Chicago.

Carolina Panthers (5-3) at San Francisco 49ers (6-2)

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10

Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

TV: FOX

Prediction: 28-24, 49ers

This may not have sounded like an exciting game to watch at the beginning of the season, but now both teams are legitimate contenders in the NFC, and the strongest aspects of their teams will be going head-to-head.

As the league's best rushing team, the San Francisco 49ers average 153 yards per game on the ground.  The Carolina Panthers are the second-best team against the run, allowing just 79.1 yards per game.  Players like Star Lotulelei and Frank Gore will be going at it to see which side of the ball can make more plays, and that will be a big factor in this one.

Both quarterbacks have been playing well as of late, making plays with both their arms and legs.  Cam Newton has put up 10 total touchdowns and thrown just two interceptions during the team's four-game win streak.  Meanwhile, Colin Kaepernick has 10 total touchdowns of his own and just one interception over the Niners' five-game win streak.

The 49ers are a team we expected to be great, but the Panthers have been a big surprise.  They started the season at just 1-3, but they've blown out their last four opponents, although they've all been weaker teams.  This week will be a great test for Carolina to see if it can keep up with a real contender.

I expect San Francisco to win this one, but I think it will still be a great game for the Panthers, proving that they're the real deal, even in the loss.

Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at New Orleans Saints (6-2)

Date: Sunday, Nov. 10

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBC

Prediction: 31-28, Saints

The Panthers are starting to creep up on the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys are trying to keep the lead in the weak NFC East division, making this a critical game for both teams.

Offensively, the Cowboys have been a very strong team.  Tony Romo is having one of his best seasons, throwing for 20 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 100.0 passer rating.  Dez Bryant and Jason Witten have been Romo's favorite targets, combining for 96 receptions, 1,210 yards and 12 touchdowns.

On the other side of the ball, things aren't as pretty.  They're allowing 419.2 total yards per game, the second-most in the NFL.  However, according to the NFL on ESPN Twitter account, it looks like the Cowboys will finally be getting DeMarcus Ware back:

Defense has been the big difference this year for the Saints.  Rob Ryan has completely turned around what was the worst defense in 2012, as the Saints are now allowing just 333.1 yards and 18.3 points per game.

Drew Brees is having yet another great season, throwing for 2,672 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions.  Jimmy Graham continues to be his favorite weapon, as he leads the NFL with 10 receiving touchdowns.

This should be a closer one than people expect, but the Saints should pull out the win.  They have the better quarterback and the more complete defense, and those two factors will play into a close win for New Orleans.