NFL Picks Week 10: The Most Exciting Spreads of the Week

With Week 9 of the NFL in the books, it is time to look ahead to Week 10. There are a lot of big games this coming week, most notably the New England Patriots visiting the New York Jets. With that in mind, the stakes are high and the spreads are close. Of course, a game can go any direction, so the spread can only be taken so seriously. 

In Week 10, many teams that are usually highly favorable are going to be on the road, so that alone brings the odds down when you bring in that factor. Is that really enough to go against a team though? That decision lies in the individual.

One thing that can be agreed upon is that the spreads add a whole different level of excitement to the game. Your favorite team may be winning, but you need them to give up that field goal just so you can make your money back.

This week presents many great games, and here is a look at the five of them that have a spread that presents the most exciting opportunities and potential in Week 10.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals

Previous Matchup: 23-7 Pittsburgh Steelers (Pittsburgh 12/12/10)

Steelers 2011 Stats: 6-3 21.8 PPG and 18 PAPG

Cincinnati Bengals 2011 Stats: 6-2 24.4 PPG and 17.3 PAPG

Why Take Pittsburgh

The Steelers are the best choice in this matchup because they are a much better team. The Bengals are on the rise, but they haven't faced a defense as strong as the Steelers'. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers have been putting up points relatively easily, putting up 20 against a very strong Ravens defense who only allow 16.3 PPG.

The Bengals have been good this season, but quarterback Andy Dalton may have a hard time putting up the numbers against the Steelers. Their defense has been playing well, ranking fourth in points allowed per game. All the teams they have played don't really have offenses to brag about, and this Steelers' offense can really trip them up.

Green Bay Packers (-14) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Previous Matchup: 33-27 Green Bay Packers (Minnesota 10/23/11)

Packers 2011 Stats: 8-0 34.4 PPG and 22.4 PAPG

Minnesota Vikings 2011 Stats: 2-6 21.5 PPG and 24.9 PAPG

Why Take Green Bay

Although the Vikings did give the Packers quite a fight in Week 7 at Mall of America Field, the 8-0 Packers will not lose this game by anything less then 20 points on Sunday in Green Bay. The Packers did give up a lot of points against the Chargers in Week 9, but there is no reason to think that they won't be able to stop the Vikings and their rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.

Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers will pick apart the Vikings' defense, where his offense is averaging 38.3 PPG at home this season. The Vikings defense wasn't able to stop the Packers at home in Week 7, but this time around the Packers' defense will be able to easily stop the Vikings' offense as they move to 9-0.

Baltimore Ravens (-7) at Seattle Seahawks

Previous Matchup: 27-6 Seattle Seahawks (Seattle 12/23/07)

Seahawks 2011 Stats: 2-6 15.3 PPG and 23.1 PAPG

Baltimore Ravens 2011 Stats: 6-2 26.0 PPG and 16.3 PAPG

Why Take Baltimore

Although the last time these two teams met up in Seattle the game resulted in a Ravens slaughter, this matchup should be ideal for quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens. While Pete Carrol and the Seahawks still try to find out their identity for years to come, the Ravens are at 6-2 and are still considered one of the most dangerous teams in the league, most notably with the defense that is led by middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

The Seahawks, although at home, really don't stand a chance in this game and the spread is heavily favored for the Ravens. If the Ravens were to win by anything less then seven, it would be a failure for this team. They are only allowing 13 PPG on the road this season.

Buffalo Bills (+6) at Dallas Cowboys

Previous Matchup: 25-24 Dallas Cowboys (Buffalo 10/08/07) 

Cowboys 2011 Stats: 4-4 22.4 PPG and 21.9 PAPG

Buffalo Bills 2011 Stats: 5-3 27.8 PPG and 21.8 PAPG

Why Take Buffalo

Although the Cowboys will be at home in this matchup, it is hard to go against the Bills while getting six points. The Bills' offense is led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and running back Fred Jackson, and both have been successful in bringing glory back to Buffalo. It isn't a sure thing that the Bills will win or lose this game, but it will be neck and neck, making six points a gift.

The Cowboys have been playing somewhat better, but wins over Seattle and St. Louis is nothing to brag about. Quarterback Tony Romo still has much to prove at this point in his career, and at this point in time it can't be said that he will be able to easily handle the Bills at home.

New England Patriots (+1) at New York Jets

Previous Matchup: 30-21 New England Patriots (New England 10/09/11)

Patriots 2011 Stats: 5-3 27.8 PPG and 23.9 PAPG

New York Jets 2011 Stats: 5-3 24.9 PPG and 21.4 PAPG

Why Take New England

In what seems to be one of the closest spreads going into Week 10, this game has the most surrounding it. Both teams are 5-3, and whoever wins will take the top position in the AFC East. With the Patriots dropping their last two games, it is hard to fathom Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will let a third game in a row slip out of their win column.

The Patriots defeated the Jets in their previous matchup this season, winning by nine points at home. Even though this one will be on the road where the Patriots have yet to win in the Rex Ryan era, this game will be different, and for the first time Belichick will get the best of Ryan on the road.