NFL Week 10 Picks: Predicting the Week's Closest Scores

Week 10 in the NFL surely isn't short of great story lines. 

We're in for some close contest games filled with drama. 

Got to love it.

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons 

This NFC South showdown has major playoff implications. I feel that I can start writing the previous sentence in Week 10. 

Right?

If this game were inside the Superdome, I'd give the edge to the Saints. That place brings out the best in them, especially Drew Brees. 

Playing in the Georgia Dome is a different story. 

The Falcons are winners of three straight and have been very balanced offensively in those three victories.

New Orleans' defense has been pretty bad this season and will likely receive a heavy dosage of Michael Turner in this one. 

Matt Ryan plays better against the Saints defense than Brees does against the Falcons improving defensive unit and the Falcons come away with a huge victory. 

Falcons 34 Saints 30

New England Patriots at New York Jets

Teams moving in opposite directions. The Jets were dominant in the second half against the Bills while the Patriots lost their first regular season home game with Tom Brady under center since 2006. 

Yikes. 

I thought the Pats would squeak out their game with the Giants and narrowly did. 

It won't be easy beating the Jets on the road, but I expect Bill Belichick to make some tweaks to his offensive game plan to counter New York's physical style. 

Tom Brady leads another late fourth quarter scoring drive and the Patriots win in Met Life Stadium, creating more havoc in the AFC East. 

Patriots 27 Jets 20

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears 

The Lions get their divisional rival after the bye week, but the Bears are playing far more consistently than when Detroit beat them in Week 5. 

Jay Cutler is playing tremendous football and much thanks goes to his offensive line, who didn't allow a sack against the Eagles. 

Cutler upright for an entire game.

Imagine that.

These teams are very evenly matched, but I give the slight edge to the Bears because of their far superior running game.

That will be the difference.

Detroit has yet to find their running game this season.

Chicago by a field goal.  

Bears 24 Lions 21