NFL Week 10 Predictions: Which Teams Will Win Crucial Divisional Clashes?

Week 10 will bring us a heavy load of divisional play. Eight of the 16 games on the schedule feature divisional rivals. 

But here, we're going to take a more in depth look at six of those games. The Indianapolis Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars. But for anything other than draft picks, that game hardly fits the description of "crucial." 

The Green Bay Packers will also host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. But the Vikings are out of contention and the Packers are undefeated. Even if the Vikings pull a monumental upset, it won't impact the playoff race too much.

But that's not the case for any of the other six games. So, let's take a look at them.

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

How in the world do you predict a game involving these two teams? They absolutely define inconsistency. They can beat anyone in the league, but can't take anything for granted. 

I am really worried about the Raiders without Darren McFadden. His loss makes them one-dimensional, even though they still have capable backs. 

On the road without their best player, I will predict a loss for the Raiders. 

Chargers 27, Raiders 23

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

As recent as one week ago, I would not have thought this game would be relevant. But between the Broncos beating the Raiders and Dolphins beating the Chiefs, this game is relevant. 

I like the Kansas City defense against Tim Tebow. They have the tools in place to limit what he can do against them. I also don't see them getting the same kind of running attack that they did vs. Oakland. 

Offensively, the Chiefs aren't great. But they will be good enough and take the team to a victory. Look for Dwayne Bowe to make the difference in this one.

Chiefs 20, Broncos 14

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

Here's another battle of teams with a lot of talent, but not a lot of consistency. The re-emergence of Julio Jones gives the Falcons a strong offensive balance. 

The only slight problem here is that the Saints are playing in a dome, even though it is a road game. 

I expect this one to be close. But in the end, I'll take Drew Brees over Matt Ryan.

Saints 34, Falcons 30

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

Frankly, the Bengals are not a bad team. This will be the beginning of the stiffest test that they face in the AFC North. 

I really like Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. They are an emerging duo. Defensively, Cincinnati is one of the better units in the league.

The Steelers have a lot of potential, they just have rarely played to it in 2011. Still, the return of James Harrison last week showed us just how great of an impact he makes. Don't look for a lot of points, but I like the Steelers to prevail.

Steelers 17, Bengals 13

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

As it stands right now, I like both of these teams to make the playoffs. The fact that the Bears have beaten the Buccaneers, Falcons and Eagles bodes very well for them. Barring a massive collapse, the Lions will cruise to the playoffs.

But that doesn't mean that this game won't have serious ramifications. The Lions offense is strong, but they have a hard time against the run. Matt Forte is not the RB to struggle vs the run against.

Defensively, the Bears will have a hard time vs. Calvin Johnson. But I like Forte to protect the ball and keep the Lions offense off of the field.

Bears 21, Lions 17

New England Patriots at New York Jets

The Patriots just don't experience losing streaks. But here we are. They have lost two games in a row and now are going to a tough stadium. Rex Ryan has never lost to the Patriots at home. 

New York is now playing with a lot of confidence. They are far from a perfect team, but also far from the mess that they were not even a month ago. 

The Patriots will recover from this funk. I expect a close game here and I do think the Jets defense will be strong. But in the end, look for Tom Brady to do just enough to win a good game.

Patriots 20, Jets 14