Week 10 NFL Picks: College Student Edition

Crack a pack, flop on the couch and pop open some cheese balls.

Week 10 should be a good one. A real good one.

Can the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints distance themselves in tight division races? Will the Indianapolis Colts finally win a game? Could Tebowing actually be a real trend?

Tune in and find out in the debut of Week 10 NFL Picks: College Student Edition.

The Oakland Raiders at the San Diego Chargers

The Flow Check 

Both AFC West rivals stand at 4-4, fighting for sole possession of first place.

QB Philip Rivers has struggled this year, tossing 14 interceptions and only 11 TDs. The Chargers are hoping to halt a three-game losing streak after starting 4-1 on the season.

On the other sideline stands QB Carson Palmer, who has only played in two games in a black and silver uniform and has already thrown seven interceptions. The only piece to the Raider offense that was a positive is still out, Darren McFadden. The Oakland Raiders also feature a league high with 84 penalties.

Both defenses have played awful in the fourth quarter this season. The Raiders hold down the No. 1 spot with most points given up while the Chargers stand second in line.

I Just Scored!

With both featured backs being hampered by injury, look for the two struggling QBs to bear most of the weight. In a game that can be labeled as "gut-check time," look for the San Diego Chargers to barely pull this one out.

Final: San Diego 35, Oakland 28  

The New Orleans Saints at the Atlanta Falcons

The Flow Check

First place versus second place. The almighty Drew Brees matches up against "Matty Ice" in what could ultimately decide who will reign as NFC South champs.

Although on pace for a historic year, QB Drew Brees has been inconsistent in games that should be easily won. After a stout performance against Tampa Bay this past Sunday, the Saints defense hopes to continue in stopping the run. They have allowed 119.7 yards on the ground per game and will face a tough test against the bruising Michael Turner.

Most Atlanta Falcons fans were worried when their team of high expectations began the season with a 2-3 record. However, QB Matt Ryan and his "dirty birds" have turned things around and are looking like the Falcons we all expected. Their run game has been phenomenal once again, with RB Turner rushing for 692 yards and seven touchdowns. However, their defense has been so-so and continues to keep opposing teams in the game till the end.

I Just Scored!

Expect these two teams to be hungry and mad this Sunday. The NFC South is on the line and it's never an easy race. The two teams will battle it out, yet New Orleans offense is too high-powered for the struggling Falcons D.

Final: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 21

The Tennessee Titans at the Carolina Panthers

The Flow Check

Simply put, rookie QB Cam Newton is a monster. Leading a 2-6 team this Sunday against an aged and average Titans crew, 4-4, should be a very winnable game. But can these "cardiac cats" get the job done?

The Carolina Panthers out-gain the Tennessee Titans in every offense category. That includes third-down conversion rate, time of possession and points per game. Even with an ego-studded QB, the Panthers have struggled to do much of anything on defense. Their run defense is porous but RB Chris Johnson is nowhere close to earning his paycheck this season.

Led by veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck, the Titans are on a 1-3 losing skid and hope to regain their fantasy potential on offense. Most NFL fans know of RB Johnson's woes this season and all Titan fans pray Johnson can get rolling. If not, expect multiple three-and-outs and a lot of poor defense.

I Just Scored!

These two teams have a ton of offensive firepower but lack any beef on defense. This game could be high-scoring but silly giveaways and penalties will limit points on the board. Expect QB Cam Newton to throw and throw often.

Final: Carolina 24, Tennessee 14

The Pittsburgh Steelers at the Cincinnati Bengals

The Flow Check

Who would ever thought that a rookie QB could be leading a Bengals squad in the driver's seat of the AFC North. Sunday's matchup between these two division rivals will be a great one and will feature a lot of smash-mouth football.

The youth on offense has played lights-out football for the Cincy O this season. QB Andy Dalton and wideout A.J. Green have made many pro veterans look silly. Dalton has thrown 12 touchdowns this season and if he can play mistake-free football, running backs Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott will be able to make some plays up the gut against a Steeler defense that has struggled.

Big Ben has continued to be Big Ben, often making incredible down-the-field passes alongside game-management poise. However, the Steelers have had struggles this season especially in the ground game. The Cincinnati defense ranks second in rush defense and has also dominated in all other major defensive categories.

I Just Scored!

This game has a ton of playoff contention for the future and if the Pittsburgh Steelers drop another division game, they could be fighting for a wild-card spot at the end of the season.

Final: Cincinnati 24, Pittsburgh 17

The St. Louis Rams at the Cleveland Browns

The Flow Check

In one of this weekend's uglier matchups, the 1-7 Rams take on the 3-5 Browns. Both teams have been pitiful on both sides of the ball but someone has to win this one.

The St. Louis Rams are playing better football...barely. Running back Steven Jackson continues to be the workhorse for an ailing offense, carrying for 579 yards and four touchdowns. Even though QB Sam Bradford hasn't been much of a star this season, new addition WR Brandon Lloyd could provide a spark through the air.

With no offensive weapons to work with, QB Colt McCoy has struggled with putting points up on the board. No run game and a pitiful defense also make up the "mud dog" team that has lost much hope in the season.

I Just Scored!

With the NFL's third-worst rushing defense, expect the Cleveland Browns to get steamrolled by Jackson. However, the Rams won't score much and will allow McCoy and...well, McCoy to remain relatively close.

Final: St. Louis 14, Cleveland 10 

The Arizona Cardinals at the Philadelphia Eagles

The Flow Check

A Dream Team? The Savior?

Many hopes and expectations for these squads have been proven to be just that...hopes. The Eagles hold a 3-5 record with still many critics stating they can find a way to make the playoffs. On the other hand, Cardinal fans (and Larry Fitzgerald) believed in newcomer Kevin Kolb. Sadly...these people have all been disappointed.

For the Philadelphia Eagles, firepower has pretty much been a backfire. Multiple egos, a struggling defense and a red-faced head coach have been scrambling to save a season before it becomes too late. Running back LeSean McCoy could easily feast on a Cardinals defense that has made way for 117 yards on the ground for opposing backs. Look for QB Mike Vick to also step up and play solid football.

The Arizona Cardinals haven't found any answers to their problems. Well, Kevin Kolb might be the biggest one of all. Beanie Wells hasn't played poor football and has rushed for seven touchdowns but without playmaking wideout Larry Fitzgerald making plays...their offense can't get off the ground. The Eagles defense hasn't been too hot but should be able to stiffen up and keep the Cards from scoring.

I Just Scored!

Both of these defenses are average and typically can't protect their end zone. However, the Eagles should put a foot in the positive direction this week and take care of business against a measly Cardinal football team.

Final: Philadelphia 28, Arizona 12 

The Baltimore Ravens at the Seattle Seahawks

The Flow Check

After an embarrassing loss to the Jags on Monday night, the Baltimore Ravens have won two straight games and are quickly solidifying their position in the playoff hunt. At the other end of the spectrum lie the Seattle Seahawks, a team that is tearing at the seams.

On a statistical level, the Baltimore Ravens are stronger on offense and tougher on defense in every single category. QB Joe Flacco has had an off year but is still playing strong football. Ray Rice is running hard and has six touchdowns on the year. The Seahawk defense is one of the worst in the NFL, allowing 350 plus yards a game and over 23 points. 

If the Seahawks have any hope of beating the Ravens, RB Marshawn Lynch needs to pound the rock and QB Tarvaris Jackson needs to play smart. Only two end-zone trips the past two games and 12 turnovers have fed directly to this team's three-game losing streak. Bad news though...Ray Lewis and the Ravens D still know how to dominate a football game.

I Just Scored!

This game isn't going to be pretty for the Seattle Seahawks. Expect the Ravens to run heavy and consistently beat down the offensive line of Seattle when on defense. Let's just hope it doesn't get too out of hand.

Final: Baltimore 31, Seattle 13  

The New England Patriots at the New York Jets

The Flow Check

Now this is where it gets real interesting. The New York Jets, 5-3, are flying high after three straight victories while Tom Brady and the Patriots, 5-3, aren't really sure what's going on. This should be an incredible game with the AFC East title on the line.

QB Tom Brady has already thrown 10 interceptions this season, six more than last year. The offense has struggled the past two games, only scoring a max of 20 points. With two losses in a row, head coach Bill Belichick understands he needs to get his team under control before the wheels start coming off. With a strong dose of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the Patriots may be able to stabilize their offense and take advantage of a weak run defense.

The poster boy of New York, QB Mark Sanchez, has truly picked up his game. He has thrown 13 touchdowns and has been able to lead his team to three straight victories. The Patriot defense has been pitiful against the pass, allowing an average of 314 yards per game. However, if the Jets want to win this game...they must have success with Shonn Greene. The Pats are ninth against the run and will prove to be a tough test.

I Just Scored!

These two teams have had their ups and downs and if they want to secure a playoff spot, they must put a stop to their inconsistent ways. The Jets come into this one a bit too cocky and QB Tom Brady will regain his form.

Final: New England 35, New York 17 

The Buffalo Bills at the Dallas Cowboys

The Flow Check

One surprise team, the Bills at 5-3, faces an ego-strong Cowboys team, 4-4, in a matchup that is very close to call. 

The Buffalo Bills feature running back Fred Jackson, who leads the AFC with 803 yards and six touchdowns. However, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing to his expected level and has thrown multiple interceptions the past two games. The Bills offensive line will have their hands full with sack-master DeMarcus Ware. If they hope to put points up quickly, they will rely on intermediate passing routes to wideout Stevie Johnson and strong, hard running by Jackson.

The Dallas Cowboys are always favorites to win the NFC East, a team showered with media coverage and pub. With a rising fantasy, and real-game, stud in DeMarco Murray, America's team finally has an ability to run the football. Without Murray, QB Tony Romo has proved he can't carry the team on his own. The Bills defense has forced turnovers at the most opportune times but needs to limit Murray in carries and force Romo to pass.

I Just Scored!

The Buffalo Bills have had multiple impressive wins, such as the turnover flurry against New England, while the Cowboys have simply been an average team. Can the Cowboys turn a new corner and break away from the "in the hunt" playoff crew? Or will they continue to be held back by Romo?

Final: Buffalo 24, Dallas 23

The Jacksonville Jaguars at the Indianapolis Colts

The Flow Check

The 2-6 Jags come to Indianapolis to face the winless Colts in a matchup that points to a pretty sure-fire victory for the Florida natives. But can Jack Del Rio ensure a win against a Colts team that is fighting for their first W?

This is a tale of two mediocre quarterbacks. For the Colts, Curtis Painter was handed the ballclub at the start of the season, with close to no game experience. The Jaguar defense is superb and their Jacksonville should definitely have more wins than they do now. Without a run game, QB Painter has had to throw the ball too much and truly can't accomplish anything.

One of the league's worst run defenses should allow Maurice Jones-Drew to have a fantasy football heyday. But the Jags' rookie QB, Blaine Gabbert, is the 34th-ranked quarterback overall and only has five TDs on the year. He hasn't been a game-manager and fails to put points up on the board when presented the opportunity. 

I Just Scored!

It is definitely a reach but I'm going for it. The Colts will win this Sunday. The Jaguars will most likely run all over the Colts but won't be able to reach the end zone as much as they would like to. QB Curtis Painter will find ways to escape poor decisions and wide receiver Pierre Garcon will make plenty of needed first-down catches. Fingers crossed for head coach Jim Caldwell.

Final: Indianapolis 13, Jacksonville 10 

Now Introducing: The Six-Pack

Six bold picks. Different in stature, strong in flavor, simple to grasp.

The Frat Pick

A game of brotherhood and pure domination. Where one team stands above the rest, the lesser is hazed and bullied.

The "What Happened Last Night?" Pick

An upset game. A pick that truly has no ground for an underdog coming out on top. But it's the NFL...you never can know what to expect.

The Hungover Pick

A game that not any fan can truly bare to watch. Miserable from start to finish, the game is up for grabs, spinning in all directions, simply tossed up.

The "Come On, Man!" Pick

Decided in the closing minutes. An NFL matchup that is close and has a lot bearing on the results. It all comes down to one play. A catch or a drop?

The Trendy Pick

A pick that follows a certain trend, whether it be a player or a losing streak. Tebowing?

The Keg Pick

This is the big one. The PICK. The boldest of all picks and is only for a game that truly deserves a cold one.

The Frat Pick: The Minnesota Vikings at the Green Bay Packers

The Rush

The Green Bay Packers are undefeated this season while the Minnesota Vikings are a pitiful 2-6. Running back Adrian Peterson has done pretty much everything in his power to hold his team up but a halfback can only do so much. Without QB Aaron Rodgers, who knows where this team would even be?

The Pledge

The Green Bay Packers lead the NFL in points per game and have a top-five offense, except in the rushing game (20th). On the other side of the ball, Clay Matthews and the defense haven't played "cheesehead" defense this season, ranking 30th in yards given up and 31st in yards through the air.

The Vikings will most likely take away any type of run game the Pack might bring to the table but it's the spread offense and the Packers have completely left behind the run game.

Adrian Peterson has rushed for 795 yards and nine touchdowns. He's playing great football but rookie quarterback Christian Ponder has only played in two games. He almost beat the Pack three weeks ago and beat a sad Carolina Panther team in their last game. The Packers will most likely give up some big plays to this offense but the Vikings won't be able to keep up with the "fantasy" points of Rodgers.

The Initiation

The Packers are the league's best team by far. Expect a high-scoring game and pure domination. The Vikings were a tough test at one point but the Pack won't let it happen again. It'll be ground vs. air...who will win?

Final: Green Bay 38, Minnesota 10

The 'What Happened Last Night?' Pick: The Houston Texans at the Tampa Bay Bucs

The Drink

The Houston Texans. A splash of Arian Foster and a hint of Ben Tate. Mix that with a top-five defense. This is going to hit the Bucs hard in the morning.

But can QB Josh Freeman and veteran corner Ronde Barber keep this young team level-headed?

Time To Go Out

Running backs Arian Foster and Ben Tate have both rushed for over 600 yards and are racking up the points for this Texans team. This will bode nicely for the Texans, visiting a defense that ranks in the bottom half in stopping the run. On the same page, the Bucs have allowed 24 points per game and have lost two straight.

Head coach Raheem Morris needs to put the brakes on this team, one that is speeding off in the wrong direction. QB Josh Freeman is playing mediocre and the offense can't ever seem to score. Against a top-five defense in all categories, these young Bucs will have their hands very full. If LeGarrette Blount can run the ball heavily and take some pressure off Freeman, the Bucs might be able to actually drive the football.

Did I Just Do That?

Even though the Texans are coming into this game with a high-flying run game and a bruising defense, they won't be able to seal the deal in this one. The Buccaneers, when playing sound football, can be a very good team. Still...if they can't put up points early, the Texans could easily wipe them off the field.

Huh?: Tampa Bay 20, Houston 17  

The Hungover Pick: The Washington Redskins at the Miami Dolphins

The Spins

The Washington Redskins, for some reason, actually believed that QB Rex Grossman was going to actually be good. On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins finally won a game and did so in dominating fashion. Fans won't feel good watching this one and we can only pray it goes by quickly.

Try To Hold On

Strange enough, QB Matt Moore is quietly doing some good things for this football team. In last week's first victory, Moore threw three TD passes with no picks. RB Reggie Bush rushed for 92 yards and looked like a feature back. The Redskins will bring with them a pretty average defense and might be able to apply some pressure to a pretty average quarterback.

The two-quarterback system was implemented out of pure desperation...the Redskins are spiraling and have lost three straight. QB John Beck is not the answer and Grossman might actually suit up and play in this one. The only spark they had at tailback has been replaced with a dimmer spark that is actually playing pretty well in the form of Roy Helu. However, the 'Fins have a pretty stout run defense but their air D is very vulnerable.

The Stomachache

This game is going to be ugly from start to end. These teams are trying to find some sort of identity and the Dolphins might be closer to finding a temporary one before the Redskins do. The scoreboard will be empty for the most part but make sure you keep an alarm on for the second half. It's really going to get heated...

Smile: Miami 15, Washington 7

The 'Come On, Man!' Pick: The New York Giants over the San Francisco 49ers

The Matchup 

The surprise 49ers are looking more like a serious playoff contender than anyone could've ever imagined. The New York Giants started off rocky but QB Eli Manning is playing great football.

This should be one of the top games of the day. Grab some popcorn and get ready...it's going to get crazy.

The Game

QB Alex Smith is finally playing well...and that's it. The 49ers have pounded the rock with Frank Gore for 782 yards and Smith has simply been a game-manager. If the game gets close, can he actually win it? The Giants defense is very average and their run defense ranks 25th in the league.

A 98.8 quarterback rating and only six interceptions—pretty impressive for the only Manning brother still standing. The Giants will most likely be without running back Ahmad Bradshaw and that won't bode well for them playing against the top rushing defense in the league. Will Eli pull out all the stops and play spoiler?

The Closing Minutes

This game will be close from start to finish...too close. The closing minutes will decide everything and someone is going to mess something up, whether it be a dropped ball or a blown coverage. The Giants had a strong showing vs. the Pats while the 49ers continue to play tremendous football. What will it be?

Final: New York 27, San Francisco 24

The Trendy Pick: The Denver Broncos at the Kansas City Cheifs

The Trend

Tebowing, a movement football fans either love or hate. It's all about QB Tim Tebow and that makes perfect sense. He's the face of the Broncos and has that special something everyone gravitates to. The only question is, "Is it real or is it just a trend?" 

The Hash Tag

At 3-5, the Denver Broncos are still in the thick of the AFC West race. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs are stuck in a three-way tie for first place.

The zone-read quarterback has found recent success in his starting role for the Denver Broncos and has chucked up six touchdowns to one interception along with 277 rushing yards and one touchdown. Running back Willis McGahee has also discovered new life with the Mile High City and has rushed for 623 yards and three scores.

If the Chiefs are to have any hope of slowing Tebow down, they better hope and pray that their bottom-feeding 3-4 defense comes ready to play. They rank in the lower half of most defensive categories and to be successful, they must load the box and mix up blitz packages to confuse the inexperienced QB. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled immensely this year with most of the blame landing on QB Matt Cassel, who has thrown nine interceptions this season. With the loss of star player Jamaal Charles, Kansas City hasn't been able to run the ball and in turn, can't manage many winnable games.

The Denver Broncos are giving up 28 points per game this season and can't seem to keep their opposition out of the end zone.

The Followers

Tim Tebow has had an immense support system in his short time as a player in the NFL and still has much to prove. If coach John Fox wants to keep his job (and Tebow's), they must win this Sunday and prove their trend can be a consistent force.

This game should be a close one but the trend continues.

Wrap-up: Denver 28, Kansas City 14 

The Keg Pick: The Detroit Lions at the Chicago Bears

Chasing the Pack

The Detroit Lions are 6-2. The Chicago Bears are 5-3. This game might be the decider on who will claim one of the two wild-card spots. If either of these teams hope to remain in the playoff hunt, they must pull out a victory in what has been deemed...

"The Keg Pick." The biggest one of all.

The Stuff

The Detroit Lions have a high-powered offense behind QB Matt Stafford and wideout Calvin Johnson. Putting up 29 points per game while also limiting teams to 18 points per game is huge. WR Calvin Johnson has been playing as he should be...Megatron-style, hauling in 11 touchdown receptions.

The Chicago Bears should put up a good test and if they can get pressure on a spotty Stafford, look for the Lions to try and counter with doses of Maurice Morris and reclaimed Kevin Smith.

On the other side of the ball lies Jay Cutler and his smart decision-making. Huh? Exactly that.

The Bears quarterback has only thrown six interceptions but has been able to stop himself from throwing games away. Offensive coordinator is play-calling perfectly for a player who typically holds the ball way too long, implementing quick throws and swing passes. But without the tough running of Matt Forte, the Bears would be long gone. His 805 yards have been key in sustaining long drives along with clockwork.

Chug Time

This game should be another great one of Week 10. If the Detroit Lions' top-15 defense can play rough and get to Cutler, expect a strong showing of Matt Forte which could be dangerous for a weak run defense. Detroit should be able to pull this one out if they can prove their worth and put points up early.

The Last Drop: Detroit 28, Chicago 17