NFL Week 10 Picks: Nail-Biting Games Almost Too Close to Call

There are a few games scheduled for Week 10 of the 2011 NFL season that are just a little bit too close to call.

We're going to go for it anyhow.

Whether it's a very emotional matchup that evens things out, a great home-field advantage, or just two closely contested teams; these games are going to be tight.

That being said, somebody has to go home a winner, and somebody has to be a loser.

That's just the way it is, folks...

Here are my picks for some of the most closely contested matchups on paper for the weekend:

New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

This game will essentially determine the top spot in the NFC South, and you can bet your bottom dollar that it's going to be intense. 

At 6-3, the Saints are just a hair ahead of the Falcons at 5-3. Defensively they are almost equals, but the Saints grab the edge offensively.

New Orleans averages 445.1 yards per game and 31.9 points per game compared to 347.1 and 23.6 from the Falcons.

Take a bit of the edge away because of home-field advantage, but the Saints are still the far better team.

Pick: Saints

Tennessee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers

These teams are almost scarily similar as far as stats are concerned, but the Panthers have two very important and distinct advantages.

Cam Newton and the Panthers rush for 129.6 yards per game compared to only 70 for the Titans, and they have home-field advantage.

Running the ball at home is key to big wins over equal opponents.

Pick: Panthers

New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers

This is going to be one of the best games of the week, and it may end up being a potential playoff preview. Both teams are hot coming into this game, but only one can win.

Naturally, the 49ers will get the nod because of the home field, but the Giants are also at a severe disadvantage because of injuries. They will be missing Ahmad Bradshaw in the backfield, and could potentially not have Hakeem Nicks as well.

Any weaknesses on offense will be exploited by this 49ers defense, and Jim Harbaugh has them playing like beasts.

Pick: 49ers