Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
Halfway through the NFL season, we can separate pretenders from contenders, for the most part. A few storylines are still leaving fans dumbfounded. For example: the entire NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals (yes, the team that hasn’t won more than five games since 2021) lead the division after a dominant win over Caleb Williams and the Bears. Meanwhile, the defending NFC champion 49ers are struggling without a couple of their stars, managing just four wins so far. For as far into the NFL season as we are, we seem to know very little. Week 10 gives us an opportunity to learn more about the teams that have left us perplexed. This week features some true litmus test games for teams on the brink of contention. I’ve listed my top five games of the week, along with score predictions for each matchup.
5. Jets @ Cardinals
In last week’s prediction article, I gave the Jets one last chance to prove that they’re worth paying attention to. By shutting down the Texans and posting a few highlight plays, they did just that. From here on out, every game is a must-win for New York. The same could be said for Arizona, who leads the NFC West by a slim margin. The success of the Cardinals’ running game will be key in this matchup. I trust the Jets’ front to slow it down enough to earn their second consecutive win.
NYJ 24-21 ARI
4. 49ers @ Buccaneers
The 49ers have been building themselves a steep hill to climb. An injury-ridden disaster of a start has San Francisco sitting third in the NFC West with a couple of costly losses in the division. However, at just one game behind the leading Cardinals, the door to another division is still open. Tampa Bay, like San Francisco, is a better team than their record shows. Their tough schedule continues here, and I fear it will take its toll on this team. I have the 49ers winning to stay afloat in the NFC.
SF 27-21 TB
3. Bengals @ Ravens
Cincinnati has frustrated me more than almost any other team this season. As explosive as Joe Burrow and the offense can be at times, the defense is simply too weak to stay in games with formidable opponents. A trade deadline move for running back Khalil Herbert adds needed depth, but it doesn’t address the glaring needs this team has. Baltimore has proven themselves to be a true contender again this season, led by a historically dominant offense that features two of the league’s best athletes. I can’t imagine a world where the Bengals’ defense slows those two down.
BAL 34-31 CIN
2. Lions @ Texans
These two contenders are trending in opposite directions. Detroit is playing better football than anyone at the moment, led by the best offensive line in the league. The trade for Zadarius Smith adds pass-rushing help to a unit that has performed above expectations without Aidan Hutchinson. If Smith is able to get significant snaps this week, he could have a field day against a Houston offensive line that has struggled mightily in recent weeks. C.J. Stroud is being pressured on about half of his dropbacks, and it’s affecting his decision-making. I have the Lions winning big here.
DET 27-14 HOU
1. Steelers @ Commanders
I’ve been hesitant to join in on the Commanders hype. I do see a star in Jayden Daniels. I also see a weak offensive line and a defense with more holes than Swiss cheese. Adding Marshon Lattimore certainly makes this a more respectable unit, but he can’t be expected to make much of an impact this week. The Steelers made some deadline moves of their own, adding to their receiving and pass-rushing depth. Pittsburgh’s defense may be Jayden Daniels’ toughest test yet. If Washington wins this one, they’ll firmly be contenders in my mind. As of right now, I have too many concerns to make that call. I’ll take Pittsburgh in an upset win.
PIT 21-18 WAS
Even as bad as they’ve both been playing this year, you have to have the first Cowboys-Eagles matchup on the list!