NFL Game Previews: Week 10 Game Caps

Baltimore (+1) at Atlanta, Thursday 8:20 p.m.

Comments: The Ravens would be the number one seed in the AFC Playoffs if the season ended today, and is Baltimore is 5-1 over its past six games. Joe Flacco has a 7:0 TD:INT ratio while getting 8.6 YPA over his last three contests, although his performance has been drastically different at home (8:0 TD:INT ratio, 8.5 YPA) and on the road (4:6 TD:INT ratio, 6.3 YPA) this season. The Falcons' secondary is beatable, but they have recorded 13 interceptions on the year, so Flacco will need to protect the ball Thursday night. Ray Rice, who has scored a touchdown in just two of his past 15 games, has also posted big home/away splits this season, as his YPC drops from 4.6 at home to 3.3 on the road. The road team typically has an even bigger disadvantage while travelling during these short weeks once the Thursday games hit the schedule, and considering the Ravens get a Falcons team that is undefeated at home this season, they are faced with a particularly tough task in Week 10... Atlanta is 6-1 since losing in Pittsburgh to open the season, although they nearly lost at home to the Bucs last week. Roddy White missed some time during that game with a bruised knee, but while he missed some practice time this week, he's expected to play against a Baltimore secondary that has allowed only eight scores through the air this season. Matt Ryan is tough to sack and has thrown eight touchdowns over four home games this year, but Atlanta will once again center its game plan on Michael Turner. After scoring just one TD over the first six games in 2010, Turner has hit paydirt four times over the past two contests, and while he's never going to be a PPR asset, his nine receptions for 73 receiving yards are already both career-highs. In a matchup featuring two first place teams with Super Bowl aspirations, home field is the difference.

Predictions:Joe Flacco throws for 250 yards with a touchdown to Anquan Boldin, while Ray Rice adds 90 yards from scrimmage. Willis McGahee punches in a goal-line TD, while Michael Turner answers with 80 rushing yards and reaches the end zone. Matt Ryan adds 260 passing yards with a scoring strike to Roddy White, as Atlanta wins on a late field goal. Falcons 20-17.

Detroit (+3) at Buffalo, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Detroit continues to show progress, nearly beating the Jets last week before falling in overtime, although the Lions still need to improve when playing on the road. Matthew Stafford is once again shelved with a shoulder injury, and it sounds like his season may be over. If so, he'll have missed 19 games over the first two years of his career. It's a shame for the franchise, but at least Shaun Hill looks ready to return to action, and he was a capable replacement earlier in the year. He should have a nice game against a Buffalo secondary that has allowed a staggering 17:1 TD:INT ratio this season. Jahvid Best continues to be hampered by his turf toe injury, but he's on pace to finish with 82 catches and 712 receiving yards this year and also has a highly favorable matchup in Week 10 (the Bills have yielded 4.8 YPC, which is the third highest mark in the league)... Buffalo enters 0-8, but they have lost each of the past three games by only a field goal, so while odd, it makes some sense that a winless squad is three point favorites. Steve Johnson is averaging 8.0 catches and 113.3 receiving yards over the past three games, and he's scored six touchdowns over the past six contests. Even though Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken a step back recently, he's attempted a whopping 99 passes over the past two games, and that type of high volume should remain a constant thanks to Buffalo's horrendous defense. Both should be in store for big games Sunday against a Detroit secondary that remains beatable.

Predictions: Shaun Hill throws for 240 yards and two touchdowns, with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson the recipients. Jahvid Best totals 90 yards and hits paydirt, while Fred Jackson answers with 75 yards from scrimmage. Ryan Fitzpatrick adds 275 passing yards with scoring strikes to Steve Johnson and Lee Evans, as Buffalo finally gets into the win column. Bills 23-21.

New York Jets (-3) at Cleveland, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: The Browns have beaten the Saints in New Orleans 30-17 and at home against the Patriots 34-14 over their past two games, so they enter riding high. The team relies heavily on Peyton Hillis, which may be a problem Sunday while facing a Jets' front seven that has allowed only 3.3 YPC this season - the second-lowest mark in the NFL. With Darrelle Revis finally back to 100 percent and few weapons to throw to, rookie Colt McCoy may be in for a long day if Cleveland asks him to do too much. Still, the Browns have been underestimated all season, but this is a solid football team... New York escaped with a victory in Detroit last week, becoming the first team this season to win on the first possession of overtime. Like the Browns, the Jets are a run-first squad, and they too face a difficult matchup in Week 10, as Cleveland has surrendered a league-low one rushing score. However, the Browns' secondary is shaky, having already allowed 15 touchdowns, so Mark Sanchez and company should find success through the air. In a battle of the Ryan twins, don't be surprised if this game comes down to the end.

Predictions: Colt McCoy throws for 150 yards and no touchdowns, while Peyton Hillis fights for 70 total yards and a TD run. LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene split the carries evenly, resulting in 110 rushing yards sans a score. Mark Sanchez adds 250 passing yards with TD tosses to Dustin Keller and Braylon Edwards, as the road team prevails. Jets 17-16.

Carolina (+7) at Tampa Bay, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Carolina doesn't have the worst record in the league, but there's certainly a strong argument they are the worst team, especially with Matt Moore out for the season. Not that Moore was any good, but Jimmy Clausen has been an utter disaster. Fantasy owners of Steve Smith know this all too well. With DeAngelo Williams (foot) and Jonathan Stewart (concussion) out Sunday, Mike Goodson has been named Carolina's starter for Week 10. He has just 38 career rushing attempts (2.6 YPC) but should approach 20 touches, as he's plenty useful as a receiver. Tampa Bay has allowed 5.0 YPC this year, which is the second-highest mark in the NFL, so the matchup is favorable. Goodson is a worthy flex play in Week 10... Tampa Bay enters 5-3 and nearly beat the Falcons in Atlanta last week, but they have been outscored by 33 points this season and all the underlying stats suggest they have been one of the luckiest teams in 2010. Carolina has allowed an NFL-low 6.0 YPA, and because it's a divisional matchup featuring two teams familiar with each other, don't be shocked if Sunday's game is closer than expected.

Predictions: Jimmy Clausen throws for 200 yards with a TD to David Gettis, while Mike Goodson totals 80 yards and reaches the end zone. LeGarrette Blount responds with a similar line, while Josh Freeman adds 230 passing yards with a touchdown strike to Mike Williams, as Tampa Bay comes out on top. Buccaneers 23-17.

Cincinnati (+7) at Indianapolis, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: The Bengals come in 2-6 and without a win since Week 3. The defense has taken a step back, and while Carson Palmer has been able to compile stats, he's done so often in garbage time and played poorly when it counts. Terrell Owens has been one of the most productive players in the league at age 36, but Chad Ochocinco has clearly taken a backseat. The team would be best served focusing its game plan on Cedric Benson in week 10, as the Colts have been gashed for an NFL-high 5.1 YPC this season... The Colts lost in Philadelphia last week, and it's usually wise to bet on Peyton Manning coming off a loss. This will be Indy's fourth home game this year, and they won their previous three by an average of 15.7 points. Manning will be missing Joseph Addai (shoulder) and Austin Collie (concussion), but he still has more than enough weapons to pick apart a Cincy defense that struggles to pressure the passer (just seven sacks on the year). Expect an easy victory by a superior Indy team Sunday.

Predictions: Carson Palmer throws for 250 yards with scoring strikes to Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, while Cedric Benson manages 100 rushing yards and a TD run. Donald Brown counters with 80 total yards, while Javarris James scores from the goal line. Peyton Manning adds 300 passing yards with TD tosses to Pierre Garcon and Jacob Tamme, as Indy rolls. Colts 30-21.

Tennessee (-2) at Miami, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: The Dolphins lost their first road game of the season in Baltimore last week, and they enter Sunday still searching for their first victory at home. They get a tough test in Week 10 against a Titans team coming off a bye and adding Randy Moss into the mix. Miami has decided to switch from Chad Henne to Chad Pennington at quarterback, and the latter gets an immediate test facing a Tennessee secondary that has allowed only 6.5 YPA, picked off 13 passes and recorded 26 sacks this year. It will be Pennington's first action since Week 3 of last year... The Titans have had two weeks to prepare and are 3-1 on the road this season, so they aren't afraid to travel. The addition of Moss should benefit Nate Washington and Chris Johnson, as defenses simply have to account for Moss' presence at all times, even if he's lost a step. It remains to be seen whether Kerry Collins or Vince Young starts at quarterback, but it's not a huge deal either way. Expect Young to play through his ankle injury, and he should find success against a beatable Miami secondary.

Predictions: Chad Pennington throws for 200 yards with a touchdown to Davone Bess, while Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combine for 90 total yards and a TD run. Chris Johnson answers with 110 combined yards and a score, while Vince Young adds 225 passing yards and a TD toss to Nate Washington, as Tennessee wins on a late field goal. Titans 20-17.

Minnesota (-1) at Chicago, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Down 24-10 with less than four minutes remaining, the Vikings rallied to beat the Cardinals 27-24 in overtime last week, saving their season -- at least temporarily -- in the process. The team apparently hates coach Brad Childress, but it doesn't appear they have let that affect their performance on the field. Percy Harvin is dealing with a badly sprained ankle and once again suffered a migraine headache this week, while Brett Favre is banged up as well. Expect both to play Sunday, although the Vikes will rely on Adrian Peterson heavily as usual. Although Chicago has ceded just 3.5 YPC, they have allowed nine rushing scores on the year... The Bears beat the Bills in Toronto last week, and each of their past three contests have been decided by a field goal. On a Mike Martz-run offense and with Jay Cutler at quarterback, it's been shocking that no wide receiver or tight end has held much fantasy value this season, with Johnny Knox the only marginal option. However, the Bears field a strong defense, having allowed an NFL-low 6.0 YPA and a 5:11 TD:INT ratio this season. That doesn't bode well for a dome team like Minnesota playing in Soldier Field.

Predictions: Brett Favre committees a couple of turnovers, throws for 230 yards and finds Visanthe Shiancoe in the end zone. Adrian Peterson fights for 80 rushing yards and a score, while Matt Forte totals 70 yards and catches a touchdown pass from Jay Cutler, who also adds 240 passing yards and another TD strike to Earl Bennett, as Chicago wins it. Bears 20-17.

Houston (+1.5) at Jacksonville, Sunday 1 p.m.

Comments: Houston has lost two straight, and it looks like this will be yet another year without them making the playoffs. After averaging 298.1 passing yards with 29 touchdowns last season, Matt Schaub has averaged 250.6 passing yards with just 10 scores at the midway point of 2010. He's already fumbled more and has been sacked 21 times after being taken down 25 times all of last year. While his 7.5 YPA mark remains solid, it's a far cry from last season's 8.2. Moreover, Schaub has posted a 3:5 TD:turnover ratio over the past four games, three of which have come at home. Expect him to bounce back in a big way this week against a Jaguars defense that has yielded an NFL-high 8.7 YPA... Jacksonville has been boom-or-bust this season, but they destroyed the Cowboys 35-17 the last time they played and have had two weeks to prepare coming off their bye. Over David Garrard's last three games (not counting the one he left with a concussion midway through the second quarter) he's posted a 9:1 TD:INT ratio. He's also completed 79.4 percent of his passes, got 9.5 YPA and also produced two TDs on the ground over that span. He should be in store for another big game versus a Houston secondary that has allowed 8.2 YPA and a league-high 20 passing scores on the year.

Predictions: Matt Schaub throws for 300 yards with TD strikes to Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter, while Arian Foster adds 120 total yards and reaches the end zone. Maurice Jones-Drew counters with 100 total yards and hits paydirt, while David Garrard adds 290 passing yards with scoring strikes to Mike Sims-Walker and Marcedes Lewis, as Jacksonville wins in a shootout. Jaguars 27-24.

Kansas City (-1) at Denver, Sunday 4:05 p.m.

Comments: Denver has lost four straight, but they get the benefit of coming off a bye. At 2-6 in a division with three other competitive teams, the Broncos' season is essentially already over, with the only real question remaining is if the team will eventually turn to Tim Tebow at quarterback. Knowshon Moreno is expected to get a bigger role moving forward, although there's nothing wrong relying on Kyle Orton's arm, as he's played well this season (7.9 YPA, 12:5 TD:INT ratio)... All three of the Chiefs' losses this season have come on the road, but they have been highly competitive in every defeat, and Denver has hardly exhibited a home-field advantage in 2010, as they are just 1-3 at Invesco Field. He was banged up a bit last week, but Jamaal Charles simply needs to get more touches. Matt Cassel has an 11:2 TD:INT ratio over the past six games, and he should find continued success against a Denver defense that can't pressure the quarterback (nine sacks on the year).

Predictions: Kyle Orton throws for 275 yards with a touchdown to Jabar Gaffney, while Knowshon Moreno adds 75 total yards and a TD run. Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles total 130 yards and each scores a touchdown, while Matt Cassel adds 225 passing yards without a TD, as Kansas City wins on a late field goal. Chiefs 23-20.

St. Louis (+6) at San Francisco, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: St. Louis is in first place in the NFC West, although they are the only team atop its division that has been outscored this season (albeit by just one point). The team has been terrific defensively, allowing just 6.4 YPA (opposing passers have accrued a 76.3 QB rating) and only two rushing scores on the year. However, they have benefitted from an easy schedule, and they have yet to win a game on the road. Sam Bradford has made some nice plays this year, and he looks like a keeper, but he's completed only 52.1 percent of his passes and gotten 5.3 YPA on the road during his rookie campaign... The 49ers are 2-6, but there's a strong chance they enter Week 11 just one game out of the division lead. Troy Smith is almost certain to get another start Sunday, and if he leads the team to another victory, don't be surprised if coach Mike Singletary sticks with him over Alex Smith (shoulder). Expect yet another heavy does of Frank Gore this week, and fantasy owners should count on more rushing touchdowns from him over the second half of the year.

Predictions: Sam Bradford throws for 175 yards with no touchdowns, while Steven Jackson manages 80 total yards and a score. Frank Gore counters with 120 yards from scrimmage and hits paydirt, while Troy Smith adds 200 passing yards and a TD toss to Vernon Davis, as the home team prevails. 49ers 20-16.

Seattle (+3) at Arizona, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: The Seahawks have lost back-to-back games, getting outscored 74-10 over that span. Matt Hasselbeck returns to action this week, but the team is still dealing with plenty of injury concerns. Arizona has scored a bunch of defensive and special teams touchdowns this year, but neither their secondary (7.5 YPA) nor their front seven (4.4 YPC) is especially stout. Still, Seattle can't run the ball (3.6 YPC), and Hasselbeck has a 4:6 TD:INT ratio since Week 1. In fact, he's thrown for multiple scores just once over the past 11 games... Arizona hasn't won since Week 5, but they get a Seahawks team Sunday that's especially vulnerable on the road, and Derek Anderson has proven to be an upgrade at quarterback over Max Hall. Anderson might be the least accurate QB in the league, but he's unafraid to take shots downfield and has resurrected the fantasy value of Larry Fitzgerald, who was targeted 10 times last week. Chris Wells continued to miss practice time with knee swelling throughout the week and is unlikely to get much action against the Seahawks. Tim Hightower is a safer fantasy option, as Wells continues to disappoint.

Predictions: Matt Hasselbeck throws for 200 yards with a touchdown toss to Mike Williams, while Marshawn Lynch adds 60 total yards and a goal-line TD. Tim Hightower responds with a similar line, while Derek Anderson adds 230 passing yards with scoring strikes to Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston, as Arizona gets the victory. Cardinals 24-17.

Dallas (+14.5) at New York Giants, Sunday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: Dallas has dropped five straight games, including an embarrassing 45-7 defeat last week in Green Bay in front of a national audience. Wade Phillips was fired as a result, as Jason Garrett takes over as head coach. With no Tony Romo and a defense that has been brutal in 2010, it's unlikely to make much of a difference, but the lack of effort last week was palpable. We'll see if Garrett at least gets this squad to try... The Giants have won five straight, including a 41-7 victory in Seattle last week, so they are basically on the opposite path of the Cowboys. Still, this is a dangerous game for New York, who could overlook a seemingly dead Dallas team they already beat handily just two weeks ago. With injuries to the offensive line and to Steve Smith (pectoral), and both teams likely to deal with natural regression, it wouldn't surprise to see this division game closer than the huge point spread suggests.

Predictions: Jon Kitna throws for 225 yards and two touchdowns, with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin the recipients. Dallas' rushing attack is held in check, while Ahmad Bradshaw rushes for 80 yards and a score. Eli Manning adds 280 passing yards with scoring strikes to Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, as New York wins its sixth straight game. Giants 27-20.

New England (+5) at Pittsburgh, Sunday 8:20 p.m.

Comments: New England's five-game winning streak came to an end last week, but it's usually smart to bet on Tom Brady bouncing back after a loss. The Patriots' offense has been anything but special since the Randy Moss trade, but Pittsburgh has struggled to pull away from teams this season, and their secondary can be beat. Since the Steelers have allowed an NFL-low 2.6 YPC, Sunday night's game will fall on Brady's shoulders... Pittsburgh enters 6-2 and on the short list of the NFL's best teams so far in 2010. Sunday will mark the Steelers' first home game in a month, but the team is dealing with multiple injuries on their offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger has thrown just one touchdown over the past two games, but he's gotten 8.4 YPA this season and has taken seven sacks over four games, which is a much lower rate than normal for him. He should get back on track against a New England secondary that has allowed opposing passers to post a 93.9 QB rating against them this season.

Predictions: Tom Brady throws for 240 yards and two touchdowns, with Danny Woodhead and Deion Branch the recipients, while the Pats' ground game is shut down. Rashard Mendenhall counters with 80 total yards and a touchdown run, while Ben Roethlisberger adds 270 passing yards with scoring strikes to Hines Ward and Mike Wallace, as Pittsburgh comes out on top. Steelers 24-20.

Philadelphia (-3) at Washington, Monday 8:30 p.m.

Comments: Washington enters coming off its bye and as home dogs on Monday Night Football, so the setup is right for a minor upset. However, they will get a focused Eagles team after having beat Philadelphia the first time these teams met earlier this season, and there's something of a quarterback controversy brewing, as it seems like Donovan McNabb will be one and done as a Redskin. Ryan Torain (hamstring) and Clinton Portis (groin) are both hobbled with injuries, and Washington's offensive line has been one of the worst units in the league. McNabb has a 3:5 TD:INT ratio while getting just 6.1 YPA over the past three games, and he's yet to throw for multiple scores in a game this season. He should have a tough game against an Eagles defense that has allowed just 6.5 YPA while recording 13 interceptions and 24 sacks this year... Coming off an impressive victory over the Colts last week, Philly is 5-3 and one game behind the Giants in the NFC East. Michael Vick has yet to throw an interception this season and currently sports the NFL's best QB rating at 105.3. All Eagles' skill players should feast on a Washington defense that struggles both against the run (4.6 YPC) and the pass (280.9 ypg). It's not easy playing on the road on Monday night, but Philadelphia is 3-1 away from home this year, and they're simply far more talented than Washington on both sides of the ball.

Predictions: Donovan McNabb throws for 200 yards with a TD toss to Chris Cooley, while the Redskins' rushing attack is held in check. LeSean McCoy answers with 100 total yards and a TD run, while Michael Vick adds 40 rushing yards, 240 passing yards and scoring strikes to DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, as Philly evens up the season series with a victory. Eagles 21-16.