National Football League

2013 NFL Week 10 rundown

Published Nov. 9, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

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We usually start this column off with tongue-in-cheek commentary, but will all the nonsense that’s going on in the NFL, how about we take a step back and send our wishes to John Fox and Gary Kubiak. Given all the absurdity from the league, a little sincerity and sympathy might do us good.

Last week’s record: 9-4
2013 record: 90-43 (And still in first in the experts’ “clutch” rankings! Because when I think of “clutch,” forget Robert Horry or David Ortiz. I think Joel Beall.)

Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons

The lowdown: I imagine the Seahawks – Buccaneers tilt scared the bejesus out of many a Survivor pool last Sunday. Not necessarily a surprise, as Seattle has a disconcerting tendency of playing down to the competition, evidenced in games against Tampa (27-24 OT), St. Louis (14-9) and Tennessee (20-13). Oh, and we’d be remiss in forgetting the last-minute “Thank God for Matt Schaub” pick-six win against Houston.

Of course, perhaps we’re grasping for straws, given the Seahawks are 8-1, flaunt one of the best defenses in the NFL (16.6 points allowed per game is third-lowest in league), employ a sound run game and have a competent field general at the helm. Basically, the opposite disposition of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Dirty Birds entered this fall averaging over 11 wins per season under the Mike Smith regime, including four playoff appearances in the last five campaigns. This prosperity has not continued in 2013, as Atlanta limps in with a 2-6 record.

Injuries have been cited as the fulcrum of this decay, and the Falcons certainly have their share of wounded wings. However, to claim frailty as the sole complication is a misnomer. The offensive line has been a train wreck, and the defense has appeared disoriented in giving up 27.3 points per game (25th in the NFL). Worse, Matt Ryan has not been in harmony with his targets, verified by his seven picks in the last two weeks. Bearing in mind Atlanta’s two wins have come against the Rams and Buccaneers, chalk 2013 up as a lost cause for the Falcons.

Line: Seattle -7, 44.5 points

Fantasy impact: Percy Harvin is likely out again in Week 10. Along with Sidney Rice’s injury, this bequeaths the lion’s share of passes to Doug Baldwin. The Seattle wideout turned in good production (six catches, 75 yards, touchdown) against a better-than-believed Tampa defense in Week 9. More importantly, Russell Wilson looked in Baldwin’s direction 10 times. Facing an Atlanta secondary that ranks in the bottom third for fantasy points against receivers, Baldwin merits a start in most standard leagues.

TV: FOX – 1:00 PM EST

The Seahawks win if… Beast Mode notches another victim (726 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, seven scores), Seattle defense wreaks havoc on Ryan.

The Falcons win if… Wilson fails to stay within himself (six interceptions, eight fumbles, five lost), Roddy White returns to revive his war of words with Richard Sherman. Actually, this doesn’t necessarily correlate to an Atlanta victory, but taking into account his historical penchant of going off the reservation when angered, a possibly-annoyed White should provide, at least, some colorful fodder for Monday morning. And in that circumstance, we all win.

Prediction: Seahawks 30, Falcons 17

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

The lowdown: The Seahawks, Saints and Niners have been tabbed as NFC darlings, yet the Lions have discreetly inserted themselves into this conversation, as two of their three losses have come by four points or less. Matthew Stafford is averaging a career-best 327.1 yards per game, and for the first time in his five years in Motown, has a viable backfield in Reggie Bush and Joique Bell to shoulder part of the offensive responsibility. The Detroit secondary has underwhelmed (26th in pass yards), yet a stubborn front seven somewhat offsets this blow. As long as Ndamukong Suh avoids suplexing himself into a suspension, this roster has more than enough firepower to make noise in January.

That the Bears are even this position is miraculous. Two weeks ago, this team appeared left for dead, dropping three of its past four games and losing Jay Cutler for an anticipated month. Yet the Chicago QB’s accelerated healing, sprinkled with a bit of providence in the team’s victory over the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers, has resuscitated the Bears’ postseason chances. (Speaking of which, has there ever been a worse Monday night matchup than Seneca Wallace vs. Josh McCown? As soon as Rodgers went down, the game should have been called and rescheduled. Shame to watch one of the league’s best rivalries in such a historic venue diminished to Wallace looking like a freshman lost in his first day of high school.)

But does the Windy City have enough horses in the defensive stable to make a run? Even after registering five sacks against Green Bay last Monday, Chicago still ranks 28th in team sacks and is giving up 28.3 points per game (fourth-worst in the league). Losing Pro Bowler Henry Melton (torn ACL) has left the Bears vulnerable up front, seen in the aforementioned lack of quarterback tackles and the squad’s concession of 127.5 yards per outing (29th in the NFL). The secondary maintains a feast-or-famine approach, making Chicago’s progression in the trenches all the more important.

Line: Detroit -1, 52.5 points

Fantasy impact: Do I genuinely like Joseph Fauria’s chances against an exposed Bears defense that is yielding the sixth-highest harvest to tight ends? Or is it because I’m hoping Fauria hits pay dirt and brings out members of Chicago’s celebrated Second City to perform a five-minute end-zone sketch? Yes.

TV: FOX – 1:00 PM EST

The Bears win if… Matt Forte serves as the offense’s rock while Cutler reintegrates into the swing of things, Julius Peppers awakes from his first-half slumber (two sacks this season, 11.5 sacks in 2012).

The Lions win if… Detroit’s complementary targets (Kris Durham, Kevin Olgetree, Brandon Pettigrew) take some heat off Calvin Johnson…while we’re here, for a guy who allegedly works 100 hours a week, Jim Schwartz sure makes a lot of mental mistakes, doesn’t he? I know Schwartz isn’t the first coach to blow his own bagpipe about sleeping in his office to grandstand. But you know what’s more impressive than a good work ethic? Winning. It’s football, not quantum physics.

Prediction: Lions 33, Bears 27

Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay

The lowdown: Nick Foles’ record-setting day last weekend was hardly an aberration, as the second-year arm enters Week 10 with 14 scores and zero turnovers. True, his unassuming temperament and “Oh no, I’m 15 minutes late for Biology!” looks don’t instill conviction, but his accuracy and administration skills are ideal for Chip Kelly’s offense.

While things are going well in the sky, Philly has experienced some unforeseen hurdles on the ground. LeSean McCoy roared out of the gates this fall, averaging 117 yards per game in September. Autumn has not been as favorable, as the Eagles back has posted 55 rushing yards or less in four of the past five contests. Though there’s a perception that Kelly’s scheme is based on the aerial game, the up-tempo attack is actually predicated on the soil. With Philadelphia just a game back of Dallas in the standings, McCoy needs to find that early-season magic for the Eagles to fly.

As for the Packers…I don’t think there’s enough bratwurst and booze in Wisconsin to soften the loss of No. 12. At least the Cheeseheads can bank on the reinforcement of Eddie Lacy. The rookie running back has averaged 109 yards per contest in five games since returning from a concussion, and has contributed a backfield component that’s been missing in Lambeau for quite some time. It will be an endeavor to weather Rodgers’ absence, but a dynamic showing from Lacy could keep the Packers’ ship out of troubled waters.

Line: Pick ‘Em, 47 points

Fantasy impact: Stay away from all Packers receivers. You could argue that the void by Rodgers’ injury is alleviated by a Philly defense relinquishing the most points per game to wideouts. I would counter that you clearly didn’t watch Wallace on Monday night.

TV: FOX – 1:00 PM EST

The Eagles win if… Foles keeps the Philly offense running smoothly, the Eagles keep Lacy subdued.

The Packers win if… Lacy goes nuts, the Green Bay defe…sorry, Wallace’s stink-bomb is too fresh in my mind…

Prediction: Eagles 21, Packers 16

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans

The lowdown: The roster lacks attractive names, but don’t be surprised if the Titans are in the AFC mix at the end of December. Three of Tennessee’s four losses have come against formidable foes in Kansas City, Seattle and San Francisco. Fueled by an impervious defense and Jake Locker’s supervision, the Titans employ a workmanlike, if not an aesthetically pleasing, approach. Better yet, with a reasonably easy schedule in the second half, Chris Johnson seems primed for a hot streak that puts all those “More like CJ1K, AM I RIGHT?” jokes to shame. By the way, the cat has averaged over 1,200 yards per season since his 2,000-yard campaign in 2009, so let’s cool it with the taunts, eh? If anything, it’s just short of an act of God that Johnson was able to accomplish as much with guys like Locker, Vince Young, Kerry Collins and Matt Hasselbeck.

On the subject of divine intervention, nice to see this Tim Tebow push won’t die. In veracity, this councilman makes some good points. If you’re a Jags fan…oh yeah, there’s no such thing. Well, if you live in the greater Jacksonville area, what would draw you to that lifeless stadium: a new Jumbotron so you can watch Chad Henne underthrow his receivers by 10 yards, or Tebowmania? Do the right thing, Shahid Khan!

Line: Tennessee -12.5, 41 points

Fantasy impact: The Jags were already last in the NFL in scoring before their best player was suspended for the season. Name a Jacksonville receiver other than Cecil Shorts, win a prize.

The Titans enter as a top-10 fantasy scoring defense. Anticipate that rebuffing constitution to persist this weekend.

TV: CBS – 1:00 PM EST

The Titans win if… Locker stays safe with the pigskin, Johnson runs wild on Jacksonville’s NFL-worst rush defense (161.8 yards per game).

The Jaguars win if… Tampa knocks off the Dolphins on Monday night.

Prediction: Titans 34, Jaguars 19

St. Louis Rams at Indianapolis Colts

The lowdown: Andrew Luck was phenomenal in last Sunday’s comeback win over the rival Texans, showcasing the moxie, proficiency and command that his position demands. This may sound hyperbolic, but forget projecting his future; I think Luck is one of the five best quarterbacks right now, behind Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Brees and Tom Brady.

Sadly, here’s where I have to rain on the parade: without Reggie Wayne, I don’t see a smooth ride for the Colts. Luck only hit 45 percent of his intended marks against Houston, and his rapport with ancillary receivers like Griff Whalen and Darrius Heyward-Bey is in serious need of progression. Worse, he’s getting zero help from his backfield. (It’s at this point I should mention this week’s meeting of Infuriated and Despondent Trent Richardson Fantasy Owners will convene on Wednesday at 7:30. Free cookies and punch!) And while Coby Fleener is making strides as a complementary target, the tight end’s primary usage will be in the blocking game and red zone.

The Rams enter Week 10 with a 3-6 record, yet their secondary ranks in the top third of pass defenses in the league. Most are circling this encounter as a blowout, but don’t be surprised if St. Louis keeps it closer than believed.

The Rams have a zealous defensive core (Robert Quinn, Janoris Jenkins, James Laurinaitis, Chris Long) and the organization seems to have plucked a gem in fifth-round pick Zac Stacy (471 rushing yards in the last five weeks). Unfortunately, it’s hard to arouse excitement after another year of stagnation from the supposed franchise star, Sam Bradford. In his defense, Bradford was cutting down his turnovers, yet was still only hitting 60.7 percent of his attempts (19th in the league). St. Louis has enough weapons on both sides of the ball to compete in the cutthroat NFC West. Sadly, as long as Bradford is at the helm, it’s hard to picture the Rams transforming into a perennial playoff team.

Line: Indianapolis -11, 44 points

Fantasy impact: In the words of the immortal Sydney Deane, “You can put a cat in the oven, but that don’t make it a biscuit.” It’s a sentiment that all Richardson managers can second. For the 2012 third overall pick might be getting the workload of a starting running back, but this dude is clearly not ready for the rigors of the position, averaging a paltry three yards per carry with the Colts. Enter Donald Brown, owned in just 14.7 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy football leagues. While Richardson will remain starter in designation, Brown will begin to siphon enough touches to essentially be the primary back. Those looking for RB help can do worse than offering Brown a roster spot.

TV: FOX – 1:00 PM EST

The Colts win if… The Indy run game gets back on track, an already-battered defense escapes healthy.

The Rams win if… I think the Marshall Faulk heist is as close as a W as the Rams are going to get over Indy…

Prediction: Colts 28, Rams 13

Oakland Raiders at New York Giants

The lowdown: Let’s face it: only hardcore Giants/Raiders fans or degenerate gamblers are reading this section.

Andre Brown is expected to make his season debut, returning from a leg injury for New York. From the outside, it may seem like the G-Men are overstating his importance. While there’s probably some truth to this outlook, the Giants have struggled mightily on the ground, ranking 30th in rushing. Hey, like Bill Belichick said, when asked why he would need to spy on the lowly Jets, “Every little bit helps.” (Kidding. He did not say this.) Peyton Hillis will get the majority of touches, but the addition of Brown should elevate the backfield’s play. Hills and Brown will be put to the test against a Raiders team holding opponents to 94.6 rushing yards, sixth-best in the league.

The Raiders are dealing with running back issues of their own, as – I hope you’re sitting down – Darren McFadden’s hurt. Perpetually on the shelf, one would think Run DMC’s absence wouldn’t be that devastating of a loss for Oakland, yet the team does make its bones on the ground, averaging 147.8 yards per outing (fifth-best in the league). Rashad Jennings will replace McFadden in the backfield, yet envision Terrelle Pryor to make more rushing excursions on Sunday. Considering Pryor has connected on a lowly 53 percent of his pass attempts in the past three games, the run gives the Raiders the best chance of coming out on top.

Line: New York -9, 42.5 points

Fantasy impact: As a rule, I try to avoid trumpeting the league leader in interceptions as a start. Call me old school in that thought.

Yes, Eli Manning’s play has been fickle, but with byes, injuries and a handful of top-12 arms confronting stalwart defenses, suddenly the Giants QB works his way into the starting conversation for Week 10. Manning is averaging 270.9 yards per game and takes on a Raiders team that ranks 25th in pass defense. And I suppose there’s that little matter of the Silver and Black getting torched for seven touchdowns last week, if you’re into such trivial things as “stats.”

I’m not necessarily buying into Manning’s outlook for the final two months of the season, and his connection with his receiving corps is curiously off given the familiarity within the offense. On the other hand, available in over 35 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy football leagues, Manning is a pie worth putting in the oven. (Sorry, tried to formulate a new idiom and failed miserably. To be fair, I’m still seeing red after this was somehow called intentional grounding in the end zone against my beloved Ohio Bobcats. Where’s Mike Pereira when you need him? )

TV: CBS – 1:00 PM EST

The Raiders win if… Pryor exploits a Giants defense surrendering 27.9 points per game, the “Manning Face” makes an extended appearance.

The Giants win if… The whole “West Coast team traveling East” predicament, Pryor fails to protect the pigskin (nine interceptions, four fumbles – although zero lost).

Prediction: Giants 23, Raiders 12

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers

The lowdown: Good gravy, sports fans can be an ungrateful bunch. The sustained fortune by the Steelers franchise over the last decade is rivaled only by the New England Patriots, San Antonio Spurs and New York Yankees in American professional athletics. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh is losing its collective mind over the prospect of the Steelers’ first losing season since 2003. C’mon, Steel City, you guys should be riding the residual bliss from the Pirates, not disparaging the Steelers. Mike Tomlin is not the coaching prodigy he was built to be in his first few years at the wheel. Conversely, wouldn’t label him as the problem, either. And why would you want to exile Ben Roethlisberger? He’s taken a beating over the years, yet still has at least another four good seasons in his tank.

Besides, Pittsburgh isn’t that far off from relevancy. Sure, the offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and it appears the venerable secondary is finally losing its battle with Father Time. However, the Steelers have enough young pieces, and more importantly, the right infrastructure, to be in the mix of things come next fall.

The Bills have six defeats on the season, yet, aside from a trip to the Big Easy, have been in every ballgame. Quite the feat considering quarterback EJ Manuel has missed half the season and franchise star C.J. Spiller has been hobbled. Credit goes to first-year Bills coach Doug Marrone, who appears to be running an efficient vessel, and the defense. Granted, this latter element may not materialize in the stat sheets, but Buffalo’s front seven, led by sackmaster Mario Williams and Rookie of the Year candidate Kiko Alonso, have been delivering chaos to adversaries, as displayed last week against Kansas City. Save for an extraordinary finish, Buffalo will be home in January, but look out for the Bills in 2014.

Line: Pittsburgh -3, 43.5 points

Fantasy impact: Manuel has been cleared to resume practicing, and could suit up this Sunday for Buffalo. (R.I.P. Tuel Time. Vegas mourns your passing.) Across the line will be a Pittsburgh defense that allowed 432 passing yards and 56 points to a dormant Patriots offense in Week 9. The Florida State product didn’t post the most fantasy-friendly of stats in his first five games of his NFL career and will likely show some rust after a month-long absence. Nonetheless, the Bills don’t have a daunting schedule in the second half, and owned in just 3.5 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy football leagues, Manuel has a relatively high ceiling for a backup roto quarterback. If you have an extra spot on your bench, Manuel is worth the spot.

TV: CBS – 1:00 PM EST

The Steelers win if… Le’Veon Bell carries over last week’s success (74 rushing yards; four receptions, 65 receiving yards), Manuel is rusty in return.

The Bills win if… Spiller and Fred Jackson keep the Buffalo defense rested, said resistance takes advantage of Pittsburgh’s depleted line.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Bills 10

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

The lowdown: Two weeks ago, I legitimately believed the Bengals were second only to the Broncos in the AFC. Now, with the loss of All-Pro Geno Atkins on top of the defense’s already-drained state, it will be an undertaking for the Who-Deys to hold on to the AFC North division lead.

There is some light shining at the end of the tunnel for Cincinnati. The Bengals have built one of the better all-around offenses in the NFL, starting with a kinetic one-two backfield punch in BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Gio Bernard. The latter’s versatility and speed has fans calling for a higher assimilation of Bernard in the offense, yet the Law Firm’s steady presence between the tackles is the foundation for this unit. This rushing attack is aided by a stable of weapons in the receiving game, most notably two-time Pro Bowler A.J. Green. Field general Andy Dalton is prone to bouts of inconsistency, yet is more than capable of putting points on the board. It’s doubtful the Bengals have enough juice to make a deep postseason run, but don’t misinterpret the team as a pushover, either.

A similar posture can be taken on the Ravens. Losers of four of its last five games, it’s been a perplexing and rather embarrassing title defense for Baltimore. But all four of those defeats have come by six points or less. And following a Week 1 beatdown at the hands of the Broncos, the defense has been one of the better groups in the NFL, surrendering 17.6 points per game in its last seven contests.

The Baltimore offense, on the other hand, has been a disappointing crew. The Ravens rank in the bottom third in total offense (322.4 yards per game is 23rd in the NFL) and points scored (21 points per game – 21st). Ray Rice’s struggles are the easy scape goat (more on this below), but Joe Flacco has not exactly lived up to his opulent offseason deal, completing a meager 59.4 percent of his passes (24th in league) and owning just as many turnovers as touchdowns (10 apiece). For the Ravens to stay in the division hunt, Flacco needs to put the team on his back. Seemingly, a modest request for a Super Bowl MVP, no?

Line: Cincinnati -1, 44.5 points

Fantasy impact: Considering half the Bengals defense is in the infirmary, a date with Cincinnati seems like the prime pulpit for Rice to rectify his, until now, lost campaign. Not to be Debbie Downer, but I’m not sure such a reversal is occurring.

Rice has crossed the 45-yard barrier only once this season. That’s what we in the business call “not good.” Worse, both Rice and backup Bernard Pierce own a 2.7 yards-per-carry average, indicating the entire Baltimore ground game is fragmented. With Bryant McKinnie and his party bus exiled to Miami, this problem is exacerbated. (In a related note, how do we not have a reality crew following McKinnie and his off-the-field exploits around South Beach? That would be a show I’d almost watch. Almost.)

If his proprietors are looking for a silver lining, Rice is as healthy as he’s been all season, and Pierce is not a threat to siphon a bigger allotment of work. Nevertheless, unless the Ravens protection improves, Rice is no more than a Flex option in most standard leagues.

TV: CBS – 1:00 PM EST

The Bengals win if… Rice’s misadventures persist, Bernard continues his breakout campaign.

The Ravens win if… Flacco rips apart a helpless secondary, Dalton has one of those games that causes Bengals fans to look at 2014 NFL Mock Draft boards. (And take it from one who knows a ton of Cincinnati supporters, this happens more than you think.)

Prediction: Ravens 28, Bengals 14

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers

The lowdown: San Francisco finds itself in familiar territory heading into November. After a stumble out of the gate, the Niners have won five consecutive games to post a 6-2 record in the first half of the season, bringing the team's record to 30-10 under the Jim Harbaugh Era. Such a performance is expected from a squad returning most of its integral components from a Super Bowl appearance in February.

The same cannot be said for the Panthers. Carolina has not made the postseason since 2008, and entered the fall with a 15-33 record in its previous three seasons. After a phenomenal rookie campaign, quarterback Cam Newton was victim to the dreaded sophomore slump in 2012. Worse, little was done to the roster in the offseason, meaning more of the same for the Charlotte faithful. Or so was envisioned. Instead, Carolina has been a pleasant surprise, racking up a 5-3 mark to insert itself into the playoff race. This unexpected fruition has transformed Week 10's journey to Frisco a must-see affair.

While the defense's merit will keep the team relevant, Carolina's ultimate destiny lies with Newton. In wins this season, the former Heisman winner has been magnificent, with a 69.1 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. In losses? Not so much, hitting 58 percent of his targets for three trips to pay dirt and five turnovers. Newton has made strides in consistency, accuracy and decision-making this campaign, yet would hardly be described as a sound entity. If he continues this progression, Carolina will be a tough out.

Lining up against Newton will be a Niners defense whose bark matches its bite. Despite a rash of injuries and the sabbatical of Aldon Smith, San Fran is still holding adversaries to 18.1 points per contest, fourth-lowest in the league. The 49ers have been especially stout against the pass, conceding a 57.2 completion percentage (a conference-best) and 221 yards per game (third-lowest in the NFC). With Smith returning to practice this week, this is a unit that is just scratching the surface of its potential.

Newton does have the benefit of a strong rushing game averaging 130.1 yards per contest (seventh-best in the NFL), but this strength is somewhat negated by San Fran’s defiance on the ground (3.9 yards per attempt, fifth-lowest in the conference). This leaves the victor of the Newton-Niners’ D showdown ultimately deciding the game's outcome.

Line: San Francisco -7, 43 points

Fantasy impact: Greg Olsen has quietly put together a fine first half of the season, ranking 10th at the position in fantasy points. While the tight end leads the Panthers in receiving yards, he could be in for tough sledding against a Niners unit that is suffocating the position to a meager 39.8 yards per game. In Olsen’s defense, he has been one of the more steady contributors at tight end this season. Alas, he also possesses limited upside, bestowing a dire forecast.

TV: FOX – 4:05 PM EST

The Panthers win if… Carolina’s defense feasts on Kaepernick’s security issues, someone whispers into Steve Smith’s ear that Patrick Willis was making fun of his family.

The 49ers win if… Gore keeps Newton on the sidelines, SF utilizes a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy against the Carolina running game.

Prediction: Niners 24, Panthers 15

Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals

The lowdown: Poor Houston. Its short reign in the AFC South may be kaput, with Indianapolis ready to control the division for years to come under Luck’s command.

On the bright side, Houston may have discovered its own quarterback of the future in Case Keenum (more below). More importantly, coach Gary Kubiak appears to be in good spirits after suffering a transient ischemic attack on the sidelines.

Now for the bad news: All-Pro back Arian Foster is out this weekend, and perhaps the rest of the season, with a back injury. And in Kubiak’s place? Drum roll please….Wade Phillips. Personally, I would have gone with a cardboard cut-out of Kubiak.

Not that the Cardinals should take the Texans lightly. Houston employs the top pass defense in the league, holding adversarial arms to a paltry 158 yards per game. This could spell trouble for Arizona’s Carson Palmer, whose 14 interceptions are second-most in the NFL. Rookie Andre Ellington’s dual dexterity in the running and receiving arenas has opened up the offense, and the Cardinals defense has been of the best in the conference since Daryl Washington returned from his steroid sabbatical. Alas, for Arizona to go 5-4 and insert itself into playoff conversation, Palmer’s miscues need to be eliminated.

Line: Arizona -2.5, 41 points

Fantasy impact: I love the bewilderment from NFL scouting personnel anytime a quarterback under 6’5” has success. “How’s that little fella see over the line? He’s some sort of magician! Clearly he has one thing we couldn’t measure: HEART!” Not that I’m ranking Keenum with diminutive field generals like Drew Brees, Fran Tarkenton, Sonny Jurgensen, but clearly this kid’s cannon negates any perceived detriments from his lack of height.

Keenum doesn’t face the easiest of foes in the Arizona defense, with the Cards slotted right in the middle of the pack for fantasy points surrendered to quarterbacks this season. However, matchups against top-10 air resistances in Kansas City and Indianapolis didn’t impede Keenum’s production (621 yards, four touchdowns, zero picks). Moreover, as Foster is dealing with back and hamstring woes, look for the Texans to have an elevated rate of sky forays, correlating to a bountiful day for Keenum owners.

TV: CBS – 4:25 PM EST

The Cardinals win if… We mentioned Wade Phillips was coaching Houston, right?

The Texans win if… Ben Tate proves a suitable replacement, Houston D terrorizes Palmer.

Prediction: Texans 23, Cardinals 21

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers

The lowdown: True story – a girl I was talking to became upset because I didn’t think the Broncos would win the Super Bowl. Don’t know if I should be:

- Thankful that I dodged a potential stubborn-headed crazy train – after all, isn’t one of the substances of sports the civil bar debates and discussions? Or…

- Kicking myself for letting a knowledgeable sports gal walk away. I mean, how many women actually know who Ronnie Hillman is?

ANYWAY, I know there are reasonable concerns that the Denver defense doesn’t hold the merit of a credible Super Bowl team. While the secondary is hurting at the moment with Champ Bailey out, look for Von Miller’s return to stimulate a lethargic unit in the second half. Besides, Peyton Manning’s authority of the offense is nearing a transcendent level, one that refutes any fallacy that may befall the Broncos defense. An opponent would need to do serious damage to the scoreboard for Denver’s perceived resistance problems to surface.

Such a task is one that faces the Chargers this weekend. I’m all behind the Philip Rivers’ revival, and as long as Antonio Gates stays healthy, don’t believe the offense’s feats are in for regression in the second half. (Yes, it’s the second time I’ve inscribed “The Philip Rivers’ Revival” in as many weeks. And I’m going to keep on doing it until a college band changes its name to this moniker. Balls in your court.) One thing that could possibly halt San Diego’s playoff chances, though, is the run game. Danny Woodhead has been helpful in the receiving forum, but the Lightning Bolts will need a more consistent effort from Ryan Mathews. In truth, Mathews hasn’t been that bad, with two 100-yard conquests in the past three games. Outside of that, it’s been slim pickings. If Mathews can deliver any semblance of production, San Diego will be a dangerous Wild Card team.

Line: Denver -7, 58.5 points

Fantasy impact: Keenan Allen, the rookie out of Cal is averaging 99.4 yards per outing in his last five games, and has found the end zone in three of the past four weeks. Just as promising has been Rivers’ dependence on Allen, looking his way 38 times in the past four contests. The Chargers take on a Denver D giving up 319.3 receiving yards per game in Week 10. Moreover, though Woodhead has been a sound receiving complement, the Lightning Bolts are not doing much on the ground, keeping the relevancy of Rivers and the passing scheme intact. View Allen as a top-10 wideout this weekend.

TV: CBS – 4:25 PM EST

The Chargers win if… Rivers goes nuts, the San Diego D notches two-plus turnovers.

The Broncos win if… Manning keeps on keepin’ on, the rushing game secures the rock.

Prediction: Broncos 37, Chargers 27

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints

The lowdown: For all the tribulations Dallas has endured this fall, the Cowboys sit atop the NFC East, albeit at a 5-4 mark. The defense is one of the worst in football (419.2 total yards per game, second-highest in NFL), and DeMarco Murray’s injuries have made the rushing offense nonexistent (27th with 75.7 yards per contest). So how are the Cowboys getting it done? Through the air, of course. Tony Romo has hit pay dirt 20 times this season, third behind Peyton Manning and Brees. Aside from the usual suspects in Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, the emergence of rookie wideout Terrance Williams has assisted in this aerial venture. The third-round pick from Baylor has hauled in 23 grabs for 404 yards and four touchdowns in his past six games. With the running game stalled, Romo and the offense will continue to attack from the skies, making Williams’ contributions down the stretch all the more vital.

New Orleans is familiar with such an attitude. The Saints rank third in the NFL in passing yards, coming into Week 10 averaging 317.6 yards per game. While flying has always been the modus operandi during the Sean Payton Era for New Orleans, the running game has never been in such dire straits. In 191 attempts, the Saints have posted a meager 3.3 yards per carry, fourth-lowest in the league. Brees is one of the best in the business, but even an all-star needs a tad of support. The awakening of the New Orleans defense, combined with Brees’ output, has the Saints tabbed as a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately, unless Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram can provide ample help, the rushing game may keep New Orleans’ hopes – ahem – “grounded.”

Line: New Orleans -7.5 points, 54 points

Fantasy impact: If karma does exist, this Saints-Cowboys game ends with a Romo pick as the New Orleans defense showers Rob Ryan with hugs while the big man gives a Texas salute to Jerry Jones. Though this may ultimately transpire (specifically the Romo game-ending turnover), the Dallas offense is too explosive to insert the Saints into your starting lineup this week. I still like the Big Easy resistance as a top-10 group for the rest of the season, but the juice is not worth the squeeze against a pass-happy Cowboys attack.

TV: NBC – 8:30 PM EST

The Saints win if… Brees goes to town on the Dallas secondary, Romo is forced to throw 50-plus times.

The Cowboys win if… Murray sees more than last week’s four carries, Dallas contains Jimmy Graham.

Prediction: Saints 30, Cowboys 28

Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The lowdown: I wanted to avoid the awfulness that is this Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito debacle, but let’s be honest: Does the Dolphins’ run efficiency really matter at this point?

I’ll make my soapbox spiel quick with three points:

1. I cannot fathom how anyone is with Incognito. Forget whatever type of hazing you went through on your JV soccer team. This guy has a history of dirty deeds. There are so few black-and-white positions in this world, but this feels like one of them.

2. I hate the wussification of our culture as much as the next guy, but if I hear one more, “If Martin was a MAN, he would have confronted Incognito, or better yet, punched him,” take, I’m going to snap. You know what’s really manly? Having the guts not to resort to using your fists to solve a problem.

3. I’m happy to see that most of the Internet is behind Martin and the anti-bullying stance. How about we take a second to examine our own mistreatment of others, especially on social media, comment sections, blogs, etc., shall we? We’re not exactly helping our cause by sending support to Martin, then following up with a “Hey Chris Bosh, cry me a river you big baby!” tweet. And honestly, I’m just as guilty of occasionally deriding others. Maybe we use this as a rallying cry to halt the overwhelming smugness in our country.

Congrats, Dolphins. You’ve done the impossible: making it easy to root for Greg Schiano.

Line: Miami -1, 41 points

Fantasy impact: I try like hell to avoid endorsing a guy who went nuts the previous week. Like to think readers expect a higher facility and analysis than, “Hey, go pick up that Foles guy!” Cautious of this malpractice, I really like Mike James, he of 158 rushing yards in Week 9, on Monday night against a Dolphins defense conceding the third-most points to running backs in 2013. Available in 70 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy football leagues, James is unlikely to see 30 overall touches again, as the Buccaneers’ tendency to fall behind often leads to abandonment of the run. Conversely, the Miami offense is not one to host a fireworks display, meaning James will see enough action to warrant starting status.

TV: ESPN – 8:30 PM EST

The Buccaneers win if… Mike Glennon improves on his accuracy, Tampa D suffocates Ryan Tannehill.

The Dolphins win if… Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas continue their success, James fails to replicate last week’s feats.

Prediction: Dolphins 16, Buccaneers 14

Joel Beall is a writer for FOXSports.com and WhatIfSports.com. He lives with a Golden Tee machine and a jump shot that’s currently broken. Reach Joel on Twitter @FOXSportsBeall