National Football League

Week 10 Cheat Sheet: NFL picks and predictions

Published Nov. 18, 2009 1:42 p.m. ET

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Peter Schrager

Week 9 gave us another Steelers offensive explosion, another Giants loss, and another freakishly big day for Chris Johnson. The Bengals completed a season sweep of the Ravens, Tom Brady got the best of a fellow ex-Michigan gunslinger and DeAngelo Hall tried fighting everyone — coaches included — on the Atlanta Falcons payroll.

What's in store for us in Week 10? Let's dig into the Cheat Sheet.

Last Week: 9-5

Overall Record: 87-43

Thursday Night

Chicago at San Francisco: Could Lovie Smith be on the hot seat in Chicago? After giving up 40+ points in two of the last three games, Smith's Bears are one defensive implosion away from genuine job-security discussions in the Chicago media. Lovie's got nowhere to hide; he's the one calling the plays this season. Look for his beleaguered D to win a big one for him on the road Thursday night. Mike Singletary fails to beat his former team.

The Pick: Bears 23, 49ers 17

Sunday's 1 p.m. ET games

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Atlanta at Carolina: Say what you want about Derek Jeter and Tony Romo, but DeAngelo Williams could be the sporting world's true Mr. November. Williams has rushed for 740 yards (123.3 per game) and 10 touchdowns in his past six November games. Atlanta's playing well, but the Panthers are playing even better. Back in Charlotte after a brutal road loss in the Big Easy last weekend, the Cats get the best of Matt Ryan and the Falcons.

The Pick: Panthers 31, Falcons 21

Tampa Bay at Miami: The Dolphins and Bucs are tied at 4-4 in the all-time series, but the Buccaneers have won the past three meetings. Josh Freeman threw three touchdowns and got the win in his first career start, but getting a W against the Dolphins on the road will be tough. Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown were college teammates at Auburn; Sunday will mark just the second time they'll be facing off as pros. Brown gets the bragging rights in this one.

The Pick: Dolphins 26, Buccaneers 17

Detroit at Minnesota: The last time Detroit played in Minnesota, ex-Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky infamously ran out of the back of the end zone while rolling right in the pocket. The notorious clip was played over and over and went on to personify Detroit's 0-16 season. Orlovsky's gone. That doesn't mean the Lions will find different results in Minnesota on Sunday. This could be Adrian Peterson's 200-yard day.

The Pick: Vikings 41, Lions 10

Jacksonville at New York Jets: The Jets have had their troubles with the other AFC team in Florida this season, but should get the best of the Jaguars on Sunday. New York's bye week came at the perfect time. Rex Ryan should have his boys prepared and ready for the super-hyphenated duo of Mike Sims-Walker and Maurice Jones-Drew. Go with the J-E-T-S.

The Pick: Jets 30, Jaguars 24

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: Dating back to Dec. 14, the Bengals have won 9 of their last 11 games. With a season sweep of Baltimore and one win over the Steelers already under their belts, Cincinnati is a victory away from sole possession of the AFC North lead. But I can't see them strolling into Heinz Field and coming out on top. Dating back to last year, the Steelers have won 9 straight at home and Mike Tomlin's never lost to an AFC North opponent in Pittsburgh. Gimme the champs, somehow, some way, under the media radar at 6-2.

The Pick: Steelers 27, Bengals 17

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