NFL picks and score predictions for Week 10 as the 2021 season keeps rolling.
Believe it or not, we’re officially past the midway point of the 2021 NFL season. Luckily, there are still another nine weeks of action left on the docket, and plenty more excitement, frustration, and hair-pulling is guaranteed to come with them.
As usual, we’ve got you covered with the Week 10 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Just as in years passed, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.
After a tough Week 8, I bounced back with my Week 9 effort. When all games were finally in the books, my Week 9 NFL picks had culminated in a 10-4 record. That moves my overall record on the year to 92-44. I won’t go as far as bragging, but that’s certainly a solid showing through the first half of the season.
2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 10
Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 10. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Week 10 Byes: Chicago Bears (3-5), Cincinnati Bengals (5-4), Houston Texans (1-8), New York Giants (3-6) | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.
Baltimore Ravens (6-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-7)
Thursday, November 11, 8:20PM ET
Considering the way things are going this season, I’ll probably regret siding with the Baltimore Ravens in this one. However, I can’t in good conscience roll with the Miami Dolphins considering how inept they’ve been on both sides of the ball this year.
It’s unclear at this point if Tua Tagovailoa will be back in the mix, which doesn’t help the Dolphins’ chances. Their young quarterback has been erratic at times this season, but certainly gives their offense a slight boost on Sundays. Against a tough Baltimore defense, a backup quarterback isn’t likely to enjoy too much success.
Meanwhile, the Ravens should have their way against the Miami defense. Lamar Jackson is enjoying another outstanding season so far, and his wide array of weapons continues to step up when called upon. Especially with players like Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown answering the call, the Ravens could rack up some big yards in Week 10.
The Dolphins don’t get completely blown out, but I don’t think they ever threaten much in this one. Baltimore gets the early lead and never looks back, continuing to assert themselves as one of the beat squads in the AFC.
Prediction: Ravens win 35-17 | Spread: Ravens (-7.5)
Buffalo Bills (5-3) at New York Jets (2-6)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
The Buffalo Bills are going to bounce back, right? I’m sure it was quite the shot to this team’s confidence to get held to only six points by a team with only one win, but there’s still plenty of football left to be played. Get it together, Buffalo!
Luckily, they’ve got a plus matchup with the New York Jets to try and get back on track in Week 10. While the Jets have been better (at times) than their record would suggest, it won’t take too much from the Bills to secure the W. That is, assuming they actually play like the team that was stomping opponents earlier in the year.
Josh Allen has to avoid making some of the silly mistakes we saw in Week 9. He needs to protect the football better and rely on his playmakers to move the ball down the field. The Buffalo defense is good enough to keep the Jets in check, but that won’t matter if the Bills can’t score points.
I was banging the table for the Bills earlier this season as a legitimate contender. Obviously their latest loss was a huge setback for their Super Bowl hopes, but Allen and Co. are talented enough to turn it around. They do so in Week 10, crushing the Jets along the way.
Prediction: Bills win 35-10 | Spread: Bills (-13)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) at Washington Football Team (2-6)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
The Washington Football Team is not looking too hot at this moment. They’re riding a four-game losing streak, and haven’t played anywhere near their potential this season. How do they plan on overcoming a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that’s eager to avoid starting their own losing streak?
It’s simple — it’s not going to happen. As likable as Taylor Heinicke has been this season, he’s got going to be able to carve up this Tampa Bay defense the way Washington needs him too. More than likely, he’ll manage a couple of touchdowns and a couple of turnovers, limiting the scoring potential for his team.
As for the Buccaneers, expect a big game from Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay offense. The Washington secondary has been one of the worst in the NFL in 2021, and D.C.’s talented defensive front hasn’t helped. Unless that suddenly changes, Brady should have upwards of 300 yards and three touchdowns before the day is over.
The Buccaneers suffered a painful defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints before their bye week. After having some time off, they come rumbling back with a dominant performance against a Washington team that may soon need to turn its attention to 2022.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 37-17 | Spread: Buccaneers (-10)
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) at Dallas Cowboys (6-2)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
Prior to last weekend, I don’t think anyone would have even second guessed the Dallas Cowboys in this one. Then they failed to show up against the Broncos, and now there are some concerns about this team’s ability to keep the wins coming.
It doesn’t help that they’re going up against an Atlanta Falcons team that has shown plenty of grit this season. The wins were hard to come by for Atlanta early on, but they’ve since buckled down and are playing exceptional football. The defense is a question mark, but the offense is picking up momentum.
So can the Cowboys get it together in Week 10? I think so. Despite flailing this past weekend, Dak Prescott and Co. seem destined to shine against an underwhelming Atlanta defense. Look for the Cowboys to score early and often in this one.
Ultimately, it’ll come down to whether or not the Dallas defense can put the clamps on Cordarrelle Patterson, Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense. Atlanta will score their own fair share of points, but not quite enough to take down the Cowboys.
Prediction: Cowboys win 28-23 | Spread: Cowboys (-9.5)
New Orleans Saints (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (7-2)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
No Derrick Henry, no problem. The Tennessee went into that one worried about how their offense would run without their superstar running back, and left realizing that sometimes a great defense is all you need. Let’s see how long this will work for them.
Then again, the New Orleans Saints’ approach isn’t that much different. They’ve also relied largely on their defense to get the job done this season. And especially with Jameis Winston now done for the year and Trevor Siemian under center, it’s pretty much Alvin Kamara and a bunch of scrubs trying to score points for the Saints.
Meanwhile, the Titans at least have some quality options still on offense. Ryan Tannehill is one of the more underrated NFL quarterbacks, and he’s got plenty of weapons to toss the pigskin to. All he needs is a healthy combination of A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, and the Titans will still have an explosive weapon capable of scoring points in bunches.
Both defenses come to play, but the Titans offense is too much for New Orleans to overcome. A couple of turnovers by Siemian prove costly for the Saints as they drop their second-straight game since Winston went down.
Prediction: Titans win 17-15 | Spread: Titans (-3)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
I know the Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off arguably the biggest upset of 2021 so far, but that doesn’t mean we should suddenly think they’re contenders. The Indianapolis Colts are more than capable of putting the clamps on Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.
Actually, the more important factor here is that I don’t believe Jacksonville’s defense is up to the task of slowing the Colts. Even if they manage to put consistent pressure on Carson Wentz, there’s no way they’re going to slow down the duo of Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. The Colts will put points on the board, which the Bills didn’t do in Week 9.
Even though the Jaguars got the win last Sunday, their offense is still miserable. The Colts have one of the better defenses in the league, with playmakers like Darius Leonard feasting on mistake-prone quarterbacks. That’s exactly what Lawrence is right now, which doesn’t bode well for the Jaguars’ odds of winning this one.
The Colts have turned things around since their sloth-like slow start to the season. I don’t foresee the Jaguars acting as a roadblock, but maybe more of a small speed bump. Indianapolis earns its fourth win in its last five games.
Prediction: Colts win 27-14 | Spread: Colts (-10.5)
Detroit Lions (0-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
I’m sorry Detroit Lions, but this isn’t going to be your week to finally get that first win. I’m sure it would be nice to put a single notch in the win column, but the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t planning on letting that happen at their expense.
The Steelers have been getting better as the season has progressed. After a disappointing 1-3 start, they’ve rattled off four-straight wins and are amassing momentum. Najee Harris has been a star for Ben Roethlisberger to rely on, and the Pittsburgh defense is one of the best in the business. The wins will keep coming for this team.
As for the Lions, it’s already a lost season. They’ve yet to win a game and likely went into their bye week wondering where the fast forward button is. Jared Goff is arguably one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL, although it doesn’t help his supporting cast is lacking any sort of reliable playmaking ability.
At this point, the Lions are just hoping they don’t get demolished like they did in Week 8. The Steelers offense hasn’t been that explosive, but then again — a strong defense can be its own offense. Don’t be surprised if this one gets ugly early.
Prediction: Steelers win 24-6 | Spread: Steelers (-9)
Cleveland Browns (5-4) at New England Patriots (5-4)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
I know the Cleveland Browns have been cruising lately, but so have the New England Patriots. And when that happens, I like to go with the defensively superior team. Right now, that advantage goes to the Patriots, whose defense has been excellent as of late.
It won’t be easy slowing the Browns’ offense though. Baker Mayfield has been outstanding over the last couple of games, and Nick Chubb has been his usual dominant self in the running game. As long as those two continue to shine, Cleveland is going to be able to put points on the board.
Then again, it’s not like the Patriots aren’t capable of moving the chains consistently as well. Mac Jones is easily the most impressive of the rookie quarterbacks so far, and Damien Harris has been hard to stop on the ground. New England’s offense is steadily improving and should have a field day against a suspect Cleveland defense.
It ultimately comes down to a strong defensive stand by the Patriots, who cause a turnover in the final minute to secure a win and further entrench themselves in the AFC playoff race.
Prediction: Patriots win 23-21 | Spread: Patriots (-1)
Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
I just can’t with this Minnesota Vikings team. Not only have they tortured their fanbase all season with one nailbiter after another, but they keep coming up on the losing end. The Los Angeles Chargers have done a much better job of stepping up when it matters most.
That’s why I’m leaning heavily towards the Chargers as the winners of this Week 10 showdown. Oh, and the fact that they’ve got one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks under center. Sure, Justin Herbert has been a bit bipolar this season, but when he’s on his game he’s a star. Against Minnesota’s suspect defense, he should feast.
It also doesn’t help the Vikings’ chances seeing as the Los Angeles defense has been solid this season. The Minnesota offense has been conservative all season long, which will likely lead to plenty of three-and-outs and ineffective drives for this squad.
It’s already been a long year for the Vikings and it’s about to get that much worse. As talented as this roster is, it’s about to get another punch to the gut in the form of the Chargers offense rolling over them all game long.
Prediction: Chargers win 33-27 | Spread: Chargers (-2.5)
Carolina Panthers (4-5) at Arizona Cardinals (8-1)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
It doesn’t matter what is thrown the Arizona Cardinals’ way — no Kyler Murray, no DeAndre Hopkins, no problem. Even without their top receiver and with Colt McCoy under center, the Cardinals took care of business in Week 9 and are still looking like the cream of the NFC crop.
It makes me all the more confident in this pick when you consider that the Carolina Panthers have been stumbling and bumbling their way through the last few weeks. Even with Christian McCaffrey back in the mix, the Panthers couldn’t get anything going on offense in Week 9. I’d expect similar results in Week 10 against the Cardinals.
The Arizona defense has another big game, getting after Sam Darnold all game long. Especially if Murray can return to the lineup, the Cardinals should also be able to score early and often, even against a quality Carolina defense.
It’s been a rough second quarter of the season for the Panthers, and that’s not going to change in Week 10. Carolina visits the desert and gets crushed, further hurting their chances of even tasting the postseason after starting the season 3-0.
Prediction: Cardinals win 34-10 | Spread: Cardinals (-10)
Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) at Denver Broncos (5-4)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
I just can’t figure this team out. One game, the Denver Broncos are offensively inept, relying on their defense just to keep them in the game. The next, they’re crushing the Cowboys with stifling defense and a surprisingly efficient and balanced offensive attack.
I had high hopes for the Broncos through the first few weeks, but then they took a huge step backward. Now they’re getting back in the saddle with two-straight wins and are looking like a team worth taking seriously after all. Week 10 provides another opportunity for them to keep the momentum rolling against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles can’t be taken for granted despite their lackluster 3-6 record. They’ve keep things close in most of their losses, and their ground attack has been dangerous as of late. Even Jalen Hurts is capable of putting on a dazzling performance now and then.
Still, I’m giving this one to the Broncos. Their defense should be able to keep Philadelphia’s offense in check, and the Denver offense has been ramping up. A solid outing from Teddy Bridgewater gives them just enough to notch their third win in a row.
Prediction: Broncos win 25-22 | Spread: Broncos (-2.5)
Seattle Seahawks (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (7-2)
Sunday, November 14, 1PM ET
It’s time to let Russell Wilson cook. Again. Now that his finger is fixed. For the last few weeks, the Seattle Seahawks have been without their fearless leader. He’s set to return and could help his team pull off a big upset against the reeling Green Bay Packers.
Even with Aaron Rodgers back in the mix, there’s no telling what the mental state of this Packers franchise will be. They’re currently in the middle of some significant off-field drama and are coming off a rough Week 9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs during which their quarterback of the future floundered like a fish out of water.
This is a turning point for the Seahawks, and they know it. Wilson is back, so there’s no excuse about having a subpar signal-caller at the helm. Chris Carson is also close to making his return, and now D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have the best opportunity to shine.
The Green Bay defense shines again, but the offense is sluggish. While the going is treacherous for Wilson and the Seattle offense, the sensational quarterback works his magic and puts together a game-winning drive to upset the Packers like he’s done several other times during his career.
Prediction: Seahawks win 20-17 | Spread: Packers (-4)
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-3)
Sunday, November 14, 8:20PM ET
In the Kansas City Chiefs’ last 13 games against the Las Vegas Raiders, they’ve won 11 of them. It’s safe to say that the Chiefs have had their AFC West rivals’ number as of late, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that continues to be the case in Week 10.
The Chiefs are going to flip a switch at some point, right? They’re the two-time reigning AFC champions, and yet they’re struggling mightily this season. Patrick Mahomes is turning it over far too often, and his supporting cast hasn’t been as electric as seasons passed. However, the potential is there for this club to make a sudden shift.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are coming off a disheartening defeat at the hands of the Giants. They’ve ebbed and flowed all year long, and the off-field drama hasn’t helped. Even against a Kansas City team that has been turnover-happy and struggled defensively, there’s no telling what the Raiders will muster on Sunday.
My guess is Las Vegas flounders at home, with Derek Carr spending all day under pressure. A sluggish Raiders offense gives the Chiefs plenty of opportunities to find the end zone, and Mahomes capitalizes. And KC is right back in the hunt for the AFC West crown.
Prediction: Chiefs win 24-20 | Spread: Chiefs (-3)
Los Angeles Rams (7-2) at San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
Monday, November 15, 8:15PM ET
Oh my. What happened to the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday was an embarrassment. For one of the most offensively gifted teams in the NFL, they looked completely lost. If it wasn’t for their defense, the Rams may have lost by 40 in that miserable excuse for a game.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, things are destined to turn around in Week 10. They’ve got an underwhelming, injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers team hosting them, and chances are they avoid starting a losing streak of their own. The Rams are still one of the best teams in the NFC, and we’ll see evidence on that on Monday night.
It’s not like the 49ers have been anything exciting this season. Injuries haven’t helped, but the ground game is bipolar and the turnovers come too often in the passing game. Jimmy Garoppolo has never been a star, and his inability to consistently strike paydirt has been hurting San Francisco in 2021.
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Cooper Kupp turns it up to 12, and Matthew Stafford snaps out of whatever daze he was in against the Titans. The Rams roll over the 49ers and remain in the hunt for the top spot in the NFC.
Prediction: Rams win 36-23 | Spread: Rams (-4)