The NFL Roundup 2018: Week 10

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Just like that, the middle of the NFL season is behind us, which means it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason as teams in the hunt make their push for an opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy and really, that’s what we are going to spend a lot of time looking at today and down the line, the teams that are going to thrill us in the NFL Playoffs. So, without further ado, let’s get right down to it and preview some of the most fascinating games to watch this weekend, and the top stories to keep an eye upon in Week 10 in the NFL.
 
Will the Rams rebound from their stunning loss to New Orleans?
You know, I’ll go ahead and answer this question right away with a resounding yes, because the Rams are a top tier football team. They’ve mastered all three phases of the game, and they know full well that Seattle is coming into their house with a chip on their shoulder and hope in their hearts and unfortunately for the Seahawks, I have the funny feeling that the Rams are going to unleash utter fury upon them as they get back to their winning ways. So really, it’s not a question of whether or not Los Angeles will win this weekend, it’s a matter of how many points they’re going to put up as they secure a victory. So, don’t be shocked if this one ends in a blowout as the Rams work to wipe that bad memory of a loss away.
 
Will the Tennessee Titans surprise the Patriots this weekend?
The Titans are quite the enigma this year. Because when they topple their opponents with ease, they look like a top-tier football team. But often times, they are just a mess and well, you never quite know which version of this team is going to show up on game day, which is why I posed that particular question. Because if the good Titans team shows up, the same one that stunned Dallas with some stout defense and scrappy offense, there’s a strong chance they could upset the Patriots and enjoy one hell of a win. But if the other one shows up, well, you know how that will go. Which means we will have to wait until game time to answer this particular question, but I do hope the good team shows up, because that would make for one hell of a game and one incredible victory if the Titans manage to stun New England.
 
Expect the Chargers to keep pace in the AFC playoff race.
I know that no one should ever declare a particular game as a ‘gimmie’ for any particular team. But let’s be honest, the Chargers are squaring off against a downright awful Raiders squad this weekend, and the chances of them losing this game to Jon Gruden’s boys are slim to none. So, expect Los Angeles to wrap up this win with minimal effort, which is important for this resurgent team because you know the Chargers want a piece of the Wild Card pie and a divisional win will go a long way in helping them with that that. I just feel bad for the Raiders and their fans this weekend since L.A. is likely going to slap them around something awful. 

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend 

Carolina Panthers (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-1)
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
Thursday Night Football
NFL Network/FOX/Amazon

It wasn’t that long ago that football fans everywhere more or less forgot about the Panthers and the Steelers because they were playing terrible football. But clearly, something happened in both of these locker rooms to motivate both teams to play to their potential and here we are looking at quite the matchup when all is said and done. Because this game features a pair of quarterbacks that are enjoying a hot hand right now, complimented by a running game on both sides that is punishing and well, this game has the potential to become a shoot-out if Newton and Big Ben find some holes to work with in the secondary. Which means this game will likely come down to defense, and whichever squad tightens up and shuts down the opposing offense will help their team walk away with the win. 

New Orleans Saints (7-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX 

What I find fascinating about this game, is that it actually has the makings of a true quarterback duel when all is said and done. After all, Drew Brees is having an outright incredible year as he carves up defense after defense, to the point where the Saints were able to deliver the first loss of the year to the Rams. But don’t count the Bengals out in this one. Andy Dalton just so happens to be lightning it up this year as well, and on several occasions, he’s kept his team in some close games with some magnificent throws. So, don’t be shocked if this ends up being quite the high scoring game as both Brees and Dalton find the end zone with ease and while I like the Saints in this one, if Andy can keep a level head and not turn the ball over, the Bengals have a slim chance at winning this one. 

Detroit Lions (4-4) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX 

​A year ago, this is a matchup that no one would have given any thought to, since the Lions were a mediocre team at best and the Bears were a laughing stock. But, a year later, here we are, with both of these teams in the playoff hunt and this, is shaping up to be quite the matchup after all. For the Bears are playing some solid football right now, especially on defense and whether or not Khalil Mack plays is irrelevant because that pass rush is making mincemeat of offensive lines and the Lions D is no laughing matter either. They too can tighten up and play stout and while their record isn’t exactly stellar, they’re quickly showing the league that they are better than that record reflects and the key to this game, are the quarterbacks. Because they’re both going to be facing some tough looks when they take the field and the first one to figure out a weakness, will likely exploit it and lead their squad to victory.