The NFL Roundup 2019: Week 10

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

There really is a special feeling in the air when Week 10 in the NFL rolls around. Because this particular week signals the beginning of the playoff push since every single win helps a team’s standing for the postseason. Which means we are treated to some magnificent games at this time of year, as teams work to secure their spot in the playoffs, while some of less fortunate squads work to spoil their fortunes and prove to themselves that they do have what it takes to make a splash come next year. Either way, we are in for quite the treat this weekend since all of these games will feature fascinating storylines and breathtaking moments and with that in mind let’s take a moment and preview all the wonder that Week 10 is going to offer.
 
Can the Miami Dolphins pull together a second straight win?
It’s always a wonderful thing when a winless team finally claims their first victory. For the anguish of being a perennial loser is off of their backs, and the guys are motivated to go out and snag another win and I suppose the big question when it comes to the Miami Dolphins, is whether or not they can string together another win against the Colts this weekend. And sadly, I think the answer to that question, is probably not. They’re just not that good of a team and the Colts are far superior talent wise and even without Jacoby Brissett under center, they can still do wonders on offense. So, while it was nice to see Miami finally win one, I don’t see them putting together a streak anytime soon.
 
Will the Cleveland Browns finally focus on football this weekend?
The more I look at the 2019 Browns, the more they befuddle me. Because this is a team loaded with big name talent and week in and week out, they look like a group of bumbling rookies, and to make matters worse they’re undisciplined and doing weird things on the field. I mean come on, two of their guys had to change cleats at halftime in Denver last week, and Baker Mayfield was more concerned with facial hair grooming than making plays and well, it’s obvious at this point that this team is just not focused on football. Which explains a lot as to why they continue to lose, and well, I think we’re all wondering at this point, as to whether or not this team can maybe focus on football this week and get some better results in doing so and honestly, I’m not sure they can. Because it’s clear that head coach Freddie Kitchens is letting this team do whatever the hell it wants and until he puts his foot down and acts like the boss, expect more stupid shenanigans to take place and for the losses to pile up.
 
Will a loss this weekend put Head Coach Adam Gase on the hot seat?
There was a prevailing line of thought in the offseason, in that, Adam Gase got a bit of a raw deal when he was the head coach in Miami. Because he never quite received the top-tier offensive talent he needed with the Dolphins and the organizational changes made to the franchise didn’t do him any favors either. Which is why the Jets brought him on post-haste, because he had the chance to revitalize this ailing franchise and he had the tools and the talent to make that happen. But let’s be honest, Gase’s time in New York has been an unmitigated disaster, and the talent he was supposed to improve is taking a step back. So, does this mean that if the Jets lose to the Giants on Sunday, that Mister Gase will find himself on the hot seat once again? Honestly, I think so. Because after that miracle 10-6 season, his teams just keep trending down and this not what the executive brass wanted from a guy who is supposed to be a dynamic head coach. So, here’s to hoping that Adam is fully aware of the pressure surrounding his situation and he uses it to respond positively by coaching up his team. Because if they take another step back, ownership might be thinking about another new regime in 2020.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Carolina Panthers (5-3) at Green Bay Packers (7-2)
Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sunday, November 10, 2019 – 4:25 p.m. EST – FOX

Truth be told, if Cam Newton was still under center for Carolina, this game wouldn’t be worth anyone’s time, since Cam was playing so badly. But with Kyle Allen at the helm, this game just became quite interesting since the Panthers are playing some phenomenal football as of late, and their balanced pass/run attack should give the Green Bay defense fits when they take the field on Sunday. But while it will be a blast to see Christian McCaffrey and his QB do their thing, one cannot forget about the Green Bay offense since Aaron Rodgers is no slouch and he’s been lighting up the league this year with his quality play, and he will likely make life difficult for the Panthers D. Which means I expect this one to be a high scoring affair, one that Green Bay will win since they are quite frankly, the better team. 

Sunday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings (6-3) at Dallas Cowboys (5-3)
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC 

It’s been quite the back and forth year for the Dallas Cowboys. For they started out the season on quite the hot streak, one that had everyone wondering if they had finally put it all together. But a few tough teams brought ‘Dem Boys’ right back down to earth and while they’ve done their best to try and appear as though they are an elite football team, their biggest test awaits them on Sunday night. For the Vikings are a juggernaut on all sides of the ball right now, and they’re filled with confidence and they are going to make life difficult for the Cowboys in this game. Which means Zeke and Dak need to bring their A game if they want to enjoy a big victory over a quality opponent and if they stick to fundamentals and execution, they can lock up the win. But if the Cowboys that thrive on hype take the field on Sunday, expect Minnesota to enjoy a blowout victory.

Monday Night Football
Seattle Seahawks (7-2) at San Francisco 49ers (8-0)
Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN

​If there is a particular game this weekend that I have to say is an absolute must watch, this is it. Because both of the teams featured in this matchup are about as elite as they come and the quality play from both of these teams might make for an instant classic. For they both feature elite quarterbacks, the kind that feast upon weaknesses in defenses, and ironically enough, they both boast amazing defenders as well; the kind that make quarterbacks regret taking the field. So, when you have two teams that are this evenly matched, who on earth do you call to win it? The one that minimizes their mistakes and the one that generates turnovers, and if I had to guess, I’m betting the 49ers will pull off that particular feat. Because they are hungry to keep their incredible win streak alive and they’ll stop at nothing to maintain their status as the only undefeated team in the league.