The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 10

Written by John Edward Betancourt

While 2020 has offered up some wild moments and some ups and downs when it comes to NFL football, there are some elements of the sport that simply cannot be altered or diminished in the slightest, such as the playoff push. Because the fight for the playoffs is a fundamental element of the sport and even the NFL understands its importance, since it is ready to expand this year’s playoff field if Covid continues to make life interesting for the 32 franchises in the league. But what matters more, is that the playoff push begins tonight. Which means that we are going to be in for some incredible games from here on out, the kind where every team leaves it on the field and with that in mind, let’s dive into this weekend’s slate of games, in order to get an idea of what kind of epic matchups and fascinating storylines, Week 10 is going to offer us.
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Will the Cincinnati Bengals play the spoilers this weekend?  
Normally, discussing a 2-5-1 team is a waste of everyone’s time. But let’s be honest, the Cincinnati Bengals are putting something special together right now. Because week in and week out, they’ve been getting better and challenging quality teams. Leaving one to wonder if they could potentially upset the Steelers this weekend and it is possible, provided some key things fall into place. For starters, Big Ben would have to remain out since the Cincy D is a liability and as for the offense, long and sustained and patient drives would help a great deal in potentially securing a win. Because no one has really tried to wear the Steelers defense down. But truth be told, the Bengals are likely going to lose this game since Pittsburgh is loaded with talent and depth, but if the Cowboys taught us anything last week, it’s to never count out the underdog and expect the unexpected. So, don’t be shocked if Burrow has the game of a lifetime and leads his team to a stunning victory.
 
Alex Smith’s return to the starting lineup is about as inspiring as it gets.
There was a time when a grueling and horrifying injury, meant the end of a career for a football player. But these days modern medicine can change those odds and for proof… look no further than Washington QB Alex Smith. Because that leg snap should have been the end for him, but alas he is starting Sunday and that is a testament to the science that surrounds us and also to Alex’s moxie. Because it also takes some serious physical work and dedication, in order to come back from such an injury and Mister Smith definitely put in the work and now his opportunity to shine has arrived at last. And while he may not lead Washington to a victory this weekend, since they are light on talent, this is just a feel-good story that needs highlighting. Because this kind of return is downright inspiring and hopefully Alex has one hell of a game; to celebrate the fact that his career is back on track.
 
Can the New England Patriots get a win streak rolling this weekend?
Winning cures all in the NFL and it can energize a team to perform above and beyond and last week's dub will likely help the Patriots get fired up when they take on the Ravens this weekend. But the more important question hanging over this game, is whether or not the Pats can use that newfound energy from their win over the Jets, to catapult them to an outright victory and honesty, I don’t think they will be able to. For starters, their defense is still supremely suspect and unable to stop dynamic offenses in the slightest. Plus, that offense can indeed be contained with the proper blitz package and of course, they’re going up against a quality Baltimore defense and an offense that is outright explosive at times. So, my guess is, the Pats are going to suffer a brutal loss here, one that will mercifully end New England’s rough 2020 campaign.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Thursday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (6-2)
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee
8:20 p.m. EST – FOX / NFL Network / Amazon Prime

One of the best aspects of entering the playoff push, is that we start to be treated to some top-tier divisional games and this is one of them. Because the plucky Colts and the terrifying Titans are both looking to take complete control of the AFC South and this game will help one of them accomplish that goal. Which means both teams are going to give it their all when they take the field and really, the only thing on everyone’s mind, is who is going to come out of this one as the victor, since both of these teams have managed to surprise in both positive and negative ways throughout the season. And if I had to guess, it’s the Tennessee Titans that are going to lock this one up. Because they have the better team overall, and while a couple of squads have figured out how to beat them, the Colts just don’t have the talent on defense to stop that powerhouse Titan offense.

Buffalo Bills (7-2) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3)
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
Sunday, November 15, 2020 – 4:05 p.m. EST – CBS

This is the kind of game that normally wouldn’t be worth highlighting since the records alone would denote a Buffalo win. But the Cardinals are proving themselves to be quite the magnificent team this season, one that can score at will and surprise you if you let your guard down. Which means this is likely a far closer match than one might expect. Because both of these teams know how to score and both of them play softer defense than their fans might like. So, don’t be shocked to see this game be a high scoring affair, one that will likely come down to defensive focus. Since the first D to tighten up is the one that will lead their team to that all-important win and my money is on Buffalo being the one to make that happen. Because they are eager to prove to the football world, they’re elite and that means they will definitely step up their game when necessary, in order to prove their doubters wrong.

Seattle Seahawks (6-2) at Los Angeles Rams (5-3)
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
Sunday, November 15, 2020 – 4:25 p.m. EST – FOX

What’s funny about this particular game, is that it has a lot more significance than either team would like to admit. Because both of these squads came into 2020 with high hopes that they would be outright dominant and well… they’re not. For both teams feature some awful defenses, the kind that have outright cost them games. Which means this particular matchup is all about shoring up those weaknesses on defense, because if neither team can figure it out, then they’re either looking at an early exit from the playoffs or missing them altogether and it should be interesting to see which team is going to step it up defensively in this game. Since that is what will be the determining factor in this one and honestly, I would say it is up in the air as to who is going to lock up the win. Because both Seattle and the Rams have let big games slip away, and either one of them could blow it here.