“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” This expression illustrates the need for an individual to be resilient in the face of initial challenges. Yes, a life lesson is that one will attain through perseverance. After week one of the NFL season, the highly touted AFC North looked fraudulent after a combined 1-3 start for the four teams in the division. However, after nine weeks of football, all four teams are over .500 and could remarkably grab all three wild-card spots in the AFC. In week 10, the surprising Pittsburgh Steelers, on paper, have the easiest matchup at home against the Green Bay Packers. However, the other three teams will feature in our five mind-blowing matchups in week 10. Here we go!
Last Week: 3-2
Overall: 28-17
1. Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox
This is a pivotal game in the division. The Ravens have the tiebreaking edge over their opponents because they won the first matchup in week four by a lopsided score of 28-3. However, in that game, Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the quarterback under center. In this week ten matchup, DeShaun Watson will take to the field, and the Browns have the first-place defense based on yards and third in scoring. On the other hand, the Ravens have the number one scoring defense, but I think the offense is better with Lamar Jackson and the running game dominating the opposition. I think it will be a close game based on two good defenses, but Jackson will be a little better than Watson on Sunday.
Ravens 20-Browns 17
2. Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals-Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
All eyes will be on CJ Stroud in this matchup as the former Ohio State Buckeye returns to his college hometown after an incredible five-touchdown performance last week. Stroud has propelled his team into an unlikely scenario of a 4-4 record and fighting for a wild card spot in the playoffs. However, Stroud faces a tough test this week because he is only 1-3 on the road this season and facing a red-hot Bengals team that has won four games in a row. Joe Burrow looks healthy and will exploit the weaknesses in the Texans’ defense. I think Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo will try to confuse Stroud with different looks. I have the Bengals winning by more than a touchdown.
Bengals 30-Texans 20
3. San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
This will be the game of the week. The two teams are well rested after enjoying a week nine bye, but they enter this matchup heading in the opposite direction. The 49ers are on a 3-game losing streak, while the Jaguars are on a five-game winning streak. However, the 49ers defense will be better with Chase Young taking the field for the first time after getting traded from the Washington Commanders. Also, Brock Purdy will be relieved with the return of Deebo Samuels because he has thrown five interceptions during his absence. Trevor Lawrence will have his team in position to win this game, but I think the 49ers will play with desperation and squeak out a win.
49ers 27-Jaguars 23
4 . Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Chargers -Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
The Lions have the advantage of rest and preparation in this matchup because they are coming off a bye while the Chargers had a play a Monday Night game on the East Coast. The Chargers scored an important win against the Jets that keep in the bubble with a 4-4 record. However, they have not played well at home against good teams with losses to the Dolphins and Cowboys. I think Dan Campbell will be ready to pressure Justin Herbert, who struggled against a tough Jets defense. It will be a high-scoring game, but I see a defensive turnover making the difference.
Lions 34-Chargers 30
5. Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
The Broncos shocked the Chiefs at home in week nine before their bye week to give their season a faint hope. However, their slim chance for a wildcard spot will be squashed this week as they head to Buffalo to play the Bills on Monday Night. This game is a must-win for the Bills after a disastrous performance against the Bengals last week. I think Josh Allen will rebound in front of his home crowd, and the Bills will force a few turnovers. The Broncos are 3-1 when they have one turnover or less, but they will fail to protect the ball in the hostile road atmosphere.
Bills 31-Broncos 18