There is no such thing as momentum in sports! Some believe this statement is an absolute fact, while others wholeheartedly disagree with the premise. I somewhat sit on the proverbial “fence” on this issue. I believe a team can initially struggle, experience a turning point game, and never look back. However, I am also cautious in proclaiming that one game can trigger momentum because the sample size is really small. So, as we head into week 9, fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are wondering whether a last-minute touchdown drive can kickstart a meandering season or is just a miraculous comeback or the lackadaisical Rams defense. This is one of the big questions we will answer as we preview the five hottest games in week 10 of the NFL season.
Last week: 4-1
Overall record: 29-16
5. Seattle Seahawks (6-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) (in Germany)- Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET NFLN
This game will be the first NFL game in Germany. The demand was so high for tickets that the NFL estimates it could have sold over 3 million tickets. Imagine that! I think the grand occasion these teams will experience will favor Tom Brady, and he will see the urgency to put on a show. Also, the travel schedule has been better for the Buccaneers. On Sunday, Seattle left the pacific northwest to play on the road in Arizona and then had to cross the pond to play the Bucs. I think the Bucs’ defense slows down Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker to pull off a close and exciting win.
Bucs 23-Seahawks 21
4. Minnesota Vikings (7-1) at Buffalo Bills (6-2)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Bills suffered a shocking upset in week 9 when they lost to the Jets on the road. The biggest headline heading coming into this game is that Josh Allen suffered an elbow injury, and there is uncertainty about whether he will play. Most analysts are predicting that he will not play, and I agree with the decision. The goal for the Bills is to win the Super Bowl, not the regular season, and they should rest him. Therefore, I will take my chances with Kirk Cousins over Case Keenum. It will be interesting to see if the home crowd can push the Bills despite playing without their star quarterback. However, I think Kirk Cousins will get it done over a backup.
Vikings 24-Bills 17
3. 49ers (4-4) at Chargers (5-3)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
The Chargers have experienced an indifferent season that feels like a rollercoaster. The team has struggled at times with making plays on the defensive end. It has left Justin Hebert to play the role of savior far too often. On the other hand, the 49ers built their team to allow Jimmy Garoppolo to use to exploit their use of their best weapons. Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell might return for the matchup, which may add to the 49ers’ firepower. I think Cristian McCaffery was an outstanding pickup, and he will only get better in the system. I have the 49ers winning this California intra-conference battle.
493ers 30 Chargers 24
4. Dallas Cowboys (3-6) at Green Bay Packers (6-2)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX
This marquee matchup is steeped in tradition because these franchises have a storied history. After week 1, the football world wrote off the Cowboys after Dak Prescott’s right thumb injury. However, Cooper Rush steadied the ship, and Dak is hitting his stride. The Packers are in unfamiliar territory having a 3-6. This game is a must-win if they are to kickstart an insane win streak to make the playoffs. However, I have the Cowboys winning this game because of the consistent play of the defense, and the Cowboys are coming off their bye which should make the more prepared team as Mike McCarthy’s return to Lambeau Field for revenge. I have them edging a close game.
Cowboys 28-Packers 24
5. Commanders (4-5) at Eagles (8-0)-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET- ESPN
The Commanders are rife with off-field controversies involving its owner. The franchise is now 4-5 but has tried to do its best on the field to get wins. It will be a tough task to stop the Eagles because they are 1-4 when they allow more than 200 yards passing to the other team. The duo of DeVonte Smith and AJ Brown is a formidable challenge for any secondary to stop. Lincoln Financial is going to be loud, rowdy, and unbearable in this traditional matchup on Monday Night Football. I have the Eagles moving an inch closer to the 1972 Dolphins by going to 9-0.
Eagles 30-Commanders 20