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NEWS | Dec. 1, 2009

National Football League: Week 10 predictions

By Airman 1st Class Patrick McKenna 316th Wing public affairs

Each week I'll give a brief preview of every game. I'll make my picks and keep a running tally as the season progresses to see how well (or terrible) I'm doing. Anyone who would like to email me their picks is more than welcome. For all those interested in submitting their picks, please email patrick.mckenna@afncr.af.mil by Sunday at noon.

Denver @ Washington -The strength of the Broncos offense is their passing attack, which bodes well for Washington's #1 ranked pass defense. Unfortunately for Redskins nation, the team will most likely be without starting running Clinton Portis, who suffered a concussion last week. The Redskins have simply shown no consistency on offense and will struggle to find the end zone against Denver.
Pick: Broncos

Buffalo @ Tennessee - Tennessee has been clicking on all cylinders since making the switch to Vince Young as their signal caller. Their game plan each week is simple: run the ball down the opposing team's throats and give Young manageable third down situations. Chris Johnson should have a great game against Buffalo's 32nd ranked rush defense.
Pick: Titans

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh - The key to the Bengals surprise season has been the resurgence of running back Cedric Benson. His dominance thus far this season has brought balance back to the Bengals offense and has made Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco a much more dangerous duo. Pittsburgh is just the tough defensive team that has the ability to shut down Benson and put pressure on Palmer. They should sneak out a tough victory at home.
Pick: Steelers

New Orleans @ St. Louis - This game appears to be one of the biggest mismatches of the season thus far. While St. Louis has the edge in terms of the run game, the Saints have too many weapons and should have this game in hand by halftime.
Pick: Saints

Tampa Bay@ Miami - The Bucs are coming off an upset victory over the Packers last week and are due to come back down to Earth. They are awful at defending against the run (teams average 160 yards a game against them). Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and the Dolphins' offensive line should be licking their chops at this matchup.
Pick: Dolphins

Detroit @ Minnesota
- Let's be frank. The Lions have no shot at winning this game, but what Lions fans should hope to see is some progress in the passing game between the two cornerstones of the franchise, Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.
Pick: Vikings

Jacksonville @ New York Jets - The Jets are a long way away from their early season dominance having lost four of their last five games. Both of these teams are 4-4 and if either one has hopes of making the postseason, this is a must win game. The Jets get the slight edge being at home and coming off a much needed bye week.
Pick: Jets

Atlanta @ Carolina - Both Atlanta and Carolina rely heavily on their respective running games to set the pace of the game. Atlanta's Michael Turner has exploded the last two weeks, totaling more than 310 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Expect more of the same this week from Turner and the Falcons.
Pick: Falcons

Kansas City @ Oakland - Yikes, instead of playing an entire game, perhaps these two teams could take it back to the old school and go with a "first team to 14 points wins" approach. But there's a decent chance neither team hits that mark. Look for few points and even fewer happy fans in the stands.
Pick: Chiefs

Philadelphia @ San Diego - Neither team has a very good running game. While both can air it out, this game will come down to which team can win the time of possession and keep the opposing offense off the field.
Pick: Chargers

Dallas @ Green Bay - Dallas has been on a roll these last few weeks and Green Bay has been underachieving to say the least. The Packers are coming off a humiliating loss to the Buccaneers last week and need to show they can beat a legitimate team (0-3 against teams that are .500 or better this season). If Green Bay can keep Aaron Rodgers upright, the Packers should win this one at home.
Pick: Packers

Seattle @ Arizona - Arizona can take a commanding division lead with a victory this week. While they have struggled at home this season (1-3) look for them to put forth the kind of balanced attack they'll need come playoff time.
Pick: Cardinals

New England @ Indianapolis - The Colts have feasted this season against weak competition and this will be their first game against a legitimate Super Bowl contender. These two teams always play each other tough and this game will most likely come down to the wire. The slight edge goes to the Pats due to the amount of weapons they have on offense.
Pick: Patriots

Baltimore @ Cleveland - I'm curious who thought this game would make a good choice for Monday Night Football. With that being said, Baltimore is too good to be 4-4. They need to decide if they are going to be a run first team with Ray Rice or a pass first with Joe Flacco. Look for them to work out the kinks and beat the Browns by double digits.
Pick: Ravens