Brian's Week 10 NFL 2009 Predictions and Picks

First of all, I must point out a mistake I made in the last article. In week 8, there were only 13 games played and I mentioned I went 8-6, my bad. My record in week 8 was actually 8-5.

After a 6-0 start, the Denver Broncos have lost two games in a row. Arrogant Broncos fans, you need Jay Cutler. I know it hurts. The sad reality is Kyle Orton is a game manager (ugh). The game manager is a mediocre quarterback with average arm strength, great leader, smart, who understands his limitations and plays within those limitations. The Dallas Cowboys are in first place in the NFC East after a hard fought victory against the Eagles. Speaking of the Eagles, Mister B thinks you're team is not going to make the playoff this year. Why? You lost to the Oakland Raiders. It should be noted that the raiders haven't beaten a playoff team in a long time. The Arizona Cardinals, a dominant home team the last two years has struggled at home with a 1-3 record this season. After struggling on the road last season, the Cardinals are 4-0 on the road this season. Go figure. Yes, we can take the Cincinnati Bengals seriously going into their showdown in Pittsburgh with the Steelers this Sunday.

After a 10-3 week in week 9, Mister B officially has his swagger back. Let's get into the week 10 match ups.

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

Bears @ 49ers- You know 49ers head coach Mike Singletary, a hall fame linebacker for the Bears back in the day really wants to beat his former team. The 49ers are 0-3 since they signed Michael Crabtree. Chicago is bad on defense, and must find a way to slow down Frank Gore. The 49ers have blown 3 4^th quarter leads this year. Now Vernon Davis is running his mouth about Chicago's anemic defense. I think the 49ers will be leading this game most of the way, but in the end I think Jay Cutler will make the plays in the 4^th quarter against the 49ers 24^th ranked pass defense.

The Winner: I like the Bears in a close game 23-20.

SUNDAY GAMES

Falcons @ Panthers- Michael Turner has started to find his groove the past two weeks (317 yards on 38 carries). That can't be good news for a Carolina team that's 23^rd against the run. Carolina has a lot of injuries on defense. Running back De'Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have been limited in practice this week due to injury. Carolina's only chance for a victory is forcing Matt Ryan into mistakes, controlling the clock with its two headed running back attack, big plays in the passing game, and a turnover free game from Jake Delhomme.

The Winner: I like the Falcons in a close victory.

Buccaneers @ Dolphins- Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Bucs for getting their first win last Sunday. I didn't think this team was going to win a game this year. I really like Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay's rookie quarterback. I think he has a bright future. Getting win number two in Miami will be difficult because Tampa is terrible against the run (30th overall against the run). Miami just happens to be the 4^th best rushing team.

The Winner: I like the Dolphins in a close game.

Lions @ Vikings- If history has taught us anything the previous two seasons, it's that Brett Favre is going to breakdown from the wear and tear of playing football at some point late in the season. It's imperative that the Vikings get a huge lead and rest their veteran quarterback for duration of the game. The Lions have a young gunslinger in Matthew Stafford that will look to get the Lions the upset in Minnesota.

The Winner: I like the Vikings in a rout.

Jaguars @ Jets- If I learned anything about the Jaguars is to not pick this team on the road. They are very inconsistent. David Garrard will look for the big play with receiver Mike Sims-Walker. The problem is Garrard has yet to throw a touchdown on the road this year (Yikes). It will be up to Darrelle Rivas to shut down Sims-Walker. The Jags need to feed the ball to Maurice Jones-Drew early and often against the Jets 15^th run defense. For the Jets, its simple, test that Jags secondary which is 26^th against the pass. Jets should also have success running on the Jags 22^nd ranked defense. The Jets also have a huge advantage in this game as well. They are coming off a bye week.

The Winner: I like the Jets in this one.

Bengals @ Steelers- Both teams come into this match up at 6-2. After watching the Steelers impressive victory against Denver, I can honestly say the Steelers are the most complete team in football. They might be the best sports franchise today. Why? Their owner Dan Rooney lets his employees do their job and stays out of the spotlight (yeah, I'm talking to you Jerry Jones), they draft well, they employee a winning system (traditionally running the ball and playing great defense) and stick to it through good times and bad, they are well coached, and the players go out and execute their game plan to near perfection every week. I also have to mention the Steeler fans. The Steelers have very loyal and passionate fans that root for their team through good times and bad. You know you're team is good when all you have to worry about is your franchise quarterback making appearances on WWE Monday Raw and a kicker that loves to get liquored up (and arrested) in the local Pittsburgh bars after a victory. The Steelers will look to avenge their loss 23-20 loss to the Bengals back from week 3. The Steelers were without stud safety Troy Polamalu in that game. The Bengals will have a hard time running the football in this game. This should be a hard hitting, physical football game. The Bengals need to force Big Ben into mistakes and capitalize on those mistakes.

The Winner: I like the Steelers in this game 20-13.

Saints @ Rams- This is a mix match of opponents. The Saints are very good and the Rams are very bad. The Rams may be able to make this game somewhat competitive if Steven Jackson can break off some long runs in this one. If you have Drew Brees on your fantasy team, you're going to love this game.

The Winner: I like the Saints in a rout.

Bills @ Titans- The Buffalo Bills lead the league in interceptions (15). Other than the interceptions this team does nothing else really well. If the Titans were smart they will give the ball to Chris Johnson and let him operate against the 32^nd ranked Buffalo run defense. Vince Young has looked pretty good as the Titans quarterback (2-0 as the starter this year). The Titans need to get pressure on Trent Edwards to help their 32^nd rank pass defense.

The Winner: I like the Titans at home.

Broncos @ Redskins- Denver Broncos, you are on upset alert this week. You are traveling across the U.S. after a short week of preparation due to a Monday Night game. Your defense has been exposed in the past two weeks. The Redskins have scored more points in one game last week 17 than you guys have in two weeks (17). You guys don't have big plays in your passing games. The Redskins aren't expected to do anything this season now that the wheels are falling off. This is a dangerous game for the Broncos. The Broncos must get their running game going against the Redskins 25^th ranked run defense.

The Winner: I like the Broncos in a low scoring game 17-13.

Chiefs @ Raiders- Another game of the weak. Both teams are terrible to watch. You may actually want to do something productive with your life during this game. No kidding. The Raiders are 13^th against the pass. The Raiders tend to play inspired football after getting blown out in games this year. This one won't be pretty at all.

The Winner: I like the Raiders in a 10-9 victory.

Seahawks @ Cardinals- Let's see the Cardinals clobbered the Seahawks 27-3 in Seattle a few weeks, and coming off an impressive victory over the Bears 41-21 in Chicago. Easy victory for Arizona, right? I don't think so. The Cardinals struggle at home this year (1-3 overall). I think the Cardinals should seriously consider wear their road jerseys at home to carry some positive momentum into this match up. Seattle will need to slowdown Larry Fitzgerald in order to pull the upset. The Seahawks will look to expose the Cardinals 28^th ranked pass defense. If Seattle wins, they will only be one game behind the Cardinals for first place in the NFC West division.

The Winner: I like the Cardinals in a closer than expected victory.

Cowboys @ Packers-How bout them Cowboys? I know this team is still capable of imploding at any time, but there's something different about this team this year.The Cowboys will have to avoid a letdown going into this match up with Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers is taking a beating behind a bad offensive line. Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware will be coming after Aaron Rodgers all game long.

The Winner: I like the Boys in this one.

Eagles @ Chargers- Both these teams are very similar. Both teams can be very explosive offensively. Both teams tend to play down to the level of their competition. Both teams are one dimensional at times. Both have explosive players, DeSean Jackson for the Eagles, Darren Sproles for the Chargers. Both have coaches who make shaky decisions in key moments of the game. This is a game the Eagles are more than capable of winning. They need to pressure Phillip Rivers and keep Vincent Jackson in check. Asante Samuel will matchup with Jackson, so that will be interesting to watch. Antonio Gates will get the opportunity to catch a lot of balls in this game. San Diego needs to be aware of DeSean Jackson in the return game. San Diego needs to provide its cornerbacks with safety help over the top to avoid giving up the big play. San Diego needs to get pressure on McNabb or he will burn them. I think the team that can covert 3^rd downs and score touchdowns in the red zone will win this game.

The Winner: I like the Chargers in this one.

Patriots @ Colts- This game features two men, who are the best at their craft. Brady and Manning once again have their respective teams playing great football.

Who's the better quarterback? That's open for debate. The Colts are starting two rookie cornerbacks this weekend. You think Belicheat and Brady are licking their chops? Coach Jim Caldwell, its time for you to earn your check buddy. We are going to find out what kind of coach you really are. The Colts need Dwight Freeney to continue his inspired play and get pressure on Brady. I think Wes Welker will have a huge day. The Colts have the number one passing game and will need big plays out of the passing game to keep pace with the Pats. Look for the Pats to try to take away Dallas Clark, Manning's safety outlet. The Pats counter with the 4^th ranked passing defense. The Pats are more balanced offensively-16^th ranked run offense; the Colts are the 29^th running offense at 85 yards a game.

The Winner: I like the Patriots by a final score of 38-24.

Ravens @ Browns- Whoever decide this game should be on Monday Night Football should get slapped. No kidding. We get to see and hear why the Browns are so bad. Thanks ESPN, you're the greatest. Will the Browns even show up for this game? Is Brady Quinn any good? Joe Flacco should have a field day against the Brown's 22^nd ranked pass defense.

The Winner: I like Ravens by three touchdowns.

(38-16 record on Associated Content- week 4, 6, 8, and 9)

Well folks that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I will be on here for week 11. Have a great week.