Divisional drama unfolds and playoff hopes hang by a thread as the NFL cruises into Week 10. Here’s a game-by-game preview of this weekend’s action, complete with odds, analysis, and score predictions.
Raiders (2–6) at Broncos (7–2)
Thursday, Nov. 6 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Broncos -9.5
The Raiders lost a heartbreaker to the Jaguars last weekend, failing to convert a game-winning two-point try in overtime. On the bright side, Brock Bowers shined in his first game back from injury, posting 127 yards and three touchdowns. Still, it looks to be another long season for the Raiders, who often serve as the punching bag for the top-heavy AFC West.
Denver survived a defensive slugfest with Houston and escaped with a win. It was not pretty, but the toughness and resilience this team has shown proves it can beat anybody. The division-leading Broncos must keep their foot on the gas, with two games still to play against the Chiefs and one against the Chargers.
Prediction: Broncos 33, Raiders 13
Denver wins the turnover battle and takes care of business at home.
Falcons (3-5) at Colts (7-2)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 9:30 a.m. | Line: Colts -7
After three straight losses, Atlanta’s season has flipped upside down. A promising 3-2 start now feels distant. The Falcons’ defense remains solid, but the offense has struggled to find rhythm behind their young quarterback.
The Colts were totally unprepared and outmatched last week against Pittsburgh, turning the ball over six times, which led to 24 Steelers points. Somehow, they only lost by seven, proving they are for real but need to clean up the sloppiness before the playoffs.
Prediction: Colts 30, Falcons 27
Atlanta’s offense will fall just short in a competitive shootout.
Browns (2-6) at Jets (1-7)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Browns -1.5
The Browns come off their bye week with plenty of questions to answer. Their defense remains one of the best in the league, but the offense continues to lag behind. Dillon Gabriel has gotten his chance under center, but the QB carousel could continue with fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders waiting in the wings.
The Jets are in a similar spot, also emerging from a bye and already out of playoff contention. It will be interesting to see how much patience ownership has with Aaron Glenn, whose first season has been rough but has shown flashes of progress.
Prediction: Browns 27, Jets 24
Cleveland leans on its run game to pull out a close one.
Saints (1-8) at Panthers (5-4)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Panthers -4.5
Rookie Tyler Shough made his first career start for the Saints, and it went about as poorly as possible in a 34-10 blowout. The offense was non-existent, managing four three-and-outs in their first five drives. Growing pains are expected, but this team offers its young QB little help.
Despite averaging just 18.9 points per game, Carolina sits above .500 and only a game and a half out of the division lead. Their defense was excellent against Green Bay, holding the Packers to 13 points. Continued defensive dominance will be their path to success.
Prediction: Panthers 24, Saints 20
Carolina keeps playoff hopes alive with a divisional win.
Patriots (7-2) at Buccaneers (6-2)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Buccaneers -2.5
The Patriots extended their winning streak to five games with a narrow victory over the Falcons. Their defense has been elite, allowing under 19 points per game, while Drake Maye continues to prove he is the real deal.
The Buccaneers used their bye week to heal up but still enter this one missing key players like Chris Godwin and Haason Reddick. They face a brutal stretch with New England, Buffalo, and the Rams up next.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Buccaneers 24
The Patriots find a way to slow down Baker Mayfield just enough, and eke out an impressive road win.
Ravens (3-5) at Vikings (4-4)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Ravens -3.5
The Ravens’ defense has made major strides over the past three games, and it is a big reason why they are getting heavier in the win column. Since trading for safety Alohi Gilman, Baltimore’s defense has been a different unit. Before his arrival, they allowed 35.4 points per game over five games; since he joined, they’ve given up just 13 points per game in three. Combine that with the return of Lamar Jackson, and this team is slowly climbing back toward .500.
Minnesota is fresh off a huge win over the Lions, 27–24, in JJ McCarthy’s return. Their defense played outstanding, limiting Detroit’s star running back duo to just 65 combined rushing yards and recording five sacks. The win keeps them in the playoff mix, but with a brutal schedule ahead, the margin for error remains slim.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Vikings 27
Baltimore’s revamped defense will make life difficult for McCarthy in just his fourth career start.
Bills (6-2) at Dolphins (2-7)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bills -5.5
Josh Allen defeated Patrick Mahomes in the regular season for the fifth straight year, giving Buffalo one of its most impressive wins of the season. The run game has been phenomenal all season long, finally taking pressure off Allen to carry the entire load for this offense.
The Dolphins’ Thursday night loss to the Bills was self-inflicted. Questionable fourth-down calls and costly penalties killed several drives. The same offensive formula keeps failing, and at this point, a full rebuild may be the only realistic solution for Miami.
Prediction: Bills 35, Dolphins 13
Buffalo stays hot and takes advantage of a reeling Dolphins squad.
Giants (2-7) at Bears (5-3)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bears -3.5
The Giants opened with a touchdown on their first drive but went quiet until late in the third quarter during last week’s loss to the 49ers. The rest of this season is all about developing Jaxson Dart, who continues to flash dual-threat potential, averaging over 40 rushing yards per start.
Chicago picked up a massive 47–42 win over Cincinnati in what might have been the most enjoyable game of the year. The victory was crucial to stay in the NFC North race, but the defense has looked shaky the past two weeks and needs to tighten up before the tougher part of their schedule.
Prediction: Bears 30, Giants 24
Chicago’s ground game should be enough to grind out a home win.
Jaguars (5-3) at Texans (3-5)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 1 p.m. | Line: Texans -3.5
Jacksonville escaped Las Vegas with an overtime win, keeping hold of the final playoff spot in the AFC. It was a tale of two halves as they notched just three points before halftime, then proceeded to score on every drive afterward. The Jaguars will need that second-half version of their offense for four full quarters against Houston’s top-ranked defense.
Houston’s issues remain the same. The defense is elite, but the offense continues to sputter. Things could get worse with C.J. Stroud sidelined by a concussion. Davis Mills will take over against a Jaguars defense that thrives on forcing turnovers.
Prediction: Jaguars 20, Texans 17
Jacksonville takes control of the division by neutralizing Houston’s run game and forcing them to throw.
Cardinals (3-5) at Seahawks (6-2)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -7
Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon announced that Jacoby Brissett will start against Seattle regardless of Kyler Murray’s health, essentially signaling a quarterback change. Brissett led the Cardinals to a 27-17 win over Dallas and has thrown for 860 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception in three starts. Arizona has proven it can hang with nearly anyone, but finding ways to win has been tougher.
Seattle put the league on notice with its 38-11 demolition of Washington in primetime. The Seahawks have navigated a brutal early schedule and look every bit like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Sam Darnold continues to thrive in his new environment, aided by one of the best young defenses in the league.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Cardinals 24
Seattle’s defense will pressure Brissett all afternoon and protect home turf.
Lions (5-3) at Commanders (2-6)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Lions -7
Detroit lost its grip on the NFC North with a close loss to the Vikings. Now tied with two other teams at five wins, the Lions face must-win territory the rest of the way. Expect a heavy emphasis on the run game as they try to regain their offensive rhythm.
Washington’s season may have effectively ended Sunday night. On top of a blowout loss, they watched quarterback Jayden Daniels suffer a season-ending elbow injury. With Marcus Mariota taking over and the defense struggling badly, the Commanders face an uphill climb.
Prediction: Lions 37, Commanders 20
A depleted Washington team gives Detroit the perfect bounce-back opportunity.
Rams (6-2) at 49ers (6-3)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: 49ers -1.5
The Rams dominated New Orleans 34–10 and remain tied with Seattle and San Francisco atop the NFC West. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level with 2,147 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. His chemistry with Davante Adams grows by the week, and Adams now leads the league in touchdown catches.
Christian McCaffrey remains the focal point of the 49ers’ offense, averaging nearly 136 scrimmage yards per game while splitting touches evenly between rushing and receiving. The big question is whether Brock Purdy’s turf toe will sideline him again or if San Francisco sticks with Mac Jones, who has filled in admirably.
Prediction: Rams 31, 49ers 27
Mac Jones got the better of them in their first meeting, but this time the Rams even the score and create separation in the division race.
Steelers (5-3) at Chargers (6-3)
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: Chargers -3.5
The Steelers’ defense came alive in a 27–20 win over Indianapolis, sacking Daniel Jones repeatedly and forcing turnovers. But concerns about the offense remain, particularly the lack of a run game and an aging Aaron Rodgers behind a shaky line.
The Chargers took care of business against Tennessee, 27–20, despite early mistakes that included a pick-six and a punt return touchdown. Justin Herbert continues to produce big numbers, and this team remains in the thick of the AFC West race.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Chargers 17
Pittsburgh’s pass rush will be the difference, taking advantage of the Chargers’ weak offensive line.
Eagles (6-2) at Packers (5-2-1)
Monday, Nov. 10 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Packers -2.5
Philadelphia returns from the bye week in control of the NFC East, leading the division by three and a half games. The offense has been inconsistent, but the Eagles have continued to win with defense and timely playmaking. At the deadline, they added reinforcements in Jaelan Phillips, Jaire Alexander, and Michael Carter, bolstering an already strong defense.
The Packers’ 16–13 loss to Carolina was painful enough, but losing tight end Tucker Kraft for the season to an ACL tear made it worse. Green Bay went just one-for-five in the red zone, wasting another stellar defensive effort.
Prediction: Eagles 33, Packers 31
With extra rest and preparation, the Eagles edge out a road win in one of the weekend’s best matchups.
On Bye: Bengals, Cowboys, Chiefs, Titans
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