Bing Predicts NFL Week 10
With a half-season sample size in the books, the best way to break all 32 NFL squads down into three simple categories is: really good, really bad, and everyone else. While a case can be made to shuffle a few teams around, the league's best (Chiefs, Saints, Patriots, and Rams) couldn't feel further apart from the league's worst (Raiders, Bills, Cardinals, Giants, 49ers, and Browns).
The intrigue down the stretch, though, lies in the “everyone else" group. Which teams can emerge to enter the likes of the elite, and who will falter and give way to the long and grueling season? Last week's whirlwind of action is a tough card to compete with, but here is a look at the best matchups to look for in Week 10:
—Panthers @ Steelers: The week's best matchup is rarely the Thursday night contest, but these two teams could easily make that the case. Both look poised for playoff pushes.
—Saints @ Bengals: The longest current winning streak (Saints) will be tested this weekend in Cincinnati.
—Seahawks @ Rams: How will the Rams rebound from their first loss of the season? Seattle hopes to find its way into the playoff conversation with an enormous win on the road.
—Cowboys @ Eagles: This is do or die for the Cowboys, and they'll travel to Philly to battle an Eagles team that looks ready to prove they haven't gone anywhere.
Guiding you through every game is Bing Predicts, which leverages search, social, and historical statistics to forecast the week's winners and losers. Read on for Week 10 predictions.
ALSO: See how Bing predicted the entire season here.
Carolina Panthers (6-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-1)
Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Game time: Thursday, Nov. 8, 8:20 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers lead series 5-1
The quality of Thursday Night Football often receives a bad rap, but this week's matchup is one of the best of the Week 10 slate. The Carolina Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are two of the hottest teams in football. Carolina has won three-straight and five of its last six games. Over the last nine quarters, the Panthers have scored 99 points, including a team-record 35 points in the first half of a 42-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Steelers, who have won four-straight and currently sit atop the AFC North, look poised for the second half of the season. No Le'Veon Bell? No problem. Running back James Conner has been brilliant. The second-year man has amassed 689 yards over the Steelers' winning streak and is fresh off of AFC Offensive Player of the Month honors. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in a 23-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and their top-ranked defense last Sunday.
The Panthers have won seven-straight against AFC opponents, but Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger is 3-0 all time when facing Carolina.
Bing Predicts: Pittsburgh Steelers
Buffalo Bills (2-7) @ New York Jets (3-6)
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Buffalo Bills lead series 61-54
Unless New York fandom courses through your veins, there isn't much of a reason to tune into this contest. The New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills square off in an AFC East battle for the first of two matchups in the next month.
The Bills' quarterback room is a total disaster. It's unclear if regular starter, rookie quarterback Josh Allen will be able to go Sunday as he rehabs an elbow strain, and the recently acquired Derek Anderson may not be cleared after suffering a concussion Week 8. Buffalo may be resigned once again to Nathan Peterman, who is statistically the worst starting quarterback in NFL history.
The Jets' QB situation isn't much more favorable. Rookie starter Sam Darnold is regressing as the season wears on. His passer rating of 43.3 over the past three games is brutal, and Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins was the worst game of his short career. Darnold was responsible for four interceptions and took four sacks.
The Jets hope to end their three-game losing streak, while the Bills aim to halt their four-game slide.
Bing Predicts: New York Jets
Washington Redskins (5-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Washington Redskins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Series tied 11-11
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a tumultuous season. After a 2-0 start and an offensive onslaught, the team has dropped five of its last six games and has no identity at the quarterback position. For now, Tampa Bay will stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started the season in place of Jameis Winston (suspension). He then regained the starting role last week after Winston's dismal performances this season. Despite a shuffling of quarterbacks, the Buccaneers still maintain the league's top passing offense, but pair that with one of the league's worst defenses, and those gaudy offensive numbers don't translate into many victories.
The Washington Redskins have been a surprise as they sit atop the NFC East, but may have been exposed last week in a 38-14 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Redskins lost more than just the game, though, as two starting offensive linemen (Brandon Scherff and Shawn Lauvao) will undergo season-ending surgeries. Washington is already down one starter on the offensive line, Trent Williams, who isn't expected to be available for a few weeks.
Tampa Bay is favored at home, but only slightly. While the Redskins could suffer a loss and still be OK in a congested NFC East, the Buccaneers need a victory to keep a realistic shot at the postseason alive.
Bing Predicts: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New England Patriots (7-2) @ Tennessee Titans (4-4)
New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: New England Patriots lead series 25-16-1
The New England Patriots ride a six-game winning streak into Tennessee where they'll take on the wavering Titans on short rest on Sunday. Tennessee made a statement Monday night after taking down the Cowboys 28-14 on the road, but it's tough to tell if it was a praiseworthy performance or an indictment of a faltering Dallas team. Quarterback Marcus Mariota played well—22-of-29 for 240 yards and two touchdowns—but also lost two fumbles in the game. The victory ended the Titans' three-game losing streak and returned the team to .500 just in time for arguably their toughest matchup of the season.
Tom Brady outlasted Aaron Rodgers in the battle of the GOATs Sunday night, using 294 yards through the air and a touchdown to help get the job done. Even without tight end Rob Gronkowski and running back Sony Michel, the Patriots took down the Packers 31-17.
The last time the Patriots and Titans faced off it was in the divisional round of last year's playoffs. The Patriots railroaded the Titans 35-14 and are favorites this time around, but former Patriots linebacker and first-year head coach of the Titans, Mike Vrabel, may have some tricks up his sleeve for his old team.
Bing Predicts: New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints (7-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
New Orleans Saints @ Cincinnati Bengals
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Cincinnati Bengals lead series 7-6-0
The New Orleans Saints may have supplanted the Los Angeles Rams as the best team in the NFC after coming out on top of Sunday's showdown. Running back Alvin Kamara accounted for 116 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in the 45-35 victory. Quarterback Drew Brees threw four touchdowns and added 346 yards through the air, and wideout Michael Thomas had a breakout performance of 211 yards receiving in the statement performance from the Saints.
The Saints travel to Ohio to face a Cincinnati Bengals team fresh off of their bye week. Despite the extra rest, the Bengals will be without A.J. Green, who injured his toe in the final seconds of the team's Week 8 victory over the Buccaneers. Green, their most potent offensive weapon, leads the team in receiving yards (687) and touchdowns (6).
The Saints hold the longest winning streak in the NFL (seven games) and show no signs of slowing down. The Bengals have struggled against tough competition this season and are yet to top a team that currently has a winning record: The Saints may be their biggest test yet.
Bing Predicts: New Orleans Saints
Arizona Cardinals (2-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (8-1)
Arizona Cardinals @ Kansas City Chiefs
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Kansas City Chiefs lead series 8-3-1
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to mow down their competition week in and week out, scoring more points than anyone in the NFL. If you remove a narrow 43-40 shootout loss to the Patriots, the Chiefs are undefeated. Patrick Mahomes II is a clear MVP candidate. The second-year signal caller continues to dazzle, leading the league in passing yards (2,901) and in touchdowns (29). He threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over the Cleveland Browns Sunday.
Expect Kansas City to stay hot as they welcome the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are monstrous underdogs this week, and for good reason. They have shown very little sign that they can compete with a good team and will endure their toughest test of the season. To have any chance Sunday, their league-worst offense will need to find a way to keep up with the Chiefs. That seems very unlikely, unless K.C. is caught looking ahead to a huge game against the Los Angeles Rams in Mexico City the following week.
Bing Predicts: Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions (3-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-3)
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Chicago Bears lead series 97-74-5
This showdown has big implications for both teams. A loss for the Detroit Lions guarantees they remain in last place in the division and a far cry from the playoffs, while a win for the Chicago Bears bolsters their NFC North best record ahead of an even more important divisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears dominated the Buffalo Bills 41-9 on Sunday, despite mustering only 190 yards of offense. Linebacker Khalil Mack has sat out two games recovering from a sprained ankle, but the defense hasn't skipped a beat in his absence. Chicago has surrendered only 19 points in the last two weeks combined. It's unclear if Mack will be ready this week, but head coach Matt Nagy says the All-Pro pass rusher is close.
The Lions have lost two straight and are in desperate need of a victory as they enter a four-game stretch that includes two games against the Bears and matchups with two of the NFC's best teams—the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked a career-high 10 times in Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Vikings; protection will need to improve drastically against one of the league's best teams at getting after the quarterback.
Bing Predicts: Chicago Bears
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) @ Cleveland Browns (2-6-1)
Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Cleveland Browns lead series 11-3
The Atlanta Falcons are rolling after a disappointing start to the 2018 season. Winners of three straight, the Falcons have used their wide array of offensive weapons to build one of the most lethal passing attacks in football. Quarterback Matt Ryan leads the NFL in yards-per-game (335.6), and last Sunday, behind Ryan's 350 yards and four touchdowns, the Falcons dismantled the Washington Redskins and their ferocious defense 38-14.
Atlanta is favored this week in Cleveland against a struggling Browns squad that is trying to end a four-game skid. Cleveland allowed 499 yards to the Kansas City Chiefs, and things won't be any easier this week when they face another dynamic offense. The Browns are looking for their first win after firing former head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.
The Falcons' defense, which stumbled to start the season, has been much stronger over the last two games. If the Atlanta D can remain stout against a lackluster Browns' offense, they should have no problem moving above .500 for the first time this season.
Bing Predicts: Atlanta Falcons
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (3-5)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Indianapolis Colts lead series 22-12
The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts may share the same record, but these two teams are trending in very different directions. Jacksonville was a game away from the Super Bowl last year, but currently sits on a four-game losing streak and looks like anything but a Super Bowl contender. Their stagnant offense hasn't generated more than 18 points in any game during the four consecutive losses.
The Colts have found some momentum as they enter the back half of the season. Winners of two-straight, Indianapolis is in a groove with a healthy Andrew Luck and what looks like a serviceable running attack. Indy has combined for 79 points in its last two games: In the back-to-back victories, Luck threw for seven touchdowns combined and running back Marlon Mack rushed for a combined 258 yards.
Both teams are tied for last place in the AFC South, but could keep a glimmer of playoff hopes alive with a victory Sunday.
Bing Predicts: Indianapolis Colts
Los Angeles Chargers (6-2) @ Oakland Raiders (1-7)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Oakland Raiders
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 4:05 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Oakland Raiders lead series 63-53-2
One of the hottest teams in football, the L.A. Chargers, travels north to battle the horrendous Oakland Raiders this Sunday. The Chargers have put together a five-game winning streak and currently rank #3 in offensive efficiency behind only the Chiefs and the Rams. Quarterback Philip Rivers is on pace to have the best year of his illustrious career with 19 touchdowns and only three interceptions through eight games.
The Raiders have lost by 14 or more points in each of their last four games, including a 26-10 loss to the Chargers in Week 5 to kick off the losing streak. Only the Buccaneers have given up more points than the Raiders this season. The optics suggest that head coach Jon Gruden and the rest of the team have given up on 2018 and are playing for next season and a potential #1 pick in the 2019 draft.
These two California teams are operating at very different speeds, and that should be quite evident on Sunday.
Bing Predicts: Los Angeles Chargers
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) @ Los Angeles Rams (8-1)
Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 4:25 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Seattle Seahawks lead series 23-18
The Rams, the last unbeaten team, finally fell last week at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. The Seattle Seahawks will try to make it a Rams losing streak when they visit Los Angeles this Sunday.
The Rams erased a 21-point lead to tie the game 35-35 Sunday at New Orleans, but surrendered a late touchdown to wide receiver Michael Thomas, putting things out of reach and eventually falling 45-35. Despite the loss, the Rams' offense continues to dazzle. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 391 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Todd Gurley II added a rushing touchdown. Gurley has scored a touchdown in 12 straight games, breaking a franchise record.
The Seahawks sit at .500 with their work cut out for them in the NFC playoff race. They were a mere inches from what could have been a win on Sunday after a slightly deflected pass bounced off of receiver David Moore's chest and onto the end zone turf after an untimed last play of the game. Seattle lost 25-17 to the Chargers.
The Seahawks and Rams squared off earlier this season in Week 5, and the Seahawks gave the Rams a run for their money, but in one of their hardest fought battles of the season, L.A. rallied from a fourth quarter deficit to defeat Seattle 33-31.
Bing Predicts: Los Angeles Rams
Miami Dolphins (5-4) @ Green Bay Packers (3-4-1)
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 4:25 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Miami Dolphins lead series 10-4
Time is running out for the Green Bay Packers to string wins together and give Aaron Rodgers a shot in the playoffs. The Packers have shown they can hang with the league's best teams, but mental errors and costly turnovers have plagued them late in games. For the second-straight week, Green Bay's chance at a win was never realized because of a fourth quarter fumble.
After dropping games to two of the NFL's scariest teams—the Rams and Patriots—the Packers hope to renew their winning ways against the Miami Dolphins, who find themselves back above .500 after a 13-6 victory over the Jets last week. The Dolphins' defense picked off rookie quarterback Sam Darnold four times Sunday and held the Jets without a touchdown. Don't expect that same success against the Packers: Rodgers has thrown only one interception all season.
It doesn't appear Dolphins starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has missed the last four games with a right shoulder injury, will be able to go this week, which means Brock Osweiler should once again get the nod. Green Bay will be without wide receiver Geronimo Allison, who may require surgery for a groin injury.
The last time the Packers and the Dolphins played, which was in 2014, Rodgers led a game-winning touchdown drive to defeat Miami 27-24 in the final seconds.
Bing Predicts: Green Bay Packers
Dallas Cowboys (3-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Game time: Sunday, Nov. 11, 8:20 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Cowboys lead series 66-52
While the NFC East is still anyone's division, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be in big trouble after their 28-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. The Cowboys are staring at a gauntlet in the second half of their season, and while owner and general manager Jerry Jones is adamant that head coach Jason Garrett's job is safe this season and that the loss will not impact quarterback Dak Prescott's future, it may be time to start considering other options.
The Cowboys are still technically in the divisional race, but a loss this week to the Eagles would all but eliminate them. Philadelphia is coming off of a bye week, and they shored up their receiving corps, acquiring Golden Tate from the Lions at the trade deadline. The Eagles' .500 record has them flying under the radar, but the reigning Super Bowl champs are poised for a big second half of the season. Carson Wentz finally looks like the MVP-caliber quarterback he was last season before tearing his ACL and has actually been more accurate this year than he was last.
The Cowboys haven't won on the road in 2018, but did win in Philly last season. Their season depends on it this time around.
Bing Predicts: Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants (1-7) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-7)
New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers
Game time: Monday, Nov. 12, 8:15 p.m. EST
Historical matchup: Series tied 20-20
This primetime matchup is a tough watch by anyone's standards. The one-win Giants bring a five-game losing streak into San Francisco to face a 49ers team that is only one win better.
The Niners ended a six-game losing streak Sunday with a 34-3 victory over the Oakland Raiders and received an improbable and historic debut from quarterback Nick Mullens. The undrafted free agent, who had never taken a regular season snap and was thrust into the starting role after backup QB C.J. Beathard still ailed from a wrist injury suffered in Week 8, had the best opening performance of any quarterback in Niners' franchise history. Much of Mullens' success should be credited to head coach and quarterback whisperer Kyle Shanahan, whose brilliant scheme helped the second-year man find open receivers all over the field.
If Mullens (expected to start) and the 49ers can keep some momentum going and find a silver lining within this lost season, the Giants are a good team to face. Quarterback Eli Manning has been sacked a league-high 31 times, and despite star weapons (Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley), the offense averages just 18.8 points per game.
The 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo defeated the Giants 31-21 when the two played in San Francisco last season.
Bing Predicts: San Francisco 49ers
Bing Predicts Winner: San Francisco 49ers (63% chance)
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