The NFL is so unpredictable. I thought the Packers were the lock of the year against the Colts last week. But as soon as the Colts returned the opening kickoff, they took control of the game, never relinquishing the lead. There are no stats that can account for something like that to happen.
I'm here, as always, to try and help you identify the best survivor pool targets and avoids for Week 10 of the NFL season. Good luck folks, now onto the picks.
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Top Survivor Picks for Week 10
@Cardinals -13.5 vs. 49ers
This will be by far the most popular survivor pick this week and for good reason. The 49ers are atrocious. The last four teams to play the 49ers have scored 33, 45, 34, and 41. They allow 193 rushing yards per game and 7.3 yards per pass attempt. If the Cardinals can't get their offense going against this porous defense then there is major concern in Arizona. The Cardinals have no business being two-touchdown favorites against anyone, but at home, off a bye, the Cards should roll.
@Eagles pick'em vs. Falcons
This line seems fishy. The Falcons aren't getting Vegas' respect. They are 6-3 and had 10 days to prepare for this game. The Eagles have lost their last two to divisional foes. So how does this line make sense? The better defense usually beats the better offense. Atlanta is second in passing yards per game and the Eagles are sixth in opposing yards per game. I'll take Jim Schwartz to confuse Matt Ryan and hold the highest-scoring team in the league way below their 34-point seasonal average.
Carson Wentz looked awful last week but gets a great matchup against a Falcons pass defense that allows the second-most passing yards per game at 290.
Eagles by a late field goal.
@Panthers -3 vs. Chiefs
It doesn't make any sense for a 3-5 Panthers team coming off wins against the Cardinals and Rams to be favorite over a 6-2 squad. But when it doesn't make sense, Vegas is trying to tell you something is wrong with this game and the Chiefs. Vegas wants you desperately to bet the Chiefs, so bet Carolina.
Top Survivor Picks to Avoid for Week 10
@Saints -1.5 vs. Broncos
Another game where the line doesn't make sense. The Broncos looked really lethargic Sunday night, but it was only their third loss of the season! They still have an elite defense that is number one in passing yards per game against, 183, and top ten in scoring defense per game, 18. They also are fourth in takeaways with 16.
I do worry about the Broncos scoring enough points to keep pace with the Saints, but the Saints give up 300 yards passing per game, most in the league, and over 100 rushing yards per game. If there is any game for the Broncos offense to wake up, it's this one.
Also, don't worry that this game being in The Superdome. The Saints are 9-11 in their past three seasons at home. Go figure.
@Ravens -10 vs. Browns
The battle between the former Browns and the new Browns. I love the new Brownies in this one. They have nothing to lose. They are feisty and play tough. They may be the worst team in football, but at least they have kept their games competitive.
The Ravens are one of the most overrated teams in all of football. Every single game Baltimore has played has been decided by one possession. They nearly lost to the Browns in Week 2 overcoming an 18-point first quarter deficit. The Ravens have yet to score 28 points all season. Even the Browns scored 28 two weeks ago!
The Browns defeated the Ravens in overtime on the road last season. Five of the last six games between these two teams in Baltimore have been decided by one possession. I'm not saying the Browns will win, but they will cover the spread and take it to the wire.