Week 10 of the NFL season is here, and it’s time for the EssentiallySports staff to predict the outcome of every game. We did alright last week (especially Tim, who went 12-2 with his picks), but we’re still waiting to see if anyone can have a flawless weekend.

Before we hop into our predictions, here are our records through nine weeks.

Luke Hubbard: 42-28 (.600) 

Tim Wood: 45-25 (.642) 

Abhishek Singh: 31-23 (.574) 

Reubyn Coutinho: 37-20 (.649)

Utsav Jain: 8-6 (.571)

Ryan Ward: 8-6 (.571)

Mike Fisher: 8-6 (.571) 

Raiders at Broncos

Game Time: Thursday, 7:15 pm at Empower Field

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime TV

Broadcasters: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung

Game Odds: DEN -8.5, O/U 42.5

PFF Rankings: LV Offense 21st, Defense 30th, DEN Offense 14th, Defense 8th

Recent Matchups: LV 30-29 loss to JAX, DEN 18-15 win over HOU

Key Injuries: Pat Surtain, Marvin Mims

Luke Hubbard, Senior NFL Writer: The Las Vegas Raiders looked pretty good last time out with Brock Bowers back, but now they run into the brick wall that is Denver’s defense. I don’t think they’ll have much offensive success, and their defense won’t be able to stop the Broncos’ offense enough to hang around. Broncos 25, Raiders 12

Tim Wood, NFL Content Chief: The Geno Smith-Bowers connection intrigues me. How Tre Tucker steps up with Jacobi Meyers now in Jacksonville, that intrigues me. At what point does the Broncos’ late-game luck run out? I’d take the Raiders and the points, but straight up winner, gotta stay with the home team. Broncos 28, Raiders 27

Reubyn Coutinho, NFL Lead Editor: There’s a personal belief that the Raiders would have a better time if their minority owner could line up under center. This is a high risk call that may actually work better than that bizarre decision to go for a two-point conversion on the final play of OT. Y’all are bad. Take the point and have a week without a loss. You won’t get the chance at Mile High. Broncos 35, Raiders 21

Utsav Jain, NFL Writer: The Broncos secondary has been one of the most interesting things to watch this season. With the Raiders’ lackluster offense, I don’t see how they could win this one. Broncos 26, Raiders 15

Abhishek Singh, NFL Content Manager: Broncos 27, Raiders 13

Falcons at Colts (Germany)

Game Time: Sunday, 9:30 am at Olympic Stadium

Where to Watch: NFL Network

Broadcasters: Adam Amin (play-by-play), Kurt Warner (analyst)

Game Odds: IND -5.5, O/U 48.5

PFF Rankings: ATL Offense 15th, Defense 17th, IND Offense 3rd, Defense 14th

Recent Matchups: ATL 24-23 loss to NE, IND 27-20 loss to PIT

Key Injuries: Chris Lindstrom, Leonard Floyd, DeForest Buckner

Hubbard: Games across the pond are always a bit funky, and after their offensive struggled last week, I think things could get a bit weird for Indianapolis in this game. I still think they’ll win, but the Atlanta Falcons could keep it closer than they’d like. But, as a Saints fan, I always have to make this the score of the Dirty Birds’ game. Colts 28, Falcons 3

Wood: The Colts are out to show the league they’re legit after the Steelers loss. Adding Sauce Gardner helps that cause (he’s still in concussion protocol as of us publishing this piece). Michael Penix Jr. looked better against the Pats, but I think this is all Indy. Colts 31, Falcons 17

Coutinho: The Steelers gave teams the blueprint to beat the Colts. Can the Falcons use it? No, the Colts usually struggle against teams .500 or more. They do have wins over the Broncos and the Chargers, but the rest of them have come against sides with a losing record. Colts 24 Falcons 20

Jain: I’m all for Daniel Jones’ dominance this season. Unless they give me a reason to believe otherwise, or Jones gets sidelined, this win will bring the Colts up to 8-2. The Falcons have failed to find a spark for the last three games. If they hear claps again, I’m expecting that streak to continue. Colts 26, Falcons 16

Singh: Colts 28 Falcons 18

Giants at Bears

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at Soldier Field

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Joe Davis (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analyst)

Game Odds: CHI -3.5, O/U 47.5

PFF Rankings: NYG Offense 26th, Defense T-20th, CHI Offense 9th, Defense 27th

Recent Matchups: NYG 34-24 loss to SF, CHI 47-42 win over CIN

Key Injuries: Anthony Johnson, Cor’Dale Flott, Paulson Adebo, D’Andre Swift, Colt Kmet

Hubbard: I’m done picking the New York Giants. I keep doing it because I think their offense is exciting, but I’m done. The Chicago Bears are rolling right now after winning five of their last six, and they should get the job done again this week. Bears 28, Giants 23

Wood: Oh, hurray, a matchup of two teams I have zero confidence in. I’ll go with the home team and the one showing slightly more signs of consistency. Bears 28, Giants 10

Coutinho: Bears. This is a crucial game for Chicago who got a nightmare run after Sunday’s game. They have beaten teams .500 and below (apart from the Ravens), and the Giants, also below .500, just have too many of their key players out injured. Bears 22, Giants 17 

Jain: I’ve been rooting for the Giants even when Russell Wilson was struggling. And I’ve become a believer in the energy Jaxson Dart brings to the table. But the fact is they’re struggling. The Bears, on the other hand, looked hungry last week as they posted their first 40+ points game of the season. I doubt that hunger’s faded yet. Bears 35, Giants 27

Singh: Giants 24, Bears 17

Bills at Dolphins

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at Hard Rock Stadium

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst), Jason McCourty (analyst)

Game Odds: BUF -9.5, O/U 49.5

PFF Rankings: BUF Offense 4th, Defense 24th, MIA Offense 29th, Defense 29th

Recent Matchups: BUF 28-21 win over KC, MIA 28-6 loss to BAL

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Key Injuries: AJ Epenesa, Joey Bosa, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson

Hubbard: On paper this should be a Buffalo Bills blowout. Miami stinks, and Buffalo is playing as good as anybody else in the league. Despite that, the spread is only 9.5 points. As much as I want to predict the Bills to win by 20, Miami tends to stay in some games they have no business being in, so I’ll say it’s a somewhat close game. Bills 30, Dolphins 24

Wood: After the fire sale, the Dolphins are even less likely to shock the world here. It’s just a matter of the Bills taking care of business on the road. Bills 38, Dolphins 21

Coutinho: The Dolphins host the Bills. Buffalo are coming off a huge win over the Chiefs; Miami were trounced by Baltimore. You get where I’m going with this, right? This will be a one-sided game. Bills 42, Dolphins 14

Jain: With Miami looking at new leadership, I’d have thought they would want to add some strength to their roster. They shipped off a linebacker instead. The Dolphins couldn’t do much of anything against Lamar Jackson coming back from injury. Now up against an AFC giant like Josh Allen and the Bills, I’m expecting another bout of disgruntled crowds exiting the stands halfway through the game. Bills 38, Dolphins 12

Singh: Bills 34, Dolphins 12

Ravens at Vikings

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at U.S. Bank Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (analyst)

Game Odds: BAL -4.5, O/U 48.5

PFF Rankings: BAL Offense 16th, Defense 25th, MIN Offense 28th, Defense 18th

Recent Matchups: BAL 28-6 win over MIA, MIN 27-24 win over DET

Key Injuries: Jeff Okudah

Hubbard: This is going to be a fun one. The Baltimore Ravens seem to be back on track with Lamar Jackson back, and the Minnesota Vikings just got a massive win over Detroit. I think this game will be tight from start to finish, but Baltimore pulls it out and cuts into Pittsburgh’s AFC North lead. Ravens 28, Vikings 27

Wood: This has the makings of a shootout. I’m going with the team showing more signs of life and the ones that need it more. Ravens 34, Vikings 31

Coutinho: JJ McCarthy got a win on his return to the field against a strong defense. He’ll continue to play at a good level, but there won’t be any lead as Lamar Jackson will eclipse him. This Ravens team looks like it has gotten a shot in the arm and they will leave Minneapolis with the win. Ravens 35, Vikings 16 

Jain: The Vikings looked quite good against the Lions. McCarthy’s going to try to prove he can bring more wins. He’s already 2-1 this season, and I expect this one to be a battle. But the Ravens are back in business with Jackson, and that’s that. Got to give this one to them in the end. Ravens 24, Vikings 21

Singh: Ravens 18, Vikings 14

Browns at Jets

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at MetLife Stadium

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (analyst)

Game Odds: NYJ -2.5, O/U 36.5

PFF Rankings: CLE Offense 32nd, Defense 1st, NYJ Offense 27th, Defense 16th

Recent Matchups: CLE Bye, NYJ Bye

Key Injuries: Garrett Wilson, Isaiah Bond, Tyson Campbell

Hubbard: The first edition of the Toilet Bowl is here. Both teams are playing for their draft pick next year, but the New York Jets have certainly been out-tanking the field this year. They want that No. 1 overall pick, and I think they get a step closer this week. Browns 10, Jets 6

Wood: Both teams are coming off of byes. Both teams were sellers at the trade deadline. Will either team actually want to win this game? Looks like Garrett Wilson is trending toward playing, which has me leading toward the home team here. Jets 24, Browns 20

Coutinho: Don’t be fooled by the Jets’ 39 points last week. It came against a really bad Bengals defense that sits at 31st with a 48.1 PFF defense grade. Now factor in the Browns’ 85.2 PFF Grade (1st overall) and the Jets will have a tough time at MetLife. One thing that benefits the Browns is the absence of Gardner.  Browns 24, Jets 9

Jain: The Jets already lacked an offensive spark and now, they’ve stripped down their defense as well. The Browns’ experiments continue, and both teams seem fixed on the future now. The Browns might just help the Jets in their quest to take a top draft pick now. Browns 16, Jets 9

Singh: Browns 22, Jets 18

Patriots at Buccaneers

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at Raymond James Stadium

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst)

Game Odds: TB -2.5, O/U 48.5

PFF Rankings: NE Offense 11th, Defense 13th, TB Offense 24th, Defense T-10th

Recent Matchups: NE 24-23 win over ATL, TB Bye

Key Injuries: Christian Gonzalez, Kayshon Boutte, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving

Hubbard: Did someone say Game of the Week? The New England Patriots are the media darlings this year, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still a very good team, people just seem to have forgotten about them these last couple of weeks. I think a lot of people will be on New England as the underdogs, which is why I’m taking Tampa Bay. Buccaneers 23, Patriots 22

Wood: I don’t like my team being the media darlings, but we all love a good turnaround story. Yes, the Bucs are flying under radars because they faltered in the spotlight once we all put them atop our power rankings. The Saints win was pedestrian. And it doesn’t look like they’re getting their weapons back. I have to stay with the Pats until they lose, but without Bucky Irving, I’m believing in the pick a little bit more. Patriots 31, Buccaneers 28

Coutinho: The Patriots are unbeaten on the road, but this may be their first serious test. Yesterday, I had New England winning, but today it seems like Tampa has the edge. Especially with Godwin and Irving not yet ruled out, Mayfield could get some help. Buccaneers 24, Patriots 19

Jain: I’m looking forward to this one the most. Mayfield has been steady, even if he didn’t get a single touchdown against the Saints before the bye. But he’s had a week to recalibrate. Drake Maye, meanwhile, is climbing higher and higher on his MVP quest, and I’m rooting for him to take this one after a hard-fought battle. Patriots 34, Buccaneers 30 

Singh: Buccaneers 20, Patriots 19

Saints at Panthers

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at Bank of America Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Chris Myers (play-by-play), Mark Schlereth (analyst)

Game Odds: CAR -5.5, O/U 40.5

PFF Rankings: NO Offense 3oth, Defense T-22nd, CAR Offense 18th, Defense 19th

Recent Matchups: NO 34-10 loss to LAR, CAR 16-13 win over GB

Key Injuries: Taliese Fuaga, Chandler Zavala

Hubbard: The Carolina Panthers aren’t as good as their 5-4 record says, but the New Orleans Saints are as bad as their 1-8 record says they are, so there’s not really much of a competition here. I don’t think it’ll be a blowout, but it won’t be too tight either. Panthers 21, Saints 16

Wood: It’s a divisional game that means a lot to both teams in the standings – for different reasons. Sorry, Luke, I think your team signaled they are punting on 2025. The Panthers keep winning games we don’t expect them to win. Can they win a game they should win? Panthers 27, Saints 17

Coutinho: Panthers. Not cause they are good, but because the Saints are bad. It’s one step closer for the Saints to secure the top pick for next season’s draft. Panthers 31, Saints 17

Jain: Bryce Young has been rather uneven so far. But the Saints are in a class of their own in terms of disasters. That’s only going to continue against Young & Co. Panthers 23, Saints 14

Singh: Panthers 24, Saints 18 

Jaguars at Texans

Game Time: Sunday, 1pm at NRG Stadium

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), J.J. Watt (analyst)

Game Odds: HOU -1.5, O/U 37.5

PFF Rankings: JAX Offense 20th, Defense 15th, HOU Offense 23rd, Defense 5th

Recent Matchups: JAX 30-29 win over LV, HOU 18-15 loss to DEN

Key Injuries: Ezra Cleveland, Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Will Anderson, Jalen Pitre

Hubbard: I really don’t know how this game is going to go. C.J. Stroud is out, so I think Jacksonville will win. The Jags probably won’t score more than 17 points in this game, so the question is, can the Texans’ offense figure out a way to eclipse that mark? With Davis Mills, I don’t think so. Jaguars 14, Texans 10

Wood: This is a game that Vegas thinks the Texans should win. I just can’t go there, largely because I think the Jags are going to going to be on Mills like Velcro. I’m thinking six sacks at least. And I’m curious to see how Trevor Lawrence utilizes Jacobi Meyers. Could be a lowkey difference maker. (Side note, I really don’t like being on the same side as everyone else this much.) Jaguars 28, Texans 21

Coutinho: There’s no Stroud for this game, leading Mills to start under center. If the Texans are to win, it won’t be because they won it. It’ll be because the Jaguars botched it. Jaguars 19, Texans 12

Jain: Trevor Lawrence battled through an illness and still managed to add two rushing touchdowns and a win for the Jags last week. The Texans have ruled CJ Stroud out for this matchup and handed the reins to Davis Mills. This one goes to Jacksonville. Jaguars 21, Texans 12

Singh: Jaguars 17, Texans 14

Cardinals at Seahawks

Game Time: Sunday, 4:05 pm at Lumen Field

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Trent Green (analyst)

Game Odds: SEA -6.5, O/U 45.5

PFF Rankings: ARI Offense 25th, Defense 26th, SEA Offense 2nd, Defense 7th

Recent Matchups: ARI 27-17 win over DAL, SEA 38-14 win over WAS

Key Injuries: Budda Baker, Will Johnson, BJ Ojulari, Cooper Kupp, AJ Barner

Hubbard: The Seattle Seahawks are playing as good as anyone in the league right now. However, Arizona has been pretty feisty with Jacoby Brissett under center. This will be closer than people think, but Seattle gets the job done. Seahawks 27, Arizona 21

Wood: Divisional game. Home game. Statement game. But this Cardinals defense is really impressive. I just don’t think Brissett is capable of leading them to two straight wins. Seahawks 27, Cardinals 20

Coutinho: The Seahawks will take this game. Yes, its a home game for them and that’s where they’ve suffered both their defeats this season. But the Cardinals are not the 49ers or the Bucs. Yes Jacoby Brisset has been on fire, but regular season Sam Darnold is a whole different beast. Seahawks 27, Cardinals 24

Jain: Sam Darnold’s quiet dominance has us giving him a strong spot in the MVP race. While the Cardinals have mostly struggled, Brissett now brings some explosions on the field. Still, this is Seahawks all the way. Seahawks 30, Cardinals 20

Singh: Seahawks 18, Cardinals 14 

Rams at 49ers

Game Time: Sunday, 4:25 pm at Levi’s Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Tom Brady (analyst)

Game Odds: LAR -3.5, O/U 49.5

PFF Rankings: SF Offense 10th, Defense 28th, LAR Offense 1st, Defense 3rd

Recent Matchups: LAR 34-10 win over NO, SF 34-24 win over NYG

Key Injuries: Puka Nacua, Brandon Aiyuk, Bryce Huff, Ricky Pearsall

Hubbard: This is another Game of the Week candidate. I know San Fran is injured, but they’re still a pretty good team without some of their stars. I do think the Rams are a better team, even when the 49ers are healthy, but divisional games tend to be closer than they need to be. Rams 25, 49ers 23

Wood: Puka Nacua is trending toward playing as of publishing. This is a HUGE standings game. Both teams play like it’s a playoff game. I’ll have my popcorn ready. 49ers 28, Rams 27

Coutinho: This will be the game of the week. The 49ers are unbeaten against NFC West opposition, and will change with this week’s game. The Rams have given up just 20 points since losing to the 49ers. They may concede 20 this game, but Stafford will propel the team. He’s on an MVP-level this season. Rams 28, 49ers 23

Jain: Mac Jones and Christian McCaffrey have kept the Niners in relevance while they wait for Purdy to get back on his toe. But against the storm that Matthew Stafford is cooking up, San Francisco gets blown away, eventually. It’s still going to be a close battle to watch. Rams 27, 49ers 24

Singh: Rams 27, 49ers 18

Lions at Commanders

Game Time: Sunday, 4:25 pm at Northwest Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (analyst)

Game Odds: DET -8.5, O/U 48.5

PFF Rankings: DET Offense 6th, Defense 4th, WAS Offense 17th, Defense T-20th

Recent Matchups: DET 27-24 loss to MIN, WAS 38-14 loss to SEA

Key Injuries: Jayden Daniels, Trey Amos, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Christian Mahogany

Hubbard: All of these big matchups featuring the Washington Commanders have turned into snoozefests. They’re not the team they were a year ago, even when Jayden Daniels is healthy. This should be another loss for Washington. Lions 38, Commanders 13

Wood: I don’t want to predict the Commanders getting spanked for the second straight week, but Dan Quinn did this to himself leaving Daniels in when he should have been sitting. Lions 40, Commanders 10

Coutinho: The Commanders lost their WRs and now Daniels is out. That’s it. One can insert the Merrie Melodies’ “That’s all Folks” banner here as the Lions will definitely turn up here with the knowledge that just a good game of football will be enough. Lions 31, Commanders 17 

Jain: Jared Goff is cooking for the Lions like a man on a mission. The Commanders have been struggling to gain ground for four straight weeks. The Lions will be looking to come back stronger from their loss last week, and that translates to a big win for them. Lions 33, Commanders 15

Singh: Lions 27, Commanders 8

Steelers at Chargers

Game Time: Sunday, 8:20 pm at Soldier Field

Where to Watch: NBC

Broadcasters: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark

Game Odds: LAC -3.5, O/U 44.5

PFF Rankings: PIT Offense 22nd, Defense 12th, LAC Offense 1st, Defense 3rd

Recent Matchups: PIT 27-20 win over IND, LAC 27-20 win over TEN

Key Injuries: Joe Alt, Bobby Hart, Darnell Washington, Jabrill Peppers

Hubbard: I love both the SNF and MNF games this week. This is such an interesting matchup that has massive playoff implications. I think both teams are pretty evenly matched, the biggest question for me is just, can the Chargers protect Justin Herbert? Both of their starting tackles are out, so it’ll be a challenge, but I think LA still gets it done. Chargers 31, Steelers 29

Wood: This is going to be all about who can protect their QB more. And who is more mobile. That’s Herbert over Aaron Rodgers all day. I don’t trust either team here. This is a low-confidence pick, but I’m curious to see which team owns the spotlight. Chargers 28, Steelers 24

Coutinho: It’s a road game for the Steelers and also the start of what I’m seeing will be an 0-5 run for them. Rodgers will go clutch, but he will be let down by his own defense who will not be able to stop Justin Herbert from sealing it with a game winning drive. Chargers 29, Steelers 28 

Jain: The Chargers are dealing with a thinning O-line. The Steelers’ secondary, meanwhile, looked absolutely dominant as they made quite the statement against the Colts. If that wasn’t a one-off, they’d hold down Herbert while Rodgers does what’s needed. Steelers 30, Chargers 23

Singh: Steelers 24, Chargers 17

Eagles at Packers

Game Time: Monday, 8:15 pm at Lambeau Field

Where to Watch: ESPN

Broadcasters: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge

Game Odds: GB -2.5, O/U 45.5

PFF Rankings: PHI Offense 7th, Defense T-10th, GB Offense 12th, Defense 2nd

Recent Matchups: PHI Bye, GB 16-13 loss to CAR

Key Injuries: Cam Jurgens, Tucker Kraft, Matthew Golden

Hubbard: Another great primetime matchup. This game should also be pretty close, but I just trust Philly more. Green Bay has been too inconsistent, but when they’re hot, they’re one of the best teams in the league. I just need to see them string consecutive good games together. Eagles 24, Packers 20

Wood: If YouTube TV and Disney don’t have their lovers quarrel fixed by this game, I will be switching to Fubo on Tuesday. At Lambeau on a Monday night. Eagles coming off a bye, Packers coming off of playing like they were on bye. This is a game where I have to go with the home crew and the stronger defensive crew (and that’s the Pack on paper, at least). One last side note: Keen observers will see that Mr. Jain is not just a Cowboys superfan, but quickly showing himself to be a NFC East homer/apologist. Packers 28, Eagles 20

Coutinho: The Packers will face the monster they tried to ban in the offseason. And this is a team that spent their bye week watching the Panthers win at Lambeau. A blueprint is ready, but there is one X-factor. The Packers have someone who used to play the Eagles twice each season. He has 19 solo tackles, 10 assists and five sacks in seven games against this opposition and will be hungry for more. Packers 27, Eagles 19 

Jain: The Eagles will come back stronger than ever after the bye. The Packers have a lot going for them as well, but the Eagles just have more momentum. I give this one to the reigning champs, but hope I can see some more passing plays from Jalen Hurts than the usual tush push sequences. But hey, if it works … Eagles 26, Packers 20

Singh: Eagles 28, Packers 18