Packers vs. Dolphins Week 10 predictions, picks for every NFL game

Predictions for every Week 10 game, including the Green Bay Packers’ meeting with the Miami Dolphins.

For the third year in a row, the Green Bay Packers have struggled in the first half of the season. In 2016 and 2017, they entered Week 10 with a 4-4 record. This year they’re at 3-4-1.

Mike McCarthy’s team will have to climb the mountain again, which they did successfully in Aaron Rodgers‘ last fully healthy season two years ago.

It starts with a victory against Miami.

Miami (5-4) at Green Bay (3-4-1)

Despite the Packers’ poor record, they remain undefeated at Lambeau Field, even if they did need two miracle fourth-quarter comebacks.

I expect this game to be more comfortable.

While this Packers team has often started the season slowly under Mike McCarthy, they often play their best football when they’re under pressure.

The defense is trending in the right direction. Mike Pettine looks to have figured things out after the bye week, and his defense has put together two very respectable performances against two of the league’s best offenses.

The Dolphins will be without Ryan Tannehill again this week. With Brock Osweiler in, the Packers defense will have opportunities to force a turnover.

I’m not convinced this will be the day the Packers offense finally comes together and dominates, but they won’t need to.

Pick: Green Bay

Carolina (6-2) at Pittsburgh (5-2-1)

Finally, a Thursday night game worth watching. This one should be fun. Both teams enter this game with a ton of momentum. I tend to lean to the home team on a short week. Seven of the nine Thursday night games have been won by the home team this year. The Steelers and Panthers are evenly matched, so I’ll go with Pittsburgh at home.

Pick: Pittsburgh

New Orleans (7-1) at Cincinnati (5-3)

All the talk has been about the Rams and Chiefs this season, but the Saints have established themselves as legitimate contenders with their big win last week. This won’t be easy, but New Orleans makes it eight wins in a row. Losing A.J. Green to injury will make it that much tougher for Cincinnati.

Pick: New Orleans

Atlanta (4-4) at Cleveland (2-6-1)

Watch out for the Atlanta Falcons, a team heading in the right direction. They’ve bounced back from a 1-4 start and have a chance to pull themselves back into playoff contention with a fourth straight victory.

Pick: Atlanta

Detroit (3-5) at Chicago (5-3)

This is a big one for the Bears. If they can hold serve at Soldier Field, win a divisional game and effectively end the Lions’ season, they’ll be right on track for a playoff push.

Pick: Chicago

Arizona (2-6) at Kansas City (8-1)

Both of these teams are in contention for first. For the Chiefs that’s first place in the AFC. For the Cardinals that’s the first overall pick in next year’s draft.

Pick: Kansas City

New England (7-2) at Tennessee (4-4)

Big win for the Titans on Monday night. They have an excellent opportunity to back it up with a win against New England here. But the Patriots are on a roll, and home or away, not many teams will be able to slow them down the rest of the way.

Pick: New England

Washington (5-3) at Tampa Bay (3-5)

Washington is on the road three times in the next four weeks. The defense will need to bounce back after last week’s disappointing performance against Atlanta, but Washington is a more balanced team than Tampa Bay and should have no trouble putting up points.

Pick: Washington

Buffalo (2-7) at NY Jets (3-6)

Sam Darnold‘s injury might actually help in the long run. Darnold can sit and learn from Josh McCown, who will put together a solid game here. This is a tough one to predict without knowing who the Bills will be starting at QB, but I’ll go with the Jets at home.

Pick: NY Jets

Jacksonville (3-5) at Indianapolis (3-5)

The Jaguars will be hoping the bye week can help them put an end to a four-game losing run. All of a sudden, last year’s AFC runners-up are playing for their season. I just don’t trust their offense. The Colts get a big win at home.

Pick: Indianapolis

LA Chargers (6-2) at Oakland (1-7)

The Raiders look like they’ve given up. The Chargers, meanwhile, are quietly one of the AFC’s best teams.

Pick: LA Chargers

Seattle (4-4) at LA Rams (8-1)

The AFC West can be unpredictable, but Seattle is allowing 4.8 rushing yards per attempt, tied for fourth-most in the NFL. Not ideal entering a matchup against Todd Gurley.

Pick: LA Rams

Dallas (3-5) at Philadelphia (4-4)

The arrival of Golden Tate could be a big one for the Eagles, who are fresh off the bye entering this game. The additional week of preparation helps them against a Cowboys team with just six days rest.

Pick: Philadelphia

NY Giants (1-7) at San Francisco (2-7)

These teams are a combined 3-14. That’s all I’ve got.

Pick: San Francisco

Last week: 8-5

Season: 81-53