Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 10

 Week ten got an early start on Thursday, but the bulk of the action takes place today. Here are the games to keep an eye on this weekend!

(6-2) New York Jets at
(3-5) Cleveland Browns

As ugly as this game could be (and with these offenses, it could be VERY ugly), the pre-game shenanigans between Rex Ryan and his brother Rob (Browns defensive coordinator) has been extremely entertaining. After knocking off the Patriots and Saints, the Browns could make a name for themselves in the AFC, which isn't easy to do. If they knock off the Jets, we'll have to start taking them seriously. Despite Eric Mangini's mysterious nature, this is Colt McCoy's team from here on out. Anything else would be ridiculous.

(5-3) Tennessee Titans at
(4-4) Miami Dolphins

This just screams loss if you're a Dolphins fan. Your team is at home, where they're 0-4 after losing to better teams, which Tennessee certainly is. Chad Pennington is starting his first game of the year against a Titan defense that rails on opposing QB's. Oh yeah, and Randy Moss is playing his first game for Tennessee... so there's that. Good luck!

(4-4) Houston Texans at
(4-4) Jacksonville Jaguars

As tight as the AFC South race is, the loser of this contest is going to have an uphill battle getting into the playoffs. They'll have to jump over at least two teams to do it. Houston's pass defense is even crappier than we thought going into the season, so David Garrard could light them up through the air... or he could complete 50% of his passes and toss a pick. Who knows? This game should at least have consistent scoring, as neither defense is all that impressive.

(1-7) Dallas Cowboys at
(6-2) New York Giants

If you like implosions then you're loving the drama in Dallas right now. After firing Wade Philips, they're heading to the New Meadowlands to take on the Giants, who look like the best team in the NFC. Now it's time to find out two things: If Jason Garrett's new hard stance really means anything to these deflated players and if their young talent will start finding their way onto the field so evaluations for next year can begin.

(4-4) St. Louis Rams at
(2-6) San Francisco 49ers

For some reason I still hear that San Fran still has a shot at this division. As dumb as that idea may be, they definitely can't make a run if they drop a game to the up-and-coming Rams. So if they lose, they're done FOR SURE. Equally as odd, the Rams are playing... well? What year is this? As talented as the Niners supposedly are, they've sorely under-performed. I wouldn't be surprised if they get a win at home today, but I'm not expecting it.

(6-2) New England Patriots at
(6-2) Pittsburgh Steelers

This game should be a dandy. Two of the best teams in the NFL face off tonight with interesting match-ups to watch for. The Steeler defense is phenomenal, but the Patriots' short passing scheme could be the best way to attack it. The Patriot D is playing hard and the Pittsburgh offensive line is injured and struggling. I wouldn't hesitate a guess on the outcome, but Heinz Field is an awfully tough place to play. That could be all the difference.

(5-3) Philadelphia Eagles at
(4-4) Washington Redskins

McNabb versus Vick! Division rivals! Shanahan versus Reid! What's not to like about this Monday nighter? The Eagles could be one of the better teams in the NFC, but they're only a game up on the Skins, who are struggling on offense. The Redskin defense has to be warty of the big play because Vick and those receivers are going to find them.

Enjoy the games!