Bet On It: Week 10 predictions

Last week: 2-8; Season record: 31-59 (.344)

Many years ago I wrote an NFL column for a sports handicapping magazine. Typically my picks came in at about 60 percent, but one year, the fates and Vinny Testaverdue conspired against me and I was closer to 30 percent. A guy in a bar found out who I was and bought me a beer because he'd been betting against me all season. So if you were smart enough to go against my Titans-over-Bears pick last week, you owe me a beer. I might as well have picked the Washington Generals.

This week I'm on the prognosticator hot seat. Hopefully my picks will respond to the pressure.

1. Jaguars win or finish within three points of the Colts

The way this season's going, you'd think the Colts would beat the Jaguars by 30. But funny things happen to the road teams on Thursday night, and Andrew Luck is inconsistent on the road (2 TDs, 6 INTs). And remember, the Jags won in Indy back in Week 3.

2. Texans sack Jay Cutler at least four times

As well as Chicago has played, its offensive line still hasn't proven it's reliable. The Bears have allowed 28 sacks this season, third-worst in the NFL. The Texans are going to bring a lot of pressure in what could be a defensive struggle.

3. Shonn Greene runs for over 90 yards against the Seahawks

The Jets have had a bye to consider everything that is going wrong this season, and they have to conclude establishing Greene early gives them their best shot of winning. Greene has only one 100-yard game this season and has taken a lot of flak in New York, but he's capable of being productive if they feed him the ball and wear down the defense. The Seahawks' defense is brutal for opposing quarterbacks, but they've shown some vulnerability on the ground of late.

4. Panthers end the Broncos' streak of 30-plus-point games

Denver has scored over 30 points in three straight games and five of the last six. But Carolina has held their last four opponents to under 23 points or less. The Panthers should have some success controlling the ball at home. Even though they may not win, they'll slow down the red-hot Peyton Manning.

5. Chargers hold Doug Martin to under 100 yards

Martin has run for 386 yards in his last two games and has emerged as the Bucs' main weapon. But he's also had 54 rushes, and Tampa Bay may want to limit his touches so he'll last all season. You never know exactly what you'll get from the Chargers' defense, but they do rank fourth in the NFL against the run.

6. 49ers">49ers won't have any turnovers against the Rams

The Niners have just nine giveaways this season (five interceptions, four fumbles) and the Rams have just nine takeaways (29th). Alex Smith is as careful as any quarterback in the league, and won't have to throw much to keep pace with the Rams. Don't expect St. Louis to strip San Francisco's runners either -- the Rams have a league-low one recovered fumble.

7. Jimmy Graham has at least one drop against the Falcons

The Pro Bowl tight end is tied with Doug Martin for the NFL lead with eight drops. This is a huge contest, and Drew Brees will look to Graham often. For the Saints' sake, hopefully he'll pull in all his passes, but it's not likely.

8. Steelers hold the Chiefs to under 300 total yards

K.C.'s offense has actually averaged 357.5 yards per game -- turnovers are the reason they're not putting enough points on the board. But the Steelers defense has quietly returned to a dominant level. The Chiefs could fall behind quickly -- after all, they haven't led in regulation once this season -- and start to throw like crazy. But that could just lead to more interceptions, not yards.

9. Eli Manning breaks his slump and throws for two TDs against the Bengals

Manning has had just two touchdowns in his last four games, and didn't throw for a score in his last two games. The Giants have been coming up with fewer big plays, and are settling for field goals in the red zone too often. But facing the Bengals' secondary will help Manning get back on track.

10. Ryan Fitzpatrick throws for over 250 yards against the Patriots

Fitzpatrick has thrown for more than 250 yards just once this season and it was against New England. Fitz threw for 350 yards in their Week 4 52-28 loss to the Pats. These teams always have wacky games and the Bills have been able to move the ball against Bill Belichick's suspect defense.