Jump to a matchupPittsburgh Steelers (6–2) at Washington Commanders (7–2)Denver Broncos (5–4) at Kansas City Chiefs (8–0)Philadelphia Eagles (6–2) at Dallas Cowboys (3–5)New York Jets (3–6) at Arizona Cardinals (5–4)Detroit Lions (7–1) at Houston Texans (6–3)
It’s all about the playoff contenders now that the NFL trade deadline has come and gone and we’re in the second half of the season.
But there are a few teams that have been going back and forth between contender and pretender. Week 10 in the NFL will likely tell us a lot about those teams.
The Washington Commanders went from a surprising team to one that is now being taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender because of the splash trade for former Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The Pittsburgh Steelers also gained more respect as a contender after acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams and edge rusher Preston Smith. There will be many new faces in new places when the Commanders host the Steelers on Sunday for one of the best games of Week 10.
The Arizona Cardinals are another surprise team in the NFC competing for a division title. Kyler Murray & Co. can gain more respect in the NFC West by defeating the New York Jets, who became a sleeper contender after defeating the Houston Texans to save their season last week.
The Texans have an opportunity to shock the football world if they’re able to get by the dominant Detroit Lions, who recently acquired edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
These are three of our five best games of the week. We’ll also keep an eye on the Denver Broncos potentially handing the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season, and the Philadelphia Eagles going up against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC East clash.
Here’s everything you need to know about the five best games of Week 10, including Gilberto Manzano’s key matchups, Matt Verderame’s key stats, Michael Fabiano’s who to start and who to sit in fantasy, Iain MacMillan’s best bets and Conor Orr’s prediction for each game.
Start ’em/Sit ’em | MMQB Staff Picks | NFL Betting Picks
SUNDAYPittsburgh Steelers (6–2) at Washington Commanders (7–2)
When/TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Spread: Commanders -2.5 (over/under: 45.5)
Matchup to watch: Commanders CB Lattimore vs. Steelers WR George Pickens. If Lattimore makes his Washington debut this week, he’ll have his hands full with Pickens, who has established a strong connection with Russell Wilson. Pickens has nine catches for 185 yards and one touchdown since Wilson took over two games ago. Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, has had an up-and-down season playing with the Saints’ poor defense. —
Key stat: The Commanders need to run the ball to win, but it won’t be easy against the Steelers. Washington averages five yards per carry, fifth best in football. However, Pittsburgh has been a wall against the run, permitting just four yards per carry, tied for fourth best. —
Start ’em/sit ’em: Najee Harris has been on fire lately, scoring at least 16.1 points in each of his past three games. He’s also averaged around 20 touches in those contests. I’d keep him in fantasy lineups against the Commanders, who have allowed 14-plus points to six opposing running backs, including two who have gone over 18 points in two of their past three games. —
Best bet: Under 45.5. The Commanders have been impressive this season, but they’ve only faced one team currently ranked in the top half of the NFL in opponent EPA per play. That team was the Chicago Bears and they put up only 18 points against them. Based on the Steelers' defense, an improved Washington defense, and a run-first Steelers offense I think the under is the play in this one. —
SI’s pick:I took the Steelers in this one, even though the Commanders are riding a bit of a tailwind from the trade deadline and have massively upgraded their secondary. There’s something to this Steelers team that I think could give Jayden Daniels some fits and I’m eager to see him against T.J. Watt for the first time. —
