NBC Sports Philadelphia's Derrick Gunn gives predictions for his top-five Week 10 games of the NFL season.
Panthers at Steelers (Thursday, 8:20 p.m., FOX/NFL Network)
The Panthers are on a three-game roll. The last two, they won by double-digits. After getting their revenge against the Ravens, the Steelers are firmly in control of the AFC North. During the Steelers' four-game win streak, they've averaged 31 points and the run has been highlighted by the play of running back James Conner, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in four straight games. These are two teams that like to play physical, two teams that want to establish the run, but only one can win. The Steelers at home get my vote in this Thursday night tussle.
Saints at Bengals (1 p.m., FOX)
Against the Rams, the Saints sent a message loud and clear that they are the team to beat in the NFC. Now, they've added Dez Bryant to their arsenal. Drew Brees and his crew now go marching into Cincinnati, who's coming off a bye week. The Bengals' defense has allowed more than 480 yards of offense in their last three outings against. Cincy has injuries all over the place. Key players have missed a total of 21 games. Tight end Tyler Eifert is gone for the season, and wide receiver AJ Green could miss at least two more games with a toe injury. The Saints stay unbeaten on the road after this one.
Patriots at Titans (1 p.m., CBS)
The Titans' defense was rock solid Monday night against Dallas, but can the D duplicate that performance against Tom Brady's offense? It doesn't make a difference who the Pats put on the field, they simply produce. Tennessee needs Marcus Mariotta to not only be accurate and sustain drives to keep the Patriots offense off the field but also for him to use his legs to loosen New England's defense up. This should be a fun game to watch, but the final outcome won't be fun for the Titans as the Pats should notch their seventh-straight win.
Redskins at Buccaneers (1 p.m., FOX)
The 'Skins are currently the frontrunners in the NFC East, but for how much longer? Players are dropping like flies. In their blowout loss to the Falcons, they lost both of their starting guards for the season and wide receiver Paul Richardson. Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams has been sidelined for a few weeks after having surgery on his dislocated right thumb. The Bucs have been playing like the lost boys. After starting the year 2-0, they have gone 1-5. Alex Smith and company have their work cut out for them, but I expect the 'Skins defense to bounce back after getting embarrassed by Atlanta. The 'Skins will hold onto first place for at least one more week.
Seahawks at Rams (4:25 p.m., CBS)
The 'Hawks can beat the likes of Oakland, Detroit, and Arizona but wilted against better competition like the Bears and Chargers. Back in Week 5, Seattle lost to the Rams by only two points. But that was then and this is now. The Rams are determined to prove that they will not let that loss in New Orleans crack them. Russell Wilson has been sacked 25 times this year, and the Rams will be coming after him. The Rams are 4-0 at home. Seattle is not the team to blemish their perfect home mark. The 'Hawks will drop to one game under 500.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.
