NFL Week 10 preview: It's make-or-break for teams in playoff contention
What is on tap this week?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 2020 NFL season has reached Week 10 and things aren’t getting any easier in terms of handling the coronavirus.
Several teams are dealing with a handful of positive tests among staff members, players and other personnel. But so far, the NFL has not had to postpone any games as it did earlier in the season.
Thursday night football is expected to happen, as well as every other game set for this week.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts kick the week off with a pretty important AFC South matchup that will have playoff implications down the line. The undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers are in action on Sunday while the Buffalo Bills hope to continue their impressive season.
The Colts, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots are among the teams who need wins this week to stay in contention in the AFC playoff hunt. And on the other side, the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and the entire NFC East is right there, as well. This will be a big week for teams who are really in need of a win to stay in their races.
The Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets each have bye weeks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Here’s what else you need to know for the 10th week of the season.
NFL WEEK 10 POWER RANKINGS: SAINTS SURGE AFTER DOMINATING WIN OVER BUCS
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}TITANS (6-2) VS. COLTS (5-3)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Thursday night football features a big game between the Titans and the Colts. Both teams have played well this season and are vying for the AFC South title. The Colts have won three out of their last four matchups against the Titans.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 34-16 Colts
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DATE: Nov. 12
TIME (EST): 8:20 p.m.
WHERE: Nissan Stadium
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WATCH: FOX/NFL Network/Amazon
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PANTHERS (3-6) VS. BUCCANEERS (6-3)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts as he leaves the field after throwing an interception against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
The Buccaneers are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Saints. The Panthers narrowly lost to the Chiefs last week. Tampa Bay is looking for the season sweep of Carolina in this game.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 24-16 Panthers
DATE: Nov. 15
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}TIME (EST): 1 p.m.
WHERE: Bank of America Stadium
WATCH: FOX
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BROWNS (5-3) VS. TEXANS (2-6)
Browns star running back Nick Chubb has been designated to return from injured reserve after missing four games with a sprained knee. Chubb got hurt in Cleveland's Oct. 4 win at Dallas. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
The Browns are coming off of a bye week and before that a loss to the Raiders. The Texans got their second win of the season over the Jaguars last week. This is only the 11th matchup in the franchises’ histories. Houston defeated Cleveland in the last game in December 2018, 29-13.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}ALL-TIME SERIES: 7-3 Texans
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 1 p.m.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WHERE: FirstEnergy Stadium
WATCH: CBS
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LIONS (3-5) VS. WASHINGTON (2-6)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is helped off the field after getting injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Washington will try to stay afloat after a loss to the Giants last weekend. The Lions were blown out by the Vikings. The last time these two teams met was in October 2016. Detroit won that game, 20-17.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 28-14 Washington
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 1 p.m.
WHERE: Ford Field
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WATCH: FOX
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PACKERS (6-2) VS. JAGUARS (1-7)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jamar Taylor (47) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
The Packers and Jaguars faceoff Sunday afternoon. Aaron Rodgers put on a show against the 49ers last week. Jake Luton will try, somehow, to pick the Jaguars up and upset Green Bay on the road. The two teams are in their seventh meeting all-time and haven’t played each other since October 2012.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 4-2 Packers
DATE: Nov. 15
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}TIME (EST): 1 p.m.
WHERE: Lambeau Field
WATCH: FOX
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GIANTS (2-7) VS. EAGLES (3-4-1)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) pointing upwards after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. Also on the field is teammate wide receiver Austin Mack (81). (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The Giants and Eagles had a classic matchup in their first meeting of the season and will look to outdo themselves. Oddly, both teams are still in contention for the NFC East title.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}ALL-TIME SERIES: 86-83-2 Eagles
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 1 p.m.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WHERE: MetLife Stadium
WATCH: FOX
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CARDINALS (5-3) VS. BILLS (7-2)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. With the NFC East a total mess, the conference's West Division is so strong that three teams, possibly all four, figure to challenge for the playoffs. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Bills will look to build off an impressive win over the Seahawks on Sunday. They fly across the country to face the Cardinals. Last week, Arizona lost by three points to the Dolphins.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 7-4 Bills
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: State Farm Stadium
WATCH: CBS
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RAIDERS (5-3) VS. BRONCOS (3-5)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isaiah Johnson, left, and strong safety Johnathan Abram (24) celebrate after the Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Raiders and Broncos meet for the first time this season. Las Vegas picked up a close win over the Chargers and Denver’s comeback against the Falcons fell short. Jon Gruden is 3-11 all-time against the Broncos.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 64-53-2 Raiders
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Allegiant Stadium
WATCH: CBS
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CHARGERS (2-6) VS. DOLPHINS (5-3)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Tua Tagovailoa goes up against Justin Herbert in a battle of rookie quarterbacks. Both players have looked great all season while the Dolphins and Chargers’ seasons have been up and down.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 16-14 Dolphins
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Hard Rock Stadium
WATCH: CBS
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RAMS (5-3) VS. SEAHAWKS (6-2)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates with wide receiver DK Metcalf, center, after Wilson passed to Metcalf for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Scott Eklund)
The Seahawks and Rams battle in the marquee matchup of the late afternoon. Seattle lost to the Bills last week and the Rams were on a bye. Los Angeles beat Seattle in their last matchup in December 2019.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 24-19 Seahawks
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 4:25 p.m.
WHERE: SoFi Stadium
WATCH: FOX
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SAINTS (6-2) VS. 49ERS (4-5)
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (10) celebrates with teammates, including wide receiver wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Drew Brees and the Saints showed last week that they are a real threat in the NFC South. New Orleans will try to push past the 49ers, who have struggled with injuries all season long.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 48-26-2 49ers
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 4:25 p.m.
WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
WATCH: FOX
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STEELERS (8-0) VS. BENGALS (2-5-1)
In this Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, in Cincinnati. There’s no shortage of high draft picks making huge impact around the league, especially on offense with the instant success of players like Burrow. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The Steelers are off to their best start in franchise history. With eight straight wins to start the season, the Bengals will look to play spoiler.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 64-35 Steelers
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 4:25 p.m.
WHERE: Heinz Field
WATCH: FOX
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PATRIOTS (3-5) VS. RAVENS (6-2)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay (13) runs around Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) in the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Patriots narrowly defeated the Jets on Monday night and hope to carry some momentum into their game against the Ravens. Baltimore is itching to stay on track in a bid for the AFC North title.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 8-2 Patriots
DATE: Nov. 15
TIME (EST): 8:20 p.m.
WHERE: Gillette Stadium
WATCH: NBC
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BEARS (5-4) VS. VIKINGS (3-5)
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
In an NFC North matchup, the Bears host the Vikings. It’s a pretty big game for both teams though it might not be the most entertaining game to finish Week 10.
ALL-TIME SERIES: 60-55-2 Vikings
DATE: Nov. 16
TIME (EAT): 8:15 p.m.
WHERE: Soldier Field
WATCH: ESPN