The NFL’s Week 10 unfolds with a fresh intensity as Kirk Cousins returns to Minnesota, Fernando Mendoza prepares for his first career start, and Carson Beck makes his debut. These quarterback storylines emerge amid a season reshaped by Tuesday’s trade deadline, as the league crosses the halfway point of the 2026 regular season.
Several teams face critical tests this Sunday. The Detroit Lions visit the New England Patriots in Germany at 9:30 a.m. ET. CBS Sports NFL writer John Breech notes the Patriots’ passing defense has struggled recently, ranking among the worst. Meanwhile, Jared Goff ranks in the top five for passing yards per game this year. Breech expects the Lions to put up a high-scoring performance, predicting a 34-27 win for Detroit. However, he warns Patriots’ coach Mike Vrabel might need a strong drink after the matchup, referencing Drake Maye’s difficulties against teams with winning records, including 11 interceptions to nine touchdowns in those games.
At 1 p.m. ET, the Buffalo Bills face the New York Jets. CBS Sports Senior NFL analyst Pete Prisco favors the Bills, citing their recent hard-fought victory over Minnesota and improving defense. Prisco expects Josh Allen to dismantle the Jets’ defense and predicts a 34-21 win for Buffalo.
The Carolina Panthers take on the New Orleans Saints in another 1 p.m. ET game. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has a 1-5 record against the Saints but looks poised for a turnaround. CBS Sports NFL writer Tyler Sullivan points to Young’s recent improvement, including a 71.7% completion rate and three touchdowns in a loss to Denver. Sullivan highlights the Saints’ secondary as vulnerable, allowing 7.3 yards per attempt, tied for fifth-worst in the league. New Orleans’ home struggles compound the challenge, with a 1-4 record straight-up and 0-5 against the spread at the Superdome this season. Sullivan backs Carolina to edge the Saints 24-21.
The Houston Texans host the Cleveland Browns, with Texans favored by 4.5 points. Breech focuses on the battle between Deshaun Watson and the Texans’ defense, which leads the NFL in sacks. Watson has been sacked 33 times this season, the most among quarterbacks, and Breech predicts another difficult outing, with Watson possibly facing 10 sacks. He projects a 24-16 win for Houston.
Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Tennessee Titans, favored by 10.5 points. Prisco notes the Jaguars’ momentum after a recent victory at Baltimore and the boost from trade deadline moves. Tennessee is coming off a bye, but Prisco expects Jacksonville to continue their strong form with a 31-17 win in Nashville.
The Week 10 slate excludes Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay, all on bye.
SportsLine’s projection model, which simulates each NFL game 10,000 times and has posted over $5,000 in profits for $100 bettors since its inception, offers additional insights for bettors. CBS Sports and SportsLine provide betting picks against the spread, survivor pool advice, and more for each game.
Among the rookies, Mendoza and Beck will be under scrutiny. Mendoza’s first start and Beck’s debut add intrigue beyond the expected matchups. The Patriots-Lions game in Germany also stands out as an unusual international stage for high-profile quarterback action.
As the league moves into the second half of the season, the combination of rookie starts, returning veterans, and fresh trade deadline additions promises shifts in team fortunes and playoff trajectories. SportsLine expert R.J. White has identified the Jaguars’ double-digit spread as a popular survivor pool pick this week, underscoring Jacksonville’s rising status.
This weekend’s games will offer a clearer picture of which teams can sustain their early-season success and which contenders might stumble.
According to CBS.
