Wednesday 16 November 2016 13:45, UK
Last week against the Giants fan base, Sky Sports reporter Richard Graves slipped to his fifth defeat of the season. An 8-5 showing wasn't enough as the Giants put up 10 correct results.
We're over halfway through the season now, and the pressure is mounting on Richard to deliver.
This week he faces Carolina Panthers UK fan Richard Green, who is keen to impress after their team scraped a 13-10 win in week nine.
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens, Friday, 12:30am Sky Sports 1
Graves: The Cleveland Browns are staring an 0-16 season square in the face. Their problems were evident for all to see against the Cowboys last Sunday. For much of that game Ezekiel Elliott ran four yards before being touched, Dak Prescott was barely hit throughout the entire game, and mind numbing penalties were conceded at the most critical of times.
That being said, there is hope for Cleveland. In wide receivers, Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman, they have talented play-making threats, and quarterback Cody Kessler has shown flashes of promise. They have pieces but are still some way short of those pieces forming a competitive team.
The Baltimore Ravens have been struggling of late but brought an end to a four game losing streak against AFC North rivals, Pittsburgh Steelers. Wide receiver Mike Wallace's 95-yard touchdown may have been a highlight, but the return of veteran Steve Smith was also a big boost to the Ravens. That, aligned with a short turnaround and simply a better roster all point to another Baltimore win. Ravens
Green: Baltimore have just come off a good win against the Steelers, albeit Big Ben wasn't 100 per cent. But the Ravens defence was a force throughout. What can I say about the Browns? They have some talent with Isaiah Crowell, Coleman and Pryor, but Joe Flacco and co. will take this one. Ravens
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 6pm Sky Sports 2
Graves: After a 3-0 start the Eagles' season is in serious danger of derailing. Rookie QB Carson Wentz isn't being helped by poor wide receiver play, and in recent weeks that's led to turnovers. Not the ideal scenario when you're preparing to face one of the hottest offences in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons lead the league in points per game, passing yards, and sit No 2 in overall offence. Turnovers are going to be critical in deciding the outcome of this game. If the Eagles lose this battle, Atlanta will romp away with it but if they can eliminate these, their defence is good enough to make this close.
Philadelphia are giving up just 18 points per game compared to the Falcons who are averaging 28.8 points. Philadelphia's defence is good... but is it good enough to hang with the Falcons high flying offence? Probably not. Falcons
Green: This could be a tricky one for Matt Ryan and the high scoring Falcons. But with Wentz's great start to the season fading a little, interceptions are creeping in and the Eagles' running game is less than consistent. Ryan, accompanied by Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, will be too strong and pick up the win. Falcons
Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 9pm Sky Sports 2
Graves: The No 1 team in the NFC, No 1 ranked rushing attack and riding a seven game winning streak. The Dallas Cowboys continue to confound the experts with an offence led by rookies at QB and running back, behind an offensive line which many believe to be the best in football. This is a match-up which would appear to be headed just one way against a Pittsburgh Steelers team which has lost their last three... but don't be so sure.
The Steelers are a different team when playing at home - they're 3-1 there this season and have wracked up 114 points in four games. Compare that to just 70 on the road where they are 1-3. The stats suggest Big Ben [Roethlisberger], Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and co are simply more effective when in Pittsburgh.
That being said the Cowboys are an incredible 15-5 in their last 20 regular season road games, including 4-0 this season. At times such as this, it's prudent to ride with the hot hand. Cowboys
Green: This will all depend on how fit Ben Roethlisberger is. If 100 per cent then we have a game on our hands, but if not then Dak Prescott can take charge and Ezekiel Elliott will do what he does best.
Last week saw the first real quiet week from Bell so an improved performance from him will be key. It's a close one but I think the Cowboys edge it and move to 8-1. Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks @ New England Patriots, Monday, 1am Sky Sports 2
Graves: Some will feel the Seahawks got away with one in beating the Bills on Monday night but love them or hate them, you simply have to respect the way this Seattle defence plays in the clutch. Once again they rank in the top 10 in nearly all of the NFL's major defensive categories. That said, this week's opponents aren't too shabby either.
The Patriots, at 7-1 have the joint best record in the NFL. Their defence is ranked second in points allowed, giving up an average of 16.5 points per game and then there's their offence. Tom Brady has the highest passer rating of any QB this season and New England are undefeated since he returned from his suspension. Crucially, he's proved he can overcome the Legion of Boom.
As with the Cowboys, it's tough to pick against one of the strongest teams in the NFL, and New England have just looked dominant - no matter what the opposition this season and no matter the players they've had to play without.
What about the Buffalo Bills shutting them out in week four, I hear some cry? Well, four weeks later, New England went into Buffalo and comfortably handled them. I don't see the status quo changing this week. Patriots
Green: The main event! Russell Wilson looked back to his old self again last week and Brady is on a mission since coming back from suspension. A huge game for the Seattle's defence, can they keep Brady quiet?
I think Brady will find a way to his wide receivers, and of course there is always record-breaking Rob Gronkowski to worry about. I can see a valiant effort from Seahawks but the Pats take this one. Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Giants, Tuesday, 1:30am Sky Sports 1
Graves: A big game to close out week 10 takes place in New York. The Giants, riding a three game winning streak know they have to keep winning to stay in touch with Dallas in the NFC East. While the Bengals, at 3-4-1, are still below .500 and desperately need a win to maintain their play-off hopes.
Big Blue's highly paid defence has shown signs of life recently. Safety Landon Collins has three interceptions in their last two games but the problems are still there offensively. In a system that doesn't really stretch the field, they've also allowed opponents to stay in games by turning the ball over. That needs to stop if they are to win on Monday night.
The Bengals players left Wembley and headed into their bye week a frustrated bunch. The return of Tyler Eifert has clearly helped their offence though and the combination of Eifert and A.J. Green in the passing game, alongside Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard out of the backfield will give the Giants all they can handle.
The question is, can Cincinnati's defence handle Odell Beckham Jr and co? This feels like a coin flip game and although their record might not suggest this, I feel the Bengals are a better team. It may well be their last chance to prove it if they harbour serious post season aspirations. Bengals
Green: Tricky one to predict. With the Bengals coming off a bye they should be well rested, but the team also had to deal with travelling back from London. The Giants hold home advantage, with the added bonus of Eli Manning and Beckham Jr coming off a great 28-23 win against the Eagles.
The Bengals have a better running game with Hill and Bernard and the expensive NY defence needs to step up. Unfortunately for Giants fans, I don't think it will be this week. Tyler Eifert will be a key player in this one and with A.J. Green catching passes too, Cincinnati will come out on top, just. Bengals
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