MVP Battle In Tampa: NFL Week 10 Preview

By Noah Mason

Noah Martin brings you four things to keep an eye on this weekend as the 2025 NFL season hits Week 10:

Unexpected MVP Battle

It might be a week after Halloween, but the NFL is giving out an absolute treat this weekend in the form of a Patriots versus Buccaneers clash. Although Tom Brady is not quarterbacking either of these teams this weekend, the quarterback play from both sides has been exceptional with Drake Maye and Baker Mayfield. Both teams have enjoyed great success this season, with the Patriots sitting at 7-2 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers having the potential to go to 7-2 this weekend, currently at 6-2.

Tampa Bay has been in fine form this season, all led by the brilliant Baker Mayfield. Mayfield currently has 1919 passing yards, which has resulted in 13 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His stats this year have been exceptional, but Baker cannot be quantified in just numbers. He is so much more than that. Baker is the type of quarterback who can galvanize an offense with a single play, and his willingness to run through a brick wall for his teammates has already made him a Tampa Bay legend. One player who has already struck a strong connection with the former OU quarterback is Emeka Egbuka, who is due to return from injury this game week. In the games he has featured in this year, Egbuka has been exceptional, already staking his claim as a future number one wide receiver. If the Patriots want to stop this dangerous Buccaneers offense, it starts with slowing down this electric tandem.

Drake Maye has been on an absolute heater this season, and even a cold New England winter will struggle to cool down his hot streak. Maye has ended the Patriots’ not so long wait for a franchise quarterback since Tom Brady’s departure. He has thrown for over 2000 yards this season, and his accuracy and poise in the pocket have Patriots fans excited at the prospect of playoff football returning. He is not a one-man band, however. This Patriots defense is serious. They are the best at stopping the run and will force Tampa Bay to throw the ball at every opportunity, making running the football a difficult task for the impressive Bucky Irving. I expect a high-scoring affair, but the Buccaneers may have just enough to get past the Patriots.

First Look At Blockbuster Trades In Action

No one expected the Indianapolis Colts to be this good this season, but here we are at week 10 with them firmly in the race to get the number one seed. They will go into their matchup against the Falcons full of confidence despite losing last week, especially now that they have star cornerback Sauce Gardner. This should be an interesting game as both teams are coming off a loss and will be eager to correct their mistakes.

The Colts’ success is strongly tied to their run game. If Jonathan Taylor is flying, then so are the Colts. If you can stifle the run and force Daniel Jones to throw consistently, he will make mistakes. The Steelers exposed this last week, holding Jonathan Taylor to 45 yards and forcing Daniel Jones into three interceptions. The Colts’ offensive line creates so many holes for the running game that it makes Taylor’s life easier. Sauce Gardner will be the main storyline this weekend after the Colts traded two first-round picks for the lockdown cornerback. He will be up against one of the best wide receivers in the league in Drake London. This will be a fascinating battle as Sauce tries to prove his high value in this Lou Anarumo defense.

The Falcons are built similarly to the Colts, just worse at executing what they do. Bijan Robinson is arguably the best running back in the league, but behind the Falcons’ offensive line, he does not see the same success as his counterpart, Jonathan Taylor. Michael Penix has struggled at times this season, as his processing speed in the pocket needs to improve. The bigger problem for Atlanta seems to be mentality. They are 0-5 this year when trailing in games. This speaks to a lack of willpower combined with a poor passing game, making it difficult for the Falcons to recover once they fall behind. I believe the Colts will handle this game professionally.

49ers Rams Rematch

The Rams take on the 49ers in a much-anticipated rematch after the first fixture ended in an exciting overtime, with the 49ers winning 26-23. The Rams will be looking to right the wrongs from that disappointing night as they enter this divisional game. This is an iconic matchup with a historical record of 79-71-3 in favor of the 49ers. Vegas expects a high-scoring game with the over-under set at 50.5 points.

The Rams’ offense has been in great form this season, led by the consistently brilliant Matthew Stafford. Stafford can go through his progressions at sensational speed, making the game feel like it moves in slow motion. The Rams are riding a three-game win streak and will look to exploit a heavily injured 49ers lineup, especially along the defensive line. I would expect them to run the ball more than usual to exploit this balance.

Injuries have always been part of the 49ers’ story, and this season is no different. They have had injuries at several key positions, including quarterback, where Brock Purdy’s return is still in question. Despite this, the running game is thriving again, led by former offensive player of the year Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers will be hoping McCaffrey can lead them to another victory, but I believe the trenches will ultimately decide the game, and the Rams may come out on top due to 49ers’ injuries.

Predictions

This is how I see week 10 of the NFL going!

✅ Covers the spread

⚠️ Favourite wins but does not cover

🏈 Underdog predicted to win outright

#

Away Team

Home Team

Spread (Favored Team)

Prediction

1

Las Vegas Raiders

Denver Broncos

Broncos –9.5

Broncos ⚠️

2

Atlanta Falcons

Indianapolis Colts

Colts –6.5

Colts ✅

3

New Orleans Saints

Carolina Panthers

Panthers –5.5

Panthers ✅

4

New York Giants

Chicago Bears

Bears –4.5

Giants 🏈

5

Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston Texans

Texans –1.5

Texans ✅

6

Buffalo Bills

Miami Dolphins

Bills –9.5

Bills ⚠️

7

Baltimore Ravens

Minnesota Vikings

Ravens –4.5

Ravens ✅

8

Cleveland Browns

New York Jets

Browns –2.5

Browns ✅

9

New England Patriots

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers –2.5

Buccaneers ✅

10

Arizona Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks –6.5

Seahawks ⚠️

11

Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco 49ers

Rams –4.5

Rams ✅

12

Detroit Lions

Washington Commanders

Lions –8.5

Lions ✅

13

Pittsburgh Steelers

Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers –3.0

Steelers 🏈

14

Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay Packers

Packers –2.5

Eagles ✅

Noah Mason

NFL/CFB Writer

Noah is an aspiring journalist who shares some interesting takes on this great game, whether it be College or the NFL. Born and based in London, but developed a love for American Football in the States, follow Noah on Twitter @NoahMasonn

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