NFL Gridiron Guide Week 10 picks: Jets' struggles continue vs. Steelers; Giants cover in Seattle

STEELERS (6-3) at JETS (1-8), 1 p.m.

Steelers by 5; O/U: 45 1/2

TV: Ch. 2; Radio: ESPN (98.7)

As I've watched the Steelers and QB Ben Roethlisberger the last two weeks, I need to paraphrase the great Vince Lombardi's classic sideline rant: "What the [heck] is going on out here?'' Two straight weeks, Big Ben has thrown for six TD passes, an NFL record. The Steelers' offense reminds me of the old Chargers' "Air Coryell'' days. Roethlisberger's numbers the last two games are insane: 65 of 86 for 862 yards with 12 TDs and zero INTs. And get this: His 12 TDs the last two weeks are four more than Jets QBs have thrown all season! (Geno Smith has seven; Michael Vick one). Gang Green has lost eight straight and is 1-7-1 ATS. Don't look up, John Idzik: How many aerial banners will we see over MetLife Stadium?

The pick: Steelers

GIANTS (3-5) at SEAHAWKS (5-3), 4:25 p.m.

Seahawks by 9; O/U: 44

TV: Ch. 5; Radio: WFAN (660, 101.9)

The Giants continue a murderous four-game stretch in November with the defending champ Seahawks, followed by home tilts with the 49ers and Cowboys. Safety Antrel Rolle, never one to shy away from words, called the Giants' sideline "dead'' during games. But there's hope, Giants fans. These Seahawks are not last season's Seahawks. Yeah, I know: Seattle is 20-2 overall in its last 22 home games, and 22-10 against the spread (ATS) in its last 32 home bouts. But Seattle has dropped four straight covers, and has only beaten two opponents by double digits this season. (I'd recommend buying a point here, if the line doesn't bump to 10.) This amounts to a playoff game in November for Tom Coughlin & Co. I think the Giants battle until the end.

The pick: Giants

49ERS (4-4) at SAINTS (4-4)

Saints by 5; O/U: 49

Jerry Rice believes he knows what's wrong with his beloved Niners. It comes down to where coach Jim Harbaugh will be next season. "I think he's gone,'' Rice said. GM Trent Baalke added, "There are some things broken,'' when talking about the 49ers. Ouch. For my money, Harbaugh is coaching elsewhere next season. The Saints are always a great home follow (35-16 ATS last 51). However, the Niners could very well be playing for their season here. This is too big a number for me, especially with the 49ers being off a loss. They're 25-11-1 ATS in last 37 games after a defeat.

The pick: 49ers

COWBOYS (6-3) vs. JAGUARS (1-8), at London

OFF (Dallas QB questionable)

Radio: WNYM (970)

Jerry Jones joked that he would bump his wife, Gene, from first class to coach so that QB Tony Romo and his injured back could be more comfy during the flight to London? Now, that's true love. Of course, I was talking about Jones and Romo. Dallas (which figures to be a 7-point spread if Romo is a go) gets back on track.

The pick: Cowboys

DOLPHINS (5-3) at LIONS (6-2)

Lions by 2 1/2; O/U: 43 1/2

Could be the best game this week. Miami has covered three straight, and last week beat San Diego, 37-0. Lions are off a bye, and expect WR Calvin Johnson back. Three of last four Lions' games have been decided by three or fewer points. Works for me.

The pick: Dolphins

CHIEFS (5-3) at BILLS (5-3)

Chiefs by 2; O/U: 42

Bills, off a bye and in playoff hunt, have dropped three straight covers at home. K.C. has covered six of its last seven, and is 10-3 ATS on the road under Andy Reid.

The pick: Chiefs

TITANS (2-6) at RAVENS (5-4)

Ravens by 9 1/2; O/U: 44

I know that the Titans have lost six of their last seven and are 1-5-1 ATS in that span. However, as much as I like the Ravens to bounce back off big loss to Steelers, they are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of eight or more points dating to 2010 season. Worth a shot.

The pick: Titans

FALCONS (2-6) at BUCS (1-7)

Falcons by 2 1/2; O/U: 46

In uneventful news: The sun rose in the East and set in the West. Oh, and the Bucs have named Josh McCown as their starting QB over Mike Glennon. In fact, Glennon made the announcement for his team during a radio spot Tuesday night. True story. Falcons are off a bye and should get their first road cover of '14.

The pick: Falcons

BRONCOS (6-2) at RAIDERS (0-8), 4:05 p.m.

Broncos by 11 1/2; O/U: 49

The two biggest surprises of Week 9 to me were Miami's shutout of the Chargers and the Broncos' poor showing vs. the Patriots. Luckily for the Broncos they get the Raiders, who battled Seattle tough last week and covered. That won't happen here as Denver is 7-0 ATS off a straight-up loss, and 5-1 ATS in last six at the Black Hole.

The pick: Broncos

RAMS (3-5) at CARDINALS (7-1), 4:25 p.m.

Cardinals by 7; O/U: 43

Arizona is 6-2 ATS this season. It's also 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games vs. losing teams. But the underdog has covered four of the last five in this rivalry.

The pick: Rams

BEARS (3-5) at PACKERS (5-3), 8:30 p.m.

Packers by 7; O/U: 53 1/2

TV: Ch. 4; Radio: WFAN (660, 101.9)

As much as I like to take the more desperate team in these divisional games -- and that would be the Bears -- it's tough to back Jay Cutler against Green Bay. The Melancholy One is 1-9 all-time vs. Green Bay with 13 TDs and 19 INTs. Yikes! Bears are 7-16-1 ATS in two seasons under coach Marc Trestman. On the other side, Green Bay gave its coach, Mike McCarthy, a multiyear extension this week. The Packers are 9-1 ATS in last 10 games off a bye.

The pick: Packers

PANTHERS (3-5-1) at EAGLES (6-2), 8:30 p.m.

Eagles by 6 1/2; O/U: 48

TV: ESPN; Radio: WCBS (880)

Nick Foles got injured butt thanks to Mark Sanchez, the Eagles' offense didn't miss a beat. Now, the former Jet can make his infamous Butt Fumble a distant memory. I believe Sanchez will do well for the Birds. However, Carolina needs a win here and should keep it close.

The pick: Panthers

STAFF PICKS (against the spread; best bets in caps)

JOHN BOELL (70-62-1, 4-5 best bets; Last week: 7-6)

Giants Steelers 49ers Cowboys Dolphins CHIEFS Titans Falcons Broncos Rams Packers Panthers

BOB GLAUBER (65-67-1, 4-5; Last week: 6-7)

Giants Jets 49ers Cowboys Lions Chiefs Ravens Bucs Broncos Cardinals PACKERS Eagles

TOM ROCK (66-66-1, 4-5; Last week: 5-8)

Seahawks Jets Saints Cowboys Lions Bills Titans Falcons BRONCOS Cardinals Packers Panthers

KIMBERLEY A. MARTIN (68-64-1, 3-6; Last week: 7-6)

Seahawks Jets Saints Jaguars Lions Bills Titans Falcons Broncos Cardinals PACKERS Eagles