NFL Week 10 picks straight up, against the spread: Do Vikings win in Kirk Cousins' return? - USA Today

Direct Source Verification: This story is aggregated from USA Today (usatoday.com). Full reporting rights and copyright belong to the primary publisher.
The second half of the 2026 NFL season officially kicks off Thursday night from the Meadowlands, where the New York Giants will host the Washington Commanders − both teams hoping for a result more satisfying than a tie.

The second half of the 2026 NFL season officially kicks off Thursday night from the Meadowlands, where the New York Giants will host the Washington Commanders − both teams hoping for a result more satisfying than a tie.

Sunday morning, the final game of the league's 2026 European swing will be played in Munich, where the Detroit Lions and German-American WR Amon-Ra St. Brown will face the laboring New England Patriots.

Sunday afternoon's early stateside window features quite a treat, where QB Kirk Cousins is expected to begin his second stint with the Minnesota Vikings by visiting the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field − he tore his Achilles there in 2023 in his last start for the Vikes − in a matchup of six-win teams in the airtight NFC North. Later in the day, Cousins' former understudy in Las Vegas, Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, will make his first regular-season start for the Raiders, who host the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks and their top-ranked defense. The day will conclude in Cincinnati, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Bengals, that game's winner taking outright possession of first place in the AFC North.

Week 10 concludes Monday night in Baltimore, where the winless Los Angeles Chargers will try to upset the Ravens and their new starting quarterback (for now), Jacoby Brissett.

How does a potentially wild weekend shake out? USA TODAY Sports' panel of NFL experts render their outlooks:

Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it. 

Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our editorial recommendations are made independently of that compensation.

Original Source
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl-picks/2026/11/12/nfl-week-10-picks-spread-predictions-locks-kirk-cousins-vikings-packers-steelers-bengals/92737854007/
Visit USA Today ↗
SHARE STORY:
𝕏 f in

Related Coverage in Technology