2010 NFL Week 10 preview

1. Is Jason Garrett the answer in Big D? » As mastermind and coordinator of the once-prolific Cowboys offense, Garrett was dubbed “Red Jesus,” and christened the heir apparent to the Dallas head coaching job. But upon his long-awaited promotion this week — replacing fired Wade Phillips — Garrett has been seen as one of the problems — not the solution— of the 1-7 Cowboys . His first assignment is difficult — on the road against the Giants. New York has won five straight in dominating fashion, averaging 6 yards per carry on first down. It will be interesting to watch the Cowboys in the second half of the season to see if Garrett can light a spark. – Kevin Dunleavy

2. Ryan vs. Ryan » It’s Sibling Rivalry Sunday as Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will host the Jets led by his twin, Rex. There’s only one thing that is certain in this game: The only thing more plentiful than the blitzes will be the expletives coming out of the twins’ mouths. Rex and Rob are definitely their father’s sons —tough on defense and as rough and tumble as they come. The Jets (6-2) stand a good chance to beat the underdog Browns (3-5), but Rob has never beaten Rex in an NFL game. While the brothers have often teamed up to fight others, reports of their few fraternal squabbles are legendary. Don’t expect Rob to let Rex take the family record to 4-0 without an all-out brawl. – Brian McNally

3. Are the Chiefs for real? » If so, then this is the week to prove it. Yes, winning on the road in the NFL is always difficult. But Kansas City sits at 5-3 in the AFC West and has a winnable game at Denver on Sunday afternoon. Once a house of horrors for the Chiefs, the Mile High City has watched its home team lose four in a row and apparently quit on its coach. A playoff team finds a way to get this win. Do so and Kansas City will hold a one-game lead on Oakland (5-4) and is two games up on resurgent San Diego (4-5). Both of those teams are on their bye this week. But lose to the Broncos and things get sticky in an up-for-grabs division. – Leon Saffelle

GAME OF THE WEEK

Patriots at Steelers, 8:20 p.m., ESPN
In the four games without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers scored more than 19 points one time. In the four games with him, they’ve scored 23 or more three times. But in this potential AFC Championship Game preview, the Patriots toughest task might be stopping Rashard Mendenhall, one week after getting pounded by Peyton Hillis. Mendenhall has rushed for 702 yards and seven touchdowns. Pittsburgh, obviously, needs to stop Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Their offense relies on his arm, but he’ll be facing the fourth-ranked defense (and first in points allowed). However, the Steelers are 24th vs. the pass. – John Keim

UPSET SPECIAL

San Francisco 49ers over St. Louis Rams
Fact: The 4-4 Rams have been one of the biggest surprises of the season. Fact: The 2-6 49ers are one of the worst teams in the NFL. But consider that San Francisco is 1-2 at home, and consider that those two losses were to the Saints (by three) and the Eagles (by three), and then factor in Troy Smith’s emergence —115.2 QB rating in San Francisco’s 24-16 win over Denver in the London Bowl. Is Sam Bradford really that good? Are the Rams really ready to take control of the NFC West? Nope, not yet. – James Irwin

PLAYER TO WATCH

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
This is an indirect way of writing about Randy Moss for the umpteenth time. But with the talented, but maligned, receiver now on the Titans, teams won’t be able to stack the line of scrimmage to stop Johnson. And that should make him even more dangerous. How will Miami handle him? There’s no way you can let Johnson run wild. Though he’s rushed for 721 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns, he’s coming off two subpar games (a combined 125 yards on 39 carries). Having Moss to deflect attention should help. – John Keim

FANTASY WATCH

Five to start
1. QB David Garrard » The last three games Garrard has started and finished, he’s thrown a combined nine touchdowns, including four last week vs. the Cowboys.
2. RB Jahvid Best » The Lions back is struggling with a toe injury, but a game against the Bills’ last-ranked rush defense (178.2 ypg) should help.
3. RB Thomas Jones » After two weeks of being held out of the end zone, Jones faces a Broncos’ defense that has allowed an NFL-high 14 rushing touchdowns this season.
4. WR Mike Wallace » The Steelers’ deep threat has had a touchdown in three of the four games since Ben Roethlisberger returned from his suspension.
5. WR Steve Johnson » The Bills are winless, but Johnson has been a nice find. He has 145 or more receiving yards in two of the last three games.

Five to sit
1. QB Tom Brady » After throwing for 300 yards in seven games last year, Brady hasn’t done it once this season — he ranks 14th in passing yards.
2. RB Peyton Hillis » He’s coming off a 184-yard rushing performance, but Hillis had 138 yards rushing the previous three weeks.
3. RB LaDainian Tomlinson » The Jets are looking for a more balanced approach and Tomlinson hasn’t broke 60 yards rushing for three games.
4. WR Jeremy Maclin » Michael Vick is back, but so is his favorite receiver DeSean Jackson. Maclin had just 48 yards last week.
5. WR Miles Austin » Man, his stock has fallen. Austin has been held to 38 yards or less in four of the last six games.
– Jeffrey Tomik

EXAMINER POWER RANKINGS

— Craig Stouffer