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Eight plays that explain Week 10

Each week, the Around The NFL crew will choose the plays that defined Sunday.

If the referees keep the flags in their pocket, the Saints win the game and the 49ers' playoff hopes might be dashed. Graham extended both arms, however, pushing Perrish Cox for an obvious pass interference call -- despite the tight end's vehement protestations to the contrary. The penalty negated a "Hail Mary" touchdown that would have ended the game. The 49ers went on to win in overtime. -- Chris Wesseling

Four plays after Carson Palmer went down with an apparent season-ending knee injury, backup quarterback Drew Stanton dialed up dynamic rookie John Brown for a diving 48-yard touchdown bomb to take a fourth-quarter lead over the Rams. The Cardinals never looked back, cruising to a 31-14 victory. -- Chris Wesseling

When he's on, Dez Bryant is simply magic to watch. -- Marc Sessler

On a day when Alex Smith was hit nearly every time he dropped back to pass, his legs made a huge difference. An incredible 12-yard scramble early in the game set up a field goal, and this read option play in the fourth quarter gave the Chiefs the lead. Kansas City's advantage at quarterback showed up against Kyle Orton. --Gregg Rosenthal

C.J. Anderson deserves all the credit for the first of five Peyton Manning touchdown passes against the Raiders. The Broncos running back made a one-handed catch on Manning's third-down checkdown pass, ran through three arm tackles and then swerved his way to the end zone. With one high-effort play, the Broncos seized momentum and never looked back. -- Dan Hanzus

The New York Jets have been toasted by the deep ball all season, so you can imagine the shock in the Meadowlands when Michael Vick connected with T.J. Graham on a 67-yard touchdown against the Steelers. Vick threw a beautiful ball in what was the signature play of a vintage performance by the veteran quarterback. -- Dan Hanzus

Matthew Stafford hasn't been perfect this season, but he's closed out three straight games slinging some beautiful passes. Sunday's game-winning touchdown pass encapsulates Stafford's gunslinger mentality as he sidearms on the move and drops a dime to Theo Riddick. For three-plus quarters Stafford appears like he's trying to hide his inner gunslinger, only to let the demon loose at the end of games. If he figures out how to balance the two is when he'll make the leap. Side note: The catch by Riddick was equally fantastic. Lions fans know Reggie Bush drops that ball. --Kevin Patra

The Ravens make a gutsy call on a fourth-and-1 early, especially when you consider the fact that Tennessee was leading and had all the momentum heading into halftime. This play was made by Justin Forsett, though. He was asked to go backwards first on a fourth-and-1 and ends up beating Kamerion Wimbley to the edge. He uses his superb balance to tiptoe up the line for a huge touchdown. --Conor Orr

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Week 10 game from an action-packed Sunday. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

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