McCaffrey

NFL Week 10 best bets: Why you should consider Lions, Eagles and Bills

Lorenzo Reyes is back with his top three best bets ahead of the much-anticipated Sunday NFL games.

As we embark on the second half of the 2024 NFL season, excitement is palpable across the league.

With nine weeks now behind us, the NFL has officially crossed the midway point of this year’s thrilling campaign. From the intense playoff chase to the race for individual awards, very little remains settled, with numerous teams still holding significant opportunities to elevate their performances and secure their postseason berths. And if Thursday night’s heart-pounding showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens offers any insight, the remaining two months of the season are poised to deliver a series of electrifying matchups.

With all that in mind, here are bold predictions for NFL Week 10 games from several of USA TODAY Sports’ dedicated writers and editors:

Christian McCaffrey will score 2 TDs…and produce more receiving yards than rushing yards

Christian McCaffrey is set to make his highly anticipated 2024 debut for the 49ers at Tampa Bay, and it’s sure to be a memorable one. While Jordan Mason admirably filled the void to maintain the running game, amassing 685 yards at an impressive 5.3 yards per carry, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year will showcase his exceptional skills as a versatile weapon out of the backfield. The 49ers have genuinely missed CMC’s influence in the passing game—especially critical given the injuries that have impacted San Francisco’s receiving corps. As McCaffrey finally recovers from his Achilles setback, expect to see a noticeable boost in Brock Purdy’s passing stats; with CMC able to run routes as adeptly as a professional wide receiver, he will create openings for other targets as well. Anticipate CMC to find the end zone twice on Sunday, showcasing his rejuvenated legs, and to accumulate over 100 total yards from scrimmage on the field in Tampa, with a significant portion of that production coming via the passing game.

— Jarrett Bell

DeAndre Hopkins will surpass 100 receiving yards for first time this year

DeAndre Hopkins is poised to establish himself firmly as the Chiefs’ new No. 1 wide receiver in the upcoming matchup.

Hopkins hasn’t surpassed 100 receiving yards in a single game since Week 14 of the previous season, creating a buzz around his performance expectations. In his second home game in Kansas City against a formidable Denver pass defense featuring the talented cornerback Pat Surtain II, expect Hopkins to finally breach the century mark. He is projected to achieve over 100 receiving yards and secure one touchdown, marking three touchdowns in his first three outings wearing a Chiefs uniform. Hopkins’ standout performance will play a crucial role in propelling the Chiefs to an impressive 9-0 record, making them only the fifth reigning Super Bowl champion to achieve this feat. Moreover, Patrick Mahomes’ mastery over the AFC West opponents will remain unchallenged; a win would elevate his record to an astounding 33-5 against divisional rivals.

– Tyler Dragon

Blowouts sweep league in uneven matchups

The NFL has enjoyed an exhilarating stretch with a remarkable record of close games, with 75 contests determined by seven points or fewer. However, this exciting trend may face a hiccup this week, as several matchups appear to be particularly one-sided. Five of my picks for Week 10 feature projected point differentials of at least 21 points. The upcoming clash between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings is expected to be especially lopsided, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence unlikely to play due to a shoulder injury. The New Orleans Saints going up against the Atlanta Falcons, the Denver Broncos visiting the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans taking on the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Dallas Cowboys clashing with the Philadelphia Eagles may also face substantial challenges.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

**Interview with Lorenzo Reyes: Week 10 NFL Best Bets**

**Interviewer:** Welcome back to our sports segment, Lorenzo! As we‌ dive into Week 10 of the NFL, you’ve highlighted the Lions, Eagles,⁢ and Bills as your top betting picks. What makes these teams stand out this week?

**Lorenzo Reyes:** Thanks for having ​me! Each of these teams has been performing at a high level recently. The ⁤Lions, for instance, have a‌ dynamic offense that’s hard to contain, especially against ⁣a defense that struggles as much ​as their opponent’s does.⁢ The Eagles are riding a wave of momentum right now, and with their⁤ balanced attack, they can exploit weaknesses in any ​defense. The Bills, on the other hand, are ‌starting to get healthy again, and Josh Allen’s ability⁤ to make plays adds a layer of unpredictability that defensive coordinators are finding difficult to counter.

**Interviewer:** Interesting insights! The NFL season has reached its midpoint, and there​ seems to be a lot at stake for many teams. How do you see the playoff race shaping up, especially for these three teams?

**Lorenzo Reyes:** This ‌is where the season gets critical. All three teams are in strong positions to contend for playoff spots. The Lions are emerging as real contenders in the NFC, while the ⁤Eagles are looking to secure home-field advantage. The Bills need to maintain their current form to fend off divisional rivals and stay ahead in the AFC playoff picture. Their performances‍ over these ​next few weeks will be key for their postseason aspirations.

**Interviewer:** ​You⁢ also mentioned Christian McCaffrey’s return and some bold predictions surrounding him. What ‌should fans expect from his performance this week against Tampa Bay?

**Lorenzo ‌Reyes:** McCaffrey’s return is ​definitely highly anticipated! I expect him to have a ⁤significant⁤ impact in both the‍ running and⁢ passing games. He’s not just ⁣a running back; he’s a‍ versatile weapon. I predict he’ll score at least two touchdowns ⁢and have more receiving yards than rushing yards, showcasing‌ his skills as ‍a dual-threat player. His ​presence will certainly elevate the performance ‍of quarterback Brock Purdy ‌and the ⁤entire 49ers offense.

**Interviewer:** And what about DeAndre Hopkins? You believe ‌he might hit the 100-receiving‍ yards mark for the first time this year. What’s your reasoning behind that?

**Lorenzo​ Reyes:** Absolutely! Hopkins is becoming a focal point for the Chiefs’ offense. He’s been​ getting ​more integrated into the game ‌plan, ‌and with his experience and skill set, I see him being able to take advantage of matchups ‌against‌ the defense. If he gets the targets⁣ he deserves, surpassing 100 yards ⁢is very much on the table.

**Interviewer:** Great predictions ⁣as always, Lorenzo! As we prepare for ⁢these thrilling matchups, any final thoughts ⁣for our viewers?

**Lorenzo Reyes:** Just buckle up! The⁣ second half of the season promises lots of excitement and surprises. Keep an eye on these games; they could have massive implications for the playoff picture, and⁢ don’t forget to enjoy the ‌thrilling moments ​that come with‌ it!

**Interviewer:** Thanks, Lorenzo! We appreciate ​your insights, ‍and good luck with your picks this‍ week!