As the 2024 NFL season barrels into Week 10, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Divisional rivalries are heating up, the playoff picture is starting to come into focus, and fantasy football managers are scrambling to optimize their lineups. In a week brimming with consequential clashes, which teams will rise to the occasion and which will falter under pressure?
Game of the Week: 49ers vs. Buccaneers
The marquee matchup of Week 10 pits the resurgent San Francisco 49ers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All eyes will be on 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey, who is expected to make his return from an Achilles injury that has sidelined him since Week 6. Head coach Todd Shanahan expressed optimism about McCaffrey’s status, telling reporters, “He’s locked and ready to go, so I think he’s going to come right out of this on top.”
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, enter this contest reeling after three straight losses. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will need to elevate his play against a stout San Francisco defense that ranks second in the league in points allowed. Can the Bucs right the ship, or will the Niners’ firepower prove too much to overcome?
This game means everything to us. We know what’s at stake. It’s time to show what we’re made of and get back on track.
– Buccaneers linebacker Devin White
Lions Look to Extend Winning Streak vs. Texans
One of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season has been the emergence of the Detroit Lions. At 7-1, the Lions boast the league’s best record and point differential (+110). They’ll look to keep the good times rolling on Sunday night against the Houston Texans. The high-octane Lions offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and second-year sensation Jameson Williams, has been a revelation. Williams’ return from a two-game suspension should provide an added boost.
The Texans have been competitive at 6-3 but face an uphill battle against Detroit. With defensive standout Will Anderson Jr. questionable due to an ankle injury, Houston’s defense could struggle to contain the Lions’ multifaceted attack. An upset isn’t out of the question, but Detroit has to be considered the heavy favorite.
Other Key Matchups to Watch
- Giants vs. Panthers (in Germany): Can Daniel Jones lead the favored Giants to victory on international soil?
- Bills vs. Colts: Josh Allen and the Bills look to get back on track against a gritty Indy squad.
- Broncos vs. Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes aims to solve Denver’s stingy defense in a crucial AFC West showdown.
- Eagles vs. Cowboys: The slumping Cowboys face a tough test against the 6-2 Eagles in a bitter NFC East rivalry game.
Fantasy Football: Starts, Sits, & Sleepers
As always, Week 10 presents some interesting fantasy conundrums. Here are a few key players to consider starting, sitting, or taking a flier on:
| Starts | Sits | Sleepers |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants | Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets | Tank Dell, WR, Texans |
| Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles | Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins | James Cook, RB, Bills |
| Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons | Najee Harris, RB, Steelers | Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers |
As always, be sure to monitor the injury reports leading up to kickoff. With Christian McCaffrey and James Conner trending towards playing, managers should feel confident starting them. The outlook is murkier for receivers like Amari Cooper and A.J. Brown, so have viable replacements ready to plug in.
Our Week 10 Predictions
After much deliberation, here are our picks for each Week 10 contest:
- Giants def. Panthers
- Bears def. Patriots
- Bills def. Colts
- Chiefs def. Broncos
- Falcons def. Saints
- 49ers def. Buccaneers
- Commanders def. Steelers
- Vikings def. Jaguars
- Chargers def. Titans
- Eagles def. Cowboys
- Cardinals def. Jets
- Lions def. Texans
- Rams def. Dolphins
Week 10 has all the ingredients to be a defining one in the 2024 NFL season. The showdowns between contenders will have major implications on the playoff race, while several games offer enticing fantasy opportunities. By Sunday night, the complexion of both the real and fantasy football landscapes could look very different. Buckle up – it should be one heck of a ride!
