The NFL never fails to deliver drama, and the lead-up to Week 10 was no exception. From a flurry of trades before the deadline to a midseason coaching change, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s dive into the biggest stories and what they mean moving forward.
Trade Deadline Surprises and Impact Moves
The trade deadline came and went, but not without a few head-turning moves. Perhaps most surprising was the relative inactivity from usually aggressive teams like the Giants and Raiders. According to league sources, the Giants received calls on edge rusher Azeez Ojulari and receiver Darius Slayton but ultimately stood pat, unwilling to budge from their high asking prices.
On the flip side, the biggest splash came from the Chiefs, who landed All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins in a deal with Arizona. Hopkins’ instant chemistry with Patrick Mahomes was on full display Monday night, giving KC the true No. 1 target they craved. As one GM noted, “Hopkins might have lost a step, but his savvy and hands still make him a game-changer. Major boost for the Chiefs.”
Other contenders made key additions as well. The Vikings plugged a hole at left tackle by acquiring Cam Robinson from Jacksonville, while the Ravens snagged receiver Diontae Johnson for a bargain price. The Commanders, meanwhile, surprised many by trading for Saints star corner Marshon Lattimore, signaling they’re all-in on a playoff run in Dan Quinn’s first year at the helm.
What the Deadline Deals Mean
- Chiefs: Clearly the AFC frontrunner with Hopkins in the fold. Mahomes has an embarrassment of riches in the passing game now.
- Vikings: Robinson shores up the blindside and keeps Minnesota’s high-powered offense on track, even after losing Christian Darrisaw.
- Ravens: Baltimore continues to surround Lamar Jackson with weapons, swiping Johnson for a meager 5th-rounder.
- Commanders: An aggressive buy-in move for the current NFC East leaders. Lattimore and a fierce pass rush give Washington a championship-caliber defense.
“The Commanders are for real. Lattimore puts that secondary over the top, and now they have the look of a complete team. Watch out for Washington.”
– NFC scout
Dennis Allen Firing Fallout
The Saints shook up the NFL landscape by firing head coach Dennis Allen after an embarrassing loss to the Panthers dropped them to 3-7. The move didn’t come as a total shock – Allen had reportedly lost the locker room and was on thin ice – but the timing still caught many off guard.
New Orleans now turns to defensive coordinator Darren Rizzi as the interim coach. Rizzi is well-respected and brings a no-nonsense approach, but he inherits a flawed roster saddled with bloated contracts and an aging core. With $68 million in dead cap looming in 2025, the Saints appear headed for a full-scale rebuild under their next regime.
“This is just the start in New Orleans. Trading Lattimore was the first signal that a teardown is coming. Whoever they hire next will have a massive undertaking to fix the cap and restock the roster.”
– Saints beat reporter
Week 10 Fantasy Nuggets and Injury Updates
| Player | News | Fantasy Impact |
| TJ Hockenson | Ankle injury | Risky start if active, pivot to other options |
| Christian McCaffrey | Will play vs TB | Plug and play as an RB1 |
| Tee Higgins | Doubtful for TNF | Fire up Tyler Boyd and Hayden Hurst |
| Bears OL injuries | Darnell Wright iffy for NE | Damien Harris an RB2 with upside |
– Mike Gesicki a TE must-start with Tee Higgins likely out
– Target Chargers DST in a plus matchup vs the Colts’ scuffling offense
– Kadarius Toney dripping with upside after 22-touch outburst; Elijah Mitchell injury boosts his stock
Final Thoughts
Week 10 marks a pivotal point in the 2024 NFL season. The juggernauts are separating from the pack, but plenty of playoff spots remain up for grabs. With the trade deadline in the rearview, teams will look to jell quickly and make a second-half push. Who will rise to the occasion? Which moves will we be dissecting for years to come? The fun is only beginning, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
