Every weekend in the NFL, elements attract our attention regarding the forces present, the records that are within reach or in relation to certain historical marks. Here, for the 10th week of activities, are 5 elements to watch out for.
• Also read: Our NFL Week 10 Predictions: Chiefs on their way to a perfect season?
• Also read: Trade deadline: Commanders and Lions hit hard
1. The McCaffrey effect among the 49ers
Christian McCaffrey has the fourth highest average yards from scrimmage per game in NFL history. Getty Images via AFP
The 49ers are reconnecting with their star running back Christian McCaffrey and few players in his position have such a significant impact. The proof is that with McCaffrey since 2022, the team’s record is 22 wins and 5 losses. Without him during the same period, this record is seven wins and eight losses. This is all the more reason to believe that the Niners can make a lot of noise in the second half of the season. Beyond the return of “CMC”, this team has accustomed us to great performances when the stakes are high. Between weeks 10-18 since 2021, the 49ers have a sparkling 23-4 record. In weeks 1 to 9 during the same period, their record is 16-16. So wait before crowning the Lions or anyone else in the national conference…
2. Kelce among the greats
Travis Kelce is enjoying a new lease of life with the Chiefs. Getty Images via AFP
After a start to the season that left something to be desired, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce seems to be himself again. Even though he only claims one touchdown, at 35 he became the oldest player in history to have caught 14 passes in a game last week. If he gains 79 yards against the Broncos, he will move ahead of Antonio Gates into third place in history for the number of yards gained at the tight end position, with 11,842. In this regard, it will be impossible to join all-time rushing leader, also formerly of the Chiefs and Falcons, Tony Gonzalez (15,127 yards). The second place held by former Cowboys and Raiders, Jason Witten (13,046 yards), remains within reach if Kelce decides to continue his career.
3. The Lion King
Jared Goff is showing a success rate rarely seen before this season with the Lions. Getty Images via AFP
We’ve talked to you a few times about Jared Goff and the Lions this season, but it’s hard not to highlight the latest feat within his reach. The Detroit quarterback completed 74.9% of his passes and against the Texans on Sunday night, he could become the first in NFL history to complete at least 80% of his passes (minimum of 15 attempts per game ) in four consecutive games. He would also become the first to post such a performance in five games in a season.
4. It’s hot, it’s hot…
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor at the end of another duel which ended in a one-possession gap against Justin Jefferson’s Vikings. Getty Images via AFP
After nine weeks and 139 games played, there is officially a little more than half of the season behind us. One of the findings that emerges is that competition is fiercer than ever. So far, there have been gaps of seven points or less in 75 games and gaps of six points or less in 65 games. In both cases, these are records after nine weeks of activities. Know that the Colts are the kings of tough duels, since their nine meetings were decided by a possession. Only the 2015 Ravens, the 2016 Lions and the 2019 Colts experienced a similar scenario after nine games.
5. A long season
Like his number 18, receiver Mike Williams could play 18 games this season. Getty Images via AFP
In recent months, rumors have become more and more persistent that the NFL would like to move to an 18-game regular season in the coming years. This fall, no less than five players in the league could already experience a taste of this possible overhaul of the calendar. With last Tuesday’s trade deadline, players who have already played nine games without a bye week will do the same with their new team, which has already had its bye week. These players are Za’Darius Smith (traded from Browns to Lions), Preston Smith (traded from Packers to Steelers), Mike Williams (traded from Jets to Steelers), Jonathan Mingo (traded from Panthers to Cowboys) and Khalil Davis (traded from Texans at 49ers). They will therefore experience an 18-game schedule, without a week off, unless of course they have to be absent.
