NFL Week 10: Trade Deadline Impact
Veteran quarterbacks and new offensive weapons drive predictions as teams debut their mid-season acquisitions.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Kirk Cousins has thrown for 20 passing touchdowns this season, a figure that ranks second in the National Football League. That statistic anchors the narrative for Week 10, the first weekend where players moved at the trade deadline are fully integrated into their new rosters. The league is watching to see if these additions can alter playoff trajectories immediately.
The Minnesota Vikings welcome Cousins back to their divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Writers Jordan Dajani and Jared Dubin both favor the Vikings to keep the game close, citing Cousins' established chemistry with receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson has recorded 98.9 receiving yards per game when catching passes from Cousins, a figure that leads the league for any quarterback-receiver pair. Despite the Packers' potent offense, the Vikings' defensive upgrade is expected to limit scoring.
The Kansas City Chiefs are testing a new slot weapon in Josh Downs against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs enter this game as the favorites, with both analysts projecting a victory. The Falcons have lost two consecutive games by double-digit margins, allowing 123 or more rushing yards in four of their last five contests. The Chiefs' defense, which has performed well against both the run and the pass, is expected to exploit those defensive gaps.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have also integrated new defensive personnel, including Jordan Davis, following the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots face a thinner roster in Munich, dealing with injuries to running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The Detroit Lions, who rank second in points allowed per game over their last four wins, are favored to overcome New England's offensive struggles.
The Los Angeles Chargers play their season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. The Chargers have not covered the spread since the previous year, while the Ravens are starting a new quarterback in Jacoby Brissett. Both analysts predict a close game, with the Ravens favored but the Chargers expected to compete within a few points.
