The Texans' defense is strong in many areas but struggles in the red zone, allowing touchdowns on 70% of drives. The Lions' offense is top-tier and can exploit this weakness, making it difficult for the Texans to compete.
The Texans need Nico Collins, one of the best receivers in the league, to play at full strength. Without him, their offense lacks the firepower to match the Lions' defense, which is playing at a high level this season.
With Joe Mixon, the Texans have a top-six run game. Without him, they drop to the bottom two, highlighting his importance in creating explosive plays and efficiency in the run game.
Fans should watch the Giants' offensive and defensive lines, which have been strong. The Panthers' offensive line is also surprisingly good, making for an interesting matchup. Additionally, rookie quarterbacks will be a focal point.
With Kyler Gordon, the Bears' defense is highly efficient, ranking first in EPA per play. Without him, they drop to near the bottom in terms of success rate and explosive play rate, highlighting his critical role in the defense's performance.
The Saints are in disarray, with key injuries, a fired head coach, and a bleak future due to poor cap management. Their franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, might shut down for the season, reflecting the team's current state of turmoil.
The Bills have strong passing efficiency, especially against single-high coverage and Cover 2, which the Colts frequently use. Their run game can also exploit the Colts' defense, making them a formidable opponent.
Despite the Bucs' offensive improvements, the 49ers have a strong defense and a well-coached offense. The Bucs' defense is currently struggling, which could make it difficult for them to keep up with the 49ers' scoring.
The Broncos will likely focus on quarterback runs, as the Chiefs' defense is weak against QB runs. They may also use read-option plays to exploit the Chiefs' aggressive defensive line and linebackers.
The Chargers' defense is playing exceptionally well, while the Titans' offense is struggling. This matchup could result in a defensive battle with limited scoring opportunities for both teams.
The Cardinals will focus on non-zone runs, such as duo and gap schemes, which the Jets' defense struggles against. This approach could help the Cardinals create explosive plays and sustain drives.
The Commanders have a strong run game and are effective on third down, which will be crucial against the Steelers' top-tier defense on third and fourth downs. This matchup will test both teams' strengths in key situations.
Nate Tice is joined by Charles McDonald as they look ahead to Week 10 of the NFL season by deep diving on the biggest matchup of the weekend and giving one thing to watch in every single game.
Nate and Charles start with the Detroit Lions taking on the Houston Texans on Sunday night, as it's hard to see how Houston can stop the Lions from dominating both sides of the ball, but Nate points out that having Joe Mixon on the field makes a big difference. Both predict a Lions win, but there is a scenario where C.J. Stroud can play enough hero ball to keep it close.
Next, Nate and Charles give one thing to watch for every Week 10 matchup as they get into the one interesting matchup in the Munich game, a big rookie quarterback battle, the Pope sending encouraging words to the New Orleans Saints, how Bo Nix can beat the Spagnuolo defense, Jayden Daniels vs. Mike Tomlin, how Aaron Rodgers will attack the Arizona defense and much more.
Nate finishes up with a mailbag question on the Los Angeles Chargers run game as he takes a closer look at the offense in its first year under Jim Harbaugh.
(4:35) Detroit Lions @ Houston Texans
(20:25) New York Giants @ Carolina Panthers
(26:10) New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears
(31:10) Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
(34:55) Buffalo Bills @ Indianapolis Colts
(38:15) San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(42:25) Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
(47:30) Tennessee Titans @ Los Angeles Chargers
(51:20) Minnesota Vikings @ Jacksonville Jaguars
(53:15) Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
(57:25) New York Jets @ Arizona Cardinals
(1:01:30) Pittsburgh Steelers @ Washington Commanders
(1:06:40) Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Rams
(1:12:20) What's wrong with the Chargers run game?
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