It is now week 10 in the National Football League. We’ve crossed the halfway point in the season and now begin the home stretch. Teams and players have started to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. With divisional races heating up and lots of football left to play, myself and Nader Assaf are back as always to give our picks for the weekly statistical leaders.
Passing Leader
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles, Quarterback – Dash
Hurts is a bonafide star. He is one of the leading candidates for MVP this season and has led the Eagles to an undefeated start. With weapons galore and a favorable matchup against the Commanders this week, look for Hurts to light up the stat sheet and accrue 330 yards and three touchdowns.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears, Quarterback – Nader
Chicago YOU HAVE YOUR MAN! Signs of a franchise quarterback under center at Soldier Field is as evident as ever, with the young second year field general breaking the NFL single game regular season record for rushing yards with a whopping 178, and totaling four touchdowns against a solid contender in Miami. Fields’s evasiveness in the pocket, speed, and developing IQ are all starting to mesh at the same time, allowing him to blow away all those who have the privilege to watch him. A Lions defense that’s been struggling to put it in simple terms will be no match for the Ohio State product, and I expect 220 passing yards and four total touchdowns once more, as Fields continues on the come up.
Rushing Leader
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, Quarterback – Dash
Josh Allen is dealing with an injury to his throwing arm right now. I’m not 100% sure he’ll even play but if he does I wouldn’t be surprised to see a shift in the Bills gameplan. We know how dangerous Allen can be with his legs and after watching Justin Fields break the single game quarterback rushing record with 178 yards last week, he might be feeling inspired. If Allen gets the start, I could see him leading the ground attack, punching in two scores on the ground and running his way to a 110 yard day. This one’s a long shot but it wouldn’t surprise me at all.
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, Running Back – Nader
CMC, when healthy, is easily one of the biggest game changers in all of football. His dynamic ability as a receiver, running back, and even quarterback (exhibited in week eight) shows everyone why he was worth trading so much for in the first place. In an intriguing matchup against an injured, bottom tier Chargers defense, McCaffrey should have no problem rushing for 110 yards, catching 40, and bringing in at least two touchdowns.
Receiving Leader
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins, Wide Receiver – Dash
Hill is one of the best wideouts in the league, arguably taking the number one spot. He’s produced like crazy this season and I see no reason why that stops now. The Dolphins take on the Cleveland Browns who have been very up and down so far. I expect Mike McDaniel to manufacture a couple big plays for Hill who will reach 140 yards and haul in a touchdown in a Dolphins win.
Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills, Wide Receiver – Nader
Stefon Diggs doesn’t get talked about enough. In all honesty, the trade that got Minnesota Justin Jefferson could’ve been one of the biggest steals of the last decade, but Diggs has shown that he’s still up there as one of the best receivers the NFL has to offer, making the trade more than worthwhile for Buffalo. The Minnesota secondary certainly isn’t stopping Diggs by any means, and he should add another great game to an amazing season. I predict 120 receiving yards and a couple of touchdowns for the Bills star.
Sack Leader
Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns, Edge Rusher – Dash
Garrett is a disruptor on the football field. He is always in the backfield wreaking havoc for opposing quarterbacks and that won’t change. The Dolphins will do what they can to slow him down but I expect him to make it to the quarterback two times. Tua should pass the ball a lot, giving ample opportunities for Garrett to drag him to the ground. Don’t be surprised if Garrett is also able to shake the ball loose and cause a turnover.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers, Edge Rusher – Nader
The man that’s tied for second in the NFL in sacks with only seven games played is bound for a huge week. Similar to his teammate Christian McCaffrey, I have no doubt in my mind that Bosa should be able to exploit an injured Chargers offensive line, and potentially break free of Justin Houston and Zadarius Smith for an undisputed spot at second place in the NFL. Two and a half sacks should do just that, as Bosa potentially increases his season total to 11.
