NFL Week 10 best bets: Why you should consider Lions, Eagles and Bills
Lorenzo Reyes is back with his three best bets ahead of Sunday’s games.
Nine teams entered Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season with two wins. Two of those teams – the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers – faced off with draft order implications in the balance. A win or loss for those other teams could move them up or down multiple spots at the top of the first round.
The order will change throughout the day. Here’s how the first round looks ahead of “Sunday Night Football” between the Lions and Texans.
Hunter’s the top prospect in the draft due to his impact on both sides of the ball. On defense, his combination of near-ideal frame, skills in both man-to-man and zone assignments, and ball skills make him a top cornerback prospect. Those ball skills translate to wide receiver, too, and would make him at least a top-10 prospect at the position in this class if he’d opted to stay on offense.
Graham has a rare set of traits at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds that could make him the highest-drafted interior defensive lineman since Quinnen Williams went No. 3 overall in 2019. Graham immediately brings Pro Bowl potential with the skills of a pass rusher and the strength and power of a run defender.
Johnson is often ranked as the second-best prospect at his position and overall. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he has the prototypical size NFL teams are looking for at the position. Like Hunter, he’s reliable in both man and zone schemes. He’s also a plus in run defense and has produced as a blitzer.
McMillan is an impressive 6 feet, 5 inches tall and 210 pounds. His route running and wingspan are reminiscent of Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London. McMillan isn’t a burner, but he’s a smooth athlete who can gain some extra yards after the catch.
The 2024 class had more top-tier quarterback prospects, and Sanders is one of this class’s best. His accuracy, arm strength, and pocket presence would make him a plus player in a timing-based passing offense. He can sometimes hold onto the ball too long, and he’s not a true dual-threat quarterback, but he is in the mold of a Joe Burrow or C.J. Stroud type of passer.
The Nittany Lions have produced first-round edge rushers Micah Parsons and Chop Robinson in recent seasons, and Carter is likely the next one. He’s an explosive rusher with active hands and the length to have an impact rushing the passer early on in his career. That length and his 260-pound frame can also hold up in run defense.
Will Jeanty be a top-10 pick in the draft? His resume certainly warrants it. He leads the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in rushing yards (1,734) and touchdowns (23). He’s averaging a ludicrous 192.7 yards rushing per game. Yes, he doesn’t play in a Power 5 conference, but he played very well against No. 1 Oregon in Week 2 (25 rushes, 192 yards, three touchdowns). His outstanding contact balance at 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and 215 pounds makes him hard to take down as he accelerates to top speed.
Williams played an outstanding game in the Bulldogs’ win over Texas with two sacks and a forced fumble. He hasn’t put up the same stats since, with just a half-sack and four tackles in the last two games. His floor in the NFL at 6 feet, 5 inches tall and 265 pounds is pretty high. His power at that size means he can set the edge and make an impact immediately, rushing the passer. He must improve his pass rush plan and hand skills at the next level.