NFL Week 10 players to watch: Will Joe Burrow sizzle vs. another ex-Ohio State QB?

From a quarterback trying to maintain his hot hand to a star pass-rusher making a brash claim, here are players to watch in Week 10.

SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Bengals’ Joe Burrow stays hot against the Texans

Apparently fully recovered from his calf injury, Burrow has led the Bengals (5-3) to four straight victories. During this stretch, the Cincinnati QB completed 75.8 percent of his passes for 1,133 yards, 10 TDs and two interceptions.

On Wednesday, Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud said, “I definitely think he is an MVP in this league.”

Stroud, a former Ohio State star, threw for a rookie-record 470 yards in a Week 9 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Burrow should outduel him. “Joe Cool,” of course, played at Ohio State like Stroud before transferring to LSU.

Houston (4-4) is 24th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (238), and as of Friday, oddschecker lists Cincinnati as a 6.5-point favorite. 

SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Cardinals’ Kyler Murray struggles in return vs. Falcons

Arizona’s QB is making his first start since he suffered a torn ACL against the New England Patriots in Week 14 last season. On Thursday, the two-time Pro Bowler told the media, “It’s been a long, long 10 months,” but he has no concerns about his knee.

However, don’t be surprised if Murray looks rusty against the Falcons (4-5). Atlanta is 10th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (197.1). The passing offense for Arizona (1-8) has floundered with a motley crew of QBs, averaging 162.7 yards per game, second to last in the league.

SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson backs up Super Bowl claim

Per Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports, the Lions defensive end recently said, “This could be our shot” to make the organization’s first Super Bowl. It’s a bold claim, but don’t be surprised if the star pass-rusher and the Lions (6-2) back it up. 

Against the Chargers (4-4), Hutchinson should wreck an offensive line that is 21st in the league in pass-block win rate (52 percent), per ESPN Analytics. 

SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Chase Young dominates in debut with 49ers

During their bye week, the San Francisco 49ers (5-3) dealt a compensatory 2024 third-round pick to the Washington Commanders for the defensive end. On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said, “I think [Young’s] going to jump in right away.” 

Young — who had five sacks and 18 pressures in seven games with Washington this season — should make an immediate impact against the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2). Per Mark Long of the Associated Press, Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson said, “It’s a puzzle” trying to figure how he will be used in the San Francisco scheme. 

SUNDAY’S POSTGAME HEADLINE TODAY | Dak Prescott extends win streak against Giants 

The Cowboys quarterback has been on a tear recently. Per Saad Yousuf of The Athletic, Prescott has posted a quarterback rating of 120.7 since Week 6, the best in the NFL.

“Extremely comfortable, extremely confident,” Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer recently said of Prescott’s play, via Yousuf. “Not only is he on time, but the accuracy and where he’s been throwing the ball has been elite.”

Prescott should earn his 12th consecutive win against the New York Giants (2-7). ESPN Analytics gives Dallas (5-3) an 89.8 percent chance to win its home game.