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Week 10 could bring an early breakout for new Chiefs receiver Josh Downs, a difficult NFL debut for Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and major award momentum for Brock Purdy and Texans pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. The five forecasts also point to a bigger role for Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet.

By the Numbers
  • Seattle allows 244.2 total yards and 155.1 passing yards per game — both the fewest in the NFL.
  • Charbonnet averaged 4.5 yards per carry; Jadarian Price averaged 3.7 this season.
  • Chiefs receivers average 117.5 yards per game, 28th in the league.
  • Anderson has 9.5 sacks, the most in the NFL through nine weeks.
Yes, But

Mendoza’s first start comes against an elite Seattle defense, and No. 1 overall picks have a poor record in their first starts. Still, one difficult debut would be little reason to judge his long-term prospects; the piece notes that rookie quarterbacks have lost their first starts against defending champions in each of the five cited cases.

What's Next

Week 10 will test these predictions: Downs makes his Chiefs debut, Mendoza faces Seattle, and Purdy and Anderson have favorable matchups that could strengthen their award cases.

Bottom Line

The week’s clearest themes are opportunity and matchup: Downs may fill a pressing need in Kansas City, while Mendoza faces a steep first test. The outcomes could shift the conversation around several players—but they’re forecasts, not guarantees.