NFL on FOX Early Slate: Rookie QBs in Chi-Town, Vikings Raid Duval County, Kirko Chainz in the Big Easy, and Finally the Return of CMC!
The Bissett Perspective: Game Previews for the Early Slate NFL on FOX
New England Patriots (+6) vs Chicago Bears O/U 38.5
Sunday Nov 10, 2024 1:00 pm - Chicago, IL
Odds: Chicago by 6, Total Points: 38.5
It’s a tale of two teams, both led by rookie quarterbacks, braving the elements and the pressure at Soldier Field as the New England Patriots face off against the Chicago Bears. New England has been caught in a spiral, with just one win in their last eight games, while Chicago has experienced every twist and turn that Caleb Williams can throw their way—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Last week was so rough that DJ Moore couldn’t bear to watch, walking off mid-play during the Bears' dismal nine-point outing. One thing is certain: defenses will be fierce, and this game will likely be a battle of grit and resilience. In a game where every yard will matter, can either young quarterback rise above the chaos, shake off the rookie jitters, and lead his team to victory?
Player Predictions
Caleb Williams (QB, Bears)
Passing Yards Prediction: Averaging 208.1 passing yards per game, Williams has been in a slump recently, falling under 55% completions in his last two games. He’ll face a New England pass defense ranked 22nd, allowing 226 passing yards on the road. Expect Williams to achieve around 210–220 passing yards, but his accuracy concerns make him a risky pick.
DJ Moore (WR, Bears)
Receiving Yards O/U: 46.5
Prediction: Moore’s output has been disappointing, with fewer than 35 receiving yards in four of his last five games. Against a middling New England secondary, he could bounce back, but proceed with caution as Moore is expected to finish around 30–40 yards, making him a volatile option.
Rome Odunze (WR, Bears)
Receiving Yards O/U: 38.5
Prediction: Odunze has found chemistry with Williams, consistently posting 40+ receiving yards in five of his last six games, with two 100+ yard games. Against a defense that gives up yardage, Odunze is likely to hit 45–55 yards and is a safer pick among Bears receivers.
D’Andre Swift (RB, Bears)
Combined Yards O/U: 95.5
Prediction: Swift has been the one consistent player in Chicago, averaging 80+ combined rushing and receiving yards over his last five games. Expect him to cover the 80-yard mark with both rushing and receiving contributions, especially if Williams continues to struggle in the air.
Drake Maye (QB, Patriots)
Passing Yards O/U: 195.5
Prediction: Maye has been a steady performer when finishing games, regularly surpassing 200 yards. Facing a tough Chicago defense (8th in pass defense), he’ll need volume to cover this line. Expect him to edge over the 200-yard mark, finishing around 205–215 yards.
Demario Douglas (WR, Patriots)
Receptions O/U: 3.5
Prediction: Douglas’ usage has varied dramatically, swinging between 3 and 9 targets per game. Given his inconsistent role, he’s a risky pick, but he could hit 3–5 receptions if New England’s game plan leans on short passing.
Kayshon Boutte (WR, Patriots)
Receptions O/U: 1.5
Prediction: Boutte’s role has been somewhat steady, with 2+ receptions in four of his last five games. In this low-passing-volume offense, he’s likely to get 2–3 receptions, making this prop a reasonable choice for a small parlay.
Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots)
Receptions O/U: 4.5
Prediction: Henry has been reliable with 5+ receptions in his last three games and should remain a high-volume option. However, with Chicago’s solid pass rush, he may be required for extra pass protection. Henry could hit around 4 receptions, slightly under his usual mark if New England prioritizes using him as a blocker.
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, Patriots)
Rushing Yards O/U: 54.8
Receptions O/U: 2.5
Prediction: Stevenson’s rushing output has been erratic, with performances ranging from under 20 yards to over 40. Facing Chicago’s 20th-ranked run defense, Stevenson may struggle to hit his average, projecting around 40–50 yards. His receiving prop of 2.5 receptions is safer, as he’s surpassed this mark in four of his last five games.
Final Score Prediction:
New England Patriots: 13
Chicago Bears: 17
Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs Jacksonville Jaguars O/U 43
Sunday Nov 10, 2024 1:00 pm - Jacksonville, FL
Odds: Minnesota by 7, Total Points: 43
Challenges keep piling up for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who now face the Minnesota Vikings as they march into Duval County hungry for another win. The Vikings, after a hot 5-0 start, stumbled a bit but bounced back with a victory over the Colts last week. Meanwhile, the Jaguars find themselves sitting at 2-7—a record that might remind them of the significance of 27. In numerology, 27 urges trust in one's inner guidance and wisdom, reminding the Jags of the resilience they showed when they overcame a 27-point deficit in last year’s unforgettable Wild Card comeback against the Chargers. Can Jacksonville tap into that same resilience to break through this season, or will the Vikings add to their struggles?"
Player Predictions
Sam Darnold (QB, Vikings)
Passing Yards O/U: 237.5
Prediction: Darnold has been consistent, averaging 237.5 yards with three consecutive games over 240 yards. Facing Jacksonville’s 31st-ranked pass defense (allowing 257.3 yards at home), Darnold should reach around 245–255 passing yards, with a high likelihood of covering his O/U.
Aaron Jones (RB, Vikings)
Rushing Yards O/U: 72.5
Prediction: Jones’ rushing performance is split this season, with four games above and four below his average of 70.6 yards. Jacksonville’s run defense, ranked 16th, allows an average of 131.3 yards at home, making 72.5 achievable. Expect around 75–85 rushing yards as Jones takes advantage of Jacksonville's inconsistent run defense.
Receiving Yards O/U: 22.5
Prediction: Jones has surpassed this mark consistently, averaging 30.6 receiving yards per game. Against Jacksonville’s leaky defense, Jones should comfortably achieve 25–30 receiving yards.
Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings)
Receptions O/U: 6.5
Receiving Yards O/U: 89.5
Prediction: Jefferson’s recent performance has been stellar, with three games of 7+ receptions and back-to-back 100-yard games. If the Vikings pass frequently, he’s likely to exceed 7 receptions and 90–100 yards, but there’s risk if Minnesota builds an early lead and leans on the run game.
T.J. Hockenson (TE, Vikings)
Receptions O/U: 3.5
Prediction: Hockenson has mostly underperformed in receptions, going over 3.5 only once. Jacksonville’s poor pass defense provides potential, but Hockenson is likely to hit around 3 receptions and may struggle to cover this prop. Caution is advised in including him in parlays.
Jordan Addison (WR, Vikings)
Receptions O/U: 3.5
Receiving Yards O/U: 40.5
Prediction: Addison has finally broken his 3.5 reception barrier, catching 5 passes last game. With a soft matchup, he could see 3–4 receptions for around 40–45 yards, but his inclusion in parlays should still be approached with caution.
Mac Jones (QB, Jaguars)
Passing Game Outlook: Given Jones’ lack of time in the Jacksonville system and the Vikings' 7th-ranked defense (particularly strong against the run), the Jaguars' passing attack remains unpredictable. Minnesota’s 28th-ranked pass defense gives Jones an opportunity, but expect a conservative game plan as he finds his footing.
Travis Etienne (RB, Jaguars)
Rushing Outlook: Etienne has seen reduced touches, managing only 12 carries across the last three games. With a difficult matchup against Minnesota’s 2nd-ranked rush defense, he’s unlikely to exceed 28.5 rushing yards without a significant workload increase.
Final Score Prediction:
Minnesota Vikings: 27
Jacksonville Jaguars: 17
Atlanta Falcons (-3.5) vs New Orleans Saints O/U 46
Sunday Nov 10, 2024 1:00 pm - New Orleans, LA
Odds: Atlanta by 3.5, Total Points: 46
The legend of Kirko Chainz keeps growing as he and his Atlanta squad head to the Big Easy, ready to clash with the Saints. Atlanta’s been on fire, winning five of their last six, while New Orleans has stumbled through a seven-game skid and might be eyeing a top draft pick after sending 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore to Washington. It’s a showdown of teams on opposite paths—Atlanta riding a wave of newfound swagger, while the Saints are hungry to break their losing hex. Will the Dirty Birds keep soaring, or can New Orleans conjure up some home-field magic to stop them in their tracks?
Player Predictions
Kirk Cousins (QB, Falcons)
Passing Yards O/U: 242.5
Prediction: Cousins is averaging 258.7 yards per game but has been held under 241 yards in most games this season. However, with the Saints’ defense now ranked 27th against the pass and weakened by Lattimore’s departure, Cousins is positioned to go over his prop. Expect him to hit around 250–260 passing yards, as he takes advantage of a depleted Saints secondary.
Bijan Robinson (RB, Falcons)
Rushing and Receiving Yards Streak: 60+ rushing yards in five straight games; 40+ receiving yards in three straight games
Prediction: Bijan has consistently surpassed 100 total yards with an all-around role. Given the Saints’ 25th-ranked run defense, allowing an average of 136.6 rushing yards per game, Robinson should comfortably reach 70–80 rushing yards and 40+ receiving yards, continuing his hot streak.
Drake London (WR, Falcons)
Receptions O/U: 5.5
Receiving Yards O/U: 61.5
Prediction: London’s recent injury adds some uncertainty to his performance. Atlanta may lean on him in key plays, but he’s unlikely to see extensive action if the Falcons establish a lead. Under 5 receptions and close to 50 receiving yards is a safe projection, making this a risky pick for parlays.
Darnell Mooney (WR, Falcons)
Receptions O/U: 4.5
Receiving Yards O/U: 52.5
Prediction: Mooney has become a reliable target for Cousins, with back-to-back 80+ yard games. With the Saints’ secondary struggling, Mooney should see around 5 receptions and 60–70 receiving yards, making the over on yardage particularly appealing.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons)
Receptions O/U: 3.5
Receiving Yards O/U: 42.5
Prediction: Pitts has shown a pattern of bouncing back after poor performances. Given the Saints’ secondary issues, expect Pitts to go over 3.5 receptions and around 45–55 yards in this potential revenge game.
Derek Carr (QB, Saints)
Passing Yards O/U: 208.5
Prediction: Carr faces a Falcons pass defense that ranks 20th, allowing 218.3 yards per game. While Carr hasn’t been explosive, he’s capable of reaching his prop. Look for Carr to end up around 210–220 passing yards, narrowly covering the over.
Alvin Kamara (RB, Saints)
Total Yards: 100+
Receiving Yards O/U: 39.5
Prediction: Kamara’s versatility will be vital against Atlanta’s defense. He should see plenty of touches, expecting around 110 total yards with 40+ in receiving, making both yardage overs reasonable plays.
Final Score Prediction:
Atlanta Falcons: 27
New Orleans Saints: 20
San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers O/U 50.5
Sunday Nov 10, 2024 1:00 pm - Tampa, FL
Odds: San Francisco by 6.5, Total Points: 50.5
Run CMC finally ends his season-long hiatus, marking his debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are reeling from a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Chiefs on Monday Night Football, while the 49ers are coming off a bye, rested and ready for a playoff push. Brock has been Purdy impressive this season, with George Kittle stepping up in Brandon Aiyuk's absence to keep the offense humming. The question now: can the Buccaneers batten down the hatches and sail to victory, or will they end up as swashbuckling scallywags at the hands of the 49ers?
Player Predictions
Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers)
Passing Yards O/U: 259.5
Prediction: Purdy’s season average of 262.6 passing yards aligns with this prop, and Tampa Bay’s pass defense has allowed 255.9 yards per game, ranking 30th in the league. Given the Bucs’ tendency to get into shootouts, Purdy should have ample opportunity to attack this secondary. Expect around 265–275 passing yards in this matchup, with Purdy going slightly over his season average.
Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers)
Total Yards O/U: 75+
Touchdown Prediction: Likely
Prediction: Returning from injury, McCaffrey may see a cautious workload, yet he remains one of the most productive backs when on the field. Against Tampa Bay’s 19th-ranked run defense, which allows 130.8 rushing yards per game, McCaffrey can realistically surpass 75 total yards with a mix of rushing and receiving. Expect 80–90 total yards with a high probability of finding the end zone.
George Kittle (TE, 49ers)
Receptions O/U: 4.5
Receiving Yards O/U: 62.5
Prediction: Kittle has hit the 4.5 reception mark in five of seven games and has surpassed 62.5 receiving yards in three of his last four. Against Tampa Bay’s vulnerable pass defense, Kittle should notch 5–6 receptions for 65–75 yards, making the over a favorable option.
Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers)
Passing Yards O/U: 242.5
Touchdowns Prediction: 2+
Prediction: Mayfield has been up and down, with four 300+ yard performances but limited to just 200 yards last week due to injuries in his receiving corps. Facing San Francisco’s defense, which ranks 14th against the pass, this could be a tough yardage day for him. Expect around 220–230 passing yards but a good chance for multiple touchdowns, continuing his streak of 2+ TD games.
Cade Otton (TE, Buccaneers)
Receptions: 8+
Receiving Yards: 75+
Prediction: Otton has emerged as a key target for Mayfield, especially with injuries at wide receiver. His three-game streak of 8+ receptions and 75+ yards indicates he’s set for another productive outing, particularly as a reliable option in the short passing game. Expect 7–8 receptions and around 75–80 yards as Otton continues to step up.
Final Score Prediction:
San Francisco 49ers: 31
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 24