Throughout the 2024 season, NFL Network analysts will provide one bold prediction heading into each week's slate of games.
T.J. Hockenson has the fourth-most receptions (20) and receiving yards (226) among tight ends since Week 9, thanks -- in large part -- to a huge outing (seven catches for 114 yards) against the Bears last week. His impressive production continues against the Cardinals, with the veteran scoring a career-best three touchdowns in front of the home crowd.
Ladd McConkey has proven to be the most reliable option for Justin Herbert and the Chargers' aerial attack. With Los Angeles going against an Atlanta defense that has struggled mightily versus the pass of late, and with lead back J.K. Dobbins sidelined by injury, expect Herbert to look the rookie's way early and often. McConkey puts up the best performance of his young career -- 150 receiving yards and a touchdown -- in a bounce-back effort for the Bolts.
November has not been kind to C.J. Stroud. He's thrown five interceptions over the course of the month -- and the second-year pro already has three multi-pick games this season, after recording only one such game during his transcendent rookie campaign. Houston has seen its once-firm grasp on the AFC South loosen in recent weeks. But Sunday marks Dec. 1, and a new month offers a fresh start for the 23-year-old passer. Stroud rebounds this weekend against a Jaguars team he has tormented in his short NFL career, throwing for 411 yards and three touchdowns in a Texans win.
Normally, I try to give you matchup-based data as a basis for my bold prediction. This week, that doesn’t feel necessary. Two of the top four scorers in all of fantasy football -- Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson -- are facing off against each other in what could be the highest-scoring game of the week. Good players in a fun matchup usually leads to a cornucopia of fantasy scoring. Those two QBs will combine for six total touchdowns. It’s not exactly a vibes-based prediction, but it just feels right.
No Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed, no problem ... The Saints have Taysom Hill and Marquez Valdes-Scantling! Wild, I know, but hear me out. Hill has scored six rushing touchdowns in seven games played (only five players have averaged more per game) and had 10 targets in Week 11 before the bye. MVS is a deep-threat machine facing a Rams defense that ranks 31st in NFL Pro's deep passing efficiency. The stars will align and both players will score two touchdowns on Sunday afternoon.
C.J. Stroud has been mired in a sophomore slump, but there's nothing like a game against the league's worst pass defense to get right. Stroud enjoyed his best outing of the season against Jacksonville in Week 4. He takes it to another level Sunday with the second 400-yard passing game of his career and adds three touchdowns in a blowout victory.
