By Cody Smith
Week 10 is a huge week for many fantasy owners out there.
Multiple teams find themselves in must-win situations with the playoffs quickly approaching. However many of these teams also face one large hurdle. Bye weeks.
Six teams find themselves on a bye this week, forcing many fantasy relevant players to manager's benches in lieu of players that wouldn’t sniff their starting lineup otherwise.
The Broncos, Texans, Jaguars, Patriots, Eagles and Redskins are all on bye this week, forcing managers to replace the likes of DeShaun Watson, Carlos Hyde, Philip Lindsey, Terry McLaurin, Carson Wentz, Leonard Fournette and maybe the most crucial of all, the Patriots D/ST.
I decided to make a bit of a PSA here for owners that may not be struggling with byes. Check those waivers! There may be teams out there that have had to drop good fantasy players just to be able to field a lineup. So keep those eyes peeled on who gets dropped in your league and hopefully you have a real chance to improve your roster by picking up players dropped due to the increased bye week.
Injury Notes
Patrick Mahomes is looking likely to return this week against Tennessee. Keep an eye out for any changes, but if he plays, he is obviously a must start. Matt Ryan is also on track to return this week after missing just one game. Once again, an obvious must-start as long as he plays.
Jacoby Brissett suffered what was originally referred to as an “MCL-ish” injury. It ended up being just a sprain and the potential to suit up this week is there for the starter. He practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday and is trending toward playing. If he’s a go, he has an amazing match-up with the Dolphins on the slate. If he is scratched, Brian Hoyer gets the start and honestly is not the worst streaming option if your team is in a bind.
Fantasy MVP Christian McCaffrey was held out of practice Wednesday with a knee injury. He was limited with a knee injury last week and was still a full go. I would expect him to be fine this week.
James Connor looks to return from a shoulder injury after missing last week. Coach Tomlin says he is “optimistic” that Connor will be ready to go. If he is a go, he can be played against a mediocre Rams run defense. If not, Jaylen Samuels should get a healthy workload again and should also be in lineups.
Le’Veon Bell had an MRI this week that showed no structural damage to the running back’s knee or ankle. Bell did not practice Wednesday and according to Coach Adam Gase is, “pretty sore." Josh Adams was signed to the practice squad this week which is a red flag, but it was apparently done to keep Adams from being signed by the Dolphins. I expect Bell to go, but keep an eye on practice reports this week.
Alvin Kamara missed two games and had a bye week which should have him primed to return from knee and ankle injuries. However Kamara is still on the fence as he has been limited at practice. Like Bell, expect him to play, but have Latavius Murray ready just in case.
Amari Cooper did not practice Wednesday with a knee injury. Cooper left Monday night’s game momentarily with the injury, but returned. He ought to be fine, but keep an eye on the practice reports.
Adam Thielen will more than likely miss this week after reaggravating his hamstring injury. If you own him, make other plans for at least this week if not longer. Curtis Samuel is also nursing a sore hammy and did not practice Wednesday. His status is up in the air. For this week’s match-up with Green Bay.
T.Y. Hilton’s calf has him unlikely to play against the Dolphins this weekend according to head coach Frank Reich. Fellow Colts wide-out Parris Campbell fractured a hand last weekend and will also miss some time.
Others to keep an eye on: Chase Edmonds (hamstring), Ito Smith (neck), Malcolm Brown (ankle), Justin Jackson (calf), Corey Davis (hip), Davante Adams (toe), Sterling Shepard (concussion) and Demaryius Thomas (hamstring).
As stated above, teams on a bye this week include the Broncos, Texans, Jaguars, Patriots, Eagles and Redskins.
Enjoy!
Quarterbacks I like
Russell Wilson has been a fantasy MVP candidate this year as well as a favorite for the actual MVP award. He has a tough match-up this weekend against the tough 49ers' defense, but the ‘9ers just allowed Kyler Murray to have a big game. Wilson and Murray share very similar skill sets, and with Wilson’s experience, I expect the veteran to put up numbers this weekend. Wilson has thrown multiple touchdowns in seven of nine games this season and I expect those type of numbers again this weekend.
My Rank: QB3
ESPN Rank: QB8
Kyler Murray was impressive against San Francisco last Thursday night and now has had a long week to prepare for a soft Tampa Bay defense. Murray has had a problem disappearing in some games this season, throwing zero touchdown passes in five of nine games, but Tampa Bay has allowed 14 touchdown passes in their last four games. When Murray throws for one touchdown, there are usually more on the way, as he has not thrown for exactly one touchdown in any game this season. Murray’s legs could also pose a problem for Tampa Bay. I’m expecting a big game from the rookie.
My Rank: QB5
ESPN Rank: QB7
As strange as it may seem, Ryan Tannehill has been just what the doctor ordered for the Titans’ offense this season. Tannehill has started three games thus far and the Titans have scored exactly three touchdowns apiece in those three games. Tannehill has thrown for over 300 yards twice in those three games and faces a nice match-up with Kansas City this week, where if nothing else, he will be forced to throw due to Kansas City more than likely playing with a lead for the majority of the game. Tannehill is a solid streamer this week.
My Rank: QB16
ESPN Rank: QB18
Quarterbacks to avoid
Don’t get the wrong idea here, but Patrick Mahomes makes my list this week just because he is ranked QB2 by ESPN this week. Obviously if Mahomes makes his return from a dislocated kneecap this week he is a must start, but I’m not getting too excited for his return. It may take a game for Mahomes to get his legs back under him and for him to regain his confidence in the pocket. I expect a QB1 performance, but maybe temper expectations a tad coming off of an injury.
My Rank: QB6
ESPN Rank: QB2
Matt Ryan is on the list for the same reason. Returning from an injury, Ryan should be started, but let's not forget the fact he was injured. It could take Ryan a bit to get back up to speed, especially against a tough division opponent in the Saints. I expect low-end QB1 numbers from Ryan this week.
My Rank: QB10
ESPN Rank: QB6
Daniel Jones has looked like an all-star some weeks and like a rookie some other weeks. Look back to his last two performances for proof. But this week he faces the Jets, who have a middle-of-the-road pass defense. Expect Jones to post middle-of-the-road numbers. He is a desperate flex play.
My Rank: QB21
ESPN Rank: QB15
Week 10 Quarterback Rankings
1. Lamar Jackson @Cin
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Car
3. Russell Wilson @SF
4. Drew Brees vs. Atl
5. Kyler Murray @TB
6. Patrick Mahomes @Ten
7. Jameis Winston vs. Ari
8. Dak Prescott vs. Min
9. Josh Allen @Cle
10. Matt Ryan @NO
11. Jacoby Brissett vs. Mia
12. Philip Rivers @Oak
13. Matthew Stafford @Chi
14. Kirk Cousins @Dal
15. Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Sea
16. Ryan Tannehill vs. KC
17. Sam Darnold vs. NYG
18. Jared Goff @Pit
19. Derek Carr vs. LAC
20. Mitchell Trubisky vs. Det
21. Daniel Jones @NYJ
22. Kyle Allen @GB
23. Baker Mayfield vs. Buf
24. Mason Rudolph vs. LAR
25. Ryan Finley vs. Bal
26. Ryan Fitzpatrick @Ind
Running Backs I Like
Le’Veon Bell sees a plus match-up against the New York Football Giants this week, so long as he is healthy enough to play. The Jets don’t have any reliable options behind Bell (Ty Montgomery and Josh Adams) so if Bell can play, he should have plenty of work. Bell had eight receptions last week which is a good sign. Bell as an effective pass catcher almost guarantees RB1 numbers.
My Rank: RB4
ESPN Rank: RB9
Marlon Mack is the top remaining skill player on the Colts with T.Y. Hilton and Jacoby Brissett hurt. If Brian Hoyer starts this week, I would expect the Colts to attempt to establish the run, especially against the lowly Dolphins defense. Mack has had at least 20 touches in each of the last four games for the Colts. This one should be no different with the Colts playing with a lead most of the day.
My Rank: RB7
ESPN Rank: RB11
Derrick Henry faces the No. 30 run defense in the Chiefs this weekend. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has rejuvenated this team and if the Titans can stay within a reasonable amount, Henry could get a nice workload. Henry has scored in six of nine games this season while the Chiefs have allowed a rushing touchdown in three of their last four.
My Rank: RB9
ESPN Rank: RB14
Running Backs to Avoid
Alvin Kamara is coming off of an injury and is not even a lock to play yet this week. The star running back faces a mid-tier run defense in the Falcons, but could also be eased back into things with his knee and ankle injury still on the mend. Latavius Murray has filled in admirably, so I expect him to still get a few touches which could cap Kamara’s ceiling.
My Rank: RB8
ESPN Rank: RB2
Aaron Jones may currently be the RB3, but his consistency is nowhere to be found. After a 40-point performance against Kansas City, Jones had just nine touches last week against the Chargers. Though the Panthers are a good match-up for Jones, the team just limited Derrick Henry to less than 100 yards last week and Jones may not receive as many touches as Henry has last week.
My Rank: RB21
ESPN Rank: RB6
Nick Chubb will have carries to split this week. Head Coach Freddie Kitchens stated that Kareem Hunt would have a roll in the Cleveland offense upon his return, and with the team at 2-6 and the offense struggling, I expect Hunt to have a significant role. This will cut back on Chubb’s production. It starts this week against Buffalo.
My Rank: RB13
ESPN Rank: RB8
Week 10 Running Back Rankings
1. Christian McCaffrey @GB
2. Saquon Barkley @NYJ
3. Dalvin Cook @Dal
4. Le’Veon Bell vs. NYG
5. Ezekiel Elliott vs. Min
6. Josh Jacobs vs. LAC
7. Marlon Mack vs. Mia
8. Alvin Kamara vs. Atl
9. Derrick Henry vs. KC
10. David Johnson @TB
11. Chris Carson @SF
12. Mark Ingram II @Cin
13. Nick Chubb vs. Buf
14. David Montgomery vs. Det
15. Devonta Freeman @NO
16. Melvin Gordon @Oak
17. Jaylen Samuels vs. LAR
18. Tevin Coleman vs. Sea
19. Devin Singletary @Cle
20. Todd Gurley @Pit
21. Aaron Jones vs. Car
22. Joe Mixon vs. Bal
23. Austin Ekeler @Oak
24. Ronald Jones II vs. Ari
25. Damien Williams @Ten
26. Matt Breida vs. Sea
27. Tarik Cohen vs. Det
28. Jamaal Williams vs. Car
29. Latavius Murray vs. Atl
30. Ty Johnson @Chi
31. LeSean McCoy @Ten
32. Kalen Ballage @Ind
33. Nyheim Hines vs. Mia
34. Peyton Barber vs. Ari
35. Frank Gore @Cle
36. Kareem Hunt vs. Buf
37. J.D. McKissic @Chi
38. Kenyan Drake @TB
39. Alexander Mattison @Dal
40. Dare Ogunbowale vs. Ari
41. Giovani Bernard vs. Bal
42. Chase Edmonds @TB
43. Ito Smith @NO
44. Dion Lewis vs. KC
45. Tony Pollard vs. Min
46. Gus Edwards @Cin
47. Rashaad Penny @SF
48. DeAndre Washington vs. LAC
49. Jalen Richard vs. LAC
50. Justice Hill @Cin
Wide Receivers I Like
Diontae Johnson intrigues me this week because of the match-up against the Rams. Juju Smith-Schuster should see coverage from Jalen Ramsey all day which could open things up for the rookie wide-out. Johnson struggled against the Colts last week, catching just one of two targets, but the week prior to that, Johnson had 5-84-1 against Miami. I like Johnson’s chances this week.
My Rank: WR41
ESPN Rank: WR46
In the same game, Robert Woods is on my list of players that could make an impact. The Steelers have the 18th ranked defense against wide receivers. Woods also receives a bump due to Brandin Cooks being out of the lineup. Woods has struggled to start the season, but I believe the bye week may have given the Rams offense a chance to find a way to get Woods more involved. If the Rams are to succeed the rest of the way out, they will need Woods to be productive in order to do so
My Rank: WR21
ESPN Rank: WR26
John Brown has led the Bills' offense in targets and is quietly putting together a very nice fantasy season. He is currently the WR18 in PPR scoring and should produce these numbers again this week against the Browns. John Brown had recorded exactly five receptions in the last four games prior to last week, but “only” got four receptions for 76 yards against Washington last week. Brown should post WR2 numbers this week due to his amazing consistency.
My Rank: WR14
ESPN Rank: WR25
Wide Receivers to Avoid
At first glance, Christian Kirk doesn’t look like a player that should be listed here. He faces the worst pass defense in the league and is arguably the Cardinals' best pass catcher. The problem is that the Cardinals have spread the ball around much more since Kirk’s return from injury. Last week Kyler Murray threw for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week. Kirk was on the receiving end of just two passes for eight yards.
My Rank: WR23
ESPN Rank: WR13
DJ Moore is a player that I really like in general, but has a bad match-up this week. Moore with have to navigate his way through the Green Bay defense that hasn’t allowed a wide receiver to score in three of the last four weeks. Moore is coming off of his lone 100-yard effort of the season, but the 8th ranked Packers defense presents a different type of challenge.
My Rank: WR20
ESPN Rank: WR14
Sammy Watkins bounced back to a half-relevant performance last week when he caught seven balls for 63 yards against the Vikings. Watkins is a guy I can’t trust, whether it is his injury history or the fact that it seems like he is invisible for the majority of most games. I don’t think that even Patrick Mahomes’ return this week will spark Watkins into a startable asset.
My Rank: WR32
ESPN Rank: WR20
Week 10 Wide Receiver Rankings
1. Michael Thomas vs. Atl
2. Mike Evans vs. Ari
3. Julio Jones @NO
4. Cooper Kupp @Pit
5. Chris Godwin vs. Ari
6. Tyreek Hill @Ten
7. Davante Adams vs. Car
8. Keenan Allen @Oak
9. Amari Cooper vs. Min
10. Tyler Lockett @SF
11. Allen Robinson II vs. Det
12. Kenny Golladay @Chi
13. Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Buf
14. John Brown @Cle
15. Stefon Diggs @Dal
16. Tyler Boyd vs. Bal
17. Calvin Ridley @NO
18. Emmanuel Sanders vs. Sea
19. Marvin Jones @Chi
20. DJ Moore @GB
21. Robert Woods @Pit
22. Juju Smith-Schuster vs. LAR
23. Christian Kirk @TB
24. Michael Gallup vs. Min
25. Golden Tate @NYJ
26. Curtis Samuel @GB
27. Zach Pascal vs. Mia
28. Jarvis Landry vs. Buf
29. Jamison Crowder vs. NYG
30. Tyrell Williams vs. LAC
31. Mike Williams @Oak
32. Sammy Watkins @Ten
33. DK Metcalf @SF
34. Larry Fitzgerald @TB
35. Randall Cobb vs. Min
36. Danny Amendola @Chi
37. DeVante Parker @Ind
38. Auden Tate vs. Bal
39. Darius Slayton @NYJ
40. Corey Davis vs. KC
41. Diontae Johnson vs. LAR
42. Robby Anderson vs. NYG
43. A.J. Brown vs. KC
44. Cole Beasley @Cle
45. Marquise Brown @Cin
46. Adam Humphries vs. KC
47. Mecole Hardman @Ten
48. Ted Ginn Jr. vs. Atl
49. Jakeem Grant @Ind
50. Demaryius Thomas vs. NYG
Tight Ends I Like
Jason Witten jumps from the avoid list to the like list this week after an 8-58 line last week. Witten faces the 19th ranked Vikings tight end defense and provides a decent floor to fantasy owners.
My Rank: TE9
ESPN Rank: TE13
Tight Ends To Avoid
Jared Cook will be coming off of an injury if he even plays at all this week. Cook hasn’t played since Week 6 with an ankle injury. The Saints may take it easy on the veteran in his return. I’m also low on Cook because of the Falcons’ struggles against perimeter receivers. Atlanta is one of the worst defenses against wide-outs, which may take some potential targets away from the tight end position. I’m hesitant with Cook this weekend, even against the 18th ranked tight end defense (Atlanta.)
My Rank: TE13
ESPN Rank: TE8
Week 10 Tight End Rankings
1. George Kittle vs. Sea
2. Hunter Henry @Oak
3. Travis Kelce @Ten
4. Austin Hooper @NO
5. Darren Waller vs. LAC
6. Mark Andrews @Cin
7. Gerald Everett @Pit
8. Greg Olsen @GB
9. Jason Witten vs. Min
10. T.J. Hockenson @Chi
11. Jimmy Graham vs. Car
12. Jack Doyle vs. Mia
13. Jared Cook vs. Atl
14. Eric Ebron vs. Mia
15. Kyle Rudolph @Dal
16. Jonnu Smith vs. KC
17. Vance McDonald vs. LAR
18. Mike Gesicki @Ind
19. Tyler Eifert vs. Bal
20. O.J. Howard vs. Ari
21. Foster Moreau vs. LAC
22. Irv Smith Jr. @Dal
23. Dawson Knox @Cle
24. Hayden Hurst @Cin
25. Josh Hill vs. Atl
Week 8 likes/dislikes
Quarterback likes
Derek Carr: My Rank - QB8; ESPN Rank - QB12; Actual finish - QB12
Jimmy Garoppolo: My Rank - QB12; ESPN Rank - QB18; Actual finish - QB2
Sam Darnold: My Rank - QB15; ESPN Rank - QB19; Actual finish - QB21
Quarterback dislikes
Daniel Jones: My Rank - QB22; ESPN Rank - QB17; Actual finish - QB23
Jacoby Brissett: My Rank - QB16; ESPN Rank - QB11; Actual finish - QB29
Phillip Rivers: My Rank - QB18; ESPN Rank - QB13; Actual finish - QB24
Running Back likes
Josh Jacobs: My Rank - RB8; ESPN Rank - RB11; Actual finish - RB5
Jordan Howard: My Rank - RB18; ESPN Rank - RB22; Actual finish - RB18
Duke Johnson: My Rank - RB27; ESPN Rank - RB32; Actual finish - RB11
Running Back dislikes
Aaron Jones: My Rank - RB12; ESPN Rank - RB7; Actual finish - RB45
Matt Breida: My Rank - RB30; ESPN Rank - RB25; Actual finish - RB29
Devin Singletary: My Rank - RB35; ESPN Rank - RB30; Actual finish - RB6
Wide Receiver likes
Amari Cooper: My Rank - WR3; ESPN Rank - WR8; Actual finish - WR13
Dede Westbrook: My Rank - WR19; ESPN Rank - WR25; Actual finish - N/A
John Brown: My Rank - WR16; ESPN Rank - WR23; Actual finish - WR31
Wide Receiver dislikes
Devante Adams: My Rank - WR11; ESPN Rank - WR5; Actual finish - WR33
Julian Edelman: My Rank - WR14; ESPN Rank - WR7; Actual finish - WR18
Odell Beckham Jr.: My Rank - WR24; ESPN Rank - WR15; Actual finish - WR26
Tight End likes
Darren Fells: My Rank - TE9; ESPN Rank - TE16; Actual finish - TE22
Tight End dislikes
Jason Witten: My Rank - TE18; ESPN Rank - TE10; Actual finish - TE8
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