Time is ticking on your fantasy football season as we head into Week 10. You’re either riding high or in the middle of the pack looking for a playoff push, and with injuries piling up, a waiver wire add could make or break weeks toward the end of the regular season.
As I said last week, at least you don’t need a winning team to have a standout or sleeper fantasy player. That comes in handy during Week 10 when teams such as the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs are on bye – teams that produce multiple reliable fantasy positions.
I used to write a weekly Start Em, Sit Em with Sleepers and Busts at another publication, but have brought my talents to RSJ and am revamping the launch of that series. Let’s be honest, do you really need to be told to start Jared Goff in a a potential shootout with the Los Angeles Chargers or start DeAndre Hopkins with the emergence of Will Levis and an opponent who just allowed five passing scores and nearly 500 yards of offense a week prior.
We’re looking for diamonds in the rough – and this week is no different.
RB, JAMES CONNER, ARIZONA CARDINALS
VS ATLANTA FALCONS
Multiple reports say James Conner (42% started) should be good to go on Sunday at home against Atlanta. His return, along with quarterback Kyler Murray, could be daunting for a Jekyll and Hyde Falcons team. Conner has touted double-digit carries in all games except the one he was injured in during Week 5. Additionally, his scores against tougher defenses (such as Dallas) show that even in a rebuilding Cardinals team, they trust him to run the ball.
Atlanta’s defense is better than years prior and has done well overall, limiting opposing teams’ ground games. But the uncertainty of quarterback and which running back to prepare for is asking A LOT of a secondary.
*Editors Note: Obviously, do not start Conner if he is not cleared from IR.
WR JAHAN DOTSON, COMMANDERS & WR TYLER LOCKETT, SEAHAWKS
COMMANDERS VS SEAHAWKS
The Washington/Seattle game is arguably the most intriguing game to me this weekend. Both offenses can compete in shootouts or lose to teams they shouldn’t while scoring maybe once or twice. Jahan Dotson has 26 targets in the last three games and could make it three games in a row with a touchdown on Sunday. Seattle has allowed 118 receptions to receivers through eight games, making both Dotson and Terry McLaurin viable options.
D.K. Metcalf hasn’t found the end zone since Week 4 and is dealing with a hip injury. Tyler Lockett refuses to accept the status of “old”, and Geno Smith is again trusting him in his second year under center. Lockett only has three scores heading into Week 10, but the Commanders are 30th in pass defense. I’m also not too concerned that head coach Pete Carroll said Seattle is hoping to get its run game going, mainly because I know Kenneth Walker has been consistent since he took over the backfield. Getting Zach Charbonnet involved is a plus/minus of 5-8 snaps in my opinion – and I have yet to see him as a receiving threat.
TE, DALTON SCHULTZ, HOUSTON TEXANS
AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
What would you do if I told you Dalton Schultz is the No. 1 tight end in standard leagues? Start him, duh.
Schultz also benefitted from C.J. Stroud’s 470 yards in Week 9, and was again looked to as a red zone threat. He finished with 130 yards and a score, making it his fourth in eight games. Nico Collins and Dameon Pierce are both declared out, bolstering Schultz’s need in the receiving game and pointing to Houston relying mostly on its passing game. Cincinnati has also allowed the third-most points to tight ends (CBSSports). I like him regardless of the format.
QB, RUSSELL WILSON, DENVER BRONCOS
AT BUFFALO (MNF)
Russell Wilson is only slated to start in 26% of leagues as of Friday night. He takes on a Buffalo team on the road following Denver’s bye in prime time. Usually, fantasy managers stay away from the Bills defense, but Joe Burrow (29.8), Baker Mayfield (27.7), and Mac Jones (26.7) all scored more than 26.5 points in Buffalo’s last three games. Coming off a bye, Jerry Jeudy, Cortland Sutton, Marvin Mims, and Javonte Williams are all healthy for the Broncos, which often seems like a rarity. The Broncos could be chasing points, and the injuries to the Bills’ secondary could make it an exciting game.
TE, TREY MCBRIDE, ARIZONA CARDINALS
VS ATLANTA FALCONS
Trey McBride (47% started) rightfully took a step back last week after his 25-point fantasy game in Baltimore, but the return of Kyler Murray should be a positive. Prior to IR, Zach Ertz was practicing with the first team, while McBride didn’t always get those reps. He practiced with Murray on the second team and in non-contact. Why do third-string and lower-receiving options benefit from backups usually? They build rapport in practice. I believe this will be true with McBride and Murray, who is only QB1 beginning this week. I also think the Falcons know their task to make Arizona score with someone other than Marquise Brown, and McBride is next in line.
It’s not always runaway matchups that produce quality sleeper candidates on a weekly basis. Remembering to think of teams chasing points, lopsided run and rush defenses, and depth chart movement are all key factors to look at when attempting to gain an edge in fantasy football.
Have a player Kayla should analyze in the coming weeks? Reach out to RSJ.
