Fantasy football Week 10: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 9’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 9 RECAP

Ravens 28, Dolphins 6: In the four games Lamar Jackson has started and finished, he’s the weekly QB4, QB3, QB3 and QB9.

Bears 47, Bengals 42: Only Brock Bowers scored more fantasy points than Colston Loveland in Week 9. Loveland finished with six receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with under a minute left to play. He has premium matchups in two of his next three games — at the Vikings in Week 11 and at home against the Steelers in Week 12.

Vikings 27, Lions 24: J.J. McCarthy hasn’t been as efficient or dynamic as Jaxson Dart, but in McCarthy’s first three starts this season, he has showcased his dual-threat ability by producing two games with two TD passes and a rushing TD. He’s also throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, so there’s definitely upside to go along with the learning curve he faces.

Panthers 16, Packers 13: Tucker Kraft suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the loss to Carolina on Sunday. Kraft was the overall TE1 in standard formats (TE2 in PPR) through nine weeks before the injury. Luke Musgrave had three receptions for 34 yards after Kraft was injured. Musgrave, a 2023 second-round pick (36 picks ahead of Kraft), flashed immense potential as a rookie before injuries caused him to fall behind. There’s a chance he becomes a difference-maker down the stretch.

Chargers 27, Titans 20: Justin Herbert is the overall QB1 since Week 6 with 1,161 passing yards, 152 rushing yards and 11 total TDs in the last four games despite his offensive line being riddled with injuries.

Patriots 24, Falcons 23: TreVeyon Henderson set a new career high with 18 touches and 87 total yards with Rhamondre Stevenson out due to a toe injury. However, New England’s backfield continued to operate as a committee with Terrell Jennings rushing for 35 yards and a TD on 11 carries. Regardless, Henderson is still trending up with at least 75 yards in two straight games.

49ers 34, Giants 24: I mentioned Devin Singletary would also likely see an increase in usage as I advocated for Tyrone Tracy Jr. in my Week 9 waiver wire primer. Singletary’s 10 touches against San Francisco were the most he’s had this season, and two more than Tracy received in a negative game script. I still believe Tracy has the higher upside, and will be the more valuable fantasy asset going forward, but you shouldn’t ignore Singletary.

Steelers 27, Colts 20: I pointed out last week Alec Pierce eats against single-high coverage, something Pittsburgh plays a lot of, and Pierce indulged himself once again to the tune of 115 yards on six receptions. He has at least 67 receiving yards in five of his last six games, and guess what — the Falcons, this week’s opponent, utilize single high the most in the NFL.

Broncos 18, Texans 15: Both Woody Marks and Nick Chubb struggled in a loss to Denver, splitting touches almost evenly. Woods had 27 yards on 10 carries and failed to catch any of his three targets while playing 47.9% of Houston’s offensive snaps. Chubb ran 11 times for 34 yards without a target, and played 35.6% of the snaps. Even if the Texans lean more on the run game with C.J. Stroud still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, it’s hard to trust either back this week.

Jaguars 30, Raiders 29 (OT): Travis Hunter suffered a leg injury in practice last week and was promptly put on injured reserve. Then Dyami Brown suffered a concussion, and Brian Thomas Jr. hurt his ankle against Las Vegas. Parker Washington produced 90 yards on eight receptions (nine targets) in the victory, and has at least nine targets in three of his last six games. Even with the edition of Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, Washington should continue to see meaningful snaps while Hunter is out.

Rams 34, Saints 10: Davante Adams had five receptions on seven targets for 60 yards and two more TDs in the victory over New Orleans. Adams has five scores over his last two games, giving him at least eight TDs in nine of the last 10 seasons.

Bills 28, Chiefs 21: Patrick Mahomes struggled in the loss at Buffalo, completing only 15 of 34 passes for 250 yards with no TDs and one interception. It snapped Mahomes’ five-game streak of finishing as at least the week’s QB5 or better.

Seahawks 38, Commanders 14: Jayden Daniels suffered a gruesome injury to his non-throwing arm in a loss to Seattle on Sunday night. Marcus Mariota will be under center for the foreseeable future for Washington. The former Heisman winner finished as the weekly QB6, QB17 and QB19 in his previous three starts.

Cardinals 27, Cowboys 17: Jacoby Brissett has passed for at least 261 yards and two TDs in all three starts this season, finishing as the weekly QB7, QB12 and QB10. Arizona just placed Kyler Murray on injured reserve with a lingering foot injury, which means Brissett will deserve streaming consideration for at least the next four games when the matchup is right.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 10:

LAS VEGAS AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB5 through nine weeks. J.K. Dobbins (DEN) is the overall RB14 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR) through nine weeks, and faces a defense that has allowed nine rushing TDs to running backs in the last six games. R.J. Harvey (DEN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB15 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least one TD in four of the last six games. Troy Franklin (DEN) has WR3/flex upside as the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR9 in PPR) since Week 7 with three TD receptions in the last three games and at least eight targets in each.

Who to sit: Tre Tucker (LV) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers who didn’t really miss a beat without Patrick Surtain II last week against the Texans. Geno Smith (LV) faces a defense that has only allowed one-or-fewer TD passes to quarterbacks in seven of nine games this season. Michael Mayer (LV) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of his last five games. I’m fading Evan Engram (DEN) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Pat Bryant (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers with Marvin Mims Jr. out with a concussion.

ATLANTA VS. INDIANAPOLIS AT BERLIN

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND).

Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed at least six receptions for 76 yards and a TD to tight ends in four straight games. Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (glute). Daniel Jones (IND) is the overall QB6 through nine weeks and faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. The Colts D/ST is tied for the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy through nine weeks. Josh Downs (IND) maintains flex appeal with at least six receptions or a TD in four straight games. Alec Pierce (IND) is the overall WR14 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) since Week 7 with 13 receptions on 28 targets for 282 yards in the last three games.

Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) has thrown one-or-fewer TD passes in five of seven games this season.

Sleeper: Darnell Mooney (ATL) faces a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

N.Y. GIANTS AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Jaxson Dart (NYG).

Who to start: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) has flex appeal as the overall RB30 in standard formats (RB28 in PPR) since Week 7. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Dart became the starting QB in Week 4. Theo Johnson (NYG) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (shoulder) against a defense that has allowed at least seven receptions for 91 yards or a TD to tight ends in four straight games. D’Andre Swift (CHI) is an obvious starter if he’s active (groin) considering the matchup. Both Rome Odunze (CHI) and D.J. Moore (CHI) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers — monitor Odunze’s (ankle/heel) and Moore’s (hip/groin) injuries through Friday’s practice. Kyle Monangai (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs even if Swift is active. Colston Loveland (CHI) has increased his receptions, yards and targets in every game since the Bears’ bye in Week 5.

Who to sit: Devin Singletary (NYG) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed two rushing TDs to running backs in the last four games. Luther Burden III (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in six of seven games this season. Olamide Zaccheaus (CHI) only has flex appeal if Odunze or Moore is sidelined.

Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 13 TD receptions in eight games this season.

BUFFALO AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).

Who to start: James Cook (BUF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle/foot). Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR35 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through nine weeks with at least six receptions or a TD in six of eight games this season. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) is the overall TE7 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) through nine weeks and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Bills D/ST faces an offense that has committed at least three turnovers in three of the last four games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Keon Coleman (BUF) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Malik Washington (MIA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate who hasn’t topped 50 receiving yards in a game this season. Ollie Gordon II (MIA) remains TD-dependent with only one game of at least 10 touches this season.

Sleeper: Ray Davis (BUF) has flex appeal in deeper formats against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs, but would have RB1 upside if Cook is out.

BALTIMORE AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Justin Jefferson (MIN).

Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) through nine weeks with at least five receptions in seven of eight games this season and at least 63 yards in six of eight. Mark Andrews (BAL) is the overall TE12 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) since Week 3. The Ravens D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least 114 receiving yards or a TD in four of five games this season. Both Aaron Jones (MIN) and Jordan Mason (MIN) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs — Mason would have RB2/flex upside if Jones is out (shoulder/toe).

Who to sit: Justice Hill (BAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer touches in three of the last four games. DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer targets in seven of eight games this season. In three starts, J.J. McCarthy (MIN) has finished as the weekly QB11, QB33 and QB13. T.J. Hockenson (MIN) is the overall TE23 in standard formats (TE18 in PPR) since Week 3. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST against a healthy Jackson.

Sleeper(s): Rashod Bateman (BAL) faces a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last three games. Isaiah Likely (BAL) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to tight ends in the last six games.

CLEVELAND AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Quinshon Judkins (CLE).

Who to start: In his last four games before the Browns’ bye, Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) was the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) with at least seven receptions or a TD in three of the four. David Njoku (CLE) deserves streaming consideration with at least five targets in six of seven games this season against a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to tight ends in the last five games. The Browns D/ST faces an offense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 20 sacks in the last four games. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense that just traded its two best players. Garrett Wilson (NYJ) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Mason Taylor (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) in his last five games against a defense that has allowed a TD reception to tight ends in three of the last four.

Who to sit: Jerome Ford (CLE) and Dylan Sampson (CLE) only have value in the deepest PPR formats with Judkins healthy. Dillon Gabriel (CLE) is the overall QB23 in four starts this season. I’m fading Breece Hall (NYJ) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Justin Fields (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) is a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Isaiah Davis (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with Hall healthy.

Sleeper: Cedric Tillman (CLE) should return this week against a depleted secondary after missing four games with a hamstring injury.

NEW ENGLAND AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Drake Maye (NE), Emeka Egbuka (TB).

Who to start: Stefon Diggs (NE) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least six receptions or a TD in five of the last six games. Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE9 across most fantasy formats through nine weeks and faces a defense that has allowed at least six receptions or multiple TDs to tight ends in five straight games. Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in six of the last eight games. Cade Otton (TB) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends. Tez Johnson (TB) has flex appeal with at least four receptions or a TD in four straight games against a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last five games. The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense that has committed multiple turnovers and allowed six sacks in back-to-back games.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), if he’s active (toe), and TreVeyon Henderson (NE) on the road against one of the best run defenses in the NFL. I’m also fading the Patriots D/ST on the road against Mayfield coming off a bye. It seems likely Kayshon Boutte (NE) will miss this week with a hamstring injury. DeMario Douglas (NE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in four of the last six games. Mack Hollins (NE) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in seven of nine games this season. It doesn’t appear Bucky Irving (TB) will be ready to return this week (foot/shoulder). Chris Godwin (TB) also doesn’t appear close to returning (fibula). I’m fading Rachaad White (TB) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Sterling Shepard (TB) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in three of the last five games. Sean Tucker (TB) remains TD-dependent with only one game surpassing 10 touches this season.

Sleeper: Kyle Williams (NE) saw his snap share increase to almost 50% with Boutte limited against the Falcons.

NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO).

Who to start: Juwan Johnson (NO) has at least five receptions, 53 yards or a TD in three straight games. Rico Dowdle (CAR) is an obvious starter if he’s active (quadriceps). Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) through nine weeks and faces a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games. Bryce Young (CAR) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in seven of nine games this season.

Who to sit: Alvin Kamara (NO) is the overall RB43 in standard formats (RB34 in PPR) since Week 5 and has eight-or-fewer touches in back-to-back games. Taysom Hill (NO) remains a boom-or-bust candidate. Xavier Legette (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in four of the last five games. Jalen Coker (CAR) only has seven targets in three games this season.

Sleeper: The Panthers D/ST faces an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 10 sacks and committing 10 turnovers in the last three games.

JACKSONVILLE AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Texans D/ST.

Who to start: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) maintains flex appeal with at least 15 touches in seven of eight games. A once opportunistic Jaguars D/ST deserves streaming consideration with Davis Mills stepping in for an injured C.J. Stroud (concussion) at QB. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends, including at least one TD in four of the last five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) if he’s active (ankle) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Ditto for Jakobi Meyers (JAC) in his debut with the Jaguars, and Parker Washington (JAC). Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) only has two games with double-digit touches this season and remains TD-dependent. I’m fading both Woody Marks (HOU) and Nick Chubb (HOU) in a 50-50 split against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jayden Higgins (HOU) has two-or-fewer receptions in six of eight games this season.

Sleeper(s): Christian Kirk (HOU) saw eight targets against his former team in Week 3. Davis Mills (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed 19 TD passes to quarterbacks in eight games, including 11 in the last three.

ARIZONA AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.

Who to start: Bam Knight (ARI) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with at least 11 touches in three straight games. Sam Darnold (SEA) has 11 TD passes against only three interceptions in the last four games and has thrown for at least 295 yards in three of the last four. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) is the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB29 in PPR) since Week 4 with four TDs in the last five games. Kenneth Walker (SEA) maintains flex appeal with double-digit touches in every game this season. Rashid Shaheed (SEA) has flex appeal in his debut with the Seahawks. A.J. Barner (SEA) is the overall TE10 across most fantasy formats since Week 4 with four TDs in the last five games. Cooper Kupp (SEA) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer targets in four of the seven games he’s played this season and the addition of Shaheed.

Who to sit: I’m fading Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) against a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jacoby Brissett (ARI) faces a defense that has only allowed one 300-yard passer this season and one-or-fewer TD passes in four of the last seven games. Tory Horton (SEA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight targets in the last three games.

Sleeper: Emari Demercado (ARI) has at least 79 rushing yards or a TD in three of his last four games.

L.A. RAMS AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Matthew Stafford (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Puka Nacua (LAR) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ribs). The Rams D/ST is the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 6. Jauan Jennings (SF) has WR3/flex upside with at least four receptions or a TD in four of his last six games. Kendrick Bourne (SF) has flex appeal against a defense that he produced 10 receptions for 142 yards against in Week 5. Mac Jones (SF) completed 33 of 49 passes (both season highs) for 342 yards and two TDs against the Rams in Week 5.

Who to sit: Blake Corum (LAR) had one carry for 13 yards against the 49ers in Week 5. Tyler Higbee (LAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of the seven games he’s played this season. I’m still doubtful Brock Purdy (SF), with a nagging turf toe injury, or Ricky Pearsall (SF), with his knee injury, will be back this week. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: Terrance Ferguson (LAR) has 85 yards on three receptions (28.3 ypr) and a TD the last two games.

DETROIT AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).

Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed at least three TD passes in three straight games. David Montgomery (DET) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) through nine weeks. Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 11 TDs in the last eight games. The Lions D/ST faces an offense that has committed multiple turnovers in four straight games. Deebo Samuel (WAS) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through nine weeks. Zach Ertz (WAS) deserves streaming consideration with at least four receptions or a TD in four straight games.

Who to sit: Terry McLaurin (WAS) will likely miss at least this week with quadriceps injury, according to head coach Dan Quinn. I’m fading Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper(s): Marcus Mariota (WAS) faces a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes in six of eight games this season. Jaylin Lane (WAS) has flex appeal in deeper leagues, or if you’re desperate, with both McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey out against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.

PITTSBURGH AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC).

Who to start: DK Metcalf (PIT) is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) through nine weeks with at least 50 receiving yards or a TD in seven of eight games. Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB20 in PPR) through nine weeks with at least 13 touches in all seven games he’s played this season. The Steelers D/ST is a solid streaming option against an offensive line missing both starting tackles. Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) is the overall TE2 in standard formats (TE1 in PPR) since Week 6 and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. Both Keenan Allen (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Aaron Rodgers (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Calvin Austin III (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading Jonnu Smith (PIT) and Pat Freiermuth (PIT) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading Kimani Vidal (LAC) against a defense that has only allowed one 100-yard rusher and a single rushing TD since Week 3. There are better streaming options than the Chargers D/ST this week.

Sleeper: Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in the last five games.

PHILADELPHIA AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Josh Jacobs (GB).

Who to start: Saquon Barkley (PHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (groin). A.J. Brown (PHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). In the six games before the Eagles’ bye last week, DeVonta Smith (PHI) was the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR4 in PPR) with at least 84 receiving yards or a TD in four of six. Romeo Doubs (GB) is the overall WR16 across most fantasy formats since Week 4 with at least five receptions or a TD in four of the last five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Eagles D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tank Bigsby (PHI) remains TD-dependent unless Barkley is out. I’m fading Jordan Love (GB) against a defense that has only allowed one-or-fewer TD passes in four straight games. The Packers D/ST faces an offense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Matthew Golden (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of eight games this season. Luke Musgrave (GB) is TD-dependent this week against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Christian Watson (GB) has flex appeal, and has looked solid in two games since returning from last year’s ACL injury with 143 yards on six receptions (23.8 ypr).