WEEK 10 RECAP
Bears 16, Panthers 13: Miles Sanders was rostered in about 70 percent of fantasy leagues across both ESPN and Yahoo at the beginning of the week. The last time he played over 50 percent of the snaps was Week 3. He has 71 total yards on 15 touches in three games since Carolina’s bye week.
Colts 10, Patriots 6: Michael Pittman Jr. has produced exactly eight receptions in each of the last three games and at least eight receptions in seven out of 10 games this season. Pittman’s on pace for a career-high 112.
Texans 30, Bengals 27: CJ Stroud has thrown for 826 yards and six touchdowns in the last two games. The No. 2 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft is on pace to throw for 4,960 yards and score 32 total TDs against only four interceptions for Houston in his rookie season.
Vikings 27, Saints 19: TJ Hockenson had 10 receptions in the first half, which was the most for a tight end in the first half of a game since Week 9 of 2009 when Dallas Clark caught 11 passes for the Colts.
Steelers 23, Packers 19: Romeo Doubs has been the most dependable receiver for Green Bay this season, leading the team in targets (59), receptions (33) and receiving touchdowns (six). Jordan Love has had better success on intermediate routes versus deep targets, which is why Doubs has surpassed Christian Watson as the top option in the Packers’ passing game. Jayden Reed has had similar chemistry with Love, producing at least 83 receiving yards in two of the last three games and four TDs this season, but the rookie hasn’t been as consistent as Doubs overall.
Buccaneers 20, Titans 6: Derrick Henry was held to 24 yards on 11 carries. Henry has had double-digit carries in every game this season, but this was the second time he was held under 25 yards. Both games were against top-four defenses at preventing fantasy points to running backs.
49ers 34, Jaguars 3: George Kittle is quietly having one of his best seasons as a pass catcher for San Francisco. Kittle is on pace to catch 66 balls for 1,056 yards and eight TDs. Both the yards and scores would be the second-highest totals of his career.
Browns 33, Ravens 31: Keaton Mitchell led Baltimore running backs in rushing yards and receiving yards despite playing a limited role. The dynamic undrafted rookie out East Carolina has produced 200 total yards on only 14 touches and two TDs the last two weeks. Remember, Gus Edwards hasn’t been a pillar of health during his career and it looks like Justice Hill has already been replaced as the Ravens’ preferred scatback.
Cardinals 25, Falcons 23: Kyler Murray’s return supercharged Trey McBride as expected. McBride caught eight balls for 131 yards against Atlanta, giving him 28 receptions on 39 targets for 339 yards and a TD in the last five games. Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Hockenson, Sam LaPorta and Kittle are the only tight ends I’d rank ahead of McBride going forward. Rookie receiver Michael Wilson could see a similar boost in value with Murray under center. According to Pro Football Focus, Wilson has the highest average depth of target among Arizona’s top receivers at 14.8 and Murray has never been shy about taking shots down field.
Lions 41, Chargers 38: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery both finished top-five in standard formats in Week 10 and top-12 in PPR. I roster both in multiple leagues and have started both when they’re healthy.
Cowboys 49, Giants 17: Saquon Barkley had 13 carries for 66 yards in a blowout loss to Dallas. Barkley remains New York’s only source of offense, but could be hampered by similar game scripts going forward. You may want to consider selling high before your league’s trade deadline.
Seahawks 29, Commanders 26: Antonio Gibson has exactly five receptions in three straight games and is the overall RB17 in PPR since Week 8.
Raiders 16, Jets 12: Garrett Wilson has at least 12 targets, seven receptions and 80 yards in four straight games. We can only imagine what Wilson’s season would’ve been like with Aaron Rodgers under center … or maybe we won’t have to imagine? It sounds like Rodgers may return in time to have an impact on the fantasy playoffs.
Broncos 24, Bills 22: Marvin Mims played over 50 percent of Denver’s offensive snaps for the first time in his NFL career. In fact, he played three more snaps than a healthy Jerry Jeudy and only ran two fewer routes. The increased playing time didn’t lead to any targets, but being on the field is half the battle. The production will happen if this continues.
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’s my best bets for Week 11:
CINCINNATI AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Mark Andrews (BAL), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Tyler Boyd (CIN) has at least 56 yards or a TD in four straight games and will play with some extra motivation after dropping a potential game-winning TD against the Texans last week. Zay Flowers (BAL) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR40 in standard formats (WR30 in PPR). Gus Edwards (BAL) has seven TDs in the last four games. Keaton Mitchell (BAL) has flex appeal as the overall RB5 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) the last two weeks.
Who to sit: Tee Higgins (CIN) has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. It’s hard to trust Trenton Irwin (CIN) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. The Bengals D/ST didn’t register a sack or create a turnover against the Ravens in Week 2. Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) remains TD-dependent having topped four targets only twice in eight games. Justice Hill (BAL) only has double-digit touches once in the last four games. Rashod Bateman (BAL) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t topped three receptions in a game this season.
Sleeper: Tanner Hudson (CIN) has at least four receptions and five targets in two straight games.
PITTSBURGH AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Steelers D/ST, Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST.
Who to start: Diontae Johnson (PIT) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) since Week 7, but you’ll need to monitor his thumb injury. Both Najee Harris (PIT) and Jaylen Warren (PIT) are ranked in the top-17 in standard formats (top-16 in PPR) since Week 7. Jerome Ford (CLE) is the overall RB14 in standard formats (RB15 in PPR) since taking over for an injured Nick Chubb in Week 2.
Who to sit: I’m fading George Pickens (PIT) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers unless Johnson is out. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) had a single reception for two yards against the Browns in Week 2. Kenny Pickett (PIT) is the overall QB28 in fantasy through 10 weeks. David Njoku (CLE) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Elijah Moore (CLE) reverts back to TD-dependent with Deshaun Watson out for the season. PJ Walker (CLE) only has value in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Kareem Hunt (CLE) has scored at least one TD in five straight games.
CHICAGO AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), DJ Moore (CHI), Cole Kmet (CHI), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET).
Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed 19 passing TDs in 10 games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Khalil Herbert (CHI) — who is still not fully healthy — and D’Onta Foreman (CHI) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Darnell Mooney (CHI) remains TD-dependent with only 14 receptions in his last six games. Roschon Johnson (CHI) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 3. Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in four of five games played this season. Josh Reynolds (DET) remains TD-dependent with only eight receptions for 121 yards in the last four games.
Sleeper: The Lions D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
L.A. CHARGERS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Aaron Jones (GB).
Who to start: The Chargers D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an inconsistent young QB, but there are probably streaming options available with higher upside this week. AJ Dillon (GB) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB30 in standard formats (RB31 in PPR) since Week 5. Jordan Love (GB) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Romeo Doubs (GB) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR37 in PPR) through 10 weeks. Jayden Reed (GB) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR21 in PPR) since Week 7.
Who to sit: Quentin Johnston (LAC) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Both Gerald Everett (LAC) and Donald Parham (LAC) remain TD-dependent and both are currently dealing with injuries. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate considering he hasn’t topped three receptions in a single game this season. The Packers D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense that has allowed at least nine receptions, 84 yards or a TD to tight ends in four straight games.
LAS VEGAS AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA).
Who to start: Raheem Mostert (MIA) still has flex appeal if Achane is active (assuming Mostert is active). The Dolphins D/ST faces an offense that has allowed double-digit fantasy points to opposing defenses in seven of the last nine games.
Who to sit: Aidan O’Connell (LV) has finished as the QB23, QB23 and QB21 in his three starts this season. Jakobi Meyers (LV) has exactly two receptions in each of the three games O’Connell has started. I’m fading the Raiders D/ST on the road against the high-powered Dolphins offense.
Sleeper: Michael Mayer (LV) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions or a TD to tight ends in seven of nine games.
N.Y. GIANTS AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson (WAS).
Who to start: Saquon Barkley (NYG) tweaked his ankle in the blowout loss at Dallas, but remains a high-volume flex option if active. The Giants D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed 47 sacks in 10 games. Sam Howell (WAS) is the overall QB3 through 10 weeks — only Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts have scored more fantasy points this season. Jahan Dotson (WAS) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Logan Thomas (WAS) has at least four receptions or a TD in five of the last six games. Antonio Gibson (WAS) has flex appeal in PPR with 15 receptions and a receiving TD in the last three games.
Who to sit: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG), Parris Campbell (NYG) and Darius Slayton (NYG) are all TD-dependent despite the matchup against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Daniel Bellinger (NYG) remains TD-dependent with exactly three targets in each game since he replaced an injured Darren Waller. Jalin Hyatt (NYG) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Curtis Samuel (WAS) is TD-dependent with only 10 receptions for 53 yards in his last three games.
Sleeper: The Commanders D/ST faces an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
DALLAS AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Adam Thielen (CAR).
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) is the overall QB6 through 10 weeks.
Who to sit: Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense that has only allowed eight receptions to tight ends since Week 8. I’m fading Brandin Cooks (DAL) and Michael Gallup (DAL) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. The last time Miles Sanders (CAR) played over 50 percent of the Panthers offensive snaps was Week 3. DJ Chark (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Bryce Young (CAR) still only has value in deeper superflex formats.
Sleeper: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) is averaging almost 16 touches per game since Week 4 and could receive a bunch of check-down opportunities against a dominant pass rush.
TENNESSEE AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: Chigoziem Okowkwo (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that’s tied with the Broncos for allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. It’s hard to trust Trevor Lawrence (JAC) at this point, but I expect one of his better games at home after such an embarrassing effort against the 49ers last week. Same goes for the Jaguars D/ST. Calvin Ridley (JAC) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Will Levis (TEN) has thrown two interceptions with no TDs in two games since his impressive debut against the Falcons.
Sleeper: Tyjae Spears (TEN) deserves flex consideration in PPR as the overall RB34 since Week 4.
ARIZONA AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Marquise Brown (ARI), James Conner (ARI), CJ Stroud (HOU).
Who to start: Kyler Murray (ARI) finished as the overall QB13 in his 2023 debut — that probably represents his floor. Trey McBride (ARI) faces a defense that has allowed 18 receptions for 138 yards and three TDs to tight ends in the last three games. Nico Collins (HOU) and Dalton Schultz (HOU) are obvious starters if they’re active. Tank Dell (HOU) has at least 57 yards or a TD in five of his last seven games. Devin Singletary (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in the last three games. Noah Brown (HOU) maintains flex appeal with at least five targets in four straight games (including two monster performances the last two weeks).
Who to sit: Michael Wilson (ARI) remains TD-dependent with only 14 receptions in his last five games. Dameon Pierce (HOU) still hasn’t practiced with an injured ankle. Robert Woods (HOU) only deserves flex consideration if either Collins, Dell or Brown are inactive.
Sleeper: Rondale Moore (ARI) has at least five receptions and eight targets in five of the last six games Murray has played.
TAMPA BAY AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF).
Who to start: The 49ers D/ST appear revitalized and are at home for the first time since trading for Chase Young.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, and happen to be better than most at stopping the run.
N.Y. JETS AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: The Jets D/ST average the sixth-most fantasy points per game and single-handedly beat the Bills in Week 1. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) is the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE2 in PPR) since Week 7.
Who to sit: Dalvin Cook (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only nine touches in the last three games. Allen Lazard (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions for 88 yards in the last four games. Gabe Davis (BUF) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Latavius Murray (BUF) remains TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in six of the last eight games.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) has at least four receptions and 50 yards in five of the last eight games.
SEATTLE AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Cooper Kupp (LAR).
Who to start: Geno Smith (SEA) is a solid streaming option with multiple TD passes in three of the last four games. Both Darrell Henderson (LAR) and Royce Freeman (LAR) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. Matthew Stafford (LAR) deserves streaming consideration at home against a defense that has allowed 794 passing yards and five passing TDs the last three games.
Who to sit: The Seahawks D/ST is tied for 15th in fantasy scoring since Week 6. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) is the overall RB41 in standard formats (RB36 in PPR) since Week 8. Puka Nacua (LAR) remains limited with a knee injury he suffered against the Cowboys in Week 8. Tyler Higbee (LAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer targets in four of the last five games. Tutu Atwell (LAR) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last five games.
Sleeper: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) has at least four receptions or a TD in five straight games.
MINNESOTA AT DENVER
Obvious starters: TJ Hockenson (MIN), Jordan Addison (MIN), Javonte Williams (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN).
Who to start: Justin Jefferson (MIN) is an obvious starter if he’s active, but I’d be surprised if he plays this week. Joshua Dobbs (MIN) is averaging 25 fantasy points the last three games and faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Russell Wilson (DEN) is a solid streaming option with multiple TD passes in five of six home games this season.
Who to sit: Alexander Mattison (MIN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST on the road against an offense that has played well with a rejuvenated Wilson under center. Not sure the volume will support KJ Osborn (MIN) as a flex option this week if he’s active (concussion). I’m fading Samaje Perine (DEN) and Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) as flex options in deeper PPR formats against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Ty Chandler (MIN) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs with Mattison likely out.
PHILADELPHIA AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC).
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) has at least four receptions or a TD in eight of nine games this season. Rashee Rice (KC) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 14 TDs in nine games.
Who to sit: I’m fading the Eagles D/ST on the road against Mahomes in prime time. I’m fading Isiah Pacheco (KC) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Skyy Moore (KC) remains TD-dependent with only nine receptions in the last five games. Kadarius Toney (KC) has a single target in three straight games. Jerick McKinnon (KC) remains TD-dependent with five-or-fewer touches in every game this season.
Sleeper: The Chiefs D/ST has double-digit fantasy points in four straight games and ranks seventh in fantasy scoring through 10 weeks.
