Here's a look back at Week 9's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 10 RECAP
Panthers 25, Falcons 15: Chuba Hubbard’s return didn’t affect D’Onta Foreman in the least. Hubbard worked primarily as a third-down back. Foreman finished with 130 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. He has at least 118 yards in three of the last four games.
Buccaneers 21, Seahawks 16: The Tampa Bay backfield situation is starting to resemble the Dallas backfield situation. It’s been slowly, but surely trending in Rachaad White’s favor for the last month and this culminated with him receiving his first start against Seattle in Munich, finishing with a career-best 105 yards on 22 carries. Leonard Fournette will likely still be a factor after the bye, but he did suffer a hip injury in Germany that will require monitoring.
Vikings 33, Bills 30 (OT): This game was peak NFL football. Justin Jefferson is approaching peak wide receiver. Jefferson is currently on pace for 130 receptions (189 targets!) and 2,002 receiving yards (!) with 10 total touchdowns.
Lions 31, Bears 30: Justin Fields’ last three games as a passer: 441 yards with seven TDs against only one interception and a 64.8 completion percentage. Fields’ last three games as a runner: 385 yards on 36 carries and four TDs.
Titans 17, Broncos 10: Chase Edmonds only played 15 snaps and had three touches in his debut with Denver. I don’t believe it’s worth your time and a valuable roster spot to take the wait-and-see approach to his potential usage growing in the coming weeks. The fantasy playoffs will be here before we know it.
Chiefs 27, Jaguars 17: Kadarius Toney’s roster percentage actually dropped each of the last two weeks after being traded to Kansas City. Are we in the Upside Down? He just finished as Week 10’s WR9 in standard formats — WR14 in PPR — while only playing 44% of the snaps against Jacksonville.
Dolphins 39, Browns 17: This backfield is big enough for both Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert. Wilson finished with 143 total yards on 19 touches and a TD while Mostert had 87 total yards on 12 touches (four receptions) and a TD.
Giants 24, Texans 16: Saquon Barkley had a career-high 352 touches in 2018 (his rookie year). Barkley had 36 touches against Houston, which puts him on pace for 429 this season.
Steelers 20, Saints 10: There’s a legit chance New Orleans benches Andy Dalton in favor of Jameis Winston after losing two straight games while only scoring 23 total points. This would likely open up the passing game — although it might negatively effect Alvin Kamara’s participation — especially with the return of Jarvis Landry, who finished second on the team in routes run and targets against Pittsburgh.
Colts 25, Raiders 20: Matt Ryan’s surprise return to the starting lineup brought Parris Campbell back to life. Ryan is helping Campbell finally fulfill his immense potential. The slot receiver’s last three weekly finishes with the former MVP under center in standard formats: WR10 (WR11 in PPR), WR9 (WR5) and WR14 (WR9).
Packers 31, Cowboys 28 (OT): Christian Watson’s explosion (107 yards and three touchdowns) came with Romeo Doubs and Randall Cobb sidelined, so I’m trying to temper my expectations, but this is the type of potential I envisioned when I was writing about him during the 2021-2022 draft cycle. If he produces anything close to this against a very beatable Titans secondary on Thursday Night Football, he’ll likely earn a valuable role with Aaron Rodgers going forward.
Cardinals 27, Rams 17: Kyren Williams saw his first game action on offense and produced 39 total yards on four touches (three receptions). Considering both Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers continued to disappoint — a TD saved Henderson’s day — this was a promising step towards potentially higher volume in the near future for a disappointing L.A. backfield.
49ers 22, Chargers 16: Elijah Mitchell actually out-touched Christian McCaffrey 19 to 18, but there’s no need to panic if you roster McCaffrey (he still had 77 total yards and TD). Much like the Dolphins backfield — who shares DNA with the 49ers backfield — there’s room for both running backs to produce fantasy relevant stats. Indeed, Mitchell’s involvement will go a long ways in keeping McCaffrey fresh, explosive and most importantly, healthy.
Commanders 32, Eagles 21: Terry McLaurin is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Taylor Heinicke replaced the injured Carson Wentz at quarterback in Week 7.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here are my best bets for Week 11:
TENNESSEE AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Aaron Jones (GB), Allen Lazard (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB).
Who to start: The Titans D/ST has streaming value as the top-scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7. AJ Dillon (GB) remains a high-floor, low-ceiling flex option with double-digit touches in four of the last five games. The Packers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a vanilla offense.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust anyone else on the Titans beyond Henry or the defense. Robert Woods (TEN) only has seven receptions (15 targets) for 62 yards in the last four games. Treylon Burks (TEN) is a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games played this season. It’s hard to rely on Ryan Tannehill (TEN) this week with such a difficult matchup. Austin Hooper (TEN) only has 14 targets in the last four games. Let’s see Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) do it again. Robert Tonyan (GB) is touchdown-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to tight ends since Week 4.
Sleeper: Christian Watson (GB) faces a defense that has allowed 11 TDs to wide receivers in nine games.
CHICAGO AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), David Montgomery (CHI), Kyle Pitts (ATL), Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL).
Who to start: Both Darnell Mooney (CHI) and Chase Claypool (CHI) have WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Cole Kmet (CHI) missed practice Wednesday with a thigh injury, but he’s a top-10 option if he’s active. Marcus Mariota (ATL) is the overall QB11 through 10 games.
Who to sit: Drake London (ATL) hasn’t topped 40 yards in seven straight games.
Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed 12 TDs to running backs in the last nine games.
CLEVELAND VS. BUFFALO AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Gabe Davis (BUF), Devin Singletary (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Kareem Hunt (CLE) maintains flex value in an all-hands-on-deck matchup against the Bills.
Who to sit: I’m fading David Njoku (CLE) until he’s a full participant in practice after suffering an ankle injury. Harrison Bryant (CLE) remains touchdown-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to tight ends this season. Jacoby Brissett (CLE) is the overall QB19 through 10 games. Dawson Knox (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent as the overall TE22 in standard formats (TE23 in PPR).
Sleeper: Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) has at least four receptions and 50 yards in six straight games — five of those games he has at least 71 yards.
PHILADELPHIA AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Monitor a knee issue, but DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least five receptions in six of the last eight games.
Who to sit: I’m fading the Colts D/ST against MVP candidate Hurts. Alec Pierce (IND) remains boom-or-bust with three-or-fewer receptions in five straight games. Matt Ryan (IND) faces a defense that has allowed one-or-fewer TDs to quarterbacks in six of nine games this season.
Sleeper: Parris Campbell (IND) has at least nine targets, seven receptions, 57 yards and a TD in Ryan’s last three starts.
N.Y. JETS AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Jets D/ST, Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Patriots D/ST.
Who to start: Garrett Wilson (NYJ) maintains WR3/flex upside after he produced 115 yards on six receptions (seven targets) against the Patriots in Week 8. Michael Carter (NYJ) maintains flex value as the overall RB27 in PPR formats this season. Jakobi Meyers (NE) has at least four receptions, 55 yards or a TD in all seven games he’s played this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading James Robinson (NYJ) against a defense that has allowed only one TD to running backs this season. Damien Harris (NE) is touchdown-dependent with Stevenson taking a bigger slice of the usage pie these days. Hunter Henry (NE) remains touchdown-dependent against a defense that has yet to allow a TD to tight ends this season.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to tight ends in nine games.
L.A. RAMS AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Tyler Higbee (LAR), Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Allen Robinson (LAR) should see increased target share with Cooper Kupp on Injured Reserve. The Rams D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed double-digit fantasy points to opposing defenses in three of the last four games. Juwan Johnson (NO) deserves streaming consideration with four TDs in the last four games, despite the difficult matchup.
Who to sit: I’m fading Matthew Stafford (LAR) against a defense that has allowed one-or-fewer TDs to quarterbacks in eight of 10 games. I’m fading both Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR) and Cam Akers (LAR) until further notice. Van Jefferson (LAR) and Ben Skowronek (LAR) are both boom-or-bust flex options until we get a larger sample size of the Rams passing offense without Kupp. Taysom Hill (NO) remains the ultimate boom-or-bust option with only seven yards on four carries the last two games. Andy Dalton (NO) is a boom-or-bust option as the overall QB14 in fantasy since Week 4.
Sleeper: Jarvis Landry (NO) faces a defense that has allowed at least 21 receptions to wide receivers in two straight games.
DETROIT AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), D’Andre Swift (DET), Jamaal Williams (DET), Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed 15 TDs to quarterbacks in the last eight games.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Jared Goff (DET) on the road — Goff is the overall QB17 this season. Kalif Raymond (DET) remains a boom-or-bust option with exactly three receptions in three straight games. I’m positive the Lions D/ST or Giants D/ST will produce fantasy relevant stats this week, but it’s hard to trust either one. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice on Thursday.
Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG) has at least five receptions, 66 yards or a TD in four of the last five games.
CAROLINA AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CAR), D’Onta Foreman (CAR), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Kenyan Drake (BAL) and Gus Edwards (BAL) both deserve flex consideration against a defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs this season — I favor Edwards if he’s active with no restrictions (hamstring).
Who to sit: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) only had five carries and no targets in his return from injury in Week 10. Terrace Marshall (CAR) and Laviska Shenault (CAR) are both boom-or-bust options with inconsistent usage. This is a difficult matchup to trust Baker Mayfield (CAR). Isaiah Likely (BAL) becomes an obvious start if Andrews remains out, and may develop flex appeal in the deepest leagues regardless.
Sleeper: Devin Duvernay (BAL) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last eight games.
WASHINGTON AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Dameon Pierce (HOU).
Who to start: Brian Robinson (WAS) and Antonio Gibson (WAS) both have flex value with upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs this season. The Commanders D/ST deserves streaming consideration with this matchup, allowing 21 or fewer points in six straight games. Brandin Cooks (HOU) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in 10 games this season.
Who to sit: Curtis Samuel (WAS) and Jahan Dotson (WAS) are both boom-or-bust options with McLaurin dominating target share recently. I’m fading Taylor Heinicke (WAS) leading what should be a run-oriented attack against a very bad run defense.
Sleeper: Nico Collins (HOU) has had at least four receptions, 65 yards or a TD in three of the last four games he’s played.
LAS VEGAS AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Courtland Sutton (DEN).
Who to start: Russell Wilson (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Greg Dulcich (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. The Broncos D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a sputtering offense.
Who to sit: I’m fading Derek Carr (LV) against a defense that has only allowed six TDs to quarterbacks in nine games. Mack Hollins (LV) is a boom-or-bust option with two-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games. It’s a good matchup, but Melvin Gordon (DEN), Latavius Murray (DEN) and Chase Edmonds (DEN) are all touchdown-dependent.
Sleeper: Foster Moreau (LV) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) since Week 7.
DALLAS AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Dalton Schultz (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN).
Who to start: Adam Thielen (MIN) has at least seven targets in eight straight games. Kirk Cousins (MIN) is the overall QB12 through 10 games. The Vikings D/ST is the eighth-highest scoring defense in fantasy this season — they have a league-high 22 takeaways.
Who to sit: I’m fading Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) until we see how limited he is with his knee brace and what his usage will be like after the ascension of Pollard the last two games. Alexander Mattison (MIN) remains Cook’s handcuff.
Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.
CINCINNATI AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Pat Freiermuth (PIT).
Who to start: Tyler Boyd (CIN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Hayden Hurst (CIN) has at least four receptions or a TD in seven of nine games this season. Najee Harris (PIT) maintains flex value as the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB27 in PPR) since Week 6. Diontae Johnson (PIT) maintains flex value with 10.5 fantasy points per game in PPR formats this season. The Steelers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home with TJ Watt finally healthy.
Who to sit: George Pickens (PIT) is a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games and a difficult matchup. It’s not Jaylen Warren (PIT) season quite yet.
Sleeper: The Bengals D/ST deserves streaming consideration against Kenny Pickett, who has been sacked 18 times in the last five games.
KANSAS CITY AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC).
Who to start: Kadarius Toney (KC) has WR1 upside if JuJu Smith-Schuster can’t play, WR3/flex value is he’s active. Joshua Palmer (LAC) maintains WR3/flex value as the only healthy Chargers wideout and at least six targets in six of the last seven games.
Who to sit: Smith-Schuster (KC) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) didn’t receive a single touch in Week 10. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) remains the quintessential boom-or-bust option. A high ankle sprain and recurring hamstring issue has me fading Mike Williams (LAC) and Keenan Allen (LAC) if they’re active in this potential high-scoring affair. I’m also fading Gerald Everett (LAC) with a groin injury.
Sleeper: Isiah Pacheco (KC) carried 16 of the 18 opportunities handled by running backs against the Jaguars in Week 10 and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
SAN FRANCISCO VS. ARIZONA AT MEXICO CITY
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST, DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Kyler Murray (ARI).
Who to start: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) has at least six receptions and 81 yards in the last four games with three TDs over that span. Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) is a solid streaming option against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Rondale Moore (ARI) has at least six receptions in five of the last six games.
Who to sit: I’m fading James Conner (ARI) against the top run defense in the NFL and against running backs in fantasy. This is a tough spot to trust Trey McBride (ARI) in his first start after Zach Ertz was lost for the season.
Sleeper: Elijah Mitchell (SF) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in the last three games.
