We’ve nearly made it! Just four teams on a bye this week, and four more next week. From there we’ll be able to utilize our entire roster when making up our weekly fantasy lineups. For now, we’ve analyzed the Week 10 schedule, and identified several players to start and others to avoid as we get ever closer to fantasy playoffs.
START ’EM
Quarterback
- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay vs. NY Jets
Fitzpatrick will seek revenge against his former team, which has surrendered the most passing TDs to QBs this season (19). Even without suspended WR Mike Evans, Fitzpatrick still has enough offensive firepower to use against the Jets, who’ve given up the third most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs over the past four weeks.
- Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh at Indianapolis
Roethlisberger is the 24th best fantasy QB in standard scoring but is averaging 314 passing yards and has thrown 15 TDs in six career games against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed the most passing yards to QBs this season.
- Josh McCown, NY Jets at Tampa Bay
McCown continues to be an excellent streaming option against the Bucs, who’ve allowed the seventh most FPPG to QBs. He’s averaging 20 FPPG over the past four weeks.
Running back
- Orleans Darkwa, NY Giants at San Francisco
Darkwa has had a productive season, gaining 5.1 yards per carry. The 49ers have surrendered the most FPPG and most rushing yards to RBs.
- Matt Forte, NY Jets at Tampa Bay
Forte more than doubled Bilal Powell’s snaps played percentage in Week 9. He faces a Buccaneers team that’s allowed seven total TDs and the second most FPPG to RBs over the past four weeks.
Wide receiver
- Mohamed Sanu, Atlanta vs. Dallas
Sanu has scored double digit fantasy points in point-per-reception (PPR) formats in six of seven games. He’s scored TDs in two consecutive games, and takes on the Cowboys who’ve given up the sixth most FPPG to WRs.
- Robby Anderson, NY Jets at Tampa Bay
Anderson has provided fantasy owners who play in PPR leagues with double digit points in four consecutive weeks. He has scored a TD in three straight games and faces the Buccaneers, who’ve surrendered the second most FPPG to WRs.
Tight end
- Eric Ebron, Detroit vs. Cleveland
Ebron has an opportunity to have a productive game against the Browns, who’ve given up the most receptions and second most FPPG to TEs.
-Garrett Celek, San Francisco vs. NY Giants
The Giants have given up at least one TD to a TE in every game this season. With even little known TEs like Jeff Heuerman and Tyler Higsbee having scored against the “G-Men”, Celek has an opportunity to find the end zone as well.
SIT ’EM
Quarterback
- Kirk Cousins, Washington vs. Minnesota
Cousins has averaged less than 10 FPPG over the past two weeks, in part due to injuries to his pass catchers. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who was coming off his best game of the season, and TE Jordan Reed, missed Week 9. If they play in Week 10, they’re likely to be limited. The Vikings have allowed the fourth fewest FPPG to QBs.
- Philip Rivers, LA Chargers at Jacksonville
The Jaguars have yielded the fewest passing yards, TDs and FPPG to QBs. Rivers has struggled this season, and has scored just over 13 FPPG over the past three weeks.
Running back
- Adrian Peterson, Arizona vs. Seattle
The Seahawks haven’t given up more than 75 rushing yards to a RB since Week 3, and have yielded the fifth fewest FPPG to RBs. Don’t be fooled by Peterson’s monster performance in Week 9. Much of it was due to the 49ers’ poor run defense.
- Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams, Miami at Carolina
Drake and Williams have a tough matchup against the Panthers, who’ve given up just three rushing TDs this season, and an average of 78 rushing yards per game.
- Ameer Abdullah, Detroit vs. Cleveland
Cleveland has been pretty good at stopping the run. The Browns’ defense of 2.9 yards per carry allowed leads the NFL, and they’ve held their opponents to 84 rushing yards per game. Abdullah is averaging 2.34 yards per carry over his last two games.
Wide receiver
- Will Fuller, Houston at LA Rams
The season ending injury to Texans QB Deshaun Watson will hurt Fuller’s long term value. With Tom Savage under center Fuller was only able to catch two of eight targets. Fuller got off to a hot start this season, and scored seven TDs in his first four games. However, the Rams have given up just four TDs, as well as the seventh fewest FPPG to WRs.
- T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis vs. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has given up the third and second fewest FPPG to QBs and WRs respectively. It also has a good pass rush which will further complicate things for the Colts, who’ve given up the most sacks this season. Hilton is a matchup play going forward. If you have a better option for Week 10, use it.
Tight end
- Charles Clay, Buffalo vs. New Orleans
Clay has a good chance to play in Week 10 but has a tough matchup against the Saints. They’ve given up the fewest receptions to TEs, as well as the third fewest FPPG to the position. If Clay sits, we’d advise you to fade his backup Nick O’Leary, as well.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, http://FNTSY.com
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