Managers at the midpoint of the fantasy football season face a crowded inactive list in Week 10, with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all on bye.
After a Week 9 bye, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a primary target for managers seeking stability. Rodgers, currently rostered in 33% of ESPN leagues, struggled in his last outing with 4.88 points against the Cleveland Browns.
However, he maintained a four-game stretch prior to that performance averaging over 20 points per contest. With a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night and a subsequent meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, he remains a strategic pickup for those managing bye-week gaps.
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime has improved the roster after a productive performance against the Cleveland Browns. Estime, who previously spent time with the Browns, recorded 72 rushing yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown in his return to the Saints.
Following the team’s decision to release Kendre Miller, Estime saw an increased workload. While he may serve primarily as a Flex option, his volume makes him a viable asset for the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Caleb Douglas has become a focal point of the Miami Dolphins’ passing attack. In a recent loss to the Detroit Lions, Douglas led the team with eight targets and 70 receiving yards. Despite the overall inconsistency of the Dolphins’ offense, Douglas—a third-round draft choice—has shown a positive trajectory. He is currently rostered in 27.5% of leagues and faces the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10.
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller experienced a surge in usage during Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, securing 10 targets and scoring 23 fantasy points. This performance marked his fourth double-digit output of the season. Although Waller’s consistency has been a concern throughout the year, his recent target share suggests a potential shift in his value if quarterback Bryce Young continues to look his way.
The waiver wire offers several options for managers addressing specific roster holes. Jacoby Brissett, recently acquired by the Baltimore Ravens, is set to start against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. In Seattle, Drew Lock is expected to start against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a quadriceps injury sidelining Sam Darnold.
At running back, Seth McGowan of the Indianapolis Colts and Emmett Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs remain relevant as high-upside backups. McGowan surpassed starter Jonathan Taylor in fantasy scoring during the team’s recent matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Meanwhile, Kaelon Black of the 49ers and Devin Singletary of the Giants offer depth for managers looking to mitigate injury risks. Tank Dell of the Houston Texans also warrants attention in deeper formats following a 20.5-point performance against the Chargers, which included a 63-yard touchdown catch.
For those streaming defensive units in Week 10, the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens are the notable recommendations. The Packers’ defense, currently rostered in 19.1% of leagues, is set to face a Minnesota Vikings offense that has struggled with consistency. The Ravens, despite a difficult stretch, are positioned for a favorable home matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.
Managers should note that Week 11 will present further roster challenges, as six teams—the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks—are scheduled for a bye.
