Woot! Woot! My teams finally pulled off a trifecta. After a dismal start, they’re clawing back—two are tied for sixth and the other is tied for eighth with five weeks to go. Thanks to a Justin Herbert/Brock Bowers combo (74.5 fantasy points) in two leagues, those squads finished second and fourth last week. I don’t know if my teams can keep that pace, but if they do, the playoffs are within reach.
Wherever your teams started, steady work on the waiver wire should have you at least in the hunt, too. If you haven’t been working it, the cracks may be showing now. Example: a first-place manager in one of my leagues just lost Tucker Kraft and didn’t roster a second tight end. He’s trying to trade for my Bowers or Oronde Gadsden—a waiver add. The good news for him: productive tight ends are available from waivers in many leagues.
Here's a quick check on my “crystal-ball lineup,” a simple way to gauge waiver strength by building a lineup from last week’s streamers (1 QB, 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX [RB/WR/TE], 1 K, 1 D/ST). Week 9:
QB — Sam Darnold — 31.5
RB — Kareem Hunt — 12.5
WR — Malik Washington — 8.1
WR — Christian Watson — 7.8
TE — Pat Freiermuth — 11.7
FLEX — AJ Barner (TE) — 11.5
K — Chad Ryland — 11.2
D/ST — Rams — 8.0
Week 9 Total — 102.3
Week 8 — 133.35
Week 7 — 152.15
That’s a sharp, three-week slide—waiver impact is thinning fast. Quarterbacks and tight ends remain the deepest pools; viable wide receivers are non-existent.
Now on to business…
If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.
If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.
Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.
I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.
If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 10 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 10 by Chris Hexter.
Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.
Quarterbacks
*Jacoby Brissett, Ari @ Sea (15th, 18th, 29th, 16th) – Brissett (73-111/860-6-1, 14/49-1) just delivered 261 yards and two passing TDs plus a short rushing score in his third straight start while Kyler Murray (foot) remained sidelined. Across his three starts, he’s averaged 286.7 passing yards with a 6:1 TD:INT, and the Cardinals’ scoring has climbed to 25.7 points per game (20.6 with Murray). He attacked intermediate windows and finished drives in the red zone Monday, a profile that supports steady yardage and repeatable multi-TD outcomes. If Murray sits again, Brissett profiles as an excellent Week 10 streamer.
Michael Penix Jr. (S), Atl @ Ind (17th, 9th, 21st, 22nd) – Penix (63-107/712-5-0, 6/31-0) returned from a knee issue and threw three red-zone TDs to Drake London from 1, 2, and 8 yards (condensed-area looks). 17 of his 22 completions went to London and Bijan Robinson, reflecting concentrated, defined reads when the field shrinks. With the Falcons near full strength — London, Kyle Pitts, and LT Jake Matthews all avoided designations — the scoring-area execution should remain cleaner. If the Falcons keep those first-read concepts near the goal line, Penix’s weekly TD chances stay intact, keeping him a viable QB2 streamer.
*Marcus Mariota, Wsh v Det (23rd, 24th, Bye, 2nd) – Mariota (25-40/276-1-3, 10/62-0) is slated to start with Jayden Daniels suffering a dislocated left elbow. In three earlier starts, he completed 66.6% at 7.4 YPA with four passing TDs and added 88 rushing yards and a score, giving him a workable rushing floor. Against the Lions, he’s a matchup- and volume-driven 2QB/Superflex streamer with modest volatility.
Aaron Rodgers, Pit @ LAC (4th, 31st, 28th, 2nd) – Rodgers (93-135/906-9-2, 4/7-0) managed 203-1-0 as the Steelers rode short fields created by five takeaways, including a red-zone strike to Pat Freiermuth. The vertical rhythm lagged (season-low 5.8 YPA, no 20+ gains), and Week 10 brings a stingy Chargers' pass defense. He’s more of a 2QB streamer this week unless Pittsburgh’s tight end usage again boosts red-zone efficiency.
Bryce Young, Car v NO (21st, 5th, 18th, 6th) – Young (43-70/439-4-2, 7/24-0) returned from a high-ankle sprain and played caretaker, with Carolina leaning on the ground game and defense. Until the pass volume rebounds, his weekly range is tied to short fields and scripted throws. He's a Week 10 2QB/Superflex option.
*Davis Mills, Hou v Jax (29th, 19th, 2nd, 17th) – Mills (17-30/137-0-0, 2/7-0) handled extended relief after C.J. Stroud’s concussion and moved the offense to four scoring drives despite no TDs. If Stroud remains sidelined, the Jaguars' soft passing defense gives him a friendlier environment for Week 10.
Geno Smith, LV @ Den (3rd, 32nd, 7th, 4th) – Smith (56-78/525-5-2, 11/7-0) has five TDs over his last four and a 71.8% completion rate at 6.7 YPA, but his rushing has been negligible (11 yards), so most of his value rides on pocket efficiency. A road trip to a stingy Broncos defense tightens the margin for error. He’ll need clean, red-zone execution rather than volume to pay off, which keeps him in the fringe 2QB/Superflex mix this week.
Tua Tagovailoa, Mia v Buf (2nd, 27th, Bye, 21st) – Tagovailoa (78-121/771-5-7, 5/11-0) is coming off a no-TD, one-INT game that also saw a Dolphins red-zone drive end on a Malik Washington fumble. Recent giveaways and empty trips inside the 20 make it harder for him to post starter-worthy totals. A stingy Bills defense further caps his ceiling. He remains a volatile QB2 until he speeds up his reads and cuts the interceptions to re-establish multi-TD weeks.
Tyler Shough (R), NO @ Car (9th, Bye, 5th, 24th) – Shough (32-54/304-1-3, 4/14-0) was steady in his first start (176-1-1) despite the Saints being buried in time of possession. He’s expected to keep the job as the Saints evaluate the rookie through the stretch run. That makes him a 2QB/Superflex flier while the staff expands the call sheet and tries to stabilize weekly volume.
Running Backs
*Brittain Brown, Chi v NYG (31st, 12th, 9th, 23rd) – Brown (5/37-1, 0-1/0-0) was elevated due to injuries to D’Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (back), logged 14 of 80 offensive snaps, and scored his first NFL touchdown before reverting to the practice squad. If Swift and Johnson remain out, he’s likely to be elevated again and slotted behind Kyle Monangai, with some special-teams work. A soft Giants run defense this week helps the contingency case if he’s active, but his touch floor depends entirely on the Bears' inactives.
*Emari Demercado, Ari @ Sea (13th, 17th, 10th, 24th) – Demercado (14/79-0, 1-1/-1-0) returned from an ankle injury and reclaimed the start, outproducing Bam Knight while the Cardinals mixed him into multiple early-down possessions. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said he’ll lean on whoever’s effective, and Trey Benson is eligible to be activated, so the usage may stay fluid. With James Conner out for the season, Demercado profiles as the best bet for base downs, with Knight and Michael Carter mixing in as the game flow dictates.
Terrell Jennings (S), NE @ TB (24th, 21st, 32nd, 31st) – Jennings (18/68-1, 1-1/9-0) was signed to the active roster and scored his first NFL touchdown while rotating in behind TreVeyon Henderson with Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) out. New England has kept Jennings involved primarily on early downs, with Henderson leading total touches. If Stevenson sits again, Jennings should remain in the mix for rotational carries and red-zone chances.
Sean Tucker, TB v NE (4th, 26th, 1st, 16th) – Tucker (19/71-2, 1-1/2-0) has alternated between minor and complementary roles, with usage tilting toward Rachaad White and spiking only when game plan or injuries open work. He’s coming off a bye and returns to a tough Patriots run defense this week. Any path to startable volume hinges on how the Buccaneers splits work if Bucky Irving remains sidelined.
Isaiah Davis (S), NYJ v Cle (2nd, 4th, 28th, 25th) – Davis (12/82-0, 11-14/93-0) posted a career-best outing before the bye, flashing as a change-of-pace option behind Breece Hall. His recent targets point to third-down and long-down usage behind Hall. If the Jets are chasing points, that passing role can keep him involved. A tough Browns run defense this week tempers rushing efficiency, so receptions are his clearest path.
Emanuel Wilson, GB v Car (23rd, 31st, 12th, 3rd) – Wilson (26/105-0, 6-8/21-0) continues to operate as Green Bay’s No. 2, playing roughly a third of snaps behind Josh Jacobs. The role has been steady but capped, with Jacobs controlling scoring chances. He remains a depth streamer whose value rises if game script forces extra series or if Green Bay lightens Jacobs’ load.
Jeremy McNichols, Wsh v Det (3rd, 27th, Bye, 5th) – McNichols (6/31-0, 10-13/117-0) was quiet in Week 9 after leading the Commanders’ backfield in targets the prior week. He’s expected to remain the top reserve and primary passing-down option behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. A tough Lions run defense makes rushing efficiency unlikely; if the Commanders trail, checkdowns can keep him in play for deeper PPR formats.
Blake Corum (S), LAR @ SF (17th, 13th, 24th, 18th) – Corum (30/118-0, 1-1/6-0) logged a season-high 13 carries in a comfortable win but remains the clear backup to Kyren Williams. His weekly value is tied to game script and any intentional workload management for Williams. Limited passing usage keeps him big-play or touchdown dependent.
Chris Rodriguez, Wsh v Det (3rd, 27th, Bye, 5th) – Rodriguez (17/79-2, 0-0/0-0) led the Commanders in rushing and scored late, though a chunk of his production came in the closing minutes. The workload split with Jacory Croskey-Merritt narrowed, pointing to a potential uptick in volume. A tough Lions run defense this week tempers expectations, keeping him in touchdown-dependent territory.
Receivers
Demario Douglas, NE @ TB (15th, 10th, 14th, 26th) – Douglas (11-14/232-2, 2/3-0) opened Week 9 with a red-zone score and a 58-yard shot, then finished as the Patriots’ top producer. Douglas is entrenched in the slot, and Patriots fed him early while Drake Maye pushed the ball downfield. With Kayshon Boutte uncertain, Douglas’ underneath volume should remain stable, even if efficiency regresses from last week’s peak. He profiles as a primary chain-mover with occasional vertical schemed looks.
*Olamide Zaccheaus, Chi v NYG (26th, 8th, 32nd, 16th) – Zaccheaus (17-24/124-1, 2/4-0) just handled eight targets, led the Bears in looks, and scored his first touchdown of 2025. With Luther Burden out, Zaccheaus is set for WR3 snaps behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, and this week’s Giants matchup is forgiving. The yardage has been modest most weeks, but a steady four-plus targets keeps him viable when Bears' script tilts pass-heavy. He’s a volume-driven streamer with a friendlier runway this week.
Christian Watson, GB v Phi (16th, 26th, 8th, 23rd) – Watson (6-8/143-0, 0/0-0) has seen exactly four targets in two straight since returning, with one long gain driving last week’s line. His route share climbed into the low-60s in his debut and can rise further as the Packers manage his knee. If Tucker Kraft and Matthew Golden miss time, Watson likely becomes Jordan Love’s No. 2 target, which would support more consistent opportunities. Expect volatile yardage tied to deep shots, but his role is expanding.
Xavier Hutchinson, Hou v Jax (21st, 24th, 11th, 25th) – Hutchinson (9-15/112-1, 0/0-0) has averaged five targets over the last three games and continues to hold WR3 duties ahead of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. With Nico Collins and Christian Kirk back, his ceiling shrinks, but his snap volume keeps him in the weekly mix. Quarterback uncertainty after C.J. Stroud’s concussion caps the outlook. Davis Mills struggled to sustain drives in relief. He’s a usage-based depth play who benefits if the Texans are forced into late passing.
Malik Washington (S), Mia v Buf (11th, 27th, Bye, 18th) – Washington (16-21/136-1, 4/14-0) has posted three to five catches in five straight while handling gadget runs and punt returns. His role stabilized when Tyreek Hill went down for the year and Darren Waller hit IR, and he remains one of Tua Tagovailoa’s top three options alongside Jaylen Waddle. A recent fumble was costly, but the staff continued to involve him in schemed touches. He offers a reception-driven floor with occasional red-zone involvement.
*Tyler Johnson, NYJ v Cle (20th, 13th, 28th, 7th) – Johnson (6-9/124-1, 0/0-0) entered the bye on back-to-back 60-plus yard games and his first touchdown of 2025. He stepped up while Garrett Wilson was sidelined and Josh Reynolds landed on IR, leading the Jets in receiving in Week 8. If Wilson returns, Johnson’s route share may compress, but Reynolds’ absence should still leave a complementary role. He’s a deeper-league start who can remain involved on intermediate routes.
Michael Wilson, Ari @ Sea (22nd, 21st, 15th, 19th) – Wilson (10-13/145-0, 0/0-0) logged a full practice after a brief foot issue and looks like the healthiest of the Cardinals' top three with Marvin Harrison (concussion) and Zay Jones (knee) recently limited. His steady efficiency and perimeter usage keep him in play regardless of the quarterback plan. He fits as a chain-moving outside option who can pick up volume if the Cardinals trail. The profile suggests a stable target share with modest yardage and occasional end-zone chances.
*Calvin Austin III, Pit @ LAC (6th, 14th, 30th, 11th) – Austin (9-12/84-0, 0/0-0) just led the Steelers in catches and yards, mostly on short-area usage and run-after-catch. His role remains secure, but a stout Chargers unit lowers expectations this week. Expect the Steelers to keep him active on motion and quick hitters while the deeper shots run elsewhere. He’s a volume-dependent streamer best suited for larger formats in a tougher spot.
Tight Ends
Cade Otton, TB v NE (23rd, 2nd, 11th, 25th) – Otton (16/20-156-0) has stabilized as a short-area outlet and enters this week with four-game averages near five catches and 60 yards. With the Buccaneers’ receivers thinned, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have ceded some underneath work to him. The Patriots are mid-pack against tight ends, so volume is the driver here. He’s a usage-driven TE2 with a slight floor boost out of the bye.
Colston Loveland (R), Chi v NYG (13th, 21st, 30th, 3rd) – Loveland (14/19-191-2) erupted for 118 yards and two scores, capitalizing after Cole Kmet exited with a concussion. His routes and targets spiked in high-leverage spots, showing trust near the red zone and after the catch. If Kmet remains sidelined, the rookie holds TE1/TE2 streamer value; if Kmet returns, Loveland shifts to a volatile dart. The Giants are mid-tier versus tight ends this week.
AJ Barner (S), Sea v Ari (25th, 11th, 10th, 21st) – Barner (7/10-102-0, 2/3-1) continues to operate as the Seahawks’ No. 1 tight end ahead of Elijah Arroyo, logging an 84% snap share and even punching in a goal-line score on a direct snap. The receiving yardage has been modest week to week, but the role is secure and red-zone usage is real. The Cardinals are a friendly matchup for sustaining drives, keeping him squarely in streamer range. Expect routes and snaps to remain stable while Arroyo rotates.
*Tyler Higbee, LAR @ SF (9th, 24th, 15th, 20th) – Higbee (10/14-72-2) found the end zone on a schemed short throw but remained a low-yardage option overall. The Rams are using a crowded tight end room with Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson, and Colby Parkinson siphoning routes, which makes Higbee touchdown-dependent. The 49ers are stout versus tight ends, narrowing yardage paths this week. He’s a TE2 streamer who needs a red-zone look to pay off.
Pat Freiermuth, Pit @ LAC (6th, 32nd, 22nd, 2nd) – Freiermuth (12/15-162-3) returned from a quad issue and kept his scoring run alive, but he remains in a three-man rotation with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. His targets are the most secure of the trio and carry red-zone leverage. The Chargers are a tough matchup against tight ends, so expectations should remain tempered.
Luke Musgrave, GB v Phi (3rd, 13th, 21st, 12th) – Musgrave (4/6-46-0) set season highs in catches and yards as his involvement ticked up after Tucker Kraft’s knee injury. With Kraft out, Musgrave’s route share and late-game looks with Jordan Love should rise. The Eagles defense is stout against tight ends, so expectations should center on volume rather than explosives. He’s a viable TE2 streamer on role growth.
Greg Dulcich, Mia v Buf (2nd, 27th, Bye, 19th) – Dulcich (5/5-49-0) re-emerged with perfect efficiency and finished second on the Dolphins in catches and yards last game. After a practice-squad promotion and given the Dolphins’ need for reliable chain-movers, he has a path to stick as a middle-of-field option. The Bills are a tough draw versus tight ends, which caps yardage this week.
*Michael Mayer, LV @ Den (8th, 17th, 14th, 6th) – Mayer (9/16-86-1) drew seven targets and played 83% of snaps, but Brock Bowers dominated looks as the featured tight end. With Geno Smith leaning on Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, Mayer’s path is steady route volume rather than primary reads. The Broncos are mildly tough on tight ends, keeping him in TE2 territory. He’s a viable streamer where snaps and routes are valued.
Elijah Arroyo (R), Sea v Ari (25th, 11th, 10th, 21st) – Arroyo (8/10-87-1) flashed with a 26-yard touchdown but maintained a rotational role at roughly 43% of snaps behind AJ Barner. The usage suggests volatile week-to-week targets even with athletic upside. The matchup is favorable, yet role risk makes him a deeper-league play. He’s a boom-bust streamer who needs another spike in routes to stabilize.
Terrance Ferguson (R), LAR @ SF (9th, 24th, 15th, 20th) – Ferguson (3/6-85-1, 1/0-0) keeps popping for chunk gains, including a 36-yard catch-and-run, but he remains fourth in snaps behind Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Colby Parkinson. The rotational usage caps routes and lowers his target floor. Against a disciplined 49ers unit, he profiles as a big-play dart rather than a volume bet. Deep-league streamer only.
Jonnu Smith, Pit @ LAC (6th, 32nd, 22nd, 2nd) – Smith (11/18-88-1, 1/10-0) operates as a short-area option in the Steelers’ three-tight-end mix with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. The per-game yardage has stayed modest, keeping him touchdown-dependent most weeks. The Chargers are a tough draw against tight ends, lowering expectation. He’s a deeper streamer this week.
Darnell Washington, Pit @ LAC (6th, 32nd, 22nd, 2nd) – Washington (10/16-107-1) led the Steelers’ tight ends in yards last game and continues to see situational usage in heavy sets. The committee with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith limits route volume, which keeps weekly variance high. A tough matchup with the Chargers narrows the path to production. He’s a touchdown-leaning TE2 for deeper formats.
Kickers
Will Reichard (S), Min v Bal (30th, 10th, 19th, 6th)
Jason Myers, Sea v Ari (21st, 17th, 13th, 12th)
Brandon McManus, GB v Phi (32nd, 28th, 12th, 4th)
Nick Folk, NYJ v Cle (18th, 8th, 30th, 22nd)
Mike Badgley, Ind v Atl (22nd, Bye, 3rd, 1st)
Defense / Special Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v NE (22nd, 5th, 10th, 20th)
Cleveland Browns @ NYJ (28th, 19th, 27th, 32nd)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ LAC (23rd, 26th, 4th, 5th)
Carolina Panthers v NO (30th, 16th, 17th, 10th)
Chicago Bears v NYG (21st, 31st, 6th, 12th)
