Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Week 10. We’re at that point in the fantasy football season where every single point matters. We’re also at that point where a couple of people in your league have mentally checked out — they’ve taken too many bad losses and are impossible to talk fantasy with.
If you’re still reading this, that means you’re in the playoff hunt, and every lineup decision counts. So enough fluff — let’s get right into the players who’ll help you lock in that winning lineup this week.
Starts
QB – Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (vs ARI)
What a season it’s been for quarterbacks on new teams — and Sam Darnold has been near the top of that list. He’s been steady all year, giving fantasy managers a solid floor with 15+ fantasy points in six of eight games.
Coming off arguably the best game of his career (330 yards, 4 touchdowns), Darnold has now thrown for 275+ yards in half of his starts this season. Even in a run-first Seahawks offense, he’s finding ways to the end zone with 16 passing touchdowns already.
He faces the Cardinals at home this week — a defense he handled for 242 yards and a score back in Week 4. With multiple QBs injured or on bye, Darnold is your top streaming option. His floor is too good to pass up.
RB – Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (@ CHI)
After taking over the starting role in Week 8, Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a rough go against the 49ers’ elite defense. But he draws a much more favorable matchup this week against Chicago — a defense giving up 5.1 yards per carry, fourth-highest in the league.
Tracy has quietly been active in the passing game, seeing 3+ targets in five games this season. While Devin Singletary led the team in carries last week, he only out-touched Tracy by two. Against the Bears, the game script should stay closer, and Tracy’s third-down role and receiving usage make him a solid PPR flex play this week.
WR – Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (vs PHI)
Romeo Doubs is quietly putting together a strong stretch of football. After a slow start to the year, he’s become a steady presence in the Packers’ passing attack.
With star tight end Tucker Kraft out for the season, Doubs’ target share should remain high — he’s seen 41 targets over his last five games (that’s more than 8 per game). He’s fresh off a season-high 7 catches for 91 yards against Carolina and now faces an Eagles secondary that’s been anything but elite.
This game has shootout potential, and Doubs is trending up. Consider him a strong WR2 for Week 10.
TE – Theo Johnson, New York Giants (@ CHI)
Yes, two Giants on the start list — and it feels weird, but Theo Johnson deserves it. The Giants’ defense has given up 27+ points in half their games, meaning plenty of passing opportunities.
Johnson has been rock solid over the last six weeks, seeing 31 targets and scoring five touchdowns in that span. He’s been consistent — at least four targets in each of those games — and has become a red-zone favorite since WR Malik Nabers went down.
Tight end production has been a headache all year, but Johnson has been one of the few dependable options. Against a Bears defense that’s been shredded by tight ends, he’s a must-start moving forward.
Defense – Buffalo Bills (@ MIA)
There hasn’t been a single defense this season that’s been a set-and-forget start — streaming has been the way to go. This week, the Buffalo Bills are on that stream.
Available in over 60% of leagues, Buffalo’s defense has been quietly solid since its Week 1 stumble, allowing just 18 points per game over its last seven. Meanwhile, Miami leads the NFL in turnovers, making this a sneaky-good matchup.
Expect a few takeaways, a potential blowout script, and a top-10 fantasy defense performance. Fire them up with confidence.
Sits
QB – J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (vs BAL)
Don’t let the box score fool you — J.J. McCarthy’s 18 fantasy points last week don’t tell the whole story. He threw for just 143 yards on 14 completions, and his fantasy value was saved by a short rushing touchdown.
Through three starts, he’s yet to throw for more than 160 yards or complete more than 14 passes. His rushing totals (62 yards total) don’t offset his lack of passing volume, even in a decent matchup.
He’s simply not trustworthy as a fantasy starter right now. There are better streaming options out there.
RB – Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (@ CAR)
It’s time — Alvin Kamara needs to be benched. It’s been a rough season, and the production just isn’t there anymore.
He’s rushed for under 40 yards in five straight games, and his once-reliable receiving role has all but vanished — only one game over 30 receiving yards this season, and under 20 yards in five of nine games.
Last week was the breaking point: 17 total yards and a fumble. No matter the matchup, Kamara can’t be trusted as a starter right now.
WR – DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers (@ LAC)
You’d think a matchup against a Colts defense allowing the fifth-most WR points would have been a smash spot, but DK Metcalf finished with just 2 catches for 6 yards.
He’s been under 40 receiving yards in three of seven games, and his target share has dipped — six or fewer targets in five of eight games. Now he faces a Chargers secondary that’s top 10 against wideouts.
At this point in the season, you can’t afford a player with such a low floor. Sit Metcalf until the volume and consistency return.
TE – George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (@ LAR)
Big name, small production — that’s been the story for George Kittle this year. He’s still an elite blocker, but that’s not helping fantasy managers.
In four games played, Kittle hasn’t caught more than four passes or topped 50 yards receiving. He’s salvaged a couple of weeks with touchdowns, but those are unpredictable.
You might not be able to bench him in every league, but temper expectations. A five-point outing is very possible this week.
Defense – New York Jets (vs CLE)
Earlier this season, it was smart to stream every defense facing Cleveland. But with Joe Flacco under center, that’s no longer the case — the Bengals just dropped 42 points on the Bears, and this Browns offense is moving the ball.
Meanwhile, the Jets’ defense has scored 0 or fewer fantasy points in half their games. They’re the only team in the NFL with zero interceptions and have just 11 sacks in eight games.
The matchup may look tempting, but the Jets simply lack the playmaking ability right now. Keep them on the bench.
We’re entering the stretch where lineup precision decides playoff futures. Whether it’s trusting steady performers like Darnold and Doubs or cutting bait on underperformers like Kamara and Kittle, smart roster management is everything in Week 10.
Stay sharp, play the matchups, and keep grinding. Championships aren’t won in September — they’re earned in November.
