NFL Fantasy Football Week 10 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Week 10 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup, especially with four teams on a bye this week. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". If you don't your player, message me on Twitter (X) and I'll help you with your selection. Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em

Jared Goff (DET) @ Washington Commanders | Proj. FPTS - 18.7: After surrendering nearly 300 passing yards and four touchdowns in the first half against Seattle, it’s time to start viewing the Commanders’ defense in the same light as the Cowboys or Bengals, a unit to target. Washington has allowed the second-most passing yards, third-most fantasy points per game, and fourth-most touchdowns to quarterbacks. Goff is well-positioned for a productive outing against a defense that’s given up 20-plus fantasy points to all but one QB over the past month. The Lions’ offense hasn’t been firing on all cylinders, but the upside here is too good to ignore. Start him this week.

Caleb Williams (CHI) vs. New York Giants | Proj. FPTS - 19.5: What a week it was for Williams, who posted a career performance with 280 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 53 rushing yards, good for nearly 40 fantasy points. While it’s unlikely he repeats that output in back-to-back weeks, he draws another favorable matchup against the Giants. New York has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game, sixth-most passing yards, and tenth-most passing touchdowns to quarterbacks. They’ve also surrendered the fifth-most rushing yards and third-most rushing touchdowns to the position. Considering I’d also start Jaxson Dart this week, and with both teams generating pressure at a below-average rate, this game has the makings of a shootout. Williams is an easy start.

Justin Herbert (LAC) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Proj. FPTS - 20.1: Herbert has been on a roll, posting 27.9, 25.3, and 27.7 fantasy points over his last three games. He’s thrown eight touchdowns during that stretch and added over 30 rushing yards in each contest, a mark he’s hit six times this season. That combination of passing production and rushing upside firmly places him in QB1 territory every week. This matchup against the Steelers might seem tricky after they made Daniel Jones look like Danny Dimes again, but Pittsburgh has quietly allowed the third-most passing yards and fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. With that kind of upside, Herbert remains a must-start.

Honorable Mentions: Jaxson Dart (NYG) @ Chicago Bears, Matthew Stafford (LAR) @ San Francisco 49ers, J.J. McCarthy (MIN) vs. Baltimore Ravens.

Sit 'Em

Daniel Jones (IND) vs. Atlanta Falcons | Proj. FPTS -  20.0: This might not be a popular call, but hear me out. Jones has been a major reason why the Colts not only boast one of their best offenses in recent memory but have also emerged as one of the league’s top teams. That said, last week brought back flashes of the quarterback he was in his earlier years. struggling against pressure, taking five sacks, and committing five turnovers in a loss to Pittsburgh. For context, he had just three turnovers through the first eight weeks. Jones tends to fare better against defenses that don’t generate consistent pressure, but this week’s matchup is anything but ideal. The Falcons rank sixth in sack rate while allowing the fewest passing yards and sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Given the matchup, I wouldn’t completely rule out starting Jones based on his strong season, but if you have a solid backup option, I’d lean that way.

Justin Fields (NYJ) vs. Cleveland Browns | Proj. FPTS - 16.7: Fields put up nearly 21 fantasy points in his last outing against the Bengals, but it’s unlikely he repeats that performance this week. The Jets quarterback faces a tough matchup against the Browns, who rank third in sack rate, while New York’s offensive line has allowed pressure at the highest rate in the league. Cleveland has also surrendered the fourth-fewest passing yards and seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Even with Fields’ rushing upside, the Browns have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards and haven’t given up a single rushing touchdown to quarterbacks all season. Garrett Wilson’s expected return helps, but it’s not enough to offset the matchup. Sit him this week.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) @ Houston Texans | Proj. FPTS - 13.3: I haven’t been too high on Lawrence this season, and last week didn’t change much, even though he salvaged his fantasy day with two rushing touchdowns. That kind of production isn’t sustainable, which is why I’d avoid him this week against Houston. The Texans have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, and earlier this season, they held Lawrence to a season-low 7.78 fantasy points. He’s also failed to throw a touchdown pass against them in his last two meetings. Do not start Lawrence.

Lowlights: Jordan Love (GB) vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) @ Indianapolis Colts, Brock Purdy/Mac Jones (SF) vs. Los Angeles Rams.

Running Backs

Start 'Em

D’Andre Swift / Kyle Monangai (CHI) vs. New York Giants | Proj. FPTS - 14.8 (Swift), 11.1 (Monangai): It’s pretty simple: if Swift is healthy enough to play, start him. If he’s out, Monangai becomes a strong plug-and-play option. Even if Swift suits up, Monangai still deserves flex consideration. Swift has scored 15 or more fantasy points in four straight games, averaging 19.4 points during that stretch. Meanwhile, Monangai exploded last week with 198 yards from scrimmage, finishing as the RB3 despite not finding the end zone. The matchup is just as appealing, the Giants have allowed the second-most rushing yards and fantasy points per game, along with the fourth-most touchdowns to running backs. Start whichever Bear gets the lead role this week.

TreVeyon Henderson (NE) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Proj. FPTS - 13.2: With Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined last week, Henderson made his first career start against the Falcons and looked solid. The rookie carried the ball 14 times for 55 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and added four catches for 32 yards, playing on 75% of the snaps. The only thing missing was a touchdown, that went to backup Terrell Jenning, who saw 25% of the snaps. Even so, Henderson should have another strong opportunity this week in a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and the most receiving yards to running backs this season. Henderson is a must-start.

Quinshon Judkins (CLE) @ New York Jets | Proj. FPTS - 15.1: Many fantasy managers are unsure whether they can trust Judkins week to week, and for good reason. He’s scored fewer than five fantasy points in two of his last three games, but in the other, he exploded for 26.4 points and three touchdowns, finishing as the RB4. That illustrates both his floor and ceiling, which often hinge on game script with the Browns frequently playing from behind. This week’s matchup against the Jets should be more competitive, giving Cleveland more opportunities to lean on the run game. That bodes well for Judkins, especially with the Jets trading away DT Quinnen Williams and CB Sauce Gardner. New York has also allowed the eighth-most rushing yards this season. Judkins is a strong start.

Honorable Mentions: Jaylen Warren (PIT) @ Los Angeles Chargers, David Montgomery (DET) @ Washington Commanders, Tyrone Tracy (NYG) @ Chicago Bears, Rico Dowdle (CAR) vs. New Orleans Saints, Travis Etienne Jr (JAX) @ Houston Texans.

Sit 'Em

Breece Hall (NYJ) vs. Cleveland Browns | Proj. FPTS - 14.4: Coming off a bye, Hall enters this week after one of his most productive games, finishing with 20 touches, 147 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and even a passing touchdown. That said, it came against the Bengals, a team struggling defensively. This week, Hall faces a much tougher challenge in the Browns, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points, third-fewest rushing touchdowns, and eighth-fewest rushing yards to running backs. Cleveland also gives up the fewest receiving yards to RBs and hasn’t allowed a touchdown through the air all season. Hall’s name makes him tempting to start, but the matchup is unfavorable. Avoid starting Breece.

Alvin Kamara (NO) @ Carolina Panthers | Proj. FPTS - 12.2: Has there been a running back more disappointing to fantasy managers this season than Kamara? He’s been dealing with an ankle injury for the past month, but it hasn’t kept him off the field, and it hasn’t helped his production. Kamara has scored under 10 fantasy points more often than not this year, including a career-low 0.7 points last week against the Rams. His name alone makes him hard to bench, but I wouldn’t blame anyone for doing so. He’s posting career lows across every meaningful metric, and with rookie Tyler Shough under center, the Saints offense has been largely ineffective. This week, he faces the Panthers, a team he’s had success against in the past and that looks favorable on paper. Still, based on recent results, avoid Kamara entirely.

Rachaad White (TB) vs. New England Patriots | Proj. FPTS - 16.2: With Bucky Irving ruled out, White will start for the fifth consecutive game. He was efficient in his first two starts, totaling 157 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. However, his last two outings have been underwhelming, finishing just above 30 rushing yards and eight fantasy points in each. The Buccaneers are coming off a bye and face a Patriots defense that’s stout against the run, allowing the fewest rushing yards, second-fewest rushing touchdowns, and fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. While White could still contribute through the air (New England has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to RBs), the matchup limits his overall upside. Look elsewhere this week.

Lowlights: Kamani Vidal (LAC) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WSH) vs. Detroit Lions, Trey Benson / Bam Knights (ARI) @ Seattle Seahawks, Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) @ Los Angeles Chargers, Woody Marks / Nick Chubb (HOU) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars.

Wide Receivers

Start 'Em

Ladd McConkey (LAC) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Proj. FPTS - 15.3: McConkey has regained the momentum he showed in his rookie season. After a shaky start to the year, he’s posted double-digit fantasy points in four of his last five games, establishing both a safe floor and a high ceiling. He currently leads the Chargers in targets, receptions, touchdowns, end-zone targets, and air yards. This week, McConkey faces a Steelers defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Pittsburgh is coming off a win against the Colts in which two receivers eclipsed 100 yards. With the matchup and his recent production, McConkey is a must-start this week.

Rome Odunze (CHI) vs. New York Giants | Proj. FPTS -  13.7: After a game in which the Bears scored 47 points, you’d expect Odunze to have a big fantasy outing, but he delivered a goose egg. To be fair, he did drop a potential touchdown on a ball behind him. That likely won’t happen again this week against the Giants, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. New York has also given up the fourth-most yards to outside receivers and the third-most on deep passes, which bodes well for Odunze. With a high ceiling and a strong chance to bounce back, start the second-year wideout this week.

Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) @ Chicago Bears | Proj. FPTS - 14.5: Robinson is poised for another big fantasy performance, similar to his Week 2 explosion. He’s seen 11 or more targets in two of his last three games and appears to be Jaxson Dart’s favorite target. He’s finished with 13 or more fantasy points in three of his last four outings. This week, Robinson faces a favorable matchup against the Bears, who have allowed the second-most touchdowns, third-most fantasy points per game, and ninth-most receiving yards to wide receivers. Lining up primarily in the slot, Robinson also benefits from a Bears defense that has allowed the most touchdowns and seventh-most yards to slot receivers. Start Robinson this week.

Honorable Mentions: Jordan Addison (MIN) vs. Baltimore Ravens, Jameson Williams (DET) @ Washington Commanders, Garrett Wilson (NYJ) vs. Cleveland Browns, Khalil Shakir (BUF) @ Miami Dolphins, Quinten Johnston (LAC) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.  

Sit 'Em

Chris Olave (NO) @ Carolina Panthers | Proj. FPTS -  14.6: Olave saw just four targets last week against the Rams in Tyler Shough’s debut under center, while former Saint Rashid Shaheed drew nine. With Shaheed now traded, Olave should see a bump in volume and develop more chemistry with his rookie quarterback. Unfortunately, the matchup this week is far from ideal. The Panthers have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers and have consistently limited Olave’s production, holding him to 60 yards or fewer in four of their last five meetings and under five fantasy points in each of the last two. Even as the clear focal point of the Saints’ passing attack, the matchup and offensive struggles make him a risky play. Sit Olave this week.

Jakobi Meyers (JAX) @ Houston Texans | Proj. FPTS -  8.5: The hype around Meyers is at its peak after he was traded to the Jaguars at Tuesday’s deadline. While the move upgrades his situation, going from a bottom-feeder to a playoff contender, the matchup this week is far from favorable. Meyers goes from facing the Broncos, who’ve allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, to the Texans, who’ve allowed the second-fewest. With both Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter sidelined, he’ll likely draw shadow coverage from Derek Stingley Jr. Combine that with the fact that Meyers hasn’t topped double-digit fantasy points since Week 2, and it’s hard to trust him. Find another option this week.

Zay Flowers (BAL) @ Minnesota Vikings | Proj. FPTS -  15.6: This might be an unpopular take, but I don’t think Flowers is a strong start this week. Yes, he’s Baltimore’s top receiving threat and has logged more double-digit fantasy outings than single-digit ones. Last week, in Lamar Jackson’s return, Flowers caught all five of his targets for 64 yards, solid, but not spectacular. The matchup is the real concern here. Minnesota has allowed the sixth-fewest receiving yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. They’ve also surrendered the fewest receptions to opposing wideouts this season. With both teams likely leaning on their ground games and this contest shaping up to be low scoring, the risk outweighs the reward. Sit Flowers this week.

Lowlights: Nico Collins (HOU) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Josh Downs (IND) vs. Atlanta Falcons, Jerry Jeudy (CLE) @ New York Jets, Deebo Samuel (WSH) vs. Detroit Lions, D.J. Moore (CHI) vs. New York Giants.  

Tight Ends

Start 'Em

Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Proj. FPTS - 11.5: Gadsden continues to be one of the pleasant surprises of the season. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 17.9 fantasy points per game while leading the Chargers in receiving yards and ranking third in targets. Outside of Ladd McConkey, he’s become Justin Herbert’s most trusted option, especially against zone coverage. That bodes well this week against the Steelers, who run zone on 60 percent of their defensive snaps. Pittsburgh has also allowed the second-most touchdowns, third-most fantasy points, and sixth-most yards to tight ends this season. Until he gives you a reason not to, keep rolling with the rookie.

Dalton Schultz (HOU) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Proj. FPTS - 9.4: Even without QB C.J. Stroud, Schultz continues to stay heavily involved in Houston’s offense. Last week against Denver, he caught six of eight targets for 77 yards, marking his third double-digit fantasy performance in his last four games. Over that span, he’s seen 27 total targets and has reestablished himself as a reliable security blanket for the Texans’ quarterbacks. This week, he faces the Jaguars, a dream matchup for tight ends. Jacksonville has allowed the second-most touchdowns, second-most fantasy points per game, and fourth-most yards to the position. Given both the matchup and Schultz’s recent usage, he’s a strong start this week.

Kyle Pitts (ATL) @ Indianapolis Colts | Proj. FPTS - 11.8: The touchdowns might not be there, but this is the most consistent version of Kyle Pitts we’ve seen in his career. Currently the TE13 on the season, he’s logged four double-digit fantasy performances, including two in his last three games. Pitts ranks second on the team in targets and third in receiving yards (second among receivers), giving him a safe weekly floor. This week, he faces a favorable matchup against the Colts, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Indianapolis has also surrendered the second-most receiving yards and third-most touchdowns to the position. With the Falcons likely playing from behind, the passing volume should benefit Pitts. Start him with confidence this week.

Honorable Mentions: Dallas Goedert (PHI) @ Green Bay Packers, Dalton Kincaid (BUF) @ Miami Dolphins, Sam LaPorta (DET) @ Washington Commanders, Cade Otton (TB) vs. New England Patriots, Colston Loveland (CHI) vs. New York Giants.

Sit 'Em

Luke Musgrave (GB) vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Proj. FPTS - 8.2: Musgrave was one of the top waiver-wire pickups this week following the news of Tucker Kraft’s season-ending knee injury. As the next man up, some fantasy managers might expect him to replicate Kraft’s production, but this isn’t the week to test that theory. The Packers face the Eagles, who’ve allowed the third-fewest fantasy points and yards per game to tight ends, along with the fewest touchdowns to the position. Musgrave should have value moving forward, but for now, it’s best to keep him on your bench.

David Njoku (CLE) @ New York Jets | Proj. FPTS - 9.2: With the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin, Njoku’s volume has dipped compared to prior seasons. Over the last four games, Fannin has outscored him in three straight, and in all but two games this season. While Cleveland’s system can support two tight ends, it’s clear that Fannin and QB Dillon Gabriel have developed stronger, more immediate chemistry. This week’s matchup against the Jets isn’t favorable either, as New York has allowed the seventh-fewest yards to opposing tight ends. Avoid starting Njoku this week.

Zach Ertz (WSH) vs. Detroit Lions | Proj. FPTS - 9.5: Without QB Jayden Daniels, the Commanders offense is hard to trust, and that includes Ertz. Even with Daniels under center, the veteran tight end hasn’t matched the production he enjoyed last season. It’s been a roller coaster year for the 12-year vet, and while the matchup against Detroit isn’t terrible (the Lions rank middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to TEs), the quarterback situation sinks his outlook. With Marcus Mariota now leading the offense, Ertz is best left on the bench this week.

Lowlights: T.J. Hockenson (MIN) vs. Baltimore Ravens, Mason Taylor (NYJ) vs. Cleveland Browns, Pat Freiermuth (PIT) @ Los Angeles Chargers. 

Defenses

Start 'Em

Cleveland Browns Defense @ New York Jets | Proj. FPTS - 6.5: This is one of the juiciest defensive matchups of the week. The Jets have taken sacks at the fourth-highest rate in the league, while the Browns rank second in sack creation. Simply put, New York can’t protect its quarterback, and that’s a recipe for disaster against a relentless Cleveland front. The Jets have also allowed opposing defenses to score the seventh-most fantasy points per game, making the Browns a top-tier start this week.

Buffalo Bills Defense @ Miami Dolphins | Proj. FPTS - 6.3: The Bills have historically dominated the Dolphins, and this week looks no different. Buffalo ranks second in the NFL in sacks, while Miami has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. With the Dolphins struggling, there’s even a chance Tua Tagovailoa could be benched if issues continue. Given the matchup and defensive strength, Buffalo is a must-start this week.

Carolina Panthers Defense vs. New Orleans Saints | Proj. FPTS - 6.3: The Saints scored just 10 points in Tyler Shough’s first NFL start and committed a sack, interception, and fumble, giving the Rams nine fantasy points last week. New Orleans has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Carolina’s defense has shown improvement, particularly in the secondary, making them a strong matchup play. The Panthers should be one of the top defensive starts this week.

Honorable Mentions: Detroit Lions Defense @ Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks Defense vs. Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens Defense @ Minnesota Vikings. 

Sit 'Em

Green Bay Packers Defense vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Proj. FPTS - 5.1: The Packers defense is generally strong, but that hasn’t translated to fantasy this season. They’ve eclipsed eight fantasy points in just one game all year. This trend is likely to continue against the Eagles, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Do not start Green Bay this week.

Atlanta Falcons Defense @ Indianapolis Colts | Proj. FPTS - 3.5: The Falcons could potentially give Daniel Jones and the Colts’ offense some trouble, but back-to-back success is unlikely. The Colts have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and, prior to last week, were posting negative fantasy points. They are also disciplined with ball security, limiting turnovers. Given the matchup and trends, sit the Falcons this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense @ Los Angeles Chargers | Proj. FPTS - 5.5: The Steelers are tough to read, coming off their biggest defensive fantasy performance of the season. However, they carry a high boom-or-bust risk week to week, and this matchup against the Chargers isn’t ideal. Los Angeles has a dynamic offense with multiple weapons capable of scoring quickly, making a shootout likely. Given the risk and matchup, avoid starting Pittsburgh this week.

Lowlights: Minnesota Vikings Defense vs. Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers Defense vs. Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Rams Defense @ San Francisco 49ers.

Kickers

Start 'Em

Chris Boswell (PIT) @ Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 8.3

Chase McLaughlin (TB) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 8.2

Cameron Dicker (LAC) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 8.8 

Will Reichard (MIN) vs. Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 8.0

Eddy Pineiro (SF) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 8.1

Matt Prater (BUF) @ Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS - 8.9

Michael Badgley (IND) vs. Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS - 8.7

Sit 'Em

Tyler Loop (BAL) @ Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 8.6

Jake Elliott (PHI) @ Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 8.4

Jake Bates (DET) @ Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 8.8

Nick Folk (NYJ) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 7.6

Chad Ryland (ARI) @ Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 7.6

Matt Gay (WSH) vs. Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 7.6

Andres Borregales (NE) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 8.2