As we pass the officially halfway point, the time is now for making moves in order to reach the playoffs. Whether it’s trades, waivers, or the auction block, many teams are going to begin taking large risks to steal wins in the second half of the season. With this awareness, there are likely many players that could seem like valuable starting or sitting assets more than they actually are. For us, we hope we can help you make these decisions easier with our Week 10 picks.
Brandon’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
• Dalton Schultz – Despite a bump in the road last week against Denver, the Cowboys’ offense is still one of the most valuable when it comes to fantasy. Leading the league’s fifth-highest passing attack per game, Dak Prescott has been very efficient throwing the football. When it come’s to his favorite targets, Schultz surprisingly marks third on the team with 49 targets. Now with fellow tight end Blake Jarwin out on IR, Schultz should have no problem reaching his average of just over 6 targets per game against a shaky Falcons defense.
• Michael Pittman – While his alma mater Trojans are slipping, Pittman has helped the Colts win four of their last six games. As the WR1 in Indy, #11 has boosted his stock by crushing lower caliber defenses with his efficient route running. As the Jaguars come to Lucas Oil Stadium for the Week 10 matchup, many believe Jacksonville’s momentum can stop the Colts’ hot streak. I personally don’t see this happening and will be starting Pittman myself this week in fantasy.
Two players you should sit this week:
• Jalen Hurts – Sit the #3 highest scoring quarterback in fantasy football? I get that it may seem crazy but hear me out. Over the past two games, the emphasis on the running game has made it hard for Hurts to find his normal production numbers and the end zone. Considering Nick Sirianni’s game planning, this could be a concern for the QB going forward. A date with Denver also doesn’t help the cause, especially considering their #2 ranking in opponent scoring this season.
• Michael Carter – This one hurts because I am a fan of the 2021 fourth-round draft pick. With the Jets being riled up on the Mike White fan train, it seems New York will be looking to give the undrafted QB a shot to hold the starting spot for the rest of season. While this gives Carter some PPR flexibility, Buffalo’s front seven will be looking to play the unfavorable game of “smashmouth” football. With Carter’s previous game struggles against tough run defenses like Carolina and Denver, I would err on the side of caution this week.
One player you could stream this week:
• Dan Arnold – After a mid season trade from Carolina, the Jaguars tight end has turned into a reliable target for QB Trevor Lawrence. Over the past four games, Arnold has accrued 20 receptions on 30 targets for 219 yards. While Indianapolis brings a tougher matchup, his volume and target share should produce solid numbers. He may have availability that is lower than my standard streaming selections but being on the Jaguars naturally will make him more available this week.
Austin’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
• Amari Cooper – Dallas’ offense last week disappointed and was weak all around, but in a game against Atlanta, the Cowboys will look to right the ship. Cooper has been heating up and done well all season long. When Dak throws to Cooper more, the Cowboys as a whole are better off. Atlanta is ranked 18th defending opposing receivers and against a very talented Dallas offense, Cooper will be open and collect his fantasy value with potential for a breakout!
• Leonard Fournette – For those who drafted or traded for Fournette, you know his worth to Tampa Bay’s offense especially as their receivers have dealt with injuries. Fournette has a nice matchup with the Washington Football team and will look to keep his volume rolling after the Buccaneers’ bye week.
Two players you should sit this week:
• Patrick Mahomes – This guy went from, “How do you stop him?” to “Who even is he anymore?” Mahomes and the Chiefs as of late have no identity and aren’t anywhere near what they were in the past few years as Super Bowl contenders. I will need to see the entire Chiefs’ offense figure things out and Mahomes to be himself again before I trust leaving him in as my starting quarterback, especially with his tough schedule remaining and a lot riding on them to make the playoffs, let alone stay alive in their division.
• Antonio Gibson – Tampa has had two weeks to prepare for a weak Washington Football Team and game plan for very few playmakers, including Gibson. Tampa will have Devin White and Lavonte David all over the field, which gives Gibson little to nowhere to run or catch the ball out of the backfield and make plays. The Bucs are the tenth best team against the run this year and with a mediocre offensive line and weak team all around, Gibson will struggle to produce.
One player you could stream this week:
• Rhamondre Stevenson – New England has been dealt the injury bug with their running backs this season and with Damien Harris out with a concussion, Stevenson will look to handle a bigger workload against the Browns. The Patriots have one of the best offensive lines in football but Stevenson has shown flashes of his power run skills and pass catching, so look for him to be able to produce potential RB2 numbers in a week that is needed of running backs.