👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Heroes and Zeroes - Week 10 Fantasy Football Picks

I just couldn't resist the urge, so you'll have to bear with me for a few more sentences while I gloat a bit. Sometimes it feels like we are wrong more than we are right in the world of fantasy football, yet we keep coming back or more like the addicts we are. Nothing feeds this compulsion more than the thrill of victory, but when you publicize your top picks and sleepers for all to see, then use several of those players in your own leagues and hit the nail right on the head, that's just like an injection of pure adrenaline straight into the veins. What I'm trying to see is I made a lot of good picks last week.

My only regret for Week 9 is not ranking Jared Goff even higher, but both he and Matthew Stafford were among the best QB picks last week and I think they each continue their ascent. Touchdowns by under-the-radar plays like Javorius Allen, Damien Williams, Mohamed Sanu, and Sammy Watkins (don't pretend you were still playing him) all justified my love, er, hero status. If only Jermaine Kearse had hit paydirt, I'd be looking at 100% batting average on the plus side, while Marshawn Lynch was the only zero to even be playable last week. Let's see if the good fortune continues, as we are done with the two-week Byepocalypse.

Now, let's get to my fantasy "heroes" and "zeroes" at each position for Week 10 of the NFL season. For a full set of rankings, look no further than our very own RotoBaller consensus weekly rankings.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Week 10 Lineup Heroes

QUARTERBACK

Eli Manning, New York Giants

This is it. This is the week that we can play Eli Manning, maybe for one last time, and not kick ourselves in our own asses for doing so. Manning goes up against the defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. The 49ers have a slew of injuries on both sides of the ball and are clearly playing for a high draft pick anyway. This won't be a shootout by any means, but the Giants don't have enough of a running game to bowl over the Niners that way. Expect tight end Evan Engram to be heavily involved while Manning throws multiple scores before finally ceding way to Geno Smith the rest of the season after they get clobbered by Kansas City next week. See you in the HOF, Eli!

Mitch Trubisky, Chicago Bears

It should go without saying that this recommendation is for superflex or two-QB leagues only. When you start scraping the bottom of the barrel for QB2 rankings, things look bleaker than ever this week. Philip Rivers faces the Jags (#1 Def vs. QB), Jacoby Brissett faces the Steelers (#2 Def vs. QB), Blake Bortles faces the Chargers (#9 Def vs. QB) and you really don't want to rely on CJ Beathard, Brock Osweiler, Brett Hundley or Ryan Fitzpatrick, do you? The week of rest and preparation and a matchup against the struggling Packers might provide the recipe for a breakout of sorts for the rookie. While it's doubtful the Bears will go all game without punting, Trubisky could turn to new receivers Dontrelle Inman and Tre McBride frequently.

 

RUNNING BACKS

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings

In case you forgot how effective McKinnon had been before his team's bye week, here's how he finished each week since the Dalvin Cook injury: Week 5 - RB3,  Week 6 - RB4, Week 7 - RB31, Week 8 - RB3. Washington's run defense started out as one of the best units in football the first three weeks of the season, but various injuries and an ineffective run game of their own have conspired to reverse their fortunes. In the last three games, Washington has allowed 444 rush yards for an average of 148 YPG. He brings value as a receiver alone, but could have his best rushing game of the season to boot. He's a surefire RB1 this week and beyond.

Bilal Powell, New York Jets

Stacking against the Bucs has never looked like a better idea. They'll be without their starting QB and best WR, but are still stuck with the same bottom-dwelling defense. Matt Forte was my original pick here after he scored his first two touchdowns of the season in Week 9, but he's now been downgraded to doubtful. Why can't the Jets have nice things? Forte was up to almost 50% of the offensive snaps, relegating Bilal Powell to a 22% snap share, but now Powell may take over completley. If Forte sits, Powell definitely has RB2 potential in this matchup.

Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns

If you're in a full-PPR league, you probably have a flex spot reserved for him each week anyway. The Browns will rely on him more than ever to try to move the chains while playing catch-up with a Lions team firing on all cylinders offensively.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

The first game without Carson Palmer didn't go too badly. The Cards won (yes, I know it was against the Niners) and Drew Stanton acquitted himself fairly well. Larry Legend came down with five of nine targets for 70 yards. While the matchup shifts from the second-worst team in football to one of the best, at least it's not in Seattle. Fitzgerald shouldn't be faded, though, because he will spend a lot of time against new slot corner Justin Coleman, avoiding Richard Sherman for much of the day.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers

The bye couldn't have come at a worse time for the hype machine building around J²S² but he's back in action for Week 10. The speculation of how much time Martavis Bryant will get on the field can be safely ignored. The team knows what they have in their second-round pick and will continue to integrate him as the number two receiving target. He's got as easy a matchup as he'll face the rest of the season in career backup/journeyman Pierre Desir on the other side, so find a spot for him in your lineup.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

You know, Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't terrible...  *ducks under desk 

Disgruntled Jets fans have cast him aside long ago, but for a backup QB he's got a lot more upside than most. He filled in admirably for Jameis Winston in Week 6 and in the second half of last week's game. Now gets the whole week to gameplan for his ex-team. While I wouldn't necessarily roll out Fitz in fantasy, there's another fill-in that might be worth using if you're the gambling type. Rookie Chris Godwin will take over for Fightin' Mike Evans and become the primary red zone target among WRs. He hasn't been targeted more than three times all year and has caught exactly one ball for less than 10 yards in each of the last five games, but that goes out the window now that his snap share will surge. Among other WR4/flex types like Eric Decker, Jordan Matthews, or Donte Moncrief, I'd take a chance that Godwin makes an impact first.

 

TIGHT END

Garrett Celek, San Francisco 49ers

Every week. Not most weeks, not 9 out of 10. EVERY WEEK a tight end scores a touchdown against the Giants. George Kittle would be the obvious play here, except that he's out of the lineup with an ankle injury and therefore has a 0% chance of scoring. Backup TE and brother to Brent, Mr. Celek has been very Chris Godwin-like in his production lately, catching exactly one pass in each of the last five games. He might only catch one pass in Week 10. It doesn't matter, because it'll be a touchdown.

Tyler Kroft, Cincinnati Bengals

He's never a "boom" play per se, but Kroft finds a way to contribute each week. He only saw two targets last week, but turned those into 79 yards. He only had 46 yards the previous week, but caught five passes. 23 yards before that, but he had a touchdown. You get the drift. Tennessee has plenty of soft spots in the defense that he can exploit and he's about due for a touchdown given his recent target/score ratio.

 

Week 10 Lineup Zeroes

QUARTERBACKS

Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

Captain Kirk led his team to a comeback victory last week, but Fat Rob took the fantasy glory with two touchdowns. Incidentally, why is it that the team with the worst name that should be banned by now has the players with the best nicknames? Anyway, the victory can't mask the fact that Cousins has only tossed one TD in the last two games and his schedule isn't letting up. Washington faces Minnesota on the road in Week 10, which drops Cousins to low-end QB2 status. The Vikings have allowed eight passing touchdowns all year and a total of six scores in five home games. Incidentally, you might want to bench Terrelle Pryor too. Just saying.

Jay Cutler, Miami Dolphins

They're not in the cellar any more! Sort of. The Dolphins still rank worst in the NFL in total points scored and yards per play, but they're only third-worst in passing offense now! Last week, Cutler looked like the vintage Denver version (that one year) but that was against the Raiders. This week's opponent, Carolina, allows the third-lowest scoring rate to opponents and will have the home field advantage. Pump your brakes before sending him into battle, even in your two-QB leagues. Instead, try Keenum, Bortles, or... Trubisky?

 

RUNNING BACKS

DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans

Knee, shoulder, and hip injuries have set back the Titans offensive skill players this season. Wait, my bad, that's just DeMarco Murray's recent health report. Murray has never been the model of good health and this season has been a frustrating one for fantasy owners. He hasn't actually missed multiple games, he's just been limited and/or ineffective in most of them. This week he is probable, but we know he's not 100%. The Bengals don't strike fear into the hearts of opposing teams with their defense, but they've only yielded two rushing touchdowns and three total to RB, making them a top-10 defense against the position. Derrick Henry keeps eating into his touches, making Murray an RB3 this week.

Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts

I love me some Frank Gore, but not this week. The Colts will be behind the 8 ball early and the running game may not be too effective either. While Gore out-snapped Marlon Mack 60/40 last week, Mack had gotten more run the previous two weeks. Mack is still the better play down the stretch.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While I'm bullish on Godwin garnering some value, I'm wary of Jackson. He's been remarkably inefficient this year, ranking fourth in total air yards, yet 33rd in yardage with a 49% catch rate. You might think his target share would go up this week, and it probably will, but that doesn't mean he'll do anything with them. Connecting on the deep ball requires practice and repetition, which is something he doesn't have down with backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars

He finally scored a touchdown and it only took eight games and 58 targets. Lee has never been a red zone threat, scoring just five touchdowns over his first three seasons, so we shouldn't be surprised that he's giving standard league owners hardly any value. He enters this contest with a gimpy knee already. If he does play, he'll get the shadow treatment from Casey Hayward. Avoid.

 

TIGHT END

Ed Dickson, Carolina Panthers

The starting tight end for Carolina was a complete zero last week, as in zero catches for zero yards. He had seen at least five targets in each of the previous four games, but was a mysterious non-factor in what should have been a good matchup. The Dolphins don't exactly lock down the tight end, but temptation to stream him should be resisted as this could be a low-scoring slogfest.

 

More Week 10 Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Royce O'Neale

Could Miss First Game of the Season Thursday
TreVeyon Henderson

Establishing Himself as a Fantasy RB1?
Grayson Allen

May Sit Out Another Game Thursday
Malik Monk

in Danger of Missing Fifth Straight Contest
Nique Clifford

Questionable for Thursday Night
Kyle Kuzma

Expected to Play Through Elbow Injury Thursday
Caleb Williams

Looking to Build Off Second-Year Breakout
Andrew Wiggins

Out Thursday Against Lakers
Elijah Arroyo

Stuck in Depth Role for the Foreseeable Future
Kevin Porter Jr.

Uncertain for Thursday
Myles Turner

Questionable Versus Jazz
Joel Embiid

Listed as Doubtful for Thursday
Tre Tucker

Still a Fantasy Option Despite New Competition?
Trae Young

to Miss Second Straight Game
Max Fried

to Start on Opening Day for Yankees
Bam Adebayo

Likely to Return Thursday
Rayan Rupert

Jahmai Mashack, Rayan Rupert Won't Play Wednesday
Jack Bech

Still Trending Up Despite Increased Competition?
Noah Clowney

Exits Early Wednesday Due to Wrist Injury
Alexandre Sarr

Could Miss Third Straight Game
Cade Cunningham

Ruled Out Thursday
Brandon Williams

Unavailable Against Hawks
Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Not Naming a Closer to Begin the Season
Caleb Martin

Remains Out Wednesday
Drew Eubanks

Undergoes Season-Ending Thumb Surgery
Nicolas Batum

Resting Wednesday Night
Dejounte Murray

Available Wednesday
Collin Sexton

Cleared to Return Wednesday
Jalen Hurts

has Room for Improvement Amid Offensive Changes
Isaiah Bond

Should Have Bigger Role, But Will QB Issues Hold him Back?
Terry McLaurin

Can Terry McLaurin Bounce Back as Top Target-Earner in 2026?
James Cook

a Strong RB1 in Fantasy Coming Off Career Year
Adrian Kempe

Could Return Thursday
Mason McTavish

Sits Out Second Consecutive Game
Ross Johnston

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Jonathan Drouin

Back in Action Wednesday
Eric Robinson

Rejoins Hurricanes Lineup
Shayne Gostisbehere

Sits Out Another Game Wednesday
Sidney Crosby

Returns to Action Wednesday
Greg Dortch

Signs One-Year Deal With Lions
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Colts Sign Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
T.Y. Hilton

Officially Announces his Retirement
Andy Dalton

Eagles Acquire Andy Dalton From Panthers
Matthew Liberatore

Named Cardinals Opening Day Starter
Roki Sasaki

to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
A.J. Dillon

Panthers Signing AJ Dillon to One-Year Deal
Maxx Crosby

was "Livid" After Ravens Nixed Trade to Acquire Him
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
José Berríos

Jose Berrios has Stress Fracture, Won't be Ready for Opening Day
De'Von Achane

Dolphins Not Listening to Trade Offers for De'Von Achane
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
Kyle Williams

a Potential Year 2 Breakout Candidate in 2026
Elic Ayomanor

Fantasy Appeal Slipping Away?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
Isaac TeSlaa

a Prime Candidate for More Volume
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Remains a Free Agent
Darius Slayton

Faces Plenty of New Competition
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Bags a Shutout in Vegas
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Brock Boeser

Logs Three Assists Tuesday
Jeremy Peña

Opening Day "Not Ruled Out" for Jeremy Pena
Brock Faber

Registers Three Assists in Overtime Win
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Charlie Coyle

Matches Career High with Four Points Tuesday
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Nikita Kucherov

Amasses Five Points in Road Win
Blake Lizotte

Penguins Plan to Re-Evaluate Blake Lizotte in Four Weeks
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Nick Jensen

to Miss Six Weeks Due to Knee Surgery
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Cole Ragans

Named Royals Opening Day Starter
Cole Caufield

Nets Game-Winning Goal
Pavel Zacha

Scores Twice Versus Montreal on Tuesday
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Seiya Suzuki

has Sprained Knee, Opening Day Availability Unclear
Alex Tuch

a Game-Time Decision on Tuesday
Eeli Tolvanen

Iffy for Tuesday
Seth Jones

Returns to Action Tuesday
Sam Bennett

Available Tuesday
Kirby Dach

to Miss 2-4 Weeks
Seiya Suzuki

Diagnosed With Strained PCL
Zach Neto

Making his Return on Tuesday
Kyle Freeland

to Start for Rockies on Opening Day
José Soriano

Angels Name Jose Soriano the Opening Day Starter
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Konnor Griffin

Avoids Next Round of Roster Cuts
Gerrit Cole

to Throw an Inning on Wednesday
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Johan Rojas

Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
José Ramírez

No Plans for Jose Ramirez to Undergo Imaging on Injured Shoulder
Seiya Suzuki

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Joe Musgrove

Expected to Open the Year on the Injured List
Zach Neto

Expected to Return to Game Action on Tuesday
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Zach Neto

to Take Batting Practice on Monday
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF