RADIO
Darnell Washington Is a Solid TE Streamer after Bye
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington continues to split time with Pat Freiermuth, but Aaron Rodgers has been giving him enough opportunities to make him a solid fill-in starter. Washington has played over 50% of the Steelers' offensive snaps in every game this season, and went into the bye with a huge, 94-yard performance against the Browns in Paris. He didn't get into the end zone in that game, but scored a touchdown in three of his previous four contests. Overall, the hulking tight end has 19 catches for 254 receiving yards and three touchdowns through eight games this season. He isn't running enough routes to be an elite option at the position, but he can be an emergency starter or fill in for an injury in deep leagues if needed. In Week 10, the Steelers face the Bengals, who have been a slightly favorable matchup for tight ends this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaleb Johnson Could Lead Green Bay's Backfield with Josh Jacobs Out
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson could get another chance to lead the team's backfield for the next few weeks, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. With Josh Jacobs (hand) needing surgery to repair a broken right ring finger and expected to miss multiple games, the Packers will turn again to Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks to cover his absence, as they did while Jacobs was on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List for the first six weeks of the season. Johnson seemed to offer the most upside during that span, but he was benched after losing a fumble near the goal line against the Bucs. In Week 9, though, he ran well after Jacobs left, totaling 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on his 14 carries. Even if Lloyd and Brooks are healthy, Johnson has shown the highest ceiling of the Packers' RBs, and he makes sense as a speculative addition as the Packers face the Vikings, have a Week 11 bye, and then face the Rams and Saints. If Jacobs lands on IR, which coach Matt LaFleur said is a possibility, he would first be eligible to return in Week 15 against the Dolphins, leaving Johnson a great window to establish himself as a solid fantasy option in a very productive offense.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
Vikings in QB Market after Carson Wentz Struggles
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Minnesota Vikings will be looking to acquire a quarterback via trade before Tuesday's NFL Trade Deadline. Carson Wentz completed only eight of his 25 pass attempts on Monday Night Football against the Bills, totaling only 81 passing yards and throwing a pair of interceptions. The Vikings were held to two field goals in their 23-6 home loss. Minnesota's defense has been elite this year, and they have a strong group of pass-catchers led by Justin Jefferson. However, the offense has been held back by mediocre QB play from Wentz and Kyler Murray (hamstring). Murray is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and could miss multiple games, and if a new QB came in and played well, he could earn the starting role for the rest of the season. Some of the potentially available options include Daniel Jones of the Colts and Kirk Cousins of the Raiders, who each have some history with the team and current coaching staff.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Carson Wentz Implodes in Plus Matchup
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz completed eight of 25 passes for 81 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in his team's 23-6 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills. He gained no yards on his sole rush and was also credited with a fumble lost. Wentz got the starting nod in relief of teammate Kyler Murray (hamstring), who was unable to go after a week of DNPs. The veteran was flat-out abysmal in this one, unable to orchestrate a single touchdown drive. Wentz was eventually benched for Max Brosmer late in the fourth quarter, though it's worth mentioning that the former did get checked out for an injury in the blue medical tent at one point. Either way, it was a forgettable performance that hurt the offense's output. This could be Wentz's last start, depending on Murray's status moving forward. Still, it's fair to wonder whether he'd be benched in favor of Brosmer after the dreadful outing anyway. Minnesota is slated for a road matchup with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jordan Mason Boasts Minimal Work in Ugly Loss
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason rushed six times for 35 yards and added seven yards on 2-of-3 receiving in Monday's 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Mason was effective with his work on the ground, but never got a chance to get anything going on a night when Minnesota netted 178 total yards of offense. In fact, just three of the Vikings' 12 possessions ended with more than five plays. Even then, one of the three was an eight-play, ten-yard drive. Notably, the backfield snap share swung back in Mason's favor this week, as teammate Aaron Jones Sr. had led the duo by an equally slim margin in Week 8. It's unclear if that solidifies anything, but the former ran three more routes and picked up two more targets. As it stands, they could continue to work in tandem, which would be the least-optimal outcome for fantasy. Perhaps we'll gain clarity on the situation in next weekend's divisional bout with the hosting Green Bay Packers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Justin Jefferson Disappoints Again Despite Huge Volume
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught three of 11 passes for 58 yards in his team's 23-6 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Jefferson racked up a ludicrous 40% target share from quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 9, but was held in check as the latter played one of his worst games as a pro. It's an unfortunate outcome, considering Wentz and Jefferson showed chemistry in past games, including earlier this season. Alas, it marks the seventh-year pro's third straight outing with fewer than 60 receiving yards despite a healthy 27 targets over the span. Through seven appearances, Jefferson has logged a mere 31 catches and 393 yards. If this pace holds true, it'd be his lowest receiving total in a campaign of his career (898). The LSU product will look to rebound in a divisional clash with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Allen Weathers Vikings' Defense, Posts Season-Low Output
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in his team's 23-6 road win against the Minnesota Vikings. He added 15 yards on six carries. It may not have been the heroic effort fantasy managers have grown accustomed to, but Allen overcame one of the league's most formidable defenses. The California native was under duress all night, taking 11 hits and getting sacked four times. However, he logged his eighth straight game with at least 200 passing yards, and played well enough to get the job done. Unfortunately, Allen's fantasy output was his worst of the season, despite helping his team to a stellar 7-1 start. He figures to rebound in a slightly softer matchup next weekend when Buffalo takes on the New York Jets on the road.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
James Cook III Shines in MNF Win
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III totaled 107 yards and a touchdown on his 31 carries in Monday night's 23-6 road win against the Minnesota Vikings. He failed to bring in his lone target. Cook had been ineffective for a large portion of this one, but still got it done for fantasy with a late trip to the end zone. The former Georgia Bulldog handled his largest rush volume of the season and went over the century mark for the fourth time in 2026. It was also his seventh consecutive game with at least one rushing score. This was by no means Cook's most efficient effort, but he's once again been a strong asset at the position. It'd be nice to see him more involved in the passing game. Still, owners can take solace in the fact that he's on pace to tie his 2024 career-high of 16 rushing touchdowns. The 27-year-old will line up with a vulnerable New York Jets rush defense his next time out in Week 10.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Pat Bryant an Immediate Fantasy Weapon with Teammate Injured?
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant handled substantial volume in Week 9, and he should continue to occupy a prominent role in Week 11 (after the team's bye week) if Jaylen Waddle (concussion) ends up missing time. Bryant finished last week with four catches, 56 yards, and one touchdown on a 68% snap share, operating as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Courtland Sutton. Bryant's return from injured reserve came at a perfect time, as he immediately contributed on offense following his activation Saturday. The Broncos' passing game showed some signs of struggle early in the season, but they have been operating at a much higher level lately. As mentioned, the Broncos are on a bye in Week 10, leaving extra time for Waddle to recover and clear concussion protocol. However, if Waddle is still sidelined when Denver returns to action in Week 11, Bryant should have legitimate WR3 value. He's still an intriguing waiver wire target and stash even if Waddle does play in Week 11.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brooks Could Return From Injured Reserve This Week
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that running back Chris Brooks (ankle) could be ready to return from Injured Reserve this week, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. It would be good timing for the Packers with Josh Jacobs (finger) expected to miss at least three games after having surgery to fix his broken right ring finger that he suffered in Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. Brooks will need to return to practice this week to have a chance to come off IR to play against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at Lambeau Field. In addition to Jacobs being injured, MarShawn Lloyd (knee) missed Sunday's win in New England, so if Brooks returns this weekend, it could be down to him and Kaleb Johnson in Green Bay's backfield. Brooks has been out since Week 4, and before his injury, he was rarely involved, even with Jacobs being on the commissioner's exempt list. The 26-year-old had only 15 carries in his first four games for 70 yards (4.7 yards per attempt) while catching three of his five targets for 24 yards. With Jacobs and Lloyd banged up, Johnson will be one of the most popular RB waiver-wire pickups going into Week 10.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Kayshon Boutte Worth Adding After Explosive Outing?
Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has suddenly emerged as an intriguing waiver wire target after he broke out for 125 receiving yards in Week 9. This was the Texans' first game without Jaylin Noel (toe), and it turned out that Boutte was the biggest beneficiary of Noel's targets being up for grabs. This was Boutte's first game with double-digit PPR points this season, so while he's certainly trending up after Week 9, we also acknowledge that he has a lower floor. Still, he's a low-risk target on the waiver wire, with the potential to contribute in a fantasy-relevant role for deeper leagues going forward. In particular, he stands out among the other depth options like Marvin Harrison Jr., who has yet to play more than 50% of the snaps since being traded from Arizona to Houston.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Higbee Should Handle High Snap Share for a Little While Longer
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has played at least 80% of the offensive snaps in each of his last two games, and he should continue to occupy a prominent role after teammate Terrance Ferguson (ankle, hamstring) suffered a setback in his attempt to return from injured reserve. Ferguson picked up a hamstring injury while recovering from his ankle issue, and he's now expected to miss a couple more weeks. Higbee should continue to play around 80% of the snaps in future weeks, although he's not a lock to produce in fantasy football. He has just eight catches for 63 yards over his last two games, and he was significantly out-produced by Colby Parkinson in Week 9. With that being said, the Rams are now without both Puka Nacua (knee) and Davante Adams (hamstring) for an extended period of time, so there could be an opportunity for both Higbee and Parkinson to coexist as top-18 tight ends in fantasy football. As a result, Higbee is an intriguing waiver wire target, offering low risk and high reward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darren Waller Turning Heads After 10-Target Performance
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller has been inconsistent week over week this season, but his performance this past Sunday against the Denver Broncos could be enough to justify adding him off waivers in most leagues. Waller exploded for eight catches on 10 targets Sunday, adding 90 yards and one touchdown along the way. Carolina found itself playing behind and relying on passing attempts -- often to Waller and Tetairoa McMillan -- to keep them in the game. The veteran's inconsistency this year does prevent him from having immediate TE1 status in fantasy football, but he's absolutely trending in the right direction. Plus, Carolina has tough matchups coming up against the Saints, Ravens, Buccaneers, and Vikings, creating some potential negative game script environments in which the Panthers could look to throw the ball early and often. Managers should consider adding Waller off waivers, especially in deeper leagues or scenarios where managers may need a quick bye week fill-in.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mack Hollins an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Target with Teammates Sidelined
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins returned from an injured reserve stint in Week 9, and he immediately made his presence felt with three catches, 36 yards, and one touchdown. As a result, Hollins is an intriguing waiver-wire target for fantasy managers seeking a wide receiver addition ahead of Week 10. The driving force behind Hollins' increased fantasy value is a lingering knee injury to A.J. Brown, who has now missed back-to-back games. With Brown's status up in the air and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on injured reserve, Hollins has quickly emerged as one of quarterback Drake Maye's most trusted targets. Maye has repeatedly shown that he feels comfortable throwing to the veteran receiver, even when the quarterback is under pressure or Hollins is being blanketed. If Brown remains sidelined in Week 10 against Detroit, Hollins should have no trouble carving out WR3/flex value in PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth is Intriguing Waiver Pickup for Week 10
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth could be an interesting option to snag off the waiver wire in Week 10. The veteran tight end is coming off a bye week and heads into a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. A defense that ranks 21st in pass defense and 23rd against opposing tight ends this season. The Steelers could take advantage of that and target Freiermuth more frequently this weekend. He has finished with at least two receptions in every game this season. The yardage has been a struggle at times, but Freiermuth could be an option for fantasy managers looking for help with bye weeks.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
