RADIO
Offense reigns supreme in the NFL these days. In Week 9, we saw scores of 45-35, 42-28, 37-21, and 38-14. Also, the Bears scored 41 and the 49ers put up 34 in shellackings of lesser opponents. That was with six teams on bye. Not every vulture or opportunistic backup is worth owning in fantasy leagues but there are more players than ever reaching the end zone, so it's important to track who has potential to help your team.
In this weekly waiver wire series, we provide a curated list of fantasy-viable players that are typically owned in less than half of all fantasy leagues, so that you can make an educated decision about who to add or claim that might be available in your league. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all eligible players that could be picked up, nor is it ranked in priority order - that's what our Lightning Round is for! These are also not all strict recommendations to add, simply a list of options. As always, it is up to you, the fantasy owner, to see who's available in your league and make the best educated decision possible.
Let’s look around the league at the players who may be worth adding or bidding on as we move on to Week 10 of the 2018 NFL season. Be sure to also check out our other waiver wire articles, including FAAB auction bidding recommendations, for even more in-depth analysis an all positions heading into Week 10.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Alex Smith, Washington Redskins (43% owned)
He didn't take full advantage of a home matchup with the Falcons, barely going over 300 yards but ending up with just one touchdown on the day. Maybe the Bucs will make for an easier time, as they somehow appear to be getting worse defensively each week. There is still a definite limit on Smith's value, especially as long as Jamison Crowder and Chris Thompson are out. If both players return for next week, Smith could warrant more interest than usual. With a dearth of quality options in the lower ranks of QB waiver options this week, he looks like the best of the bunch.
Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (38% owned)
The breakout game is yet to happen, despite numerous favorable matchups. In the last three weeks, Mayfield has faced the Bucs, Steelers, and Chiefs, ranked first, fifth, and sixth respectively in terms of most fantasy points per game allowed to QBs. Despite that, he's only averaging 231 yards in those games and has exactly two touchdowns in each game. So, despite a matchup with the Falcons, who ranked second in fantasy PPG allowed to QBs, don't get too excited. Until the Browns have a receiving threat that can stretch the field (Josh Gordon would fit that bill), he is more of a floor play than anything.
Eli Manning, New York Giants (15% owned)
It doesn't matter if the Giants' offensive woes are Manning's fault or even whether he finishes the year as the starting quarterback. For Week 10, Manning is still viable as a streamer to replace Kirk Cousins or Deshaun Watson if needed. Manning entered Week 9 as the fourth-leading passer in terms of overall yardage, although that comes with an 8/6 TD/INT ratio as well. One would hope the team used their bye week to figure some things out, such as getting Evan Engram more involved and actually blocking defenders on the front line. Don't be fooled by Thursday's outcome, the 49ers defense is not very good. They were actually allowing more points on pass defense than Oakland before the blowout in Week 9. Manning has gone over 300 yards in three of the last four games and could easily do so again.
Sam Darnold, New York Jets (8% owned)
If you watched any of the Dolphins-Jets game, you want no part of Darnold and his four-pick self. The bad field conditions and Spencer Long's inability to snap the ball can excuse some of it but Darnold still made some terrible decisions. It's curious since he finally had a full complement of receivers with Quincy Enunwa back and Robby Anderson playing a full game. There is a good chance he has a better day as the Jets return home to face the hapless Bills. He's a desperation play more than a recommended pickup, so he shouldn't be considered in all but deeper leagues.
Josh Rosen, Arizona Cardinals (3% owned)
The first game of the Byron Leftwich era on offense didn't quite go as planned but a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns gave the Cards a win in Week 8 before their bye. It also gave Rosen his best fantasy game of the season with 252 yards and two TD. On the road in Arrowhead Stadium, Rosen could very well be overwhelmed. There is also the chance Rosen is forced to put the ball in the air more than the season-high 40 times he did last game, which could lead to some garbage time points.
Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers (3% owned)
A legend is born. Mullens, the team's third-string QB, is an undrafted free agent out of Southern Miss who was not supposed to start this year, if at all. Given the chance, he tossed three touchdowns, 262 yards, and a 151.9 QB Rating. Now, time for the cold water. The Raiders defense was already among the worst in the league, but anyone who watched the game on Thursday could clearly see a lack of effort from defenders. I'm not saying the Raiders are tanking but... oh what the hell, they're tanking hard. Mullens will on prime time once again, as the Niners face the Giants on Monday Night. It's not a bad matchup but it's also not the Raiders. Remember, Brock Osweiler had a pretty good debut this season as well. It's not advisable to risk your fantasy team's prospects on Mullens this week but he may be worth stashing just in case an unexpected star is born.
Others to consider: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (38% owned); Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (32% owned)
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns (47% owned)
The Duke was dropped in many leagues over the last couple of weeks but this was the perfect time to add him. Hue Jackson and Todd Haley are out of the picture, so the offense will be revamped. We already saw the adjustments, as Johnson caught nine passes for 78 yards and two scores in Week 9. Prior to this week, he hadn't caught more than four balls or seen even seven targets in a game. In full PPR leagues, Johnson must be universally owned again.
Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons (44% owned)
While this isn't a strict timeshare, Smith is slowly encroaching on Tevin Coleman's market share in the backfield. Smith took 10 carries for 60 yards and a TD against a formidable Washington front, while Coleman had 13 carries for 88 yards. Smith now has a score in four of the last five games and can be part of the flex conversation each week in standard leagues. A matchup with the Browns coming up should give him a good chance to put more points on the board.
Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks (23% owned)
Chris Carson's hip injury flared up again in the second quarter against the Chargers, leaving Davis in charge of the backfield. He responded with 62 yards on 15 carries. The most pleasant surprise was his seven receptions on eight targets. Davis served as the pass-catching option many thought Rashaad Penny would be this year. If Carson is forced to miss next week's showdown with the Rams, Davis must be on the streaming radar. The Seahawks likely won't be running as often as they'd like but if Davis is going to serve as Duke Johnson lite, then PPR owners should take interest.
Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers (23% owned)
This backfield may belong to Aaron Jones soon enough but Williams will be in the mix still. With Ty Montgomery gone, Williams is set to see more work on passing downs since the team prefers him for pass protection over Jones. Williams isn't guaranteed a large-enough workload to be a streamer for Week 10, but the Dolphins have been susceptible to the run this season and the Pack shouldn't need to throw the ball a ton to stay in control. The ceiling is limited and he's mostly TD-dependent but his place in a potent offense keeps him relevant.
Elijah McGuire, New York Jets (14% owned)
McGuire made his 2018 debut in Week 9, totaling 67 yards on 10 touches. That's better than it sounds considering how ineffective the Jets were in all other aspects of the game. Bilal Powell isn't coming back and Isaiah Crowell won't be involved in the passing game, so McGuire will still have low-end flex value in PPR formats going forward. If there's a time to take a chance on him, it would be now, heading into a matchup with Buffalo where the ground game should be heavily utilized both due to game script and to keep pressure off Sam Darnold.
D'Onta Foreman, Houston Texans (13% owned)
Foreman is scheduled to begin practicing this week, which is the first step in a return from the PUP list. It's unclear when Foreman will see game action, but those with space to stash and a need at RB shouldn't wait too long. Lamar Miller finally threw up another dud, running for just 21 yards at Denver. Foreman's presence will be a welcome sight for the Texans and fantasy owners alike.
Josh Adams, Philadelphia Eagles (10% owned)
Adams surprised everyone by running for 61 yards against the Jaguars in Week 8 on just nine attempts. That could be dismissed as a fluke performance, except that this is a backfield still lacking an established running back. Last year's UDFA, Corey Clement, saw just five touches last week and has struggled to a 3.3 yards per carry average this year. Adams will be worked into the mix again and could have a chance to carve out a bigger role if he performs well against divisional rivals Dallas. He's one to monitor before adding unless there are no better options on your league's wire.
Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions (9% owned)
He's back after a three-week hiatus due to a knee injury and did his thing as usual. That thing involves catching passes and not running the ball whatsoever. Riddick was targeted eight times, catching seven for 36 yards. He averages 26.6 yards per game for his career and has a far lower floor than Duke Johnson or Elijah McGuire but if you need a few points to get you through the week, he could serve a purpose.
Others to consider: Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia Eagles (39% owned); Frank Gore, Miami Dolphins (28% owned); Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks (13% owned)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Tyrell Williams / Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (45% owned)
They have the same last name, are on the same team, share the same fantasy ownership percentage and even have the same number of touchdowns this season. The only difference is Tyrell has more yards and air yards, whereas Mike has a huge advantage in red zone targets. It stands to reason that Tyrell is the upside play while Mike is more touchdown-dependent. Either can be flexed with confidence in a cupcake matchup with the Raiders in Week 10.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers (37% owned)
MVS was already making a name for himself as the rookie WR to own in Green Bay. Now, a season-ending injury for Geronimo Allison puts him in the WR3/flex discussion on a weekly basis. Coming off a 100-yard performance for the second time in three games, Valdes-Scantling is going to be picked up in a ton of leagues this week. While he's only totaled eight receptions in the last three games, he had been targeted 17 times, plus another 10 the week before. We know any receiver in Green Bay's offense has value but Valdes-Scantling now looks to be their WR2 behind Davante Adams.
Tre'Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints (29% owned)
He's a deep threat who will rely on big plays down the field to provide value. Unless he scores from four yards out. Smith caught two passes for 23 yards in the shootout victory over the Rams but one of those was an end zone target that went for a score. Smith has been targeted more lightly than fantasy owners would like, as Michael Thomas is back to hogging targets. Like any other receiver in New Orleans, he will be used inconsistently yet always has the scoring potential. He is a boom-bust flex possibility on the road in Cincinnati this week.
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals (25% owned)
In the first half of his rookie year, Kirk has 31 receptions for 410 yards and two TD. By comparison, teammate Larry Fitzgerald had 31 receptions for 463 yards and three TD in the first eight games of his career. He's got a loooong way to go before approaching Larry Legend status but it's a promising start for Kirk, who stands four inches shorter but has more straight-ahead speed. The main difference fantasy owners need to be aware of is the fact Kirk is available in three-quarters of leagues whereas Fitzgerald is taken in three-quarters of all leagues. Kirk is outproducing Fitzgerald this season and could keep developing his rapport with Josh Rosen to become the true WR1 on the Cardinals. For Week 10, Kirk has a good chance to see plentiful targets, as the Cards are sure to be playing catch-up with the Chiefs. He should be a preferred streamer in all formats.
Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets (13% owned)
Enunwa only missed two weeks with his high-ankle sprain and came back to catch three of four targets against Miami. It was an ugly game all around, as the Jets scored six points on a muddy, torn-up field. Concerns that Jermaine Kearse has replaced him as the main receiver are somewhat founded, as Kearse was the leading target-getter on the day with nine, but he reeled in just three of those and hasn't been very efficient this season. Enunwa won't replicate his early-season numbers, however, he stands above Kearse and Anderson as more reliable options in the New York receiving corps.
Josh Doctson, Washington Redskins (8% owned)
No Redskins receiver has been worth playing in fantasy lineups this season, including the tight ends. Although Doctson scored his first touchdown of the year in Week 9, he still hasn't reached so much as 50 yards in a game. If not for the mouth-watering matchup with the Bucs secondary, Doctson would not be on anyone's radar. He is still a touchdown-dependent deep flex play, but one that has a good chance of paying off given the numerous injuries to the other Washington skill players.
Adam Humphries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2% owned)
Nobody saw that coming. Humphries benefited most from the return of FitzMagic, catching eight passes for 82 yards and two TD. The scores were his first two of the 2018 season. It was the second time this season Humphries has put up 82 yards, but only the third time he's finished upward of 40 yards. We don't often label diminutive possession receivers as boom-bust, but the label fits. Humphries' usage has been hard to predict and doesn't correlate with Ryan Fitzpatrick's presence. In Weeks 1-4 with Fitzpatrick starting, Humphries totaled 101 yards and was a non-factor. As the fourth option among receivers, not to mention O.J. Howard, Humphries is far from guaranteed to see a high target volume again. The matchup also isn't favorable enough to recommend him as a starter in Week 10, although he could be stashed in 16-team leagues.
Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers (1% owned)
Samuel only touched the ball three times against the Bucs and came away with two scores. He showcased his breakaway speed on a 33-yard run and then took a pass 19 yards to the house in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Samuel has the ability to take it to the house at any time but doesn't get enough touches to be more than a desperation stream.
Others worth consideration: Robby Anderson, New York Jets (34% owned); Cole Beasley, Dallas Cowboys (32% owned); David Moore, Seattle Seahawks (17% owned); Antonio Callaway, Cleveland Browns (14% owned)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts (37% owned)
Playing the Jags in Week 10 doesn't rule, but Doyle makes for a smart add anyway. After missing five weeks with an injury, he promptly saw seven targets in his first game back and then had another week to rest. Doyle was a highly-drafted TE who was forgotten because of his temporary absence. He showed that he can co-exist just fine with Eric Ebron and should be owned nearly everywhere.
C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals (23% owned)
It's hard to imagine a tight end having a better schedule than Uzomah's recent stretch. It continues with a home game against the Saints, who are fresh off a win in which they allowed 35 points and 391 passing yards. If Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee can combine for 88 yards, Uzomah should be good for a nice output. He shouldn't replace your usual TE starter though. Uzomah is strictly a streaming option or DFS consideration.
Chris Herndon IV, New York Jets (14% owned)
No TD this week but Herndon saw his highest yardage total of the year in Week 9. Despite the return of Quincy Enunwa, Herndon caught four passes for 62 yards, leading the team. He remains a high-end TE2 this week while facing Buffalo.
Jeff Heuerman, Denver Broncos (1% owned)
10 catches, 83 yards, one touchdown. Done rubbing your eyes to make sure you read that correctly? An unexpected beneficiary of the Demaryius Thomas trade, fantasy owners must now pay attention to Heuerman as more than a TD-dependent play in favorable matchups. The Broncos have drafted a tight end each of the last two years to find a pass-catching option at the position, yet injuries have kept each off the field. Heuerman now has a chance to establish himself as the starter and third option in the passing game behind Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton. Heuerman is one to watch if you need a solid backup TE but doesn't need to be added now as the Broncos are on bye this week.
Jordan Thomas, Houston Texans (1% 0wned)
All he does is catch touchdowns. The rookie has three scores in the last two games since taking over for an injured Ryan Griffin as the starter. Of course, he only has 36 yards in those two games and 127 on the season. In terms of hoping for a cheap score from your tight end streamer, Thomas fits the bill. The Texans are on bye in Week 10, so don't bother adding him just yet.
Others worth consideration: Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona Cardinals (16% owned); Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (5% owned)
Defenses - Waiver Wire Options
Los Angeles Chargers (51% owned)
After an abysmal performance while facing a bad defense in San Francisco, the Raiders will be widely streamed against this week. The Chargers' DST unit has largely underperformed this season, although they surely miss Joey Bosa and Jason Verrett. They did manage to hold Seattle to 17 points in their own house and came away with a pick-six. The Bolts are among the league leaders in INT and should be good for a few points, even if the Raiders do decide to show up in Week 10. Beware going all in hoping for a dominant performance though, as the Chargers don't have a shutdown unit and there's a good chance Oakland will tighten things up a bit.
New York Jets (36% owned)
The Jets will be at home playing the Buffalo Bills. That's reason enough to make them the top defense to stream. Nathan Peterman threw three picks in Week 9, including one pick-six, while the Bears also returned a fumble for a touchdown. It could be Derek Anderson back in the saddle, which is really just as good; he threw four interceptions with no touchdowns in his two starts. The Bills are truly a team to stream against every single week.
San Francisco 49ers (21% owned)
The Niners will be hard-pressed to repeat their eight-sack game from last week but if there's an opponent that can make it happen, it's the New York Giants. Eli Manning's struggles have been well-documented and it's unlikely they'll fix all their problems in one week of practice. DeForest Buckner has become a force on the interior, helping the team apply pressure on a constant basis. While the sacks should be there, the turnovers haven't been. San Francisco has just two interceptions on the season. They are not a high-end defensive unit based on matchup alone but could get you by with a few points if you're biding time while the Ravens or Texans take time off.
Indianapolis Colts (7% owned)
The Colts appear to have the most favorable schedule ahead of them down the stretch and it starts with the Jaguars in Week 10. We know about Blake Bortles' struggles quite well - they get the Jags twice in the next four weeks. Also on the slate, Tennessee and Miami. The Colts' failure to register a single sack or interception against Derek Carr and the Raiders before their bye now seems a bit worrisome but as always you have to trust the matchups ahead.
More Waiver Wire Adds and Pickups
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
