Welcome to the 10th edition of Waiver Wire Wonders. The season is in full swing and this is a week that could make or break your fantasy season. These games are crucial for every team in your respective league as fantasy teams are fighting for playoff seeding.
Injuries have been scarce but there are two injuries that do open up some opportunities on the wire. Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is dealing with a foot injury that is sidelining him for at least two weeks. Seahawks running back Chris Carson has injuries to his hip and thigh that could keep him out for the next game.
Waiver Wire Wonders Week 10
Information will be listed for ESPN 10 and 12 team PPR leagues.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield Browns- Rostered in 38% of ESPN leagues
Looking for quarterback streamers is not easy, but Baker Mayfield‘s overall value is trending up. He had a solid first outing with his new coaching staff who is focused on building this team around him.
While his weapons aren’t eye-opening, volume and opportunity against a poor Falcons defense are enticing. The Falcons just gave up 306 passing yards to check down artist Alex Smith. Mayfield is easily my top add at the QB position.
Alex Smith Redskins- Rostered in 49% of ESPN leagues
As previously mentioned, Smith is not known for airing it out and he is losing weapons and linemen at will these days. However, this might be a good thing for Smith in terms of fantasy projections.
Smith faces a Bucs defense that has given up over 20 fantasy points to opposing QB’s except for Nick Foles in Week 2. Smith is going to have to do more and is going to have to throw more if the Redskins want to keep up with a competitive NFC. Along with his scrambling ability, Smith is another fine streaming option this week.
Dart Throws
Eli Manning vs. 49ers 8.4%, Blake Bortles vs. Colts 15.5%
Running Backs
Mike Davis Seahawks- Rostered in 19% of ESPN leagues
Carson is questionable for the next game and if he can’t suit up that would thrust Mike Davis into the workhorse role for the Seahawks. Davis has played very well when filling in for Carson and playing a Rams team that just got toasted by the Saints presents a good matchup for Davis. Monitor this before the game, but nevertheless, he is my top waiver add at the RB position. If Carson sits Davis is a plug and play RB2.
Josh Adams Eagles- Rostered in 3% of ESPN leagues
The Eagles were looking for a spark in their running game before their bye week, and they may have found it in Josh Adams. He runs hard and gives the Eagles a downhill runner that they are looking for. Not saying Adams is a must-start, but better to be a week early, than a week late with the pickup.
Dart Throws
Elijah McGuire vs. Bills %9.4, Alfred Morris vs. Giants 27%
Wide Receivers
Marquez Valdez-Scantling Packers- Rostered in 21% of ESPN leagues
Marquez Valdez-Scantling has essentially become the number 2 option on the Green Bay Packers. He’s played more snaps than Randall Cobb, and Geronimo Allison is looking at an extended absence heading to IR. MVS seems to have built a strong rapport with Aaron Rodgers which only helps his fantasy value. If you are in need of a receiver, pick him up ASAP.
John Ross Bengals- Rostered in 8% of ESPN leagues
There are many factors that come into play when it comes to John Ross. With Green out at least a couple games, that is going to thrust Ross into a bigger role.
Ross’ ability to stay healthy and actually be effective when on the field is the concern. He has game-changing speed but health has always been his issue. Ross has an opportunity so scoop him up especially if you have to fill in for Green.
Dart Throws
Tre’Quan Smith vs. Bengals 17%, Anthony Miller vs. Lions 10%
Tight End
C.J. Uzomah Bengals Rostered in 18% of ESPN leagues
C.J. Uzomah underwhelmed in a big way before the bye week, but he is back in a good matchup and the tight end position is all his in Cincinnati. This is likely to be a shootout against the Saints so look for Uzomah to be a solid streaming option as a low-end TE1.
Defense
New York Jets- Rostered in 37% of ESPN leagues
The Jets are playing the Buffalo Bills. Any defense that plays the Bills usually scores points so look for that to be the case for the Jets.