Six teams are on a bye week this week, which means you need the right options this weekend to put into your starting lineup. Fear not, this is the right article for you to make sure you can avoid the traps and cruise to a victory as we get closer to the fantasy football playoffs. Take a read and learn about which options will be a good start, a smart sit, and a sleeper play for those of you in deeper leagues.
Week 10 Fantasy Football Start, Sits, And Sleepers
Quarterbacks
Start – Daniel Jones vs. New York Jets
The Jets have been torched by the likes of Gardner Minshew and Ryan Fitzpatrick in the past two weeks. Even though Jones had a rough game against the Cowboys last week, he should be able to have a solid bounce-back game in the battle of New York teams. It was only two weeks ago against the Detroit Lions that Jones racked up 322 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. With Saquon Barkley also being back in the fold, this should bring a balanced attack to the offense as the defense might need to worry about Barkley’s playmaking ability. With a lot of teams on a bye week, Jones could be a solid streaming option in week 10.
Another start option to consider: Kyler Murray vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sit – Jared Goff vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This is an interesting choice as you would think going against the weaker opponent in the Steelers would be a must-start. Also, the Rams are coming off their bye week, so they should be well-rested. Don’t look now though, as the Steelers are winning games with their defense and are not the hapless bunch they were when they began the season. Couple this with the fact that Goff hasn’t been the fantasy stud quarterback he was last season and he is looking like a player that you don’t want in your starting lineup. Goff has only gone over the 20-point mark three times this season and has failed to throw more than two touchdowns, all season. This Rams offense might have figured things out over the bye week, but the Steelers defense is riding a serious high that might be tough to score against. Look at other options this week, if you can afford to.
Another sit option to consider: Baker Mayfield vs. Buffalo Bills
*Sleeper Start* Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Seattle Seahawks
Let’s jump into the time machine. Garoppolo comes into a mop-up role against the Seahawks and throws a touchdown to replace an injured C.J. Beathard. He only played three snaps, threw a touchdown, and gave the 49er Faithful hope. Flash forward to now and Garoppolo is the franchise quarterback and facing the team he has some “unfinished business” with. Due to his ACL injury last year, he didn’t face the Seahawks and this is the first time he comes into a match-up with Seattle as the starter.
Garoppolo is riding some serious momentum after shredding the Cardinals defense for 317 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. He really silenced those critics that said he could not lead this team and the offense would falter if the running game wasn’t there. Garoppolo has a strong chance to have another good game as the Seahawks boast one of the league’s worst passing defenses, allowing the second-most passing yards in the NFL. If Seattle keys in on the running game, don’t be surprised if Garoppolo and the passing offense put on another show for the 49er Faithful.
Another sleeper option to consider: Josh Allen vs. Cleveland Browns
Running Backs
Start – Devin Singletary vs. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have been a huge disappointment this year. The much-heralded team was supposed to put the league on notice and make a trip to the postseason. Instead, it looks like the same Browns we are used to seeing and this includes having a bad defense. Currently, they are allowing the third-most rushing yards per game with 141.3. Singletary is finally healthy after dealing with a hamstring injury the past four weeks. He returned with a force against the Redskins, as he accrued 140 total yards and two touchdowns. Singletary benefits from learning from the ageless-wonder, Frank Gore, and he will look to put together another strong week as he faces the Browns. Start him this week and you’ll be rewarded highly for your faith in the rookie running back.
Another start option to consider: David Montgomery vs. Detroit Lions
Sit – Jaylen Samuels vs. Los Angeles Rams
Samuels will draw the start for a second week as James Conner is sitting out again with an injury. While Samuels was able to put in a good day at the office last week against the Colts, this week may be a bit tougher. While the Rams haven’t been as formidable as last year’s Super Bowl team, they do sport a tough run defense. Los Angeles has only allowed 3.6 rushing yards per attempt (third-best in the league) and 775 rushing yards total (eighth-best in the league). Samuels might get force-fed the ball, but temper your expectations as he might not be able to bust any long runs all day. If you have other options, go with those but Samuels may get some garbage time points which could turn this into a better day. Otherwise, expect Samuels to have a rough game against the Rams.
Another sit option to consider: Devonta Freeman vs. New Orleans Saints
*Sleeper Start* Ronald Jones II vs. Arizona Cardinals
This game overall should have a lot of offensive production, which would include Jones at running back. Jones out-touched Peyton Barber last week 20 to 4. This backfield is clearly Jones’ now and going forward he should be inserted into starting lineups. This game against Arizona should allow Jones to really establish himself as one of the best fantasy running backs for the rest of the season. The Cardinals are currently allowing 126.9 rushing yards per game, which is the 11th worst in the league. Jones should get a good amount of big runs and should find the end zone at least once which could translate to a good fantasy day for all those who start him.
Another sleeper option to consider: Kalen Ballage vs. Indianapolis Colts
Wide Receivers
Start – Zach Pascal vs. Miami Dolphins
With the news that T.Y. Hilton would be missing time, fantasy owners went in search of Pascal to add to their rosters. Pascal rewarded owners that picked him up with a good game against Pittsburgh. Expect Pascal to have another good week especially going against the porous defense of the Miami Dolphins. Pascal has become the de facto number one receiver in this offense with the injury to Hilton and the lack of production from the other receivers. While it may seem like he is the default number one, Pascal also possesses the skills to get open and put up good numbers. So while he may be the handcuff option for Hilton, don’t be surprised if he becomes a legitimate option for the rest of the season even when Hilton returns. Pick him up this week if you need a streamer but also if you want to make that run into the postseason and eventually lift the championship trophy.
Another start option to consider: Emmanuel Sanders vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sit – Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Buffalo Bills
The inept nature of the Cleveland offense has led to Beckham Jr. becoming a fantasy dud every week. He has only found the end zone once this entire season and has gone over the century mark in receiving yards just twice. The pressure getting to Baker Mayfield is preventing him from getting the ball to Beckham on a regular basis. The Browns also get to face the third-best passing defense in the league. So, Beckham should have even more trouble getting open against the likes of Tre’Davious White, one of the best cover corners in the NFL. This is not a good game for Beckham or the Browns passing offense, so try to find other options this week if you can.
Another sit option to consider: Robby Anderson vs. New York Giants
*Sleeper Start* Larry Fitzgerald vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We already talked about how this game is going to be a barn-burner. The thing that makes Fitzgerald a sleeper this week though is that Christian Kirk has become the main threat in the passing offense. Over the past three weeks, Fitzgerald has 11 targets and eight receptions for only 58 yards total. Now, this is a great week to finally get back to being Larry Legend. The return of David Johnson should also help Fitzgerald see more targets as the offense will be more balanced and the Buccaneers will have to account for so many different options. This could leave Fitzgerald open many times and the Cardinals offense should look to exploit that early and often. This is a situation where you can start anyone in this offense for both teams, but expect Fitzgerald to return to prominence and really rack up some serious numbers against Tampa Bay’s below-average defense.
Another sleeper option to consider: Marquise Brown vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Tight Ends
Start – Mike Gesicki vs. Indianapolis Colts
The injury to Preston Williams has opened the door for Gesicki to make his move, finally. Putting together his first double-digit fantasy performance, Gesicki will look to continue that momentum in this weekend’s game against the Colts. The Colts have a better defense than the Jets and have some fast players that can cover the tight end, but Gesicki should have a good game regardless. The starting running back for the Dolphins will be Kalen Ballage, who has yet to prove he can produce at the professional level. This means that the passing offense will be relied on more than the running game. Gesicki is a good safety net option that can help convert third downs and score in the red zone. He does have a little speed too, so it wouldn’t be out of this world if he breaks one for a huge gain. Gesicki could be the second half darling of the fantasy season and you should pick him up now before he really becomes a hot waiver wire add next week.
Another start option to consider: Chris Herndon vs. New York Giants
Sit – Jared Cook vs. Atlanta Falcons
The return of Drew Brees to the starting lineup may mean that the offense may see an uptick in production from all positions. That probably won’t apply to Cook since the return of Alvin Kamara is also happening this weekend against the Falcons. Now the possibility is there that everyone will feast against the lowly Falcons, but chances are slim for Cook. He is lower on the totem pole of touches in regards to the New Orleans offense.
Expect good games from Kamara, Michael Thomas, and Latavius Murray but not Cook. If anything, Taysom Hill might even outproduce Cook and Josh Hill may wind up getting into the end zone and vulturing those opportunities. Cook was sensational last season for the Raiders, but he was their only option at times in the passing offense. Coming to New Orleans means that there are so many more mouths to feed and while he may see some targets during the game, the production won’t be high. Find another option this week if you can manage it.
Another sit option to consider: Jacob Hollister vs. San Francisco 49ers
*Sleeper Start* Rhett Ellison vs. New York Jets
This week, Evan Engram is listed out with a foot sprain. In games where Engram has not played, Ellison may not have blown the roof off the place, but he did fill in well. Now, this is a bit of a riskier play because Ellison’s fantasy production is very touchdown-dependent. He did get a lot of targets in the couple games that Engram has missed (nine in two weeks), so he should get a good amount of chances to score and get some receptions and yards as well. Plus they are playing the Jets this week and their defense is more susceptible to being scored on. While he may not be the highest-scoring tight end this week, Ellison should be a better dart throw this week compared to other options.
Another sleeper option to consider: Greg Olsen vs. Green Bay Packers
Defense/Special Teams
Start – Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
They’re playing the winless Bengals…enough said.
Another start option to consider: Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns
Sit – San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The 49ers are undefeated, largely because of their defense playing at an elite level. But coming into a Monday night game where they had a week and a half to prepare, it may be a good idea to keep them on your bench. Two words come to mind that would make anyone second-guess this choice…Russell Wilson. Wilson is coming off an amazing game where he led the Seahawks to a comeback, overtime, victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sure, it’s the Buccaneers but they trailed the first three quarters of that game and Wilson was able to work his magic to get Seattle a win. Not only did he get the win, but he lit the defense up for 378 passing yards and five touchdowns.
Divisional games are always a crapshoot. No matter how good a team is or how bad a team is, when you play a divisional opponent all that goes out the door. In this case, both San Francisco and Seattle possess good teams and this should be a good game to watch, regardless of fandom or fantasy players involved. If you can go a different route, then please do because things are shaping up for Wilson to compete at a high level to keep the Seahawks in the NFC West division race.
Another sit option to consider: Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings
*Sleeper Start* Los Angeles Rams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
It was mentioned earlier that the 2019 Rams are not the same team that represented the NFC in last year’s Super Bowl. Things are slowly starting to turn around though as the Rams defense has posted back to back games of registering five sacks and allowing only 10 points. They did play the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals, but they are also coming off a bye week where they can put to practice those things they did well against those teams and use that against the Steelers. Having that bye also will allow Jalen Ramsey to better acquaint himself with the defensive scheme and overall this should be a good showing by the Rams defense.
Mason Rudolph should have a hard time getting the ball down the field and Samuels will not be able to establish a rhythm to get the running game going. This game may be close early, but Los Angeles should be able to widen the gap after some second-half adjustments. Good start this week if you don’t have a quality defense already.
Another sleeper option to consider: New York Giants vs. New York Jets
Arizona Cardinals Wideout Larry Fitzgerald. Photo Credit: KA Sports Photos | Under Creative Commons License