Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 10
Did you run into the Ja’Marr Chase/Joe Burrow buzzsaw on Thursday? If so, reaching deep to find upside starters is crucial in this must-win Week 10. Our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 10 will identify which players to start and which to avoid this week.
Subsequently, our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 10 will help you navigate that turbulence to pick a winning lineup this week. Additionally, FullTime Fantasy has some of the top tools of the trade and accurate rankings.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Matthew Stafford, Rams vs. Dolphins
This week’s play is more about Stafford’s rhythm and the Rams’ offense rather than just the opponent. The Dolphins have been tough on quarterbacks, but Stafford has six passing touchdowns across his last two games, a big uptick from his three TDs in the season’s first half. Over his recent games, he’s averaged over 280 passing yards, even maintaining that with Puka Nacua ejected early last week. With all their top offensive pieces on the field, Los Angeles’ offense looks almost elite, echoing Stafford’s 2023 season when he surged from a mid-tier QB to a top-10 fantasy option by season’s end. Expect this matchup to have shootout potential, making Stafford a solid start in Week 10.
Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. Jaguars
Darnold has been quietly consistent, ranking 12th in fantasy points per game this season at 17.9. Outside of a tough game against the Jets, he’s been a top-16 QB in every outing, navigating a challenging schedule with some impressive performances. This week’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have given up the most points to opposing QBs, sets up perfectly. Jacksonville has allowed every starting quarterback (besides an injured Jordan Love) to hit the top 12, and Darnold is poised to follow suit in what could be one of his best showings of the season.
Sit ‘Em
C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. Lions
While Nico Collins may return, that likely won’t be enough to make Stroud a trustworthy start in fantasy. Collins’ absence has affected Stroud’s production, with only two games above 17.9 points when Collins played early in the season. With the Lions ranking ninth in fewest points allowed to QBs and limiting opponents like Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, and Matthew Stafford to under 18.3 points, Stroud is better left for two-quarterback formats this week.
Bo Nix, Broncos vs. Chiefs
Nix had some missed opportunities in Week 9, ending with a decent but underwhelming 17.7 fantasy points. Now he faces a tough Kansas City defense that has kept QBs under 18.9 points in all but one game since Week 2. Expecting Nix to crack 20 points this week would be a long shot, so he’s best left for deeper formats.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Tyrone Tracy, Giants vs. Panthers
Tracy’s setup this week is ideal, nearly earning him Start of the Week honors. As the Giants’ lead back, he’s seen 16 or more carries in four of his last five games, scoring 14+ PPR points in three of those. Against a Panthers team allowing the most fantasy points to running backs, Tracy is positioned for a big day. Carolina has surrendered 12.1+ PPR points to opposing backs 13 times this season, with six of those performances surpassing 20 points. Tracy makes a strong case as a borderline RB1 in all formats.
D’Andre Swift, Bears vs. Patriots
Swift’s consistent workload makes him a must-start. He’s been on the field for over 60% of Chicago’s offensive snaps in all but one game, with at least 16 carries in each of the past five games. He’s not only active in the passing game but also a red-zone threat. Now he takes on a Patriots defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards to running backs, especially struggling since Week 5. Swift should keep rolling as a top fantasy option this week.
Sit ‘Em
Javonte Williams, Broncos vs. Chiefs
Williams has seen his snap percentage drop each week since Week 6, falling to 54% last game. With ongoing talks of more touches for Audric Estime, Williams’ role is likely to remain limited. In addition to a tough Chiefs defense that has allowed just 3.7 yards per carry, the Broncos are heavy underdogs, making this a difficult game script for Williams. He’s best avoided this week.
Raheem Mostert, Dolphins vs. Rams
Mostert has seen limited work since returning from injury, managing just 14 touches and under 10 fantasy points per game over his last four. He’s heavily touchdown-dependent, and without trips to the end zone, his fantasy output remains low. The Rams have been better at defending the run lately, ranking fifth in fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs over the past month, so Mostert is better left on the bench.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Ladd McConkey, Chargers vs. Titans
McConkey has stepped up recently, playing 80%+ of the Chargers’ snaps in two of the last three games and recording five catches in each of those outings. The Titans’ defense, despite being generally strong against wide receivers, has been more vulnerable to slot receivers, where McConkey thrives. With the Titans dealing with injuries in their secondary, McConkey is set for a productive game.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars vs. Vikings
Thomas is averaging 14 fantasy points per game, ranking 21st among wide receivers this season. Despite being limited in practice due to a chest issue, he played through it last week. This week, he faces a Vikings team that has given up the most fantasy points to WRs, where top receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Garrett Wilson have delivered big performances. Thomas is primed to be a solid fantasy WR2 in Week 10.
Sit ‘Em
DeAndre Hopkins, Chiefs vs. Broncos
Hopkins isn’t a must-sit, but he’s risky against a Broncos team that could see him locked down by Patrick Surtain II. Nuk had a big Week 9, but Surtain has shut down top receivers like DK Metcalf and Mike Evans this season. This is a tougher matchup. Start with caution.
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins vs. Rams
Waddle has struggled since Week 1, failing to top 50 yards or double-digit fantasy points. His targets have been sparse, with just two in two of his last three games. With the Rams’ defense performing well against wide receivers recently, Waddle’s low volume makes him a risky play this week.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. Saints
Coming off his season debut, Hockenson looked solid with three catches on four targets, and his role should continue to grow as he builds chemistry with Sam Darnold. This week’s matchup against the Jaguars, who rank among the worst in allowing tight end production, sets Hockenson up for a high-ceiling performance in what could be a productive outing.
Hunter Henry, Patriots vs. Bears
Henry has become one of rookie QB Drake Maye’s favorite targets, averaging 13.1 PPG over the last four games but going to 14.3 in the games Maye completed. Facing a Bears defense that is weak against tight ends, Henry could be a fantasy difference-maker.
Sit ‘Em
Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. Texans
LaPorta has been one of fantasy football’s bigger letdowns this season, seeing fewer targets per route than last year and lower touchdown production. Houston’s defense has been particularly tough on tight ends, allowing no more than 45 yards to any TE this year. LaPorta’s struggles combined with Houston’s defense make him a sit this week.
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. Commanders