Another Thursday, another round of roster decisions for fantasy owners. These choices become even more important as the push for the playoffs continues. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 10.
Last week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em could have been better. Starting Tank Dell, James Conner and Cade Otton were the biggest successes. However, the Colts offense created a whole lot of nothing which caused Joe Flacco and Josh Downs to underperform.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see players like Tyreek Hill and Derrick Henry on here because they should be starting all the time.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 10
Quarterbacks
Start: Matthew Stafford
It was a slow start to the season for Matthew Satfford, but he put together two strong performances in Weeks 8-9. It was the first time all season he threw for 250+ yards in back-to-back games. The Dolphins defense has conceded five passing touchdowns in its last two games which makes this another good opportunity for Stafford. Expect the Rams offense to be pass-heavy in this matchup.
Sit: Drake Maye
Drake Maye didn’t have his best performance last week against the Titans and now faces off against an even tougher defense with the Bears. Quarterbacks have struggled against the Bears defense all season long, and it’s tough to see a rookie go in and perform at a high level. It’s best to find a different streaming option this week.
Start: Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has found his stride in Atlanta, and it’s an opportunity for him to perform against a division rival. He struggled earlier in the season against the Saints, but that was when they had Marshon Lattimore. The Falcons offense can throw the ball without having to worry about where he’s at on the field. Expect Cousins to have a strong performance.
Read More: Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings Week 10
Running Backs:
Start: Tyrone Tracy
Tyrone Tracy has taken over as the lead back in the Giants offense (72% snap rate in Week 9), and he gets a favorable matchup going into this week. The Panthers run defense has been atrocious all season long, but Tracy has produced even against strong run defenses. Brian Daboll loves to run the ball, and Tracy is going to be a huge beneficiary of that this week.
Sit: Tony Pollard
This may be a surprise given how well Pollard has performed over the last month. However, this Chargers defense is no joke. Jim Harbaugh is going to stack in the box in this matchup and dare the Titans to beat him with Will Levis or Mason Rudolph. Pollard will get plenty of looks on Sunday, but don’t expect many of them to produce more than three yards.
Start: Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle’s fantasy relevance is higher for the next few weeks and possibly even the rest of the season. With no Dak Prescott, the Cowboys are going to run the ball at a much higher rate than normal. While Dowdle has been touchdown dependent for most of the season, you can expect him to get a lot of goalline work now for Mike McCarthy. He’s a solid RB2 choice this week against the Eagles.
Read More: Fantasy Football Bounce-Back Candidates for Week 10
Wide Receivers:
Start: Xavier Legette
Xavier Legette is the new WR1 in the Panthers receiving room. Bryce Young’s play still isn’t the best, but it helps now that Legette is the main target for him. In each of the last two games, the duo has connected for a score. The Giants have a young secondary this season, and this is a prime opportunity for Young and Legette to take advantage of it.
Sit: Jauan Jennings
There’s a sense of optimism that Jauan Jennings might play this week, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to produce. To put it bluntly, he’s been a one-week wonder this year. Having missed a month of the season, it’s even more difficult to expect him to come back and perform well even if Christian McCaffrey also returns. Avoid Jennings at all costs this week.
Sit: Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton is the top option for Bo Nix who is developing nicely in Denver. Unfortunately for Sutton owners, he’s been locked down by Kansas City defensively. It’s been five years since he produced more than 50 receiving yards against the Chiefs. Maybe Nix can help break the streak this week, but it’s not a favorable matchup for Sutton by any means.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 10 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight Ends:
Start: Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz was locked down last week against the Giants, but Jayden Daniels is going to need him against the Steelers. With Joey Porter Jr. expected to be lined up against Terry McLaurin, Ertz can be a prime target in Week 10. PPR leagues will benefit more from Ertz unless he finds the endzone, but he’s a safe play for those in need of a tight end this week.
Read More: Week 10 Fantasy Football Buy/Sell
Sit: Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill continuing to be relevant in fantasy football is shocking. There’s a 50% chance he even takes a snap this season, and he’s totaled just 160 yards (rushing and receiving) when he has played. Banking on him to score a touchdown is like trying to find the needle in a haystack. You’re better off taking a chance on Mike Gesicki (even if Tee Higgins plays) or Pat Freiermuth.
Bonus Start: Mike Gesicki
Tee Higgins came into today doubtful ahead of the Thursday night matchup with the Ravens. Gesicki is a solid play even if Higgins suits up. If he doesn’t play again, Gesicki is Burrow’s second-choice target behind Ja’Marr Chase.
Main Photo Courtesy of Bob Donnan – Imagn Images