After 10 weeks of fantasy football, many players are starting to make a statement in one way or another. Let’s dive in and discuss the fantasy metrics of week 10 and a few high-bargain players of 2024. Value is the word of the week as a handful of players are outperforming in 2024.
Metrics That Matter In Week 10
Chuba Hubbard Officially Gets The Title Of Fantasy Football’s Biggest Mid-Round Steal Of 2024
In his first three seasons, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was primarily known as “the backup to Christian McCaffrey.” After McCaffrey’s departure, Hubbard continued as the backup for Miles Sanders before finally earning the starting position in 2024. The Panthers drafted Jonathan Brooks in last year’s draft, but a winter ACL injury has kept him sidelined all season. This has allowed Hubbard to showcase his abilities.
As the starting running back this season, Hubbard has become one of fantasy football’s biggest steals in 2024. He entered the year with an average draft position (ADP) of 113, ranked as RB43 overall. However, his impressive performance has resulted in a stat line of 161 carries for 818 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. This mark places him as the RB6 through the first ten weeks of the season. In Week 10, he recorded 153 rushing yards and a touchdown, which is the fourth time he scored over 22 fantasy points this season.
Hubbard has emerged as the primary option on a struggling Panthers team that has faced challenges all season. His outstanding performance this season earned him a four-year contract, indicating that, Hubbard is an essential part of the team’s future plans.
James Conner Becomes One Of The Safest Running Back Plays Of 2024
Much like the Arizona Cardinals as a team, James Conner made a significant statement in 2024. The Cardinals have put everyone on notice that they are an up-and-coming unit. During this, Conner has reminded the fantasy football community that he is one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL. Since his rookie season in 2017, Conner has scored over 200 fantasy points in four seasons. As it stands, he has a strong chance to achieve the 200-point mark for a fifth season.
Recent metrics indicate that Conner has averaged 18 fantasy points over the last four weeks, placing him among the top 10 running backs. He is a focal point in a Cardinals offense emphasizing speed and explosiveness. While rookie Trey Benson has received more snaps recently, this has not impacted Conner’s productivity. His pass-catching abilities give him an edge over Benson and enhance his fantasy value.
Conner led the team with 80 receiving yards in Week 10, nearly scoring on a 44-yard reception in the second quarter. He was stopped short of the end zone at the one-yard line, preventing what would have been the longest receiving touchdown of his career. Interestingly, Conner has managed to produce impressive stats despite sitting out most of the second halves due to several lopsided games. His statistics could be even higher if he had played more often throughout the year. Nevertheless, Conner is firmly positioned in the high-end RB2 range going forward. He is well on his way to another 1000-yard season.
Russell Wilson Has Turned George Pickens Into The WR Everyone Was Waiting For
Fantasy managers were uncertain about what to expect from Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens at the start of the season. Despite his immense talent, his off-field antics often overshadowed his potential, leading to on-field conflicts and post-game outbursts. However, the 2024 version of Pickens looks like a completely different player due to the revitalized Steelers offense. Before Russell Wilson took his first snaps as a Steeler in Week 7, Pickens was already thriving as the team’s number-one receiver. He had established solid chemistry with Justin Fields, which highlighted his potential, but it was Wilson who truly unlocked it.
From Weeks 7 to 10, Pickens received over 8 targets each game, scoring 22, 11 and 20 fantasy points. During this stretch, he ranked as the WR9 overall, and his 276 receiving yards marked a career-high for a three-game period. The upside of his connection with Wilson is significant, with Pickens exhibiting DK Metcalf-like abilities. His physique, body control, catch radius, and toughness make him the kind of receiver that Wilson excels with. Wilson’s arrival has significantly boosted Pickens’ performance, and he is poised to remain a top-15 WR for the rest of the season.
Austin Ekeler Makes His Case For 2024’s Best RB Handcuff
A fantasy “handcuff” can be defined as a player who is an insurance policy for a teammate in the same position. Handcuffs are especially valuable at the running back position, as a player’s volume often increases when they step in as the starter as a result of an injury.
In Washington, Commanders’ starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. has been dealing with injuries over the past month. As a result, Austin Ekeler has been pushed into a starting role. Ekeler has been an excellent fantasy option throughout his career, finishing in the top 10 among running backs in four seasons since 2017. Initially, in Washington, he was meant to serve as a backup plan for Robinson Jr., but after two weeks as a starter, Ekeler has been performing at a high level. Metrics show that Ekeler finished in the top 15 during weeks 9-10, producing back-to-back games with over 17 fantasy points.
In seven of nine games played, Ekeler scored double digit fantasy points. He has established himself as the best No. 2 running back option in all of fantasy. During his starting stint, Ekeler recorded three rushing touchdowns and 48 receiving yards, further solidifying his value.
Ekeler has been productive in both the rushing and receiving game. It has led him towards career highs in both yards per carry (5.3) and yards per reception (11.3).
Looking ahead, Robinson Jr.’s health will likely influence Ekeler’s value, but not significantly. In the six games they have played together, Ekeler has double-digit fantasy outputs in five games. This mark puts Ekeler as a top 35 running back overall in 2024. It appears that Ekeler has become one of the best value-picks of the season.
Main Photo Courtesy of Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images
