Fantasy Football: Week 10’s Best Waiver Wire Options
Last week was a fantasy mess with Darren Sproles’ surprise broken hand, important byes and game-time decisions galore. While there is not the obvious golden pickup like the Chargers defense of last week (this week’s Chiefs opponent is the heavily-owned Steelers), here are some options to get your roster healthy.
As always, all waiver recommendations are owned in less than 50% of FleaFlicker leagues. (With a couple minor exceptions this week.)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills QB: The Bills are a bit of a mess but Fitzpatrick has a dream matchup this week: the Patriots. In their first meeting Week 4, he put up 350 yards and 4 TDs, somewhat negating his 4 INTs). Given Fitzpatrick’s success against New England and the fact that the Bills will likely be playing catch-up, he is a good bye replacement or flex. (By the way, I broke my rules here as Fitzpatrick is owned by 64% of teams on FleaFlicker. But with thin options at QB I wanted to endorse him for leagues in which he is available.)
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins QB: Tannehill has been so inconsistent this season that I almost forgot about his 431 yards against Arizona in Week 4. But he has two things in his favor this week. 1) He gets to continue to reap the benefits of throwing to Brian Hartline. 2) Week 10’s opponent, the Titans, are near the bottom of the league in pass defense, allowing 272 passing yards a game and already yielding 20 passing touchdowns.
Joique Bell, Lions RB: Bell once again saw more second-half carries than Mikel Leshoure last week, although LeShoure’s three first-half touchdowns helped set that up. Bell’s strong performance will likely garner him a decent chunk of carries (8-12?) against the Vikings, but he is clearly the second guy. Keep in mind Bell has at least three catches in each of his last three games as well, making him more viable in PPR leagues.
LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals RB: Only owned in 32% of FleaFlicker leagues, Stephens-Howling is a nice grab even with a bye this week. He has two touchdowns over his last three games, and while the Cards have some tough upcoming matchups (Atlanta, New York Jets,), this is a legitimate starting running back in the NFL. Even if you claim him just to block an opponent, it’s probably worth it.
Brian Hartline, Dolphins WR: Again another “cheating” situation as Hartline is owned in 58% of FleaFlicker leagues. He already has three games over 100 yards this season (including 251 vs. Arizona), and should be primed for another big one against the Titans this week.
T.Y. Hilton, Colts WR: As Andrew Luck gets hotter, and teams are focusing more on Reggie Wayne, Hilton is seeing an increase in targets. Last week, he came down with sixth catches for 102 yards and a touchdown, and he had five receptions in Week 8. This week’s opponent, Jacksonville, should not be much of a barrier.
Golden Tate, Seahawks WR: Tate is a hot dog and is credited with one more touchdown than he should be this season, but he can also produce. Last week it was two touchdowns. The week before it was seven receptions. Tate also has some goose egg games, but is not a terrible pickup if you need someone to keep a roster spot warm for a week or two.
Scott Chandler, Bills TE: Chandler has yet to have an explosive game this season except Week 4 against the Patriots when he scored twice. And guess who the Bills face again this week?
Tampa Bay Bucs Defense: The Bucs host San Diego this week, one of the more turnover prone teams in the league. The Bucs are riding a four-game streak of at least one interception.
Look out for our comprehensive Startability Index coming Thursday!
