Another wave of wide receiver injuries has sent fantasy managers scrambling to the waiver wire once more. With Stefon Diggs and Christian Kirk headed for IR, many are looking for replacements to patch their lineups for the rest of the season. But not you, right? You’ve been following our Waiver Wire Watchlist and picking up useful players before everyone else started trying to grab them, haven’t you? No? Well, no worries – we’ll help you get ahead of the game going forward.
Our weekly Waiver Wire Watchlist column utilizes advanced statistics and metrics to identify players whose short-term matchups make them compelling streamers, as well as those whose workload and efficiency trends suggest they’re poised for fantasy breakouts. More importantly, we aim to identify these players a week before their breakouts. We called out names like JK Dobbins, Jauan Jennings, and Tucker Kraft before their breakout weeks, and we have more hits on the horizon. Why exhaust your FAAB dollars or waiver priority to claim the next breakout when you can add him now for free?
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Watchlist: Week 10
Reminder: This list was put together in the lead-in to Week 9, looking forward to the players who could be popular waiver wire targets ahead of Week 10. If you have a roster spot to play with, these are free agent options you could grab early to beat the waiver buzz.
All these players are below 50 percent ownership on one of ESPN or Yahoo unless otherwise specified.
Week 10 Fantasy Waiver Wire Watchlist: QB
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos (31% ownership in ESPN leagues/50% in Yahoo leagues)
Reason: Steady improvement
Time Frame: Rest of season
Nix had a rocky start to the season, averaging just 11.3 PPG in the first month. His -35.6 percent DVOA left him near the bottom of the league, making him a risky option for fantasy managers. However, the rookie has shown significant improvement over his last four games, now averaging 21.9 PPG with a DVOA of 12.9 percent, ranking him 15th among quarterbacks. If you’re worried about his recent four-touchdown performance against the Panthers, don’t be — his advanced stats still hold up when adjusted for the defense. With three of his next four opponents allowing above-average fantasy production to quarterbacks, Nix could be a valuable asset through the bye weeks.
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers (44%/42%)
Reason: Increased volume
Time Frame: Rest of season
Herbert finally broke through in Week 8, scoring 24.1 fantasy points, marking his first time surpassing 15 points this season. While the Chargers started as a run-first offense, Herbert has seen an uptick in dropbacks, with 30 or more in each of the last three games. This increased volume enhances his fantasy value, making him a reliable starter moving forward.
More Quarterback Options
- Drake Maye (will return from concussion; Weeks 10-18)
- Joe Flacco (new starter; rest of season)
- Russell Wilson (solidified starting role; rest of season)
- Aaron Rodgers (positive touchdown regression; rest of season)
Week 10 Fantasy Waiver Wire Watchlist: RB
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans (46%/49%)
Reason: Return from injury; DeAndre Hopkins trade
Time Frame: Rest of season
Spears is trending toward a return after missing time due to a hamstring injury. With the departure of DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans will need to find new ways to generate offense, and Spears could see an increased workload as a receiving back, especially in PPR leagues.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos (17%/24%)
Reason: Potential increased workload
Time Frame: Rest of season
While McLaughlin is currently the RB2 in Denver, he has been the most effective back in the Broncos’ backfield. His rushing DVOA is significantly better than that of Javonte Williams. If McLaughlin continues to outperform Williams, he could see a significant increase in touches as the season progresses.
More Running Back Options
- Jaylen Warren (increased workload, Weeks 10-18)
- Roschon Johnson (touchdown vulture, rest of season)
- Braelon Allen (increased workload, rest of season)
Week 10 Fantasy Waiver Wire Watchlist: WR
Gabe Davis, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (16%/30%)
Reason: Christian Kirk’s injury
Time Frame: Rest of season
With Christian Kirk sidelined, Davis is poised to step up in the Jaguars’ offense. Although his snap count won’t drastically change, he should see an uptick in targets as Trevor Lawrence looks for reliable options. With Brian Thomas also nursing an injury, Davis could become a key player in the passing game.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (40%/37%)
Reason: Increased workload
Time Frame: Rest of season
McMillan’s first game as the temporary WR1 didn’t go as planned, but he’s received a substantial number of targets recently. With continued practice as the top option, he should improve and capitalize on future opportunities.
More Wide Receiver Options
- Jerry Jeudy (improved offensive environment, rest of season)
- Jalen Tolbert (injury replacement, Weeks 9-12ish)
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (opponent schedule, Weeks 9-10)
Week 10 Fantasy Waiver Wire Watchlist: TE
Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders (34%/57%)
Reason: Reliably high floor
Time Frame: Rest of season
Ertz is currently TE10 on the season and saw a massive 11 targets last week. He remains a top streaming option at the position, providing a steady 7-10 points each week.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots (37%/41%)
Reason: Buy-low option
Time Frame: Weeks 10-18
Henry’s value may take a hit with Drake Maye’s absence, but keep in mind that his DVOA with Maye was impressive. When the Patriots find their rhythm again, Henry could return to being a solid TE1 or streaming option.
More Tight End Options
- Hayden Hurst (returning from injury, rest of season)
- Jonnu Smith (opponent schedule, Weeks 9-11)
Week 10 Fantasy Waiver Wire Watchlist: Defense
For Week 9:
- Titans vs Patriots (Jacoby Brissett/Drake Maye)
- Commanders at Giants (Daniel Jones)
- Patriots at Titans (Will Levis/Mason Rudolph)
- Cardinals vs Bears (Caleb Williams)
For Week 10:
- Jaguars vs Vikings (Sam Darnold)
- Patriots at Bears (Caleb Williams)
- Panthers vs Giants (Daniel Jones)
- Giants at Panthers (Andy Dalton/Bryce Young)
For Week 11:
- Packers at Bears (Caleb Williams)
- Rams at Patriots (Drake Maye)
- Titans vs Vikings (Sam Darnold)
- Browns at Saints (Derek Carr)
As you navigate through this wave of injuries and potential pickups, remember to stay proactive. The right moves now can set you up for success as the season progresses!
