We are in double digit weeks of the NFL folks. It is time to make sure your fantasy team is ready for that playoff run by making sound decisions. As usual you will not find the elite guys on this list as they are a given to start each and every week. There are some great matchups this week that could turn into solid fantasy points for your squad.
Here’s a look at the studs and duds in the NFL for Week 10.
Teams on a Bye: Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers & Washington Redskins
Quarterbacks
Studs
Eli Manning vs. Bengals – Eli Manning has had a rough few weeks fantasy-wise, however this should be a bounce back game for the Giants quarterback. His brother Peyton put up just shy of 20 points on the Bengals last week and every other signal caller has had over 15 fantasy points against them this season.
Matthew Stafford vs. Vikings – Earlier this season, Stafford put up just over 20 fantasy points on this Vikings defense. This week should be more of the same for the Lions signal caller and he should be in your lineup in all formats.
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Patriots – This is a great matchup for Fitzpatrick as New England has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. He also has a great game against New England’s defense back in Week 4 and should have a similar game this weekend.
Duds
Sam Bradford vs. 49ers – Even though Bradford is going to be rested coming off of a bye week, he will face a 49ers defense that has only allowed six touchdowns this season to quarterbacks. It could be a rough day for Bradford and the Rams and if you have another option I would exercise it.
Carson Palmer vs. Ravens – Baltimore’s defense is the third best when it comes to giving up fantasy points to opposing signal callers. While it may be tough to bench Palmer since he has been putting up great numbers in recent weeks, it might be the right call if you have another guy to plug in.
Running Backs
Studs
Rashad Jennings vs. Colts – So far Jennings has not been stellar fantasy-wise while starting for the injured Maurice Jones-Drew. This week he runs against the Colts who are currently third in highest fantasy points given up on the ground. He is a great option if your regular starter is on a bye or injured this week.
Stevan Ridley vs. Bills – With fresh legs coming off a bye week, Ridley is a solid play against the Bills. He already ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns against them earlier this season. You should feel confident about putting him in your lineup this week.
Willis McGahee vs. Panthers – Mcgahee has been enjoying a great season on the ground and has a nice matchup this week against the Panthers. He is a good solid option at the number two running back position this week.
Duds
Felix Jones vs. Eagles – Jones is still the starter this week, however will face a stingy Eagles run defense and is not a good option. They have only allowed two rushing touchdowns by running backs this season which will make it tough sledding for Jones this week.
Steven Jackson vs. 49ers – Jackson has certainly been underwhelming for fantasy owners this season and sadly this week will not help his case. The 49ers have only allowed one touchdown this season on the ground and will probably keep Jackson in check this week. I know that bye week issues may prevent you from benching him but if you can I would.
Wide Receivers
Studs
Mike Wallace vs. Chiefs – Wallace is a great start this week for a few reasons. With Antonio Brown injured he should see a lot of balls thrown his way. Also, the Chiefs are just pathetic against the pass, allowing an average of 20 points to opposing wideouts this season on the road.
Julio Jones vs. Saints- I hate to keep beating up on the Saints secondary, however any Falcon receiver is a great start this week due to their level of play so far this season. They have allowed the most fantasy points to receivers this season and Julio Jones should have a huge week for your fantasy team.
Brian Hartline vs. Titans – Hartline has been somewhat inconsistent this season but should have a nice week against the Titans on Sunday. They have allowed close to 10 wideouts to reach double digits this season. He makes a solid replacement receiver for a bye or should put up decent points as your number two guy.
Duds
Danny Amendola vs. 49ers – Amendola is finally back from injury which is the good news. He has a tough matchup this week against a San Francisco defense that is quite stingy when it comes to wide receivers. I would let him ride your bench for one more week if you can afford to.
Dwayne Bowe vs. Ravens – Bowe has only reached double fantasy digits once since the first week of the season. Monday night will not be his second as he faces a Steelers defense that currently ranks sixth against opposing receivers this season. He could be a decent option in PPR leagues but I would sit him in standard leagues.
Tight Ends
Studs
Brandon Pettigrew vs. Vikings – Even though Pettigrew proved me wrong last week, I am still going with him as a stud again this week. He plays well against the Vikings as does the guy throwing him the ball, Matthew Stafford. With Megatron struggling a bit, look for Pettigrew to get some looks and make plays this week.
Greg Olsen vs. Broncos – Denver has been struggling to cover the tight end position this season making Olsen a good start this week. He is also a free agent in many leagues making him a decent bye week replacement for Week 10.
Vernon Davis vs. Rams – While Davis has been brutal for fantasy owners this season, this week he could post some good numbers. Keep him in this week and hope that he can restore some faith in those that drafted him.
Duds
Dennis Pitta vs. Raiders – If you haven’t already dropped Pitta now could be a good time. He has been a bust since Week 3 and this week he shouldn’t do much against a decent Raider pass defense.
Brent Celek vs. Dallas – Celek has been serviceable this season but this week his numbers should take a dive. The Cowboys have been tough covering the pass and Celek could struggle to make some plays.
Defense
Studs
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chiefs – They are playing the Chiefs, do I need to go on?
Duds
Atlanta Falcons vs. Saints – This will be a difficult game for Atlanta’s defense on the road in the Big Easy. This is a tough division rival game and Brees and the Saints offense are looking to prove they are not done for the season. I would sit Atlanta if you can.
Got a fantasy football question? Tweet Jennifer @themondaymommy.
