Authors: Heath McKweon & David Gold
Start: D'Andre Swift
The Patriots’ defense has been vulnerable this season against the run, ranking them 26th in yards allowed per game. New England’s front seven can be solid, but has had difficulty stopping better running backs, especially those who can run and receive like Swift. In particular, the Patriots have struggled with receiving running backs, allowing them to gain a lot of yards. Swift’s ability to catch gives him a higher floor in PPR leagues and will increase his chance of scoring many fantasy points, even if his rushing is lackluster this game. Swift is currently averaging around 63 rushing yards per game and 28 receiving yards per game making him very difficult to control. Over the past few weeks specifically, Swift has been playing well and very productively which allows for increased opportunity this game on top of the favourable opponent.
Sit: Michael Pittman Jr
Michael Pittman Jr. is going to be a risky start for week 10 seeing that he has not had a very good season thus far. Pittman Jr. has just two touchdowns in 9 games and is not putting up large numbers in the receiving yards column either. The Colts are set to face the Bills this week who have a solid defense, there is no advantage there for Pittman Jr. The Bills strong pass defense has just been allowing around 210 passing yards per game and are ranked 8th for points allowed per game where they average 19.2 points allowed. The Colts have struggled a bit offensively, switching QB’s this season and now Josh Downs poses threat to Pittman Jr. as Downs has been getting increased receptions recently. Given these factors it is best that Pittman Jr stays on your bench this week.
Start: Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers could be a very good start in week 10 as he and the Giants are set to face the Carolina Panthers. Nabers has been relatively consistent this season and he led the team in receptions and receiving yards last game against the Commanders. Although that was not Nabers' best game, he should be in for a great week as he faces the 25th ranked pass defense. Nabers is averaging approximately 80 yards per game this season and is now going up against the defensively struggling Panthers who are allowing 232.6 pass yards per game. Although the Giants offense has not been as explosive lately, this could be a big game for Nabers and the Giants offense to bounce back as they play a struggling team.
Sit: Javonte Williams
The Chiefs’ defense has been consistently solid against the run so far this season. The Chiefs rank 3rd for run defense proving that Williams will likely continue to struggle this week. Their run defense is excellent at containing physical backs like Williams, making this an even tougher match up. Kansas City can put up points on offense so this could mean that Denver might throw the ball more, limiting touches for Williams additionally. Williams is the lead back in Denver, but he still shares the backfield with Aurdic Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin which inhibits his role on offence. If Williams continues to not be efficient in the game, the other running backs will have the opportunity to step up and take over the RB1 position. Williams has the talent to have a good game, but he has not proven himself this year and the Chiefs run defense will be too good for Williams to have a big break out.
Start: Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins will almost certainly be a great week 10 fantasy starter as he goes up against the New Orleans Saints, who have lost their last seven games in a row. Kirk Cousins is averaging 258 passing yards per game which make this week an amazing matchup as the Saints rank 27th in pass defense, allowing 240 pass yards a game. Kirk and the Falcons are coming off a good week against the Cowboys as Cousins threw for three touchdowns. With the way Drake London and Darnell Mooney are playing lately, Cousins should be in for an even bigger performance than their game against the Saints earlier this year. The Saints have kept struggling since the last time they played the Falcons, and the Saints secondary is giving up big plays to wide receivers. Cousins will likely be able to put up some solid fantasy points with the opportunities that will surely arise in this match up.
Sit: Xavier Worthy
With the Chiefs adding DeAndre Hopkins to their offense along side Travis Kelce, they now have two elite pass-catchers who will take most of the targets. Kelce has always been a primary target for Mahomes, especially in the red zone and on third downs. Now, with D-Hop joining the Chiefs, one would anticipate he will be a frequent target, especially based on his abilities. This is not good for Worthy as he is likely to see much less involvement in the offense. Mahomes is known to trust his weapons and Worthy has not proven that he can be reliable for Mahomes yet this season. Worthy is averaging just around 30 yards per game, so he has not had that great of a season by any measure. Worthy is simply not a very trustworthy start anymore because his competition is so stiff on the team. Worthy has shown in his last game against the Ravens where he only received 2 touches compared to 8 in the game prior that this acquisition and roster will make him a fantasy bench.
