Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance.
Week 10 Byes: Bengals, Cowboys, Chiefs, Titans
We have another four teams on a bye this week, as well as a myriad of injuries that managers are playing clean-up on. This week's article will include some last-minute options if you were unable to fill your roster early, as well as players to snag with the future in mind. The playoffs are sooner than you think, so if you have a killer record, start looking at the best playoff schedules.
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
QB Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals (55% rostered on Sleeper)
The man ages like a fine wine. Even with a dodgy shoulder, Flacco hit a career high in passing yardage against the Chicago Bears in Week 9. The Bengals are on a bye in Week 10, so you might get lucky with a desperate manager dropping Flacco. If so, pounce - he has a beautiful upcoming schedule.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
QB Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers (46% rostered on Sleeper)
I have mentioned Rodgers here before. He has been startable in fantasy - not incredible - but this is really for his schedule moving forward. If you are fairly certain you are playoff-bound, take a look at the Steelers' schedule: it is one of the best for quarterbacks. Take out Week 13 against Buffalo, but besides that, every matchup looks promising, especially for a team that will be fighting to win its division.
QB Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders (16% rostered on Sleeper)
Yes, the Week 10 performance was horrible, but this is another "Do it for the matchup." The Dallas Cowboys give up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and it isn't even close. Guess who the Raiders take on in Week 11? You guessed it.
QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (35% rostered on Sleeper)
I wrote about McCarthy last week, but I have to remind you one more time. He looked much improved in Sunday's win over Detroit with 143 yards and two touchdowns, so hopefully the time away was what he needed. The Vikings have the best remaining schedule for quarterbacks with a matchup against Dallas looming in Week 15.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Jaxson Dart (84%)
