Fantasy football waiver wire Week 10

Some fantasy leagues have standings. One of mine has a traffic jam.

Seven teams entered Week 9 at 4-4, tied for second in a 10-team league. The leader was 6-2. The other two were 3-5.

The good news? Nobody’s out of it. The bad news? Nobody can afford to waste a roster spot.

Week 10 is where short-term survival meets long-term ambition. The smartest fantasy managers are preparing for both.

Most fantasy leagues hold their playoffs from Weeks 15-17, wisely avoiding Week 18, when NFL contenders start resting stars and treating regular-season finales like glorified preseason games.

That leaves roughly a month to build a roster that peaks when the games matter most.

Contenders can afford to stash upside and study playoff matchups. Teams fighting for their postseason lives need touches, targets and points right now.

Both face the same question: Who helps you survive November, and who helps you win December?

With four teams on bye and Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline threatening to rearrange depth charts, every waiver claim matters.

Especially when you’re stuck in traffic.

(Editor’s note: Updated Monday, Nov. 9, following Buffalo’s 23-6 victory over Minnesota. This expanded Week 10 fantasy football waiver-wire guide features 34 recommended players and defenses, plus five drop candidates, incorporating Monday Night Football results, injury developments, favorable upcoming matchups and potential opportunities ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay are on bye.)

Priority targets

— RB Seth McGowan, Colts (ESPN: 21%; Yahoo: 32%): McGowan has rushed 43 times for 208 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and scored his first NFL touchdown against Dallas. Miami has surrendered approximately 24 fantasy points per game to running backs, and upcoming matchups with Houston and the Giants make the 223-pound rookie a potentially valuable speculative stash.

— WR DeMario Douglas, Patriots (ESPN: 57%; Yahoo: 46%): Douglas caught five of nine targets for 102 yards against Green Bay, giving him four TDs and an average of 70.4 receiving yards over his last five games while emerging as Drake Maye’s most dependable receiver. Detroit has surrendered approximately 35 PPR points per game to wide receivers, making Douglas an attractive WR3/flex, although A.J. Brown’s potential return and New England’s Week 11 bye complicate his outlook.

— QB Jacoby Brissett, Ravens (ESPN: 14%; Yahoo: 21%): Baltimore acquired Brissett from Arizona after Lamar Jackson underwent thumb surgery, and coach Jesse Minter expects the veteran to start against the Chargers despite his disastrous final Cardinals appearance (119 passing yards, one interception). Los Angeles has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing defenses, and Carolina presents another favorable matchup in Week 11, giving Brissett potential QB2/superflex value with Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers supporting him.

— TE Darren Waller, Panthers (ESPN: 8%; Yahoo: 7%): Waller caught eight of 10 targets for 90 yards and a TD against Denver while running routes on 69% of Bryce Young’s dropbacks, demonstrating the receiving upside that made him a fantasy standout earlier in his career. New Orleans has surrendered 47 receptions for 521 yards and five TDs to tight ends, creating immediate TE1 streaming appeal if Waller’s toe injury doesn’t limit his workload.

— D/ST Ravens (ESPN: 47%; Yahoo: 38%): Baltimore hosts a Chargers offense that has surrendered a league-high 11.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, including 31 sacks and 19 turnovers through eight games. Justin Herbert was sacked eight times by Houston on Sunday and is dealing with a finger injury, making Baltimore an appealing streamer with another favorable matchup against Carolina in Week 11.

Other top targets

— QB C.J. Stroud, Texans (ESPN: 70%; Yahoo: 81%): Stroud torched the Chargers for 384 passing yards and five TDs, showcasing the explosive potential of a receiving corps featuring Nico Collins, Marvin Harrison Jr. and a rejuvenated Tank Dell. Houston’s expanding collection of weapons restores legitimate QB1 upside, and upcoming matchups against Cleveland, Indianapolis, Baltimore and Pittsburgh make him more attractive as a long-term roster investment than a favorable-schedule streamer.

— QB Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (ESPN: 33%; Yahoo: 33%): Rodgers returns from Pittsburgh’s bye to face Cincinnati, which he previously shredded for 292 passing yards and three TDs while averaging 10.9 air yards per attempt, according to Fantasy Points Data. His limited rushing contributions and upcoming matchups against Philadelphia and Denver lower his long-term ceiling, making him a better Week 10 streamer than a dependable playoff investment.

— QB J.J. McCarthy, Giants (ESPN: 34%; Yahoo: 13%): McCarthy completed 12 of 19 passes for 127 yards while rushing four times for 22 yards against Philadelphia, absorbing five sacks and suffering a hip pointer that briefly forced him from Sunday’s victory. Giants coach John Harbaugh expects him to face Washington on Thursday, providing significant bounce-back potential against a defense surrendering 22.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

— WR Jakobi Meyers, Jaguars (ESPN: 69%; Yahoo: 46%): Meyers has produced 26 receptions for 374 yards and two TDs on 37 targets, averaging 2.10 yards per route run against man coverage, according to Fantasy Points Data. Tennessee appears twice in Jacksonville’s next three games and has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, while the Giants employ man coverage at the league’s fourth-highest rate, creating attractive WR3/flex opportunities.

— WR Jordyn Tyson, Saints (ESPN: 39%; Yahoo: 54%): Tyson finally debuted against Cleveland after missing eight games with a hamstring injury, catching four of five targets for 30 yards while commanding an impressive 31% target rate on just 16 routes. The eighth overall pick totaled 136 receptions, 1,812 yards and 18 TDs over his final two college seasons at Arizona State, making him a high-upside stash with potential WR2 value as his snap share expands.

— WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars (ESPN: 40%; Yahoo: 42%): Thomas failed to earn a target against Baltimore, continuing a stunning decline from his rookie campaign (87 receptions, 1,282 yards, 10 TDs) as Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Brenton Strange absorb Jacksonville’s most dependable opportunities. A potential trade could revive his fantasy value, while two upcoming matchups against Tennessee offer opportunities for positive regression if he remains with the Jaguars, making him a speculative upside play rather than a trustworthy starter.

— WR Tank Dell, Texans (ESPN: 23%; Yahoo: 14%): Dell caught four of nine targets for 105 yards and a TD against the Chargers, including a 63-yard scoring reception, while commanding a target on approximately 41% of his 22 routes. His explosiveness and chemistry with Stroud create considerable WR3 upside, although Houston’s five-receiver rotation and competition from Collins make his weekly workload volatile.

— WR Caleb Douglas, Dolphins (ESPN: 27%; Yahoo: 29%): Douglas caught six of eight targets for 70 yards against Detroit while leading Miami in routes, giving him an average of 14.1 PPR points per game since returning from injury in Week 7. His increasing target share offers WR3/flex upside against Indianapolis, Buffalo and the Jets, although Malik Willis’ groin injury and inconsistent passing efficiency complicate his ceiling.

— WR Antonio Williams, Commanders (ESPN: 21%; Yahoo: 31%): Williams has caught eight passes for 79 yards on 13 targets over his last two games, benefiting from increased route participation following Terry McLaurin’s season-ending injury. Washington’s upcoming matchups against the Giants, Bengals, Cardinals, Titans and Falcons create an attractive schedule, although Van Jefferson’s emergence could add competition for targets alongside Stefon Diggs.

— WR Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys (ESPN: 20%; Yahoo: 44%): Flournoy managed 53 receiving yards against Indianapolis, ending a four-game streak with either a TD or at least 70 yards, but his opportunities could expand if George Pickens’ hamstring injury lingers or Dallas trades him before Tuesday’s deadline. San Francisco presents a difficult Week 10 matchup, but upcoming games against Tennessee and Philadelphia offer more favorable conditions for a receiver who could emerge as Dallas’ No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb.

— WR Konata Mumpfield, Rams (ESPN: 2%; Yahoo: 1%): Mumpfield has caught 11 passes for 162 yards and a TD on 23 targets, but Puka Nacua’s MCL/PCL sprains and turf toe could sideline him at least four games while Davante Adams remains unavailable with a severe hamstring injury. The second-year receiver could emerge as one of Matthew Stafford’s primary perimeter options alongside Tutu Atwell, creating speculative WR3/flex upside against Arizona despite uncertain target distribution and the Rams’ Week 11 bye.

— WR Demarcus Robinson, 49ers (ESPN: 10%; Yahoo: 11%): Robinson caught three passes for 22 yards against Las Vegas while playing 37 offensive snaps in his return from an ankle injury, providing San Francisco another veteran option with Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel sidelined. Dallas has surrendered approximately 35 PPR points per game to receivers, creating TD-dependent Week 10 flex appeal, although Jordan Watkins’ emergence and potential returns by Evans and Samuel threaten Robinson’s target share.

— WR Jordan Watkins, 49ers (ESPN:

— RB Kaelon Black, 49ers (ESPN: 37%; Yahoo: 39%): Black rushed 11 times for 70 yards against Las Vegas, giving him 303 yards on 68 carries (4.5 per attempt) while demonstrating the burst and efficiency necessary to retain a complementary role alongside Christian McCaffrey. Dallas has surrendered 25.8 PPR points per game to running backs, and Black offers premium handcuff value with immediate RB2 upside if McCaffrey suffers another setback.

— RB Audric Estime, Saints (ESPN: 9%; Yahoo: 4%): Estime rushed 15 times for 72 yards and a TD against Cleveland, out-touching Alvin Kamara while establishing himself as New Orleans’ preferred physical runner between the tackles. Carolina has surrendered approximately 28 fantasy points per game to running backs, creating immediate RB2/flex potential, although Travis Etienne Jr.’s eventual return from injured reserve could dramatically reduce his workload.

— RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jaguars (ESPN: 19%; Yahoo: 33%): Rodriguez scored another rushing TD against Baltimore, giving him four scores on 55 carries this season while establishing himself as Jacksonville’s preferred short-yardage and goal-line option. Bhayshul Tuten’s lingering foot and ankle problems could expand his workload, and two matchups against Tennessee in the next three weeks provide TD-dependent flex appeal.

— RB Emmett Johnson, Chiefs (ESPN: 24%; Yahoo: 31%): Johnson rushed six times for 34 yards and a TD against the Jets, following his explosive five-reception, 128-yard performance against Denver that included a 73-yard scoring play. Kenneth Walker III remains Kansas City’s featured back after producing 143 scrimmage yards and three TDs against New York, but Johnson’s efficiency and receiving explosiveness make him a premium handcuff with occasional standalone flex potential.

— RB Corey Kiner, Patriots (ESPN: 5%; Yahoo: 4%): Kiner rushed eight times for 55 yards and a TD against Green Bay, averaging 6.9 yards per carry and giving him 244 yards on 50 attempts this season. Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to miss several weeks with a plantaris tendon injury and TreVeyon Henderson’s return remains uncertain, positioning Kiner for lead-back duties against Detroit, although Lan Larison could handle much of the receiving work.

— RB Kaleb Johnson, Packers (ESPN: 1%; Yahoo: 2%): Johnson rushed 14 times for 68 yards and a TD against New England, including a 34-yard gain, after Josh Jacobs fractured his right ring finger and left the game. Jacobs requires surgery and could land on injured reserve, creating a potential multigame opportunity, although Pierre Strong Jr. and the possible return of Chris Brooks could limit his workload against Minnesota before Green Bay’s Week 11 bye.

— TE Tyler Higbee, Rams (ESPN: 10%; Yahoo: 18%): Higbee caught only one pass for 13 yards on five targets against Washington, but led the Rams’ tight ends with 60 offensive snaps and 35 routes while injuries to Nacua, Adams and Terrance Ferguson create substantial vacated opportunities. Arizona has surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, making Higbee a viable Week 10 streamer despite four consecutive games with 22 or fewer receiving yards.

— TE Terrance Ferguson, Rams (ESPN: 13%; Yahoo: 17%): Ferguson’s anticipated return from a high-ankle sprain was delayed by a hamstring injury in practice, leaving his availability uncertain as Los Angeles deals with multiple injuries throughout its receiving corps. The athletic rookie’s 4.63 speed offers intriguing downfield upside if he returns before Adams, making him a speculative deeper-league stash rather than an immediate starter.

— TE Eli Raridon, Patriots (ESPN: 4%; Yahoo: 2%): Raridon caught three passes for 52 yards on six targets against Green Bay, giving him 16 receptions for 225 yards and two TDs this season despite sharing opportunities with Hunter Henry. Detroit has surrendered a league-high 25 PPR points per game to tight ends, including 11 receiving TDs, creating attractive Week 10 streaming upside before New England’s bye.

— TE Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (ESPN: 41%; Yahoo: 32%): Freiermuth has 25 receptions for 235 yards and four receiving TDs on 35 targets, averaging just 4.4 opportunities per game while splitting Pittsburgh’s tight end workload with Darnell Washington. Cincinnati has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends and Denver offers another favorable matchup in Week 12, making Freiermuth a viable TD-dependent TE1 streamer.

— TE Darnell Washington, Steelers (ESPN: 4%; Yahoo: 3%): Washington has caught 19 passes for 254 yards and three TDs on 28 targets, averaging 9.1 yards per opportunity while showcasing an enormous catch radius and dangerous yards-after-catch ability. He previously gained 67 yards against Cincinnati, making him an intriguing Week 10 streaming alternative to Freiermuth with comparable touchdown upside but less dependable volume.

— D/ST Bears (ESPN: 65%; Yahoo: 63%): Chicago’s acquisition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has strengthened an already disruptive front capable of generating sacks, hurried throws and takeaways, helping the Bears win consecutive games against Seattle and Tampa Bay. Chicago is on bye in Week 10 and faces Detroit, Jacksonville and Buffalo during Weeks 12-14, making the defense a worthwhile stash for managers with bench flexibility rather than an immediate streaming solution.

— D/ST 49ers (ESPN: 38%; Yahoo: 30%): San Francisco overwhelmed Las Vegas in a 38-17 victory, generating turnovers and pressure while limiting the Raiders’ ability to sustain drives. Dallas presents a more difficult Week 10 matchup, but upcoming games against the Giants and Chargers — who have surrendered a league-high 11.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses — make the 49ers an attractive longer-term investment.

— D/ST Packers (ESPN: 19%; Yahoo: 26%): Green Bay generated four sacks and four takeaways against New England, giving the Packers at least eight fantasy points in five of their last six games while ranking among the league’s leaders in defensive EPA per play and pressure rate since Week 4. Minnesota managed only six points against Buffalo on Monday, creating immediate streaming appeal, while All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons’ potential return in Week 12 could elevate an already productive defense into a difference-maker for the fantasy playoffs.

— D/ST Bills (ESPN: 34%; Yahoo: 20%): Buffalo dominated Minnesota 23-6 on Monday, forcing three turnovers, including interceptions by Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard, while limiting the Vikings to zero third-down conversions on seven attempts and controlling possession for more than 42 minutes. The Bills visit a Jets offense that has allowed Geno Smith to absorb 28 sacks this season, then host Miami in Week 11, creating one of the most attractive two-week defensive streaming opportunities available.

— D/ST Dolphins (ESPN:

Drop candidates

— QB Sam Darnold, Seahawks: Seattle has ruled out Darnold for Week 10 because of quadriceps and rib injuries, leaving Drew Lock positioned to start against Las Vegas despite his own elbow and oblique problems. Darnold’s 10 TDs and nine interceptions already made him a marginal fantasy starter, and Seattle’s Week 11 bye means managers could receive no production from him for two consecutive weeks.

— WR Ladd McConkey, Chargers: McConkey experienced back spasms during pregame warmups and played no offensive snaps against Houston, continuing an injury-plagued season in which he’s caught only 17 passes for 286 yards and one TD. Although coach Jim Harbaugh considers him day to day, Justin Herbert’s finger injury and Los Angeles’ struggling offense make McConkey expendable in shallow leagues despite his remaining PPR upside when healthy.

— RB TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots: Henderson has missed two games following a medical emergency that required hospitalization, and his uncertain return timeline has allowed Corey Kiner to emerge as a potential lead back with Rhamondre Stevenson expected to miss several weeks. Henderson’s receiving talent preserves considerable upside if he returns soon, but managers facing immediate roster needs can justify moving on in shallow leagues without injured-reserve flexibility.

— RB Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks: Wilson has fallen to third in Seattle’s running back rotation following the returns of Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price, receiving no offensive snaps in Weeks 8 or 9 despite previously demonstrating useful rushing ability. With Seattle on bye in Week 11 and no dependable path to meaningful touches, his roster spot is better spent on a player with immediate opportunities.

— RB Kendre Miller, Saints: New Orleans released Miller last week, eliminating his remaining fantasy value while Audric Estime emerged as a meaningful early-down option alongside Alvin Kamara. Unless Miller joins another team and unexpectedly earns a substantial role, he’s expendable in every redraft format.

More online

Need help setting your lineup? Look for Eddie Brown’s weekly Fantasy Football Start/Sit Guide at sandiegouniontribune.com before the first NFL game each week, typically on Thursdays, with matchup-by-matchup advice on who to start, sit and stream.