Teams on BYE: Browns, Packers, Raiders, Seahawks
Here are some early targets that are of interest. For purposes of this article, I will assume your league uses $1000 FAAB. The newer names to each position are on the bottom of each positional listing. Please note that these names are not in order of preference so look over the list carefully.
QB:
Russell Wilson, Steelers
I am convinced Russ is back and very startable after his BYE. Look for the Steelers to likely add a receiver before the trade deadline, too. FAAB: $15-20
Jameis Winston, Browns
Jameis is maddening in that he will throw three TDs and three INTs in the same game. FAAB: $10-15
Derek Carr, Saints
Carr made his return against Carolina and looked out of sync. It’s hard to get behind him with Chris Olave, who is likely out for a game or two after that horrible concussion, and the team reeling with the in-season firing of Dennis Allen. FAAB: $5-7
Joe Flacco, Colts
Flacco was a MAJOR disappointment against Minnesota, but he should get another chance to start in Week 10. FAAB: $5-8
New for Week 10:
Cooper Rush, Cowboys
Dak Prescott will miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury, and I am not sure that Cowboys fans are too broken up about it. Rush looked solid when he filled in for Prescott before, so it might not be a bad idea to take a shot on him if needed. It can’t be worse than Dak! FAAB: $10-12
Bryce Young, Panthers
Young won a home game against New Orleans, which should give him a little bit of confidence. Maybe he can build on it? FAAB: $2-4
RB:
Zamir White, Raiders
Alexander Mattison has been solid over the past three games, but something tells me that Antonio Pierce is going to give White another shot to be the starter after the BYE. It might be worth a few dollars in case that happens. FAAB:$15-20
Braelon Allen, Jets
Allen is Hall’s backup, and if he’s available in leagues, you need to pick him up RIGHT NOW! He’s difficult to stop when he gets a head of steam going. FAAB: $100-125
Ray Davis, Bills
He is the perfect complement for James Cook and would easily be productive if he needed to start. FAAB: $100-125
Kimani Vidal, Chargers
If JK Dobbins gets injured, they won’t get Vidal out of the lineup. FAAB: $80-100
Justice Hill. Ravens
He will be relied upon when the Ravens are in the two-minute drill or obvious passing situations. FAAB: $45-50
Blake Corum, Rams
He is likely rostered in 99% of leagues, but if he is miraculously available in your league, he is a must-add. He is the RB2 to Kyren Williams, who regularly sees 20+ touches each week. Corum might be a top 15 play if he happens to start. FAAB: $100-125
New for Week 10:
Khalil Herbert, Bengals
The Bengals traded for Herbert right before the trade deadline, signifying that Zack Moss is likely done for the season. Herbert has Moss-type skills in that he is a power runner who is good at short-yardage situations. Look for him to spell Chase Brown, but Brown’s spot as RB1 feels very secure. FAAB: $80-90 if you are desperate
Trey Benson, Cardinals
James Conner has looked outstanding thus far, but when any running back gets over 20 touches a week, freak injuries can happen. Benson is the future in Arizona and has looked very good when given the opportunity. FAAB: $35-40
Cam Akers, Vikings
Akers out-snapped Ty Chandler by a significant margin against the Colts. Kevin O’Connell knows him from their time together in Los Angeles, so he could be the starter if anything happens to Aaron Jones. FAAB: $5-10
Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
Saquon Barkley looks like an MVP candidate, but he had 30 touches against Jacksonville. Barkley has broken down before, and as the season moves forward, I can see the Eagles lowering his touches to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Gainwell is better in PPR formats, while Shipley would be better in standard and half-point PR leagues. FAAB: Gainwell $5-10, Shipley $5-10