Fantasy Guide: Week 10

This is everything fantasy related for Sunday that you need to know to set your lineup. Look at the following games to find your players, or if you play DFS, browse the whole thing.

Dolphins @ Eagles

Three Points

1. Lamar Miller obviously has an issue in this game. Connor Barwin, DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks and Kiko Alonso, and don’t forget breakout d-lineman Fletcher Cox. But without him, how will the Dolphins work out their offense.       Jarvis Landry is a good start this week but with Landry’s recent struggles possibly continuing, let me throw out another name. Jordan Cameron. The Dolphins’ new tight end has not received the attention he deserves, and he is legitimately the next best receiver on the team.
2. The Eagles defense is worth a start.       Despite my huge offensive score prediction, it’s more of a blowout than a slugfest, (for those of you who missed NFL Week 10 Picks, my pick was 42-17 Eagles). So the Eagles defense is worth a shot. The offense, just as good. The Cameron Wake-less Dolphins D can only cover so many. Third string running back Ryan Mathews will see extra carries and is worth the start. Likely, there will be a double RB format for Philly in this game. But throwing the ball is also important.       Jordan Matthews may have Brent Grimes, and Zach Ertz has Reshad Jones, two words. Riley Cooper. Another big game player, and with Ertz’ recent struggle, Brent Celek is also worth a sot a flex. Ertz is still the starter, just Celek is more effective from a fantasy standpoint.
3. The Dolphins defense is falling apart.       My bold prediction is that the Eagles get a win by at least 20 points, and have a top 5 QB-RB-WR-TE combo in the league (Bradford, Mathews, Cooper, Celek), measured by fantasy points. Yup, Sam Bradford is a sack target, but with all that passing, he’ll pick up plenty of yardage to make up for it. And expect big time points if he scores the five TDs I thought would happen because of him and his receivers.

Start: Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Jarvis Landry, Riley Cooper, Jordan Cameron

Sleepers: Brent Celek, Eagles

Sit: Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, Darren Sproles, Jordan Matthews, Zach Ertz, Caleb Sturgis, Andrew Franks

Browns @ Steelers

Three Points

1. With Joe Haden questionable, Justin Gilbert will run the secondary, leaving nobody significant on Martavis Bryant.       Heath Miller will also be open whether Haden plays or not. So even with Antonio Brown guarded, the Steelers other receivers should share his role this week. It also leaves the Browns defense with serious depth problems.
2. Le’ Veon Bell’s injury won’t help the Steelers running game. DeAngelo Williams has Karlos Dansby to deal with. So, who’s left? Jordan Todman and Will Johnson. No significant names. But, Big Ben will rely on his wide depth passing game.
3. The Browns offense doesn’t have any leftover weapons besides, like, Dwayne Bowe. Bowe has been a huge disappointment to the Browns, being an ex-Chiefs veteran. So, don’t expect much. The running game is done. Lawrence Timmons and Cam Heyward have it down, covering Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. The passing game is monitored by William Gay and Troy Polamalu. That takes care of Hartline and Barnidge, leaving no major Browns offense. So, the Steelers still do have edge.

Start: Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Heath Miller, Steelers

Sleepers: Dwayne Bowe, Jordan Todman, Will Johnson, Chris Boswell, Markus Wheaton

Sit: Johnny Manziel, DeAngelo Williams, Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, Brian Hartline, Gary Barnidge, Browns

Basic Key: Start All The Steelers, Sit All The Browns!!!

Jaguars @ Ravens

Three Points

1. The Ravens may be favorites and my pick, but that doesn’t mean to ignore the Jaguars players, especially receivers.       Kyle Arrington will be on starter Allen Robinson, but Allen Hurns is a good option as a third string receiver or flex in season-long or DFS. Look in to starting him this week if you need an extra receiver to start. Also look into starting tight end Julius Thomas, or even Marcedes Lewis.       Lewis is a free agent in some leagues, so if you need an extra tight end, look into picking him up.
2. The Ravens may win this, but I think this one will be a team effort, and not a game to draw much fantasy attention.       Most of the Ravens players people have on their rosters, like Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Crockett Gillmore, maybe Maxx Williams, Kamar Aiken or Javorius Allen. Joe Flacco is a sack target for Sen’ Derrick Marks and Paul Posluszny, even rookie d-lineman Michael Bennett. They’ll take care of the running game too, even if they might come out with a TD or two. The receiving game has two powerful safeties to deal with, rookie James Sample, and Jonathan Cyprien. That should take care of Gillmore and Williams, while a couple TDs go to low seeded, likely FF free agent receivers like Marlon Brown, Chris Givens and Jeremy Ross. So, this win will be carried by nobody significant in fantasy. The only player on Baltimore I’d look into starting is kicker Justin Tucker.
3. The Ravens defense is still not anything to cheer about yet. They weren’t so overrated just because the offense isn’t doing what it needs to do, it’s that the defense is truly not great without Terrell Suggs to run it. They’re left with Elvis Dumervil as MLB, and C.J. Mosley, Timmy Jernigan and Kyle Arrington to follow is footsteps as good defenders.

Start: Blake Bortles, Justin Forsett (obvious must-start) Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Julius Thomas, Justin Tucker

Sleepers: Kamar Aiken, Marcedes Lewis, Maxx Williams

Sit: Joe Flacco, T.J. Yeldon, Denard Robinson, Crockett Gillmore, Ravens, Jaguars, Jason Myers

Panthers @ Titans

Three Points

1. Not many offensive players are good for this game. I know, fantasy is mostly about offense, but I would pay attention to the defenses in this one. Tennessee may not have a satisfactory defense, but it fits the Panthers offense well enough to guard Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Tolbert or go after Cam Newton, and yes, while still guarding Stewart and Olsen. But the Panthers defense is good enough to give them the win. It has a powerful rush led by Luke Kuechly, along with Thomas Davis and Charles Johnson, enough to stop the Titans run and go after Marcus Mariota. The pass defense is good as well, and it fits. Kendall Wright will be against the best, Josh Norman.       Delanie Walker will also have someone, Roman Harper is good enough. Even Anthony Fasano has a star guarding him in Charles Tillman, unless Tillman takes Dorial Green-Beckham, which since Green-Beckham is greatly improving, he might. The point is, the defense has got this down. Stop wasting your time drafting these offenses.
2. Despite what I said in point 1, the Panthers still have weapons, and this is a near-lock match-up for Carolina. What about the wideouts. I know Kelvin Benjamin is what they really need back, but they should be happy with what they have, especially after going undefeated so far this year.       Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn Jr., Corey Brown. None have a very good guard, if you have any of these guys on your roster, look into them as flex options. And lots of passing means a big game for Superman (Cam Newton), despite the sacks.       He might not run with it as much in this one, but he can still put on a show with his passes.
3. Step away from the Titans!!!! Besides the defense, I can’t really suspect anyone major to have a big game. Yeah, maybe Dorial Green-Beckham and Anthony Fasano are good sleepers, but besides that, nobody is really worth starting other than them and must-start Delanie Walker, who I might even sit if I had a decent backup tight end, (I do DFS, my season-long is on a one year break.)

Start: Cam Newton, Mike Tolbert (as flex), Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess, Delanie Walker, Panthers, Titans

Sleepers: Ted Ginn Jr., Dorial Green-Beckham, Corey Brown, Anthony Fasano, Ryan Succop

Sit: Marcus Mariota, Jonathan Stewart, Antonio Andrews, Dexter McCluster, Kendall Wright, Graham Gano

Cowboys @ Buccaneers

Three Points

1. This will be a low scoring game. Both offenses are banged up and not so good, while both defenses aren’t so bad. This is another game that will draw more attention to the defense than the offense.
2. What pieces of the offense are worth a shot?       Well, the Bucs pass defense is shaky, so my first two players I would advise that you start are Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Maybe also look into Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, or Gavin Escobar as a sleeper or flex option. Also, due to some suspensions and injuries to the Cowboys rush defense, Doug Martin may be a good option. Despite having Sean Lee still available, Martin really knows how to get the yards he needs for your fantasy team. Bobby Rainey and Charles Sims are good sleepers. But the Cowboys running game, and the Bucs passing game are in trouble because of defense. That means sitting Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Myers/Luke Stocker/Cameron Brate/ASJ, Darren McFadden and Christine Michael.
3. Just because it’s low scoring, doesn’t mean kickers aren’t relevant. Due to field goals, I think both Dan Bailey and Connor Barth are worth a try for the start. Not much else said here.

Start: Matt Cassel, Doug Martin, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Dan Bailey, Connor Barth, Cowboys, Bucs

Sleepers: Bobby Rainey, Charles Sims, Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, Gavin Escobar

Sit: Jameis Winston, Darren McFadden, Christine Michael, Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Myers

Lions @ Packers

Three Points

1. The Lions have a serious lack of depth at corner. That could mean more for Randall Cobb, as long as the cornerback doesn’t get assisted by safety James Ihedigbo. It’s Jordy Nelson who would’ve been double covered, not Cobb.       Cobb is typically the end zone receiver, but with Nelson out, he now has doubled that role to also be main receiver. Even if Randall Cobb is double covered, also expect TE Richard Rodgers, and WRs James Jones and Davante Adams to help snag the win. They are all worth a try in all fantasy.
2. Don’t expect too much more out of Eddie Lacy.       First, he’s already injured and second, he has really struggled. Losing Nelson really is starting to get to the Packers. James Starks isn’t in a great spot either. Watch out for Stephen Tulloch and Hatoli Ngata guys!!!
3. How will the Lions run their offense?       Well, Green Bay also has CB issues. So Megatron may have Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix double covering him, but he’s an obvious must-start anyways. Also look into starting Golden Tate or Eric Ebron. They have some good sleepers too in Lance Moore, Tim Wright and washed up veteran Brandon Pettigrew. The running game will have trouble getting through Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. Ameer Abdullah and Joique Bell/Theo Riddick, taken care of. So, this is a receiver’s game in Green Bay, on both sides of the ball.

Start: Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Richard Rodgers, Eric Ebron, Mason Crosby

Sleepers: Lance Moore, Tim Wright, Brandon Pettigrew

Sit: Ameer Abdullah, Eddie Lacy, James Starks, Lions

Bears @ Rams

Three Points

1. Todd Gurley!!! With Pernell McPhee questionable and Jeremiah Ratliff gone, who’s left to guard him. Eddie Goldman, and he’s a rookie d-lineman, not a veteran linebacker.       Lance Briggs is retired now too. So that leaves Gurley likely to put on a show.
2. How will Wes Welker and the passing game make an impact? Well, Kyle Fuller is on Tavon Austin, so even if the rest of the Chicago secondary is decent, no major names, and second corner Tracy Porter is hurt. So, that means if you picked up Welker when he signed earlier this week, give him a shot. Try starting him. It won’t hurt. Jared Cook is also guarded by Adrian Amos, which really puts Welker, plus other receivers Kenny Britt and Brian Quick in the spotlight.
3. It’s the Bad News Bears!!! The Bears suddenly have a ton of injuries. I already talked about how it impacts the defense. What about the Matt Forte-less offense? Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal are all on the injury report. That leaves Jay Cutler, Jeremy Langford, Marquess Wilson and Martellus Bennett as the major players remaining. Antone Smith and Jacquizz Rodgers may also have an increased role. Jeffery may play, but if not, we will see Marquess Wilson make the start at receiver. Martellus Bennett will also be important to the offense.       But Janoris Jenkins will cover Jeffery or Bennett anyways. They also have Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald to deal with Cutler and the RBs, so the Rams have got this.

Start: Todd Gurley, Wes Welker, Martellus Bennett, Robbie Gould

Sleepers: Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith, Kenny Britt, Brian Quick

Sit: Jay Cutler, Jeremy Langford, Marquess Wilson, Tavon Austin, Jared Cook, Bears, Rams

Saints @ Redskins

Three Points

1. The Redskins lack defense. The rush defense is alright, and can probably hold up Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller for now. But Drew Brees and his receivers, oh boy. Brandin Cooks has DeAngelo Hall, but they have other good receivers.       First of all, everybody needs a Snead!!! Willie Snead will play a big role in the Saints offense for this game, just as big as in Week 9 when hosting the Titans. But not just Snead.          Ben Watson and Marques Colston should also have big games. But in the end, when it’s 24-20 Redskins in the fourth quarter, which I think it’ll be, with 3 minutes left, it’ll be Snead that shows that everyone needs him by scoring the game winning TD, with the help of Drew Brees of course.
2. Let’s take a look at the match-ups between the Redskins offense and Saints defense. Well, the running game will struggle against a decent Saints rush defense. Alfred Morris? Cameron Jordan. Matt Jones? Dannell Ellerbe. It leaves only Chris Thompson. The pass defense may have DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jordan reed covered, sleepers Jamison Crowder, Derek Carrier and Andre Roberts may have an impact. But in the end, it won’t be enough.
3. The Redskins defense is washed up and they could contribute to costing Washington the game. Besides, Terrance Knighton, Ryan Kerrigan and DeAngelo Hall are all hurt in some way, although they may play.

Start: Drew Brees, Willie Snead, Marques Colston, Ben Watson, Derek Carrier, Kai Forbath

Sleepers: Jamison Crowder, Andre Roberts, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts

Sit: Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller, Brandin Cooks, DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed

Vikings @ Raiders

Three Points

1. This match-up is much different then it would’ve been in Week 1. Now both of these teams, once very bad, are in playoff contention of opposite conference’s wild cards. Derek Carr OR Teddy Bridgewater? Amari Cooper OR Stefon Diggs? Michael Crabtree OR Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson? Guys with increasing roles and newly signed veterans have played a big role on these two teams. This is a much more intriguing game now.
2. Adrian Peterson has the Raiders powerful rush defense, and Kyle Rudolph has Charles Woodson? Who does that leave for the Vikings? The receivers!!!! Stefon Diggs, Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson can all be started in this game. Obviously, AP still should be a start, just add these guys and Teddy Bridgewater to your offense.
3. Even if the Vikings defense is underrated, you can say that about the Raiders offense, giving Oakland the game winning edge. But due to the shape of the offense, besides Derek Carr and some sleeper receivers, the Raiders is not a big fantasy offense to look into this week besides sleepers.

Start: Derek Carr, Teddy Bridgewater, Adrian Peterson, Stefon Diggs, Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders

Sleepers: Roy Helu, Taiwan Jones, Rod Streater, Clive Walford, Mychal Rivera

Sit: Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Kyle Rudolph, Blair Walsh, Vikings

Patriots @ Giants

Three Points

1. The Giants defense is underrated. They have some weak spots, but they do have some good players. JPP and Tre McBride can take care of the running game, but the Patriots receiving game is too much for New York. The Giants have three keyt components to the secondary: Rodgers-Cromartie, Landon Collins and special for this game, (ex-Patriot) Brandon Meriweather.
2. The receiving game is blocked in some places, but have some key guys un-guarded. Gronk will surely be guarded, maybe double coverage, maybe Edelman and LaFell. But Edelman and LaFell maybe, plus definitely Danny Amendola and Scott Chandler. Expect the Pats to heavily throw the ball to some non-Gronk receivers.       That means still start Gronk and Edelman, but also consider Amendola. In DFS, Edelman has great value, along with Amendola, LaFell, and Chandler as a flex.
3. The Giants will pass as well. That means a huge game for Odell Beckham, Jr.       I     would also consider starting Rueben Randle. If he’s a free agent, drop a dud and pick him up!!!       Some ideas? Don’t store guys like Joique Bell, Knile Davis, Kenny Britt, Nelson Agholor, Charles Johnson, Brian Hartline, Brian Quick, Dwayne Bowe, & Roddy White. That also means huge games for both Tom Brady and Eli Manning.

Start: Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Odell Beckham Jr., Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Stephen Gostkowski

Sleepers: Danny Amendola, Rueben Randle, Scott Chandler, Josh Brown

Sit: LeGarrette Blount, Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Larry Donnell, Patriots, Giants

Chiefs @ Broncos

Three Points

1. The Kansas City rush defense is very good. That will make Peyton Manning want to pass.       DeMaryius Thomas will have somewhat of a guard in Marcus Peters, but he’s good enough to earn himself a start on your fantasy team. Emmanuel Sanders, if he plays, will also be a great option to start. Owen Daniels may have issues with Eric Berry, but unless Tamba Hali covers him instead of Juwan Thompson or Peyton Manning, Vernon Davis is a sleeper this week, and Virgil Green definitely also is.
2. Denver’s mixed ability defense is perfect for the Chiefs low weapon offense. Aqib Talib is out with a suspension, but Bradley Roby has Jeremy Maclin covered.       Charcandrick West and Knile Davis have to face a fierce set of linebackers in DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and Brandon Marshall. That leaves Alex Smith with Travis Kelce and Albert Wilson, maybe De’ Anthony Thomas. But it’s not significant enough, giving Denver the edge. And besides Kelce and Alex Smith, nobody else on the Chiefs is worth any FF attention.
3. Despite having good defense, the defenses will give up too many TDs to be good starts. I like the defenses and all, but there are issues with these two.       Look, these are two very balanced teams, but when they clash, their good offenses rally on, makng their games into slugfests.

Start: Peyton Manning, Alex Smith, DeMaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders (if he plays), Travis Kelce, Brandon McManus

Sleepers: Albert Wilson, Cody Latimer, De’ Anthony Thomas, Vernon Davis, Virgil Green

Sit: C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Charcandrick West, Knile Davis, Cairo Santos, Broncos, Chiefs