Between injury replacements and changing of roles, there were plenty of high-priority options for the Week 10 waiver wire. If you still need help, however, there are likely a few sleepers still available.
James Starks and Karlos Williams should have been the top picks, as they are two quality running backs who will get touches whether their teammates are healthy or not. At receiver, Kamar Aiken is a holdover from last week and should be the No. 1 target for the Baltimore Ravens.
For those who missed out on these players and need immediate help, here are some more options to target in the free-agent pool. All players are available in at least 70 percent of ESPN leagues.
Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
After topping 300 yards and three touchdowns before his bye in Week 7, Kirk Cousins came back to earth with just 217 passing yards and one late score in garbage time against the New England Patriots in Week 9. Then again, the struggles were hardly his fault, as noted by Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated:
The Patriots are a solid opponent, but it appeared to simply be a bad day for his receivers that prevented Cousins from putting up bigger numbers.
As long as his luck turns around in Week 10, the quarterback could be primed for a huge day against a struggling New Orleans Saints defense. The unit has allowed at least 300 passing yards and three touchdowns in each of the last three games, including 10 total scores in the past two.
The Rob Ryan unit hasn’t done much to affect passers, and Cousins can be the next in line to enjoy open receivers all day long. You like that!
James White, RB, New England Patriots
With Dion Lewis out of the picture with a torn ACL, the Patriots need someone to step up into the all-important pass-catching running back role. Although Brandon Bolden got the immediate work after the injury, James White appears likely to take over going forward.
Although no one will be able to replace Lewis’ production, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels took the time this week to praise the new key player, per Tom E. Curran of CSN New England:
James is a very consistent guy. He comes to work. He’s got a great attitude and approach, is always prepared to go in and fulfill any of the roles that we have for our backs. He’s a dependable guy. He can handle a lot of different assignments, and then when we’ve needed him to play this season, he’s certainly been a guy who has done a decent job in blitz pickup. He’s caught the football well out of the backfield, and then he’s made yards with it when he’s had it in his hands.
The Patriots offense is productive enough for two running backs to merit fantasy consideration, even with LeGarrette Blount likely handling the majority of carries. Both Blount and Lewis enter the week in the top 20 at the position in standard-league fantasy points this season. White won’t be able to easily replicate what Lewis provided, but the opportunity is there for some big games.
It would certainly be a risky play to start him in Week 10 considering you never know what head coach Bill Belichick is thinking, but if he does play as expected, White could have strong numbers against the New York Giants’ No. 22-ranked run defense.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Tennessee Titans
Between a coaching change and Kendall Wright’s injury, Dorial Green-Beckham finally got a chance to show what he could do. In Week 9, he came through with five catches for 77 yards on a team-high 10 targets.
Rich Hribar of Rotoworld noted this continued a steady rise in playing time:
Green-Beckham finished the day with 48 snaps, second only to Harry Douglas with 59, per Pro Football Focus. Considering the rookie has a lot more upside, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get even more opportunities going forward. The targets certainly indicate the team wants him involved in the offense.
At 6’5″, 237 pounds, with excellent speed and hands, the receiver has a chance to be a game-changer in the NFL. With Marcus Mariota now healthy and throwing the ball well, this could be a top connection going forward.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings
Jacob Tamme is the better option if you are looking for a long-term replacement at tight end, but the Atlanta Falcons are on bye this week. This leaves Kyle Rudolph as the best sleeper play available at the position.
Although the fifth-year tight end hasn’t been productive this season, he is getting opportunities. The Minnesota Vikings threw the ball 27 times Sunday, and Rudolph ran 24 routes, per PFF. He went out for a pass the same number of times the week before.
It seems like he is staying in to block more often, but the reality is he is just not getting open enough.
That could change in Week 10 against the Oakland Raiders defense. The squad has been awful at defending tight ends this season, allowing nine total touchdowns to the position, including at least one in seven of eight games. Unsurprisingly, they have allowed the most fantasy points in the NFL to opposing tight ends.
Rudolph will get his chances Sunday, it will simply come down to his ability to find an opening and make a play when the ball comes his way.
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