The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, bringing new faces to new places and a few moves that could shake up fantasy lineups. We’ll get into some of those below. Meanwhile, we’re pouring one out for fantasy managers missing their stars like Puka Nacua and Michael Wilson, who landed on injured reserve this week.
Whether you’re replacing an injured starter, navigating the bye-week blues or just looking for a little upside, I’ve got five players worth considering for Week 10.
Bye Weeks: Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay
QB: Drew Lock, Seattle vs. Las Vegas
Why I like him: Sam Darnold has already been ruled out for Week 10, so Lock will be under center for the Seahawks. The Raiders have been particularly vulnerable to opposing quarterbacks this season, allowing an average
passer rating of 103.6, more than two passing touchdowns and 248.7 passing yards per game.
Lock has also developed a strong connection with star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, posting an elite passer rating when targeting JSN, who commands more than 40% of Lock’s targets this season. And obviously, I don’t need to tell you to start JSN.
The Play: Lock is a legitimate starting option in Week 10, especially with one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers at his disposal.
RB: Audric Estimé, New Orleans vs. Carolina
Why I like him: It’s his third NFL season, and Estimé is officially entering his main-character era. In his first start with the Saints, Estimé wasted no time making an impression, turning 15 carries into 72 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Now, in Week 10, he gets a dream matchup against the Panthers, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. The only team worse? The Saints themselves. Cue Alanis Morissette, because isn’t it ironic?
Carolina is also surrendering an average of 1.4 touchdowns per game to the position, tied for the league high. With a favorable matchup and an opportunity to establish himself in the Saints’ backfield, Estimé has plenty working in his favor.
The Play: Estimé offers legitimate RB2 upside this week, particularly with an excellent opportunity to find the end zone for the second consecutive week.
WR: Xavier Hutchinson, Houston vs. Cleveland
Why I like him: In a surprising turn of events, the Texans’ offense has been doing its part to keep Houston competitive this season. C.J. Stroud and company are averaging 26.1 points per game and rank eighth in passing yards per play.
Perhaps even more surprising? Xavier Hutchinson is leading Houston’s wide receivers in slot alignment, lining up there on 52.8% of his snaps. Yes, that’s even more than Tank Dell. That could work in his favor this week against a Cleveland defense that allows slot receivers 12.9 fantasy points per game and 8.96 yards per target. Hutchinson has also scored in two of his last three games, giving fantasy managers another reason to take notice.
The Play: Hutchinson could deliver a sneaky flex-worthy performance for fantasy managers looking beyond the usual suspects in Week 10.
TE: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota vs. Green Bay
Why I like him: Some reunions are just too good to pass up. After Minnesota’s dismal quarterback performance on Monday Night Football, the Vikings reunited with Kirk Cousins on Tuesday at the trade deadline. Now it’s time for a trip down memory lane.
During their first stint together in purple and gold, Cousins and Hockenson developed quite the connection. In 18 games together, Hockenson hauled in 113 receptions for 997 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per catch. If you’re wondering how that translated to fantasy production, Hockenson averaged an impressive 14.6 fantasy points per game with Cousins under center in 2023, good for TE3 during that stretch.
Green Bay hasn’t exactly been generous to opposing tight ends this season, so this isn’t a matchup I’m targeting based on the Packers’ defense. Instead, I’m banking on Cousins’ history of leaning on his tight ends and the chemistry he and Hockenson could reignite in the second half of the season. Of course, we’ll need confirmation that Cousins gets the starting nod in Week 10 before getting too excited about this reunion. SKOL!
The Play: If Cousins gets the start, Hockenson becomes the tight end streamer I want in my lineup in Week 10.
FLEX: Ja’Kobi Lane, Baltimore vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Why I like him: New quarterback, new opportunities? That’s what I’m banking on with rookie Ja’Kobi Lane this week. With Jacoby Brissett getting extra prep time after last Thursday night’s game, I’m ready to see whether the rookie can make some noise in a favorable matchup.
The Chargers have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to receivers lined up outside, which is where Lane spends most of his time. Through five games this season, he’s aligned outside on 80% of his snaps. Los Angeles is also giving up more than 100 receiving yards per game to outside receivers, giving Lane a chance to flash. And the Chargers’ defense will have one less familiar face after trading LB Daiyan Henley at this week’s deadline.
The Play: Lane is a boom-or-bust flex option for fantasy managers looking to swing for the fences.
One Last Thing
The fantasy playoffs are right around the corner, and real ball knowers know it’s not the time to get complacent. Staying ahead of injuries, trades and shifting circumstances can make all the difference down the stretch. We’re not just trying to sneak into the playoffs; we’re trying to lock up our spot and make some noise when we get there. Keep grinding.
This article originally appeared on The Huddle: Stacy’s Streamers: Five Players to Start in Week 10
