Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Week 10 Fantasy Football: Start Blake Corum, Bench Tre Tucker

We are entering the stretch run of the fantasy season. Injuries are mounting. Four teams are on bye. And fantasy championships are on the line. Let's see if we can figure out how to get a W and get into our Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week 10 fantasy football lineups.

This column uses our Fantasy Football Projections Model, Freedman’s NFL Betting Game Model, projected roles, injuries, depth-chart changes, and matchup context to identify the players whose Week 10 outlooks are better or worse than previous weeks.

For "start" options, I will avoid obvious names that everyone is starting and focus on fringe options that might be better than their typical ranking. Mostly, I'll focus on players who aren't usually inside the top 24-48 but are this week. For QBs and TEs, I'll focus on players entering the top 12 or nearly making it for Week 10.

A “sit” is not always a must-bench. It means the player is a downgrade from their rest-of-season outlook or the previous week and may be worth fading for a similarly ranked option in a better spot.

I will also include rankings upgrades (players who get upgrades for a variety of reasons, i.e., high team totals, matchup-related boosts, recent Utilization, etc.) and rankings downgrades (players downgraded for similar reasons working against them). Plus, you will find several players who bombed last week that I am happy to go right back to the well with. Lean on stronger underlying utilization metrics and matchup data rather than benching someone because of one poor performance.

If you haven't read the Utilization Report yet, it is my weekly piece where I break down usage changes and trends for every team. I covered 40+ players in Week 10. Much of what you see here around Utilization comes from that piece, so go check it out for more juicy nuggets.

Quarterbacks To Start In Week 10 Fantasy Football Lineups

Tyler Shough | Saints

Shough typically finds a way to come through for fantasy managers. He had one big-time dud game against the Vikings in Week 5 (1.8 points). But otherwise, he has five top-8 finishes plus QB15 and QB18 outings.

Shough ranks 12th in passing YPG (248) and is tied for 12th in passing TDs per game (1.75). And he gets valuable rushing attempts in scoring position. The second-year has handled 41% of the Saints' rushing attempts inside the five-yard line (3rd), with 0.9 per game.

Thanks to this role, the Saints' signal caller averages 0.25 rushing scores. When you add it all up, he ranks 11th in overall points and is 14th in PPG (19.0). And those numbers could improve with Round 1 NFL pick Jordyn Tyson returning to the lineup last weekend. 

Shough has the 7th-best QB schedule for the rest of the season (+0.9 PPG), starting a very favorable three-game stretch against Carolina this weekend: CAR (+2.6), CHI (+2.5), and CIN (+3.5).

The Saints have a 24.5-point team total (8th) as one-point favorites over the Panthers in a battle for first place in the NFC South. This game carries shootout potential. Carolina is the 7th-best QB matchup so far in 2026.

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 19.2
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 25.6
• Floor: 15.0

Shough projects as the QB6 and is my QB8 for Week 10.

Week 10 Fantasy QB Upgrades

• Jared Goff | Lions: Goff has bombed in back-to-back games with 10.0 and 6.3 points. Over their first four games, the Lions have the second-worst EPA-per-play defense in the NFL (+0.15). But after making some adjustments, they have improved to middle-of-the-pack (-0.7) over their last four. That has meant fewer shootout scripts. Their dropback rate over expected (DBOE) has fallen from 2% to -7%. They are the third-most run-heavy team over their last four outings. But this weekend, Detroit has the 4th-best team total (27.1) as 2.9-point favorites over the Patriots. New England's pass defense has sanctioned the 2nd-highest passing boost (+3.7 PPG) over the last five games. Goff carries game-script risk, but he is in a high-upside spot—he is my QB6 for Week 10.

Week 10 Fantasy QB Downgrades

• Jordan Love | Packers: Love is the QB4 on the season (21.2 PPG) in a pass-first offense with two great WRs. But this weekend, he downgrades to low-end QB1 territory due to a matchup with the Vikings. Minnesota is the hardest matchup for QBs (-8.2 PPG). And oddsmakers reflect that with a 20.3-point team total, which is much lower than usual for Green Bay.
   
• Matthew Stafford | Rams: Stafford is down Davante Adams and Puka Nacua heading into Week 10. He could still come through via passing TDs in the red zone as 9.5-point favorites over the Cardinals in Carson Beck's first start. But the Rams could heavily lean into their running game. Stafford downgrades to mid-range QB2 status.

Running Backs To Start In Week 10 Fantasy Football Lineups

Blake Corum | Rams

With Bucky Irving, D'Andre Swift, Jonah Coleman, and Saquon Barkley on bye, we have four typical top-24 options missing.

Enter Blake Corum.

Over the last five games, Corum is averaging 14.5 PPG and is the RB13.

He remains behind Kyren Williams in a committee, which makes him a highly volatile asset despite his recent consistency. Corum can bust in shootout or trailing game scripts.

But the Rams are 9.5-point favorites this weekend, and Williams and Corum might be their best two weapons with Nacua and Adams out. We are projecting a run-heavy approach against the Cardinals, and oddsmakers agree. 

• Stafford average passing YPG: 264
• Fantasy Life Projection: 211
• Oddsmakers: 210

The Rams don't carry their usual high-end team total without Nacua, but it is above average (24.7).

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 11.4
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 18.8
• Floor: 8.3

Corum is a mid-range RB2 in Week 10.

Week 10 RB Upgrades To Start In Fantasy Football

Mid-range RB2s (start in most formats)

• Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks: Charbonnet operated as the lead option in a two-way committee in his second game: 56% snaps, 55% attempts, 45% routes. Historically, I have been traumatized by Seattle backfield tandems. My primary concern: the team spent a late Round 1 pick on Jadarian Price, and Charbonnet's Week 9 Utilization might be the end game rather than a pit stop on the way to the winner's circle. Still, Charbonnet has the 8th-best RB matchup (+2.6 PPG) against the Raiders, and Seattle has a respectable 23.3-point team total as 3.5-point favorites. With four good RBs on bye, Charbonnet is a mid-range RB2. He projects for 10.9 points with a 17.6 Xfinity Best ceiling.

Low-end RB2s (start in 12-team leagues)

• Corey Kiner | Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson (plantaris tendon) is going to miss some time, and TreVeyon Henderson (mental health) could also miss another game, as he missed practice again on Wednesday. The team travels to Germany tonight, and if neither is on the plane, Kiner will slot in as the primary early-down RB, with Lan Larison taking on passing downs. Kiner isn't just an emergency backup RB—the Patriots have actively carved out a role for him even with Stevenson and Henderson active. The Lions are the 8th-hardest RB matchup (-2.4 PPG), but the Patriots have a solid team total (24.2) and Kiner projects for 15.1 attempts with 11.1 points and an Xfinity Best ceiling of 18.4. I have Kiner slightly lower than the projections as the RB20, but he should be in most starting lineups.  

RB3s (start in larger formats)

• Audric Estime | Saints: Estime took over the early-down RB role last week with Kendre Miller released and Travis Etienne out. He converted a 60% rush share into 14.7 points, including a short-yardage score. Alvin Kamara remains the passing-down RB, so Estime is a TD-dependent option. But the Saints are 1-point favorites in what should be a close game and their team total his higher than usual at 24.5. The Panthers have been the 3rd-best rushing matchup for RBs (+4.4 PPG), sanctioning the 2nd-highest rushing TD boost (+0.5 per game). Estime is a high-end RB3 with high-end RB2 upside. This assumes that Travis Etienne does not play. Etienne's 21-day practice window did officially open, and he would be a low-end RB2 if active.

RBs That Bombed In Week 9 That I Am Starting Again In Week 10

"'Cause I gotta have faith

I gotta have faith

Because I gotta have faith, faith

I got to have faith, faith, faith"

- George Michael

• Ollie Gordon | Dolphins: If we didn't have four teams on bye and injuries were turned off, Gordon would be a tricky name to put in this spot. But we live in the real world, people. Gordon has flunked his last two fantasy exams with 6.9 and 7.4 points. His role hasn't changed (81% attempts), but he is a TD-dependent RB who failed to hit pay dirt. That could be a tricky proposition again in Week 10 with Kyle McCord making his first start (19.2-point team total). But the Colts are the 6th-best RB rushing matchup (+2.7 PPG), and oddsmakers expect a close game with the Dolphins as 2.2-point underdogs. Gordon projects for 12.4 points with an Xfinity Best ceiling of 19.3. He is a mid-range RB2.   

RB Injury Watch for Week 10 in Fantasy Football

• Jonathon Brooks | Panthers: Carolina opened Brooks' 21-day practice window, and he got in a full session on Wednesday. He has a chance to play in Week 10 against the Saints. New Orleans is the 2nd-best RB matchup (+6.2 PPG). Chuba Hubbard has played well, so I don't expect a large role for Brooks in Week 10. But he should be rostered in deep leagues, and if you are a heavy favorite, he could be considered over one-week rentals even if you have to play him. Brooks is a big-play-dependent RB5 if active.

Running Backs To Sit In Week 10 Fantasy Football Lineups

Tyler Allgeier | Cardinals

Allgeier placed 36.1 points into the fantasy bench coffers in Week 8 against Dallas after Jeremiyah Love and Bam Knight left with injuries. Last week, he didn't contribute to the fantasy offering, scoring just 6.6 points.

It was a tough matchup against Seattle, but it was quite the dud, considering his 96% snap share.

This week, Allgeier could still lead the team in opportunities, but Knight (concussion) is considered likely to return. That means a part-time role that could go the way of the "hot hand" in Beck's first career start. That isn't ideal.

But it gets worse. Michael Wilson is out for the season, and the Cardinals face the Rams, who are getting healthy on defense with Myles Garrett back. The Rams are the 6th-toughest RB matchup (-2.5 PPG).

The Cardinals have a frighteningly low team total (15.2). That is the worst total on the slate.

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 10
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 17.1
• Floor: 7.3

The model acknowledges that weird stuff can happen any given week with a 17.1-point ceiling, but Allgeier is a fade for me in small-to-medium leagues.

Week 10 RB Downgrades for Sit Consideration

Low-end RB2s (sit in smaller formats)

• Ashton Jeanty | Raiders: Jeanty is a near-lock for a 15% target share, which makes him hard to sit in larger formats. But he remains embroiled in a two-way committee with Mike Washington and draws the 3rd-hardest RB matchup (-3.2 PPG) against the Seahawks. Fernando Mendoza gets his first start and must face the 2nd-hardest QB matchup (-6.9 PPG). It's a very tough spot for Jeanty, making him benchable in small leagues. 

Wide Receivers To Start In Week 10 Fantasy Football Lineups

Jameson Williams | Lions

Williams is a boom-bust WR. We all know this. 

While he dudded last week with just 5 points, I remain encouraged by the Lions' recent transition to using more 12 and 13 personnel. Over their last four games, Detroit ranks 2nd in 12 personnel (40%) and 5th in 13 personnel (16%).

In those groupings, Brock Wright often stays in to pass protect, which means two things: 1) less target competition and 2) more time for Williams downfield routes to develop.

Over this sample of games, Williams has averaged 16.7 PPG with a 72 Utilization Score.

These sorts of trends don't always stick. Game plans are fluid. But last week, the Packers cooked the Patriots—including Christian Gonzalez—in the deep passing game. It could make sense for the Lions to use a similar plan of attack.

Detroit has the fourth-highest team total (27.1) in a game that could shoot out as 2.9-point favorites. New England provides the 2nd-highest boost to WRs (+6.3 PPG) and has been the 2nd-best matchup for outside WRs (+5.0)   

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 12.9
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 21
• Floor: 9.3

Williams projects as the WR18 and is a strong mid-range WR2 option in Week 10.

WR Upgrades for Fantasy Lineups In Week 10

High-end to mid-range WR3s (start in larger leagues with a flex)

• Jalen Coker | Panthers: Coker started hot over the first two games, averaging 24.2 PPG on 29% of targets. But he hasn't been the same since the Week 3 quad injury. Over his last four outings, Coker has averaged 8.5 PPG with a 19% target share. The Panthers' offensive line woes have also been a problem. But Carolina has the 5th-best WR matchup (+4.6 PPG) against the Saints in a game that could get rowdy. A 1-point spread separates the teams, and the Panthers have a solid team total (23.5). Coker projects for 11.1 points with a 17.9-point Xfinity Best ceiling as a high-end WR3.
   
• Denzel Boston | Browns: Boston is battling a toe injury but practiced on Wednesday. What excites me most about the rookie WR is his evolving role. Over the last three weeks, his average route depth has come down (10 yards), and his target share has skyrocketed (27%). The Texans have been surprisingly vulnerable against WRs this season, green-lighting the 3rd-best matchup (+5.5 PPG). Boston projects for 9.9 points with an Xfinity Best ceiling of 15.7. He is a solid mid-range WR3.  

Low-end WR3s & WR4s (start in larger leagues with 3WR + flex or double flex)

• Jakobi Meyers | Jaguars: It can be hard to time Meyers starts. The team throws plenty of TDs, but is rarely pressed into high-volume passing games. That remains true in Week 10 against the Titans as a 10.5-point favorite. But they have the 2nd-highest team total (28.5), and Tennessee is the No. 1 matchup for WRs (+7.7 PPG). Meyers is a boom-bust low-end WR3.
   
• Jordan Addison | Vikings: Addison could get a breath of fresh air with Kirk Cousins back in town. Minnesota hasn't named Cousins as the starter for Week 10 yet, but that is how we are currently projecting it, since Kyler Murray (hamstring) is week-to-week. The team doesn't want to see Carson Wentz or Max Brosmer under center after two losses. Cousins has familiarity with Kevin O'Connell's offense and played with Addison in 2023. The Packers are an improving defense but remain the 7th-best matchup for WRs (+3.6 PPG). Addison projects for 9.4 points with an Xfinity Best ceiling of 15.4. He is a boom-bust mid-range WR3 if Cousins is under center. 

WRs That Bombed In Week 9 That I Am Starting In Week 10

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm keeping the faith …

- Billy Joel

• Zay Flowers | Ravens: This one is really simple: I think Jacoby Brissett is good enough to feed Flowers. Flowers averaged 18.3 PPG in three contests with Tyler Huntley. Flowers has the 4th-best WR matchup (+4.9 PPG) and the 5th-best slot matchup (+2.5) against the Chargers. Flowers projects for 15.6 points and carries a 24.4-point Xfinity Best ceiling. He rejoins the low-end WR1 party.

WR Injury Watch For Week 10 In Fantasy Football

• A.J. Brown | Patriots → DeMario Douglas & Mack Hollins: Brown (knee) is expected to travel with the team to Germany and was spotted at practice on Wednesday. The Lions are the 9th-best WR matchup (+3.4 PPG) but have improved dramatically over the last four games (-6.3). If he plays, Brown is a low-end WR2 with inefficiency and re-injury risk.
  • Douglas: Mid-range WR3 if Brown is active. Borderline WR2 if Brown is out.
  • Hollins: Low-end WR4 if Brown is active. High-end WR4 if Brown is out.
• George Pickens | Cowboys → Ryan Flournoy: Pickens (hamstring) was limited on Wednesday. Dallas has the 6th-highest team total (25.7) as a 4.1-point underdog against San Francisco. Pickens is a mid-range WR2 if active. He projects for 14 points with a 21-point Xfinity Best ceiling. If Pickens is out, Flournoy is a mid-range WR3.  
   
• Carnell Tate | Titans: Tate (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday. This is concerning, considering he missed Week 8 and is coming off of a bye. We will continue to monitor, but Tate was breaking out before the injury, dominating targets and air yards. Plus, the Titans added more RPOs ahead of the bye, unlocking potential upside in Brian Daboll's offense with Cam Ward. Tate is a low-end WR2 if he gets in a full practice by Friday.
   
• Deebo Samuel | 49ers: Samuel (hamstring) got in a limited practice on Wednesday and could return for a juicy matchup against the Cowboys. Mike Evans (Achilles) is unlikely to play in Week 10, but Keenan Allen will provide new target competition. Samuel carries re-injury risk but could pop—the 49ers have the highest team total (29.8) in a game that could be a back-and-forth affair. Samuel is a high-end WR3 if he practices in full later this week.

Wide Receivers To Sit In Week 10 Fantasy Football Lineups

Tre Tucker | Raiders

The future of the Raiders football team has officially crossed the Mendoza Line. The No. 1 overall NFL Draft selection will get his first start this weekend. While the future might be very bright, it is a hard first start against the Seahawks.

Seattle is the 2nd hardest QB matchup (-6.9 PPG, -64 yards per game). Of course, that trickles down to the pass catchers. Tucker is currently the WR29 in PPG (12.1). But his role is in flux over the last two games with Jalen Nailor back in the fold. He has a 67% route share.

Las Vegas loves to use two-TE packages with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. And Tucker is rotating off the field when they use three TEs. 

Whether the trend sticks remains to be seen, but the added uncertainty is bad news on top of the unfavorable matchup. The Seahawks are the 2nd-hardest WR matchup (-5.8 PPG), and the Raiders have a below-average team total (19.8).  

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 5.4
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 7.7
• Floor: 13.1

Tucker is a borderline WR4 who should hit the bench in most leagues.

WR Downgrades for Sit Consideration in Week 10 Fantasy Football

Borderline WR3s (sit in 10-team leagues without 3WRs or flex)

• Antonio Williams | Commanders: Williams has led the team in routes (88%) and targets (20%) in two games without Terry McLaurin. So, he is in play in larger leagues. But in smaller formats, I am avoiding him due to a below-average team total (19.6) and the 4th-hardest WR matchup (-5.1 PPG) against the Giants. He could face Deonte Banks often. Williams projects for 8.6 points with a 13.5-point Xfinity Best ceiling. 

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Tight End To Start In Week 10 Fantasy Football Lineups

Tyler Warren | Colts

After the trades of Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, Warren is the last man standing in Indianapolis.

The bad news: the Colts offense is a dumpster fire with Daniel Jones averaging 191 YPG (32nd).

The good news: Warren has the talent profile to rack up targets. We could get a situation similar to Harold Fannin to close out 2025. Fannin produced 15.3 PPG over his final five healthy starts. The Browns only averaged 211 passing YPG over that stretch, but with little target competition to challenge him, Fannin was a fantasy gem.

Warren got a significant target share bump in the Week 10 projections against the Dolphins. He projects for 6.3 receptions, which is above his 5.5 prop.

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 12.9 
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 19
• Floor: 9.9
   

Warren is a top-5 TE in Week 10.