Fantasy Overview - Week 10

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Can you believe we are in Week 10 of the NFL season? This week's topic is geared more toward those in deeper leagues with 12+ teams and 20+ roster spots. Some comments and thoughts will still apply to others who don't specifically fit those criteria, but for the most part, this is for those with limited choices on the waiver wire.

This week, I want to focus on some proactive waiver wire claims that could propel your team forward if one or more of these pickups hit. We often see a waiver gem help teams in the playoffs, and this year should be no different. Remember that a proactive waiver claim isn't intended to be a quick solution but more of a shark move that can potentially boost your lineup. Examples of notable waiver pickups from this year include Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, De'Von Achane, Tank Dell, C.J. Stroud, Sam Howell, Logan Thomas, Sam LaPorta, and Dalton Kincaid. Several of these players have made a sizeable impact on rosters everywhere. Last year, players like Geno Smith and Jamaal Williams fit these criteria and were instrumental in helping many fantasy rosters in the stretch run in 2022. These waiver pickups weren't expected to amount to much when picked up, but the potential for success was there. Making good on such moves can fix or strengthen your team and/or your season. Many players have already made themselves known, but that doesn't mean others won't appear. Here's a look at some players to target at each position.

PROACTIVE & REACTIVE WAIVER PICKUPS

QUARTERBACK

Proactive & Reactive

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland - Watson may still be lurking on your waiver wire. If you have a QB2 that isn't performing, swap him out with Watson. You never know when you might need your QB2 outside of a bye-week replacement. You don't want to be headstrong for the playoffs only to have your QB1 get hurt late in the season, leaving you with an underperforming QB2. If Watson is available, you may want to add him for the stretch run, especially if you're looking for help. Maybe you have Daniel Jones on your roster?

Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas - The Raiders may be in the beginning stages of a rebirth after owner Mark Davis decided it was enough of the Josh McDaniels era in Las Vegas. The players are rallying around interim coach Antonio Pierce, and there is a feeling in the air that the players are committed to winning. O'Connell has a strong arm and is capable of 250+ yards passing, utilizing the strong core of receivers in the lineup, starting with Davante Adams.

Aaron Rodgers, NY Jets - The Jets quarterback situation isn't going to keep Rodgers from waiting another week to return. He wants to return from a Week 1 Achilles injury as early as Week 12 (although he recently hedged away from that timetable). It seems unfathomable, but here we are. If Rodgers is anything near his usual self, it will be an improvement for the Jets offense.

Kyler Murray, Arizona - The Cardinals are at or near the bottom of the league, but with Kyler Murray set to return this week, they may have the mindset to finish strong and make a statement in preparation for 2024. Murray is worth a roster spot at the least, and he could wind up being starter-worthy if things go right for Arizona. It starts this week vs. Atlanta.

Joshua Dobbs, Minnesota - The Vikings are floating on a lifeboat with a 5-4 record and injuries to Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and now Cam Akers. Last week, newly signed Josh Dobbs put his cape on and orchestrated a wild win on the road despite not even participating in a team practice yet. Let that sink in for a minute. Dobbs may be the new leader in the Vikings huddle and not even know the players' names yet. Minnesota has somehow won five of their last six games, and now Dobbs will have a crack at keeping the strong level of play going. A crazy story is unfolding in Minnesota, especially if Dobbs can keep the lifeboat afloat.

Will Levis, Tennessee - So far, so good with the strong-armed rookie. He has looked decent in two games of action, and this week he'll face the Bucs, who have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks since Week 5, including 349 yards passing per game in that span. This could be Levis' breakout game. Get ready.