Waiver Wire Roto Wizard Waiver Wire Free Agents week 10 2022

One of my favorite shows to watch as a child was "Whose line is it anyway?", an improvisational show where four comedians acted out skits on topics that they were unaware of ahead of time selected by the audience. At the conclusion of each set the host Drew Carey would give each comedian a certain number of points for being the best or worst, leading to the show's catch phrase "It's the show where everything is made up and the points don't matter!" It was silly for the sake of being silly, which made it even more entertaining.

Week 9 of the Fantasy Football season could best be described as a parallel. It was silly, fun, and in many circumstances the point totals did not seem to align up quite right. The New York Jets pulled off a surprise upset against the Buffalo Bills, the Detroit Lions humiliated Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars finally showed signs of life. Most of the 1 PM EST games were incredibly entertaining, highlighted by the shootout between the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears where the teams combined for 67 points. Joe Mixon provided managers with the game of his life against the Carolina Panthers, single-handedly propelling the Cincinnati Bengals to victory with five touchdowns. Kenneth Walker continued his rookie reign of terror, breaking the century mark on the ground and finding paydirt twice in a 31-21 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals. As a whole, the week was one of the best with "star" players living up to the billing, even with six teams on a bye.

Fantasy managers weren't as fortunate as the week prior, as several relevant players left their games due to injuries, all of which we are tracking here on the site.

The Packers were absolutely decimated on Sunday, with Christian Watson leaving the game after being checked for (yet another) concussion, along with Romeo Doubs and Aaron Jones leaving due to ankle injuries. Doubs was spotted in a walking boot along with crutches after the game, and Jones donned a boot as well. Both injuries will likely require MRI's to determine the significance of the damage.

The Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram limped off the field with a back injury, which is incredibly disappointing given his recent stretch of production. As the second or third read in the Jaguars offense, Engram was on the verge of becoming a low-end TE1.

The Buffalo Bills were given a major scare late in their game, with quarterback Josh Allen constantly shaking out his throwing elbow after sustaining a hit while throwing the ball. The initial thought is that he could have damaged his UCL, and the severity of the sprain would determine how long he is sidelined for (if at all). The team has already said that he will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the issue.

With that recapped, time to dive into some Week 10 waiver claims!
 

Quarterbacks

Players on bye in Week 10: Lamar Jackson, Mac Jones, Zach Wilson, Joe Burrow
Deshaun Watson (21 percent rostered) - This is a relatively thin week of pickups at the position, so rather than looking for a short-term addition, this mention is more focused on teams that have already, or will, clinch a playoff spot. Watson is expected to return from suspension in Week 13 against the Houston Texans, and his following games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens are also enticing. For the sake of brevity, I will not get into a morality debate about what Watson did or didn't do off the field to earn his suspension, but rather focus on his football skills. Cleveland has several adept receivers in Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, and they retained Kareem Hunt as a compliment to Nick Chubb. These options coupled with Watson's rushing upside make him a stash candidate in shallower leagues where he might not be rostered as an alternative for the stretch run.

Recommendation: In 12-team leagues or larger for squads that have a mediocre starting option (and there are plenty in 2022), add Watson before he returns from suspension for a $5 FAAB bid as a viable alternative for teams with difficult schedules for their QB1.

Jared Goff (33 percent rostered) - Goff is right on the verge of the 35 percent rostership that I use as my threshold, but his inclusion comes from the precipitous drop that he taken lately. There is no way to sugarcoat his poor stretch of play from Week 5-7, but he has shown signs of life lately, and is still on pace for his first 4,000 yard passing season since 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams. The team is hopeful that Josh Reynolds will return soon, and Jameson Williams is still expected to return around Thanksgiving. A porous defense will continue to force Goff to throw early and often, and as the team around him gets healthier (including D'Andre Swift behind him), his production will dramatically rise. It might not be pretty to watch, but Goff should be a fringe-level QB1 down the stretch. His playoff run from Week 13-17 includes Jacksonville, Minnesota and Carolina - I'll take those odds.

Recommendation: Treat Goff as a streaming option until the cavalry arrives in the upcoming weeks. In 14-team leagues he can start, and is a more effective option at home than on the road. Can be added for a $3-$5 bid.

Running Backs

Players on bye in Week 10: Kenyan Drake, Gus Edwards, Rhamondre Stevenson, Damien Harris, Michael Carter, James Robinson, Joe Mixon

Rachaad White (20 percent rostered) - White's name has been bandied about on plenty of "hold" and "stash" reports for weeks now, but due to Tampa Bay's reluctance to make any sort of change in their offensive scheme, his upside remained low. So why the inclusion? In the Bucs 16-13 victory against the hapless Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay seemed to be more committed to the running game, even against the stout front of Aaron Donald and company. Though the numbers aren't particularly impressive, White had nearly a dead split in carries with Leonard Fournette, who only out-touched him in the game 14-11. This is clearly more of a timeshare than earlier in the season, and with Tampa Bay attempting to claw their way back into relevance, they should opt to stick with the formula that is working. Tom Brady loves to check down the ball to running backs, which means that White is a viable FLEX option during these bye weeks.

Recommendation: White should be rostered in all 12-team formats or larger, not only for his value as an upside handcuff to Fournette, but as a viable FLEX option during the bye weeks. Tampa Bay's increased commitment to the running game is a major step forward. Add him for a $5 bid.

Kenneth Gainwell (8 percent rostered) - During the Philadelphia Eagles 29-17 obliteration of the Houston Texans on Thursday Night, Gainwell saw a 27 percent snap share, and was the primary back used on third downs. His eight touches were a season-high, including three receptions. As Philadelphia continues to blow out opponents and they make an effort to keep Miles Sanders healthy, expect Gainwell to come on the field during mop-up duty. As with White mentioned above, Gainwell is an upside handcuff that should be stashed in deeper formats, behind a back that has a difficult time staying healthy (Sanders has only 24 starts from 2020-21). Now that we have passed the halfway point in the Fantasy season, it is important to shore up your depth on the bench. Focusing on upside alone, Gainwell should be rostered in more formats.

Recommendation: Stash Gainwell in 14-team leagues or larger as an upside play behind an oft-injured starter. His numbers might not jump off the page, but when called up this season he has performed admirably. The Eagles upcoming schedule (Washington, Indianapolis, Green Bay) is an absolute cakewalk. Add him for $3 worth of FAAB.

Wide Receivers

Players on bye in Week 10: Devin Duvernay, Jakobi Meyers, Tyquan Thornton, DeVante Parker, Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd

Terrance Marshall (8 percent rostered) - Marshall made last week's column as a pickup, but continued low rostership coupled with another double-digit performance landed him back as a recommendation. To get the negatives out first - yes, he plays for the terrible Carolina Panthers, and his total volume will generally be low. That said? This team is playing perpetually from behind, and Marshall has shown success regardless if P.J. Walker or Baker Mayfield are under center. Over his last two games, Marshall has seven receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown, making him a viable FLEX option in most formats. The Panthers upcoming schedule features two of the worst secondaries in the NFL in the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, so I expect this level of production to continue. All aboard the post-hype sleeper train.

Recommendation: Add Marshall as a viable FLEX option in 12-team formats or large over the short term. The lack of an adept option at tight end leads to the vast majority of targets funneled through either Marshall or D.J. Moore, who will often draw the elite coverage. He's worth a $5 FAAB bid.

Scotty Miller (1 percent rostered) - Many will think that Miller's inclusion here is insanity, but hear me out on this one. Tampa Bay loves to play in "11 personnel" (meaning one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers on the field at the same time). With Julio Jones and Russell Gage absolute non-factors, Miller saw a rise in prominence on Sunday, and as soon as Brady began to look his way, the offense really began to click. It is easy to point out that Miller fits the Julian Edelman/Wes Welker role as a chain-moving target that will be peppered with targets, allowing Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to work more effectively down field. This past week was the first time that Miller broke the double-digit mark in PPR formats, and I expect that trend to continue. Tampa Bay has an insanely difficult schedule for the rest of the season (Seattle, Cleveland, New Orleans, San Francisco and Cincinnati upcoming), so I expect Tom Brady to continue throwing the ball close to 50 times a week.

Recommendation: In deeper PPR formats, I like grabbing Miller as a flier. He's available virtually everywhere, and it was easy to see that his inclusion in the offense gave them a major spark in the second half. Add him on the cheap for a $1-$3 FAAB bid.

Samori Toure (1 percent rostered) - On Green Bay's first play from scrimmage, Romeo Doubs suffered a nasty hit to his lower half, forcing him to be carted off the field. He was later spotted in crutches after the game with a walking boot, so it stands to reason that he might miss some time. To make matters even worse, the Packers also lost fellow rookie Christian Watson to another concussion. This might be a matter of "last man standing syndrome" but SOMEONE has to catch passes for Green Bay not named Allen Lazard. Yes, the offense is putrid and hard to watch. Yes, Toure has little resume to work with. That said? I'm fine adding him to see if anything clicks between him and Aaron Rodgers, who is desperately trying to save the season.

Recommendation: Add Toure in deep leagues to see if a rise in snap-share results in production. Green Bay is grasping at straws to stay alive in 2022, and a rash of injuries has given this seventh-round selection from Nebraska a chance to be relevant. Add him for the minimum FAAB bid.

Tight Ends

Players on bye in Week 10: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Hunter Henry, Tyler Conklin, Hayden Hurst

Cole Kmet (27 percent rostered) - Considered by many to be the best "sleeper" option at the position likely to crack into the top-7, Kmet posted single-digit Fantasy production Weeks 1-8, before finally breaking out against the Miami Dolphins. All three of his touchdowns on the season have come over the last two weeks, and he has been increasingly utilized as the Chicago offense has begun to click under Justin Fields. Though it is a fool's errand to chase touchdowns at this spot, a juicy upcoming schedule (Detroit, Atlanta, New York Jets, Green Bay) coupled with a rise in prominence makes him an easy suggestion to fill your roster slot.

Recommendation: Kmet should be a priority add for anyone looking for help at tight end. One of the better options to grab this week, expect to pay between $8-$10 in FAAB to add him. He's worth the investment.

Cade Otton (5 percent rostered) - I had expectations that Cameron Brate would make it onto the field prior to Week 9, but his absence has really opened up the door for Otton, who has been a relevant streaming option since Week 5. In a breakout game against the Los Angeles Rams, Otton set a career-high in receiving yards (68) on 6 targets, and also found the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Is he the next Rob Gronkowski? No, but any athletic tight end with sure hands in a Tom Brady-led offense is worth considering, as far as I'm concerned. At this point, I'm starting Otton ahead of Brate even after his eventual return, if I am the Bucs.

Recommendation: Snag Otton as a low-end TE1 on an improving Tampa Bay roster in 12-team leagues or larger. I expect him to be featured heavily down the stretch as the team dinks and dunks their way up the field.

Streaming DSTs! (Due to popular demand)

Arizona Cardinals (12 percent rostered) - When focusing on defenses to add, it isn't always about the opposition. Targeting options that are capable of forcing turnovers with playmakers is just as important! In the case of Arizona, not only do they have a fantastic matchup against the defunct Los Angeles Rams offense in Week 10, but they also lead the league in defensive touchdowns. The Rams currently have zero weapons outside of Cooper Kupp, and the team is forced to abandon their running game early and often. Matthew Stafford is incredibly turnover prone, and I'd expect a pick or two in this one.

Chicago Bears (3 percent rostered) - Wait a minute, am I really recommending a team that just allowed a combined 78 points over the last two weeks? You bet I am. Some fun statistics to throw your way - Chicago is currently tied for the third-most interceptions in football, and typically play MUCH better at home. With Detroit's walking wounded strolling into town, they make for a low-owned dart thrown in competitive leagues that I'm comfortable with.

Kickers!

Ka'imi Fairbairn (3 percent rostered) - When it comes to streaming kickers, it is important to focus on offenses that aren't necessarily at the top - those who are capable of moving the ball downfield, but stall in the red zone. Enter Houston. The New York Giants have a bend-but-don't-break defense that is comfortable surrendering yards, but is very stingy allowing actual points. Fairbairn has the leg strength to make distance kicks when asked to do so, and has hit all three attempts over 50-yards in 2022.

Bret Maher (22 percent rostered) - The Dallas Cowboys offense hasn't quite lived up to expectations in 2022, in large part due to the injury sustained earlier to Dak Prescott. Thankfully, Maher has provided the team with an accurate leg that is capable of finishing drives when asked to do so. He is currently 15-of-17 attempts this year, including 4-of-6 from outside 50 yards. The Cowboys face the Green Bay Packers in Week 10, and I expect Dallas to have their way in this one. Maher should be on the field plenty.