As the 2024 NFL season reaches its midpoint, fantasy football managers find themselves grappling with difficult lineup decisions. Week 10 is shaping up to be another pivotal week, with the fates of many fantasy teams hanging in the balance. Let’s dive into some of the key players and situations to monitor.
C.J. Stroud’s Sophomore Struggles Continue
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, set the league on fire as a rookie last season. However, his sophomore campaign has been a different story. Through 9 games, Stroud is averaging a mere 14.4 fantasy points per game, well outside the top 10 at his position.
Many have attributed Stroud’s struggles to the injuries of his top receiving weapons, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. While the pending return of Collins should provide a boost, the numbers suggest Stroud’s issues run deeper. Even when Collins and Diggs were healthy early in the season, Stroud failed to perform at a QB1 level.
The real culprit appears to be the Texans’ porous offensive line. Stroud has already been sacked 30 times this season, second-most in the NFL. He’s also faced a league-high 41 hurries. Without time to throw, even the most talented quarterback will struggle. And unlike some of his peers, Stroud offers little rushing upside to bolster his fantasy production.
You wouldn’t believe the things fantasy managers overthink. Well, you’re (presumably) a fantasy manager so perhaps you would.
– Eric Karabell, ESPN Senior Writer
Jordan Mason’s Emergence
While Christian McCaffrey’s season-long absence has been a nightmare for his fantasy managers, it’s opened the door for rookie Jordan Mason to shine. The 4th round pick out of Kent State currently sits 4th in the NFL in rushing yards, despite missing time recently with a shoulder injury.
Mason’s emergence is a testament to both his talent and the 49ers’ scheme. San Francisco has a long history of churning out productive running backs, and Mason looks to be the latest in that lineage. With McCaffrey’s return date still uncertain, Mason remains a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside in the 49ers’ run-heavy attack.
The Buccaneers’ Backfield
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running back duo of Rachaad White and rookie Bucky Irving have been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers this season. Even with a healthy Baker Mayfield putting up top-5 QB numbers, the Bucs have leaned heavily on their backfield.
In Weeks 7-8, White and Irving combined for a whopping 45.8 fantasy points. Both backs are heavily involved in the passing game, with White in particular thriving as a receiver. Heading into a favorable second-half schedule, both White and Irving can be trusted as flex plays with RB2 upside on any given week.
Don’t Sleep on Chuba Hubbard
Despite the Panthers spending a premium pick on Texas rookie RB Jonathan Brooks, it’s been Chuba Hubbard who has carried the mail in Carolina. Hubbard, who just inked a 4-year extension, ranks 5th in the NFL in rushing and 9th among RBs in PPR scoring.
While Brooks may still have a bright future, his impact this season figures to be minimal. Hubbard has earned the lead role and doesn’t appear keen on relinquishing it any time soon. In an offense devoid of playmakers, Hubbard remains a volume-based RB2.
Key Takeaways
- Temper expectations for C.J. Stroud until the Texans address their O-line woes
- Jordan Mason is a must-start RB2 for as long as Christian McCaffrey is sidelined
- Both Rachaad White and Bucky Irving are viable flex plays in the Buccaneers’ offense
- Chuba Hubbard, not Jonathan Brooks, is the Panthers RB to roster this season
As always, the key to fantasy football success is adapting to new information. Don’t be afraid to pivot from preseason narratives when the evidence demands it. Trust your eyes, trust the numbers, and don’t overthink it. Happy Week 10!
