As fantasy football managers gear up for the crucial Week 10 matchups, savvy owners are scouring the waiver wire for hidden gems that could provide a much-needed boost to their lineups. While the season’s biggest stars continue to dominate headlines, several undervalued players have emerged as potential difference-makers in this pivotal week.
Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa Poised for Big Performances
At the quarterback position, the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert has quietly been playing some of his best football in recent weeks. According to a fantasy football expert, Herbert’s three top fantasy performances this season have all come in his last three games, suggesting he’s hitting his stride at the perfect time. With a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans on tap, Herbert is a prime streaming option for managers in need of a signal-caller.
Another quarterback to consider is the Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa. Since returning from a concussion, Tagovailoa has been incredibly efficient, completing over 80% of his passes and averaging a solid 16.1 fantasy points per game. As the Dolphins prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, Tagovailoa’s timing and rhythm in head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense could lead to a productive outing, especially with dynamic weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at his disposal.
Wide Receivers: Quentin Johnston and DeMario Douglas Offer Upside
Moving to the wide receiver position, the Chargers’ rookie Quentin Johnston is an intriguing boom-or-bust option. While his production has been inconsistent, Johnston has demonstrated big-play ability, scoring touchdowns in three of his last five games. As Herbert looks to stretch the field, Johnston could be the beneficiary of a long score or two against the Titans.
For managers in deeper PPR leagues, the New England Patriots’ DeMario Douglas is worth considering. With the Bears likely to employ a zone-heavy defensive scheme against rookie quarterback Drake Maye, Douglas could find plenty of room to operate underneath. In Week 9, Douglas caught seven of nine targets, and while he may not have immense upside, his steady target share provides a solid floor.
Tight Ends and D/ST: Jonnu Smith and Chicago Bears Headline Streaming Options
At tight end, the Dolphins’ Jonnu Smith has emerged as a reliable target for Tagovailoa, catching nine of 12 targets over their past two games together. With the Rams struggling to contain tight ends this season, Smith could be schemed open on boot and movement concepts, leading to valuable catch-and-run opportunities.
Finally, for managers streaming defenses, the Chicago Bears are an appealing option at home against the Patriots and rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The Bears have been opportunistic, forcing at least one turnover in seven of eight games while racking up multiple sacks in five straight. Maye, meanwhile, has struggled with turnovers and pass protection, making the Bears a high-upside play.
“Successful fantasy football management is about finding value where others might overlook it. By staying attuned to emerging trends and favorable matchups, savvy owners can unearth lineup-altering pickups in the heart of the season.”
– Veteran fantasy football analyst
As Week 10 approaches, fantasy football managers must remain vigilant in their pursuit of an elusive championship. By capitalizing on the hidden potential of players like Justin Herbert, Jonnu Smith, and the other undervalued assets mentioned above, owners can gain a critical edge over their competitors. With the stakes higher than ever, these last-minute pickups could be the key to securing a crucial victory and keeping those title hopes alive.
