Editor’s note: Each week of the NFL season, Pipe Dream Sports writer Mary Martellotta will give advice on who to start, who to sit or who to add in your fantasy football league.
The main difficulty this week will be figuring out how to navigate the plethora of injuries plaguing the NFL midway through the season. With many players injured and still playing, figuring out who is worth the spot in your starting lineup is difficult but these picks should help you come out of week 10 victorious.
Start:
LeGarrette Blount RB (NE) — This week at the Giants, Blount is a must-start. With Dion Lewis out for the season, Blount will serve as the main back for New England. Despite his inconsistent fantasy output this season, Blount should have no issue against the bottom-ranked Giants defense.
Dez Bryant WR (DAL) — Even though Bryant is still listed as questionable on the injury report for this week’s game at Tampa Bay, he is a must-start. In his return after injury this year, he left the game with only two receptions for 12 yards. Even with his slow start, owners should have confidence after last week’s performance of over 100 yards and a touchdown. Especially against Tampa Bay’s weak secondary, there is no reason to suggest Bryant will be anything but productive.
John Brown WR (AZ) — Even as Arizona’s number-three wide receiver, Brown would be a solid start this week. While this choice is on the riskier side, Arizona is at Seattle this week and the Seahawks’ strong defense will most certainly aim to keep the receivers ahead of him out of the equation. This will leave room for Brown to rack up the points. Even with his questionable status in the injury report, all signs lead to Brown starting.
Sit
Eddie Lacy RB (GB) — This week against Detroit, don’t expect a boost in Lacy’s performance. Fantasy owners were hoping that his season was just off to a slow start as it was last year. Unfortunately, at week 10, it is doubtful that Lacy will perform any differently than he has all year. It’s time for this once-reliable running back to hit the bench.
Martavis Bryant WR (PIT) — This week against Cleveland, don’t expect Bryant to see many targets. With Roethlisberger out on injury, it wouldn’t be a good idea to rely on Bryant. Last time this season, Roethlisberger was out on injury and Bryant was essentially cut out of the offense. If owners have other receiver options, keep Bryant on the bench until Roethlisberger is back.
Alex Smith QB (KC) — Smith is a quarterback I would stay away from this week when the Chiefs head to Denver. Despite his strong outing last week, Smith’s performance against the Broncos earlier this season was poor, with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. His outlook this week looks even worse than last time the teams met. With the loss of Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs’ biggest weapon, there is every reason to expect a repeat performance.
Last week’s picks:
Start:
Tavon Austin (STL) — 7 points
Dwayne Harris (NYG) — 0 points
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST — 9 points
Sit:
Torrey Smith (SF) — 4 points
Donte Moncrief (IND) — 3 points
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST — 2 points