Waiver Wire Targets: Week 10

The difference in your week one game may have been changed based on one injury or one player putting up a dud. In order to prevent that from happening next week and each week following, here are a couple guys at each position who are owned in 50% of leagues or less according to NFL.com:

Quarterback:

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers – Owned in 41.7% of leagues

While remaining on a very tight leash with respect to keeping the starting QB role, Fitzmagic was yet again able to come out and perform for the Bucs this week. He put up over 26 fantasy points for the 4th time this season. Those were the only four games he has played from start to finish. We may end up seeing another QB change for the Bucs in the future, but for now, Fitzpatrick is a complete stud and he should be owned in most leagues.

Nick Mullens, 49ers – Owned in 2.3% of leagues

Before TNF last week, many people would not have even known what team Nick Mullens was on. Now, he has become very well known for beating up on the Raiders and winning the 49ers’ starting QB role from C.J. Beathard. In his first and only NFL game, he put up over 25 fantasy points. Anyone who may be looking for a high upside player that could improve as the season continues, Mullens would be an excellent addition to your squad.

Marcus Mariota, Titans – Owned in 9.4% of leagues

Being a dual threat QB always has been valuable to fantasy owners because a QBs abilty to gain yards or TDs with their legs leagues to more points that can be score. Last week, Mariota exceeded those expectations by scoring three times against the Cowboys. Mariota’s injuries and inconsistencies have been an issue this season, but do not be surprised if he begins to find some consistency as the season continues.

Running Back:

Josh Adams, Eagles – Owned in 0.7% of leagues

Before the Eagles bye last week, Josh Adams was being used as their primary ball carrier leading the team in carries that week. He has been doing well in that role since he began receiving opportunities averaging 5.4 YPC on the season. Recent reports suggest that he has definitely caught the attention of Eagles OC Mike Groh. Being a rookie who is already displaying this level of success should bode well for his opportunities during the rest of the season.

Theo Riddick, Lions – Owned in 33.3% of leagues

Theo Riddick has been quiet this season and he missed two weeks due to injury. When he returned last week, he saw a prominent role in the Lions passing game. While Kerryon is the better overall runner, Riddick’s usage on passing downs allows him to still have significant value in PPR leagues for anybody that needs a high floor, low ceiling type player.

Mike Davis, Seahawks – Owned in 8.2% of leagues

Mike Davis has shown signs this year that he could be a big factor in the Seahawks’ running game. He thrived when Chris Carson was forced to miss time earlier in the season and with Carson going out with another injury this week, expect Mike Davis to pick up the majority of the workload. If given the choice between Davis or Penny, Davis is definitely the player to go with.

Elijah McGuire, Jets – Owned in 1.3% of leagues

Eli was activated from the IR late last week and was able to suit up against Miami on Sunday. Like expected, he fell right into the backup role to Crowell and took over most passing down situations that used to be handled by Bilal Powell. Expect his usage to remain consistent and he is worth a pickup in leagues for a spot start or any PPR leagues.

Ito Smith, Falcons – Owned in 7.1% of leagues

Ito has had a solid role all year since Freeman went down with an injury. He remains a somewhat low ceiling player since he still works behind Tevin Coleman, but this Sunday he was able to top 50 yards rushing for the first time all year and he managed to score another TD. If this game is any sign of what is to come, Ito could see his role get even better throughout the rest of the season.

Wide Receiver:

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers – Owned in 10.2% of leagues

A couple weeks ago, many did not know who MVS was or they thought he would be decent until Allison and Cobb returned from injuries. Now, MVS is functioning as the Packers second most used WR and he has scored over 10 points in four straight games. Any WR who has Aaron Rodgers as their QB should be in a great opportunity to be fantasy relevant and with Allison now heading to IR, MVS should remain involved enough in the offense to continue his fantasy relevance for the rest of the season.

Courtland Sutton, Broncos – Owned in 16.4% of leagues

Courtland Sutton did okay in his debut as the Broncos #2 WR. He does need to improve his efficiency with catching the football, but he has demonstrated that he has the skill to be a receiving threat down the field. Sutton will remain a strong deep threat as he has a catch of 20+ yards in seven of his first nine games. He should continue to be picked up and the opportunities he will have make him worth a bench spot in most leagues.

Josh Doctson, Redskins – Owned in 19.4% of leagues

Doctson has really started becoming more involved in the Redskins’ offense lately as the former first round pick has topped 40 yards or score a TD in three straight games. With the news of Paul Richardson heading to IR, this should open up more chances for Doctson to become the primary receiver on the outside for Alex Smith. If he can continue to take advantages of his opportunities and become more involved in the red zone, he may finally be able to live up to the expectations people have had for him since he was drafted.

Quincy Enunwa, Jets – Owned in 4.9% of leagues

Enunwa returned to the Jets this week after missing some time due to injuries. Earlier in the year, he displayed a great rapport with Sam Darnold and he is the most reliable receiver the Jets have. In his first game back he caught three of four passes for 40 yards. Those numbers should all continue to increase as he continues to get back to full health.

John Ross, Bengals – Owned in 2.1% of leagues

John Ross is another first round draft pick that has really failed to live up to team expectations. He has not played since week four of this week due to injury, but he did return to practice this week. A.J. Green remains doubtful to play this week which means Ross should have a bigger role than he normally does. Add that with a good matchup against the Saints defense and he is a great player to pick up at the WR position until A.J. returns.

Tight End:

Chris Herndon, Jets – Owned in 4.4% of leagues

Herndon has quietly taken a significant role within the Jets’ offense this season. He has scored three TDs in the past four games and at least six fantasy points in each of those games. Herndon may not be a big name player, but he is being productive in a position that has remained very thin and unpredictable from a fantasy perspective. At the very least, Herndon will be a solid bench tight end for anyone who has unreliable starters.

David Njoku, Browns – Owned in 46.8% of leagues

After a very disappointing week 8 performance, Njoku bounced back this week catching four passes for 53 yards. Baker will continue to use and rely on Njoku throughout the rest of this season and he remains one of the top receiving options on the Browns. Expect the new coaching staff to continue to find ways to get him the ball and look for mismatches near the redzone.

Ben Watson, Saints – Owned in 21.2% of leagues

I am very much starting to wonder if Ben Watson is ever going to age. Even at the age of 37, he remains a productive fantasy tight end. He has scored double digit fantasy weeks in two of the past three weeks. Brees trusts Watson to be one of his most relied upon receivers every week and that chemistry will continue to allow Watson to remain fantasy relevant.

Defenses:

This section of the article is based primarily on streaming defense options for each week. It will sight defenses that have good matchups and are owned in less than 15% of leagues according to NFL.com:

Washington Redskins – Owned in 13.7% of leagues

The Redskins have quietly be having a good year defensively. They are currently ranked as the 12th best fantasy defense and they have a great matchup this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Fitzmagic being at the QB position does make the offense as a whole better, they do still have issues with turnovers and the Redskins should remain a strong candidate for at least one turnover this week.

Buffalo Bills – Owned in 5.2% of leagues

The Bills’ defense has been one of the stronger defenses this season. Their biggest weakness has probably been the inefficiency of their offense. With Josh Allen possibly returning and a great matchup against a Jets’ offense that was shut down by Miami last week, the Bills should have a great week. Look for them to get to Darnold and force him to make poor decisions.