Fantasy Football Week 10: Matt Camp's Week 10 Preview

Why do you keep hitting the waiver wire? Because pickups from just a few weeks ago can quickly lose their value. Devontae Booker seemed primed for a run as a RB1 for the rest of the season, but a fumble in his first game as a starter and a poor performance in Week 9 make him radioactive material in the world of fantasy football.

The rapid changes in the NFL can throw you for a loop. If you're not prepared, your fantasy season can come to an end quicker than you expected, especially as we head down the stretch to the fantasy playoffs.

The top names on this week's waiver wire may not seem that exciting, but what if someone like Rob Kelley thrives in his role as the new lead back for the Washington Redskins? Scooping him up coming off a bye might be the move that cements one of the RB spots in your starting lineup.

As always, I'll take you through each position with the best options to grab heading into Week 10. At the end of this column, I'll explain why you need to take a long look at your entire roster and determine the worth of each player, specifically those you have stashed away.

Quarterbacks

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz should be busy when he takes on the Falcons.

Waiver Wire

Carson Wentz, PHI

Percent Owned: ESPN – 40.7, Yahoo – 38.0

Wentz seems to be in a funk after a great start to the season, but that doesn't mean you have to avoid him. In the Philadelphia Eagles' Week 9 loss to the New York Giants, Wentz completed 27 of 47 attempts for a season-high 364 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns.

That's not a strong fantasy performance, yet the volume was good enough to put him over 300 yards, which could be similar to what happens in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. In their last four games, the Falcons gave up more than 305 yards and two touchdowns per contest to opposing signal-callers. With Philadelphia's recent defensive woes, Wentz might have a busy day just to keep up with the high-powered Falcons offense.

Week 10 Projection: 280-290 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Jay Cutler, CHI

Percent Owned: ESPN – 3.6, Yahoo – 8.0

You might cringe at the sight of Cutler's name, but you shouldn't be cringing at his matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over the last two games, they surrendered 857 yards and eight touchdowns to quarterbacks. On four occasions, they have allowed QBs to throw for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns.

Cutler handled himself well in his return to action against the Minnesota Vikings before the Week 9 bye. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 252 yards and a touchdown. He's comfortable throwing to Alshon Jeffery and Zach Miller, and considering how bad Chicago's pass defense is, Cutler might get into an arms race with Jameis Winston. A favorable matchup and plenty of volume are strong enough reasons to consider him a solid streamer.

Week 10 Projection: 275-285 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

Joe Flacco, BAL

Percent Owned: ESPN – 26.3, Yahoo – 25

Seeing Flacco in the QB streamers again may make you roll your eyes. That's understandable since he's had just two games with at least 300 yards and just one game with multiple touchdowns. Luckily, this week's matchup with the visiting Cleveland Browns checks both of those boxes, as Flacco got them for 302 yards and two touchdowns (plus two interceptions) back in Week 2.

While he's struggled to find a rhythm and flow, using him as a streamer isn't a bad idea against the poor Browns defense. They haven't improved since the first time Flacco faced them, giving up 269 yards and more than two touchdowns per game to their last four opponents. The Browns have been a matchup to target for streamers, and with Flacco's earlier success against Cleveland, he should be a safe option for Week 10.

Week 10 Projection: 270-280 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

The Matchup Men

As a sneak preview of my weekly rankings, these are the players who are helped or hurt by their matchups. I'll provide additional analysis and projections in Wednesday's Big Board.

Matchup Bumps

Jay Cutler, CHI (at TB)

Eli Manning, NYG (vs. CIN)

Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. CLE)

Alex Smith, KC (at CAR)

Carson Wentz, PHI (vs. ATL)

Matt Ryan, ATL (at PHI)

Aaron Rodgers, GB (at TEN)

Trevor Siemian, DEN (at NO)

Matchup Concerns

Drew Brees, NO (vs. DEN)

Kirk Cousins, WAS (vs. MIN)

Running Backs

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Gary Kubiak said Kapri Bibbs will get more chances.

Waiver Wire 

Robert Kelley, WAS

Percent Owned: ESPN – 26.2, Yahoo – 28.0

With Matt Jones (knee) inactive for Week 8, Kelley was called on to lead the backfield, and he ran 21 times for 87 yards and a touchdown. In his first extended test, Kelley did well, so head coach Jay Gruden said he will get the "bulk of carries" while Jones "will have to earn his way back," according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post.

That's not a surprise, but it is nice to hear from a coach early in the week instead of leaving us to guess how the backfield will shake out. I assume Kelley remains so available because he was expected to be a one-week wonder, with Jones taking his job back after the bye. Instead, Kelley is one of the best pickups heading into his second week as the starter.

Week 10 Projection: 17 carries, 82 yards

Kapri Bibbs, DEN

Percent Owned: ESPN – 4.4, Yahoo – 5.0

Week 9 wasn't a busy one for Bibbs, yet he still found a way to make a big splash in a loss to the Oakland Raiders. While his only two carries went for 11 yards, his single target turned into a 69-yard touchdown reception. It was an amazing catch-and-run that saw Bibbs navigate his way across the field and through the Raiders defense.

In the same game, Devontae Booker outsnapped Bibbs 83-15 percent, but Booker wound up with just 22 yards on 10 carries and one reception for eight yards on three targets. In two starts since taking over for C.J. Anderson, Booker carried 29 times for just 76 yards with a touchdown and a lost fumble. He already has three fumbles on the season, two of which were lost, so he can't afford another.

Head coach Gary Kubiak said Bibbs "earned more opportunities to touch the football," according to Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post. While that doesn't mean Bibbs will take over the lead role in Week 10, the snap count won't be quite so lopsided. Denver wants to run the ball, and that's enough reason to pick up Bibbs.

Week 10 Projection: 10 carries, 45 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards

Peyton Barber, TB

Percent Owned: ESPN – 12.1, Yahoo – 18.0

Barber has survived the injury bug that's taken down four Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs. Antone Smith was the latest victim after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 9. Barber started that game against Atlanta and outsnapped Smith 45-30 percent, finishing with 11 carries for 31 yards and four receptions for 24 yards on five targets.

According to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, Doug Martin (hamstring) remains out of practice and "hasn't practiced since Week 2." Meanwhile, Auman said Jacquizz Rodgers (foot) is still in a walking boot, so his chances of playing against the Chicago Bears in Week 10 don't look good. It leaves Barber in line to lead the way again, so he should be more than just a one-week replacement.

Week 10 Projection: To be determined based on the status of Martin and Rodgers

DuJuan Harris, SF

Percent Owned: ESPN – 31.4, Yahoo – 33.0

With Carlos Hyde still nursing a shoulder injury, the San Francisco 49ers turned to Harris to lead their backfield against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Harris blew away expectations with 10 carries for 59 yards and five receptions on six targets for 83 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown. He did all that while playing 88 percent of the snaps.

The matchup worked in Harris' favor, although his performance would have been impressive against any NFL defense. It's the second week he led the team's backfield with Hyde out. In the days leading up to Week 9, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins said Harris "earned more opportunities" in the offense, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

Harris' fantasy value will depend on Hyde's status for Week 10, but he should be owned with the chance he starts again.

Week 10 Projection: To be determined based on Hyde's status

James Starks, GB

Percent Owned: ESPN – 18.3, Yahoo – 18.0

The excitement for Starks is a little out of control, although I do understand the reasoning behind plucking him off the waiver wire. The Packers don't have a healthy, experienced running back on their roster, as Ty Montgomery has led the way and Don Jackson has backed him up the last two games.

Starks hasn't played since Week 5 due to a knee injury. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, head coach Mike McCarthy said Starks had a "good week" of practice in Week 9 and the team will "push that forward this week" with more evaluation after Wednesday's practice. Starks can't be expected to play a big role even if he is active, and he should only be thought of as a flex/RB3 when he does finally get into the mix.

Week 10 Projection: To be determined based on status

The Matchup Men

Matchup Bumps

David Johnson, ARI (vs. SF)

Mark Ingram/Tim Hightower, NO (vs. DEN)

Jordan Howard, CHI (at TB)

Devonta Freeman, ATL (at PHI)

Matchup Concerns

Peyton Barber, TB (vs. CHI)

Matt Forte, NYJ (vs. LA)

Rob Kelley, WAS (vs. MIN)

Le'Veon Bell, PIT (vs. DAL)

DuJuan Harris/Carlos Hyde, SF (at ARI)

Isaiah Crowell, CLE (at BAL)

Spencer Ware/Charcandrick West, KC (at CAR)

Wide Receivers

Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

J.J. Nelson will be in the starting lineup for the Cardinals.

Waiver Wire

J.J. Nelson, ARI

Percent Owned: ESPN – 9.8, Yahoo – 14.0

Both Michael Floyd and John Brown played at less than 100 percent in Week 8, and Nelson led all Arizona Cardinals wide receivers in snaps (92 percent). He overachieved with eight receptions on 12 targets for 79 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. That gave the Cardinals reason enough to promote him to the starting lineup before going on their Week 9 bye.

Can you trust Nelson to be a reliable fantasy contributor? Expectations shouldn't be based on his big game against the Panthers, so you might want to use him as more of a WR3/4 or flex. He'll have a chance to keep up his impressive play with a favorable matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10.

Week 10 Projection: 5 receptions, 62 yards

Adam Humphries, TB

Percent Owned: ESPN – 11.2, Yahoo – 19.0

Humphries has flashed potential before (nine receptions, 100 yards in Week 3), but he was unable to follow up with useful fantasy production—until he posted five receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. Of course, that was way behind Mike Evans' 11 receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets.

Head coach Dirk Koetter said Evans remained in the concussion protocol as of Monday, but the wideout was "far enough along" in it to practice, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. Obviously, Humphries would get a bigger bump if Evans can't go, but he's still worth a grab as a reach play against a beatable Chicago Bears defense this weekend.

Week 10 Projection: 5 receptions, 55 yards

Rishard Matthews, TEN

Percent Owned: ESPN – 11.2, Yahoo – 30.0

Unlike Kendall Wright, Matthews isn't a rotational player for the Tennessee Titans. He was able to take advantage of his team-leading 89 percent of the snaps to rack up six receptions on 10 targets for 63 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers. In the last five games, Matthews has five touchdowns on 21 receptions.

While it might be hard to keep up that touchdown-to-catch ratio, at least you know Matthews is on the field for a lot of snaps, and sometimes those opportunities can yield solid fantasy production. Plus, the Titans remain in a favorable stretch of their schedule, at least until their Week 13 bye. Matthews could be busy if the Titans get into a high-scoring affair against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon.

Week 10 Projection: 5 receptions, 65 yards, 1 touchdown

Cordarrelle Patterson, MIN

Percent Owned: ESPN – 4.6, Yahoo – 7.0

Patterson is staying involved in the Minnesota Vikings offense just enough to consider using him as the last player in your starting lineup. The Vikings didn't have a bad matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 9, so Patterson had a decent game with six receptions for 45 yards on eight targets while playing 58 percent of the snaps. Unfortunately, he dropped a touchdown.

Stefon Diggs is still the top receiver in Minnesota. After that, it's wide open, so Patterson can stay in the mix as a receiver and a returner. The Vikings have a solid matchup with the Washington Redskins in Week 10.

Week 10 Projection: 6 receptions, 55 yards

The Matchup Men

Matchup Bumps

Mike Evans/Adam Humphries, TB (vs. CHI)

Jordan Matthews, PHI (vs. ATL)

Jarvis Landry, MIA (at SD)

Larry Fitzgerald/John Brown, ARI (vs. SF)

Mike Wallace/Steve Smith, BAL (vs. CLE)

Alshon Jeffery, CHI (at TB)

Kenny Britt, LA (at NYJ)

A.J. Green, CIN (at NYG)

Matchup Concerns

Brandin Cooks/Michael Thomas, NO (vs. DEN)

Allen Robinson, JAC (vs. HOU)

Jamison Crowder, WAS (vs. MIN)

Tight Ends

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Don't forget how great C.J. Fiedorowicz was before his bye week.

Waiver Wire

C.J. Fiedorowicz, HOU

Percent Owned: ESPN – 11.6, Yahoo – 11.0

The disappointing play of DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller has overshadowed the one Texans receiver who is coming through for fantasy. Fiedorowicz took advantage of a great matchup against the Lions in Week 8, snagging five of seven targets for 43 yards and a touchdown going into the bye.

In his last five games, Fiedorowicz has 24 receptions for 272 yards and three touchdowns on 34 targets. By comparison, Fuller has 25 receptions for the entire season. Get ready to fire Fiedorowicz back up against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend.

Week 10 Projection: 5 receptions, 52 yards

Austin Hooper, ATL

Percent Owned: ESPN – 12.9, Yahoo – 13.0

With Jacob Tamme (calf) out of the lineup on a short week, the Atlanta Falcons called on their rookie TE Hooper to step into a bigger role. After posting five receptions for 41 yards on five targets when Tamme went down in Week 8, Hooper followed that up with three receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown on six targets against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9.

According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, Tamme wasn't on the practice field Monday, so Hooper could be in line to lead the Falcons tight ends again in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Week 10 Projection: To be determined based on Tamme's status

The Matchup Men

Matchup Bumps

Dennis Pitta, BAL (vs. CLE)

Zach Miller, CHI (at TB)

Kyle Rudolph, MIN (at WAS)

Jordan Reed, WAS (vs. MIN)

Tyler Eifert, CIN (at NYG)

Matchup Concerns

Vance McDonald, SF (at ARI)

Greg Olsen, CAR (vs. KC)

Cameron Brate, TB (vs. CHI)

Zach Ertz, PHI (vs. ATL)

Austin Hooper, ATL (at PHI)

Defenses

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins should get after Sam Bradford and the Vikings.

This will typically focus on the best streaming options widely available in both ESPN and Yahoo leagues based on the matchups. The Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets should also be considered top streaming options for Week 10, but their ownership percentages varied from widely owned to less than 60 percent owned based on hosting site.

Washington Redskins (vs. MIN)

Percent Owned: ESPN – 3.5, Yahoo - 10

Typically, you can't get too picky when it comes to streaming defenses. The best defenses are already owned, so you try to find the best matchup and settle for whatever unit has it. The Redskins have a good matchup with the Vikings in Week 10, but they've also been one of the better fantasy defenses over the last month.

In their last four games, the Redskins have 14 sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown. The Vikings' offensive line woes have been a major problem, as evidenced by the 13 sacks they gave up in the last three games. It's the primary reason they allowed the most fantasy points to defenses in the last month. Jump on the Redskins for Week 10.

Kickers

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Sturgis has been reliable all season.

During the season, kickers on the rise or those entering favorable matchups with a lot of points forecast will be featured in this section.

Caleb Sturgis, PHI

Percent Owned: ESPN – 40.7, Yahoo – 42.0

Since the team returned from its Week 4 bye, Sturgis has been one of the best in the business. He's made 13 of 14 field-goal attempts and all nine extra-point tries. Sturgis also has at least two field goals in every game this season. Surprisingly, he's not owned in the majority of leagues, but you can take advantage of that by grabbing him this week.

Camp's Corner

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Paul Perkins may not have a chance to break out this year.

With about a month left in the fantasy regular season, roster spots become more valuable, whether you're looking to lock down the top seed or making a last-ditch effort to sneak into the playoffs. If you're stashing away some players, it's time to reassess where they stand.

We finally saw Paul Perkins play a significant role for the New York Giants in Week 9, as he carried 11 times for 32 yards and caught all three of his targets for 15 yards while playing 34 percent of the snaps. Unfortunately, the Giants lost left guard Justin Pugh for two to four weeks with a knee sprain, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan and Jordan Raanan. Perkins might have a tough time getting going without the team's top lineman.

In Week 9, Kenneth Dixon worked in a split with Terrance West in the Baltimore Ravens backfield, but Dixon managed just 13 yards on nine carries and two receptions for zero yards on 29 percent of the snaps. With West still in the mix (41 percent of the snaps) and Dixon unable to run for even 30 yards over four games, his time to prove himself might be up.

If you need to fill roster spots with bye-week fill-ins, injury replacements or handcuffs, players like Perkins and Dixon could be the first ones to go. Take some time to evaluate your entire roster and decide what each player means to your future success.

Stats provided by FantasyPros and NFL.com. Snap counts provided by Pro Football Focus. ESPN and Yahoo ownership percentages are accurate as of Tuesday morning.

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