Fantasy Football Week 10: NFL Player Breakdowns by Matchup

It’s a short week in fantasy football in Week 10 with a Thursday game, so we’re punching out our weekly fantasy football player breakdowns to get you ready for another heated fantasy battle.

Look no further than our fantasy matchup breakdown for all the latest on players and game match ups for Week 10:

Baltimore Ravens @ Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

QB Joe Flacco—Flacco is a quality QB2 against a struggling Falcons secondary. ****

RB Ray Rice—Rice is back to producing on the ground, as well as in the air. ****

RB Willis McGahee—McGahee produces at random. You can plug him in if you feel lucky, but I’m still not comfortable despite his amount of touchdowns this season. **

WR Anquan Boldin—Boldin had a rough week, but this is a great matchup for him to get back on track. ****

WR Derrick Mason—Flacco is finding Mason more and more. Nice flex option in Week 10.***

WR TJ Houshmandzadeh—He’s not getting enough looks from Flacco to warrant any starts. *

TE Todd Heap—Heap isn’t a bad play here, but there are still better options. **

Baltimore Defense—Their defense is finally improving, but I’m skeptical this week against a tough offense. ***

Atlanta Falcons

QB Matt Ryan—The matchup isn’t the greatest with Ed Reed back, but Ryan is a mediocre QB2 this week. ***

RB Michael Turner—Turner keeps producing, and Baltimore can be run on. ****

RB Jason Snelling—He’s not seeing enough touches to start. **

WR Roddy White—White is the No.1 fantasy wideout. Keep him in every week. *****

WR Michael Jenkins—Keep Jenkins in at the flex if you’re hurting for WRs.  ***

WR Brian Finneran—Finneran’s value is very limited.

TE Tony Gonzalez—Gonzalez is playing like he used to, and this matchup isn’t the greatest. **

Atlanta Defense—I’d keep Atlanta’s defense on the bench this week. **

Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills

Detroit Lions

QB Drew Stanton—Stanton most likely gets the start with Stafford out and Hill still ailing. He’s a nice sleeper this week. ***

RB Jahvid Best—Best makes for a nice flex play this week. ***

RB Kevin Smith—Smith should be sat unless Best goes down. *

WR Calvin Johnson—There’s no reason to sit Calvin Johnson any week, despite getting shut down in Week 9. ****

WR Nate Burleson—While Burleson is improving, it’s hard to tell how well Stanton will perform. Not a bad high risk/high reward start here. ***

TE Brandon Pettigrew—Stanton liked his tight ends in college, and I still like Pettigrew here. ***

TE Tony Scheffler—Keep Scheff benched despite Stanton's affinity for TEs. **

Detroit Defense—I think the Bills will surprise them a bit, but this defense is improving. Risky start here. ***

Buffalo Bills

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick—This is a solid start against a weak secondary. ***

RB C.J. Spiller—Spiller still isn’t seeing enough touches to warrant a start. *

RB Fred Jackson—Jackson is still just a flex option at best, but he should get shut down this week. ***

WR Lee Evans—Evans struggles to get in the end zone, but he’s not a bad flex play. ***

WR Steve Johnson—He didn’t get a score last week, but you can’t be upset with 145 yards. ****

TE Shawn Nelson—Fitzpatrick doesn’t go to his TEs often. *

Buffalo Defense—I don’t care for the matchup this week. **

New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

New York Jets

QB Mark Sanchez—Despite the Browns' wins, the QBs have still produced well. However, Sanchez could have a rough game. **

RB Shonn Greene—Greene is getting touches here and there, but not enough to warrant a start unless you’re desperate. **

RB LaDainian Tomlinson—Tomlinson should be a nice flex play this week. ****

Santonio Holmes—Keep Holmes in the flex. He could burn the Cleveland secondary this week. ***

WR Braylon Edwards—Edwards keeps proving me wrong. Keep him in the flex until he slows down.  ***

WR Jerricho Cotchery—He’s seeing more targets, but be cautious starting him. **

TE Dustin Keller—Keller is a good play against a team that struggles against tight ends. ***

New York Defense—If they can shut down Peyton Hillis, they can shut down Cleveland’s offense, but it’s a risky play. ***

Key Note—Kris Jenkins (NT) of the Jets is out for the season.

Cleveland Browns

QB Colt McCoy—It’s a tough call guessing whether or not McCoy will remain the starter, but I don’t recommend the start, despite him limiting mistakes. **

RB Peyton Hillis—Even against this defense, Hillis should be started. He gets most of the offensive touches. ****

RB Mike Bell—Bell isn’t going to see enough touches to warrant a fantasy start. *

WR Brian Robiskie—Robiskie shouldn’t be rostered. *

WR Mohamed Massaquoi—Mass had a reasonable game against the New England Patriots, but I still don’t recommend the roster spot. *

WR Chansi Stuckey—Stuckey is the Browns' most productive wide receiver. Nice flex play in deeper PPR leagues. ***

WR Josh Cribbs—Cribbs isn’t doing much on offense. *

TE Ben Watson—Watson keeps seeing targets and receptions. A nice sleeper. ***

TE Evan Moore—He’s too inconsistent to rely on, but he makes big plays at random. **

Cleveland Defense—I’m still hesitant to start the Browns, because they are the Browns. But they are a sleeper this week. ***

Key note: Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are both questionable with ankle sprains.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts

Cincinnati Bengals

QB Carson Palmer—Palmer isn’t a bad start against the Colts. ****

RB Cedric Benson—Benson played well against the Pittsburgh Steelers and gets a nice matchup here. ****

RB Bernard Scott—Let’s keep Scott on the bench until he gets more involved with the offense, or at least in the red zone. *

WR Chad Ochocinco—Ochocinco is just a mediocre flex option with Owens making the plays.  ***

WR Terrell Owens—Owens has been huge for the Bengals. Keep him in. ****

WR Jordan Shipley—Shipley only has value in very deep PPR leagues. *

TE Jermaine Gresham—Gresham is a desperate spot start. **

Cincinnati Defense—Bench this defense against Peyton Manning. *

Indianapolis Colts

QB Peyton Manning—Manning is a guy you start every week.  *****

RB Joseph Addai—Addai is still questionable, and may miss Week 10 as well. *

RB Donald Brown—Donald Brown may be a decent flex option if he gets the start. ***

RB Mike Hart—Hart will most likely sit in Week 10. *

RB Javarris James—James got two red zone scores, but temper your expectations. **

WR Reggie Wayne—Wayne is one of the most reliable receivers. Keep him in the lineup. ****

WR Pierre Garcon—Garcon should be started with Collie most likely out. ****

WR Blair White—If Collie does sit out, White could be a nice flex pickup. ***

TE Jacob Tamme—Time to get Tamme in weekly. Peyton loves him. ****

Indianapolis Defense˘I’m not crazy about starting the Colts' defense any week. **

Key Note—Dallas Clark is out for the season with a wrist injury. Austin Collie may be out with a concussion. Anthony Gonzalez was placed on IR.

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Minnesota Vikings

QB Brett Favre—Favre had a ton of yards in a comeback win, but he’s still turning the ball over.  ***

RB Adrian Peterson—You shouldn’t sit AP any week. *****

WR Percy Harvin—Harvin is a guy you should continue to play in your WR2, at the least. ****

WR Bernard Berrian—Berrian finally made an impact. It only took nine weeks. Sit him for another week and monitor his progress. *

WR Greg Camarillo—He stepped up after not being targeted for two straight weeks. But keep him on the bench. *

TE Visanthe Shiancoe—Shiancoe is more of a go-to guy with Randy Moss out of the picture. ***

Minnesota Defense—Minnesota’s defense has been inconsistent, but you should expect a few turnovers this week. ****

Chicago Bears

QB Jay Cutler—I’d consider sitting Cutler this week. **

RB Matt Forte—Forte finds ways to make plays in the running game and passing game. But he’s just a flex option this week. ***

RB Chester Taylor—Taylor’s value is still limited. *

WR Devin Hester—Hester shouldn’t be started. *

WR Johnny Knox—I really like Knox in the flex, still. He makes plays down the field. ****

WR Devin Aromashodu—Aromashodu doesn’t see enough receptions to warrant a start. *

TE Greg Olsen—He’s a bit too inconsistent for my liking. **

Chicago Defense—I’d sit them this week against Adrian Peterson. **

Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins

Tennessee Titans

QB Vince Young—This isn’t a bad matchup for Young, assuming he plays. ***

QB Kerry Collins—If Collins gets the nod, get him in this week. *

RB Chris Johnson—It’s never smart to keep your No. 1 overall pick on the bench. *****

WR Randy Moss—Moss could have a nice game, but temper your expectations with him in his first week with the Titans. ***

WR Kenny Britt—With Moss in Tennessee, I see Britt slowing down. **

WR Nate Washington—Washington may be a solid flex play, but it’s hard to tell if his stock drops thanks to Moss. ***

TE Bo Scaife—Scaife doesn’t see enough receptions to be considered for a start. *

Tennessee Defense—This isn’t a bad matchup for the Titans, assuming they can get in Pennington's face. ****

Miami Dolphins

Chad Pennington- Pennington gets the start, and has little to no value this week against the tough Titans defense. *

QB Chad Henne— Henne has been benched for Week 10. *

RB Ronnie Brown—Brown got the carries against Baltimore, and should be a decent start for the rest of the season. ***

RB Ricky Williams—Williams received just two carries on Sunday. He’s a mediocre flex start this week. ***

WR Brandon Marshall—Marshall should continue to make plays, despite being held to 30 yards in Week 9. ****

WR Davone Bess—Keep plugging Bess in the flex. He’s getting frequent receptions. ****

WR Brian Hartline—Hartline continues to see receptions. Keep him in your flex. ***

TE Anthony Fasano—Fasano dropped a sure touchdown and wasn’t very good on Sunday. He’s an inconsistent option. **

Miami Defense—I’d sit Miami’s defense this week. **

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carolina Panthers

QB Jimmy Clausen—Clausen looks to be the starter with Matt Moore on the IR. He shouldn’t be started, however. *

QB Tony Pike—Pike is a long shot to start, and even if he does, he’s a bad fantasy option. *

RB Mike Goodson- Goodson is starting in Week 10 and goes up against a terrible Buccaneers rush D. Talk about a top sleeper. ***

RB DeAngelo Williams—Williams most likely won’t be back for Week 10. *

RB Jonathan Stewart—Stewart had a concussion, but should be good for Week 10. The matchup isn’t bad, but he’s done nothing to warrant a start. **

WR Steve Smith—Smith’s value takes a huge hit with Clausen at the helm. **

WR David Gettis—I’d stay away from Carolina receivers going forward. **

WR Brandon LaFell—See David Gettis. *

TE Jeff King—Jeff King has almost no fantasy value. *

TE Dante Rosario—Like King, little value. *

Carolina Defense—The Buccaneers' offense is heavily improving. I don’t like the matchup. *

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

QB Josh Freeman—Freeman has as good a matchup as ever this week. Nice QB2. ****

RB Carnell Williams—Keep him on the bench with Blount taking the carries. **

RB LaGarette Blount—Blount has an excellent matchup this week. ****

WR Mike Williams—Williams should stay in your lineup. He’s a nice WR2. ****

WR Michael Spurlock—Inconsistent amount of catches makes me not want to roster him. *

WR Arrelious Benn—He’s seeing more targets, but temper your expectations. **

TE Kellen Winslow—Winslow should be benched with Mike Williams seeing all the targets. **

Tampa Bay Defense—Tampa Bay is my sleeper defense this week. ****

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston Texans

QB Matt Schaub—I’d get Schaub in the lineup this week against a struggling defense. ****

RB Arian Foster—I’d keep Foster in the lineup as he keeps producing regardless of defense. ****

WR Andre Johnson—Johnson should stay in your lineup even though he’s not 100 percent. ****

WR Kevin Walter—Walter didn’t get targeted once in Week 9. **

WR Jacoby Jones—Jones isn’t worth a start unless another receiver goes down. *

TE Owen Daniels—Daniels had a nice Week 7, but Week 8 was a different story. There are better plays this week. **

TE Joel Dreessen—If Daniels doesn’t play again, Dreessen is a sleeper tight end. ***

Texans Defense—I’m skeptical of this defense even against the Jags. **

Jacksonville Jaguars

QB David Garrard—Garrard is a nice sleeper this week against a weak secondary. ***

RB Maurice Jones-Drew—Keep MJD in this week, as he’s playing well. ****

RB Deji Karim—He’s getting limited touches, but still worth keeping an eye on. **

WR Mike Sims-Walker—This could be a nice game for Sims-Walker. He’s a risky play here. ***

WR Mike Thomas—Thomas is a solid flex play this week. ***

TE Marcedes Lewis—Get Lewis in this week. Garrard loves this guy. ****

Jacksonville Defense—Keep the Jags' defense on the bench every week. *

St. Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

St. Louis Rams

QB Sam Bradford—Bradford is a mediocre QB2 this week. I think San Fran has a nice game. ***

RB Steven Jackson—I like to keep Jackson in the lineup as he’ll get receptions as well as his usual carries and yardage. ****

RB Kenneth Darby—Darby is a handcuff at best. We won’t talk much about him unless Jackson goes down.*

WR Danny Amendola—Amendola is a risky start here, but the secondary isn’t the greatest. ****

WR Brandon Gibson—He has limited value in very deep leagues. **

WR Mardy Gilyard—Gilyard should get some playing time on Sunday, but I don’t foresee it being enough to warrant even a spot start. *

WR Danario Alexander—Alexander could be a good sleeper, but keep him on the bench until he’s consistent. **

TE Daniel Fells—None of the St. Louis TEs have much value. *

St. Louis Defense—Frank Gore is the biggest thing that scares me about this defense. ***

San Francisco 49ers

QB Troy Smith—Smith is a risky start, so temper expectations. **

RB Frank Gore—There’s still no reason to take Gore out of the lineup. ****

RB Anthony Dixon—At this point, you can afford to drop Dixon. If Gore does go down at all, pick Dixon up quickly, however. *

WR Michael Crabtree—I’m not a fan of Crabtree, although Smith likes to throw it downfield. ***

WR Josh Morgan—Inconsistency makes him a worrisome option. **

WR Ted Ginn, Jr.—There’s no reason to start Ginn in any league. *

TE Vernon Davis—It’s hard to sit him, but Troy Smith doesn’t hit his tight ends much. ***

San Francisco Defense—Another sleeper defense this week. A very risky start, however. ***

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks

QB Matt Hasselbeck—He should be good to go, but I’m having trouble starting anybody on Seattle's offense.

QB Charlie Whitehurst—If he gets the start, then there’s almost no value in Seattle. *

RB Marshawn Lynch—This isn’t a bad matchup for Lynch, but it’s tough to start a guy not getting more than 15 carries. ***

RB Justin Forsett—Forsett isn’t a bad flex play most weeks because of his breakaway ability. ***

WR Mike Williams—If Hasselbeck does start, Williams could be a sleeper. ***

WR Deon Butler—It’s a better matchup than in previous weeks, but it’s tough to start him with inconsistency at QB. **

WR Golden Tate—Tate isn’t involved with the Seattle offense enough to even roster. *

TE Jon Carlson—This is a good matchup for Carlson, but again, I don’t like the QB play. **

Seattle Defense—Just say no to Seattle’s defense, missing its two best defensive lineman. *

Arizona Cardinals

QB Derek Anderson—Anderson played reasonably well, and he’s a nice sleeper this week, surprisingly. ***

RB Beanie Wells—Wells is hard to start with his lack of production, but the matchup is great. ***

RB Tim Hightower—Hightower is a deep league flex play at best. **

WR Larry Fitzgerald—I like Fitzgerald a lot this week.  ****

WR Steve Breaston—Breaston should produce well in Week 10. ***

WR Andre Roberts—Roberts’ value is very limited with Breaston back.

TE Ben Patrick—Just say no to Patrick. *

Arizona Defense—Stay away from this defense, even though the matchup is favorable.  **

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs

QB Matt Cassel—Cassel is improving. Not a bad QB2 this week. ****

RB Jamaal Charles—Get Charles in against a weak rush defense this week. ****

RB Thomas Jones—Jones should stay in this week against a weak defense. ****

WR Dwayne Bowe—Bowe keeps producing. Get him in the flex. ***

WR Dexter McCluster—McCluster isn’t fully healthy. Keep him on the bench. **

TE Tony Moeaki—Moeaki is a solid TE most weeks going forward. ***

Kansas City Defense—I don’t like this defense against a high-scoring Denver offense. **

Denver Broncos

QB Kyle Orton—Orton hasn’t slowed down much. Keep him in as QB2 at the worst.  ***

RB Knowshon Moreno—Moreno will make plays on the ground or in the air. I like him to keep getting touches and producing. ****

WR Eddie Royal—Royal isn’t seeing the receptions we want to even start at the flex. **

WR Jabar Gaffney—Gaffney is one of the top flex options in fantasy. ****

WR Brandon Lloyd—Lloyd should keep producing. ****

WR Demaryius Thomas—Thomas doesn’t have a big role in the offense as of late. Bench. **

TE Daniel Graham—Graham still isn’t worth a look in any format. *

Broncos Defense—I’m skeptical of this defense going forward. **

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys

QB Jon Kitna—Just say no to Kitna against the Giants. **

RB Felix Jones—Jones isn’t producing at all, unfortunately. **

RB Marion Barber—Barber is more of a red zone guy, but you can’t rely on the ‘Boys runners. **

WR Miles Austin—Austin is a risky start this week, but he should still make a few plays. ****

WR Dez Bryant—Even against this defense, I’ll keep Bryant in as he can score from anywhere. ****

WR Roy E. Williams—Williams will remain invisible with Kitna at QB. *

TE Jason Witten—Get Witten in the lineup as Kitna will throw to him quite a bit. ****

Dallas Defense—I say no thanks to this defense against a high scoring Giants offense. *

New York Giants

QB Eli Manning—Eli will continue to produce as a QB1 this week. ****

RB Ahmad Bradshaw—Bradshaw will continue to get touches and make plays. ****

RB Brandon Jacobs—Jacobs is becoming a nice flex play. Keep him in. ***

WR Steve Smith—Smith is out with a pectoral injury. *

WR Hakeem Nicks—Nicks shouldn’t be benched in any week. ****

WR Mario Manningham—Manningham should remain a nice flex option. ***

TE Kevin Boss—There are still many better options at tight end. *

TE Travis Beckum—He’s still seeing barely one reception a game. *

New York Defense—Keep the Giants defense plugged in here. ****

New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers

New England Patriots

QB Tom Brady—Brady has been shaky all season. He’s a QB2 this week. ***

RB Fred Taylor—Taylor, Law-Firm, it doesn’t matter. Bench them. *

RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis—Time to sit BJGE against the Steelers' defense. **

RB/WR Danny Woodhead—He’ll see his share of touches, but the matchup is terrible. **

WR Deion Branch—Branch is just a mediocre option this week. ***

WR Wes Welker—Probably a good idea to sit Welker going forward, until he produces. ***

WR Brandon Tate—Tate was shut down against the Browns. The Steelers' secondary isn’t great, but it’s a risky start. **

TE Rob Gronkowski—He had a very bad Week 9, and may miss some playing time because of it. **

TE Aaron Hernandez—Hernandez got his red zone looks this week, and isn’t a bad option.  ***

Patriots Defense—I’m sitting the Pats' defense until they show some consistency. **

Pittsburgh Steelers

QB Ben Roethlisberger—Big Ben should be able to make plays this week. I like him as a mid-range QB1. ****

RB Rashard Mendenhall—Keep Mendenhall. He’s running hard. ****

RB Mewelde Moore—Moore will spell Mendenhall here and there, but his value is very limited. *

WR Hines Ward—Get Ward in the lineup as Ben will still find him. ****

WR Mike Wallace—There’s no reason to sit a receiver who just keeps producing. ****

TE Heath Miller—Miller still isn’t getting many looks with Wallace breaking out. It may be best to sit him this week as well. **

Pittsburgh Defense—Keep the Pittsburgh defense in regardless. *****

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins

Philadelphia Eagles

QB Michael Vick—Vick is an excellent start against a poor secondary. ****

RB LeSean McCoy—There’s no reason to sit McCoy here. ****

WR DeSean Jackson—Jackson is healthy and producing again. Keep him in the lineup. ****

WR Jeremy Maclin—Maclin is still a nice option, despite a shaky Week 9. ****

WR Jason Avant—Avant only really has value in a deep flex league. **

TE Brent Celek—I’d sit Celek as long as Vick is the starter. **

Philadelphia Defense—This isn’t a bad week to start Philly’s defense against a team who’ll most likely start their third string running back. **

Washington Redskins

QB Donovan McNabb—There are many better options this week. I’d consider benching him as he’s barely a mediocre QB2 this week. **

RB Ryan Torain—Torain could start, but it’s hard to tell if he’ll be 100 percent. If he starts, I’d plug him in the flex. ***

RB Keiland Williams—If Torain sits, I’d sit Williams, but keep an eye on him as he could thrive in Shanahan’s offense. **

WR Santana Moss—Moss continues to make plays, but he’ll have to go up against Asante Samuel. Tough call here. ***

WR Anthony Armstrong—Sit Armstrong this week. I don’t care for the matchup. **

TE Chris Cooley—Cooley will see his receptions, and he’s a great start against a Philly defense that struggles with tight ends. ****

Washington Defense—Let’s just sit them this week with Vick at the helm. *

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