Week 10 Fantasy Football Rankings: Projecting the Top Scorers by Position

If all goes according to plan, Matt Ryan could lock up the MVP award on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints and inch closer to making himself the best quarterback in fantasy football.

Facing the league's most generous defense, Ryan should make both fans and fantasy owners ecstatic as the leader of the Atlanta Falcons' explosive offense should have a field day against Steve Spagnuolo's punchless unit. 

Ryan won't be the only Falcon atop the fantasy leaderboards in Week 10 as Roddy White should be the primary beneficiary of Matty Ice's accurate right arm. 

With the Falcons set for another high-scoring affair, this week's top defense comes from a team out west whose brand of smashmouth football is second to none.

Let's take a look at the projected top scorers by position for Week 10. 

Quarterback: Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)

Any doubt about whether Matt Ryan belongs among the NFL's elite quarterbacks has been erased in 2012.

The former No. 3 overall pick in 2008 has silenced critics and torched defenses to the tune of 2,360 yards and a 17:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio through eight games. 

Ryan has put up at least 17 points in six of his first eight games, including 31 in the season opener against the Chiefs. 

In facing the Saints, Matty Ice will be throwing against perhaps the league's worst overall defense.

New Orleans is allowing over 30 points per game, including a whopping 15 touchdowns passes through seven games. 

Chalk Matty Ice up for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in this juicy matchup. 

Challenger: Tom Brady vs. Buffalo Bills

Running Back: Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)

Adrian Peterson can't be human. 

For a guy who shredded his knee late last season, he's looked as explosive as ever in 2012. 

After being held out of the end zone for a five-game stretch, the league's best back responded with monster fantasy days against the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Although the Detroit Lions' defensive line features some big names, Ndamukong Suh and Co. haven't played up to expectations thus far and rank just No. 18 in stopping the run. 

As long as the Vikings keep feeding Peterson, expect him to stay atop the running back rankings. 

Challenger: Stevan Ridley vs. Buffalo Bills

Wide Receiver: Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons)

Fantasy experts expected Julio Jones to be the Falcons' most valuable weapon, but Roddy White has reminded everyone why he's still one of the best in the game. 

The steady veteran currently has a two-point lead over the future All-Pro, and White should have no problem adding to that on Sunday. 

With Matt Ryan playing the best football of his career, both White and Jones are enjoying terrific seasons, but expect White to emerge as the best fantasy wideout in Week 10. 

Challenger: Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons)

Tight End: Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots)

Hopefully Rob Gronkowski spent some of the Patriots' bye week working on some new touchdown celebrations. 

With the Buffalo Bills next on the docket, Gronk will be executing at least a few signature spikes as the Patriots take on the lowly Bills defense. 

In New England's dramatic 52-28 stomping of the Bills in Week 4, the 6'6", 265-pound All-Pro caught five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. 

Don't be surprised if Gronk hauls in multiple touchdowns in the second go-around and posts close to 20 points.

Challenger: Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons)

Defense: San Francisco 49ers

While the Pittsburgh Steelers of old would be a sure thing against the lowly Kansas City Chiefs, age and a lack of depth have caused Pittsburgh to fall out of elite status defensively. 

By the end of Week 10, it will be Jim Harbaugh's 49ers that stand atop the mountain of fantasy defenses. 

Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman comprise the league's best trio of front-seven defenders, and the versatile bunch should make it a long day for Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams. 

With a porous offensive line, expect San Fran to rack up sacks in bunches and force a few turnovers in what could be a shutout. 

Challenger: Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Jets

Kicker: Stephen Gostowski (New England Patriots)

It's almost impossible not to find a New England Patriot who shouldn't put up a big fantasy day in Week 10, but that's what happens when you play the Buffalo Bills. 

In New England's Week 4 demolishing of the Bills, Stephen Gostkowski scored 10 points despite missing two field-goal attempts. 

The seven-year veteran has straightened out some early-season issues and looks poised to challenge the New York Giants' Lawrence Tynes for the honor of top fantasy kicker in 2012. 

Challenger: Shaun Suisham (Pittsburgh Steelers)