Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 10: Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More

Don't look now, but the fantasy regular season is nearing a close. In most leagues, there are only four weeks remaining before the playoffs get underway.

Some owners are looking at a daunting task ahead just to make it to the postseason, while others are basking in the glory of their records thus far. Even with just a handful of games left on the year, every owner has difficult decisions this week.

Six teams are on a bye in Week 10, including the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers. From where I'm standing, that leaves a void at the quarterback position, along with other crucial roster spots, for several owners.

Before making several crucial decisions, here's a look at the top matchup plays, sleepers and some to avoid in Week 10.

Top Matchup Plays

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons (at TB)

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In the midst of a five-game losing streak, the Atlanta Falcons have looked awful in nearly every facet recently. Heading into Week 10, they have a cure-all on tap against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the bye week.

During the first matchup this year, Matt Ryan was able to do whatever he wanted against the Bucs. Finishing with 286 passing yards and three touchdowns, Ryan demoralized Tampa Bay during the 56-14 win.

Though the Falcons have regressed since that point, the Buccaneers defense doesn't look any better. Still getting manhandled by quarterbacks—Brian Hoyer had 300 yards and two touchdowns—Lovie Smith's team might be in for a long day against the Falcons.

Owners who have grown upset with Ryan may consider benching him in favor of the hot hand. But with his recent results against Tampa Bay, he's a must-start option in a week where several great quarterbacks have byes.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. CAR)

Last season, nobody had to tell fantasy owners to slot LeSean McCoy into their starting lineup. Things haven't gone as smoothly this year, but the turnaround appears to be starting for the former RB1.

McCoy has failed to reach the end zone in the last three games, but with an average of 124.7 yards during that stretch, owners haven't needed him to get touchdowns.

Some might believe the entire Eagles offense will take a step back with Nick Foles suffering a broken collarbone, via Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com. But McCoy is confident with Mark Sanchez under center, per SiriusXM NFL Radio:

Now, McCoy faces a defense that has been destroyed on the ground all season. The Carolina Panthers have allowed the fourth-most points (22.88) and are the only team to allow over 1,000 rushing yards to running backs this season.

On the road to finally redeeming himself in fantasy, McCoy might even finally score his first touchdown since Week 2 of the season. Going against the Panthers this year, anything seems possible in the Monday Night Football matchup.

Sleepers to Utilize

Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver Broncos (at OAK)

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This might be the last week to put Ronnie Hillman in the "sleepers" category, but I'll keep him there for now. Thanks to his matchup against the Oakland Raiders this weekend, he might just solidify himself as an RB2 around fantasy circles.

In fact, Hillman has already posted a career high in touchdowns this season, as ESPN Stats & Info notes:

While the Denver Broncos were ravaged by the New England Patriots in Week 9, Hillman still got his fourth straight double-digit point performance. He's also now at four total touchdowns in the last three games after grabbing a late receiving score.

Going against an Oakland defense that has allowed 24.16 points to running backs this season, Hillman will thrive for the Broncos and fantasy owners again. The Raiders have surrendered 11 touchdowns to tailbacks already, so Hillman might just hit pay dirt multiple times again on Sunday.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. ATL)

Well hello, Mike Evans' fantasy stock. The rookie receiver tallied seven catches on 11 targets for 124 yards and two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, instantly becoming a player on the rise.

Sure, fantasy owners would like to see more consistent results, but 11 targets from Mike Glennon shows he's becoming a reliable target. Whether you picked him up on the waiver wire or drafted him as a late flier, Evans finally paid off—for those who started him.

Matching up with yet another porous defense in the Atlanta Falcons, Evans looks like a smart option to put in the starting lineup. With other receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Brandon LaFell off for the week, putting Evans in their place should produce good results.

Lower Your Expectations

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins (at DET)

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Just when it seemed safe to start Ryan Tannehill after another solid start, he has one of his toughest matchups of the season.

The Miami Dolphins torched the San Diego Chargers in a 37-0 game that was never in question from the opening drive. Much of that success was thanks to Tannehill, who posted his highest point total of the season.

Using his legs has also upped his value for owners, as Marcus Katkin of BlindsideFootball.com notes:

But this week is a different story, as the Lions have limited quarterbacks to just 12.32 points per game this season. At home, Detroit has allowed just one signal-caller to throw for two touchdowns—that was Drew Brees.

Why build up Tannehill only to tear him down? Because he's a viable option moving forward against teams like the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. Look for Tannehill to hit a fantasy speed bump this weekend in Detroit.

Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills (vs. KC)

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Prior to his bye in Week 9, Sammy Watkins was on a torrid pace for fantasy owners. So why should expectations be tempered this week? The Kansas City Chiefs defense might be slightly better than we thought.

Watkins finished the two games prior to the bye with a total of 279 receiving yards and three touchdowns. But those performances came against the Vikings and Jets—hardly considered difficult defenses.

In the last four weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs have allowed an average of 16.27 points to wide receivers, ranking third-lowest in fantasy. Going against a stout defense, expect Watkins to return to subpar numbers this weekend.

All fantasy stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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