Week 10 Waiver Wire: Examining Top Fantasy Football Targets

The Week 10 waiver wire is quite important in the world of fantasy football, as most owners start thinking about the playoffs right around this time. 

Now is a great time to scoop up lesser-known adds in the hope that they continue to produce at a big clip, which will allow owners to then flip them as sell-high options via trade.

Well, that or actually use the productive gems unearthed from a sea of names past and present.

Regardless, Week 10 has plenty of value for owners who know where to look.

Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins (40.5 percent owned)

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Remember when Ryan Tannehill was in danger of being benched?

Crickets.

The Miami Dolphins gunslinger pulled the best performance of his quietly strong fantasy season out of his hat in Week 9, torching the strong San Diego defense for 288 yards and a trio of scores that added up to a season-high 27 points.

Keep in mind that Tannehill has scored in double digits in every single game this season. As ESPN's James Walker captures, the staff expects Tannehill to keep on his current track:

Now, Tannehill has a brutal upcoming slate. Two of his next three games come against teams (Detroit and Buffalo) that rank among the top three in terms of fewest points allowed to quarterbacks.

Still, Tannehill's play is the definition of consistent. He is an excellent stash for down the road, if not a reliable starter in tough matchups if owners are desperate.

Honorable Mentions: Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals; Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles

Running Back

Tre Mason, St. Louis Rams (49.1 percent owned) 

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The fact St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason is potentially available in about half of the fantasy leagues out there is downright silly. 

Running back as a whole is a mess this year, so any chance to get a potential starter, or even a majority opportunist in a committee, is a great chance for owners to put themselves ahead.

Mason did few things pretty last week on his way to six points, but what is important is that head coach Jeff Fisher turned away from his typical committee approach and gave the rookie back 19 of the team's 23 running back rushes. 

ESPN's Nick Wagoner put it best:

Those upset by Mason's Week 9 output need to remember Week 7, when he took 18 carries for 85 yards and a score and 14 points against a strong Seattle defense.

The talent and production is there for Mason, and it appears the opportunities will be, too. He is a strong RB2 with upside regardless of matchup, so add him as soon as possible if he still sits on the wire.

Honorable Mentions: Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings

Wide Receiver

Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers (21.9 percent owned)

Gene Puskar/Associated Press

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wideout Martavis Bryant made his NFL debut in Week 7 this season.

The numbers say it all about his fantasy value:

WK	OPP	REC	YDS	TD	PTS
7	Hou	2	40	1	10
8	Ind	5	83	2	20
9	Bal	3	44	2	16

Many will point out that in that span quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has looked more like Peyton Manning and the Steelers have employed a pass-first approach, but at what point does that narrative get flipped on its head?

At what point does the rookie begin to get some credit for the improvement of the offense?

After all, Bryant is a deep threat who takes the top off defenses and makes the lives of those around him easier. He clearly has a nice rapport with his quarterback, too, as Scott Kacsmar of Football Outsiders illustrates:

Those who figure this sort of production will end soon are likely to be in error, too, as the Steelers next get the struggling defenses of the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.

Bryant will have a few rookie-esque games at some point, but for now, feel free to ride the waves.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars

Tight End

Owen Daniels, Baltimore Ravens (28.3 percent owned)

Baltimore Ravens tight end Owen Daniels was a must-drop option just a few weeks ago after he missed Week 8 due to a minor knee operation.

Daniels was right back at it last week with six catches for 53 yards.

Now, Daniels did not score lofty numbers upon his return, but keep in mind that he had a touchdown vultured by backup Crockett Gillmore and led the team in targets.

Also of note is his upcoming schedule, which provides Daniels a matchup against the Titans, a team that surrenders the 12th-most points to tight ends this year.

Daniels clearly remains one of quarterback Joe Flacco's favorite targets, so he is easily a TE1 in the coming weeks.

Honorable Mentions: Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins; Mychal Rivera, Oakland Raiders

All scoring info courtesy of ESPN standard leagues, as is points-against info and ownership stats, as of Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. ET. Statistics courtesy of ESPN.