Week 10 Waiver Wire Best Pickups and Sleepers With FAAB Analysis, Predictions

Week 10 is already underway and waiver claims have been processed in most fantasy leagues. However, it may not be too late to find help in free agency—and many managers will need fill-ins this week.

The injury hits keep coming, with Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson becoming the latest fantasy star to land on season-ending injured reserve. Additionally, the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the week off.

This means that standouts like Caleb Williams, Saquon Barkley, Bucky Irving, and Jonah Coleman are unavailable.

Here, we'll examine some top waiver options who may still be free to sign, run down some free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) guidelines for leagues with weekend waivers, and make a few statistical predictions.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

The list of viable starting quarterbacks available on the wire this week is quite short. Malik Willis just went to injured reserve, and Drew Lock is dealing with an obliques injury. Kirk Cousins has been heavily targeted since being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, and Fernando Mendoza will make his first start against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense.

However, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is only rostered in 41 percent of fantasy leagues and has a fair matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals have surrendered an average of 17.9 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. While the Steelers have leaned heavily on their ground game recently, they may need Rodgers to throw early and often to keep pace with Joe Burrow and Co.

Rodgers is a mid-level streamer who should have a good amount of insurance/backup value moving forward as well. He's worth roughly three percent of an FAAB budget right now.

Week 10 Projection: 280 passing yards, 2 TDs, 12 rushing yards

Emmett Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Kenneth Walker III is unquestionably the star of the Kansas City Chiefs' rushing attack. However, Andy Reid has done a fine job of incorporating rookie Emmett Johnson into the offense, especially over the last couple of weeks.

Johnson was a big part of the receiving game two weeks ago against Denver, and he finished with a whopping 25.3 fantasy points. He was a change-of-pace runner last week and tallied a respectable 9.4 fantasy points. He should see a fair bit of action this week as the Chiefs take on the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons, by the way, have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Johnson is still available in over 70 percent of fantasy leagues. However, managers should consider targeting him fairly aggressively (5-8% of FAAB budget), as he's one of the top handcuffs in the league.

Week 10 Projection: 42 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 33 receiving yards

Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Following a devastating knee injury that cost him all of the 2025 season, Tank Dell is back in the lineup for the Houston Texans. Following a relatively quiet 2026 debut, Dell fully announced his return against the Los Angeles Chargers last week.

On Sunday, Dell recorded four catches for 105 yards, a touchdown, and 20.5 fantasy points.

Dell may not be quite as productive this week against a solid Cleveland Browns defense, but he should have a reasonable PPR floor. Nico Collins is likely to draw a lot of Denzel Ward in coverage, which could regularly leave Dell open on underneath routes.

The 27-year-old is dealing with hand and shoulder injuries, so Dell's status will be worth watching. However, he should be a strong flex option moving forward and is worth well over five percent of FAAB. He's currently rostered in 38 percent of leagues.

Week 10 Projection: 6 receptions, 67 yards

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has a limited ceiling, largely because fellow tight end Darnell Washington exists. The mammoth Washington sees a lot of the red-zone work, and Freiermuth hasn't caught a touchdown pass since Week 5.

Freiermuth, who is rostered in 38 percent of leagues, is still worth around five percent of FAAB, though. He's a high-volume target who has reached double-digit fantasy points in three of his last five games. With Pittsburgh's bye out of the way, he'll also be a sound backup option for the remainder of the season.

This week, Freiermuth should have an excellent chance to eclipse 10 fantasy points again. As previously noted, Pittsburgh may have to pass frequently. The Bengals' defense has been susceptible to tight ends.

Cincinnati has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to the position this season.

Week 10 Projection: 5 receptions, 57 yards

*Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros