Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 10: Last-Minute Fantasy Football Advice for Sunday

Crunch time has arrived in the world of fantasy football. Only a few weeks remain before the playoffs get underway, which means the push is on to earn one of those coveted spots. Making the right lineup decisions can go a long way in accomplishing that goal.

That challenge will be a little more difficult for some fantasy owners in Week 10. That's because three of the teams on bye—the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers—have several start-worthy assets. Filling those voids is one of the week's keys to success.

With that in mind, let's check out some players on the fantasy fringe and decide whether they belong in the starting lineup or on the bench for Week 10.

Start 'Em

QB Blake Bortles (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Although the Jaguars continue to struggle as a whole at 2-6, Bortles has showcased some progress in his second season. It's allowed him to average nearly 21 fantasy points over the past four games, pushing him into the top 10 at the position for 2015.

That certainly qualifies as a surprise after he tossed 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season. He still feels further improvement is right around the corner, though. The quarterback believes the Jags are just about to get over the hump, per John Oehser of the team's official site.

"When you're as close as we are, I think it's a small step away," Bortles said. "I think it's developing that consistency, and being able to do it week in and week out. It is frustrating, but we give ourselves through Monday. You have to be over it and ready to start game planning on Tuesday."

He should put together another strong performance as he squares off with the Baltimore Ravens. They rank 31st in the league against opposing fantasy quarterbacks and haven't given up less than 19 points to the position since Week 4. It's a matchup that could create that breakthrough Bortles is waiting on.

RB James Starks (Green Bay Packers)

Starks has been one of the league's most capable backups since he burst onto the scene during the Packers' run to the Super Bowl in 2010. Now it appears he'll finally get a chance to prove himself with a more extensive workload.

Eddie Lacy, one of the biggest fantasy busts in recent memory, has struggled all season and has dealt with nagging injuries. In turn, head coach Mike McCarthy stated this week that the Buffalo product has taken over the No. 1 role, at least for the time being.

Starks is an elusive runner and can also make plays in the passing game, which gives him a little extra appeal in PPR formats. That said, he's worth starting regardless of the scoring system as the Packers take on the Detroit Lions, which rank 29th against opposing fantasy rushers.

TE Jordan Reed (Washington Redskins)

The only thing that prevented Reed from a stronger fantasy start was a lack of touchdowns. Well, those have finally started to arrive lately as he scored three times in the past two games. It's moved him toward the upper echelon of fantasy tight ends.

It's a trend that should continue because, while Washington does have some talent at wide receiver led by Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, it lacks red-zone targets. That means Reed is going to get most of those looks for the Redskins for the rest of the season.

He could be in for a monster afternoon with the New Orleans Saints on tap this week. They gave up 12 catches for 153 yards and three touchdowns to the Tennessee Titans' three tight ends in Week 9. It makes Reed a high-upside play at a position with a lot of volatility.

Sit 'Em

QB Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)

Wilson has failed this season to provide fantasy owners with the explosive games he's enjoyed in the past. He hasn't thrown for more than 287 yards in any game and has topped the 20-point mark just once, which simply isn't good enough for a starting QB.

It's not entirely his fault. The Seahawks offensive line ranks dead last in pass protection, according to Football Outsiders. That's a saving grace for the team because it sheds light on why he's struggled, but it doesn't provide much solace to those who spent an early pick on him.

Things don't figure to get any better as Seattle battles the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Their defense ranks fifth against opposing fantasy quarterbacks and hasn't allowed any of them to score more than 18 points. Expect more of the same from Wilson as a result.

RB C.J. Anderson (Denver Broncos)

Though there's still a chance Anderson could reestablish himself as a reliable fantasy option before season's end, it's tough to trust him right now. He finds himself in a timeshare with Ronnie Hillman, and the team's running game hasn't gained much traction, ranking 28th in the NFL.

The third-year California product did put together his best performance of the season two weeks ago with 101 yards and a touchdown. He backed it up with a three-point day, though. And on the season he's scored six points or less in every game beside that Week 8 breakout.

The Broncos meet the Kansas City Chiefs for the second time this season Sunday. Anderson had 12 carries for 27 yards in the Week 2 clash. So, when you put all the factors together, there are just too many things working against him to have any level of confidence this week.

WR James Jones (Green Bay Packers)

Jones' return provided a boost to the Packers' passing attack as he reeled in six touchdowns over the first six weeks. His numbers have dropped off since the team's Week 7 bye, however, as he's tallied just three catches for 59 yards across two games.

Davante Adams becoming more involved in the offense has certainly played a role in that lack of targets. But Jones' strong start also caught the attention of opponents, and they responded accordingly, as noted by Andy Benoit of Sports Illustrated:

Jones will still catch some touchdowns down the stretch, which could make him a worthy flier in daily leagues. But his floor is too low in seasonal formats, and it makes him too much of a risk at this crucial point in the campaign. Keep him on the bench unless injuries arise to increase his targets.

All fantasy stats based on standard scoring and courtesy of ESPN.