NFL Waiver Wire: Week 10 Deep Dive

Injuries seem to continue at a nonstop clip, so it's as important as ever to stay on top of the news as we head towards the playoffs. The good news is there are plenty of intriguing options on the wire. The bad news is most teams probably have multiple roster spots to fill. Let's jump in, and remember to check in on the traditional waiver wire article for any names you don't spot here.

Quarterback

Teddy Bridgewater vs. Eagles (27 percent ESPN, 58 percent FFPC)

The options at quarterback continue to thin as we see bye weeks, injuries and poor play at the position. Bridgewater hasn't put up gaudy numbers of late, but isn't likely to implode for teams that need a one-week fill in.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Lions (18 percent ESPN)

It hasn't been pretty, but Roethlisberger has topped 250 yards and thrown for two TDs in two of his last four games. The real draw is the upcoming matchup against the Lions. While it's unfortunate he's now without both JuJu Smith-Schuster and (likely) Chase Claypool, he's found rapport with Pat Freiermuth in the short areas of the field and that's recently helped his performance.

Mike White vs. Bills (eight percent ESPN, 12 percent FFPC)

White is an option in only superflex or two-quarterback leagues. Trevor Siemian faces the better matchup, but it's unclear how much of a role Taysom Hill may play so I'd prefer White given his status. If news comes out later in the week, Siemian or Hill would become a preferable option due to White's extremely difficult matchup against the Bills.  

Justin Fields – BYE (19 percent ESPN)

Despite heading into his bye, Fields saw a nice jump in roster rate after an impressive Monday Night performance against Pittsburgh. It looks like he's turned a corner and could perform well down the stretch.

Running Back

Carlos Hyde at Colts (24 percent ESPN)

There's little to no ceiling, but Hyde saw 72 percent of the team's rushing share in Week 9 in the absence of James Robinson. If Robinson returns – he did not practice Wednesday – then Hyde is safe to ignore.

Alexander Mattison at Chargers (39 percent ESPN)

Mattison is worth grabbing pending the fallout of the Dalvin Cook situation. He's likely rostered in most competitive leagues, but it's worth checking to be sure.

Mark Ingram at Titans (25 percent ESPN)

Ingram's role increased in his second game with New Orleans and was on the field for 34 percent of the team's offensive snaps with a 32 percent rush share. It's unclear if Alvin Kamara's mild knee sprain will affect his workload. But even if not, Ingram offers a solid floor for those in desperate need of a starting option.

Ty Johnson vs. Bills (20 percent ESPN)

Johnson offers standalone value as he saw 22 percent of rush attempts and six percent of targets last week against Indianapolis. He's now recorded multiple receptions in five straight contests while reaching at least 40 receiving yards in each of his last three.

Le'Veon Bell at Dolphins (six percent ESPN, 27 percent FFPC)

Bell nearly pulled even to Devonta Freeman with 11 rushing attempts in Week 9. While Freeman remains the preferred pass-catcher, Bell got the goal-line snaps. Bell could have some minimal standalone value should Latavius Murray be inactive Thursday as expected.

Taiwan Jones at Jets (zero percent ESPN, zero percent FFPC)

Matt Breida at Jets (zero percent ESPN, 11 percent FFPC)

If Zack Moss remains in concussion protocol, Devin Singletary would be the obvious beneficiary against the Jets. But Singletary isn't likely to be the sole workhorse back, which would open up change of pace opportunity behind him. Breida has regularly been a healthy scratch due to the special teams contributions of Jones. However, if Moss is out, I'd expect Breida to be active and operate as the Bills' second running back.

J.J. Taylor vs. Browns (zero percent ESPN, nine percent FFPC)

Brandon Bolden is likely to take over the top role in New England if the backfield remains beat up. But it'll be worth monitoring the practice status of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. If they return, Taylor can be safely ignored. If they are sidelined, Taylor could log a fairly significant role against Cleveland.

Jermar Jefferson at Steelers (zero percent ESPN, 19 percent FFPC)

Godwin Igwebuike at Steelers (zero percent ESPN, zero percent FFPC)

Similar to Buffalo, Jamaal Williams remained sidelined with a thigh injury on Wednesday even with the team coming off a bye. It's not clear who the Lions true second back would be in the absence of Williams, and it's probably not worth using many resources to find out given the Lions' poor offense.

D'Onta Foreman vs. Saints (one percent ESPN, nine percent FFPC)

Foreman was involved in 19 percent of the Titans' rushing attempts and the Titans backfield appears to have developed into a three-man committee. It's very unlikely there's enough volume to start Foreman this week, but it's worthwhile to monitor his role.

Jaret Patterson vs. Buccaneers (one percent ESPN, 45 percent FFPC)

Patterson is purely a stash while monitoring Antonio Gibson's healthy off a bye. Barring a surprise inactive for Gibson, Patterson is not a viable option this weekend.

Wide Receiver

Van Jefferson at 49ers (41 percent ESPN)

Jefferson has posted the same route percentage as both Woods and Kupp since the departure of DeSean Jackson. He's still well behind in targets, but rates among the best immediate fill-in options.

James Washington vs. Lions (zero percent ESPN, 11 percent FFPC)

Washington appears poised to step into the second receiver role in Pittsburgh. Given the decline of Ben Roethlisberger, that role doesn't mean as much for fantasy purposes as it once did. However, Washington should see a big jump in opportunity and targets for a positive Week 10 matchup. 

T.Y. Hilton vs. Jaguars (24 percent ESPN)

Hilton still needs to pass through concussion protocol, but returned to limited practice Wednesday. If cleared, he should immediately return to be the team's second wide receiver in a very favorable matchup. 

Marquez Callaway at Titans (39 percent ESPN)

The preseason hype for Callaway has long faded, but he's quietly seen over 20 percent of the team's air yards in each of the last three weeks and commanded a minimum of five targets in each of the last four. The Saints' offense isn't likely to become high-powered anytime soon, but Callaway seems to have the best chance to pop among the team's wideouts.

DeSean Jackson vs. Chiefs (three percent ESPN, 36 percent FFPC)

Jackson should take over the field-stretching role in Vegas. Though it's unclear how quickly he'll get integrated into the offense, the lackluster performances of Zay Jones and Bryan Edwards should be favorable to Jackson seeing an immediate role.

Deonte Harris at Titans (three percent ESPN, 10 percent FFPC)

Harris carries a relatively low route-participation rate at around 40 percent the last few weeks. The combination of an unimpressive Saints' offense and his part-time role means it isn't likely he'll consistently produce, though he's topped 50 receiving yards in three of his last four games and qualifies as a desperation play.

Sammy Watkins at Dolphins (10 percent ESPN)

Watkins is expected to return from a three-game absence, though it's unclear what type of role he'll return to with all of Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews healthy. Given that situation, Watkins isn't a comfortable start, but it's worth monitoring his usage in the Ravens' offense.

Rashod Bateman at Dolphins (29 percent ESPN)

Bateman increased his route rate in Week 9, but the wide receiver corps becomes much more crowded in Baltimore as noted for Watkins. It's likely best to take a wait and see approach, if possible.  

Tyler Johnson at Washington (one percent ESPN, six percent FFPC)

Johnson hasn't been able to take advantage of the absence of Antonio Brown to post big numbers, but an additional injury to Chris Godwin (foot) could create expanded opportunities. Washington is extremely charitable to opposing passing attacks, so Johnson should step into a great opportunity if Godwin is sidelined.

Terrace Marshall at Cardinals (four percent ESPN)

There's been no indication the Panthers are interested in demoting Robby Anderson, but his ineffectiveness is striking. Marshall could see an increased role as a result, but the next question would be which QB will be throwing him the ball.

Tajae Sharpe at Cowboys (seven percent ESPN, 17 percent FFPC)

Sharpe continues to see his role tick up in the absence of Calvin Ridley, though the production hasn't necessarily followed. He's a desperation-only play.

Tight End

Pat Freiermuth vs. Lions (39 percent ESPN)

This is probably the last call for Freiermuth in any league format as he's likely long gone. With Chase Claypool likely sidelined, even more targets should funnel Freiermuth's way.

Cole Kmet – BYE (12 percent ESPN)

Kmet's rostering is surprisingly low. Coach Matt Nagy praised the progress Kmet has made, and he should benefit with Justin Fields looking more comfortable in a Bears' offense that could make at least some progress in the second half.

Evan Engram – BYE (26 percent ESPN)

Engram has caught a touchdown in each of his last two games. He's combined to produce only 53 yards during that span, while the Giants' receiving corps is likely to get healthier with the bye. That makes Engram less appealing, but he's still a name to keep in mind.

Geoff Swaim vs. Saints (zero percent ESPN, zero percent FFPC)

Swaim has seen nine combined targets across his last two outings and has clearly gained the trust of the Titans' coaching staff. He's scored in consecutive contests and will continue to find a spot in the offense.  

Adam Trautman at Titans (two percent ESPN)

Trautman has recently received a desirable role by seeing target shares of 15 and 18 percent the last two weeks. That hasn't resulted in production to this point, but he could be a cheap add with a chance for production down the stretch.