If you’re on the cusp of a playoff berth, every game becomes a must-win scenario. In order to make sure you secure a playoff spot, I’m going to be taking a look at my week 10 running back and wide receiver rankings to help prepare you. The rankings you’ll see below are based on statistical analysis, matchup data, sportsbook data, and film. As always, these rankings will change based on injury updates and more news, but here’s an early look to help set your lineup ahead for Thursday night football!
Week 10 WR Rankings
Tier 1
1. Ja'Marr Chase @ BAL
2. Justin Jefferson @ JAC
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown @ HOU
Tier 2
4. Malik Nabers @ CAR
5. A.J. Brown @ DAL
6. Cooper Kupp vs MIA
7. Tyreek Hill @ LAR
8. Drake London @ NO
Tier 3
9. CeeDee Lamb vs PHI
10. Garrett Wilson @ ARI
11. Deebo Samuel Sr. @ TB
12. Puka Nacua vs MIA
13. Nico Collins vs DET
Tier 4
14. Terry McLaurin vs PIT
15. Brian Thomas Jr. vs MIN
16. DeVonta Smith @ DAL
17. Davante Adams @ ARI
18. Zay Flowers vs CIN
19. Darnell Mooney @ NO
Tier 5
20. DeAndre Hopkins vs DEN
21. George Pickens @ WAS
22. Marvin Harrison Jr. vs NYJ
23. Josh Downs vs BUF
24. Ladd McConkey vs TEN
25. Amari Cooper @ IND
Tier 6
26. Michael Pittman Jr vs BUF
27. Tank Dell vs DET
28. DJ Moore vs NE
29. Courtland Sutton @ KC
30. Khalil Shakir @ IND
31. Calvin Ridley @ LAC
32. Jordan Addison @ JAC
Tier 7
33. Jameson Williams @ HOU
34. Jaylen Waddle @ LAR
35. Quentin Johnston vs TEN
36. Rome Odunze vs NE
Must Start: WR
DeVonta Smith @ DAL
ESPN Projection - WR23
Even with the return of A. J. Brown in week 10, DeVonta Smith is being ranked way too low. Even when Brown dominated in week one (22.9) and six (23.6), we saw Smith still produce two 15.4 point performances. In week 10, Smith also has a big matchup advantage according to PFF. The PFF WR/CB Matchup tool says that Smith has an “excellent” matchup score of 86 which is the 8th highest among all receivers.
The Cowboys have been slightly above average against wide receivers, allowing the 12th least fantasy points (266.9 per Fantasy Data) but it’s not significant enough to scare me off. Smith is an elite talent and should be viewed as a mid WR2 instead of a borderline WR2.
Week 10 RB Rankings
Tier 1
1. Saquon Barkley vs DAL
2. Derrick Henry vs CIN
3. Bijan Robinson @ NO
4. De'Von Achane @ LAR
5. Kyren Williams vs MIA
Tier 2
6. Alvin Kamara vs ATL
7. Joe Mixon vs DET
8. Jahmyr Gibbs @ HOU
9. Jonathan Taylor vs BUF
10. Breece Hall @ ARI
Tier 3
11. Aaron Jones @ JAC
12. James Cook @ IND
13. David Montgomery @ HOU
14. J.K. Dobbins vs TEN
15. Tyrone Tracy Jr. @ CAR
Tier 4
16. D'Andre Swift vs NE
17. Chase Brown @ BAL
18. Kareem Hunt vs DEN
19. Christian McCaffrey @ TB
20. James Conner vs NYJ
Tier 5
21. Tony Pollard @ LAC
22. Chuba Hubbard vs NYG
23. Rhamondre Stevenson @ CHI
24. Brian Robinson Jr. vs PIT
25. Rico Dowdle vs PHI
26. Najee Harris @ WAS
Tier 6
27. Rachaad White vs SF
28. Bucky Irving vs SF
29. Travis Etienne Jr. vs MIN
30. Javonte Williams @ KC
31. Tank Bigsby vs MIN
32. Austin Ekeler vs PIT
Tier 7
33. Roschon Johnson vs NE
34. Justice Hill vs CIN
35. Raheem Mostert @ LAR
36. Tyler Allgeier @ NO
Must Start: RB
Kareem Hunt vs DEN
ESPN Projection - RB24
As long as Kareem Hunt is the Chiefs starting running back, he’ll also be starting for my fantasy team. RB24 is way too low for a player who’s averaging 16.4 PPG on the year and just scored 18.7 points in primetime. Hunt also has a good matchup this week, facing off against the Broncos. This year the Broncos have been fairly poor against running backs, allowing the 12th most fantasy points (218.3 per Fantasy Data) per game.
With Patrick Mahomes surviving an injury scare, the Chiefs offense projects out to be very high scoring once again. According to Roto Curve, the Chiefs have an implied team total of 24.75 points which is the 6th highest for the week. Start Hunt with confidence and ignore this RB24 projection by ESPN.