The clock is ticking. And, for some, Week 10 could be your last chance to push your way into the fantasy playoffs.
If you’re sitting comfortably atop your standings or have one of those delicious 7-2 or 6-3 records, winning is more about improving your seeding in the playoffs. If you find yourself on the bubble or even on the outside looking in, winning is about survival.
Those fighting for improved seeding should be looking for safe plays with a high floor. Those fighting for their lives need the high ceiling. It’s time to start swinging for the fences.
Weekly research has left us understanding that the best place to look for high upside is at wide receiver. The top running backs already are locked into rosters and, in the wake of the Ezekiel Elliott news, your waiver wire has been picked clean. You’ll find the same with the quarterbacks, and unless you’re Gronking this week, the tight ends are a veritable crapshoot. But with so many banged-up, high-end wideouts, the fringe receivers stand the best chance to be your bread and butter.
When the Jets visit Tampa Bay this week, not only is Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, but Mike Evans is suspended and DeSean Jackson will be blanketed by Morris Claiborne. That leaves slot receiver Adam Humphries and rookie wideout Chris Godwin to tangle with this 21st-ranked pass defense. Fitzpatrick has worked extensively with Godwin on the second team, and Humphries is a reliable security blanket able to help move the chains consistently. On paper, the matchups for both are favorable. The fact the Jets allow a league-high 19 passing touchdowns certainly helps.
With no Zeke and an ailing Dez Bryant, the Cowboys will turn to Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and Brice Butler this week against the Falcons’ 24th-ranked pass defense. Williams and Beasley shined bright last week and Butler offers that speed element needed to help stretch the field. With Bryant limited or out, all three will see the uptick in targets you need for fantasy. And don’t forget the other side of that game with Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel as Julio Jones continues to deal with an ailing hip.
The Panthers get a prime-time look at the Dolphins’ 30th-ranked pass defense, and though everyone knows who Devin Funchess is, many overlook Russell Sheppard and Curtis Samuel. Gone is Kelvin Benjamin and as their snaps with Cam Newton increase, so will their on-field rapport and production.
It is time to start digging deep and turn over every stone possible. There are hidden gems to be found. It doesn’t matter if they’re high-risk, boom-or-bust players. That’s what swinging for the fences is all about.
Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 4-6 p.m.