Week 10 Waiver Wire – NFL Fantasy Football – 2025

DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the waiver wire targets for this week. These waiver wire targets are normally available in 50-percent of ESPN leagues.

Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call X: @GarettThomas.

 

QUARTERBACKS

 

Sam Darnold (SEA) – 42% Rostered

In Week 9, Darnold finished 21-of-24 for 330 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He threw all four of his passing touchdowns before the second half even began, highlighting a dominant effort by Darnold and the Hawks.

Darnold has played well for fantasy managers over his last four games. He has had one down week during that span, but in the other three he scored 20.0 or more fantasy points. During this four-game stretch, he is averaging 21.6 fantasy points, which ranks as the 11th-highest average among quarterbacks.

His next game will be against the Cardinals at home in a divisional matchup. In Week 3, Darnold traveled to Arizona to face the Cardinals and finished with 242 passing yards and one touchdown, adding 24 rushing yards on his lone attempt. He finished the day with 16.08 fantasy points. Arizona has been difficult on opposing quarterbacks, limiting them to 15.1 fantasy points per game (prior to Monday Night Football). Darnold is a great start despite this.

Brock Purdy (SF) – 59% Rostered

Purdy has battled injuries this season and has suited up for only two contests. He performed well in those appearances, posting 18.7 fantasy points in Week 1 and 19.6 in Week 4. His head coach also noted that Purdy will likely not be fully healthy for the rest of the 2025 season. That creates some hesitation but does not mean fantasy managers should exclude Purdy from their plans moving forward.

If he’s cleared to play, Purdy will face the Rams at home. The blue and gold have been great against opposing quarterbacks, limiting them to 14.1 fantasy points per game. While that is a low mark, an early look at oddsmakers’ over-under line shows a healthy total of 49.5 points. That high over-under pairs well with the Rams being favored by 3.5, projecting a competitive environment for fantasy production, including for Purdy.

Marcus Mariota (WAS) – 5% Rostered

Mariota becomes the starting quarterback for the Commanders after the gruesome injury to starter Jayden Daniels. The veteran signal-caller has been a solid fill-in for Washington already this season. The former Heisman winner has started three contests and is averaging 16.9 fantasy points per game, including a 20.3-point effort in Week 3 against the Raiders.

In Week 10, he will host the Detroit Lions. The Lions are one of the more vulnerable defenses in the NFL, allowing opposing quarterbacks to score 18.0 fantasy points per game in 2025. That mark ranks as the 11th highest in the league (prior to Monday Night Football).

Mariota is a strong streaming option for Week 10 and, in deeper or two-quarterback leagues, deserves to be rostered.

Low-End Streaming Options at Quarterback

1. J.J. McCarthy (MIN) vs Baltimore Ravens
2. Justin Fields (NYJ) vs Cleveland Browns
3. Bryce Young (CAR) vs New Orleans Saints
4. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) @ Indianapolis Colts

 

 

RUNNING BACKS

 

Kareem Hunt (KC) – 53% Rostered

With Pacheco on the shelf for a few weeks, Hunt remains the priority pickup at running back despite entering his bye week. As the featured back in Week 9, he rushed 11 times for 49 yards and one touchdown and added six receiving yards on his lone reception. He totaled 12.5 PPR points, which was impressive given the negative game script.

Hunt is a midseason rental who will likely return to his normal workload once Pacheco is healthy. The bye week creates uncertainty around Pacheco’s return, leaving the door open for Hunt to assume the lead role in Week 11 when he and the Chiefs travel to face the Broncos.

Trey Benson (ARI) – 50% Rostered

Benson is another week closer to returning from injured reserve. He is expected to be the lead running back once he returns, which was the case after starting running back James Conner (ARI) was injured earlier this season. While Bam Knight has been filling in during Benson’s absence, Knight began the season off the roster, showing how highly Benson is valued. Benson also carries second-round draft capital, an element that teams normally prioritize over depth-addition free agents like Knight.

Even if Benson is not the lead back when he returns, he will still be utilized in the passing game, having 13 receptions for 64 yards in four games this season. He also has 29 carries for 160 rushing yards, giving him an excellent 5.52 yards per carry average.

Benson deserves to be rostered because he will have standalone value regardless of the depth chart. In addition, there is a reasonable chance he retakes the lead role in the backfield, which could make him a weekly top-24 running back for the rest of the season.

Emari Demercado (ARI) – 5% Rostered

If Trey Benson (ARI) is unable to suit up in Week 10 and beyond, it appears that Emari Demercado has reassumed the RB1 role for Arizona. Against the Cowboys, Demercado had 14 carries for 79 yards on the ground and caught his lone target for negative yardage. Bam Knight will continue to mix in if Benson remains out.

If Demercado is the starter, he projects as a low-end flex option who can be viewed as an RB3 or RB4. If Benson is healthy enough to be back into the mix then Demercado Dallas off the fantasy radar.

Devin Singletary (NYG) – 5% Rostered

It was only the first week without Cam Skattebo, and Singletary played more than—and better than—most expected. That makes him worth considering in Week 10. His final line against the 49ers was eight carries for 43 yards on the ground and two catches for eight yards through the air. He scored 7.1 PPR points in a negative game script.

Managers should proceed with caution if starting Singletary in Week 10. While he played more snaps, logged more carries, and generated a better yards-per-carry metric, it is not guaranteed that this workload will continue. But what if Singletary overtakes fellow back Tyron Tracy (NYG)? That scenario seemed unlikely a week ago but is more plausible after seeing the two in their new roles.

While the Week 9 workload was low-end flex worthy, he will have an easier matchup in Week 10 when the Giants travel to face the Bears. While the Bears’ defense has struggled this season, they have been much better against the run than the pass. This season, they are allowing 23.5 PPR points to fantasy running backs, which is around league average.

Terrell Jennings (NE) – 5% Rostered

The second-year back made his third appearance this season, and it was the most usage he has ever seen in his career. He finished with career bests in carries, receptions, rushing yards, receiving yards and touchdowns. His final Week 9 stat line was 11 carries for 35 yards and one touchdown on the ground, catching his lone target for nine yards.

Jennings was thrust into his Week 9 role due to Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) being injured. On top of that, the coaching staff seems to have serious reservations about trusting their premier rookie back, TreVeyon Henderson. While Jennings saw three fewer carries than Henderson, it was Jennings who lined up for the goal-line attempt.

Jennings’ outlook is simple. If Stevenson misses again—which is plausible because he was unable to practice at all leading into Week 9—then Jennings will be playable again as a deep-league flex or RB3. If Stevenson returns, all bets are off. The matchup leaves a lot to be desired as the Patriots will travel to face the Buccaneers, who have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards to running backs. Where Tampa Bay is vulnerable to running backs is in the passing game, allowing a league-leading 466 receiving yards this season to the position. Unfortunately, this does not pair well with Jennings’ skillset, but that does not mean he cannot fall into the end zone and make value for his stakeholders.

Running Backs with Low-End FLEX Usage

1. Tyjae Spears (TEN) – 44% Rostered
2. Isaiah Davis (NYJ) – 9% Rostered
3. Emari Demercado (ARI) – 5% Rostered
4. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) – 31% Rostered
5. Devin Singletary (NYG) – 5% Rostered

Deep League Running Backs or Stash Only Candidates

1. Trey Benson (ARI) – 48% Rostered
2. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) – 1% Rostered
3. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) – 21% Rostered
4. Blake Corum (LAR) – 7% Rostered
5. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) – 50% Rostered
6. Terrell Jennings (NE) – 5% Rostered
7. Dylan Sampson (CLE) – 10% Rostered
8. Jerome Ford (CLE) – 18% Rostered
9. Ollie Gordon (MIA) – 11% Rostered
10. Brashard Smith (KC) – 16% Rostered
11. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) – 22% Rostered
12. Emmanuel Wilson (GB) – 9% Rostered
13. Jaydon Blue (DAL) – 13% Rostered
14. Jeremy McNichols (WAS) – 5% Rostered
15. Devin Neal (NO) – 2% Rostered

 

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

 

Parker Washington (JAC) – 5% Rostered

Travis Hunter is on injured reserve, and former breakout rookie Brian Thomas Jr. (BTJ) just cannot get it going. Enter Parker Washington, who now carries a flex-worthy workload that could grow if BTJ continues to struggle.

In Week 9, Washington stepped into an expanded role, catching eight passes for 90 yards on nine targets. Both his eight receptions and 90 yards were season highs. Washington has also shown flashes of reliability throughout the year, posting double-digit fantasy performances in Week 2 and Week 7. He now has three games with nine or more targets.

Given the current state of Jacksonville’s receiving corps, Washington stands out as the best addition. He’ll face a tough Texans defense in Week 10 that has allowed 27.0 PPR points per game to opposing receivers, the fourth-fewest mark in the NFL.

Alec Pierce (IND) – 12% Rostered

Pierce’s box score is hard to ignore over his last three games. He has totaled 28 targets, 13 receptions and 282 receiving yards. He has not found the end zone in those games, which could have significantly changed his fantasy perception.

The truth is, Pierce looks strong on paper recently, but his role is likely to evolve throughout the season. That evolution could leave fantasy managers dissatisfied, which is a common theme in Pierce’s fantasy career. The Colts also rely heavily on their bell-cow running back, Jonathan Taylor. On the other hand, Pierce has been steady most weeks, scoring 10 or more PPR points in four of his seven games played, which has merit.

The Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, one of the toughest defenses against receivers. This season, the Falcons are allowing 28.6 PPR points to opposing receivers, the seventh fewest in the NFL.

Troy Franklin (DEN) – 52% Rostered

After weeks of 12.9 and 26.9 PPR points, Franklin crashed back down to earth with two catches for 27 yards on 10 targets against the Texans in Week 9. Houston is notoriously difficult for fantasy purposes, and Franklin’s 8.3 PPR total reflects that challenge.

Look for Franklin to bounce back in Week 10 when he and the Broncos take on the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders struggle to cover receivers, allowing 38.9 PPR points to the position group, the fifth-most in the NFL.

Franklin will continue to have up-and-down weeks. His role seems secured in this offense, making him flex-worthy every week with upside in premium matchups.

Tez Johnson (TB) – 31% Rostered

In Week 8 against the Saints, he turned in a flex-worthy performance for his fantasy managers, finishing with five catches for 43 yards on six targets. While the injury bug has hit Tampa Bay hard, Johnson has seen extended run. He should also continue as the WR3 even when Chris Godwin Jr. returns to the lineup.

Johnson should be picked up and stashed, as he has averaged 11.7 PPR points over his last four games.

Darius Slayton (NYG) – 15% Rostered

Slayton caught five passes for 62 yards on seven targets against the 49ers in Week 9. This fantasy finish is solid for managers. While it is not likely to win a week, Slayton has shown in his past that he can break a slate on any given week. This slate-breaking ability may be diminishing due to Slayton’s age, but his quarterback is electric enough to elevate teammates in the right matchups. That makes Slayton a fantasy piece worth rostering and starting on the backend of your lineup when necessary.

His next contest will be in Chicago against the Bears. The Bears have been generous to fantasy receivers this season, allowing 40.1 PPR points per game to pass catchers. Just last week, the Bears allowed the Bengals’ Tee Higgins to finish with seven catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns and his teammate Ja’Marr Chase to haul in six catches for 111 yards.

Calvin Austin III (PIT) – 11% Rostered

After being sidelined for a few games, Austin has shown his talent will garner multiple targets each week. He has seen at least six targets in each of his last two games, tying his season high, and he has nine receptions over that span. That is the most in a two-game stretch this season for Austin.

In Week 9, he caught five passes for 56 yards, totaling 10.6 PPR points. While this stat line is not dominant, Austin has two touchdowns in six games and appears to have red-zone rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Steelers will face the Chargers next. The Chargers have been tough on receivers this season, limiting opposing wideouts to 27.0 PPR points per game, the sixth fewest in the NFL.

Kayshon Boutte (NE) – 43% Rostered

Boutte exited his Week 9 contest early with a hamstring injury, and it remains unclear how severe it is heading into Week 10 and beyond. If Boutte suits up—or is only expected to miss a game or two—he should remain on fantasy rosters.

Prior to Week 9, Boutte was in the midst of his best stretch of the season: a three-game run where he scored 13 or more PPR points in each contest, including one game with 26.3 points. He scored four touchdowns during that stretch.

Boutte is also attached to an emerging quarterback who looks like an elite fantasy option for the rest of the season and beyond. That connection makes Boutte an intriguing fantasy asset, as elite quarterbacks tend to elevate the value of their pass catchers. That rapport has already been evident in 2025.

His next game is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they are allowing 32.5 PPR points to opposing receivers in 2025, a middling total.

Christian Watson (GB) – 26% Rostered

In his second game of 2025, Watson caught two passes for 58 yards on four targets. This totaled 7.8 PPR points and is part of the experience of playing him. He is a boom-or-bust receiver who typically sees fewer targets and receptions but can make huge splash plays. Those big plays have not materialized in his first two games, but they are likely coming, which makes him worth rostering in Week 10.

Watson and the Packers will look to rebound after their loss by facing the Eagles at home. Philadelphia is middle of the pack against fantasy receivers, allowing 33.3 PPR points per game.

Dyami Brown (JAC) – 2% Rostered

Brown left his Week 9 contest early after suffering a concussion. Before exiting, he finished with three catches for 25 yards on seven targets, adding four rushing yards on his lone attempt for a total of 5.9 PPR points.

The fifth-year receiver has struggled to stay healthy in 2025, but his opportunity may be the best he sees all season. Fellow receiver Travis Hunter (JAC) was placed on injured reserve, and there appears to be a disconnect between Brian Thomas Jr. and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. These injuries and internal struggles give Brown a chance to take on a more meaningful role. Parker Washington remains the priority, but Brown could carry some value going forward.

His next game is against a tough Houston Texans defense, and managers should be cautious about starting Brown in that matchup.

Tory Horton (SEA) – 7% Rostered

Horton is the ultimate boom-or-bust player. In any week he scores a touchdown, he finishes with 11 or more PPR points. The weeks he does not can be brutal, though. Horton has three games with zero PPR points and another with only 2.0.

The rookie finished Week 9 against the Commanders with four catches for 48 yards and two touchdowns on four targets. He totaled 20.8 PPR points.

While the down weeks can be excruciating, Horton can move the needle if the stars align, making him worth adding to your roster if you have no better options.

Tre Tucker (LV) – 40% Rostered

Managers looking to lock up Week 11 flex players could find value in Tucker. The downside is he looks unplayable in Week 10, making him more of a short-term stash piece.

Week 11 presents the best opportunity to play Tucker and the Raiders. He will face the Dallas Cowboys, who are allowing 41.4 PPR points to opposing receivers, the most in the NFL. Additionally, Dallas has a potent offense that can create high-scoring games and fantasy upside.

Tucker has had huge weeks in the past, most recently in Week 3, when he scored 40.9 PPR points. He will fly under the radar due to his tough Week 10 matchup, so there is no need to burn priority waiver spots or FAAB if deploying him in Week 11.

 

 

TIGHT ENDS

 

Harold Fannin Jr (CLE) – 51% Rostered

Coming off his bye week, Fannin needs to be on rosters. He is very clearly going to be fantasy relevant for the rest of the season, and tight end is a position where there are not many clear options.

Since Week 5, he has been the TE11 in PPR points per game with 13.1. During this time he supplanted Njoku’s usage as well, which is a critical litmus test since Njoku was the starter heading into 2025. Additionally, rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel (CLE) has been peppering his tight ends with targets. On top of Fannin’s 13.1 PPR point average, Njoku is averaging 12.7 PPR points in the same span which highlights Gabriel’s tight end gaze.

Fannin is a must-roster tight end. He will be facing the New York Jets defense which is allowing 14.0 PPR points per game to opposing tight ends, a middling average.

Theo Johnson (NYG) – 33% Rostered

Ever since Jaxson Dart (NYG) took over under center, Johnson has been very fantasy relevant. Since Week 4, he is averaging 11.5 PPR points, which ranks as the 13th highest among tight ends during that stretch. His success has been fueled by his ability to score touchdowns. In the aforementioned timeframe, he has totaled five touchdowns.

Johnson’s proof is in the pudding. He is clearly a go-to option for his quarterback, who is electric enough to elevate everyone around him. Add Johnson as a weekly low-end top-12 tight end.

Juwan Johnson (NO) – 33% Rostered

Johnson has had interesting trends in 2025. He started the first three weeks of the season strong in PPR formats, totaling 15.6, 15.9 and 11.1 PPR points, respectively. Then in Weeks 4 through 6, he turned in 5.8, 3.7 and 1.5 PPR totals. In his most recent three-game stretch, Johnson finished with 12.9, 10.3 and 12.1 PPR points.

Needless to say, it seems Johnson is back to being an every-week top-18 tight end. He faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. They are allowing 14.6 PPR points per game to the position, which ranks close to league average.

Colston Loveland (CHI) – 24% Rostered

The rookie tight end finally had his first “big” game of his career. He posted six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets. All of these were career highs for Loveland. It is worth noting that his teammate, Cole Kmet, left the game due to an in-game injury.

It is hard to believe that Loveland will continue to burn up the fantasy radar the rest of the season. Still, 29.8 PPR points is hard to ignore at the tight end position, giving him merit as a waiver-wire option for Week 10.

Unless the Chicago coaching staff indicates otherwise, Loveland can be started in games without Kmet, but managers should view him more as a stash asset than a reliable starter. His Week 10 performance should be seen as lightning in a bottle until usage trends improve.

Luke Musgrave (GB) – 0% Rostered

Starting tight end Tucker Kraft (GB) will likely be shelved for the rest of the season, with Luke Musgrave emerging as the next man up for the Packers. This is an interesting opportunity for Musgrave. Before going down with an injury, Kraft was emerging as a go-to fantasy tight end, averaging 14.7 PPR points per game and posting spike weeks of 24.4 and 33.3.

Fantasy managers in need of a tight end should consider adding Musgrave, though it is unrealistic to expect a one-for-one replacement. Despite that, Musgrave’s anticipated weekly target count and red-zone involvement make him worth stashing for now.

Musgrave can be started against the Eagles if managers are in a pinch, but it is a tough matchup. Philadelphia is limiting tight ends to 8.0 PPR points per game.

 

 

DEFENSES TO STREAM

1. Bills D/ST @ Miami Dolphins
2. Jets D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
3. Panthers D/ST vs New Orleans Saints
4. Browns D/ST @ New York Jets