The NFL enters the second half of its regular season in Week 10 with 14 games. This season, few teams are out of the playoff mix ten weeks into the season (with apologizes to Giants, Bucs, 49ers and Browns fans). With so many teams still playing meaningful football, everyone is looking to have a big game for their team and help them win. Some players have big game potential in Week 10, while others not so much. Here are the players to start and sit for Week 10 of the NFL season.
Start of the Week Quarterback – Matthew Stafford
A home game against the Cleveland Browns should give Matthew Stafford a good chance to pad his stats and help the Lions remain the playoff hunt. The Browns’ defense is tied for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed per game and is fourth in opposing quarterback completion percentage. Stafford is averaging 50 yards more per game passing at home with a 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio. Start Stafford in Week 10.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Philip Rivers
The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to be the top secondary and pass-rush in the NFL and will not give Philip Rivers much time in Week 10. The Jaguars are the best team in the NFL at limiting fantasy point to opposing quarterbacks. Avoid starting Rivers if possible in Week 10.
Start of the Week Running Back – Melvin Gordon
While the Jaguars have been nearly unbeatable in the passing game, their rushing defense has enough holes for Melvin Gordon to exploit for a big game. The Chargers star running back was dealing with a few health issues, but the bye week in Week 9 should have him healthy and ready to run down the throat of the defence that allows the fourth-most rushing yards per game to running backs.
Sit of the Week Running Back – Rob Kelley
Rob Kelley managed to have himself a decent game in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, scoring two touchdowns. His yardage and yards per carry leave a lot to be desired going forward, as he managed just 18 yards on 14 carries. The Vikings have allowed only two rushing touchdowns in eight games this season and give up the fewest fantasy points to running backs per game. Do not expect Kelley to be finding the end zone multiple times against Minnesota.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Cooper Kupp
With the Rams sporting some old-school, “Greatest Show on Turf” swagger, getting at least one of their players into your fantasy lineup is a good play every week. This week, Cooper Kupp is a great start. The rookie receiver faces a mediocre Texans secondary that has been burned for over 700 yards passing in the last two weeks. Kupp could also find the end zone against the Texans, who rank sixth in touchdowns allowed to receivers.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Jordy Nelson
It has been two miserable weeks in a row for Jordy Nelson, and a threepeat of bad performances seem to be in the cards for Week 10. Surprisingly, the Chicago Bears’ defense ranks tenth in fewest points per game to receivers this season. Since the Bears played the Packers in Week 4, when they were burned for four touchdowns, the team has not allowed a receiving touchdown to a receiver. Do not expect Nelson rebound in Week 10.
Start of the Week Tight End – Garrett Celek
The New York Giants are in the midst of a historically bad streak against tight ends. The Giants have allowed a tight end to catch a touchdown in a record-setting nine straight weeks. Celek moves into the starting tight end role after the 49ers lost Greg Kittle to an injury this week. The 49ers are in an odd position, especially at quarterback, but the team has shown some fight and have enough to at least get some points on a New York Giants team that looks like it has quit on the season.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Julius Thomas
After having his best game in years, many will want to start Julius Thomas in Week 10. Do not fall into temptation this week. Thomas faces a much more stringent defense in Week 10. The Panthers are one of the top five defenses in the NFL at stopping tight ends. Thomas is not good enough anymore to get the benefit of the doubt against a tough opponent and should be riding your bench come Monday night.
Start of the Week Defense – Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears defense has quietly transformed into a ball-hawking group with a solid, if not better than average pass-rush. The Bears get the Packers this weekend, who, without Aaron Rodgers, have been a hot mess on offense. Get the Bears into your starting lineup in Week 10.
Sit of the Week Defense – Houston Texans
The Texans face the NFL’s highest scoring team in Week 10, the Los Angeles Rams. Since J.J. Watt went down with an injury, the Texans defense has regressed. They still have some talent, including Jadeveon Clowney who is progressively looking more and more like a superstar. However, without great depth and a mediocre secondary, the group will not be able to stop the Rams on Sunday.
Start of the Week Kicker – Mike Nugent
With the Dallas Cowboys offense humming and the chance to kick in a dome, Mike Nugent is an excellent start at kicker. Since taking over kicking duties from an injured Dan Bailey, Nugent has made four of his five field goal attempts and all seven extra points. Additionally, he has an 86.7% field goal percentage in domes in his career. There’s always that feeling that he could meltdown at any point but right now, he’s kicking confidently. Start Nugent this weekend.
Sit of the Week Kicker –Will Lutz
As Buffalo starts to experience some inclement weather, opposing kickers will rarely be a great fantasy option. For that reason, it is best to leave Will Lutz on the bench or the waiver wire in Week 10. Lutz also sees his field goal percentage fell from 85.3% to 75.0% when moving from a dome/retractable roof to the outdoors.
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