Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 10

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 10 DFS fantasy football

Am I the only person who finds it odd that we have early Sunday European football games on both of the weeks surrounding Daylight Savings Time but not on the day we all got up early anyhow? With Tom Brady planning a blitzkrieg versus Seattle in Munich and four teams on bye, we are once again left with 20 teams for the main slate. Hopefully, my recommendations this week are better than those of my namesake Sgt. Schultz. I hear that he claims to know nothing.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS @ SAN FRANCISCO

Justin Herbert (QB2) has another tricky matchup. The injuries to his top WRs have really put a kibosh on my preseason prediction of NFL MVP for him. I still like him to throw for 250-2 here, which should push for QB2.

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB3) will push with Herbert — posting roughly the same final line — for a lot less cost. This is why I’d rather start Garoppolo despite the mildly lower ceiling.

Running against the Niners is difficult. Only four RBs have scored a TD against them. Austin Ekeler (RB3) gets enough volume and opportunities to remain an RB1 option, just reduce your expectations. Isaiah Spiller (RB9) should only be used in Showdown contests. Sony Michel (RB11) can be ignored.

In contrast to San Francisco, the Chargers can be run through like a papier-mache wall. Christian McCaffrey (RB1) will have one of the best offensive box scores of the season. He is a must-start. Elijah Mitchell (knee – RB6) could even have flex value against Los Angeles, if he returns as expected.

Mike Williams (ankle – WR6) is still officially not on IR. I doubt he plays, but if he does, give him WR2 consideration. Keenan Allen (hamstring – WR4) suffered a setback last week and ended up missing an easy game against Atlanta. The Niners can be beaten through the air, so he could also draw WR2 value if he suits up. All this said we will likely be treated to another game where Joshua Palmer (WR7) and DeAndre Carter (WR10) lead this aerial attack. If both Allen and Williams remain out, I love Palmer at WR2, and Carter deserves WR3 consideration. Palmer could also be used at WR3 if either Allen or Williams plays. Michael Bandy (WR12) has 14 targets over his last two games. He would also make a very sneaky WR3 option if the team remains shorthanded.

Deebo Samuel (hamstring – WR2) received two weeks off to rest his injured hamstring. Signs point to his return here in a great spot to go off. He is one of my two choices for WR1 if he plays. Brandon Aiyuk (WR3) could also draw WR1 value if Samuel is out. If they both play use just one of them. Ray-Ray McCloud (WR14) and Jauan Jennings (hamstring – WR17) should be left for Showdown contests despite the positive matchup.

Gerald Everett (TE3) did not have the blow-up game I expected last week. San Fran has limited every TE not named Travis Kelce they have faced this year to minimal production. Everett won’t move the needle in that regard here.

Despite struggling against every other position, the Chargers amazingly have been stingy with the TE position. This will keep George Kittle (TE2) as the second option for the position this week. I like him to score a TD, but his yardage will be small.

Monday Night

WASHINGTON @ PHILADELPHIA

Taylor Heinicke (QB4) has been an effective game manager while Carson Wentz (finger – IR) has been out. We don’t have a QB controversy yet, but we may when Wentz returns. This is an awful matchup for a QB, so don’t reach here.

This is NOT an awful matchup for a QB. This is the absolute opposite of that. Jalen Hurts (QB1) has the easiest matchup on this slate. Three total TDs are incoming.

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB5) and Antonio Gibson (RB4) continue to split the backfield touches for Washington. Gibson is the more talented back and gets the red-zone work, so I prefer him as an RB2 play. That said, either could fill your flex slot. J.D. McKissic (neck – RB8) missed last week with a neck injury. If he suits up, I’d leave him to Showdown for the risk of reinjury.

Washington is much tougher against the run than the pass. Still, this backfield poses headaches because of the collection of backs that Philly rolls out. Miles Sanders (RB2) is the strongest RB2 option on the board, having scored five times in the last five games. Kenneth Gainwell (RB7) doesn’t get the volume to be reliable most weeks. That said, I’d consider him a TD-dependent flex play here and a great Showdown option. Boston Scott (RB10) has had sporadic usage all season. I’m gonna pass on him here.

The Commanders hope to get Jahan Dotson (hamstring – WR13) back this week. It won’t help against this defense, which strangles outside WRs. Even if he plays, I wouldn’t use him outside of a dart throw on Showdown. This defense will also frustrate Terry McLaurin (WR8). The volume alone keeps him as a WR2/WR3 play, but I don’t like it considering his price. Curtis Samuel (WR9) is the best play here as Philly can be beaten by slot WRs. If Dotson remains out, you can maybe consider Cam Sims (WR16) or Dyami Brown (WR18) as a Showdown play. I wouldn’t, but you can.

The Brown that you want to play this slate is A.J. Brown (WR1). He is one of only two WRs that I would consider as my WR1 this week. DeVonta Smith (WR5) went ham in their earlier meeting. He won’t repeat that line, but I still love him as a WR2, if you pivot away from A.J. There is even an argument for playing both of them. Quez Watkins (WR11) could be a flex play if you need to save some money. I wouldn’t waste a spot on Zach Pascal (WR15), though.

Logan Thomas (calf – TE5) is supposedly back. That’s funny because his stat line looks like he belongs on a milk carton. The Eagles are easier to beat over the middle, but I don’t trust him here. If you need to start a Washington TE, consider John Bates (TE4) or Armani Rogers (TE6) as a punt.

Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the best choice on this slate. Build your stack around Hurts, Brown, and him, and then run it back with Samuel.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($5.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.6k), RB Dalvin Cook ($8k), WR Tyreek Hill Jr. ($4.3k), WR Mecole Hardman ($4.5k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.5k), TE Cole Kmet ($3.4k), FLEX David Montgomery ($6k), DST Denver Broncos ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($7k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.5k), RB Khalil Herbert ($5.8k), WR Marvin Jones Jr. ($5.4k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.9k), WR Darnell Mooney ($6.2k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($6k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($8.5k), DST Denver Broncos ($4.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.3k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.3k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.1k), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.4k), WR Marvin Jones Jr. ($3.8k), WR Phillip Dorsett ($3k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.8k), FLEX Christian McCaffrey ($7.5k), FLEX Tyler Higbee ($3.7k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,600 $9,200
Patrick Mahomes $7,900 $8,500
Kyler Murray $7,200 $7,800
Tua Tagovailoa $6,700 $8,100
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,400
Justin Fields $6,500 $8,300
Kirk Cousins $6,000 $7,300
Russell Wilson $5,900 $6,900
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,500
Derek Carr $5,600 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,700
Andy Dalton $5,500 $6,800
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,200
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,000
Ryan Tannehill $5,200 $6,700
Davis Mills $5,100 $6,500
Kenny Pickett $5,100 $6,600
Case Keenum $5,000 $6,100
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,700
Sam Ehlinger $5,000 $6,400
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A
Colt McCoy $4,900 $6,100
John Wolford $4,900 $6,100

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Injury concerns limit Josh Allen‘s appeal despite a decent matchup. This makes Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa the top two choices at QB this week. If you don’t opt for those two consider Derek CarrAndy DaltonJacoby Brissett, or my favorite play, Trevor Lawrence.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. JAX
($7,900 DK, $8,500 FD)
Jacksonville allows the fourth-most passing yards per game on the road. That sets up nicely for Mahomes, who leads the league in passing TDs and passing yards despite already having had his bye.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. CLE
($6,700 DK, $8,100 FD)
The Browns are competent against the pass, but they are by no means elite. They will struggle to face off against both Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Tagovailoa is coming off of a pair of 300-plus-yard, three-TD performances. He could get the hat trick here.

Justin Fields, Bears vs. DET ($6,500 DK, $8,300 FD) I don’t fully trust Fields as a passer, just yet. What I do trust, is that Detroit has no defense whatsoever. I also trust the numbers in front of my eyes that say that Fields is averaging over 100 rushing yards per game since Week 6. That rushing yardage should keep Fields very relevant this week.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ GB
($6,600 DK, $7,400 FDIt took a full game plus for Prescott to get his game legs back. Now, he faces a Green Bay defense that has a defensive injury list that reads like War and Peace. With 250-2 seeming like his floor here, Dalton Schultz is my favorite stack piece.

DFS Sleepers

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ KC
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD)
We know that Jacksonville will be forced to throw the ball to stay close to KC. Fortunately, Lawrence has enough weapons to choose from. I suggest stacking him with Marvin JonesZay Jones, or Evan Engram because everyone else will be stacking him with Christian Kirk

Jacoby Brissett, Browns @ MIA
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD
Miami has an elite passing offense. They also have a vulnerable passing defense and a downright bad defense against QBs that like to run. If you want exposure to this game without using Tua Tagovailoa, consider stacking Brissett with Amari Cooper and running it back with one of the Dolphins WRs.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,500
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,400
Nick Chubb $8,100 $9,000
Dalvin Cook $8,000 $7,500
Josh Jacobs $7,600 $8,400
Jonathan Taylor $7,500 $7,000
Alvin Kamara $7,400 $8,600
Aaron Jones $7,200 $7,200
Travis Etienne $7,100 $8,000
AJ Dillon $6,700 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,500 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $6,400 $6,800
Dameon Pierce $6,300 $7,700
James Conner $6,200 $6,300
Raheem Mostert $6,100 $5,900
David Montgomery $6,000 $6,700
Ezekiel Elliott $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,400
Khalil Herbert $5,900 $5,800
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,800 $6,200
Eno Benjamin $5,700 $5,500
Melvin Gordon $5,700 $5,700
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,200
Devin Singletary $5,600 $5,600
Jeff Wilson Jr.  $5,500 $6,500
Najee Harris $5,500 $6,400
Deon Jackson $5,400 $5,500
Nyheim Hines $5,400 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,300 $5,800
Latavius Murray $5,200 $5,700
Darrell Henderson $5,100 $6,100
Isiah Pacheco $5,000 $6,200
Dwayne Washington $4,800 $5,500
James Cook $4,800 $5,200
Jerick McKinnon $4,800 $5,500
Chase Edmonds $4,700 $5,100
Dontrell Hilliard $4,700 $5,700
Zack Moss $4,600 $5,600
Cam Akers $4,500 $5,500
Jordan Wilkins $4,000 $5,400
Phillip Lindsay $4,000 $5,300

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley should approach 100% ownership, and rightfully so. Nick Chubb and Dalvin Cook are my pivots. I expect Travis Etienne to post a huge game through the air. AJ Dillon could also have a solid game if Aaron Jones (ankle) is limited or out. If you want to go cheap use one of the Bears or one of the Dolphins.

Fantasy Four-pack

Saquon Barkley,  Giants vs. HOU
($8,600 DK, $9,500 FD)
We will consider it a failure if Barkley doesn’t top 170-2 against this defense. Five different individuals have already topped 25 PPR points against Houston and three have topped 30 points. Barkley will pass both of those marks, too.

Nick Chubb, Browns @ MIA
($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD)
I wish Chubb was more involved in the passing offense. He will post his standard floor of 120-1. Of course, if he wasn’t a passing-game afterthought, he could produce a slate-breaking line this week. We know the Browns will also use Kareem Hunt in this game. He could even earn some flex appeal. 

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ BUF ($8,000 DK, $7,500 FDIn the matchup of Cook versus Cook, we can only recommend one of the Cooks, Dalvin. Over the last two games, both Green Bay and the Jets have rattled the Buffalo defense with their RBs. Plus, if Josh Allen is limited or out, the Vikes will have an even better chance at implementing a ball-control offense here. Oh yeah, Cook also gets the FD discount, which always gets me salivating.

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. DEN
($8,300 DK, $9,400 FD)
  Throwing against Denver is impossible. That is a good trend for Tennessee, since they curmudgeonly refuse to adopt the new concept known as the forward pass. Only five teams are allowing more yards per carry than Denver. Meanwhile, Henry has scored and/or topped 100 yards in each of his last seven games. His 130-1 floor is safe here. 

DFS Sleepers

David Montgomery, Bears vs. DET
($6,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Khalil Herbert
has actually been more efficient with his touches than Montgomery. It won’t matter here as both will approach 100-1 — that is assuming that Justin Fields is willing to share. Since Week 5, Montgomery has a 67% vs 32% opportunity advantage over Herbert, so his floor is the safest.

Jeff Wilson Jr., Dolphins vs. CLE ($5,500 DK, $6,500 FD) Wilson split carries with Raheem Mostert last week. Still, it was Wilson that averaged 5.7 yards per carry versus only 2.9 yards per carry for Mostert. Wilson was also more efficient with his targets. Both backs are in play here, but Wilson seems like the safer choice. Cleveland has allowed the second-most rushing TDs this season. Don’t be surprised if they both score once again.  

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $9,100 $9,000
Cooper Kupp $9,000 $9,200
Justin Jefferson $8,800 $8,600
Davante Adams $8,700 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $8,300 $9,100
DeAndre Hopkins $8,000 $8,300
Jaylen Waddle $7,600 $8,200
CeeDee Lamb $7,000 $7,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,900 $6,900
Chris Olave $6,800 $7,500
Amari Cooper $6,500 $7,800
Gabe Davis $6,400 $6,500
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,200 $6,300
Allen Lazard $6,100 $6,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $6,000 $7,000
Christian Kirk $5,900 $6,800
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $6,600
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,400
Courtland Sutton $5,600 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $5,500 $6,200
Adam Thielen $5,400 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $5,300 $6,100
Romeo Doubs $5,200 $6,000
Rondale Moore $5,200 $5,800
George Pickens $5,000 $5,600
Kadarius Toney $5,000 $5,500
Michael Gallup $4,900 $5,700
Robert Woods $4,900 $5,600
Allen Robinson $4,800 $5,700
Chase Claypool $4,800 $5,800
Isaiah McKenzie $4,700 $5,200
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,700 $5,600
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,800
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $4,500 $5,500
Mecole Hardman $4,500 $6,000
Kalif Raymond $4,400 $5,300
Zay Jones $4,400 $5,500
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,300 $5,700
Marvin Jones $4,300 $5,400
Tre’Quan Smith $4,300 $5,200
Mack Hollins $4,200 $5,500
Alec Pierce $4,100 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,100 $5,400
Noah Brown $4,100 $5,200
K.J. Osborn $4,000 $5,200
Nico Collins $4,000 $5,500
Sammy Watkins $4,000 $5,100
Chris Moore $3,900 $5,300
Parris Campbell $3,900 $5,400
Samori Toure $3,900 $5,000
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
Christian Watson $3,700 $5,400
Rashid Shaheed $3,700 $5,300
Marquez Callaway $3,600 $5,000
Phillip Dorsett $3,600 $5,200
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,100
Greg Dortch $3,400 $4,800
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,200 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson $3,100 $5,000
Amari Rodgers $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – The Dolphins’ dynamic duo can each be considered at WR1. I’d also look at Justin Jefferson or Davante Adams. Unfortunately, I am spending a lot of money on RBs this week. This means that I will price down at WR1 using either Amon-Ra St. Brown or Amari Cooper. For WR2 choose one of the Chiefs, Christian Kirk, or Darnell Mooney. If you don’t use Kirk, use one of the other Jaguars at WR3. You can also roll out one of the Giants or Texans against each other.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ BUF
($8,800 DK, $8,600 FD)
Buffalo is very good against the pass, but they are dealing with some DB injuries. Pair this with Adam Thielen (ankle) dealing with an injury of his own and we could see the perfect storm for Jefferson to be peppered. Plus, we get another case of FD pricing being below DK, which is always a pleasant find.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. CLE
($9,100 DK, $9,000 FD)
The price is approaching absurdity for Hill. Still, he keeps on delivering. Hill now has topped 140 receiving yards in five of nine games. I’d like to see more TDs from him, but who is seriously complaining?

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ CHI
($6,900 DK, $6,900 FD)
St. Brown has established himself as a legit alpha WR. He can produce as the only weapon for this offense or when sharing the field with other talents. Neither of these teams cares much for the concept of defense, so this game could end up with higher scoring. This would secure the “sun god” a heavenly final line.

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. IND
($8,700 DK, $8,500 FD)
What is up with FD this week? Three of the top WRs have prices below their DK equivalents. Indy ranks among the elite against the pass, but they haven’t been tested at all this season. Adams will once again be without Darren Waller (IR – hamstring) and Hunter Renfrow (IR – oblique), so his already gaudy target share will go through the roof.

DFS Sleepers

Marvin Jones, Jaguars @ KC
($4,300 DK, $5,400 FD)
KC has struggled all season with big-bodied outside WRs, such as Jones. With most of the DFS world playing Christian Kirk, I recommend pivoting and using Marvin or Zay Jones in my stacks with Trevor Lawrence. 

Darnell Mooney, Bears vs. DET
($5,500 DK, $6,200 FD)
Despite his early season struggles, Mooney has seen five or more targets in every game since Week 3. He also finally made it into the end zone last week. Meanwhile, Detroit has allowed four of their last five opponents’ WR1s to go berserk.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,800 $8,500
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
T.J. Hockenson $5,300 $6,000
Zach Ertz $5,200 $6,300
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,600
David Njoku $4,100 $5,800
Dalton Schultz $3,800 $5,500
Robert Tonyan $3,700 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,600 $6,000
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,100
Cole Kmet $3,400 $5,300
Greg Dulcich $3,400 $5,900
Dawson Knox $3,300 $5,000
Evan Engram $3,300 $4,900
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,200
Juwan Johnson $3,000 $4,800
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Brock Wright $2,700 $4,500
Harrison Bryant $2,700 $4,800
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,300
Brevin Jordan $2,600 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,500
Austin Hooper $2,500 $4,600
Chigoziem Okonkwo $2,500 $4,400
Teagan Quitoriano $2,500 $4,300
Josiah Deguara $2,600 $4,700
Dan Arnold $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Finally, we get Travis Kelce back in the main slate. The price is high, but he is worth it. T.J. Hockenson and Tyler Higbee are the best pivots up top. I also love the idea of punting with either Greg Dulcich or Cole Kmet on DK.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. JAX
($7,800 DK, $8,500 FD
Kelce versus a defense that has faced only two top-10 TEs this season? Yes, Please. The price is high, but you are guaranteed 8-100-1.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ BUF
($5,300 DK, $6,000 FD)
Hockenson caught all nine of his targets just five days after arriving with Minnesota. Now, he has had a full week of practice to get in sync with Kirk Cousins. The easiest place to attack Buffalo is in the middle of the field, so another big target game is pending.

Tyler Higbee, Rams vs. ARI
($3,600 DK, $6,000 FD)
The concussion for Matthew Stafford concerns me, as does Higbee’s recent decline in usage. Still, Higbee has had some monster games this season. Plus, backup QBs historically tend to lean on their TEs. Higbee will make a great target to lean on as Arizona has no clue how to cover the position.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ LAR ($5,200 DK, $6,300 FD) The same backup QB logic could come into play here if Colt McCoy is forced to start. Whoever is at the helm will want to keep Ertz involved. Ertz’s targets and yards have slipped since the return of DeAndre Hopkins, but he has scored in each of the last two games. I’d settle for 5-50-1.

DFS Sleepers

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. DET
($3,400 DK, $5,300 FD)
Don’t look now but Kmet has scored in back-to-back games as Chicago has opened up their passing offense. Meanwhile, Detroit has surrendered four TE scores in their last five contests. You shouldn’t go crazy and triple-stack this offense, but do up two separate lineups with one stacking Justin Fields and Kmet and one with Fields and Darnell Mooney.

Greg Dulcich, Broncos @ TEN ($3,400 DK, $5,900 FD) Dulcich has emerged as my favorite sleeper TE over the last few weeks. During Weeks 6 through 8, Dulcich was ninth in targets, seventh in receptions, and third in receiving yards at the position. Tennessee’s pass defense is shaky, at best, and Dulcich will finish with another top-five showing here.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 10

This former LSU Tiger is trying to claw his way into fantasy relevance.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as the fantasy football gamble of the week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 10

Tracking my predictions: 2-6-1
Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or lands on COVID-19 list after publishing

2021 record: 8-9-1
2020 record: 5-10-1

A lot of swinging and missing thus far … last week’s recommendation of Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon was a total flop. It is difficult to reconcile — regardless of how bad Green Bay has been — that the Lions managed shut out any offense until 3:22 left in the third and hold even the Packers to just nine points.

When making a prediction that hinges on game flow going in a specific direction, it’s basically impossible to make up any ground if the matchup doesn’t play out in such a way. This time out we’ll take a stab at an trending wide receiver on a terrible team and hope for a little bit of luck for a change.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr., Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

It is just a numbers game. Carolina traded away both Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey in the past several weeks, which created a massive opportunity for the second-year wideout to step up his game. Prior to just a couple of weeks ago, Marshall was trending into the territory of being a second-round bust, and there had been rumors about the team’s willingness to trade him away.

Over the last two games, Carolina has increased Marshall’s playing time and target share. He accounted for 28.1 percent of the Week 8 target share vs. Atlanta, securing four of nine looks for 87 yards. Last Sunday, with a mixture of PJ Walker and Baker Mayfield at quarterback, the LSU product tied WR DJ Moore for the team lead in targets with six (22.2 percent). Marshall secured his first NFL receiving TD in the contest.

Walker has been named the Week 10 starter after being benched, and while he has favored Moore 23-to-13 since McCaffrey was dealt, no other player in that time was within six looks. Tommy Tremble isn’t much of a target threat at tight end, and neither of the primary running backs are consistent receiving outlets. Furthermore, in what is a lost season, the Panthers need to find out what they have in Marshall prior to his third NFL offseason. The point being, even though the sample size is small, Carolina has few other capable options.

In the Week 8 meeting, Atlanta managed a 37-34 overtime win in what proved to be the Falcons’ highest-scoring offensive day of 2022. Little has changed since to expect these teams to be capable of stopping the opponent. Atlanta still faces major injury concerns in the secondary and has allowed WRs to average the most receptions and second-most yards in the past five weeks.

[lawrence-related id=471634]

No team has given up more points in standard scoring and just Pittsburgh has been worse in PPR. Six touchdowns have been scored, coming at the 14th-highest frequency. On the year, Atlanta is the biggest cupcake of them all, and a dozen TD grabs have come vs. this pushover.

The Falcons also stink vs. running backs, and D’Onta Foreman dismantled this unit in the earlier game. Even though he still racked up 118 rushing yards and a trio of scores, the Panthers still had to pass enough to send the aforementioned nine passes Marshall’s way, which should be encouraging.

While it’s a tad optimistic to expect nine targets again, the efficiency metrics vs. Atlanta make up for it. This is a top-10 opponent for yards per catch (13.9) and No. 12 for fantasy points per touch (1.82). Expect a total score somewhere in the mid-20s for each team, and Marshall should be no worse than a WR3 or flex play, but gamble on his plus-odds of delivering No. 2 returns.

My projection: 7 targets, 5 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD (18.1 PPR fantasy points)