By Winsto (11/04/2025)
NOTE: These are players rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
QUARTERBACK
Sam Darnold (Sea)–(51% rostered) In his 8 games this season, he has only had 2 clunkers. In addition, he has multiple TDs in 5 of his 8 games and now has another option at WR with the addition of Rashid Shaheed (WR-NO WR-Sea) via trade. There is a downside, however, as his remaining schedule is not particularly favorable to the QB position.
Aaron Rodgers (Pit)-He’s probably not throwing for 300 yards or gaining more than 10-15 yards on the ground anymore, but he does have at least 1 passing TD in every game this season. Also, aside from Week 10 (LAR) and Week 13 (Buf), the remaining pass defenses he will face are not scary in the least.
Deeper League Add(s):
Jacoby Brissett (Ari)–IF Arizona were to decide Brissett is simply a better option at QB over Kyler Murray (QB-Ari), Brissett has had solid fantasy production in his 3 starts this season, throwing for 261+ yards and 2 TDs in each game as well as getting a TD on the ground in Week 09.
RUNNING BACK
Terrell Jennings (NE)–For as long as Rhamondre Stevenson (RB-NE) misses time, Jennings is a Flex option, as he saw 12 touches for 44 yards and 1 TD in Week 09. In addition, New England’s remaining rush defenses are VERY generous, as there is not one opponent outside of the top 10 most generous to the RB position in fantasy points!
Devin Singletary (NYG)–I still think Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB-NYG) is the back for fantasy purposes, but Singletary definitely put a dent in Tracy’s value in Week 09. In addition, the G-men get a generous Chicago defense on the docket in Week 10, so Singletary could be a decent Flex play.
Emari Demercado (Ari)-This is more of a “I do not understand why he is not used more” add, as he simply has burst and has the highest YPC (7.7 average) on the team. The caveat, of course, is that Trey Benson (Ari-RB) is eligible to return this week from the I.R.
Tank Bigsby (Phi)– This is also purely contingent on the health of Saquon Barkley (RB-Phi). Initial reports are that Barkley, who was slightly injured in Week 08 is also fine, and he will now have two weeks to recover. If however, something changes and Barkley misses time, Bigsby is next in line, though I believe Will Shipley (RB-Phi) would also see a bit or work as well.
Dylan Sampson (Cle)–This is purely contingent on the health of Quinshon Judkins (RB-Cle). Though Judkins was injured in Week 08, Initial reports are that Judkins will be fine, and he will now have two weeks to recover. If however, something changes and Judkins misses time, the next several defenses Cleveland will be facing are quite inviting for RBs.
Deeper League Add(s):
Blake Corum (LAR)–Kyren Williams (RB-LAC) leads this backfield, but Corum has seen double-digit carries two games in a row. Granted, they were both blowouts, but Corum is one of those lottery tickets that could pay off.
Bhayshul Tuten (Jax)-Coming out of their bye week, Week 09 say Tuten see the most touches of his rookie season (10) and his 2nd TD of the year. This may just be a random spike in usage, or it could be the team making more effort to get him some work.
Tyjae Spears (Ten)–I am not a fan of time-share backs, particularly when the split is pretty even and they are on bad teams. That said, Spears has shown ability in the past, and he looked good in Week 08.
Tyler Allgeier (Atl)–He has double digit carries in four of the eight games Atlanta has played this season, and he has also scored a TD in four of those games. He is a decent Bye Week flex play, and he seems clearly locked in as part of this offense and the hand-cuff to Bijan Robinson (RB-Atl).
Brashard Smith (KC)–I know he did virtually nothing in Week 09, even with Isiah Pacheco (RB-KC) missing the game. HOWEVER, KC tends to make adjustments during their Bye Week. Given the play of the offense in Week 09, I would not completely write off Smith for the season. As statede for several weeks, the theme here is that while Isiah Pacheco is a solid RB, his vision and potential for explosive plays seem to have limitations. Kareem Hunt (KC) has vision, but not much burst. The 7th round rookie may have vision limitations, but he is also more explosive and better at catching the ball. He is worth a look if you have space. He is someone who may work his way into significant playing time here, though his ceiling may be limited as Hunt has a solid grip on short-yardage situations.
WIDE RECEIVER
Christian Watson (GB)–Look, I am biased here, as I have been a Watson believer since he entered the league. I have already mentioned him as a deeper league add in past columns when he was still on the I.R. Now he is back. His physical attributes and speed scream WR1. The problem for him has been injuries, playing time, and occasional drops. Romeo Doubs (WR-GB) still looks like the wide receiver to roster on this team, but I would rather go for the upside with Watson, despite the risks. Just be aware of the issues surrounding him.
Tez Johnson (TB)–With Mike Evans (WR-TB) expected to miss most of the remaining season, Tez is top on this WR list. He is playing more than Sterling Shepard (WR-TB), and his upside is higher. The 7th round rookie is slight in stature, but he has shown decent quickness so far. And, he is probably going to be the 2nd-3rd receiving option on this fairly potent offense.
Troy Franklin (Den)–The good news is he has seen 28 targets and has 3 TDs in the past two games. The not so good news is that he only has 13 receptions for 135 receiving yards in those 28 targets. I would like to see a bit more consistency, in both receptions and playing time, but he is worth a stash if you have the space.
Alex Pierce (Ind)–He sees snaps (80% or more when healthy), and he gets yards. He is averaging 71 receiving yards per game. What has piqued my interest, however, is that he has now seen double digit targets in 2 of his last 3 games after not seeing more than 5 in any previous game. If this increased target share continues, he could flirt with WR2/3 status.
Tre Tucker (LV)–Geno Smith (QB-LV) has to throw the ball to somebody other than Brock Bowers (TE-LV) every now and then, no? With Jakobi Myers (WR-LV WR-Jax) traded, that should mean more opportunities for Tucker.
TIGHT END
Harold Fannin Jr. (Cle)–I mention Fannin Jr. every week. Since Dillon Gabriel (QB-Cle) took over (Week 5), Fannin Jr.’s target share is about 20%. He is averaging 48 yards receiving and 0.5 TDs per game in that span. In fact, 50% of Gabriel’s TD passes since Week 5 have been caught by Fannin Jr. That is not too shabby. In addition, he faces a Jets defense that is having a fire sale in Week 10.
Luke Musgrave (GB)–With the sad news of Tucker Kraft (TE-GB) missing the rest of the season with an ACL injury, Musgrave is the next man up. Look, he was a 2nd round pick and the expected starting TE for this team before Kraft simply won the job. Musgrave did go 3-34 receiving in Week 10, and this team “seems” to feature the TE position. He may yield low-end TE1 numbers from here on out.
Juwann Johnson (NO)–Rashid Shaheed (WR-Sea) is gone. More targets are up for grabs.
Colston Loveland (Chi)–Yes, he had an amazing game in Week 09 (6-118-2 on 7 targets), but that was with Cole Kmet (TE) leaving the game and it was against Cincinnati’s “defense.” There is tremendous upside here, but there is also virtually no floor, as he had not topped 38 receiving yards or saw the endzone prior to that game. I need to see more, but he is worth a stash if you have the space.
Mason Taylor (NYJ)–Despite Justin Fields (NYJ) having a solid game in Week 08, this is an add contingent on Tyrod Taylor (QB-NYJ) taking the starting job after the team’s Week 09 Bye.
Theo Johnson (NYG)–Five TD receptions and at least 4 targets in the six games Jaxson Dart (QB-NYG) has started. We need to start paying attention to this.
Deeper League Add(s)—Taysom Hill (TE-NO)–I will say this every week. You know there will be that occasional game where he blows up. The chances may have increased for this to happen now that New Orleans has moved to a rookie QB and has traded its #2 WR. However, the flip side is he could also easily score a 0.