As Week 10 approaches, fantasy football managers are faced with a challenging landscape filled with injuries and bye weeks. To help navigate these difficulties, here are five last-minute waiver wire targets that could make a significant impact on your roster.
Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets
Justin Fields has had a tumultuous fantasy season, displaying moments of brilliance alongside frustrating performances. In four of the seven games he has played, he has surpassed 200 passing yards and scored over 21 fantasy points. However, there have also been three games where his production fell below 50 passing yards and five fantasy points. After a strong outing against the Cincinnati Bengals before the Jets” Week 9 bye, Fields is set to face a Cleveland Browns defense that has struggled away from home. The Browns have allowed an average of 27.5 points per game in road games this season, contrasting sharply with their defensive prowess at home. Fields is available in over half of ESPN and Yahoo! leagues, making him a viable option for managers in need of a quarterback.
Emari Demercado, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Emari Demercado appears to be back in the good graces of the Arizona coaching staff after a rough patch earlier this season. Following a Week 5 fumble, he saw minimal playing time in Weeks 6 and 7. However, after the Cardinals” Week 8 bye, Demercado emerged as the team”s leading rusher with 14 carries in Week 9, amassing 79 rushing yards. His efficiency, averaging 7.7 yards per carry this season, positions him well as the primary back while Trey Benson remains on injured reserve. This week, the Cardinals will face the Seattle Seahawks, who recently allowed a combined 103 rushing yards and a touchdown to the Washington Commanders” running backs.
Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Injuries have affected the Jacksonville Jaguars receiving corps, leading to increased opportunities for Parker Washington. Over the past two games, he has played 88% of the team”s offensive snaps and has been targeted 19 times, making 12 receptions. In his last game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington recorded a season-high eight receptions for 90 yards and 17 fantasy points. With both Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. sidelined for Week 10, Washington is expected to see an uptick in targets, although the Jaguars will face a tough matchup against the Houston Texans secondary.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson returned from a torn ACL in Week 8 and is gradually increasing his involvement in the Green Bay offense. He has caught six of eight targets for 143 yards over the past two weeks but has yet to find the end zone this season. With tight end Tucker Kraft out for the year due to a torn ACL, Watson stands to benefit from a larger target share. Kraft had been a significant contributor, ranking second on the team with 40 targets and leading with 489 receiving yards. Watson will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, a matchup that presents challenges but also opportunities for big plays.
Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans
Dalton Schultz has quietly become a reliable fantasy option despite the Houston Texans offense struggling this season. He has managed to score at least 11 fantasy points in three of his last four games, though he has yet to score a touchdown. Since Week 5, Schultz has averaged nearly seven targets and 65 receiving yards per game. He ranks second on the team with 47 targets and 385 receiving yards. With C.J. Stroud in concussion protocol, Davis Mills will start for the Texans, and Schultz could see significant involvement against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has been generous to tight ends this season.
As injuries and bye weeks continue to shake up fantasy rosters, these players could provide the depth and production needed to keep your team competitive.
