Week 10 is here, and as we hit the double-digit weeks of the regular season, the stakes truly have become double or nothing. That extra digit is not just a symbolic milestone of how far we have come in the season, it also is signaling that the playoffs are right around the corner. At this stage, every lineup decision weighs heavily, and waiver pickups have to bring that spark to push your team across the finish line. Whether you are sitting comfortably at the top of your league’s standings or fighting for your life for the last playoff spot, the waiver wire is an asset that should be utilized to strengthen your roster. So, as we enter these double-digit weeks, it is time to double down and make every roster decision count. With that in mind, here are the premier pickups of Week 10, primed to help you gear up for your playoff push.

Running Backs

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers – (Just in case he is still available in your league...) It may seem unusual to feature a rookie running back who has yet to play a single NFL snap due to a prolonged ACL recovery as this week’s top waiver pickup at the position, but that speaks to just how slim the waiver wire has been for running backs this season. Drafted as the first running back in his class, Brooks showed tremendous talent at the University of Texas, combining exceptional vision with strong pass-catching ability. These attributes make him especially intriguing for fantasy football purposes. While he joins one of the league’s most underwhelming offenses, his talent could help him overcome that challenge and become a valuable contributor.

The challenge for Brooks is that another backfield option has already broken out in his absence. Chuba Hubbard has emerged as a top-10 fantasy running back this season, thriving with a heavy workload. However, Hubbard may not be Carolina’s long-term solution, and the Panthers are likely eager to see what their prized rookie can do. Though Brooks will probably see limited snaps initially, his potential impact for the latter part of the season and fantasy playoffs should not be overlooked. If your league has IR slots, he has likely been stashed all season, but if he is still available, he is worth picking up immediately with his professional debut expected in Week 10 against the New York Giants.

Recommended FAAB: 5-25%.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaylen Warren may be sharing the Steelers’ backfield with Najee Harris, but his fantasy potential should not be overlooked. Currently available in too many leagues, Warren has been quietly productive since returning from injury. After a slow start to the season, he delivered his first solid outing in Week 7, rushing 12 times for 44 yards and adding two catches for 15 yards. 

He followed it up with another efficient showing in Week 8’s win over the Giants, running nine times for 46 yards and catching two of three targets for 13 yards. While his recent performances have not included a touchdown, Warren’s versatility and steady production make him worth a pickup in most leagues. With Pittsburgh on their bye in Week 9, the time off could have allowed him to secure a larger role in the game plan, positioning him for increased value in the season’s second half. The dynamic running back will aim to jump-start his season in a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens – Justice Hill has been racking up frequent flier points on our waiver wire articles this season, thanks to his consistent contributions to Baltimore’s offense. The challenge with Hill, however, is predicting when his standout weeks will come, as his workload varies. In Week 9’s win over Denver, Hill ran five times for 15 yards and caught all three of his targets for 43 yards, showcasing his versatility. With Derrick Henry in the backfield, Hill’s ground production will likely remain limited outside of a possible big-play burst. Instead, he has made his mark in the passing game, where his skills shine in Baltimore’s dynamic offense.

The Ravens’ ability to beat teams in multiple ways forces defenses to stay on their toes, often allowing Hill to capitalize on open lanes and turn short catches into sizable gains. While Hill is not quite a reliable weekly fantasy starter, he stands out as a valuable asset as a bye-week fill-in or injury replacement. He will look to build on his recent success in a key Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Cincinnati Bengals – Khalil Herbert has had limited involvement in Chicago this season, with his last offensive opportunity coming in Week 3. The team appears to favor D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in their backfield, but Herbert is still a versatile and dynamic back in just his fourth NFL season.

After Chicago granted Herbert permission to seek a trade, speculation swirled about a fresh start with a new team. Early Tuesday morning, it was confirmed: Herbert is heading to the Cincinnati Bengals. While a true bell cow role would have been the most ideal for his fantasy upside, his new team offers an intriguing opportunity. With Zack Moss sidelined indefinitely due to a neck injury, Herbert steps into a complementary role alongside Chase Brown. Although Herbert lacks Brown’s burst, his power running style could make him a go-to option near the goal line as his role evolves.

The Bengals face a challenging stretch ahead, starting with Week 10 in Baltimore, followed by another road game against the Chargers, a Week 12 bye, and then a tough matchup against Pittsburgh. This run may limit the immediate upside for both backs, but Herbert is still worth a speculative pickup to see how his role unfolds in Cincinnati’s fantasy-friendly offense.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Wide Receivers

REMINDER: Here’s your friendly reminder not to overlook Jauan Jennings or Ricky Pearsall if they are available in your league. If either was dropped during their Week 9 bye, they should be top priorities on the waiver wire this week. Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers – After a rocky rookie season, Quentin Johnston is quietly showing signs of a bounce-back campaign in his second year with the Chargers. He flashed early promise by scoring three touchdowns in the season’s first three weeks, positioning himself as a key target in the offense. However, an ankle injury sidelined him for two games and stalled his momentum. In his Week 9 return to action, Johnston made an immediate impact in the Chargers’ win over the Browns, catching four of five targets for 118 yards and a touchdown. A highlight of his performance was a 66-yard catch-and-run score, underscoring his big-play ability in an offense that is finding its rhythm.

Since the team’s Week 5 bye, rookie Ladd McConkey has emerged as a dynamic presence, and Johnston could be the ideal splash-play threat to complement him. With Justin Herbert in peak form and the team increasing their passing volume, Johnston now profiles as a high-upside, boom-or-bust option for fantasy lineups. His next test to sustain this production is a Week 10 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers – The guys frequently mention on the show to watch for signs of a rookie breakout in the season’s second half, especially with a first-round talent. Although he is playing in a putrid offense, Xavier Legette has put together a string of impressive performances and should be on every fantasy manager’s radar. His target share has risen since Carolina traded away Diontae Johnson, and now the rookie profiles as the WR1 and top option in an unproven receiving corps. In Week 9’s rare win over the Saints, Legette caught four of six targets for 33 yards and a touchdown, bringing his total to 13 targets over the last two games and four touchdowns in his last six.

While we would like to see his yardage totals improve as the season progresses, that may be tough given the limitations of an offense led by Bryce Young. Still, Legette’s size, speed, and athleticism make him an intriguing fantasy asset if he can continue developing into a true breakout player. Although trusting any receiver in Carolina’s offense is far from easy right now, Legette has some flex appeal for a Week 10 matchup with the New York Giants, where he will aim to find the end zone again and continue to boost his fantasy value.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams – As we saw at the end of last season, Demarcus Robinson has both the talent and the trust of Matthew Stafford to make a significant impact in Los Angeles’s passing attack. However, Robinson struggled early this season when forced into a primary role while Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were sidelined with injuries. He seems to thrive more as a less focal option in the offense, capitalizing on the defensive attention drawn by the Rams’ star receivers. In Week 8, Robinson had his most productive outing of the season to that point, catching two of three targets for 35 yards and two touchdowns. While his fantasy points were impressive, relying solely on touchdowns can be risky.

Fortunately, Robinson followed this with an even stronger performance in Week 9’s win over Seattle, catching six of nine targets for 94 yards and two more touchdowns. This outing not only brought season highs in targets and yards but also showed his growing role as a red-zone threat. The Rams’ offense seems to be hitting its stride at the right time, with Robinson playing a key role in their recent success. His usage may remain steady as he solidifies himself as the WR3, complementing Kupp and Nacua. While he may still be a bit of a risky play for fantasy lineups, Robinson is on a hot streak and worth a look as a bye-week fill-in for his Week 10 matchup with the Dolphins.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Sterling Shepard, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – With Chris Godwin and Mike Evans sidelined, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been searching for answers among their wide receivers. Cade Otton has emerged as a top-producing tight end in recent weeks, but it was veteran wideout Sterling Shepard who joined him in stepping up under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football in Week 9. Shepard made one clutch catch after another, helping Tampa Bay push the game into overtime. Despite the tough loss to Kansas City, he finished with four catches on five targets for 47 yards, leading the team’s wide receivers.

While Evans’ and Jalen McMillan’s return timelines remain uncertain, Shepard’s strong showing makes him worth a look on waivers this week. His next challenge is a tough matchup against San Francisco’s strong defense, followed by the Buccaneers’ bye in Week 11.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

DeMario Douglas, WR, New England Patriots – It has been an up-and-down season for DeMario Douglas, but he has at least clearly emerged as a top target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, thriving with Maye under center. In Week 9, Douglas delivered another solid outing, catching seven of nine targets for 35 yards. While his yardage totals remain modest, this marked the fourth time this season that Douglas has seen nine targets in a game.

Due to his smaller frame, Douglas is not a significant touchdown threat, which caps his weekly fantasy ceiling. Still, his steady target volume makes him a viable option in fantasy, especially in PPR leagues. Immediate expectations should be kept in check, however, as he faces a challenging Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%.

Noah Brown, WR, Washington Commanders – After making headlines with a last-second Hail Mary catch from Jayden Daniels that lifted Washington to a thrilling Week 8 win over Chicago, Noah Brown unexpectedly found himself in the spotlight. Despite his heroics, he remained on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues, which is a reasonable response given his inconsistent involvement in Washington’s passing game up to that point. In his follow-up performance, though, Brown delivered his most productive game of the season, catching five of six targets for 60 yards, even without finding the end zone.

Washington has made it known that they are actively exploring trade options to add a wide receiver to complement Terry McLaurin before Tuesday’s deadline. While such a move could impact Brown’s role, he may be exactly what the team needs if no trade materializes. Looking beyond the trade rumors, Brown is an intriguing pickup in this explosive offense, with the potential to build on his recent success in a Week 10 matchup against the Steelers.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Tight Ends

Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Gesicki took center stage in last week’s article after a strong Week 8 showing, where he caught seven of eight targets for 73 yards on National Tight Ends Day. While this performance caught attention, it wasn’t the first time Gesicki had a big game, only to fade in usage afterward. Because of this inconsistency, many fantasy managers opted to overlook him and explore other options at tight end. But with news that Tee Higgins would miss another game due to injury, Gesicki once again emerged as a primary target in Cincinnati’s explosive offense. In Week 9’s win over the Raiders, he capitalized, catching five of six targets for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite back-to-back standout performances, there are a few cautionary signs regarding his sustainability as a fantasy option. First, Higgins is expected to return soon, which could reduce Gesicki’s target share. Additionally, despite his recent production, Gesicki played only 36% of snaps in Week 9, a limitation due to his lackluster blocking abilities. However, with promising rookie tight end Erick All out for the season with an ACL injury, there is potential for Gesicki to see more snaps and continued target opportunities. He is a priority pickup this week for those looking to capitalize on his recent success, especially heading into a pivotal Week 10 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints – Stop me if you have heard this before: Taysom Hill delivered an electrifying performance out of nowhere, reminding us why he is such a unique and tantalizing asset at the tight end position for fantasy football. After a slow start to the season due to a series of injuries, Hill posted his first standout fantasy outing since Week 4. In New Orleans’ Week 9 loss to the Panthers, Hill played a significant role, catching four of five targets for 41 yards and adding five carries for 19 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Hill is a dynamic weapon on the field, offering rushing upside unmatched by any other tight end in the league. Though he remains a boom-or-bust option due to his unpredictable weekly role, he has a genuine shot to score a rushing touchdown each game. With HC Dennis Allen, a major advocate of Hill, no longer at the helm, there is some uncertainty about his role moving forward. However, if Hill continues to be a key part of the offense, he could be a game-changer for fantasy teams or at least an ideal bye-week fill-in with upside. He will look to build on his big performance in a Week 10 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

Final Thoughts

Though we have already seen some trade chaos leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, more moves may still be in the works. This means new priority waiver wire targets could emerge even after this article is published. Staying on top of trade updates as the deadline approaches will be essential. When key players are moved, it does not just impact the assets involved in the deal. It often opens up opportunities for lesser-known players to become key contributors for the rest of the season. Identifying these players early could give you an edge as they step into expanded roles.

As we enter the double-digit weeks of the regular season, I wish you the best of luck. These next few matchups will determine playoff hopes for many teams in your league, and wise use of the waiver wire could be what pushes you to the top. Here’s to a successful week and emerging victorious!