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It’s Week 10, and it’s time to make tough calls. The waiver wire may be slim, your bench might look shaky, and those start-or-sit decisions can make or break your fantasy week. Every manager knows that feeling when a “set-it-and-forget-it” starter suddenly underperforms against a seemingly tough matchup. That’s where this article comes in.
See the list of this week’s landmines that could derail your fantasy lineup if you’re not careful. If you have safer options on your bench, this is the week to think twice about rolling out these high-profile names.
Here’s who to bench if you want to sidestep a Week 10 disappointment.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
C.J. Stroud, QB, vs. Detroit Lions
C.J. Stroud has struggled to live up to preseason hype in his rookie campaign, and it’s not hard to see why—Houston’s offense has been out of sync, particularly after losing Stefon Diggs and managing without Nico Collins. Stroud currently sits as the 28th-ranked fantasy QB, averaging 17.47 fantasy points per game. The Detroit Lions present a daunting challenge for him in Week 10.
Detroit’s defense allows 250.8 passing yards per game, but don’t let that fool you; they’re a stingy unit where it counts. They’ve only allowed six passing touchdowns all season and are the 13th-ranked defense against fantasy quarterbacks, surrendering an average of just 14.98 points per game. Stroud has thrown a mere eight touchdowns against three interceptions this season while completing 63.4% of his passes—numbers that won’t inspire confidence against Detroit’s aggressive pass rush and fast secondary. Additionally, Stroud’s lack of rushing production (143 rushing yards, zero touchdowns) limits his fantasy upside. This matchup isn’t just tough; it’s an opportunity to keep Stroud on the bench if you have a more favorable option.
One thing I noticed as the jets game went on was the lack of progression from CJ Stroud potentially due to the OL play
Here we have a 2 man read to the left
•Under/out concept
•Tank gets doubled but CJ never hitches to the outThe Texans offense needs to get in rhythm pic.twitter.com/QHhYSOv30o
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) November 8, 2024
Raheem Mostert, RB, vs. Los Angeles Rams
Raheem Mostert went from a touchdown machine last season to an afterthought in Miami’s offense. Devon Achane has emerged as the Dolphins’ top back, while Mostert’s snap share has plummeted to a lowly 25.6%. With just 214 rushing yards on the season, two rushing touchdowns, and two fumbles, Mostert currently ranks as the 29th fantasy RB, averaging a mere 9.5 points per game. His production is a far cry from what managers expected after his 18-touchdown season in 2023.
While the Rams’ rush defense ranks only 24th in terms of rushing yardage allowed (135.1 per game), they’ve tightened up significantly in the red zone, giving up just six rushing touchdowns this season. Notably, over the past four weeks, they’ve been the fifth-best defense against fantasy RBs. With Miami now relying heavily on Achane for rushing duties, Mostert’s limited touches and the Rams’ solid defensive showing against the run spell a week of potential fantasy disaster. Don’t expect him to salvage his production as a pass-catcher, either—he’s managed only seven receptions for 71 yards without a receiving touchdown.
Miami Dolphins (2024)
vs. Bills (Week 9)
Lead Zone Toss
- Nice job by the Fullback Ingold to help the PSY and get Mostert a clear read here on the EMOL
- Ingold then climbs to the 2nd level defender creating a pretty alley.
Good play across the board. Shame it was a fumble.… pic.twitter.com/A4XSm2SN1W
— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) November 8, 2024
Courtland Sutton, WR, vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Courtland Sutton’s fantasy value has been frustratingly inconsistent, but he remains an enticing option on paper with 499 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and a 21.8% target share. However, when we dig deeper, Sutton’s upside against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10 looks bleak. The Chiefs’ defense has quietly become one of the NFL’s most dependable units, ranking 7th against wide receivers in fantasy points allowed per game.
Even though the Chiefs rank a modest 15th against the pass, they’ve allowed a maximum of just 25 points to any opponent all season, showcasing a defense that limits upside against opponents. Sutton has struggled to make a big impact despite his eight end zone targets, managing only two touchdowns on the season. Kansas City’s ability to neutralize big plays means Sutton’s value could be tied to underneath catches rather than deep or red-zone opportunities. If you’re expecting Sutton to find the end zone or even post big yardage totals, it’s best to temper those expectations. Look for other WR options who have a more favorable matchup.
Jake Ferguson, TE, vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Jake Ferguson’s emergence as a reliable option in Dallas has been refreshing, especially given the league’s current TE guessing game each week. But the Cowboys’ Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles makes Ferguson a risky play. With 334 receiving yards and a 15% target share, Ferguson has been a top-10 TE in terms of fantasy points per game, but he’s notably absent in the red zone. Zero touchdowns and a single end zone target make him one of the least efficient scoring TEs among fantasy starters.
The Eagles’ defense against tight ends has been elite, ranking 4th in fantasy points allowed to the position. They haven’t conceded a single receiving touchdown to a tight end all season and give up just 189 average passing yards per game, the seventh-best in the league. Given that the Cowboys will rely on backup quarterback Cooper Rush this week, Ferguson’s role might look even murkier. He could see a few more targets as an outlet for Rush, but that’s a gamble with limited upside. Look elsewhere for TE points this week—Ferguson’s likely production ceiling won’t outweigh his limited scoring opportunities.
Brian Thomas Jr., Flex, vs. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Thomas Jr. has emerged as a reliable flex play this season, hauling in five touchdowns and boasting a target share of 17.5%. However, the Jaguars’ inconsistent offense has limited his impact, and Thomas’ output may face a downturn in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings’ defense has allowed a modest 331.9 total yards per game, and under Brian Flores, they’re becoming increasingly adept at confusing opponents with exotic blitzes and creative coverages.
The Vikings rank 16th overall in yards allowed and have been surprisingly effective at keeping top receivers out of the end zone. Thomas may struggle to connect with Trevor Lawrence, who has been inconsistent in spreading the ball effectively. With just two receptions for 22 yards last week against the Eagles, Thomas’ floor appears risky heading into this matchup. Minnesota’s defense is engineered to keep playmakers in check, and Thomas could see his red-zone opportunities limited, making him a risky flex option in Week 10.
#Eagles rolled coverage a handful of times to Brian Thomas JR's side in this game (lot of Cover 6 with safety over top of cloud corner)
Quinyon Mitchell continued to show his aggressiveness in those coverages, and Cooper DeJean brings that same mentality inside pic.twitter.com/3ATsvCR7Ko
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) November 6, 2024
Final Thoughts
Week 10 has some brutal matchups that could leave even the best players hobbling. Stroud, Mostert, Sutton, Ferguson, and Thomas all face formidable defenses or unique circumstances that significantly limit their fantasy upside. These guys are far from automatic starts, and playing them this week could sink your fantasy score if they underperform as expected.
Always remember: it’s better to get average points from a safer bench player than to roll the dice with an underperforming “name.” Play smart, be ruthless, and trust the matchups to guide your way to victory.
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