Fantasy Football Warning Signals for Week 10: Deshaun Watson, Jerome Ford, and Zay Flowers

Week 10 of the fantasy football season is underway and while we may have drafted certain players at a premium, it is okay to consider benching them despite their name value. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season. When injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise, we must adjust. Today, I'll be looking at Deshaun Watson, Jerome Ford, and Zay Flowers

This may be difficult to stomach benching a player drafted within the top 100 for a possible free-agent acquisition, but sometimes such measures must be taken to ensure victory throughout the fantasy football season.

Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 10. Will they bounce back or continue to underperform? For any and all issues or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on X.

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Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 10?

Deshaun Watson - Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

Good News: Deshaun Watson returned to play last weekend and looked like the QB Cleveland expected upon trading for and extending him.

Bad News: Both starting Offensive Tackles are out for the Browns as they face a Ravens defense ranking top-three against both the pass and run.

This week's matchup is an easy sit despite Watson's weekly upside (QB8 in points per game when playing a full game). He is a volatile start week-over-week but with added risk in this matchup without proper protection.

Every Deshaun Watson pass thrown 15+ yards downfield in Week 9 pic.twitter.com/BT0k0QV18s

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 7, 2023

Who To Start Instead?

Sam Howell - Washington Commanders @ Seattle Seahawks

Sam Howell enters Week 10 ranking ninth in QB PPG with an offense that is very willing to air it out. He currently sits second among all quarterbacks in passing yards and may end the season as such given the holes in Washington's defense. This past deadline gutted an average-at-best defensive unit and now the remains of it head into Seattle to face a full-strength, balanced attack.

This matchup between the Seahawks and Commanders should be one of the higher-scoring games of this weekend with a Vegas game total of 45 (take the over). Washington will likely be tasked with playing catch-up given their deficiencies and that should benefit Howell's fantasy managers and his receivers.

Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 10?

Jerome Ford - Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

Similar to Watson, Ford faces a stout Baltimore front without two starting OTs. Meanwhile, Ford is returning from a high-ankle sprain suffered two weeks ago and attempting to regain form. It is notable that Ford played 64% of the snaps this past week and earned 25 touches but he gained merely 77 yards and did not score once in a 27-point blowout against Arizona.

Ford's backup Kareem Hunt played just 29% of the snaps but given his role, it is likely due to the gamescript favoring Cleveland. In a game where Cleveland trails, we should expect to see much more Hunt who is often on the field in passing down situations and two-minute drills.

Who To Start Instead?

Devin Singletary - Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals

With starting RB Dameon Pierce likely ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals, Singletary once again should step in as starter and play a similar 75% snap role as he did last weekend. Singletary disappointed managers with a 15-touch, 26-yard, 0TD performance but this coming matchup is much more favorable than against Tampa's destructive front.

Wilson: Nico Collins (calf), Dameon Pierce (ankle) won't play Week 10.

— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) November 10, 2023

The Bengals rank 24th in DVOA against the run and will be without starting EDGE Sam Hubbard this weekend. While it may be tough to stomach, firing up a guaranteed workhorse is typically best.

Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 10?

Zay Flowers - Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns

Another player in the Browns/Ravens matchup this weekend to fade! Our first, and only, Raven from this matchup is Zay Flowers whose role has seemingly diminished as the season rolled on. While he may have a certain subset of talents, Flowers is struggling to produce on his touches due to them primarily coming around the line of scrimmage. This role leaves Flowers vulnerable to multiple tacklers as he isn't targeted in space downfield.

Also, Flowers' targets are being siphoned to veterans Odell Beckham Jr and Rashod Bateman, each of whom has looked better/healthier in recent weeks. Flowers is still a fine WR to hold given his upside but for now, he should remain on the bench in a matchup against the NFL's top defense.

Narrative around Zay based on his usage seems to be that he is/can not beat NFL coverage on big boy downfield routes. Not only is this not true based on film, I’m sure the Ravens coaching staff knows it and it’ll reflect in usage down the line. https://t.co/q7FMzzaFkM

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) November 9, 2023

Who To Start Instead?

Jerry Jeudy - Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills

Jerry Jeudy has 114 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets over the past two games. While his season as a whole is mediocre, it is important to remember that Jeudy's preseason was cut short by a grade-two hamstring strain which likely impacted his performance when activated.

This matchup against the Bills should be one in which the Broncos are forced to throw in the second half and with Jeudy remaining in town through the trade deadline, there is hope that the offense has big plans for him down the stretch as they attempt to compete.

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