DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 18: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders gets set during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Detroit Lions, at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
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As we head into the second half of the NFL season, it’s important to take stock of where you fantasy football roster stands for the stretch run. In addition to players seeing increased fantasy value because of injuries or new opportunities, others could see their stock fall because of a declining role or disappointing performance. Here are the top Week 10 fantasy football risers and fallers to keep in mind for your waiver wire claims, lineup decisions, and long-term roster strategy.
Week 10 Fantasy Football Risers
1. Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
One of the biggest injuries to come out of Week 9 was the Packers losing Tucker Kraft (knee) for the season. He has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league. With him going down early against the Panthers, Doubs posted season-highs in targets (10), receptions (seven), and receiving yards (91). Doubs has the potential to be a viable WR2 in fantasy down the stretch.
2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ schedule is what puts Rodgers on this list. Playing the Chargers in Week 10 isn’t the easiest of circumstances, but Week 11 brings a matchup against a Bengals team that has allowed an average of 33.3 points per game. Including that matchup with the Bengals, the Steelers will have a stretch of five weeks in which they play four teams that have allowed at least 27.0 points per game.
3. Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
With star tight end Brock Bowers returning from injury Sunday, Smith threw for 284 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception against the Broncos. Having Bowers available has proven to be key for Smith’s fantasy output. In three games without him, Smith combined for one touchdown. Over five games with Bowers on the field, Smith has 10 touchdowns. Smith is a viable quarterback streaming option, as long as Bowers remains healthy.
Week 10 Fantasy Football Fallers
1. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
McLaurin sat out Week 9 with a quadriceps injury and head coach Dan Quinn said that he doesn’t see McLaurin returning for Week 10 against the Lions. The Commanders then play the Dolphins in Week 11 before having their bye in Week 12. It’s possible we don’t see McLaurin on the field again until Week 13. Even when he does return, he won’t have Jayden Daniels (elbow) throwing him passes. As crazy as this would have sounded at the beginning of the season, it’s ok to drop McLaurin if you need his roster spot for someone who can provide production now.
2. Bam Knight, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Emari Demercado made his return from an ankle injury to lead the Cardinals with 14 carries and 79 rushing yards against the Cowboys on Monday. Knight finished with just nine carries for 27 yards. Knight is only averaging 3.4 yards per carry, so he could continue to take a backseat to Demercado. Drop Knight for a player with higher upside on the waiver wire.
3. Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Pollard was given at least 14 carries in each of his first five games. Part of that can be attributed to Tyjae Spears missing the first four games because of injury. Now that Spears is back, Pollard has totaled 37 carries for 152 yards and no touchdowns over the last four games. After the Titans have a bye in Week 10, they face two good defenses in the Texans and Seahawks. Pollard needs to be anchored to fantasy benches right now.
Takeaway
Doubs, Rodgers, and Smith are all in line to see their fantasy values rise for the second half of the season. The same can’t be said for McLaurin, Knight, and Pollard, who shouldn’t be deployed in most leagues for the foreseeable future. Staying ahead of these trends is key to winning matchups — check out our Week 10 Fantasy Football Sleepers article for more fantasy football insights.