We were fortunate in Week 9 to have some good fantasy matchups. We had Bills/Bengals, Eagles/Cowboys, and Dolphins/Chiefs. For the most part, all these games delivered.
Week 10 gives us some heavy blows for the bye week, with the Chiefs, Rams, Dolphins, and Eagles all off. Heading into the Week 10 Thursday night game, we don’t exactly get a battle between two juggernauts. The Panthers and Bears have a combined record of 3-14, and their defenses are at the bottom of the league, having a -54 and -86 point differential against their opponents.
With both teams at the bottom of their division, there aren’t a ton of fantasy starts in this one. With bad defenses, it could certainly lead to many points being scored, though. Hopefully, this matchup can somehow get into a shootout.
Week 9 Game Ball: Diontae Johnson – 7 catches, 90 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown
There weren’t many highs from this game, but one that stuck out was Johnson. After missing a good chunk of the season due to injury, Johnson has gotten back on track. He also tacked on his first touchdown of the year. While this Steelers offense isn’t exactly one I want to trust, this is a good sign for him moving forward. Make sure to keep an eye on the status of George Pickens. There may be some drama heading his way that could clear up even more targets for Johnson.
TNF fantasy football preview: Week 10 starts
Week 10 TNF: Elite Starts
These are my locked-in starts that you never need to think twice about. Just put them in and watch the magic happen.
Unfortunately, I don’t think either team will provide an elite start this week. Inconsistency has played a factor for both teams so far this year. Adam Thielen almost made the list, but it’s hard to trust the Panthers.
Week 10 TNF: Solid Starts
These are the starts you shouldn’t be nervous about but certainly aren’t locked in for top-tier production.
Adam Thielen – After a down week, the Bears defense is just what the doctor ordered. Chicago is giving up 256.88 passing yards and 2.2 passing touchdowns per game. This leaves plenty of room for Thielen to do some damage, as he has seen double-digit targets in four of the last six weeks. This will heavily be based on how much pressure the Bears give Bryce Young throughout the game. The positive here is that the Bears are dead last in sacks per game. If Young has some time, Thielen should be able to thrive on Thursday.
Projection: 7 catches for 85 receiving yards and 1 touchdown
Cole Kmet – Kmet is starting to get on a role here. While Carolina ranks 10th in the league against tight ends, Kmet should see enough volume to satisfy fantasy managers on their decision to start him. He has become a favorite target of Tyson Bagent over the last two weeks, averaging 9 targets per game. Even if Justin Fields starts, Kmet should still see his fair share of targets.
Projection: 5 catches for 61 receiving yards
D.J. Moore – Moore just makes the list here, as he is a borderline flex option. After exploding for 230 yards and three touchdowns in Week 5, Moore has yet to top 55 yards or score in a game. Fields has the bigger arm over Bagent, which bodes well for Moore if Fields plays. Regardless, Chicago should realize who is the most skilled receiving option on their team. Moore should be solid but don’t expect big things.
Projection: 7 catches for 75 receiving yards
Week 10 TNF: Flex-Worthy Starts
They are worth a start, but no one is going to blame you if you want to bench them.
Chuba Hubbard/Miles Sanders – Carolina seems to be in a full-on RBBC with Sanders and Hubbard. Hubbard has shown some promise over the last few weeks, but the Panthers have a lot of money tied to Sanders. The Bears are very solid against the run, currently allowing a league-best 3.3 yards per carry and only 79.6 rushing yards per game. I would recommend starting someone else, but with the bye weeks, you could do much worse.
Projection: Sanders – 3 catches for 52 all-purpose yards
Hubbard – 4 catches for 65 all-purpose yards
Break Glass in Case of Emergency Starts
Starts that will have questionable usage, and you are just hoping you can sneak a touchdown out of them. Pick your poison.
- Darnell Mooney
- Bryce Young
- Tyson Bagent/Justin Fields – If Fields is out there, I would recommend another option for his first week back.
- Jonathon Mingo
- Roschon Johnson/ D’Onta Foreman/ Kahlil Hebert – It’s anyone’s backfield at this point.
ATTENTION! 5th Down is moving to Substack
After April 1, 2024, 5th Down Fantasy will be operating via Substack. Please subscribe now for free to receive future articles, which will be accessible on Substack and emailed to you directly. If you can spare a few dollars, you can also enjoy the benefits that our existing paid Substack subscribers receive, including our award-winning fantasy football player rankings, weekend playbook email, additional advice and analysis articles, and more. LEARN MORE
Other Articles
James Conner designated to return from IR
Week 10 waiver wire pickups and players to stream
