NFL Fantasy Football, Week 10: 5 under-the-radar must starts

Week 9 In Review

If you aren't familiar with my methods yet, I'll put myself on a "PASS" or "FAIL" scale which is based on flex options scoring above or below double digit fantasy points. Above 10 points would be a PASS, and obviously below 10 would be a FAIL. I do my best to find the not-so obvious options from week to week to help you dominate your league. With that said here we go once again, let's see how I did for you last week, folks.

Justin Hardy, 5.7 Points -- FAIL
Richard Rodgers, 18.9 Points -- PASS
Nelson Agholor, 0.0 Points -- DNP
Tedd Ginn, 4.3 Points -- FAIL
Jeremy Langford, 15.8 Points -- PASS

Welp, hopefully those of you who owned Nelson Agholor paid attention and benched him after he practiced all week and then was inactive on game day for whatever reason. This week was the definition of "some good and some bad" -- mercy.

Justin Hardy caught all of his targets on the day (4), unfortunately they only translated to 17 yards -- the usage was encouraging nonetheless. Now Richard Rodgers had himself a game, catching 5 of his season high 9 targets for 19 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Nelson Agholor did not participate (DNP) -- in a last minute inactive tag Nelson was rested this week. In a matchup that I expected more of a shoot out from, Tedd Ginn disappointed hauling in just 1 pass for a meager 20 yards. After watching the Monday night game, if you are a Forte owner you better go snag Jeremy Langford -- this guy looked legit and probably won you your week.

Week 10: '5 Must-Start Fantasy Sleepers'

I pride myself on making tough calls, and this week will be no exception once again. Also, Aqib Talib is a dirt bag.

5. Brandon LaFell, WR NEP

Brandon LaFell may have not been a major success in Carolina, but in the New England offense he has been reborn. He's only seen limited time on the field in 2015 but he flashed yet again in Week 9 and it's time to get back on board with LaFell.

In his only 3 appearances in 2015 (Weeks 7-9) Brandon Lafell has seen targets of: 8, 7, & 8. That sort of volume alone with the offensive system he plays in makes him a weekly WR2 play. Coming off his best game of the season in Week 9 (5-102), LaFell has a juicy matchup against a New York Giants' defense that allowed the Saints to drop a 52-burger on them just two weeks ago. With the loss of Dion Lewis to an ACL tear, it's certainly more probable that LaFell could see a spike in his already solid 7.6 targets per game. To add insult to injury, the Giants have been graded out by PFF as a bottom-8 pass coverage defense. Tom Brady is matchup proof and this Giants defense is god awful -- LaFell should be in your line up this weekend.

Brandon LaFell is currently owned in just 56.6% of ESPN leagues, and 70% of Yahoo ones as well. Perhaps the ESPN users are less educated? LaFell is a great option in Week 10.

4. Zach Ertz, TE PHI

In a decent Week 10 matchup, Zach Ertz is back on the flex/TE bye week fill-in radar.

Whether you do or don't buy into the Philadelphia Eagles, there is one thing we can all buy into -- Zach Ertz has serious talent. Entering 2015 Ertz, had a mammoth amount of buzz, we're talking Top 10 tight end or better status, unfortunately he's yet to really return on people's investments. The good news is that despite his production not being exactly up to snuff, his volume has been.

Over the past four weeks, Ertz has posted reception of: 5, 4, 5, & 5 -- meanwhile seeing targets of 7, 7, 8, & 6 along the way. When betting on a player's production, volume is always a major factor and Ertz is getting the requisite usage. On the season, the Miami Dolphins are giving up a league 20th worst 242.4 yards per game through the air, and have allowed an NFL 8th most touchdowns to opposing offenses with 16. Even in Miami, this is not really a defense many people are concerned about. This game, to be totally honest, has all the makings of a sloppy mess that turns into a monstrous blowout.

Currently Ertz is owned in just 56.9% of ESPN leagues and 58% at Yahoo. Perhaps this offense has the inconsistency of my wife's cooking but when they are clicking they can put up points in bunches -- Ertz is a major part of this. He's worth a start in place of a TE on bye or even those unsure of whom else to play.

3. Nate Washington, WR HOU

It's hard to believe that Nate has become relevant, but as a previous borderline WR4 he is now on the fantasy radar. In Week 10, the Texans will get a crack at a considerably tough Bengals defense on Monday night -- and owners shouldn't shy away.

Over the last two weeks Nate Washington has posted 51 fantasy points, you read that right -- 51. Over those same two weeks Nate has seen 22 targets (11 per game) and turned those into 13 receptions, for 201 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Basically he's been red hot, so much so that over this same two week sample size, he has outscored super star DeAndre Hopkins 51 to 33. This week however, he will be taking his aged talents to the state of Ohio on Monday night.

With DeAndre Hopkins drawing deserved double coverage, things should open up for Nate against the league's 18th best defense against the pass. In a game that is sure to be a complete blowout, Washington should not only find himself a big part of the passing game but a potential recipient for garbage time points. Aside from the Steelers, there has yet to be a team that has faced the Bengals and not been forced to air-out to attempt a comeback.

Currently he is available in 71% of Yahoo leagues and 59.5% at ESPN. He is not the sexy name that Hopkins is, but he is the beneficiary of Hopkins sexy name. Let that one sink in, folks.

2. Davante Adams, WR GB

Amongst long term fantasy players, Davante Adams was held in incredibly high regards entering 2015, yet even with the season ending injury to Jordy Nelson he hasn't taken off like expected. After facing some injuries thus far this season it, appears as if he may be back on track.

It's the same case as I made for Richard Rodgers last week -- if you are going to bank on lesser known players, then select the ones in the best situations. Adams is the blessed recipient of Aaron Rodgers pinpoint accurate passes and ability to throw his receivers open. In Week 10, things will be way better for the Packers as they are facing off with the league's worst team -- the Detroit Lions.

A middle of the road defense against the pass (15th -- 252 yards/G), they will be forced to work double time as Green Bay also brings an aggressive run game. Detroit's lack of run defense (29th in the NFL) and league leading 14 rushing TD's allowed spells serious trouble for them from the get-go. Adams is coming off a Week 9 performance where he saw 11 targets and posted a 7-93 line.

As the next man up after Randall Cobb -- Adams is in a position to eat this Sunday. Per PFF the Detroit Lions grade out with a -23.7 in pass coverage, this is good for 4th worst amongst all teams in the league. Davante should see a healthy amount of work between 8-10 targets and when those targets are coming from A-Rodg you know they're certified gold.

Davante Adams is currently available 25% of Yahoo leagues and surprisingly in 35.5% at ESPN. The guy is incredibly talented and in one of the premier NFL offenses. If he is available anywhere on your wire or stashed on your bench -- this week is MUST start opportunity.

1. Shane Vereen, RB NYG

Look guys, back in New England Shane Vereen was the hot chick on the block that everybody wanted the math from (I just learned that "math" is slang for someone's phone number, you're welcome). Now that he has ventured to New York the love for Shane has taken a decline. So call it narrative, but I am expecting a healthy performance against his ex-team the Patriots this Sunday.

Let's first start by saying this game has "shootout" potential and not ignore this fact. On the year, Vereen has a bevy of performances, some very good, and others extremely forgettable. Shane Vereen is the clear-cut passing down option in New York and Eli Manning does not hesitate to utilize him.

On the season Shane Vereen has three separate games where he has logged 8 receptions or more -- there are some starting wideouts that can't even say that. Over his past two weeks (albeit against mediocre defenses) Vereen has scored two touchdowns and logged 12 receptions. Despite the New England Patriots' ability to play teams tough, Vereen offers a skill set that is difficult to match. With New England's average defense against the pass (17th), Eli should be able to give them all they can handle with Odell Beckham forcing double coverage on the outside and Rueben Randle doing whatever it is that he does anymore. Have no fear, Vereen should be highly targeted in a game that is sure to get way out of hand.

Shane Vereen is currently available in 42% of Yahoo leagues and 34% of leagues at ESPN. Don't fear Vereen, the guy can ball.

Good luck this week everyone.

As always you can find me on twitter @AnOutragedJew if you have sit/start questions or want steamy dating advice.

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