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Proactive Week 10 waivers can make a difference in the playoff push. Here’s a data-backed breakdown of priority waiver wire additions and stashable players who could bring major value later in the season.
The 2024 fantasy football season has been notably impacted by an uneven distribution of injuries, especially affecting wide receivers. Star receivers like Chris Olave, CeeDee Lamb, Drake London, and A.J. Brown suffered fresh injuries in Week 9, further depleting a position already ravaged by absences. Several top-tier wide receivers, including Rashee Rice, Brandon Aiyuk, and Stefon Diggs, are out for the season, while others, like Nico Collins and Cooper Kupp, have missed multiple games. In stark contrast, running backs have remained relatively healthy, with only a few notable absences, such as Christian McCaffrey and Isiah Pacheco early in the season. This trend has left many fantasy managers scrambling to fill receiver gaps while maintaining an excess of unspent FAAB dollars due to a lack of running back injuries.
This unusual injury distribution is likely to influence the fantasy draft strategy for 2025, as the Zero-RB approach may lose appeal. Given the stability in the running back position and the challenges faced with wide receiver injuries, early rounds in future drafts may lean more toward running backs than in past years. Additionally, with fewer running back injuries, the waiver wire has seen minimal movement at that position, leaving managers with limited options and more unspent FAAB. As Week 10 approaches with four teams on a bye, managers are advised to manage FAAB cautiously and patch roster holes as frugally as possible, as waiver prospects across all positions remain thin.
Waiver Wire Targets (Rostered in less than 50% of leagues)
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins (43.0% Rostered)
In his second game back from injury, Tua Tagovailoa showcased remarkable accuracy, completing 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Although this impressive showing wasn’t enough to secure a win against Buffalo, Tua’s nearly flawless passing keeps the Miami offense moving. While he lacks the rushing upside that would push him into the top-tier QB finishes, the Dolphins have several favorable matchups on the horizon, including games against the Rams, Raiders, and Patriots, with playoff-friendly matchups against the Texans and Browns. Tua could be a valuable fantasy starter if the Dolphins’ offense maintains its current efficiency.
Ray Davis, RB, Buffalo Bills (21% Rostered)
Don’t overreact to Ray Davis’ 17-point performance in Week 9, where he had six total touches, one of which was a 63-yard catch-and-run touchdown. While he remains behind James Cook, Davis’ big-play ability makes him one of the highest-upside handcuffs in fantasy. If Cook were to miss time, Davis could slide into a lead role and produce high-end RB2 value. With a favorable schedule ahead, including a Week 10 matchup against the Colts, he’s a great stash option for teams eyeing league-winning upside.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (20.7% Rostered)
Returning from a two-game absence, Quentin Johnston made his presence felt in Week 9, hauling in four passes for 118 yards, including a touchdown on a deep play. However, this performance was somewhat inflated by a busted coverage, and Johnston has yet to see more than six targets in any game. Despite his sporadic involvement, the Chargers’ increased passing volume, combined with a WR-friendly schedule, could give Johnston FLEX value moving forward, especially with Justin Herbert showing improved form.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints (25.6% Rostered)
Taysom Hill continues to thrive in a multi-faceted role, scoring 16 PPR points in Week 9 with five carries for 19 yards and a touchdown, along with four catches for 41 yards. With the Saints’ offense missing several key players, including Chris Olave and Kendre Miller, Hill’s role is set to expand. He’s been a top performer among TEs in PPR formats and can be a weekly fantasy starter in a Saints offense that increasingly relies on his versatility.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (13% Rostered)
Mike Gesicki had a standout Week 9, catching five of his six targets for 100 yards and two touchdowns, following a strong Week 8 performance with seven catches for 73 yards. With Tee Higgins sidelined by a quad injury, Gesicki has stepped up as one of Joe Burrow’s primary targets, posting the highest TE score for the week with 24.5 fantasy points. However, Gesicki’s production has fluctuated with Higgins’ availability—he averages 8.9 half-point PPR points when Higgins is out, but just 2.22 points when Higgins plays. Keep an eye on Higgins’ injury status, as Gesicki’s usage and value rise when he’s the secondary receiving option in Cincinnati’s offense.
Stash ‘Em for Later
These under-the-radar players have the potential to become valuable fantasy contributors as the season progresses. Get ahead by stashing them now!
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams (17% Rostered)
Behind Kyren Williams, Corum provides high-upside insurance. Averaging 5.4 yards per carry, Corum is ready for a larger role should Williams miss any time. He’s a valuable bench stash with high handcuff potential.
Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals (15.6% Rostered)
Trey Benson’s role in the Cardinals’ offense has been limited, but he saw notable early-down usage in Week 9. If his involvement continues to grow, he could be a strong handcuff option, especially with a top-three fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. His role in high-leverage situations makes him a worthwhile stash.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, San Francisco 49ers (8% Rostered)
With Jordan Mason’s recent injury setbacks, Guerendo emerged as the primary backup, posting 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown in Week 8. While the return of Christian McCaffrey lowers his immediate value, Guerendo’s high production makes him a valuable insurance policy if the injury bug strikes again.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (2% Rostered)
Gainwell is an essential insurance stash behind Saquon Barkley, particularly with a favorable late-season schedule. Gainwell could step into a starting role if Barkley misses time, with Weeks 14-17 matchups against weak run defenses in Carolina and Dallas. Gainwell could offer potential league-winning upside down the stretch.
Keaton Mitchell, RB, Baltimore Ravens (4% Rostered)
One of the most efficient running backs in 2023, Mitchell averaged 8.4 yards per carry before an ACL injury last season. After a recent return to practice, he could soon be back in the lineup. Mitchell is a high-upside stash, especially if the Ravens opt to rest Derrick Henry. He offers stand-alone and potential starter value if given the opportunity.