NFL Fantasy Football Week 10 Waiver Wire

Greetings from San Diego! We've closed yet another chapter of the NFL season, and this week's waiver-wire column highlights a handful of must-add players, especially as injuries mount and bye weeks start to take their toll. 

In no particular order, here are my top 15 waiver wire options to add for Week 10. I also added a honorable mention section at the bottom of the article. My one rule that I have set for this is that a player must be rostered in less than 60 percent of ESPN leagues to be eligible in my column.

Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks) – Quarterback: Coming out of the bye, Darnold exploded against the Commanders, completing all 16 of his passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns. This season in Seattle, he’s looked fantastic—especially when targeting Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The two have quickly developed into one of the most dangerous quarterback-receiver duos in the league. If Darnold is still available, don’t miss out—pick him up now, especially with a favorable Week 10 matchup against the Cardinals.

Joe Flacco (Cincinnati Bengals) – Quarterback: Flacco has continued to shine since joining the Bengals, thanks in large part to having Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as his primary targets. He’s thrown for over 200 yards and at least two touchdowns in every game since Week 6, including a monster performance last week with 470 yards and four scores. At this rate, Flacco is a must-start option regardless of matchup. He’s on a bye this week, but if you can afford to stash him, it’s worth it.

Kareem Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs) – Running Back: With Isiah Pacheco sidelined against the Bills, Hunt stepped in and totaled 49 yards on 11 carries, adding one catch for six yards. While Pacheco is expected to return in Week 11, fantasy managers should still consider adding Hunt. He’s maintained a complementary role all season, and with Pacheco’s injury history, Hunt could easily find himself back in a starting role if health issues resurface.

Tyjae Spears (Tennessee Titans) – Running Back: Starting RB Tony Pollard out-snapped Spears 62% to 45%, but for the second straight week, Spears finished with more fantasy points. With the Titans often playing from behind, the offense is leaning heavily on the passing game—making Spears their go-to option as the pass-catching back. Much like the Hunt/Pacheco situation, if Pollard were to miss any time, Spears would immediately become a must-start option. If he’s still available, snag him while you can.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Washington Commanders) – Running Back: Rodriguez Jr. saw just one fewer touch than Jacory Croskey-Merritt last week against the Seahawks, finishing with 65 rushing yards and a late garbage-time touchdown. While it’s unlikely he overtakes Merritt as the starter, his role is clearly growing. With a matchup against the Lions this week, Rodriguez is worth monitoring—especially if Merritt continues to be a non-factor. If you have the roster space, he’s a smart stash.

Tre Tucker (Las Vegas Raiders) – Wide Receiver: I mentioned Tucker back in Week 3 after his 40-point fantasy explosion, but he’s fallen off since then. That could change quickly with Jakobi Meyers now traded to Jacksonville, pushing Tucker into the WR1 role for the Raiders. Last week, he caught three of four targets for 38 yards, partly limited by Brock Bowers’ monster return. While Bowers will continue to command most of the targets, Tucker is clearly next in line and should be considered one of the top waiver-wire pickups of the week.

Olamide Zaccheaus (Chicago Bears) – Wide Receiver: Zaccheaus has seen a steady target share all season but hadn’t surpassed 50 receiving yards until last week against the Bengals, when he led the team in receiving and found the end zone for the first time—good for 17.8 fantasy points. While Rome Odunze remains the Bears’ top option and D.J. Moore ranks second in receiving yards, Zaccheaus sits second on the team in both targets and receptions. Keep an eye on him heading into a favorable Week 10 matchup against the Giants—he could be building real momentum.

Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts) – Wide Receiver: Pierce delivered his best game of the season last week against the Steelers, setting season highs in receptions, targets, and yards. He’s carved out a respectable role in the Colts’ high-powered offense despite the team’s abundance of weapons. Pierce has topped 60 receiving yards in all but two games this year, though he’s still searching for his first touchdown of 2025. He faces a tough matchup this week against the Falcons, but with most defensive attention likely focused on Michael Pittman, Tyler Warren, and Jonathan Taylor, Pierce could be a sneaky start.

Calvin Austin III (Pittsburgh Steelers) – Wide Receiver: Austin led the Steelers in receiving against the Colts with five catches for 56 yards. Performances like this won’t happen every week, as much of the attention was on DK Metcalf, and the Steelers benefited from short fields thanks to six defensive turnovers. This week, Pittsburgh faces the Chargers in another tough matchup for Metcalf, which could open the door for Austin to produce again. In an offense with limited weapons, Rodgers has consistently looked his way, making Austin a sneaky option in most weeks. If you need a WR, he’s a solid pick.

Darius Slayton (New York Giants) – Wide Receiver: Slayton had his best game of the season last week, recording five catches for 62 yards. With Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo out, the Giants are searching for additional weapons for Jaxson Dart. While Wan’Dale Robinson will draw most targets, Slayton remains the next best option and has seen a solid share of looks since Week 3. Similar to Austin, if you’re in need of WR depth, Slayton is a strong pickup—especially with a favorable matchup against Chicago.

Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears) – Tight End: Loveland came alive against the Bengals, finishing with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. While the Bengals have struggled defensively this season, Loveland’s performance was still impressive. The rookie could continue to produce at a high level if Cole Kmet misses any time. With tight ends often hard to find—especially in Week 10—Loveland is an ideal pickup for fantasy managers.

Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans) – Tight End: Schultz is worth considering only if C.J. Stroud is healthy and starting; with Davis Mills under center, his value is more questionable, even though he’s a reliable possession option. Last week against the Broncos, Schultz recorded six catches for 77 yards, including a 47-yard reception in the first quarter. Regardless of the quarterback situation, his upcoming matchup against the Jaguars looks favorable on paper, making him a potential TE pickup.

Theo Johnson (New York Giants) – Tight End: Johnson is a touchdown-dependent tight end, which limits his floor, but the Giants’ lack of offensive options gives him some appeal. Last week, he finished with three catches on six targets for 27 yards and a touchdown. He draws another favorable matchup this week against the Bears, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to TEs. If you’re in need of a streamer at the position, Johnson is worth considering.

Carolina Panthers – Defense: One of the top projected defenses for Week 10 is the Carolina Panthers—yes, the Panthers—thanks to their matchup against the Saints, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and are starting rookie QB Tyler Shough. Carolina has struggled for consistency this season, including two negative-point finishes, but they posted seven fantasy points last week against the Packers and have previously recorded 16- and 17-point outings.

Cleveland Browns – Defense: The Browns are poised for a big week against the Jets, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. If Garrett Wilson misses another game, the Jets’ offense could continue to struggle, even with Breece Hall still in the backfield. The quarterback situation—Justin Fields versus Tyrod Taylor—isn’t finalized, but Fields appears likely to start following their come-from-behind win over the Bengals before the bye. Either way, Cleveland’s pass rush should make life difficult for whichever QB takes the field.