NFL Fantasy Football’s Waiver Wire is the Modern-Day Armageddon for Roster Survival
The NFL season is a relentless battle, and as we enter Week 10, the landscape is evolving rapidly, filled with opportunities and dire consequences for fantasy football managers. The waiver wire has become a critical battleground, akin to a modern-day Armageddon where only the savvy survive. With injuries piling up and bye weeks taking their toll, every decision made could mean the difference between victory and despair.
The current state of fantasy football echoes themes of survival and strategy seen throughout history. Just as nations have faced crises that require swift and precise action, fantasy managers must navigate the chaotic waters of player transactions, injury reports, and matchup analyses. The stakes are high, and every waiver wire pickup could tip the scales in favor of those who dare to act decisively.
One of the most talked-about names this week is Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks. He made headlines coming off the bye week, throwing a perfect game against the Commanders with four touchdowns, demonstrating the kind of performance that can elevate a mediocre fantasy roster into a championship contender. His synergy with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is reminiscent of legendary duos throughout sports history, where two athletes combined for greatness. Darnold’s ability to exploit favorable matchups, such as the one against the Cardinals in Week 10, makes him an essential addition for teams in dire need of a quarterback.
In contrast, Joe Flacco’s remarkable resurgence with the Cincinnati Bengals presents an intriguing case. Since joining the team, he’s consistently thrown for over 200 yards and a minimum of two touchdowns per game, showcasing the kind of reliability that teams yearn for in the late-season push for playoffs. Flacco’s potential as a stash candidate during his bye week exemplifies the long-term strategy often required in fantasy football—a reminder that patience can pay off handsomely.
Kareem Hunt’s role with the Kansas City Chiefs is yet another narrative that underscores the unpredictability of player value in fantasy leagues. With Isiah Pacheco sidelined, Hunt capitalized with solid yardage, proving that he remains a viable option even as the primary starter. This scenario draws parallels to historical figures who emerged stronger from adversity, illustrating that opportunities often arise from the unlikeliest of circumstances.
On the other side of the ball, Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans is carving out a unique role as a pass-catching back. His performance, particularly in high-pressure situations where the Titans often find themselves trailing, showcases the evolving landscape of running back usage in the NFL. Spears’ ability to thrive in a passing game mirrors key shifts in football strategy, where versatility and adaptability are paramount.
As teams look for depth in their running back corps, Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the Washington Commanders is making strides, although his path is clouded by the presence of Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The competition for touches is fierce, and Rodriguez’s emerging role highlights the constant jockeying for position that characterizes the league—a microcosm of the cutthroat nature of competition across all spheres of life.
Wide receivers Tre Tucker of the Las Vegas Raiders and Olamide Zaccheaus of the Chicago Bears are also making waves as fantasy managers seek to bolster their depth. Tucker’s ascension to the WR1 role due to Jakobi Meyers’ trade is a pivotal moment for the Raiders, reminiscent of historical power shifts that redefine leadership dynamics. Meanwhile, Zaccheaus has shown he can capitalize on opportunities, marking him as a rising star to monitor closely.
The Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Calvin Austin III both present compelling cases for wide receiver pickups in a crowded field. Their recent performances reflect the unpredictability of player trajectories and the necessity for managers to remain vigilant. The wide receiver position, often seen as a volatile landscape in fantasy football, is now an arena where emerging talents can quickly change the game—similar to how pivotal leaders can shift the course of history with a single bold move.
Tight ends are often the overlooked heroes of a fantasy roster, yet this season has provided some intriguing candidates. Colston Loveland’s breakout performance solidifies his status as a key pickup, particularly if Cole Kmet’s health remains an issue. Loveland’s emergence as a reliable target showcases how even the most unexpected players can dramatically impact a team’s fortunes. The tight end position has traditionally been a challenge, making Loveland’s performance all the more significant in a season where consistency is king.
Dalton Schultz and Theo Johnson present further options for those needing tight end support. Schultz’s value swings with the health of the starting quarterback, a reminder of how external variables can shape a player’s fantasy relevance. Meanwhile, Johnson’s touchdown dependency mirrors the high-risk, high-reward nature of fantasy football itself, where managers must weigh the potential for greatness against the realities of inconsistency.
Defensive units are not to be overlooked, with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns both positioned to capitalize on favorable matchups in Week 10. The Panthers face a struggling Saints offense, while the Browns look to exploit the Jets’ weaknesses. The strategic choice of defense can often make or break a fantasy week, paralleling how military strategies have shifted the balance of power throughout history.
In the end, the waiver wire for Week 10 is more than just a list of players; it’s a microcosm of strategy, survival, and the ever-evolving nature of sport. Fantasy managers must navigate the tumultuous waters of player performance, health updates, and strategic matchups with the same intensity and foresight required of leaders throughout history. The decisions made in these critical moments will define the ultimate winners and losers of the season.
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.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game between Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Nov. 2, 2025.
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.
© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
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.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Caption: Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
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.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a pass during the first half as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) defends at Acrisure Stadium.
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.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) reaches for the ball against New Orleans Saints cornerback Isaac Yiadom (26) during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
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.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) runs with the ball after a reception as San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (6) defends during the third quarter at NRG Stadium.
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.