Erickson: Fantasy football waiver wire targets ahead of NFL Week 10

Another week of NFL action is in the books. And despite the efforts of a feisty Dallas Cowboys squad led by former AAF superstar Garrett Gilbert, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain unbeaten.

Week 9 brought more injuries, so with certain players' availability up in the air, we're going to need replacements off the waiver wire ASAP for T.Y. Hilton, Kenny Golladay, Adam Humphries, Kyle Allen, Preston Williams, David Montgomery, David Johnson and potentially Christian McCaffrey.

Week 8 also sees the continuation of the dreaded bye weeks. The Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets are all taking some time off, so fill-ins will be needed for Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Julio Jones, Matt Ryan and Todd Gurley II.

And for those who are more forward-thinking, this is a great time to plan ahead knowing that the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are off in Week 11.

Now, on to the top waiver-wire targets for Week 10. This list of players includes anyone rostered in approximately 50% of Yahoo leagues or less, with deep league options at every position as well. I’ll also share my thoughts on FAB (Free Agent Budget) bids and how much to spend on each player accordingly.

QUARTERBACKS

Nov 8, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) breaks the tackle of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden (44) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (33) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

TUA TAGOVAILOA, MIAMI DOLPHINS – 24% ROSTERED – 10% OF FAB

Tua Tagovailoa is now Tua-0 as the Miami Dolphins starter and firmly in the discussion among QB options in fantasy football. In Week 9, he scored 21.42 fantasy points and averaged 8.9 yards per attempt, both insane upgrades after his debut.

The rookie also flashed some rushing upside, scrambling his way to 35 yards on seven carries.

He will draw the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense in Week 10, so we could surely see a shootout between two rookie-led teams. L.A. has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to QBs this season and the Dolphins have dramatically increased their pace of play since Tagovailioa took over the starting gig.

PFF’s Ian Hartitz projected both the Raiders/Chargers and Dolphins/Cardinals to be in potential track meets in his Mismatch Manifesto, and both games hit the over. With the Chargers and Dolphins set for battle, expect this game to go over its 50-point opening total.

Quarterbacks in high-scoring games should be a top priority.