As we mentioned last week, you have probably reached or are nearing the trade deadline in your fantasy league. That means the only way to acquire players who can help you down the stretch is by working the waiver wire. We’re here to help out with that as best we can, and there were a couple of players who had breakout performances in Week 9 that can certainly give you a boost in the coming weeks. Here are your Week 10 fantasy football pickups.
Nick Foles, QB, Eagles: The Eagles have had an unprecedented revolving door at quarterback this season, mostly because of injuries. With a seven-touchdown performance against the Raiders on Sunday, you can bet your bottom dollar Foles has secured the job for the immediate future. Foles’ game against Oakland will likely be his best of the season, but he has plenty enough weapons at his disposal to produce at a high level in fantasy formats. DeSean Jackson is having his best season as a pro and LeSean McCoy makes it so teams can’t commit to defending the pass. Philly’s next five games are against the Packers, Redskins, Cardinals, Lions and Vikings. Those matchups lock Foles in as a fantasy starter.
Rashad Jennings, RB, Raiders: Stop me if you’ve heard this before — Darren McFadden is battling a hamstring injury. Run DMC tweaked his already tender hamstring in the second quarter against the Eagles and did not return. Jennings stepped into the feature back role and carried the ball 15 times for 102 yards and a touchdown. He also added 74 yards receiving on seven catches. Philly’s defense is very soft, but Jennings will be handling the bulk of the work for Oakland going forward. The Raiders are unlikely to rush McFadden back this time, as we see what happens when they do.
Aaron Dobson, WR, Patriots: Kenbrell Thompkins was a surprise healthy scratch for the Patriots against the Steelers on Sunday. By the time New England was done hanging 55 points on Pittsburgh, we understood the move. Dobson, a second-round draft pick, has been making strides and gaining Tom Brady’s trust every week. He has taken over the X position in the Patriots offense and moved ahead of Thompkins on the depth chart. As Brandon Lloyd showed us last season, the X spot in New England’s offense is almost always capable of producing at least WR3 numbers. Dobson should see some big plays as defenses hone in on Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola and Stevan Ridley.
Riley Cooper, WR, Eagles: In the last three games Nick Foles has started, Cooper has averaged five catches, just over 115 yards and scored four touchdowns (per Rotoworld). Those numbers could be a coincidence, but Cooper is worth picking up to find out. Foles is a far more accurate passer than Vick, which means there is opportunity for more than just DeSean Jackson to make an impact in the passing game. Cooper could find his way into consistent WR3 numbers or better.
Shonn Greene, RB, Titans: Yes, that Shonn Greene. Chris Johnson ran incredibly well against the Rams on Sunday, yet Greene still rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown and added a 28-yard reception. If nothing else. Greene is going to continue to steal all of Johnson’s goal-line carries. He’ll also get some carries between the 20’s to give Johnson a rest. For those of you who are in deeper leagues, he is worth flex consideration.
Best of luck, as always.
