The NFL trade deadline has passed, but several moves made this week could directly affect fantasy football starting lineups heading into Week 10. A change of scenery may revive a struggling skill player such as Josh Downs, now with the Chiefs, while the loss of a key defensive piece, such as the Titans trading away Amani Hooker, could open opportunities for Jaguars receivers.
Among the recommended starts, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has his offense close to full strength, with running back Travis Etienne possibly returning from injured reserve after first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. came back last Sunday. Shough plays at home on the Superdome fast track against a Panthers defense that has allowed 90 points over the past three weeks and has major cornerback injuries. Patrick Mahomes is also a start for the Chiefs against an Atlanta defense that rarely generates sacks, has one of the league's lowest interception rates, and has allowed more passing touchdowns than all but nine NFL teams, with Downs now helping Mahomes stretch defenses vertically.S1S2
Other calls point the other way. Dak Prescott is a sit against the fifth-ranked 49ers scoring defense, after combining for just four touchdown passes and five interceptions in games against top-15 defenses this season. Breece Hall is also a sit, as the Jets are expected to fall behind the high-scoring Bills early and need to throw their way back into the game. Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a start, having totaled 18 touches and 86 yards from scrimmage last week, and facing a Raiders defense that allows the most rushing yards per game in the NFL.S1
Quarterback rankings for Week 10 highlight Josh Allen of the Bills, who has 12 touchdown passes and nine rushing scores on the season and faces the Jets. Drake Maye of the Patriots has recorded at least three touchdowns in each of his last six games despite three interceptions in Week 9, and visits Detroit. Brock Purdy of the 49ers, who added a rushing touchdown in Week 9, draws a Cowboys defense described as struggling. CJ Stroud, who threw five touchdowns for 384 yards in Week 9, is also flagged as an option against Cleveland.S2
