Guest of the League
Fantasy Life Championship Slow 8hr XVII
Championship $300 - FFL: Week 10 | NFL: Week 10

NFL Playoff Picture entering Week 10: Bears, Chiefs just miss cut

Tue Nov 4 10:49am ET
Field Level Media

If the NFL playoffs began this week, Super Bowl mainstay and AFC powerhouse Kansas City would miss the tournament with the Jacksonville Jaguars swiping the final wild-card spot.

In the NFC, the Chicago Bears (5-3) are eighth in the conference, meaning no postseason -- despite being one of three teams in the NFC North with an identical record. The No. 7 seed in the loaded NFC at present is the Detroit Lions (5-3).

Here is a complete look at the playoff bracket in each conference after nine weeks:

AFC

First Round Bye: 1. Indianapolis Colts (7-2)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) at 2. New England Patriots (7-2)

6. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) at 3. Denver Broncos (7-2)

5. Buffalo Bills (6-2) at 4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)

Wild-card contenders:

8. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)

9. Houston Texans (3-5); Texans own a head-to-head win over the Ravens.

10. Baltimore Ravens (3-5)

NFC

First Round Bye

1. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)

7. Detroit Lions (5-3) at 2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)*

6. San Francisco 49ers (6-3) at 3. Seattle Seahawks (6-2)

5. Los Angeles Rams (6-2) at 4. Green Bay Packers (5-2-1)

*Buccaneers own a head-to-head win over the Seahawks

Wild-card contenders:

8. Chicago Bears (5-3)

9. Carolina Panthers (5-4)

10. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

11. Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1)

12. Arizona Cardinals (3-5)

13. Atlanta Falcons (3-5)

14. Washington Commanders (3-6)

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 9

Player Notes
Jakobi Meyers Nov 4 11:50am ET
Jakobi Meyers

The Jacksonville Jaguars are acquiring wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Meyers has recorded 33 receptions for 352 yards and zero touchdowns on 49 targets across seven games for Las Vegas so far this season. He'll provide a much-needed talent infusion to the Jaguars' wide receiver room, which lost Travis Hunter (knee) to Injured Reserve before Week 9 and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) to an ankle injury during their Week 9 win. Meyers should slot in as either the WR1 or WR2 in Jacksonville, pending the health status of Thomas Jr. Meyers seemingly fell out of favor in recent weeks in Las Vegas, as he has not recorded more than four catches or 39 receiving yards in a game since Week 2. The 28-year-old was vocal about his desire to be traded away from the Raiders, so he may be rejuvenated by a fresh start in Jacksonville.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Nov 4 11:40am ET
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has put himself on the fringes of the MVP conversation with the way he has played so far in 2025. Through eight games, the 28-year-old has completed 70.4% of his pass attempts for 2,084 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Darnold is only averaging 27 pass attempts per game, but he's logged a league-leading 9.6 yards per pass attempt. Darnold has recorded at least 295 passing yards in each of his last four starts and has thrown 11 touchdown passes over that stretch. He's a must-start player in two-quarterback fantasy formats, and Darnold deserves starting consideration in single-QB leagues with 12 or more teams as well. Seattle will host the division rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 10

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Nov 4 11:30am ET
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado led his team in both carries (14) and rushing yards (79) in their 27-17 Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Week 9 was Demercado's highest-usage game of the season by far, as he had not recorded more than four touches in any game leading into the week. Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) is eligible to return from Injured Reserve for the team's Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Still, there's no guarantee that Benson will be ready, or that he'll be able to handle a full workload even if he's active for the game. If Benson is compromised or remains out, Demercado could be the team's lead back for a second straight week. Seattle is a very tough matchup for running backs, but Demercado is still deserving of a waiver-wire look from fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Nov 4 11:20am ET
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson had one of his most productive games of the season in Week 9, recording three catches for 61 yards on four targets in his team's 27-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The 25-year-old has now hauled in 18 receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown on 31 targets across eight games played in 2025. While Wilson has not been a standout producer this year, he's seen very consistent usage. Wilson has earned at least four targets in five consecutive games and at least 40 receiving yards in each of his last three contests. Arizona could get quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) back from injury in Week 10, which might disrupt the chemistry that Wilson has seemingly built with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Still, Wilson could be a waiver-wire target for deep-league fantasy managers heading into a Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Davis Mills Nov 4 11:10am ET
Davis Mills

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills came on in relief of C.J. Stroud, who left with a concussion, and completed 17 of 30 pass attempts for 137 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Week 9's loss to the Denver Broncos. Mills has only played in one other game this season, which came back in Houston's Week 5 blowout win against the Ravens, where he completed two of four pass attempts for 23 yards. Stroud's status will be updated throughout the week, but it's possible he misses a week after suffering a nasty blow to the head. Mills played decently against a strong Denver defense and has experience as a starter in the NFL. The 27-year-old last started a game in 2022, where he was the Texans' starter for 15 games. He completed 61% of his passes for 3.118 yards with 17 touchdowns and a league-leading 15 interceptions. Mills could be the Week 10 starter for a big divisional game against the Jaguars, but is only relevant as a waiver add in superflex and 2QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Nov 4 11:10am ET
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad on Tuesday, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 31-year-old held a depth role in San Francisco earlier this season, catching four of his eight targets for 40 yards in five games played. Valdes-Scantling has bounced around, with Pittsburgh marking his fourth team in two seasons. The veteran has been a useful player at nearly every stop of his career and now reunites with his former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, in Pittsburgh. Valdes-Scantling's most productive season in the NFL came back in 2020 with Rodgers, where he caught a career high six touchdowns and led the league with 20.9 yards per reception.

From RotoBaller

Zane Gonzalez Nov 4 11:10am ET
Zane Gonzalez

Veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Atlanta is also waiving kicker Parker Romo, who missed a critical extra point in the team's 24-23 Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots. Gonzalez will be the Falcons' third different kicker so far this season, as the team also moved on from longtime kicker Younghoe Koo after Koo had his own late-game struggles earlier this year. Gonzalez has appeared in 69 games for four different NFL teams across six seasons. In six games for the Washington Commanders in 2024, Gonzalez made five of seven field goal attempts and all 19 of his extra-point tries. The Falcons will travel to Germany to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 4 11:00am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been a key piece of the offense all season and has now scored in three consecutive games. Downs caught six of nine targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in the Colts' 27-20 loss to the Steelers in Week 9, tying with Alec Pierce for second on the team in receptions. The 24-year-old has now recorded at least six receptions in three of his last four games and has become Daniel Jones' favorite target on third downs, leading the team with a 30% targets per route run. For the season, Downs' production has been overshadowed by Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Tyler Warren, and lately, Alec Pierce, but he's still an integral piece of the vaunted Colts offense. Downs is a solid WR3/flex option in most weeks, and with plenty of bye weeks still to come, he is a solid option to add off the waiver wire for Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Jaret Patterson Nov 4 10:30am ET
Jaret Patterson

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson has served as the primary backup to Kimani Vidal over the past two weeks, with Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) both on injured reserve. Patterson handled nine carries for 44 yards in the Chargers' Week 9 win over the Titans. The 25-year-old also helped out in mop-up duty in their Week 8 blowout win over the Vikings, rushing 11 times for 30 yards, with six of those carries coming in the fourth quarter. Vidal has thrived as the lead back in Hampton's absence, while Patterson profiles as a similarly compact but powerful runner who is capable of handling a change-of-pace role. Patterson has taken advantage of multiple injuries to the Chargers' running back and is worth adding in 12-team leagues as a contingency option.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Nov 4 10:20am ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs led the team in receiving with seven catches for 91 yards on 10 targets in their 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Doubs has been the most consistent and reliable pass-catching option for quarterback Jordan Love all season, and will likely be relied on more after star tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The 25-year-old wideout doubled the next closest Packer pass catcher in targets in this game and could be in line to become an impact player in fantasy down the stretch. Doubs has surpassed at least 50 receiving yards or scored a touchdown in all but two games this season, ranking as WR31 in PPR points per game (13). Doubs should be one of the top pickups off the waiver wire this week wherever he is available.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Nov 4 10:00am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas had his best game of 2025 in Week 9 against the Falcons, posting a season-high four catches for his first 100-yard performance in his three years with the Patriots. Douglas stepped up in place of Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), who exited early with an injury, and he could stay in an expanded role if Boutte is out for Week 10 against the Bucs. Douglas usually works out of the slot, but if Mack Hollins replaces Boutte on the perimeter, more of Drake Maye's attention could go to Douglas. He remains a boom-or-bust play, but he's worth a look on the waiver wire in deep leagues since the Patriots' offense has been so productive in the last few weeks as Maye continues to grow and excel.

From RotoBaller

Oronde Gadsden II Nov 4 9:57am ET
Oronde Gadsden II

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden continues to impress, leading the team in receiving yards (68) and tying for second in targets (five) during Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. He's quickly becoming one of Herbert's most trusted weapons, especially when the pocket collapses. Up next is a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has been one of the league's weakest against tight ends, allowing the sixth-most yards and tying for the second-most touchdowns to the position. They did, however, hold Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren to only 26 receiving yards on Sunday. With Justin Herbert likely forced into short, quick throws behind a depleted offensive line, Gadsden could thrive once again. He's shaping up as a mid-range TE1 with legit upside heading into Week 10.

Marcus Mariota Nov 4 9:50am ET
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to be the Commanders' starting QB for the next several weeks following the elbow injury suffered by Jayden Daniels on Sunday night. Daniels is without a timetable to return, but could still be back this season. He'll be sidelined for a while, though, which will allow Mariota to return to the starting role in Washington. He has started three games this season, most recently against the Chiefs in Week 8. He threw for 213 yards and a touchdown in that game and added 28 yards on eight carries. He also threw an interception, though, and has four picks to go with his four passing scores on the season. He does bring some rushing potential with at least 20 rushing yards each game, but he doesn't offer nearly the ceiling as a dynamic playmaker that Daniels brings. If you need QB help from the waiver wire in two-quarterback leagues, Mariota can be an option, but the veteran backup has a tough matchup against the Lions this week before a more favorable Week 11 matchup against the Dolphins going into the team's Week 12 bye.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Nov 4 9:50am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton finished Week 9's loss to the 49ers with five catches on seven targets for a team-high 62 receiving yards. It was also his best personal total of the year as he continues to work as one of rookie Jaxson Dart's top receivers. He came close to an even better game, but he couldn't quite haul in a 34-yard touchdown on a great throw from Dart. Slayton missed two games with a hamstring injury, but he has at least four targets in each of his last five games, going back to before the injury. He will likely remain one of the top targets in the offense against the Bears in Week 10. He can be a deep-league addition from the waiver wire if you need a receiver who should continue to get chances even in an offense that doesn't always rack up lots of passing yards.

From RotoBaller

Logan Wilson Nov 4 9:20am ET
Logan Wilson

The Cincinnati Bengals are trading linebacker Logan Wilson to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Wilson was a third-round pick from Wyoming and developed into a key contributor on the Begals defense with at least 100 total tackles in each of the last four seasons. In July of 2023, he signed a four-year extension worth $36 million, which still has two years remaining on it after this season. Recently, the veteran requested a trade since he has been losing time to Barrett Carter. Now the former-Wyoming Cowboy will look to help the Dallas Cowboys defense get back on track since they have struggled since trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay at the start of the season.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 4 9:10am ET
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings got his biggest workload of the season in Week 9 against the Falcons, and he converted his 11 carries to 35 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' 24-23 win. He hauled in his only target for a nine-yard catch as well. The undrafted rookie from Florida A&M played just 17 snaps compared to TreVeyon Henderson's 51, but he was able to vulture the touchdown in the first half and finished with three red zone carries. Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) missed Week 9, and if he's out agin in Week 10, Jennings would likely continue his role as a change-of-pace and red zone option in a timeshare with Henderson. In that scenario, he would have touchdown-dependent upside off waiver wires if you need help in the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Tez Johnson Nov 4 9:00am ET
Tez Johnson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson will return from his Week 9 bye week and face the Patriots in Week 10, and he makes a great option off the waiver wire if he's available in your league. The seventh-rounder out of Oregon has stepped up in the last few weeks with multiple Bucs receivers battling injury. While Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) could be healthy for Week 10, Mike Evans (collarbone) and Jalen McMillan (neck) will still be sidelined for a while, giving Johnson a chance to continue to establish himself as a secondary option to fellow rookie Emeka Egbuka. Johnson had at least four catches in three of his last four games before the bye week and had a pair of impressive touchdowns. He drew 15 targets in his last two games and continues to become a trusted option for QB Baker Mayfield. He brings a high ceiling and a solid floor in Week 11 against the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Mason Taylor Nov 4 8:40am ET
Mason Taylor

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor is one of the best waiver wire pickups available this week, as he and the Jets return from their bye week. The second-round rookie went into the off week on a high note by snagging the game-winning pass (from RB Breece Hall) against the Bengals to secure the team's first win of the year. Taylor had five catches on eight targets in that game for 34 yards. He had at least three catches in five of his last six games before the bye, and posted over 60 yards in two of those games as well. The Jets could get Garrett Wilson (knee) back after a two-game absence, but even if that costs Taylor some targets, it raises the overall ceiling of the offense enough to still be a good thing for Taylor. While his quarterback play from Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor has held him back, he's getting enough volume to be a good waiver wire add ahead of a stretch of favorable matchups against the Browns, Patriots, and Ravens in the next three weeks. He also has good fantasy football playoff matchups against the Dolphins, Jaguars, Saints, and Patriots for the final four games of the season.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Nov 4 8:30am ET
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. will be back in action in Week 10 after the team had its bye in Week 9. The third-round rookie from Bowling Green has been excellent in his first eight games in the NFL, averaging 4.8 catches for 44 yards per game. He scored his second touchdown of the year in Week 8 against the Patriots just before the bye, totaling 62 yards by catching six of his eight targets. He has at least four catches in each of his last four games and has formed a solid connection with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback. David Njoku doesn't look like he'll be traded at this point ahead of Tuesday's deadline, but Fannin has still shown enough potential to be a strong starting option the rest of the season while sharing time with Njoku. If someone dropped Fannin due to the bye week or his uncertain playing time, the rookie tight end makes a solid pickup from the waiver wire for the rest of the season and should be a starter in PPR leagues. He faces the Jets and Ravens in the next two weeks in solid tight end matchups.

From RotoBaller

Brashard Smith Nov 4 8:30am ET
Brashard Smith

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith continues to be a part of the Chiefs' backfield rotation, but he had a disappointing showing in Week 9 against the Bills. He had three carries for seven yards and couldn't haul in his only target. The converted receiver was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round, and he has played a significant role behind Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco (knee) in some game scripts. In Week 9, though, even with Pacheco out, he couldn't get much going, while Hunt dominated touches and production. With the Chiefs headed to a bye week, Smith is worth holding or picking up from the waiver wire in deep leagues since he does still have upside down the road. However, in most standard leagues, better backfield options are available in other timeshare situations. Smith is definitely worth monitoring as a playmaker in the Chiefs' potent offense, but his role will be limited if Pacheco is ready to return in Week 11.

From RotoBaller