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DraftKings Best Picks: Fantasy Football Lineup - Week 10

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:28 p.m. ET

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DraftKings picks at each position with a breakdown by salary-tier and the best DFS Fantasy Football lineups for Week 10 .

Even though you have almost wholly the same roster of players each week when making your DraftKings picks, it’s a different process every week. That process depends upon matchups, position groups being undervalued, injuries, and a variety of other things. Heading into Week 10 and trying to assess the situation for DraftKings fantasy football and DFS play, the theme is certainly a few good matchups and wide receivers being tremendously undervalued.

As you go through and look at the salaries of some of the wide receivers this week, it’s crazy to think of their viable upside and how little it could cost to have them in your DFS lineup. Players with legitimate 25-30 point potential in fantasy scoring could be had for under $5,000 of you DraftKings budget.

So to best help you try and take advantage of all of this, we’re going to look at all of it. Going position-by-position on DraftKings, we’ll look at each position group and make picks based on salary-tier. There will be multiple for each tier so to give you a variety of options. These tiers for quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers are “Top-Tier,” “Mid-Tier,” and “Value” picks. For tight ends and defenses, there is just the first tier and then the other two are truncated into one.

And when it’s all said and done, we’ll look at these DFS picks and build the best DraftKings lineups for Week 10, with options there as well. Starting with the top-tier quarterbacks, onto the picks.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Top-Tier Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs Titans): $7,600

Given the 2016 struggles of the Green Bay Packers, it’s understandable if you’re a bit apprehensive to bet on Aaron Rodgers. Frankly, it’s more of a risk than it probably should be. However, the Packers quarterback has a fantastic matchup in Week 10. Moreover, we know how good he can be when he’s at his peak.

The Titans defense is much improved and they can generate a pass-rush. However, they struggle throughout the secondary outside of Jason McCourty. With Perrish Cox covering either Randall Cobb or Davante Adams, Rodgers should be able to pick the Tennessee defense apart. As mentioned, though, it’s up to you if you want to trust him to do so.

Matt Ryan, Falcons (vs Eagles): $7,300

Not only has Matt Ryan been on an MVP-level pace this season, but the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has his team looking poises for a strong finish to 2016 and potentially a postseason run. Ryan has put up more than 24 points in DraftKings scoring in three of the last four weeks and has eclipsed 30 points three times already this season.

Though the Eagles have a solid overall defense, they have weak points in their secondary. I expect Ryan to pick on Leodis McKelvin quite often by targeting Mohmaed Sanu. Moreover, Julio Jones can’t really be stopped by anyone. When you factor all of that in, Ryan could be in store for a monster day.

November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) celebrates after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

Mid-Tier Quarterbacks

Carson Palmer, Cardinals (vs 49ers): $6,500

Spoiler alert, but the San Francisco 49ers are absolutely atrocious. They can be picked apart essentially in any way that an opposing team wants to move the ball. While the Arizona Cardinals will rely on their running game, there still should be plenty of production left to go Carson Palmer’s way. Though inconsistent, Palmer did throw for 363 yards in his last outing going into the bye last week. With targets like Larry Fitzgerald, J.J. Nelson, and David Johnson out of the backfield, I think Palmer has a nice day.

Joe Flacco, Ravens (vs Browns—Thursday): $6,200

Much like playing the Niners, playing the Cleveland Browns is a gift that Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens receive on Thursday Night Football. However, it’s worth noting surely that Flacco has been a rollercoaster in terms of quality and production in 2016. However, it’s just too tasty to look at a poor Cleveland defense that may also be without Joe Haden and not want to take advantage.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys (vs Steelers): $6,100

Because of the name “Pittsburgh Steelers,” you might be looking at Dak Prescott in this matchup and thinking you should stay away. Don’t. This is a fine matchup for the rookie quarterback who’s really been progressing at a rapid pace in his first NFL season. The Steelers concede 276 passing yards per game on the year, which ranks well in the bottom-third of the league. With Dez Bryant back and a full complement of weapons, the Dak Attack should strike again.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs for a third quarter touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Value Quarterbacks

Marcus Mariota, Titans (vs Packers): $5,700

Marcus Mariota has been playing quite well in the middle of his sophomore season. He’s thrown at least two touchdown passes in each of his last five games. Over that stretch, he’s also put up over 28 points in DraftKings scoring three times. Though the Packers have a decent-enough defense, they can be susceptible to getting beat through the air. With how the Titans quarterback is playing, I think he can exploit that.

Alex Smith, Chiefs (vs Panthers): $5,400

For those looking not to spend on quarterback, Alex Smith is a fantastic option. He’s ready to go after missing a week with a concussion and has a matchup that’s far more fearsome in name than in reality. The Carolina Panthers defense has been a mixed bag all season, but mostly has been lacking in the secondary. They give up the 29th most passing yards per game this season. While Smith isn’t going to air it out, he can take advantage of that and produce in fantasy far above his salary.

Jay Cutler, Bears (vs Buccaneers): $5,300

If you banked on Jay Cutler in his return from injury two weeks ago ahead of the Chicago Bears’ bye, you were wrong from the start. That said, Cutler looked solid and avoided mistakes against a still-quality defense. Now he’s going to be up against an atrocious Buccaneers pass defense that can get torched on a weekly basis. Though it’s a risk, which is why is salary is this low, it might be worth it in such a great matchup with high upside.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Top-Tier Running Backs

David Johnson, Cardinals (vs 49ers): $8,400

David Johnson is far and away the most expensive running back for Week 10 on DraftKings. And you know what, he 100 percent should be. Everything about what’s about to happen in the matchup between the Cardinals and 49ers suggests that this could be one of the best fantasy days by any player this season.

Not only does Johnson average 25.3 fantasy points per game in DFS as a rushing and pass-catching threat, but the Niners are last in the league in rushing defense. For Pete’s sake, the Saints ran all over them with Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower last week. Johnson is far superior to either of those players and should have just a ridiculous day to make that price worth it.

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys (vs Steelers): $7,900

After Johnson in terms of salaries is the heavy favorite for Rookie of the Year, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. While I mentioned liking Dak Prescott because of a good matchup, that’s not exactly the case for Elliott against the Steelers. Pittsburgh is better at defending the run than they are the pass. However, one thing that’s been proven time and again this season is that the Dallas rushing game is matchup-proof. Behind that line and with a back of Zeke’s caliber, they’re going to move no matter what. Subsequently, he’s going to be worth the high salary every single week.

Devontae Booker, Broncos (vs Saints): $7,000

With the disclaimer that fellow rookie Kapri Bibbs in Denver makes this pick scary, I love the matchup too much to not have Devontae Booker her. The rookie hasn’t looked great in the past couple of weeks after taking the starting role for the Broncos in the wake of C.J. Anderson’s injury. However, much worse backs have torched this defense full of saloon doors. This could be the game Booker needs to get off the blocks and really rolling in his first season.

Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs after a catch during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Ingram would later be ruled down on a San Diego Chargers challenge. New Orleans won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Mid-Tier Running Backs

Jordan Howard, Bears (vs Buccaneers): $6,000

Normally I like to leave decisions up to the people, but Jordan Howard should be in your DraftKings lineup. This isn’t an overreaction to the last time he was on the field and put up 153 yards on the ground. No, this is about the fact that the rookie in Chicago is talented and has the chance to light up a good matchup. Much like their pass defense, Tampa also can’t really put up much of a fight against the run as they’ve been quite generous in terms of yardage. With Howard’s abilities and the threat of Cutler throwing back, this is almost too quality of a play.

Terrance West, Ravens (vs Browns—Thursday): $5,700

Another player from Thursday Night Football and, what do you know, it’s another Baltimore player in a matchup against the Browns. Who could’ve ever predicted that? Jokes aside, Terrance West has been inconsistent as a runner this season in every sense. However, the Browns give up an average of 146.1 yards per game on the ground. Coming off of a short week after getting the crap beat out of them by Dallas, I don’t think the Browns have an answer for any kind of running back right now.

Mark Ingram, Saints (vs Broncos): $5,400

Yes, you’re seeing that correctly. I am picking Mark Ingram as he goes up against the vaunted Denver Broncos defense. That’s because said defense has actually been beaten by the run all season, giving up the 29th most yards per game on the ground at 128.6. Ingram is also coming off of a game where he took 15 carries for 158 yards and scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown. This came one week after getting benched for a fumble and he looks as if he’s out to prove something. He should be able to do just that.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) runs the ball in front of Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) during the second half of a game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Value Running Backs

Tim Hightower, Saints (vs Broncos): $4,600

Both Saints running backs get a shoutout (at different levels) and rightfully so. New Orleans showed a newfound commitment to really moving the ball on the ground last week. Though Drew Brees can beat any defense, the running game is their best course of action against this Broncos team, attacking the biggest weakness. Hightower out-carried Ingram last week and had a productive day in fantasy. While Ingram may get more touches in Week 10, Hightower should still get plenty of work and should produce.

Darren Sproles, Eagles (vs Falcons): $4,300

Discussing Matt Ryan and the Falcons as they take on the Eagles, I said that the quarterback should light Philly up. If that’s the case, Carson Wentz and the Eagles offense is going to wind up attacking primarily through the air. With Darren Sproles already seeing an increase in snaps, that should mean more catches and/or touches for him on Sunday. He may be the salty veteran at this point, but he can still play his role exceptionally well when called upon.

Kapri Bibbs, Broncos (vs Saints): $4,000

Again harkening back to a previous tier, I said that I was worried about Kapri Bibbs when it comes to Devontae Booker. Well, I’m worried to enough to feel obligated to put the rookie Bibbs in here. He busted open a screen pass for a 60-plus-yard touchdown last week in the final moments of their primetime loss and the Broncos brass said he’s earned more touches to get a look. Against a porous New Orleans run defense, he could do something big with just a few touches on Sunday.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Top-Tier Wide Receivers

Julio Jones, Falcons (vs Eagles): $9,500

We have the most expensive player at the position, but again it’s deserved. Not only has Julio Jones just been a monster, but we’ve already talked about the vulnerabilities of the Eagles pass defense. Not that matchups totally matter when it comes to Julio, but he has the chance to really go off in a matchup as favorable as this.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs Bears): $9,000

If Jameis Winston has another receiving option that’s not Mike Evans, it would shock me. The second year quarterback looks the big receiver’s way more often than not and Evans has reaped the benefits because of it. He can come down with balls in traffic anywhere on the field and can also just gash defenses time and again. The banged-up Bears defense is still susceptible to getting burned and Evans is more than capable.

A.J. Green, Bengals (vs Giants): $8,500

At this salary, I think A.J. Green is being undervalued pretty substantially. He’s still the Cincinnati Bengals No. 1 option in the passing game without question. Moreover, the New York Giants have been burned time and again through the air, giving up the 25th most yards per game through the air on the season. Green is due to light it up on Monday night, provided Andy Dalton doesn’t have a primetime implosion.

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs 49ers): $7,600

You get the theme here of the 49ers being bad, right? They can’t defend any aspect of an opposing offense and Larry Fitzgerald has been a monster in terms of receptions this season. He’s had 19 catches in his last two games in addition to double-digit targets in each game. Moreover, he’s not seen fewer than seven targets in a game all year. He’ll be able to work the Niners defense and have another good day at the office.

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Mid-Tier Receivers

Alshon Jeffery, Bears (vs Buccaneers): $6,600

Even though his salary puts him as a mid-tier option, this is the best value of any receiver in Week 10. Jay Cutler targets Alshon Jeffery far more frequently and with more effectiveness than Brian Hoyer ever did with any kind of consistency. Throw in the fact that Jeffery now appears fully healthy coming off of the Bears bye week and that he’s up against the shaky Bucs pass defense and Jeffery could be one of the top receivers in DraftKings scoring when it’s all said and done.

Davante Adams, Packers (vs Titans): $6,300

Remember the talk we had about Perrish Cox having to cover someone on the outside on Sunday? I think he’ll be on Adams more often than the currently hobbled and ineffective Randall Cobb. Subsequently, Adams should be open and Rodgers will have no trouble connecting with him. Adams has been racking up targets and catches recently, being targeted 38 times in the past three weeks, though he had a down week as Green Bay struggled in Week 9. Even still, expect a bounce-back against Cox and the Titans.

Mike Wallace, Ravens (vs Browns—Thursday): $6,200

The Browns could be without Joe Haden on Thursday night, which would make an already struggling and relatively horrible defense even worse. Wallace isn’t a target monster, but he’s shown that he and Joe Flacco can connect for the big play this season. Against Cleveland, that’s likely to happen once again and those with Wallace in their lineup will reap the benefits.

Michael Thomas, Saints (vs Broncos): $6,100

Denver’s strength on defense is undoubtedly their pass-coverage—when they’re healthy. However, they come into this matchup with a vaunted Saints passing attack possibly being without Aqib Talib again. As Michael Thomas isn’t the No. 1 on the Saints depth chart, that could leave him matched up with someone far beneath his talent level. And that could also mean Thomas has another monster game.

Oct 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Cowboys won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Value Wide Receivers

Tyrell Williams, Chargers (vs Dolphins): $5,700

With Travis Benjamin potentially missing Week 10 after barely getting on the field last week, Tyrell Williams is the famed next man up. What’s intriguing and enticing about that is that he’s been producing incredibly when he’s been asked to do so. He caught six of his seven targets against the Titans last week for 65 yards and a touchdown—good for 18.5 points on DraftKings. He could touch that again against a shaky, inconsistent Dolphins secondary.

Cole Beasley, Cowboys (vs Steelers): $5,400

Ride the Cole Beasley train until that fiery red engine isn’t turning anymore. The Cowboys slot receiver has been one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets all season and he has the 43 catches on 52 targets through eight games to prove it. As I said, Prescott should be able to throw the ball on the Steelers and Beasley will certainly be involved in that yet again.

Corey Coleman, Browns (vs Ravens): $5,100

This is strictly an opportunity-based play for the Browns rookie receiver. In only his second game back since returning from injury, Corey Coleman will either be playing without or alongside an injured Terrelle Pryor. That should mean more targets for Coleman. And despite Cleveland’s shortcomings, they’ve shown they can at least throw a little. Capitalize on the guy most likely to get the rock.

Kenny Britt, Rams (vs Jets): $4,900

Case Keenum is absolutely terrible and draws nothing but pity from me for Rams fans. However, he and Kenny Britt have formed a nice connection in spite of all of this. Subsequently, they could do some nice things against this abysmal New York Jets passing defense. I think Britt breaks one—maybe even two—big one off and ends up with a nice day.

Mohamed Sanu, Falcons (vs Eagles): $4,600

This is another play that I can’t recommend highly enough. I’m not going to beat a dead-horse regarding the Eagles secondary being beatable. Leodis McKelvin got torched time and again last week, as did everyone else in that secondary. With Jones and Sanu going out, Matt Ryan will feed them both and each should put up wild numbers. Sanu’s, though, will just be for half the price on DraftKings.

J.J. Nelson, Cardinals (vs 49ers): $4,200

We again come back to the Niners being picked on and an intriguing player in J.J. Nelson. Nelson is averaging 81.5 receiving yards over his past two games and scored twice in his last outing for the Cardinals. He’s seemingly occupying a much larger role in the passing game now and you should take advantage of the DFS sites not having totally picked up on that yet.

Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) makes a one handed catch for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman (21) during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Top-Tier Tight End

Jordan Reed, Redskins (vs Vikings): $6,200

Though I’m fully aware of what the Vikings defense is capable of at their peak, they haven’t been able to get there in recent weeks because they’ve been on the field far too much. Now, Jordan Reed is returning to action for the Washington Redskins and will certainly be heavily involved. The tight end is the favorite target of Kirk Cousins and he’s clearly going to look his way all over the field. Needless to say, this should be a no-brainer play just based on role and how things have soured for Minny in recent weeks.

Jimmy Graham, Seahawks (vs Patriots): $5,300

To be clear, I’m not a fan of the Seahawks matchup with the New England Patriots, as no one should be. However, the Seattle passing game leaned heavily on Jimmy Graham last week and that may be necessary in Week 10. Now that the Patriots are playing without Jamie Collins, though, I don’t know if the Pats have anyone that can cover Graham when he’s playing at the level he did on Monday night. This could be the return of the real Jimmy G in New England.

Tyler Eifert, Bengals (vs Giants): $5,200

In his first full game back in action, Tyler Eifert immediately assumed his enormous role in the Cincinnati Bengals passing game. Andy Dalton targeted him 12 times in Week 8 and the big man hauled in nine grabs for 102 yards and a touchdown. On Monday night this week, Eifert matches up with a Giants team that has been bad overall against the pass and struggles specifically with opposing tight ends. This sounds like a big game cooking for Eifert.

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) blows kisses to fans after he scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Mid-Tier/Value Tight Ends

Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs Steelers): $4,000

Don’t expect the same level of production that Jason Witten put up last week, but the Dallas tight end and resident Old Faithful of the offense is building a rapport with Prescott week-by-week. That seems to be blooming these days and I think the Cowboys pass more than some might think in this game. In doing so, you better believe Witten will be getting his looks again and wind up having another solid outing in terms of fantasy production.

Zach Miller, Bears (vs Buccaneers): $3,600

In addition to Alshon Jeffery, Jay Cutler’s favorite target in the Bears passing offense has been tight end Zach Miller in the middle of the field. Whenever he needs a safety valve or even sometimes when he’s looking to catch the defense off guard down the field, Cutler looks the way of Miller. And once again diving into the inefficiencies of the Tampa pass defense, this seems like a strong play for DFS players.

Lance Kendricks, Rams (vs Jets): $3,000

This might seem like a deep-sleeper, but it’s actually just DraftKings and many fans not realizing how often the Rams are looking his way. Lance Kendricks has been targeted at least eight times in each of the past three weeks, including 12 times last week. In those games, he’s now caught 19 balls for 179 yards and a touchdown. With Captain Checkdown, Case Keenum, at quarterback, Kendricks is becoming more involved and could be one player giving the Jets fits on Sunday.

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) celebrate a sack during the second half against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Top-Tier D/ST

Houston Texans (vs Jaguars): $3,800

Blake Bortles is in the giving holiday spirit early this year—as has been the case for most of his young career. Even without J.J. Watt, the Texans defense has still be coming strong at opponents and causing them problems. I think that will again be the case in this one and you might be rewarded with a pick-six for your troubles.

Baltimore Ravens (vs Browns): $3,700

Though the offense of the Cleveland Browns is their strong-suit (which isn’t saying much), the defense of the Baltimore Ravens is theirs. Thus, I think that the Ravens should ultimately be able to come through and deliver a big-time performance making them worth such a high price.

Arizona Cardinals (vs 49ers): $3,700

First off, I like this Cardinals defense and the way that they can pressure the quarterback. Even with Tyrann Mathieu still out due to injury, they can cause problems in every other facet of the game as well. But I also don’t like anything that the Niners have offensive really at all. This one shouldn’t even be all that close and I think the Arizona defense off of the bye dominates and winds up with some nice production in terms of sacks and forced turnovers.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets tight end Kellen Davis (47) fumbles on a hit by Washington Redskins linebacker Perry Riley Jr. (56), linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) and linebacker Preston Smith (94) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Mid-Tier/Value D/ST

Washington Redskins (vs Vikings): $3,000

The Minnesota Vikings currently find themselves in an absolute free-fall. And it has absolute nothing to do with their elite defensive unit and everything to do with their offense. That line in Minnesota is atrocious and, despite underperforming as a unit, Washington has players that can blow through a bad line and make it a long day for Sam Bradford. This is a very good play that I think could come up huge.