Key Highlights
- Fantasy Football Week 10 analysis focuses on matchups and strategies for optimal player selection.
- The article highlights the New England Patriots facing Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a pass-heavy game due to the Bucs’ funnel defense.
- Analysis of Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts, with Colts being a pronounced pass funnel, benefiting players like Drake London and potentially Kyle Pitts.
- Dolphins vs. Bills matchup is predicted to be run-focused, impacting fantasy football prospects for pass catchers negatively.
- Panthers vs. Saints game is expected to favor the Panthers’ run-heavy approach against the Saints’ funnel defense.
Pass Funnel Matchups: New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The article suggests that the New England Patriots face a pass-heavy game when playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to Tampa’s strong funnel defense. The Bucs have seen their opponents pass at a 61% rate this season, which has increased to 64% over the past three games.
With Patrick Daugherty noting that New England’s offense is among those with the lowest rush yards before contact and no impactful running backs, the article recommends focusing on the team’s pass catchers. Key players mentioned include Stefon Diggs, who could benefit from Kayshon Boutte’s injury, and potentially Kyle Williams and Demario Douglas.
For tight end positions, Hunter Henry is highlighted as a potential deep-league streamer due to his route participation around 70%, which might see him in play if you squint hard enough. The article also mentions Drake Maye, the Patriots quarterback, who has been cooking and commanding targets at an alarming rate.
Run Funnel Matchups: Atlanta Falcons vs Indianapolis Colts
The article identifies the Atlanta Falcons as a run funnel, with only the Jaguars facing a higher neutral pass rate (64%) against them. The Colts are also noted for their pass funnel tendencies, allowing 5.5% above their expected pass rate in neutral game script this season.
For the Atlanta offense, Bijan Robinson’s involvement is discussed as likely to remain strong despite the team entering a trailing position. Tyler Allgeier could be more involved due to the Colts’ run defense being the NFL’s eighth-highest in rushing success rate.
The primary beneficiary here is clearly Drake London.
However, the article suggests that an inflated drop back volume for Atlanta might put Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts into play as quietly solid Week 10 plays. Kyle Pitts has seen a strong target profile since Week 6, with his 26% targets per route ranking ninth among all tight ends.
Rundown of Other Matchups
The article also discusses the Miami Dolphins facing the Buffalo Bills in what is expected to be a run-first game due to both teams’ funnel defenses. The Dolphins will likely focus on running the ball against a Buffalo front seven that allows the seventh highest rate of rush yards before contact.
For the Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints matchup, it’s noted that the Panthers have become more radically run-first over the past month. The article suggests Rico Dowdle could post an eye-watering stat line due to the Saints’ fourth highest rate of missed tackles per carry.
Conclusion
The article provides a detailed analysis of key matchups for Week 10 in fantasy football, highlighting specific players and strategies based on each team’s funnel defense tendencies. Fantasy managers are advised to focus on pass catchers when facing teams like the Bucs and Colts while looking for running plays against the Dolphins and Panthers.
