NFL fantasy football: Top QB, RB, WR and TE Week 10 waiver wire pickups

The 2025 NFL season has been one long adrenaline rush, and for fantasy managers, a masterclass in surviving chaos.

Week 10 brings more of the same. Injuries are mounting, expanded roles are emerging by the minute, and bye weeks are forcing stars to the bench.

That’s why waivers matter. One move can flip your season, and nothing beats watching your latest pickup go off on Game Pass, live on DAZN, while your group chat loses its mind.

Those who followed our call on Kyle Monangai, Alec Pierce, and Colston Loveland are already reaping the rewards. Let's find out who's next, as we prepare for Week 10.

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QB

1. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
2. Michael Penix, Atlanta Falcons
3. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
4. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers
5. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders

Some waiver articles will tell you to grab Sam Darnold or Joe Flacco - guys who’ve been rostered for weeks in all but the shallowest of leagues. Clearly, if those guys are still available, they should remain your priority.

The group behind those players will not offer the same week-to-week consistency, but it's an intriguing mix of names that can either serve as a one-game spot starter or help you down the stretch.

Atop the list is Brissett, who has performed admirably in Kyler Murray's absence, and who surely cannot be sent back to the bench after helping the Cardinals upset the Dallas Cowboys, ending their five-game losing streak.

Next up is Penix, arguably the top option for dynasty managers after his career performance, including three touchdowns and no turnovers, against the New England Patriots in Week 9.

McCarthy's first game back under centre was far from perfect, but he justified our recommendation to add him last week. And really, any quarterback with weapons such as Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should be on a fantasy roster.

Jones' case is a little complicated. He's on par with Penix and McCarthy as a player, but he will lose his role once Brock Purdy is back. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was pumping the brakes on rushing Purdy back.

Finally, Mariota is our desperation play following the injury suffered by Jayden Daniels.

If you want a stash option for dynasty purposes, and yes, these are real reaches, consider Shedeur Sanders or, dare I say it, even Deshaun Watson. Dillon Gabriel has struggled mightily.

RB

1. Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
2. Devin Singletary, New York Giants
3. Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles
5. Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

I've mentioned many of these backs in previous waiver articles, but they remain here because they are still not rostered in enough leagues.

Monangai looked like a superstar in the Bears' defeat of the Bengals, rushing for 176 yards and adding a further 22 through the air. If he's somehow still on waivers, you'll have to spend big to get him.

Somewhat surprisingly, Singletary not only split work with Tyrone Tracy in the Giants' backfield but also had more snaps and touches.

Tuten is clearly some way behind teammate Travis Etienne in the pecking order, but he's trending in the right direction after a season-high nine carries last week.

• Read next | MVP tracker: Allen steals the spotlight from Mahomes, Dart stays hot

Bigsby is a wildcard. Before Philadelphia's bye week, Saquon Barkley left the Eagles vs Giants game with a groin injury. While we wait impatiently to hear news, Bigsby should be added as insurance.

Gainwell was barely involved in the ground game, but after finishing just one catch behind team leader Calvin Austin, he could be a desperation play for fantasy managers in PPR leagues.

WR

1. Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
3. Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
4. Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
5. Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks

The Jaguars' wideouts are falling like flies. First, Travis Hunter landed on IR with a knee injury. Then, Brian Thomas (ankle) and Dyami Brown (concussion) exited Week 9.

Washington had already flashed talent in earlier contests, and with his teammates sidelined, became the focal point of Jacksonville's aerial attack.

As one of last week's recommendations, Pierce made us look good by leading the team with 13 targets, six receptions, and 115 yards. Surely he's not still on your wire?

Franklin's production spikes are frustrating when followed by huge lows, but his target share suggests he should become more consistent going forward.

Horton's value as a starter depends on the availability of Cooper Kupp, who missed Week 9 with a hamstring injury. Keep an eye out for developments this week.

TE

1. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
2. Harold Fannin, Cleveland Browns
3. Theo Johnson, New York Giants
4. Mason Taylor, New York Jets
5. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

Loveland was our top option last week, and after his breakout seven catch, 118-yard, and two touchdown performance against the Bengals, he's going to be hot property if he was left unclaimed.

Fannin has no business still being on waivers after such a strong start to the season, but we mention him as a catch-all for those in shallow leagues. In future versions of this article, we'll assume he's rostered. Don't forget that the Browns are on a bye in Week 9.

Johnson's yardage totals have fluctuated from week to week, but his chemistry with Dart is undeniable, especially in the red zone.

• Read next | Trade deadline tracker: Baltimore Ravens inject new life into fading pass rush

Taylor is more of a dynasty or late-season redraft stash than someone you can rely on now. He's talented, but remains the victim of poor quarterback play. The Jets are on a bye this week.

Schultz is yet to score a touchdown, but he's averaging six targets per game and can serve as a capable bye week replacement.