I’ll start this weekend’s rundown by calling out handcuff running backs as our first waiver wire claims.

Now, more than ever, we’re depending on our studs to stay healthy to win games. The likelihood we find a revelation on the waiver wire in week 10 is small. Roles are (generally) solidified, and most teams aren’t massively tweaking gameplans to all of a sudden funnel a ton of touches to a previously irrelevant player.

One major exception to this is injuries, specifically to a team’s lead running back. If the player to lead the backfield in an RB1’s absence is on the waiver wire, it can change fantasy football seasons.

Let’s minimize that risk and handcuff our top running backs. If you have the space to handcuff someone else’s RB1 or RB2, it may give you trade leverage, too.

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Fantasy Football Early Waiver Wire Pickups to Target (Week 10)

Here’s a list of running back handcuffs rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues who I’d recommend adding, regardless of your team:

• Ezekiel Elliott (RB – NE): 38.7%
• Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 33.2%
• Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA): 30.5%
• Elijah Mitchell (RB – SF): 20.8%
• Joshua Kelley (RB – LAC): 16.9%
• Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC): 6.4%

Now, let’s get to this week’s claims. As always, this piece covers players on teams who played Thursday and in Sunday’s first slate of games who are rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues.

Keaton Mitchell (RB – BAL)

Rostered: 1.0%

Ravens fans have been clamoring about Mitchell since the preseason. Today, he showed everyone why. Mitchell produced 138 rushing yards, including this monstrous run.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/Bv6jrldTnk

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 5, 2023

Given that his competition in the Ravens’ backfield is Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, I’m prioritizing adding Mitchell. As always, there is a ceiling with Ravens’ running backs because of Lamar Jackson‘s rushing ability. However, I don’t see a reason for Mitchell to not be added in all formats on Tuesday.

Noah Brown (WR – HOU)

Rostered: 0.8%

Consider this an “If Robert Woods is inactive” play for normal-sized leagues. Over the last two weeks, Brown has 196 receiving yards. 75 of those were his taking a deep shot to the house today. Brown is mainly here because he is an available share of C.J. Stroud‘s wizardry.

Darnell Mooney (WR – CHI)

Rostered: 29.1%

Through his last three games, Mooney is averaging five targets per game. He’s turned that into 8.6 fantasy points per game.

I’m looking elsewhere first, but Mooney is at least regularly involved in the Bears’ passing attack.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR – NE)

Rostered: 30.0%

Demario Douglas (WR – NE)

Rostered: 20.8%

DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne missed today’s game, allowing JuJu and Demario to see seven targets each. I like both of them, provided Parker isn’t active (Bourne is out for the season), but Douglas is more intriguing long-term. He’s a rookie with blazing speed and solid after-the-catch ability.

Ty Chandler (RB – MIN)

Rostered: 0.9%

Cam Akers left the game with an ankle injury, meaning Ty Chandler is the next man up behind Alexander Mattison. We’re scraping the bottom of the barrel here. If the Vikings don’t add another running back and Akers misses time, Chandler has shown some receiving and big-play ability. I wouldn’t be starting him anytime soon, however.

Will Levis (QB – TEN)

Rostered: 38.9%

Given he only scored 11 points on Thursday, his rostership may even decrease. I’d roster Levis if I don’t need to start him next week against Tampa Bay. Tennessee plays the Jaguars and Panthers in weeks 11 and 12, two favorable matchups for Levis. Levis’ ability to uncork a deep ball is real. Any time someone flashes the ability to create eight-fantasy-point plays, we want shares of them on our roster if we can make room.

Derek Carr (QB – NO)

Rostered: 34.6%

Carr has scored more than 15 fantasy points five weeks in a row. He has a high floor and a low ceiling. If you’re scrounging for a quarterback, Carr against Minnesota next weekend should be fine.

Cade Otton (TE – TB)

Rostered: 7.4%

Otton has six or more targets three weeks in a row, and he caught two touchdowns today. The Buccaneers are throwing the ball quite a bit, so if you’re in a pinch or up against a bye week, Otton is a fine option.

Jonnu Smith (TE – ATL)

Rostered: 21.1%

I’ll spare you the preamble about Jonnu Smith having more fantasy points than Kyle Pitts this season.

The Falcons traded for Jonnu Smith this offseason and clearly had a vision for him. Today, the Falcons drew up a screen for him, and he brought it 60 yards to the house. Jonnu Smith is absolutely in top-12 tight end consideration in the short term. He’s scored 8.5 or more points in six of his last eight games.

Carolina Panthers Defense/Special Teams

Rostered: 7.8%

Tyson Bagent on a short week? Sign me up! If Justin Fields is back, I’d still consider the play, but I’m definitely looking elsewhere first.

Seattle Seahawks Defense/Special Teams

Rostered: 36.7%

The Commanders have scored 20 points per game in their last four games and barely sneaked by the lowly Patriots today.

Given their defensive fire sale at the deadline, it’s safe to say the Commanders don’t think they’re competing for a playoff spot this year. I’m always intrigued by defenses up against teams that are ostensibly tanking.

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