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Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pick Em Picks: Week 10

Fri Nov 8 8:59pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer

NFL Week 10 is here and that means another opportunity to win some cash playing DFS Pickem contests here on RTSports. We are coming off another strong effort and we are now 7-for-9 with our Pick of the Week. Thank you, Ladd McConkey, for helping keep our numbers up, as well as yours. We also hit on Matthew Stafford and Darnell Mooney, but if you played all four from the article, you too are probably pretty bitter about Michael Pittman and his perpetual back issues. Never again, and we’ll just chalk it up to a lesson learned about using players that exhibit chronic injuries. Onwards and upwards for a new week!

Once again, if you are new to the RTSports family or haven’t played the DFS Pickem format yet, let me help steer you along properly. It’s incredibly easy to play and a great opportunity to increase your bankroll throughout the season. All you do is make your picks for players to produce more or less than their designated stat line and if you are right, you can earn up to 40 times your wager (minimum wager of $1). Pick correctly for two players and you will 3x your money. Three correct picks will get you a 6x return, four is 10x and so on, up to 40x for six correct picks. You should give a look at the full contest rules, but that’s the gist of it for how to play.

Here are my favorites for NFL Week 10:

Pick of the Week:

Kirk Cousins -- MORE than 1.5 Passing TDs

Just because a play is obvious, doesn’t mean we can’t make it our Pick of the Week, right? The Saints trade of cornerback Marshon Lattimore says it all. At 2-7, they’re already looking beyond this season and an already shaky pass defense just got worse. Cousins has found his groove in this offensive scheme and he and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson are happy to be airing it out against inferior competition. He’s got seven touchdown passes in his last two games and has had at least two touchdown passes in four of nine games. With Drake London expected to be on the field, Cousins will have plenty of opportunities to find the end zone.

Other Favorite Week 10 Picks:

  • Najee Harris MORE than 64.5 rushing yards
  • Cade Otton LESS than 57.5 receiving yards
  • Tyrone Tracy, Jr. MORE than 88.5 rushing + receiving yards

One final note – for those of you who also like to dabble in the NFL DFS realm, we’ve got a Beat Howard Bender contest set up in the lobby. It’s just $3 to enter for this 300-person GPP with standard payouts, but even better – if you beat me, you get your entry fee back. Just click here to get into the contest!

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Mecole Hardman Dec 6 2:10pm CT
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) suffered an injury on Friday which puts him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardman reportedly had his knee lock up on him before Friday's practice. The 26-year-old now appears to be questionable ahead of this weekend's contest. His absence doesn't mean too much for this offense considering Hardman hasn't recorded a reception since Week 11. Although, Hardman is an excellent member on special teams, so his absence would certainly hurt there.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Dec 6 2:10pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 14 on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to Johnson, lead running back D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) is questionable to play this weekend, meaning third-string back Travis Homer could be forced into lead-back duties at Levis Stadium on Sunday if Swift is also unable to go. Even if Swift is active on Sunday, expect the Bears to bring Darrynton Evans up from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to give the team more depth at the position with Johnson still concussed. Johnson suffered a concussion in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions last Thursday and will now try to clear the league's concussion protocol in time for another divisional clash in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 6 2:10pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 14 game this Sunday on the road in San Francisco against the 49ers. The good news is that Moore was able to get back on the practice field on a limited basis on Friday after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, but his availability for this weekend remains up in the air. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Keenan Allen (ankle) practiced in full on Friday and was removed from the final Week 14 injury report after missing Wednesday's practice. Making things more difficult for fantasy managers that have Moore rostered is the fact that Chicago's game comes in the late-afternoon window this Sunday. If Moore doesn't get the green light to suit up against San Fran, both Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, in addition to tight end Cole Kmet would have higher fantasy ceilings.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 6 2:00pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tillman suffered a concussion in Week 12 and it appears that he's still dealing with the symptoms. As a result, Tillman will miss his second straight game, but will hopefully be back in the mix next week. Both Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will see increased fantasy value with Tillman out for at least one more game. Moore saw 14 targets last week as he hauled in eight of them for 111 yards in the loss to the Denver Broncos. Jeudy went for over 230 yards during that game, so both players should be fine options for Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Dec 6 1:50pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip) is currently considered questionable ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Nabers was limited in practice on Thursday after suffering a hip flexor injury. As a result, Nabers sat out of Friday's practice session. It sounds like the team is taking it day-by-day, so fantasy managers might have to wait until closer on Sunday for more information on his status. The absence of Nabers would make Darius Slayton a much more appealing streaming option. Both Wan'Dale Robinson and Slayton would have flex appeal if Nabers is forced to sit out.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 6 1:40pm CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson should be viewed as a risky streaming option in Week 14 in the Cardinals' home matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has quietly become a rosterable player in fantasy football, but he is still lacking some consistency. Wilson is solidified as the Cardinals' second wide receiver but falls behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride in the target hierarchy. Wilson made a couple of big plays in the Cardinals' last matchup against the Seahawks and has been thriving off a lack of attention from opposing defenses. Until Wilson establishes better consistency, he remains a streaming flex option and should be viewed as a risky choice in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Dec 6 1:40pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) has been activated off the injured reserve on Friday. Lazard has been sidelined since suffering a chest injury ahead of Week 8. Before that, Lazard had 30 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. The expectation is that Lazard will see a dip in production now with Davante Adams fully in the mix. Lazard will now slide in as the third option behind Adams and Garrett Wilson in this offense. The 28-year-old should be considered a low-end flex option for the Week 14 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 6 1:40pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride should be viewed as a high-end TE1 in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. McBride is on a hot streak right now, posting back-to-back weeks with 12 receptions. He is the focal point of the Cardinals' passing game and has produced regardless of matchup. The only downside to McBride's season has been a lack of touchdown production. However, his target share and usage are high enough to still make him a top-three tight end in fantasy. McBride is a no-doubt starting tight end in fantasy and should be viewed that way for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 6 1:30pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) says that he will suit up for Sunday's Week 14 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Smith hasn't suited up since Week 11 due to a lingering hamstring issue. However, Smith has been able to practice in full all week, so it sounds like he's ready to play again. This would be a good matchup for Smith to return against a shaky Panthers secondary. Smith should be considered a solid WR2, assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 6 1:10pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. should get WR2 consideration in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. Harrison Jr. had a solid game last week, scoring the Cardinals' lone touchdown. He also saw his largest target share of the season, receiving 12 targets. With the Cardinals in pursuit of winning the NFC West division, it is expected that they will empty the playbook and come out swinging in this matchup. Taking more shots down the field has been something the Cardinals have needed to incorporate into this offense, and Harrison Jr. is the best option to receive those downfield shots. With Harrison Jr.'s usage increasing, managers should feel much more comfortable with him in the lineup.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 6 1:00pm CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson should not be considered for starting lineups in fantasy in Week 14. The Cardinals will have a home divisional matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in what will be a pivotal game for the NFC West. Benson saw an uptick in usage before the Week 11 bye, but post-bye week, that trend has not continued. Benson has had just seven total carries over the last two weeks. With Benson's usage not at a reliable level, he remains a handcuff for James Conner but is not a fantasy starter.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Dec 6 1:00pm CT
Breece Hall

According to Andy Vasquez of NJ Advance Media, New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Miami Dolphins. The star running back was dealing with this knee injury before last weekend's game but was able to suit up. This week, Hall was unable to participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was also not seen during Friday's session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status over the weekend but should look to find an alternative option as the Iowa State product is facing an uphill battle to play. If Hall cannot play, rookie Braelon Allen would be viewed as a must-start option in all formats, as he will likely take on a hefty workload. Throughout his rookie campaign, Allen has posted a modest 3.6 yards per carry with three scores while operating as the No.2 option. However, he has a favorable matchup against Miami, which has allowed the 13th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Dec 6 12:50pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is expected to suit up this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite not practicing this week and carrying a "questionable" designation, head coach Dave Canales expects the 31-year-old to be on the field. Over his past five contests, Clowney has tallied 21 tackles (12 solo) with nine assists, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. If Clowney can suit up this weekend, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect him to see his typical starting workload.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Dec 6 12:50pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner should be viewed as a high-end RB2 in Week 14 in the Cardinals' divisional battle with the Seattle Seahawks. Conner struggled on the ground in the previous matchup with the Seahawks, recording his season-low of eight rushing yards; however, he remained productive, catching five passes for 41 yards in that game. Conner is the workhorse of this Cardinals offense, and his usage rate is among the highest of all running backs in the NFL. With the Cardinals needing to win this game to position themselves well for a playoff spot, we can expect them to rely on Conner heavily. Fantasy managers should insert Conner into their starting lineups if he isn't already there in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jamel Dean Dec 6 12:50pm CT
Jamel Dean

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Troy Hill (foot) and safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) will not suit up in Week 14 to face the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Brianna Dix. Hill has been dealing with a lingering foot injury over the past two weeks but has yet to officially miss time due to it. Edwards sustained his hamstring strain during their Week 13 victory over the Carolina Panthers. As a result, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean to see most of the snaps at cornerback, while Antoine Winfield and Christian Izien will see most of the opportunities at safety.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 6 12:40pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray should be considered a high-end quarterback play in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. This matchup will be the season's biggest game for the Cardinals as they position themselves to try to reach the playoffs. With the stakes of this game as high as they get for a regular-season matchup, we can expect the Cardinals' offense to completely empty the playbook, which would include utilizing Murray's rushing ability. Murray has struggled in his last two games, especially in their previous matchup against the Seahawks, making him due for a huge bounce-back. The offense made strides a week ago but settled for too many field goals to get the win. With the expected increase in rushing and a sense of urgency from the Cardinals, fantasy managers should trust Murray in the starting lineup.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 6 12:20pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) is good to go for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Cleveland Browns, according to Chris Adamski of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Austin entered concussion protocol following their Week 13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin opened the week as a limited participant but quickly upgraded to full participation on Thursday. Austin has found the back of the end zone in each of his past two contests after tallying just 19 yards during Weeks 10 and 11. Overall, the sophomore wideout has averaged 36.0 receiving yards per game since Week 6 and should be viewed as a risky flex option in deeper formats facing a Cleveland secondary that has allowed the ninth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 6 12:10pm CT
Cedric Tillman

According to Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) is not practicing on Friday. This is not a good sign for availability heading into the weekend, as Tillman also did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the final injury report later on Friday, as it will likely clarify his status. Tillman sustained this concussion during Week 12's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He could not play last week and is now in danger of missing his second-straight contest. If Tillman cannot suit up, fantasy managers should expect Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku to lead the passing attack against a tough Pittsburgh secondary. Last weekend, Jeudy posted a career-best 235 receiving yards.

From RotoBaller

Josey Jewell Dec 6 12:03pm CT
Josey Jewell

Carolina Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee), S Nick Scott (hamstring, personal)did not practice and are listed as questionable on the final Week 14 injury report Friday, Dec. 6. LB Josey Jewell (hamstring) was limited at practice and is questionable while CB Caleb Farley (shoulder), OLB D.J. Wonnum (knee) and OG Robert Hunt were full participants at practice and are questionable.

From TheHuddle

Aidan O'Connell Dec 6 12:00pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that quarterback Aidan O'Connell (illness) will be a "full-go" at Friday's practice and is on track to play in the Week 14 tilt on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. O'Connell was under the weather on Thursday and did not practice, but he's feeling better on Friday and should suit up this weekend for his second straight start with Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) out for the season. The second-year signal-caller was basically a game manager for the Raiders in his rookie season, but he threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns in a near upset of the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs last Friday in his third start of the season. With O'Connell good to go this weekend, he'll have the potential for another big game as a QB2 against a Bucs defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs this year.

From RotoBaller