Congratulations! If you’re reading this, then that means your fantasy football team is still in the hunt for the playoffs. Week 10 shapes up to be a challenge as elite offenses such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins are on bye for the week.
With so many elite offenses on the couch, this Sunday’s slate will be without star receivers such as A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, and Puka Nacua. With that in mind, who should you start between Calvin Ridley and Tank Dell to fill in for a star?
Calvin Ridley Fantasy Outlook This Week
It’s been a frustrating season for Ridley, who was being drafted early in fantasy drafts during the summer. In eight games this season, though, Ridley has finished as a top-24 fantasy receiver only twice. His highest-scoring game of the season, in fact, was way back in Week 1 against the Colts.
MORE: Should You Start Diontae Johnson or Deebo Samuel in Week 10?
Ridley gets plenty of run as the Jacksonville Jaguars outside receiver, as he’s boasted a snap share of 80% or higher in every game this year. He’s also had only two games this season with five targets or less, so he figures to be a key contributor in the passing game.
The Jaguars are fresh off a bye week, so they’re well-rested. And against the San Francisco 49ers — who are also coming off of a bye — they’ll need all the strength they can muster. San Francisco’s pass defense ranks 19th in the NFL, taking a step back from last year’s No. 1 finish.
Tank Dell Fantasy Outlook This Week
Dell and the Houston Texans are flying high after last week’s offensive explosion, where C.J. Stroud had 470 passing yards. Dell finished with six receptions, 114 yards, and two touchdowns, including a thrilling game-winning touchdown catch with less than 10 seconds left on the clock.
Dell was a late-round dart throw at the end of fantasy drafts, and he’s provided a few massive games in return. But although he’s had three weeks where he finished as a top-20 receiver, he also has three finishes with a fantasy ranking of WR60 or worse.
In Week 10, the Texans are set up to be in another shootout — this time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow. Both Nico Collins and Robert Woods have injuries this week, leaving the opportunity for plenty of targets to go Dell’s way.
Should You Start Ridley or Dell in Fantasy Football Week 10?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Dell is the player to start. His projected 12.5 points include a projection of 59 receiving yards with five receptions. That slightly outranks Ridley and his projected 12 fantasy points.
My rankings for the two receivers align with the consensus primarily because I expect both of these receivers to finish similarly — with Dell slightly outscoring Ridley. Choosing between these two comes down to what your team needs most.
MORE: Katz’s Week 10 Wide Receiver Start/Sit
If you need a receiver with a safe fantasy floor, then Ridley is your guy. On the contrary, if you’re projected to be the underdog in your fantasy matchup, then the upside that Dell brings can win you your week!
Remember to keep an eye on the injury reports from Houston because Dell could be in for an increased role without two other starting receivers.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!