Fantasy football NFL Week 10: Ranking wide receivers to start and sit in terms of precious metals

Week 10 in the NFL got off to an uninspired start as four interceptions were thrown, two by Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and two by Browns quarterback Josh McCown. McCown entered the game for seemingly no reason as starter Cody Kessler was having a decent game (11/18, 91 yards, 1 touchdown). But, the Browns were trying to test their luck. They weren’t too lucky though as McCown fared far worse (6/13, 59 yards, 2 interceptions). The Ravens now maintain first place in the AFC North for at least another week.

But, let’s move on to fantasy football and what’s ahead this weekend. This week, we’re taking a look at some of the wide receivers you should be playing in your lineup.

Think of fantasy player matchups as precious metals, and me as a jeweler. Like a good salesman, I’ll give you a tour of my shop, starting with the most alluring matchups and work my way down, presenting my case for each.

Key:

Platinum: can’t-miss investment, must-start

Gold: very good investment

Silver: solid investment

Potential gold mine: could be great, but, could also turn out to be nothing

Copper: least desirable of the precious metals, not a good start

Plastic: not even real gold, put on your bench

Fool’s Gold: shiny and enticing, but not a wise investment

Start ‘em

Platinum - Odell Beckham Jr., NYG (vs Cincinnati Bengals) - He’s had an up and down season, only topping 100 yards twice. But he gets to go up against a Bengals defense that has looked slow and has had a hard time tackling players in the middle of the field. Meanwhile, speed and making plays in the open field are two of Beckham’s greatest strengths.

Platinum - Mike Evans, TB (vs Chicago Bears) - He suffered a concussion towards the end of his monstrous performance last week (32.50 fantasy points), but has been cleared to play on Sunday. Statistically, the Bears are actually pretty solid against the pass. But in the fantasy world, they are allowing the sixth most points to opposing wide receivers.

Gold - Alshon Jeffery, CHI (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - He hasn’t looked like an elite receiver for much of this year, but that could change very soon due to the return of Jay Cutler. Last week, with Cutler making his first appearance since Week 2, Jeffrey caught his only touchdown of the year. This week, he goes up against a Bucs team that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers, according to NFL.com.

Sit ‘em

Copper - Brandin Cooks, NO (at Denver Broncos) - He’s the 10th overall receiver this year on NFL.com’s fantasy site. But he’s actually only had two great games (Weeks 1 and 6). Other than those, he hasn’t topped 68 yards. Now he goes up against the top defense against fantasy wide receivers in their home stadium. While Aqib Talib is unlikely to play, the Broncos showed last week against the Oakland Raiders that they are capable of containing top offenses without their best corner.

Copper - Kelvin Benjamin, CAR (vs Kansas City Chiefs) - The Carolina Panthers’ offense has not been nearly as dynamic as it was last year despite Benjamin’s return. Now they face a Chiefs’ pass defense that is 10th against opposing wide receivers and welcomes back sack machine Justin Houston. The Pro Bowl linebacker looks to pick up right where he left off and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him dominating, as he expects.