Welcome to the 2023 season. We all begin the season with optimism for our players and a (mostly) healthy roster. But to win, you have to make moves that keep you ahead of the game. That’s what this weekly post is all about. Here, I’ll be looking at lightly rostered players who could benefit you this season. Here’s some players to look for in Week 10. All roster percentages courtesy of the NFL.
Quarterbacks
Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders
Roster Percentage: 1.1
About: O’Connell got the start on Sunday and the Raiders got the 30-6 victory. He is getting an audition to see if he’s the future. O’Connell looked solid in the first start, and I’d expect him to continue to get starts. If you’re in Superflex, it’s time to make sure he’s rostered.
Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons
Roster Percentage: 1.1
About: Heinicke got the start over Desmond Ridder in Week 9. The Falcons lost a close one to the Vikings, but Heinicke is getting the start again in Week 10 against the Cardinals. Could Ridder get the job back? Sure, but for the time being Heinicke is the player you want to roster.
Josh Dobbs, Minnesota Vikings
Roster Percentage: 9.7
About: Dobbs is on his third team, but he keeps getting the call. He came in for Jaren Hall Sunday and looked explosive as the Vikings got the win. He should be rostered, especially when leading an offense with Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and a soon-to-return Justin Jefferson.
Running Backs
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
Roster Percentage: .2
About: Mitchell had a huge breakout game on Sunday, getting nine carries for 138 yards and a touchdown. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are still in play, but Mitchell showed some big play potential. The Ravens need some burst. Mitchell should be rostered.
Wide Receivers
Noah Brown, Houston Texans
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Brown came off IR a few weeks ago and has been steadily involved. On Sunday, he caught six passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. Brown has some explosive ability and seems to be in the mix along with Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Brown has plenty of deep-league appeal for a fun Texans offense.
Trey Palmer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Palmer, the rookie, is a distant third when it comes to receivers, and possibly the fifth option when you factor Rachaad White and Cade Otton. But he has been producing. He had three receptions for 51 yards on Sunday. He should be rostered and could be in line for a bigger role in the future.
Demario Douglas, New England Patriots
Roster Percentage: 17.3
About: He’s the highest rostered option on the list, for good reason. The rookie is making headway for a Patriots team in need of receivers. He saw seven targets, catching five for 55 yards. He’s definitely a player who should be rostered.
Kyle Philips, Tennessee Titans
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Philips had a decent game on Thursday, catching four passes for 68 yards. With Will Levis, the Titans’ passing game is more relevant. They can’t all go to DeAndre Hopkins and with Treylon Burks battling injuries, Philips has more appeal.
Brandon Powell, Minnesota Vikings
Roster Percentage: .2
About: Powell has stepped up with Jefferson sidelined. That resulted in him catching the game-winning touchdown on Sunday. This might be a short time burst with Jefferson due back soon, but he has some deep league appeal for as long as he’s getting opportunities.
Tight Ends
Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs
Roster Percentage: .6
About: The Chiefs’ passing game is a bit of a mess. Yes, Travis Kelce is the top tight end in Kansas City and in the league. But Gray actually had a role on Sunday despite Kelce being healthy, and he’s a great option if Kelce misses. The Chiefs are looking for a spark, which makes Gray an interesting prospect to roster.
Albert Okwuegbunam, Philadelphia Eagles
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Dallas Goedert broke his arm Sunday. The Eagles acquired Albert O. after the pre-season, and while he hasn’t played much in Philly, he’s shown prowess as a pass-catcher. I’m grabbing him now to see if I can parlay it into a weekly start for as long as Goedert is out.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
