NFL Week 10 Bangs & Busts

We’re deep into the 2025 season, and every week feels like a playoff game. By now, we know who’s legit, who’s fool’s gold, and which matchups actually matter. Let’s lock in for Week 10 and separate the sharp picks from the noise.

Quarterback

BANG: Drake Maye @ Buccaneers
Projection: 20.8 pts (QB10)
Maye has been playing MVP-caliber football this season and is in total command of New England’s offense. He’s been picking apart defenses with precision, and this matchup against Tampa Bay’s weak secondary is another green light. The Bucs are near the bottom of the league in yards per attempt allowed and have struggled to contain mobile QBs all season. Expect Maye to stay hot with another efficient, high-yardage performance and a couple of scores through the air.

BUST: Justin Herbert vs Steelers
Projection: 20.1 pts (QB9)
This is a brutal spot for Herbert. The Steelers just forced six turnovers last week and completely shut down one of the league’s best offenses. Now they get a Chargers team without both starting tackles, which is a recipe for constant pressure and disruption. Herbert’s talent will always keep him viable, but with limited protection and a ferocious pass rush in his face all game, this looks like a long afternoon for the Chargers’ passing attack.

Running Back

BANG: Jonathan Taylor vs Falcons
Projection: 21.3 pts (RB4)
Taylor’s coming off his worst game of the year, and that usually means trouble for whoever’s next. He’s been one of the best players in football this season, and a bounce-back performance feels inevitable against an unproven Atlanta front that’s struggled to handle elite backs. The Colts’ offense runs through him, and he should find plenty of room to reestablish himself as a top-tier MVP candidate this week.

BUST: Rachaad White vs Patriots
Projection: 16.2 pts (RB18)
White’s been solid for volume, but this matchup doesn’t favor him. The Patriots’ defense is built to clog running lanes and force teams to win through the air, and Tampa’s offensive line hasn’t been opening many holes. Without consistent red-zone trips or checkdown-heavy game scripts, it’s hard to see White delivering starter-level production. This feels more like a grind-it-out, low-efficiency day.

Wide Receiver

BANG: Justin Jefferson vs Ravens
Projection: 19.9 pts (WR2)
Jefferson was unstoppable last week, and that shouldn’t change against a Baltimore defense that’s struggled to contain No. 1 receivers. J.J. McCarthy has been hyper-targeting him in key moments, and with the Ravens’ corners banged up, this is another setup for Jefferson to post elite numbers. Expect another double-digit target game and top-tier fantasy output.

BUST: Drake London @ Colts
Projection: 19.8 pts (WR4)
London’s been steady, but this week could be a dip. The Colts’ secondary has improved since midseason, and they’ll likely shade coverage his way for most of the game. With Atlanta leaning on Bijan Robinson and the quick passing game lately, London could get boxed into a quiet week. Think mid-WR2 production instead of WR1 upside.

Tight End

BANG: Brock Bowers @ Broncos
Projection: 15.8 pts (TE2)
Bowers has officially arrived as a weekly matchup nightmare. Denver’s linebackers can’t cover tight ends who can separate and create after the catch, which Bowers does both at an elite level. Expect another high-volume game plan centered around quick routes, crossers, and red-zone looks. He’s got top-three TE written all over him this week.

BUST: Trey McBride @ Seahawks
Projection: 17.2 pts (TE1)
McBride is legit, but I see him cooling off ever since Jacoby Brissett took over for the injured Kyler Murray. Brissett spreads the ball out and doesn’t lock onto one target. Seattle’s defense is disciplined against tight ends and rarely gives up explosive plays over the middle. McBride should stay involved, but don’t expect the same ceiling we saw earlier this year.

Defense / Special Teams

BANG: Steelers D/ST @ Chargers
Projection: 5.6 pts (DST13)
Pittsburgh’s defense is red-hot right now. They’re coming off a massive win, they’re confident, and they’re facing a banged-up Chargers offensive line that’s been bleeding pressure all season. Expect T.J. Watt and company to dominate up front, force mistakes, and create short fields for their offense. Another top-10 finish is on the way.

BUST: Bills D/ST @ Dolphins
Projection: 7.0 pts (DST6)
The Bills’ defense has been inconsistent lately, and this isn’t the matchup to trust them in. Division games with Miami tend to be unpredictable shootouts, and while I like Buffalo to control the game, I don’t expect the defense to be the reason why. Miami will still move the ball, and that’s why I’m staying away from Buffalo this week.

Kicker

BANG: Jason Myers vs Cardinals
Projection: 8.5 pts (K5)
Myers remains one of the most reliable fantasy kickers, and this matchup is tailor-made for him. Seattle should dominate time of possession, and Arizona’s defense tends to stiffen inside the 30. That means a steady diet of field-goal attempts. Myers should once again deliver a double-digit performance.

BUST: Andre Szmyt @ Jets
Projection: 7.4 pts (K16)
This is a simple one for me. Cleveland’s offense is broken. Drives stall, red-zone trips vanish, and Szmyt’s opportunities have been few and far between. Even when facing the Jets defense, I’m not sure the Browns will put Szmyt in spots to cover this projection.