In this episode of bye-mageddon, we’re staring down the barrel of six teams on byes in week 10. Here are some players getting my attention after today’s early slate of games, many of whom could be serviceable in the next couple of weeks.

Quarterbacks

Desmond Ridder (QB – ATL): 0.5% rostered

If you’re in a 2QB/Superflex league and can spare a roster spot, it might be time to throw the dart at Ridder. Marcus Mariota has looked less than stellar, and I’d be surprised if he wasn’t on the hot seat if the Falcons lose, say, two games in a row. Ridder is a mobile quarterback who projects to offer a rushing baseline, which is fantasy gold.

Marcus Mariota (QB – ATL): 24% rostered

I’m leaning into the irony here. If you need a quarterback to patch a bye-week void in the coming weeks, Mariota could be your man. While it remains to be seen if he finishes the season as the starter (see above…) Mariota does offer a tantalizing rushing baseline, even if he is good for nearly one turnover a game. You don’t need to be a stellar real-life quarterback to offer fantasy value in certain situations.

Running Backs

Caleb Huntley (RB – ATL): 5% rostered

Yes, Cordarrelle Patterson could be back soon, even as soon as next week. However, Huntley is very much in good graces with the Atlanta coaching staff. He’s a sturdy bowling ball of a back who will still see work even with a healthy Patterson. If you need someone to plug in a flex/RB spot, you could do worse than Huntley, who is widely available, considering he’s pretty much been Atlanta’s lead back.

Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT): 3% rostered

Calling all Najee Harris rosterers. I repeat, calling all Najee Harris rosterers. Warren is already taking third down work, so should something, God forbid, happen to Najee, Warren is next in line.

Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN): 29.4% rostered

I am dumbfounded to see Mattison’s rostership under 30%. This is absurd. Mattison has proven he’s a good running back and extremely fantasy-relevant each time Dalvin Cook misses a game. Same logic as above with Warren. Add Mattison before it’s too late.

Wide Receivers

Mack Hollins (WR – LV): 9% rostered

I have no problem starting Hollins if I’m missing a flex thanks to a bye week. Hollins has consistently (enough) generated targets and occasionally popped with fantasy value. Of course, he’s no sure thing, which is why he’s probably on your waiver wire, but with his 6’4 frame, you can plug Hollins in and hope for a touchdown.

K.J. Osborn (WR – MIN): 2% rostered

I’m not starting Osborn unless my roster is in a really rough spot. However, I would pick him up as a receiver handcuff. Should Jefferson or Thielen go down and miss any time, Osborn will slot right in as the number two target in Minnesota. He’s generated impressive fantasy outputs in the past, even with Jefferson and Thielen healthy.

Jarvis Landry (WR – NO): 29% rostered

Landry’s tagline might as well be “Jarvis Landry… at least he’s not on IR.” He’s played three full games this season and received at least five targets in each. Michael Thomas is also forever missing games, so if Landry can return healthy, he’ll probably be the best receiver on the field for the Saints.

Joshua Palmer (WR – LAC): 25% rostered

Palmer is battling his way back from injury, but so are both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Palmer is a great plug-and-play option when he returns. Before his week six exit, Palmer was averaging more than six targets per game.

Kalif Raymond (WR – DET): 1% rostered

As long as this Lions receiving corps is banged up, you can catch me starting Raymond in a pinch. He’s averaging 5.5 targets in his last four games and has also scored three touchdowns in that time.

Tight Ends

Isaiah Likely (TE – BAL): 2% rostered

Mark Andrews left Thursday’s game with an injury, and Likely got the job done in his place, catching six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. If you roster Andrews or are willing to take a gamble on an exciting, young talent, Isaiah will Likely help your squad.

Tyler Conklin (TE – NYJ): 16% rostered

Anytime a tight end pumps out the statline Conkin did today, it’s worth a mention. He caught six of 10 targets for 79 yards and two touchdowns, making him a great spot start if you’re struggling at the TE position.

Defense/Special Teams

Kansas City Chiefs: 6% rostered

The Chiefs are on a bye this week, making their defense incredibly unlikely to be rostered in standard leagues. However, after the week’s rest, they get the Titans at home. The Titans’ offense isn’t terrible, but the Chiefs have an extra week to prepare, giving the Kansas City D/ST a pretty high floor.

Atlanta Falcons: 42% rostered

The Falcons’ defense is probably hitting your waiver wire this week, assuming streamers are dropping them after the Panthers matchup today. However, take a closer look. In week 10, the Falcons get the Panthers again, but this time on Thursday Night Football. If you can afford to bench them next week against the Chargers, feel free to roll them out again in week 10.

Kickers

Ka’imi Fairbairn (K – HOU): 2% rostered

If your kicker is on a bye next week, feel free to stream Fairbairn. The Texans’ offense can’t get the job done in the red zone, meaning they often trot out their veteran kicker.

Chase McLaughlin (K – IND): 3% rostered

Using the above logic, one can assume McLaughlin will continue getting looks as Indianapolis struggles on offense. The quarterback situation likely exacerbates those concerns in the red zone, making McLaughlin a fine streaming option.