Just an average smash output in Week 9. Matthew Stafford, Chuba Hubbard, Darnell Mooney and the Tennesse Titans’ defense gave fantasy managers smash plays that provided the edge they needed to win in their Week 9 matchups.

However, D’Andre Swift and DJ Moore stunk up the place. Josh Downs did fine with six receptions for 60 yards in a favorable matchup with Joe Flacco slinging the ball. It was great to see T.J. Hockenson back on the field, but he disappointed his fantasy managers with his lack of production (three catches for 27 yards).

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With every fantasy manager vying for their playoff lives, finding players who produce smash plays is more pivotal than ever. Find out which players will provide the edge in your fantasy start sit matchups for Week 10.

Fantasy Football Smash Starts for Week 10

Quarterback

Daniel Jones (QB – NYG) at Carolina

Daniel Jones is coming off a QB5 performance against Washington last week, where he completed 20-of-25 passes for 174 yards and two scores. Jones also added 54 rushing yards with a score on the ground. The NFL has the Giants taking on the Carolina Panthers in Germany early Sunday morning in a promising matchup for Jones to continue as a streaming option for fantasy managers.

The Panthers allow the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. They rank 27th against the pass while surrendering 18 scores and the second-highest passer rating to opposing signal-callers.

The appeal is here for Jones and rookie wideout Malik Nabers to connect on a few splash plays. Add in a rushing score by Jones and fantasy managers should start their football Sunday with a QB1 finish from the Giants’ quarterback.

Running Back

Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND) vs. Buffalo

The best path to victory against the Buffalo Bills is to control the clock and keep the ball away from Josh Allen and the Bills offense. I expect the Colts to lean heavily on Jonathan Taylor, who has been a workhorse since his return from injury. Taylor is averaging 19.5 opportunities per game since his return and 4.8 yards per carry across his six games this season.

The Bills defense has allowed more than 120 rushing yards on five occasions this season. They have also allowed 28.5 fantasy points per game to the running back position, the second-most in the league.

The Colts will be without top wideout Michael Pittman, so Taylor should see at least 25 touches in this matchup. Last week, the Miami Dolphins’ duo of De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert each averaged over five yards per carry and combined for 100+ yards and a score.

In his one career game vs. the Bills in 2021, Taylor ran for 185 yards and five touchdowns in a Colts blowout win. I certainly don’t expect that type of explosion, but 100 total yards and a pair of scores seem likely for Taylor if the Colts want a chance to win on Sunday.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB – NYG) at Carolina

The Giants rookie running back has supplanted veteran Devin Singletary as the lead back. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has dominated the backfield in snaps and touches, earning 17 touches compared to just seven for Singletary.

Tracy has a juicy matchup this week against the Carolina Panthers, whose defense is dead last against the run this season. The Panthers cough up the most fantasy points allowed per game to the running back position (29.3) and rushing yards (159.3) through the first nine weeks this season. They permitted video game numbers to Alvin Kamara last week with 215 scrimmage yards on 35 touches.

Expect Tracy to produce top-five fantasy running back production and a massive smash start to kick off your fantasy football Sunday.

Wide Receiver

Tank Dell (WR – HOU) vs. Detroit

Tank Dell struggled to start the season, which made many fantasy managers sour on the Texans wideout. Dell stepped up in Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins‘ absences to produce 11.5+ fantasy points in consecutive games. He had his best game of the season with six receptions on nine targets for 126 receiving yards against a tough New York Jets secondary.

In Week 10, Dell and C.J. Stroud take on the Detroit Lions in the Sunday Night Football matchup on NBC. The Lions’ defense has surrendered 32.9 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, the third-most in the league. Five players have put up more than 100 receiving yards in a game against Detroit this season.

Nico Collins looks like he may suit up Sunday night, but regardless of whether Collins plays, Dell is a must-start, high-upside fantasy start sit option in what looks to be a shootout.

George Pickens (WR – PIT) at Washington

Russell Wilson has shown great love for George Pickens in their two games (14 targets for nine catches, 185 yards and a touchdown). Pickens is among the best deep threats in the league, and Wilson loves throwing the deep ball. Add another deep threat in the newly acquired veteran wide receiver Mike Williams, and this offense looks to be improved as we head into the second half of the season.

Williams should draw attention away from Pickens, something the Steelers offense did not possess previously. The Commanders’ defense has improved recently but is still a middle-of-the-road defense that surrendered 14 passing touchdowns, tied for the fifth-most this season.

Look for Pickens and Wilson to continue building chemistry, providing plenty of fantasy upside and a few splash plays.

Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF) at Indianapolis

Khalil Shakir remains Josh Allen’s go-to option, averaging 13.1 fantasy points per game this season. He has had at least six catches in three consecutive games, including hauling six of his seven targets for 50 yards in the Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Shakir has a favorable matchup this week against the Indianapolis Colts, who have allowed nine touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. The Bills offense will be without rookie wideout Keon Coleman (wrist). Fellow wideout Amari Cooper (wrist) is questionable to play this week.

Shakir’s rise in the wide receiver rankings should continue this week with a bump into a high-end WR2 as one of the few trustworthy options in the passing game. Watch for Shakir to produce his second 100-yard receiving game and score his third touchdown this week in a smash wide receiver play.

Tight End

Taysom Hill (TE – NO) vs. Atlanta

Taysom Hill is geared up for an expanded role in the New Orleans offense this week when they face the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints’ passing game has Rashid Shaheed and Bub Means on injured reserve (IR) and Chris Olave in concussion protocol, leaving Hill a solid chance to see more targets.

In Week 9, Hill posted four catches for 41 yards and had five rushing attempts, including a short rushing score. His potential for more opportunities is super high with the running game, with the Saints suffering with the loss of running back Kendre Miller to IR and Jamaal Williams dealing with a groin issue.

Hill has seen nine total targets across the past two weeks, which makes him a viable option to plug into your tight end spot. The versatile usage provides a large enough floor and a high upside that can win your weekly matchups.

Defense

Minnesota Vikings D/ST at Jacksonville

Brian Flores has the Vikings’ defense creating havoc against opposing offenses. Week 10 will not be any different when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars will likely be without franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder). They also traded left tackle Cam Robinson to the Vikings.

Flores has to be licking his chops for this matchup. The Jaguars could be forced to start Mac Jones, who is trying to save his NFL career and doesn’t scare any defenses. Flores will bring his opportunistic defense, which ranks second in turnover rate across the past four weeks, to this juicy matchup that will play massive fantasy dividends.

Dennis Sosic is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Dennis, check out his archive and follow him @CALL_ME_SOS.