I’m a fantasy manager just like you. I eat waffles just like you. I dream about three-legged zombie tigers chasing me, just like you. And just like you, I rack my brain over difficult fantasy football start/sit decisions. Heading into Week 10’s Sunday/Monday slate, who are some borderline players I’m eyeballing, and where do they fall on the start/sit spectrum?

NFL Start’ Em for Week 10

Neither of these players are obvious starts in most leagues. For example, the last two weeks, I pushed the unheralded Pat Freiermuth. There’s more value in finding diamonds in the rough than in starting the obvious guys. So here are two under-the-radar bargains in Week 10.

Start ‘Em | Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

There’s no good reason to trust Big Ben in fantasy. He is what Philip Rivers was late last season — a 39-year-old former great who no longer has the arm strength to do what used to come naturally.

In fact, among all quarterbacks who’ve started every game this season, Roethlisberger has the fewest fantasy points. He’s this week’s expert-consensus QB19 for a good reason.

So you might be wondering, “Why are you recommending him?” Because this week, the opposing Lions are giving up the most passing yards (4,249) and passing TDs (35) in the NFL.

This is a rare get-right game for the aging Steeler. And interestingly, Roethlisberger is sporting a somewhat respectable 90.0 QB rating despite tough road games against Buffalo and Cleveland. I would be surprised if he weren’t a top-16 performer, and he has a great shot at cracking the top 12.

Start ‘Em | Tyler Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I was big on Johnson in Week 8 when Antonio Brown was sidelined. He turned in only 2 catches for 16 yards. But the next week, he showed what he could do, finishing with a 5-65 receiving line. There’s a lot to like about Johnson talent-wise. The question is when he can get more opportunities.

My colleague Tommy Garrett and I are hyping him once again. With Brown and Rob Gronkowski out again in Week 10, and with Chris Godwin questionable, Johnson should be no worse than the No. 3 receiving option against a beatable Washington defense. At best, he could be Tom Brady’s No. 2 target. I’m starting him in my league.

NFL Sit’ Em for Week 10

Neither of these players are obvious sits in most leagues. But too often, managers feel pressure to start players who are supposed to do well, even if the circumstances are more challenging than they seem. Here are two under-the-radar Week 10 busts.

Sit ‘Em | Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan is a fringe streamer this week, owning an expert-consensus QB15 Week 10 ranking. I believe he’ll be worse. Since their inexplicable collapse in Super Bowl LI, this franchise has descended continually into sub-mediocrity.

Their surprising 4-4 record does not adequately reflect their diminished offensive talent nor the capped fantasy upside of their longtime quarterback. Three of their wins have come against the Giants, Jets, and Dolphins. They’ve lost to Washington and Carolina. Enough said.

This season, Ryan has had as many fantasy performances above 28 points (two) as he has below 7 points. His competent numbers stem almost entirely from Kyle Pitts and the seemingly unstoppable Cordarrelle Patterson.

But today’s matchup in Dallas will be tough. After the Broncos crushed the Cowboys last week, I believe Dallas will regroup and handle the Falcons comfortably. Ryan won’t be stream-worthy.

Sit ‘Em | Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers

How much can we trust Elijah Mitchell? He’s been a fantasy revelation. He also plays in a Kyle Shanahan-led offense that historically has rotated running backs like tires. He’s the expert-consensus RB16 in Week 10 based on a body of work spanning six NFL games. The 2021 sixth-rounder has only 9 receptions. Jeff Wilson is expected to return, barring a setback. Third-round rookie Trey Sermon is looming (never underestimate talent).

And the Niners are facing a rejuvenated Rams team that’s recently added Odell Beckham Jr. on offense and Von Miller on defense. LA’s defense is yielding a respectable 4.1 yards per carry. I’m expecting the Rams’ offense to put up significant points, forcing the 49ers into passing mode in the second half. Most people are starting Mitchell as an RB2. I doubt he’ll be better than a mid-range RB3.