The tenth week of the 2025 imaginary gridiron season presented substantial performances across all player positions, coupled with unexpected subpar outcomes from several highly regarded individuals.
Who emerged as the top performers and who underperformed?
Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft provide their perspectives.
Navigate to a subject:
Ranking top performers | Ranking underperformers
Significant injuries and immediate implications
Ranking imaginary gridiron top performers of Week 10
1. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts: Showcasing his most impressive display to date in an already remarkable season, Taylor accumulated 49.6 imaginary points, securing the highest individual score of the season and tying for the 36th position on the all-time single-game list among running backs. While this occurred during an overtime contest, and his workload was substantial (32 carries and 35 total touches), Taylor’s pivotal 83-yard rush in the fourth quarter propelled his team’s comeback. He then sealed the victory in overtime, running for the final 33 yards of the Colts’ game-winning drive. These two touchdowns, in addition to his 1-yard first-quarter score, marked his fifth game this season with at least three, putting him on par with Chuck Foreman (1975) and Marshall Faulk (2000) for the second-most such games in a single season, surpassed only by LaDainian Tomlinson’s six (2006). This performance, though notably not Taylor’s personal best (53.4 FPTS, Week 11 of 2021), has elevated him to the overall scoring lead with 273.9. His imaginary team managers may have only two minor complaints: his disappointing Week 9 performance (7.7 FPTS) and the challenge of replacing his production during his Week 11 bye week. — Cockcroft
2. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins: His tally of 40.5 imaginary points did not surpass his career high solely because his premier single-game total (51.3 in Week 3 of 2023) took place in his breakout, rookie-season game. Achane’s triumph predominantly stemmed from his running prowess, as the Dolphins unexpectedly asserted their dominance over the Buffalo Bills, with a final score of 30-13. His 29.4 points derived from 22 rushing plays closely trailed the 32.3 points he amassed in his aforementioned rookie-year showing. Achane’s five carries resulting in double-digit yardage marked a career high, and he outperformed expectations by 72 rushing yards. Despite the Dolphins’ challenging season, Achane is receiving the necessary volume in both rushing and receiving to be a consistent top-five running back each week. — Cockcroft
3. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions: For the second occasion within the past month, he exceeded 35 imaginary points, with his 38.2 in Week 10 representing the second-highest single-game achievement of his three-year NFL tenure (46.0, Week 18 of 2024). Gibbs matched his personal best with four carries resulting in double-digit yardage and amassed 49 more rushing yards than anticipated, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, while simultaneously contributing 12 points through receiving. Despite demonstrating some fluctuations in recent weeks, he remains an undeniable top-five weekly contender at his position. — Cockcroft
4. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots: In his second consecutive start as a replacement for the injured Rhamondre Stevenson (toe), Henderson finally achieved a breakthrough, amassing a personal-best 28.0 imaginary points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His 69-yard rushing touchdown with one minute and 31 seconds remaining served as the finishing touch on a 28-23 victory, marking his second rushing score of 50-plus yards for the day. He is the only player who can claim as many in a single game this season. This should guarantee Henderson an increased role as a potential home-run hitter in the upcoming weeks. If he starts again for Stevenson in Week 11 against the New York Jets, he will be a midrange RB2 with upside. — Cockcroft
5. Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals: The shift at quarterback to Jacoby Brissett has yielded substantial benefits for McBride and his imaginary team managers. For the third time in the Cardinals’ past four games — aligning with Brissett’s tenure as the Cardinals’ starter — the tight end amassed at least 21 imaginary points (27.7). McBride has secured 94.8 points during this stretch, comfortably leading the position over those five weeks, which is remarkable given the inclusion of his bye week. He will pose a credible challenge to Brock Bowers for the title of No. 1 tight end moving forward. — Cockcroft
6. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants: He emerges as a winner, albeit with a caveat. For the third instance in the past month, Dart surpassed 26 imaginary points, accumulating 26.28 points through three quarters of play. This yielded a total of 160.38 points through his initial seven career starts, ranking eighth among quarterbacks historically. Nonetheless, the phrase “through three quarters” is crucial, as Dart sustained a significant hit on a rushing play that resulted in a third-quarter fumble, leading to his departure for concussion evaluation. This marks yet another setback for the beleaguered Giants, and the extent to which the injury persists into Week 11 remains to be seen. If it does, Russell Wilson, who registered 3.0 imaginary points in fourth-quarter relief, will step in, potentially diminishing some of the offense’s excitement. A healthy Dart, on the other hand, has established himself as a weekly starter. — Cockcroft
7. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears: Williams engineered pivotal plays late in the game for this Bears team in the comeback victory over the Giants — amassing 25.1 points — showcasing his dual-threat capabilities through improvised scramble attempts. Although Williams threw for 220 yards and a touchdown in this contest, his rushing statistics significantly bolstered his Week 10 totals. Williams rushed for 68 yards on eight carries, which included the game-winning touchdown off a boot concept. Open field was present for Williams on that play. Williams has now scored 25 or more points in consecutive games, with at least 50 rushing yards in each. His willingness to extend plays as a runner is an integral aspect of his skill set. Continue to consider Williams as a QB1 option for the Week 11 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. –Bowen
0:46
Eric Moody: Drake London firmly on the WR1 radar moving forward
Eric Moody breaks down his fantasy optimism for Drake London heading into a matchup vs. the Panthers.
8. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons: London posted 24.4 points against the Colts in Week 10, securing six of eight targets for 104 yards and finding the end zone (again). London has caught at least one touchdown and scored 24 or more points in four of his past five games. With demonstrable ball skills, scheme comprehension, body control, and more, he is consistently making impactful plays. Considering the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers, London should be firmly positioned as a WR1. –Bowen
9. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions: He recorded a season-best 23.9 imaginary points despite his Lions team achieving a comfortable 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders. Williams managed to secure six of his seven targets with a 10.6-yard average depth of target, highlighting his potential for significant plays. He has registered touchdowns in three of his past four games. Williams faces a more challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, but he will be considered a risk/reward WR3 or flex option for that game. — Cockcroft
10. Emeka Egbuka, WR; Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Egbuka, who accumulated fewer than 10 points in each of his previous three games while recovering from a hamstring injury, scored 23.5 points in the Week 10 matchup against New England. His play speed increased noticeably, and he exhibited no indications of the injury, securing six of a team-high 13 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown. With Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) still sidelined, Johnson gained 42 receiving yards on four receptions, two of which resulted in touchdowns, yielding a career-high 20.2 points. Johnson was included in the starting lineup for only 6.1% of ESPN leagues and will remain a viable WR3 if Godwin remains unavailable for the Week 11 game at Buffalo, while Egbuka is suitable for the WR1 ranks. –Bowen
11. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers: Kittle’s 23.4 points in Sunday’s loss to the Rams represented a season high and the second-most points for a tight end in Week 10 through the late window games. Kittle secured all nine of his targets from quarterback Mac Jones, accumulating 84 yards and a touchdown. With a favorable Week 11 matchup against the Cardinals’ defense on the horizon, Kittle will remain a top-five contender at the position. — Bowen
Ranking imaginary gridiron underperformers of Week 10
1. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings: As the most frequently started wide receiver (97.8% of ESPN leagues), Jefferson turned out to be one of the most disappointing performers in Week 10, garnering only 7.7 imaginary points despite being targeted 12 times. Baltimore Ravens cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins effectively contained him throughout the day, and J.J. McCarthy threw both of his interceptions on passes intended for Jefferson. Credit is due to the Ravens’ improving defense for this outcome, but Jefferson is anticipated to rebound with substantial numbers in a promising Week 11 matchup against the Chicago Bears. — Cockcroft
2. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons: He scored only 10.8 imaginary points in the Falcons’ 31-25 overtime defeat against the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, resulting in a combined total of only 34.2 points across the past three weeks. Robinson strangely rushed only 17 times despite the extended game duration, and his involvement in the receiving game was less pronounced than usual (two targets, both caught, for a combined total of 4 yards). He is expected to rebound in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers. — Cockcroft
3. James Cook III, RB, Buffalo Bills: Unfavorable game flow disrupted the rushing volume for Cook on Sunday during the lopsided loss at Miami. Cook’s 13 carries matched a season low, as he rushed for 53 yards. Cook did manage to secure five receptions, which elevated his scoring total into double digits (10.7 points), but the Buffalo offense struggled to establish a sense of tempo and rhythm in this particular game. Cook will aim to recover in a favorable Week 11 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. –Bowen
4. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts: Pittman was not prominently featured in the Week 10 game plan against Atlanta, securing both of his targets for only 19 yards, resulting in a season-low 3.9 points. With Tyler Warren (10 targets) and Alec Pierce (7 targets) receiving more looks, Pittman simply did not have sufficient opportunities. Pittman had previously accumulated 20 or more points in each of his past three games, and he is expected to return to WR2 status when the Colts emerge from their bye week in Week 12 at Kansas City. — Bowen
5. Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks: On a day filled with errors for Darnold, characterized by an exceptionally low throwing volume, the quarterback registered a season-low 4.92 points. Darnold was responsible for three turnovers in this game (2 fumbles, 1 interception) and attempted only 12 passes, completing 10 for 178 yards and a touchdown. This represents a significant drop from last week’s 27.2 points in the win over the Washington Commanders. Darnold will seek to recover in Week 11 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. — Bowen
6. Bo Nix, QB; Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos: The Broncos’ passing attack proved challenging to watch during the Thursday night victory over the Raiders. Nix concluded with a season-low 5.8 points, throwing for 150 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while also failing to contribute as a runner (5 carries, minus-2 yards). Nix’s footwork appeared erratic, and the deep ball interception underscored his lack of arm strength. Sutton, who continues to experience a decline in target volume in favor of Troy Franklin, caught three of four passes for 24 yards (5.4 points). Nix will remain a lower-tier QB1 in my rankings for the Week 11 home game against Kansas City, while Sutton is best suited as a flex option. –Bowen
7. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: From a 43.3-point performance in Week 9, then the highest individual score by any player this season (refer to Taylor above for the current record holder), to a 3.7-point showing on Thursday night, Bowers has undoubtedly frustrated his managers this season. Some leniency may be granted for this instance, as the Denver Broncos’ restrictive pass defense was a significant factor. However, it is reasonable to attribute Geno Smith’s struggles with passing as a contributing factor to Bowers’ inconsistency. Fortunately for his imaginary team managers, he is scheduled for a favorable Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, so anticipate a rebound to higher point totals. — Cockcroft
Injury impact
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
What we know: He departed from Sunday’s game early in the third quarter due to a hamstring injury and was unable to return.
What’s next: Dawson Knox, who participated in 68% of the offensive snaps for the day and accumulated 6.7 imaginary points, will assume the responsibilities of the pass-catching tight end for the Bills if Kincaid is unable to play in Week 11. — Cockcroft
Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams
What we know: He left in the fourth quarter with a back injury and was unable to return. Fortunately for his managers, he scored 19.7 imaginary points before departing.
What’s next: Adams’ recent history of minor injuries necessitates close monitoring throughout the practice week. Puka Nacua will continue to receive a substantial number of targets if Adams is required to miss Week 11, while tight end Colby Parkinson may see an increase in playing time. — Cockcroft
