This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday Update Complete
Bye Weeks: Cowboys, Ravens.
Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.
Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:
- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.
These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Eli Manning?"
These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.
Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights, roughly around 10:00 pm ET. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.
I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.
Quarterbacks
| 1. | *Russell Wilson SEA at ATL Note: Bottled up |
Sunday Update Complete
Bye Weeks: Cowboys, Ravens.
Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.
Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:
- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.
These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Eli Manning?"
These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.
Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights, roughly around 10:00 pm ET. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.
I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.
Quarterbacks
| 1. | *Russell Wilson SEA at ATL Note: Bottled up against the Ravens, but now has a 'get well' game against the Falcons. |
| 2. | Deshaun Watson HOU vs. OAK |
| 3. | *Aaron Rodgers GB at KC Note: Nearly perfect against the Raiders despite a lack of healthy receivers. Listed as limited in practice (knee). |
| 4. | Jared Goff LA vs. CIN |
| 5. | Tom Brady NE vs. CLE |
| 6. | Kirk Cousins MIN vs. WAS |
| 7. | Matthew Stafford DET vs. NYG |
| 8. | *Drew Brees NO vs. ARI Note: (Thumb) Limited practice Wednesday - he's not at 100 percent yet, but his practice activity is increasing. There's a chance that he plays this week. ***Starting Sunday despite limited practices all week.*** |
| 9. | Jameis Winston TB at TEN |
| 10. | Jacoby Brissett IND vs. DEN |
| 11. | *Ryan Tannehill TEN vs. TB Note: I have to admit, he looked pretty good - fit some passes into tight windows that I don't think Mariota would be able to do. His one INT was the result of getting hit while he was throwing. |
| 12. | Derek Carr OAK at HOU |
| 13. | *Josh Allen BUF vs. PHI Note: Rallied late after a rough first half against ... Miami? ***Heavy winds expected in Buffalo.*** |
| 14. | *Gardner Minshew JAC vs. NYJ Note: Nick Foles will return to practice this week, directing the scout team. He's not eligible to return to game action until Week 11. |
| 15. | *Kyler Murray ARZ at NO Note: Contained by the Giants. |
| 16. | *Matt Moore KC vs. GB Note: Starting in place of Mahomes this week. ***Officially starting with Mahomes finally ruled out on Friday.*** |
| 17. | *Philip Rivers LAC at CHI Note: Offense was rolling in the second half, as he got Henry and Ekeler increasingly involved in good matchups. Keenan Allen was active early. |
| 18. | *Baker Mayfield CLE at NE Note: (Hip) Rested during the Browns' bye week practices, but looked good in Monday's practice. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 19. | *Daniel Jones NYG at DET Note: Delivered a few nice throws against Arizona, but also displayed poor pocket awareness, leading to two lost fumbles and three total fumbles. |
| 20. | *Mason Rudolph PIT vs. MIA Note: Cleared from the concussion protocol. |
| 21. | *Jimmy Garoppolo SF vs. CAR Note: Unproductive in a monsoon last week, but returns home this week and now has Emmanuel Sanders on the team, though we'll see just how active he is. |
| 22. | *Carson Wentz PHI at BUF Note: Under constant pressure against the Cowboys. Losing Jason Peters at LT was a big part of it. |
| 23. | Joe Flacco DEN at IND |
| 24. | *Matt Schaub ATL vs. SEA Note: Matt Ryan did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. I'm proceeding as if Schaub will start. ***Matt Ryan officially ruled out, Schaub will start and Danny Etling will back up. |
| 25. | *Kyle Allen CAR at SF Note: Getting another start this week. |
| 26. | Mitchell Trubisky CHI vs. LAC |
| 27. | Ryan Fitzpatrick MIA at PIT |
| 28. | *Sam Darnold NYJ at JAX Note: Had a toenail removed following Monday night's disastrous loss to the Pats. Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Fully practiced Thursday and Friday.*** |
| 29. | *Andy Dalton CIN at LAR Note: Has three rushing touchdowns this year - the only rushing touchdowns that the Bengals have had all season. |
| 30. | *Case Keenum WAS at MIN Note: Will likely remain the starter through the team's Week 10 bye. |
| 31. | Taysom Hill NO vs. ARI |
| 32. | *Teddy Bridgewater NO vs. ARI Note: Drew Brees hopes to return this week. If so, Bridgewater went 5-0 with Brees out, almost ensuring he'll be starting somewhere next season. ***Retreats to the bench with Brees returning.*** |
| 33. | *Matt Ryan ATL vs. SEA Note: Sprained his ankle in the loss to the Rams; he hasn't been ruled out yet for Week 8 against Seattle. Matt Schaub is the backup. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
| 34. | *Patrick Mahomes KC vs. GB Note: Chiefs coach Andy Reid refused to put a timetable on Mahomes, but his dislocated kneecap has been estimated to keep him out 3-to-6 weeks. All that Reid will concede is that 'it would be a stretch' for Mahomes to play this week. Limited but increasing practices Wednesday and Thursday. Not yet ruled out this week. ***Ruled out for this week, but it's noteworthy that coach Andy Reid said that he's 'close' to being ready to play.*** |
| 35. | *Cam Newton CAR at SF Note: Will continue to rehab his foot this week, so Kyle Allen gets another start. Didn't practice Wednesday, but the Panthers like how he's progressing. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Christian McCaffrey CAR at SF |
| 2. | Dalvin Cook MIN vs. WAS |
| 3. | Aaron Jones GB at KC |
| 4. | *Saquon Barkley NYG at DET Note: (Ankle) Limited Wednesday, upgraded to full practice Thursday. |
| 5. | Chris Carson SEA at ATL |
| 6. | Leonard Fournette JAC vs. NYJ |
| 7. | *James Conner PIT vs. MIA Note: Will the bye week be enough to recover from his quad injury? It appears that the answer is 'yes.' Conner is expected to play Monday night. |
| 8. | Le'Veon Bell NYJ at JAX |
| 9. | *Latavius Murray NO vs. ARI Note: Fantastic in relief of Kamara last week - he jumps way up if Kamara has to sit again. ***Kamara is now unlikely to play.*** |
| 10. | *Nick Chubb CLE at NE Note: Kareem Hunt has started practicing with the team, though he can't play until Week 10. |
| 11. | *Derrick Henry TEN vs. TB Note: Running so well, but the Bucs have been strong against the top backs. |
| 12. | Todd Gurley LA vs. CIN |
| 13. | Marlon Mack IND vs. DEN |
| 14. | Tevin Coleman SF vs. CAR |
| 15. | *Phillip Lindsay DEN at IND Note: Losing snaps to Freeman in the passing game. |
| 16. | *Chase Edmonds ARZ at NO Note: Making the case that he should be getting more snaps even when Johnson is fully healthy. ***Don't love the matchup, but I love the opportunity with David Johnson unlikely to play again.*** |
| 17. | *Austin Ekeler LAC at CHI Note: ***Could get more targets if Keenan Allen can't go.*** |
| 18. | *Josh Jacobs OAK at HOU Note: (Shoulder) Has missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday. He's been able to 'tough-out' other injuries, but I'm moving him down a few slots. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable. After missing Thursday's practice he said that he intends to play, for what it's worth.*** |
| 19. | *Devonta Freeman ATL vs. SEA Note: It's never a good idea to punch a helmet, much less one with Aaron Donald's head inside of it. |
| 20. | *Ty Johnson DET vs. NYG Note: Clear top RB pickup this week with Kerryon Johnson out, though J.D. McKissic will also be a factor. |
| 21. | Carlos Hyde HOU vs. OAK |
| 22. | Jordan Howard PHI at BUF |
| 23. | Royce Freeman DEN at IND |
| 24. | James White NE vs. CLE |
| 25. | LeSean McCoy KC vs. GB |
| 26. | Sony Michel NE vs. CLE |
| 27. | Duke Johnson HOU vs. OAK |
| 28. | Peyton Barber TB at TEN |
| 29. | Tarik Cohen CHI vs. LAC |
| 30. | Melvin Gordon LAC at CHI |
| 31. | *David Montgomery CHI vs. LAC Note: Only four touches in the loss to the Saints. That'll change this week, but probably not to the levels that we had hoped for. |
| 32. | Joe Mixon CIN at LAR |
| 33. | Frank Gore BUF vs. PHI |
| 34. | *Matt Breida SF vs. CAR Note: Got poked in the eye and was evaluated for a concussion against the Redskins; he was available afterward but was unused. |
| 35. | *Adrian Peterson WAS at MIN Note: Suffered both a high-ankle sprain and a low-ankle sprain last week, but still expects to play Thursday in his homecoming game against the Vikings. Officially listed as questionable, but intends to play through the discomfort. |
| 36. | *Mark Walton MIA at PIT Note: Took over the lead back role for the Dolphins last week. |
| 37. | *Alexander Mattison MIN vs. WAS Note: Could be a nice bye-week pivot - I expect that the Vikings will be ahead early, leading to more rushes and thus more time for Mattison. |
| 38. | Ronald Jones TB at TEN |
| 39. | Jamaal Williams GB at KC |
| 40. | Kenyan Drake MIA at PIT |
| 41. | *Miles Sanders PHI at BUF Note: Really struggling to find holes in the running game, not due to the OL, but due to him not seeing the plays develop well. ***Darren Sproles has been ruled out again, so at least Sanders has a chance to get out there more on passing downs.*** |
| 42. | *Darrell Henderson LA vs. CIN Note: Will be the backup again this week with Brown out. |
| 43. | Devin Singletary BUF vs. PHI |
| 44. | *Wendell Smallwood WAS at MIN Note: Will be the primary backup with Chris Thompson ruled out again. |
| 45. | *Benny Snell PIT vs. MIA Note: Next in line if Conner (quad) can't go. |
| 46. | Darrel Williams KC vs. GB |
| 47. | *J.D. McKissic DET vs. NYG Note: Increased role with Kerryon Johnson out. |
| 48. | Brian Hill ATL vs. SEA |
| 49. | Brandon Bolden NE vs. CLE |
| 50. | *Kalen Ballage MIA at PIT Note: Role has now evolved into being a touchdown vulture. |
| 51. | DeAndre Washington OAK at HOU |
| 52. | *Damien Williams KC vs. GB Note: Disappearing snap count. |
| 53. | *Nyheim Hines IND vs. DEN Note: Outsnapped by Jordan Wilkins last week. |
| 54. | Dion Lewis TEN vs. TB |
| 55. | Reggie Bonnafon CAR at SF |
| 56. | *Jalen Richard OAK at HOU Note: ***(Ankle) Removed from the injury list Friday.*** |
| 57. | Jeff Wilson SF vs. CAR |
| 58. | T.J. Yeldon BUF vs. PHI |
| 59. | Rashaad Penny SEA at ATL |
| 60. | Dwayne Washington NO vs. ARI |
| 61. | Dare Ogunbowale TB at TEN |
| 62. | Giovani Bernard CIN at LAR |
| 63. | Wayne Gallman NYG at DET |
| 64. | Jordan Wilkins IND vs. DEN |
| 65. | Ryquell Armstead JAC vs. NYJ |
| 66. | C.J. Prosise SEA at ATL |
| 67. | Ty Montgomery NYJ at JAX |
| 68. | *Jaylen Samuels PIT vs. MIA Note: (Knee) Hasn't yet been ruled out for Monday night and doesn't have an official target return date. He's improving rapidly. ***Full practice all week, officially listed as questionable.*** |
| 69. | *Raheem Mostert SF vs. CAR Note: (Knee) Limited to special teams duties Sunday even after Breida left the game. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.*** |
| 70. | *Justin Jackson LAC at CHI Note: (Calf) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited practice all week, has a chance to play.*** |
| 71. | *Alfred Morris ARZ at NO Note: Signed with the Cardinals on Tuesday. |
| 72. | *Rex Burkhead NE vs. CLE Note: (Foot) Present at Wednesday's walk-through practice. ***Limited practice all week, listed as questionable.*** |
| 73. | *Alvin Kamara NO vs. ARI Note: (Ankle) That the Saints released Zach Zenner might be a good sign that Kamara can return this week. Practiced without a brace or sleeve on his knee Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Limited practice Friday, and according to Adam Schefter he's unlikely to play Sunday.*** |
| 74. | *David Johnson ARZ at NO Note: (Ankle) Played only three snaps as the Cardinals after the fact said that he was available only on a 'need-based' situation. Jerks. No practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially a game-time decision, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that he's not expected to play Sunday or even next Thursday against the Niners.*** |
| 75. | *Chris Thompson WAS at MIN Note: (Toe) Did not practice Tuesday after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Niners. Ruled out for Thursday. |
| 76. | *Malcolm Brown LA vs. CIN Note: (Ankle) Ruled out this week again. |
| 77. | *Ito Smith ATL vs. SEA Note: Ruled out for Week 8 with a concussion. |
| 78. | *Kerryon Johnson DET vs. NYG Note: Underwent a surgical procedure on his injured right knee and was placed on IR by the Lions. |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. OAK |
| 2. | Michael Thomas NO vs. ARI |
| 3. | Chris Godwin TB at TEN |
| 4. | Tyler Lockett SEA at ATL |
| 5. | Stefon Diggs MIN vs. WAS |
| 6. | Julio Jones ATL vs. SEA |
| 7. | Tyreek Hill KC vs. GB |
| 8. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. DEN |
| 9. | *Cooper Kupp LA vs. CIN Note: Getting hurt by the emergence of Gerald Everett, plus the success of Todd Gurley in the passing game last week. |
| 10. | Courtland Sutton DEN at IND |
| 11. | Mike Evans TB at TEN |
| 12. | Marvin Jones DET vs. NYG |
| 13. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. CLE Note: (Chest) As usual, limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practices all week, listed as questionable, but it's the same issue he's played through the last couple of weeks.*** |
| 14. | Kenny Golladay DET vs. NYG |
| 15. | *Odell Beckham CLE at NE Note: ***Still getting treatment for a sore groin, even though he's been removed from the injury list, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.*** |
| 16. | Brandin Cooks LA vs. CIN |
| 17. | *JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. MIA Note: Sat out Thursday's practice with what appeared to be an illness, but the Steelers were purposefully vague about the reason for his absence. ***Full practice Friday, no injury designation.*** |
| 18. | Allen Robinson CHI vs. LAC |
| 19. | Robert Woods LA vs. CIN |
| 20. | *Golden Tate NYG at DET Note: Eleven more targets last week with Shepard out. |
| 21. | D.J. Chark JAC vs. NYJ |
| 22. | Calvin Ridley ATL vs. SEA |
| 23. | D.J. Moore CAR at SF |
| 24. | *Corey Davis TEN vs. TB Note: At least for one week, Tannehill did indeed revive Davis's value. Sat out Wednesday with an illness but returned on Thursday. |
| 25. | Curtis Samuel CAR at SF |
| 26. | *Mike Williams LAC at CHI Note: Targeted in the end zone, but didn't cash in. Still, the opportunities are there. He also made a brilliant toe-tap catch on the sideline earlier in the game. ***In line for more targets if Keenan Allen doesn't play.*** |
| 27. | *John Brown BUF vs. PHI Note: Given a rest day Wednesday. ***Downgraded because of the wind.*** |
| 28. | *Alshon Jeffery PHI at BUF Note: ***High winds expected on Sunday.*** |
| 29. | *Terry McLaurin WAS at MIN Note: I'm tempted to write off McLaurin's bad day as a function of the weather, but I'm also a little concerned about the coaching change - Callahan is on record that he wants to return the Redskins offense to the Mesozoic Era. ***Value crushed by Case Keenum leaving with a concussion at halftime.*** |
| 30. | DK Metcalf SEA at ATL |
| 31. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at NO |
| 32. | *Kenny Stills HOU vs. OAK Note: Proved to be fully healthy, and now Will Fuller will be out for multiple weeks. |
| 33. | *Tyler Boyd CIN at LAR Note: Rough day against the Jags - drops, a fumble and an interception when he was targeted. Still, the volume remains, with him netting 73 targets so far. Unfortunately, he draws Jalen Ramsey this week most likely. |
| 34. | *DeVante Parker MIA at PIT Note: Has now scored in three consecutive games. |
| 35. | *Emmanuel Sanders SF vs. CAR Note: Traded to the Niners, so he'll get one extra game this season. We'll see how involved he gets in his first week with the team. Expected to play - just a question of how much. ***Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Sanders would play 'a lot' in his Niners debut.*** |
| 36. | A.J. Brown TEN vs. TB |
| 37. | *Jarvis Landry CLE at NE Note: (Ankle) Not on the initial injury report. |
| 38. | Auden Tate CIN at LAR |
| 39. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at KC Note: Turned 20 snaps and three targets into 133 yards and a touchdown last week as part of the perfect storm against the Raiders. (Ankle/Knee) Limited on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.*** |
| 40. | *Keenan Allen LAC at CHI Note: Sat out practice with a sore hamstring. ***Also missed practice Friday and wasn't optimistic on Saturday. Considered a true game-time decision. OFFICIALLY ACTIVE - WILL 'GIVE IT A GO'*** |
| 41. | *Jamison Crowder NYJ at JAX Note: Added to the injury report with a knee injury that limited him on Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list after being limited Thursday, thanks to a collision in Wednesday's practice.*** |
| 42. | *Cole Beasley BUF vs. PHI Note: ***High winds expected Sunday.*** |
| 43. | *Zach Pascal IND vs. DEN Note: Huge day against the Texans - can he do it again this week to become the established #2 for the Colts? The snap count suggests otherwise. |
| 44. | *Dede Westbrook JAC vs. NYJ Note: (Neck/Shoulder) Unable to practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, expected to play Sunday.*** |
| 45. | *Tyrell Williams OAK at HOU Note: (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Expected to return this week.*** |
| 46. | *Robby Anderson NYJ at JAX Note: The Jets have made Anderson available in trade talks. |
| 47. | *Preston Williams MIA at PIT Note: Dolphins are committed to playing Williams, no matter who the quarterback is. |
| 48. | Keke Coutee HOU vs. OAK |
| 49. | *Danny Amendola DET vs. NYG Note: Amendola's 11 targets came at the expense of Kenny Golladay, who had only two targets. |
| 50. | *Bisi Johnson MIN vs. WAS Note: Already emerging as the Vikings' #3 receiver, and could have a bigger role Thursday night if Thielen can't play. |
| 51. | *Mohamed Sanu NE vs. CLE Note: Traded to the Pats. I have to think that this hurts his volume a little bit, though perhaps not while Josh Gordon is hurt. |
| 52. | *Christian Kirk ARZ at NO Note: (Ankle) Still limited in practice Wednesday. ***Expected to return but could be on a limited snap count.*** |
| 53. | *Sammy Watkins KC vs. GB Note: (Hamstring) Full practice Wednesday. It appears he'll be ready to frustrate us once again. ***Officially cleared to return.*** |
| 54. | Ted Ginn NO vs. ARI |
| 55. | Anthony Miller CHI vs. LAC |
| 56. | Geronimo Allison GB at KC |
| 57. | *DaeSean Hamilton DEN at IND Note: Elevated role in the wake of the Emmanuel Sanders trade. |
| 58. | *Alex Erickson CIN at LAR Note: Deceptive speed. Gamer. Just having fun out there. Good family bloodlines. |
| 59. | Mecole Hardman KC vs. GB |
| 60. | *Phillip Dorsett NE vs. CLE Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Wednesday's practice. |
| 61. | Jaron Brown SEA at ATL |
| 62. | Allen Lazard GB at KC |
| 63. | *Nelson Agholor PHI at BUF Note: Another week, another alligator-arm moment. |
| 64. | Diontae Johnson PIT vs. MIA |
| 65. | *Demaryius Thomas NYJ at JAX Note: Targeted nine times in the loss to the Pats. (Hamstring) Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
| 66. | *Deebo Samuel SF vs. CAR Note: (Groin) Expected to return this week. ***Cleared from the injury list.*** |
| 67. | *Chris Conley JAC vs. NYJ Note: ***Marqise Lee has been cleared to return, so his target count will likely decline this week.*** |
| 68. | Trey Quinn WAS at MIN |
| 69. | Paul Richardson WAS at MIN |
| 70. | Demarcus Robinson KC vs. GB |
| 71. | *Trevor Davis OAK at HOU Note: Getting more work with Williams out. |
| 72. | David Moore SEA at ATL |
| 73. | *Dante Pettis SF vs. CAR Note: Shut out in the monsoon in D.C. I'm more concerned about the acquisition of Sanders than I am in last week's bagel, however. ***Cleared from the injury list (knee).*** |
| 74. | Jakobi Meyers NE vs. CLE |
| 75. | *Justin Hardy ATL vs. SEA Note: More snaps are likely following the Mohamed Sanu trade. It might be Russell Gage instead of Hardy that gets the first shot to replace Sanu. |
| 76. | Damiere Byrd ARZ at NO |
| 77. | Darius Slayton NYG at DET |
| 78. | Albert Wilson MIA at PIT |
| 79. | Keelan Doss OAK at HOU |
| 80. | *Deon Cain IND vs. DEN Note: Started last week, but didn't receive a target in a game when the Colts were a pass-heavy team. |
| 81. | Taylor Gabriel CHI vs. LAC |
| 82. | *Davante Adams GB at KC Note: (Toe) Officially didn't practice Wednesday, though he was on the field for warmups before position drills. ***Listed as doubtful, not expected to play.*** |
| 83. | *Marquise Goodwin SF vs. CAR Note: Was checked for a concussion against the Redskins and cleared, but did not return anyways. ***Excused from practice Friday to attend to a personal matter and is listed as questionable - had the Niners had a game Friday, he would not have played.*** |
| 84. | *Sterling Shepard NYG at DET Note: Symptom-free from his concussion, now just awaiting medical clearance. Limited participant in practice this week, and there's a strong possibility that he sits out again this week. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 85. | *A.J. Green CIN at LAR Note: (Ankle) Not officially ruled for Week 8, but coach Zac Taylor said that he would not play unless he has full practices. Not expected to play again this week. ***Officially out.*** |
| 86. | *Adam Thielen MIN vs. WAS Note: Injured his hamstring early in the win over the Lions. He hasn't been ruled out yet, but given that it's the Thursday game, it'll be a long shot for him to play. |
| 87. | *DeSean Jackson PHI at BUF Note: (Abdomen) Unlikely to practice on Wednesday. Sat out practice on Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 88. | *Will Fuller HOU vs. OAK Note: (Hamstring) Expected to miss multiple weeks. |
| 89. | *Josh Gordon NE vs. CLE Note: (Knee) Placed on IR by the Pats. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Darren Waller OAK at HOU |
| 2. | *Hunter Henry LAC at CHI Note: Huge game again, and opened Ekeler up for single-man coverage against a linebacker late in the game. |
| 3. | *George Kittle SF vs. CAR Note: (Groin) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury list.*** |
| 4. | Austin Hooper ATL vs. SEA |
| 5. | Travis Kelce KC vs. GB |
| 6. | *Gerald Everett LA vs. CIN Note: Had 10 targets in the win over the Falcons, and now faces a Bengals team that struggles to cover tight ends. |
| 7. | *Evan Engram NYG at DET Note: Spent time in the medical tent Sunday but later returned. Removed the wrap on his left knee. |
| 8. | Zach Ertz PHI at BUF |
| 9. | Greg Olsen CAR at SF |
| 10. | Darren Fells HOU vs. OAK |
| 11. | Eric Ebron IND vs. DEN |
| 12. | *Jimmy Graham GB at KC Note: (Ankle) Limited in practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.*** |
| 13. | *Jonnu Smith TEN vs. TB Note: Was impressive in relief of Delanie Walker last week, reminding us that he was emerging as a good target before his injury last season. ***Walker is officially out.*** |
| 14. | *Cameron Brate TB at TEN Note: ***Starting with O.J. Howard out.*** |
| 15. | *Dallas Goedert PHI at BUF Note: Had a nice touchdown reception, but also coughed up a killer fumble on the Eagles' first drive. |
| 16. | T.J. Hockenson DET vs. NYG |
| 17. | *Josh Hill NO vs. ARI Note: If Jared Cook sits again, Hill will really put the 'start your tight ends against Arizona' plan to the test. ***Cook officially inactive.*** |
| 18. | Dawson Knox BUF vs. PHI |
| 19. | Trey Burton CHI vs. LAC |
| 20. | Foster Moreau OAK at HOU |
| 21. | *Noah Fant DEN at IND Note: ***Cut his foot while cutting off tape after Thursday's practice and sat out Friday's practice, but is fully expected to play Sunday.*** |
| 22. | Luke Willson SEA at ATL |
| 23. | Vance McDonald PIT vs. MIA |
| 24. | Irv Smith Jr. MIN vs. WAS |
| 25. | Ben Watson NE vs. CLE |
| 26. | Ricky Seals-Jones CLE at NE |
| 27. | *Josh Oliver JAC vs. NYJ Note: Could have an expanded role in the Jaguars' offense. |
| 28. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. WAS |
| 29. | *Jack Doyle IND vs. DEN Note: ***Added to the injury report Friday with a groin injury, but will play.*** |
| 30. | Tyler Eifert CIN at LAR |
| 31. | Jordan Akins HOU vs. OAK |
| 32. | Rhett Ellison NYG at DET |
| 33. | Mike Gesicki MIA at PIT |
| 34. | Jeremy Sprinkle WAS at MIN |
| 35. | Nick Vannett PIT vs. MIA |
| 36. | Seth DeValve JAC vs. NYJ |
| 37. | *Maxx Williams ARZ at NO Note: (Ankle) Limited at Wednesday's practice. |
| 38. | *Chris Herndon NYJ at JAX Note: (Hamstring) Making good progress - the Jets hope to have him back this week. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday - possible he could make his 2019 debut this week. ***Declared out.*** |
| 39. | *O.J. Howard TB at TEN Note: That the Bucs had to clarify that Howard is not available in trade talks speaks volumes about how they've used him. (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday, did not practice Thursday - not a good sign for someone coming off a bye. |
| 40. | *Delanie Walker TEN vs. TB Note: Left early with an ankle injury. Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out for Week 8.*** |
| 41. | *Vernon Davis WAS at MIN Note: (Concussion) Limited participant in Tuesday's practice. Ruled out this week. |
| 42. | *Jared Cook NO vs. ARI Note: (Ankle) Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out again.*** |
| 43. | *Matt LaCosse NE vs. CLE Note: (Knee) Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
| 44. | *Ryan Izzo NE vs. CLE Note: (Concussion) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
| 45. | *Geoff Swaim JAC vs. NYJ Note: (Concussion/Ankle) Placed on IR. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Christian McCaffrey CAR at SF |
| 2. | Dalvin Cook MIN vs. WAS |
| 3. | Aaron Jones GB at KC |
| 4. | *Saquon Barkley NYG at DET Note: (Ankle) Limited Wednesday, upgraded to full practice Thursday. |
| 5. | Chris Carson SEA at ATL |
| 6. | *Nick Chubb CLE at NE Note: Kareem Hunt has started practicing with the team, though he can't play until Week 10. |
| 7. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. OAK |
| 8. | Michael Thomas NO vs. ARI |
| 9. | Julio Jones ATL vs. SEA |
| 10. | Tyler Lockett SEA at ATL |
| 11. | Leonard Fournette JAC vs. NYJ |
| 12. | Chris Godwin TB at TEN |
| 13. | *Josh Jacobs OAK at HOU Note: (Shoulder) Has missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday. He's been able to 'tough-out' other injuries, but I'm moving him down a few slots. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable. After missing Thursday's practice he said that he intends to play, for what it's worth.*** |
| 14. | Stefon Diggs MIN vs. WAS |
| 15. | Tyreek Hill KC vs. GB |
| 16. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. DEN |
| 17. | Le'Veon Bell NYJ at JAX |
| 18. | *Latavius Murray NO vs. ARI Note: Fantastic in relief of Kamara last week - he jumps way up if Kamara has to sit again. ***Kamara is now unlikely to play.*** |
| 19. | Darren Waller OAK at HOU |
| 20. | Courtland Sutton DEN at IND |
| 21. | Mike Evans TB at TEN |
| 22. | *Derrick Henry TEN vs. TB Note: Running so well, but the Bucs have been strong against the top backs. |
| 23. | Todd Gurley LA vs. CIN |
| 24. | Marlon Mack IND vs. DEN |
| 25. | *Cooper Kupp LA vs. CIN Note: Getting hurt by the emergence of Gerald Everett, plus the success of Todd Gurley in the passing game last week. |
| 26. | *Odell Beckham CLE at NE Note: ***Still getting treatment for a sore groin, even though he's been removed from the injury list, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.*** |
| 27. | Marvin Jones DET vs. NYG |
| 28. | Austin Hooper ATL vs. SEA |
| 29. | *Hunter Henry LAC at CHI Note: Huge game again, and opened Ekeler up for single-man coverage against a linebacker late in the game. |
| 30. | *George Kittle SF vs. CAR Note: (Groin) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury list.*** |
| 31. | Travis Kelce KC vs. GB |
| 32. | Tevin Coleman SF vs. CAR |
| 33. | *James Conner PIT vs. MIA Note: Will the bye week be enough to recover from his quad injury? It appears that the answer is 'yes.' Conner is expected to play Monday night. |
| 34. | *Phillip Lindsay DEN at IND Note: Losing snaps to Freeman in the passing game. |
| 35. | *John Brown BUF vs. PHI Note: Given a rest day Wednesday. ***Downgraded because of the wind.*** |
| 36. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. CLE Note: (Chest) As usual, limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practices all week, listed as questionable, but it's the same issue he's played through the last couple of weeks.*** |
| 37. | Brandin Cooks LA vs. CIN |
| 38. | *JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. MIA Note: Sat out Thursday's practice with what appeared to be an illness, but the Steelers were purposefully vague about the reason for his absence. ***Full practice Friday, no injury designation.*** |
| 39. | *Alshon Jeffery PHI at BUF Note: ***High winds expected on Sunday.*** |
| 40. | Allen Robinson CHI vs. LAC |
| 41. | Robert Woods LA vs. CIN |
| 42. | *Gerald Everett LA vs. CIN Note: Had 10 targets in the win over the Falcons, and now faces a Bengals team that struggles to cover tight ends. |
| 43. | *Evan Engram NYG at DET Note: Spent time in the medical tent Sunday but later returned. Removed the wrap on his left knee. |
| 44. | *Ty Johnson DET vs. NYG Note: Clear top RB pickup this week with Kerryon Johnson out, though J.D. McKissic will also be a factor. |
| 45. | *Devonta Freeman ATL vs. SEA Note: It's never a good idea to punch a helmet, much less one with Aaron Donald's head inside of it. |
| 46. | Carlos Hyde HOU vs. OAK |
| 47. | Kenny Golladay DET vs. NYG |
| 48. | *Golden Tate NYG at DET Note: Eleven more targets last week with Shepard out. |
| 49. | D.J. Chark JAC vs. NYJ |
| 50. | D.J. Moore CAR at SF |
| 51. | Melvin Gordon LAC at CHI |
| 52. | Jordan Howard PHI at BUF |
| 53. | LeSean McCoy KC vs. GB |
| 54. | Sony Michel NE vs. CLE |
| 55. | *Mike Williams LAC at CHI Note: Targeted in the end zone, but didn't cash in. Still, the opportunities are there. He also made a brilliant toe-tap catch on the sideline earlier in the game. ***In line for more targets if Keenan Allen doesn't play.*** |
| 56. | *Corey Davis TEN vs. TB Note: At least for one week, Tannehill did indeed revive Davis's value. Sat out Wednesday with an illness but returned on Thursday. |
| 57. | Calvin Ridley ATL vs. SEA |
| 58. | *Kenny Stills HOU vs. OAK Note: Proved to be fully healthy, and now Will Fuller will be out for multiple weeks. |
| 59. | Curtis Samuel CAR at SF |
| 60. | *Terry McLaurin WAS at MIN Note: I'm tempted to write off McLaurin's bad day as a function of the weather, but I'm also a little concerned about the coaching change - Callahan is on record that he wants to return the Redskins offense to the Mesozoic Era. ***Value crushed by Case Keenum leaving with a concussion at halftime.*** |
| 61. | *Austin Ekeler LAC at CHI Note: ***Could get more targets if Keenan Allen can't go.*** |
| 62. | *Chase Edmonds ARZ at NO Note: Making the case that he should be getting more snaps even when Johnson is fully healthy. ***Don't love the matchup, but I love the opportunity with David Johnson unlikely to play again.*** |
| 63. | Royce Freeman DEN at IND |
| 64. | Zach Ertz PHI at BUF |
| 65. | Greg Olsen CAR at SF |
| 66. | James White NE vs. CLE |
| 67. | DK Metcalf SEA at ATL |
| 68. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at NO |
| 69. | *Tyler Boyd CIN at LAR Note: Rough day against the Jags - drops, a fumble and an interception when he was targeted. Still, the volume remains, with him netting 73 targets so far. Unfortunately, he draws Jalen Ramsey this week most likely. |
| 70. | *DeVante Parker MIA at PIT Note: Has now scored in three consecutive games. |
| 71. | Peyton Barber TB at TEN |
| 72. | *David Montgomery CHI vs. LAC Note: Only four touches in the loss to the Saints. That'll change this week, but probably not to the levels that we had hoped for. |
| 73. | Frank Gore BUF vs. PHI |
| 74. | *Emmanuel Sanders SF vs. CAR Note: Traded to the Niners, so he'll get one extra game this season. We'll see how involved he gets in his first week with the team. Expected to play - just a question of how much. ***Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Sanders would play 'a lot' in his Niners debut.*** |
| 75. | A.J. Brown TEN vs. TB |
| 76. | Auden Tate CIN at LAR |
| 77. | *Jarvis Landry CLE at NE Note: (Ankle) Not on the initial injury report. |
| 78. | *Dede Westbrook JAC vs. NYJ Note: (Neck/Shoulder) Unable to practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, expected to play Sunday.*** |
| 79. | Duke Johnson HOU vs. OAK |
| 80. | Tarik Cohen CHI vs. LAC |
| 81. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at KC Note: Turned 20 snaps and three targets into 133 yards and a touchdown last week as part of the perfect storm against the Raiders. (Ankle/Knee) Limited on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.*** |
| 82. | *Keenan Allen LAC at CHI Note: Sat out practice with a sore hamstring. ***Also missed practice Friday and wasn't optimistic on Saturday. Considered a true game-time decision. OFFICIALLY ACTIVE - WILL 'GIVE IT A GO'*** |
| 83. | *Jamison Crowder NYJ at JAX Note: Added to the injury report with a knee injury that limited him on Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list after being limited Thursday, thanks to a collision in Wednesday's practice.*** |
| 84. | *Cole Beasley BUF vs. PHI Note: ***High winds expected Sunday.*** |
| 85. | Eric Ebron IND vs. DEN |
| 86. | *Matt Breida SF vs. CAR Note: Got poked in the eye and was evaluated for a concussion against the Redskins; he was available afterward but was unused. |
| 87. | *Benny Snell PIT vs. MIA Note: Next in line if Conner (quad) can't go. |
| 88. | *Alexander Mattison MIN vs. WAS Note: Could be a nice bye-week pivot - I expect that the Vikings will be ahead early, leading to more rushes and thus more time for Mattison. |
| 89. | Joe Mixon CIN at LAR |
| 90. | *Mark Walton MIA at PIT Note: Took over the lead back role for the Dolphins last week. |
| 91. | *Adrian Peterson WAS at MIN Note: Suffered both a high-ankle sprain and a low-ankle sprain last week, but still expects to play Thursday in his homecoming game against the Vikings. Officially listed as questionable, but intends to play through the discomfort. |
| 92. | *Zach Pascal IND vs. DEN Note: Huge day against the Texans - can he do it again this week to become the established #2 for the Colts? The snap count suggests otherwise. |
| 93. | *Robby Anderson NYJ at JAX Note: The Jets have made Anderson available in trade talks. |
| 94. | *Preston Williams MIA at PIT Note: Dolphins are committed to playing Williams, no matter who the quarterback is. |
| 95. | Darren Fells HOU vs. OAK |
Kickers
| 1. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. OAK |
| 2. | Greg Zuerlein LA vs. CIN |
| 3. | *Wil Lutz NO vs. ARI Note: Long road streak came to an end in Chicago. |
| 4. | Harrison Butker KC vs. GB |
| 5. | Josh Lambo JAC vs. NYJ |
| 6. | Chris Boswell PIT vs. MIA |
| 7. | Jason Myers SEA at ATL |
| 8. | Mike Nugent NE vs. CLE |
| 9. | Mason Crosby GB at KC |
| 10. | Joey Slye CAR at SF |
| 11. | Robbie Gould SF vs. CAR |
| 12. | Matt Gay TB at TEN |
| 13. | Adam Vinatieri IND vs. DEN |
| 14. | Matt Prater DET vs. NYG |
| 15. | Brandon McManus DEN at IND |
| 16. | Zane Gonzalez ARZ at NO |
| 17. | Daniel Carlson OAK at HOU |
| 18. | Matt Bryant ATL vs. SEA |
| 19. | *Aldrick Rosas NYG at DET Note: Has only six field goal attempts all season. |
| 20. | Dan Bailey MIN vs. WAS |
| 21. | *Stephen Hauschka BUF vs. PHI Note: ***High winds expected on Sunday.*** |
| 22. | *Jake Elliott PHI at BUF Note: ***High winds expected in Buffalo.*** |
| 23. | *Cody Parkey TEN vs. TB Note: Clanked an extra point off the post in the win over the Chargers. Ryan Succop could still return from the IR later this season. |
| 24. | Eddy Pineiro CHI vs. LAC |
| 25. | Austin Seibert CLE at NE |
| 26. | *Chase McLaughlin LAC at CHI Note: Got the nod for at least one more week and nailed two field goals. ***Getting the nod at least one more time.*** |
| 27. | Dustin Hopkins WAS at MIN |
| 28. | Randy Bullock CIN at LAR |
| 29. | Sam Ficken NYJ at JAX |
| 30. | Jason Sanders MIA at PIT |
| 31. | *Michael Badgley LAC at CHI Note: Was warming up before the game, but the Chargers went with McLaughlin for at least another week. Was unable to resume kickoff duties. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. ***INACTIVE AFTER ALL.*** |
Defenses
| 1. | New England Patriots vs. CLE |
| 2. | *Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIA Note: Bye week came at the right time - T.J. Watt and Joe Haden were banged up before the bye. Alas, Stephon Tuitt is out for the season. |
| 3. | Minnesota Vikings vs. WAS |
| 4. | New Orleans Saints vs. ARI |
| 5. | Los Angeles Rams vs. CIN |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills vs. PHI |
| 7. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. NYJ |
| 8. | San Francisco 49ers vs. CAR |
| 9. | *Indianapolis Colts vs. DEN Note: Should get Malik Hooker (knee) back this week. |
| 10. | Green Bay Packers at KC |
| 11. | Chicago Bears vs. LAC |
| 12. | Los Angeles Chargers at CHI |
| 13. | New York Jets at JAX |
| 14. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TEN |
| 15. | Detroit Lions vs. NYG |
| 16. | *Philadelphia Eagles at BUF Note: More turnover - releasing Orlando Scandrik and Akeem Spence. |
| 17. | *Seattle Seahawks at ATL Note: Traded for Quandre Diggs to add to their safety depth. Might get to face Matt Schaub instead of Matt Ryan. |
| 18. | Carolina Panthers at SF |
| 19. | Tennessee Titans vs. TB |
| 20. | Houston Texans vs. OAK |
| 21. | New York Giants at DET |
| 22. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. GB |
| 23. | Cincinnati Bengals at LAR |
| 24. | Denver Broncos at IND |
| 25. | Oakland Raiders at HOU |
| 26. | Cleveland Browns at NE |
| 27. | Arizona Cardinals at NO |
| 28. | Washington Redskins at MIN |
| 29. | Atlanta Falcons vs. SEA |
| 30. | Miami Dolphins at PIT |
