This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
***First posted Tuesday, 12/16. Two Saturday Games - PHI/WAS, SF/SD. Weekend Update Complete. I will have to be away at kickoff, so check our Latest News page for the final decision on Julio Jones and other game-time decisions.***
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 8:00 pm PT. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it.
By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume
***First posted Tuesday, 12/16. Two Saturday Games - PHI/WAS, SF/SD. Weekend Update Complete. I will have to be away at kickoff, so check our Latest News page for the final decision on Julio Jones and other game-time decisions.***
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 8:00 pm PT. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it.
By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?".
***First posted Tuesday, 12/16. Two Saturday Games - PHI/WAS, SF/SD. Weekend Update Complete. I will have to be away at kickoff, so check our Latest News page for the final decision on Julio Jones and other game-time decisions.***
Quarterback
| 1. | Aaron Rodgers GB at TB |
| 2. | Drew Brees NO vs. Atl |
| 3. | Andrew Luck IND at Dal |
| 4. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. KC |
| 5. | Matthew Stafford DET at Chi |
| 6. | Tom Brady NE at NYJ |
| 7. | *Peyton Manning DEN at Cin Note: Had to have an IV during halftime, and also dealt with a hip injury in the win over San Diego. He gets an extra day to rest before playing against the Bengals on Monday night. Limited practice participant Thursday, needed treatment for his thigh. ***Limited again Friday and Saturday, listed as questionable, but still expected to start.*** |
| 8. | Matt Ryan ATL at NO Note: Supposedly will get Julio Jones back this week - we'll see. Still threw for 310 yards without him last week. |
| 9. | *Mark Sanchez PHI at Was Note: Will start at least one more week with Nick Foles still out due to his collarbone injury. |
| 10. | *Tony Romo DAL vs. Ind Note: (Back) Maintenance day Wednesday, full practice Thursday. |
| 11. | *Robert Griffin WAS vs. Phi Note: Will start Saturday against the Eagles with Colt McCoy out. |
| 12. | Russell Wilson SEA at Ari |
| 13. | Eli Manning NYG at StL |
| 14. | Josh McCown TB vs. GB |
| 15. | *Philip Rivers SD at SF Note: (Chest, Back) Full practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. |
| 16. | Alex Smith KC at Pit Note: Threw for 297 yards last week, but no touchdowns to a wide receiver yet this season. |
| 17. | *Cam Newton CAR vs. Cle Note: (Back) No decision about Newton's status will be made until after Wednesday's practice. Full practice Thursday, experienced no discomfort. No official word yet, but it appears that he'll start. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 18. | Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. Min |
| 19. | Joe Flacco BAL at Hou |
| 20. | Colin Kaepernick SF vs. SD |
| 21. | *Jimmy Clausen CHI vs. Det Note: Starting ahead of Jay Cutler this week. |
| 22. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Den |
| 23. | Kyle Orton BUF at Oak |
| 24. | Johnny Manziel CLE at Car Note: Miserable first start, but will start again this week against Carolina. |
| 25. | Shaun Hill STL vs. NYG |
| 26. | *Blake Bortles JAC vs. Ten Note: Suffered a foot injury, but confident that he can play Thursday night. Active and starting Thursday night. |
| 27. | *Derek Carr OAK vs. Buf Note: (Thumb) Limited at practice Wednesday, full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable for Sunday.*** |
| 28. | *Case Keenum HOU vs. Bal Note: Signed from the Rams' practice squad. Either he or Thaddeus Lewis will start this week. ***Expected to be the starter Sunday, though that's not confirmed yet by the Texans.*** |
| 29. | Geno Smith NYJ vs. NE |
| 30. | Teddy Bridgewater MIN at Mia |
| 31. | *Charlie Whitehurst TEN at Jax Note: Starting again with both Locker and Mettenberger out with shoulder injuries. |
| 32. | *Ryan Lindley ARZ vs. Sea Note: Confirmed starter this week with Drew Stanton (knee) out, but the Cardinals could work a few plays in for Logan Thomas. |
| 33. | *Thaddeus Lewis HOU vs. Bal Note: Coach Bill O'Brien said that he's pretty close to deciding who will start Sunday, though he might not reveal it right up until game-time. |
| 34. | *Derek Anderson CAR vs. Cle Note: No official word yet, but looks as if Newton will start. |
| 35. | Logan Thomas ARZ vs. Sea |
| 36. | Jay Cutler CHI vs. Det Note: Desultory performance against the Saints on Monday night, though he got no help from his offensive line. Benched in favor of Jimmy Clausen. |
| 37. | *Tom Savage HOU vs. Bal Note: Subbed in for an injured Fitzpatrick, but then injured his knee and won't be available for Week 16. |
| 38. | *Zach Mettenberger TEN at Jax Note: (Shoulder) Out this week. |
| 39. | *Drew Stanton ARZ vs. Sea Note: Injured his knee in the win Thursday against the Rams, could return in about four weeks. |
| 40. | *Jake Locker TEN at Jax Note: Suffered a shoulder injury, will have surgery and was placed on IR. |
| 41. | *Ryan Fitzpatrick HOU vs. Bal Note: Broken leg, out for the season. |
| 42. | *Colt McCoy WAS vs. Phi Note: (Neck) Placed on IR. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. KC |
| 2. | *Jamaal Charles KC at Pit Note: Briefly left last week against the Raiders after taking a blow to the head, then sat out the fourth quarter after the Chiefs established a big lead. Full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 3. | *Marshawn Lynch SEA at Ari Note: ***(Back) Listed as probable.*** |
| 4. | Matt Forte CHI vs. Det |
| 5. | *Arian Foster HOU vs. Bal Note: (Hip) Missed practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 6. | *Eddie Lacy GB at TB Note: Limited Thursday because his eye was getting irritated by a contact lens. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 7. | Joique Bell DET at Chi |
| 8. | Mark Ingram NO vs. Atl Note: Garbage time is your friend, Part I. |
| 9. | C.J. Anderson DEN at Cin |
| 10. | Justin Forsett BAL at Hou |
| 11. | LeSean McCoy PHI at Was |
| 12. | Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Cle |
| 13. | Dan Herron IND at Dal |
| 14. | Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Den |
| 15. | Steven Jackson ATL at NO |
| 16. | Isaiah Crowell CLE at Car |
| 17. | Lamar Miller MIA vs. Min |
| 18. | Fred Jackson BUF at Oak |
| 19. | *Alfred Morris WAS vs. Phi Note: Suffered a minor groin injury and was limited in the second half of last week's loss to the Giants. Not on Wednesday's initial injury report. |
| 20. | *Frank Gore SF vs. SD Note: Suffered a concussion in the loss to the Seahawks. Limited practice Thursday, in line to play Saturday if he receives final clearance from the league in their concussion protocol. |
| 21. | *Andre Williams NYG at StL Note: ***Another start with Jennings ruled out for this week.*** |
| 22. | Latavius Murray OAK vs. Buf |
| 23. | *DeMarco Murray DAL vs. Ind Note: Underwent surgery for a broken bone in his left hand on Monday, but status for Week 16 is unresolved. Individual drills Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Limited practice again on Friday, his hand is still swollen and hasn't been able to do anything with his left hand, and he is listed as questionable. Owner Jerry Jones however said he is 'pretty positive' that Murray will play. I don't think I trust Jones; moreover the Eagles' loss Saturday might give the Cowboys a little more impetus to bench him. My impulse is to not play him. For what it's worth, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports that Murray will play with a pad on his left hand, and went through walk-throughs Saturday with the first team.*** |
| 24. | *Matt Asiata MIN at Mia Note: (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 25. | Doug Martin TB vs. GB Note: Ninety two of Martin's 96 yards came in the first half last week. |
| 26. | Tre Mason STL vs. NYG |
| 27. | Chris Johnson NYJ vs. NE |
| 28. | *Shane Vereen NE at NYJ Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable again this week, but Blount is out.*** |
| 29. | *Toby Gerhart JAC vs. Ten Note: Started last week and had 13 carries for 54 yards, tops in both categories for Jacksonville RBs, which is relevant this week because they face Tennessee. |
| 30. | Chris Ivory NYJ vs. NE |
| 31. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Den Note: Played only 28 snaps in the win over the Browns, though he was very productive in those snaps. |
| 32. | *Jonas Gray NE at NYJ Note: ***Big bump up with LeGarrette Blount ruled out.*** |
| 33. | *Kerwynn Williams ARZ vs. Sea Note: (Knee) Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 34. | Pierre Thomas NO vs. Atl |
| 35. | James Starks GB at TB Note: So much for the Packers using a 50-50 split last week. |
| 36. | *Lance Dunbar DAL vs. Ind Note: Should be a bigger factor this week, even if Murray plays. It might be a case where Dunbar is a better play than Randle, if Murray plays - the passing game is where Murray gets hurt more. |
| 37. | Terrance West CLE at Car |
| 38. | Trent Richardson IND at Dal |
| 39. | Bishop Sankey TEN at Jax Note: Just three carries last week, while Shonn Greene netted 16. |
| 40. | *Joseph Randle DAL vs. Ind Note: My guess, and it's only a guess at this point, is that Randle is first up if Murray can't play, but it will be more of a timeshare between he and Dunbar rather than Randle assuming Murray's full workload. Worked with the first-team offense Wednesday. |
| 41. | Silas Redd WAS vs. Phi |
| 42. | Branden Oliver SD at SF |
| 43. | Darren Sproles PHI at Was |
| 44. | Stepfan Taylor ARZ vs. Sea |
| 45. | Marcel Reece OAK vs. Buf |
| 46. | Knile Davis KC at Pit |
| 47. | *Alfonso Smith SF vs. SD Note: Both Gore and Hyde are banged up - Smith could end up starting this week. |
| 48. | Ben Tate MIN at Mia |
| 49. | Charles Sims TB vs. GB |
| 50. | Storm Johnson JAC vs. Ten |
| 51. | Alfred Blue HOU vs. Bal |
| 52. | *Bernard Pierce BAL at Hou Note: A little extra workload with Taliaferro out for the season. (Back) Full practice Thursday. |
| 53. | Jordan Todman JAC vs. Ten |
| 54. | *Brandon Bolden NE at NYJ Note: Active, but zero snaps last week. ***Last week Gray got a good chunk of carries while Bolden remained sidelined. With Blount out this week, will Gray step up, or will Bolden be next in line? My guess is Gray, but it's just a guess.*** |
| 55. | *Reggie Bush DET at Chi Note: (Ankle) Had just three carries last week. |
| 56. | Donald Brown SD at SF |
| 57. | Anthony Dixon BUF at Oak |
| 58. | Devonta Freeman ATL at NO |
| 59. | Darren McFadden OAK vs. Buf |
| 60. | Robert Turbin SEA at Ari |
| 61. | Chris Polk PHI at Was Note: Did his best Brad Baxter impersonation last week, scoring twice on two carries to steal away goal line touches from Shady McCoy. |
| 62. | Theo Riddick DET at Chi |
| 63. | Bryce Brown BUF at Oak |
| 64. | Ka'Deem Carey CHI vs. Det |
| 65. | Joe Banyard MIN at Mia |
| 66. | Benny Cunningham STL vs. NYG |
| 67. | *C.J. Spiller BUF at Oak Note: (Collarbone) Will be activated from the IR/designated to return list this week, but it's uncertain still whether he'll play. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Officially added to the 53-man roster, practiced in a limited fashion Friday.*** |
| 68. | Khiry Robinson NO vs. Atl |
| 69. | Marion Grice ARZ vs. Sea |
| 70. | Christine Michael SEA at Ari |
| 71. | Bilal Powell NYJ vs. NE |
| 72. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL at NO |
| 73. | Jonathan Grimes HOU vs. Bal |
| 74. | Travaris Cadet NO vs. Atl |
| 75. | Shonn Greene TEN at Jax |
| 76. | Damien Williams MIA vs. Min |
| 77. | Josh Harris PIT vs. KC |
| 78. | *Juwan Thompson DEN at Cin Note: (Hip, knee) Did not practice Thursday. ***Questionable for Monday night.*** |
| 79. | *Daniel Thomas MIA vs. Min Note: (Knee) Did not practice Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
| 80. | *DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Cle Note: (Hand) In line to suit up this week. ***Officially questionable, but in reality he's available only on an emergency basis.*** |
| 81. | *Rashad Jennings NYG at StL Note: Aggravated his ankle injury in the first quarter last week. Did not practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
| 82. | *Carlos Hyde SF vs. SD Note: Set to have an MRI on his ankle, plus the Niners play on Saturday this week. Also had a back injury last week. Does not expect to play this week. |
| 83. | *Ryan Mathews SD at SF Note: (Ankle) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
| 84. | *Roy Helu WAS vs. Phi |
| 85. | *Bobby Rainey TB vs. GB Note: (Ankle) Active last week, but didn't log any carries or targets. (Wrist) Full practice Thursday. |
| 86. | *Ronnie Hillman DEN at Cin Note: (Foot) Limited practice Thursday. ***Questionable for Monday night.*** |
| 87. | *Dexter McCluster TEN at Jax Note: (Knee) Did not practice Tuesday. Placed on IR by the Titans. |
| 88. | *LeGarrette Blount NE at NYJ Note: (Shoulder) Limited practice participant Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.*** |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. KC |
| 2. | *Calvin Johnson DET at Chi Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday. |
| 3. | Jordy Nelson GB at TB Note: Should bounce back with a better matchup this week. |
| 4. | Dez Bryant DAL vs. Ind |
| 5. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at Cin |
| 6. | Odell Beckham NYG at StL |
| 7. | *A.J. Green CIN vs. Den Note: Missed practice with an illness Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 8. | Randall Cobb GB at TB |
| 9. | Jeremy Maclin PHI at Was |
| 10. | Golden Tate DET at Chi |
| 11. | Mike Evans TB vs. GB |
| 12. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR vs. Cle |
| 13. | Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Det Note: Garbage Time, Part II. |
| 14. | Vincent Jackson TB vs. GB |
| 15. | *Harry Douglas ATL at NO Note: (Foot) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 16. | *Brandon LaFell NE at NYJ Note: (Shoulder) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable again this week.*** |
| 17. | Sammy Watkins BUF at Oak |
| 18. | *Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Cin Note: ***Got sent home from practice Saturday with flu-like symptoms, listed as questionable.*** |
| 19. | Josh Gordon CLE at Car |
| 20. | Kenny Stills NO vs. Atl |
| 21. | *Donte Moncrief IND at Dal Note: Four targets, no official catches, but had a touchdown called back due to a penalty elsewhere on the field. ***Slight bump up due to Hilton's hamstring woes, but the counter-argument is that he'll draw more dedicated coverage if Hilton can't play or alternately is limited.*** |
| 22. | *Roddy White ATL at NO Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. |
| 23. | DeSean Jackson WAS vs. Phi |
| 24. | Malcom Floyd SD at SF |
| 25. | Marques Colston NO vs. Atl |
| 26. | Steve Smith BAL at Hou |
| 27. | Mike Wallace MIA vs. Min |
| 28. | *Andre Johnson HOU vs. Bal Note: (Concussion) Likely to return this week, but we won't rank him higher until he practices.Has passed the NFL's concussion protocol. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 29. | Eric Decker NYJ vs. NE |
| 30. | Marquess Wilson CHI vs. Det |
| 31. | Reggie Wayne IND at Dal |
| 32. | *Julio Jones ATL at NO Note: The Falcons anticipate that Jones (hip) will be ready to play this week, but I have to wonder if there's any gamesmanship in their public pronouncement. This is a huge game for them - misinformation could be a useful tool for them. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Did not practice again Friday. The Falcons were optimistic about Jones, according to a Sunday morning report from Albert Breer of the NFL Network.*** |
| 33. | Stedman Bailey STL vs. NYG |
| 34. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. Min |
| 35. | Anquan Boldin SF vs. SD |
| 36. | Jordan Matthews PHI at Was |
| 37. | Martavis Bryant PIT vs. KC |
| 38. | *Andrew Hawkins CLE at Car Note: ***(Illness) Listed as probable.*** |
| 39. | Nate Washington TEN at Jax |
| 40. | Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Sea |
| 41. | Pierre Garcon WAS vs. Phi |
| 42. | *Torrey Smith BAL at Hou Note: (Knee) Started but had just three targets. |
| 43. | Kenny Britt STL vs. NYG |
| 44. | Charles Johnson MIN at Mia |
| 45. | *Percy Harvin NYJ vs. NE Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday, limited Thursday. |
| 46. | *Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Sea Note: ***(Knee) Listed as probable.*** |
| 47. | Chris Hogan BUF at Oak |
| 48. | *Michael Crabtree SF vs. SD Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. |
| 49. | Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Den |
| 50. | Rueben Randle NYG at StL |
| 51. | Cecil Shorts JAC vs. Ten |
| 52. | *Greg Jennings MIN at Mia Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 53. | Allen Hurns JAC vs. Ten |
| 54. | Cole Beasley DAL vs. Ind |
| 55. | *Dwayne Bowe KC at Pit Note: (Flu) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 56. | John Brown ARZ vs. Sea |
| 57. | Eddie Royal SD at SF |
| 58. | James Jones OAK vs. Buf |
| 59. | *Marqise Lee JAC vs. Ten Note: (Elbow) Full participant Tuesday. Active for Thursday night's game. |
| 60. | Derek Hagan TEN at Jax |
| 61. | Robert Woods BUF at Oak |
| 62. | Davante Adams GB at TB |
| 63. | Andre Roberts WAS vs. Phi |
| 64. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at Dal Note: MRI on Hilton's hamstring was negative. The Colts anticipate that he'll be able to practice this week. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Did not practice all week, but at least has traveled with the team. Ian Rapoport suggests that it's unlikely that Hilton will play.*** |
| 65. | Kamar Aiken BAL at Hou |
| 66. | Doug Baldwin SEA at Ari |
| 67. | Albert Wilson KC at Pit |
| 68. | Markus Wheaton PIT vs. KC |
| 69. | Wes Welker DEN at Cin |
| 70. | *Danny Amendola NE at NYJ Note: ***Somewhat relevant again with Edelman is out.*** |
| 71. | *Kendall Wright TEN at Jax Note: (Elbow) Limited Tuesday. Active for Thursday night's game, but will have Charlie Whitehurst chucking the ball to him. |
| 72. | Andre Holmes OAK vs. Buf |
| 73. | Jermaine Kearse SEA at Ari |
| 74. | Taylor Gabriel CLE at Car |
| 75. | Brian Hartline MIA vs. Min |
| 76. | Riley Cooper PHI at Was |
| 77. | Preston Parker NYG at StL |
| 78. | *Cody Latimer DEN at Cin Note: Has cleared the league's concussion protocol. ***Listed as probable, could play a bigger role if Sanders can't go.*** |
| 79. | Travis Benjamin CLE at Car |
| 80. | Brice Butler OAK vs. Buf |
| 81. | Brandon Lloyd SF vs. SD |
| 82. | Terrance Williams DAL vs. Ind |
| 83. | Jerricho Cotchery CAR vs. Cle |
| 84. | Tavon Austin STL vs. NYG |
| 85. | Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. NE |
| 86. | Hakeem Nicks IND at Dal |
| 87. | Devin Hester ATL at NO |
| 88. | Josh Morgan CHI vs. Det |
| 89. | Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at Mia |
| 90. | Donnie Avery KC at Pit |
| 91. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Bal Note: Ankle injury, could be a game-time decision. ***Game-time decision.*** |
| 92. | *Philly Brown CAR vs. Cle |
| 93. | *Steve Johnson SF vs. SD Note: ***(Knee) Inactive Saturday night.*** |
| 94. | *Keenan Allen SD at SF Note: Ankle injury and a broken collarbone, not expected to play in Week 16. |
| 95. | *Julian Edelman NE at NYJ Note: (Concussion, thigh) Full practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out with a concussion.*** |
| 96. | *Louis Murphy TB vs. GB Note: On IR with an ankle injury. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Rob Gronkowski NE at NYJ |
| 2. | Jimmy Graham NO vs. Atl |
| 3. | Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Det |
| 4. | Greg Olsen CAR vs. Cle |
| 5. | Julius Thomas DEN at Cin Note: Just two targets in his first real game back - but the Broncos threw only 22 times. Full practice Thursday. ***Full practice all week, listed as probable.*** |
| 6. | Antonio Gates SD at SF |
| 7. | Travis Kelce KC at Pit |
| 8. | Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Buf |
| 9. | Coby Fleener IND at Dal |
| 10. | Jordan Reed WAS vs. Phi |
| 11. | Jared Cook STL vs. NYG |
| 12. | *Delanie Walker TEN at Jax Note: Limited Tuesday due to a knee injury. Active for Thursday's game. |
| 13. | Heath Miller PIT vs. KC |
| 14. | Owen Daniels BAL at Hou |
| 15. | Dwayne Allen IND at Dal |
| 16. | Jason Witten DAL vs. Ind |
| 17. | Zach Ertz PHI at Was |
| 18. | *Tim Wright NE at NYJ Note: ***More action this week with Edelman out?*** |
| 19. | Jordan Cameron CLE at Car |
| 20. | *Charles Clay MIA vs. Min Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 21. | Larry Donnell NYG at StL |
| 22. | Scott Chandler BUF at Oak |
| 23. | *Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. Den Note: (Toe) Expected to play Monday night. Practiced Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 24. | Eric Ebron DET at Chi |
| 25. | Andrew Quarless GB at TB |
| 26. | C.J. Fiedorowicz HOU vs. Bal |
| 27. | Richard Rodgers GB at TB |
| 28. | Ryan Griffin HOU vs. Bal |
| 29. | Jace Amaro NYJ vs. NE |
| 30. | *Cooper Helfet SEA at Ari Note: (Ankle) Inactive for the third consecutive week. ***Listed as probable (ankle).*** |
| 31. | Vernon Davis SF vs. SD |
| 32. | Dion Sims MIA vs. Min |
| 33. | Brent Celek PHI at Was |
| 34. | Chase Coffman TEN at Jax |
| 35. | Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. Ten |
| 36. | Niles Paul WAS vs. Phi |
| 37. | John Carlson ARZ vs. Sea |
| 38. | Anthony Fasano KC at Pit |
| 39. | Gavin Escobar DAL vs. Ind |
| 40. | *Jacob Tamme DEN at Cin Note: (Ribs) Limited at Thursday's practice. *Listed as probable for Monday night.*** |
| 41. | *Kyle Rudolph MIN at Mia Note: (Knee/ankle) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Doubtful this week.*** |
| 42. | *Garrett Graham HOU vs. Bal Note: Out again this week with a high ankle sprain. |
| 43. | *Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB vs. GB Note: (Back) Going on IR. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. KC |
| 2. | *Arian Foster HOU vs. Bal Note: (Hip) Missed practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 3. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. KC |
| 4. | *Calvin Johnson DET at Chi Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday. |
| 5. | Jordy Nelson GB at TB Note: Should bounce back with a better matchup this week. |
| 6. | Dez Bryant DAL vs. Ind |
| 7. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at Cin |
| 8. | Odell Beckham NYG at StL |
| 9. | *A.J. Green CIN vs. Den Note: Missed practice with an illness Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 10. | Randall Cobb GB at TB |
| 11. | Jeremy Maclin PHI at Was |
| 12. | Rob Gronkowski NE at NYJ |
| 13. | *Jamaal Charles KC at Pit Note: Briefly left last week against the Raiders after taking a blow to the head, then sat out the fourth quarter after the Chiefs established a big lead. Full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 14. | *Marshawn Lynch SEA at Ari Note: ***(Back) Listed as probable.*** |
| 15. | Matt Forte CHI vs. Det |
| 16. | *Eddie Lacy GB at TB Note: Limited Thursday because his eye was getting irritated by a contact lens. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 17. | Golden Tate DET at Chi |
| 18. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at Dal Note: MRI on Hilton's hamstring was negative. The Colts anticipate that he'll be able to practice this week. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Did not practice all week, but at least has traveled with the team. Ian Rapoport suggests that it's unlikely that Hilton will play.*** |
| 19. | *Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Cin Note: ***Got sent home from practice Saturday with flu-like symptoms, listed as questionable.*** |
| 20. | Mike Evans TB vs. GB |
| 21. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR vs. Cle |
| 22. | Vincent Jackson TB vs. GB |
| 23. | Joique Bell DET at Chi |
| 24. | Jimmy Graham NO vs. Atl |
| 25. | Josh Gordon CLE at Car |
| 26. | *Harry Douglas ATL at NO Note: (Foot) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 27. | *Brandon LaFell NE at NYJ Note: (Shoulder) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable again this week.*** |
| 28. | *Julian Edelman NE at NYJ Note: (Concussion, thigh) Full practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out with a concussion.*** |
| 29. | Mark Ingram NO vs. Atl Note: Garbage time is your friend, Part I. |
| 30. | C.J. Anderson DEN at Cin |
| 31. | Justin Forsett BAL at Hou |
| 32. | LeSean McCoy PHI at Was |
| 33. | Sammy Watkins BUF at Oak |
| 34. | Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Det Note: Garbage Time, Part II. |
| 35. | Kenny Stills NO vs. Atl |
| 36. | Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Det |
| 37. | Greg Olsen CAR vs. Cle |
| 38. | *Roddy White ATL at NO Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. |
| 39. | DeSean Jackson WAS vs. Phi |
| 40. | Malcom Floyd SD at SF |
| 41. | Marques Colston NO vs. Atl |
| 42. | Steve Smith BAL at Hou |
| 43. | Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Cle |
| 44. | Dan Herron IND at Dal |
| 45. | Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Den |
| 46. | Steven Jackson ATL at NO |
| 47. | Mike Wallace MIA vs. Min |
| 48. | *Donte Moncrief IND at Dal Note: Four targets, no official catches, but had a touchdown called back due to a penalty elsewhere on the field. ***Slight bump up due to Hilton's hamstring woes, but the counter-argument is that he'll draw more dedicated coverage if Hilton can't play or alternately is limited.*** |
| 49. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Bal Note: Ankle injury, could be a game-time decision. ***Game-time decision.*** |
| 50. | Stedman Bailey STL vs. NYG |
| 51. | Eric Decker NYJ vs. NE |
| 52. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. Min |
| 53. | Marquess Wilson CHI vs. Det |
| 54. | Isaiah Crowell CLE at Car |
| 55. | Lamar Miller MIA vs. Min |
| 56. | Fred Jackson BUF at Oak |
| 57. | Latavius Murray OAK vs. Buf |
| 58. | *Matt Asiata MIN at Mia Note: (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 59. | Doug Martin TB vs. GB Note: Ninety two of Martin's 96 yards came in the first half last week. |
| 60. | Tre Mason STL vs. NYG |
| 61. | Chris Johnson NYJ vs. NE |
| 62. | Anquan Boldin SF vs. SD |
| 63. | Jordan Matthews PHI at Was |
| 64. | Martavis Bryant PIT vs. KC |
| 65. | *Andrew Hawkins CLE at Car Note: ***(Illness) Listed as probable.*** |
| 66. | Nate Washington TEN at Jax |
| 67. | Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Sea |
| 68. | Coby Fleener IND at Dal |
| 69. | Antonio Gates SD at SF |
| 70. | Travis Kelce KC at Pit |
| 71. | Julius Thomas DEN at Cin Note: Just two targets in his first real game back - but the Broncos threw only 22 times. Full practice Thursday. ***Full practice all week, listed as probable.*** |
| 72. | *Andre Williams NYG at StL Note: ***Another start with Jennings ruled out for this week.*** |
| 73. | *Toby Gerhart JAC vs. Ten Note: Started last week and had 13 carries for 54 yards, tops in both categories for Jacksonville RBs, which is relevant this week because they face Tennessee. |
| 74. | *Joseph Randle DAL vs. Ind Note: My guess, and it's only a guess at this point, is that Randle is first up if Murray can't play, but it will be more of a timeshare between he and Dunbar rather than Randle assuming Murray's full workload. Worked with the first-team offense Wednesday. |
| 75. | Silas Redd WAS vs. Phi |
| 76. | Chris Ivory NYJ vs. NE |
| 77. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Den Note: Played only 28 snaps in the win over the Browns, though he was very productive in those snaps. |
| 78. | *Shane Vereen NE at NYJ Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable again this week, but Blount is out.*** |
| 79. | *Kerwynn Williams ARZ vs. Sea Note: (Knee) Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 80. | Pierre Thomas NO vs. Atl |
| 81. | Pierre Garcon WAS vs. Phi |
| 82. | *Torrey Smith BAL at Hou Note: (Knee) Started but had just three targets. |
| 83. | Kenny Britt STL vs. NYG |
| 84. | Charles Johnson MIN at Mia |
| 85. | *Percy Harvin NYJ vs. NE Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday, limited Thursday. |
| 86. | *Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Sea Note: ***(Knee) Listed as probable.*** |
| 87. | Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Buf |
| 88. | Jordan Reed WAS vs. Phi |
| 89. | Jared Cook STL vs. NYG |
| 90. | James Starks GB at TB Note: So much for the Packers using a 50-50 split last week. |
| 91. | *LeGarrette Blount NE at NYJ Note: (Shoulder) Limited practice participant Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.*** |
| 92. | *Alfonso Smith SF vs. SD Note: Both Gore and Hyde are banged up - Smith could end up starting this week. |
| 93. | *Lance Dunbar DAL vs. Ind Note: Should be a bigger factor this week, even if Murray plays. It might be a case where Dunbar is a better play than Randle, if Murray plays - the passing game is where Murray gets hurt more. |
| 94. | Terrance West CLE at Car |
| 95. | Chris Hogan BUF at Oak |
| 96. | *Michael Crabtree SF vs. SD Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. |
| 97. | Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Den |
| 98. | Rueben Randle NYG at StL |
| 99. | *Delanie Walker TEN at Jax Note: Limited Tuesday due to a knee injury. Active for Thursday's game. |
| 100. | Heath Miller PIT vs. KC |
| 101. | Darren Sproles PHI at Was |
| 102. | Charles Sims TB vs. GB |
| 103. | *Alfred Morris WAS vs. Phi Note: Suffered a minor groin injury and was limited in the second half of last week's loss to the Giants. Not on Wednesday's initial injury report. |
| 104. | *DeMarco Murray DAL vs. Ind Note: Underwent surgery for a broken bone in his left hand on Monday, but status for Week 16 is unresolved. Individual drills Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Limited practice again on Friday, his hand is still swollen and hasn't been able to do anything with his left hand, and he is listed as questionable. Owner Jerry Jones however said he is 'pretty positive' that Murray will play. I don't think I trust Jones; moreover the Eagles' loss Saturday might give the Cowboys a little more impetus to bench him. My impulse is to not play him. For what it's worth, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports that Murray will play with a pad on his left hand, and went through walk-throughs Saturday with the first team.*** |
| 105. | *Rashad Jennings NYG at StL Note: Aggravated his ankle injury in the first quarter last week. Did not practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
| 106. | *Frank Gore SF vs. SD Note: Suffered a concussion in the loss to the Seahawks. Limited practice Thursday, in line to play Saturday if he receives final clearance from the league in their concussion protocol. |
| 107. | *Ryan Mathews SD at SF Note: (Ankle) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
| 108. | *C.J. Spiller BUF at Oak Note: (Collarbone) Will be activated from the IR/designated to return list this week, but it's uncertain still whether he'll play. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Officially added to the 53-man roster, practiced in a limited fashion Friday.*** |
| 109. | *Andre Johnson HOU vs. Bal Note: (Concussion) Likely to return this week, but we won't rank him higher until he practices.Has passed the NFL's concussion protocol. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 110. | *Julio Jones ATL at NO Note: The Falcons anticipate that Jones (hip) will be ready to play this week, but I have to wonder if there's any gamesmanship in their public pronouncement. This is a huge game for them - misinformation could be a useful tool for them. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Did not practice again Friday. The Falcons were optimistic about Jones, according to a Sunday morning report from Albert Breer of the NFL Network.*** |
| 111. | *Kendall Wright TEN at Jax Note: (Elbow) Limited Tuesday. Active for Thursday night's game, but will have Charlie Whitehurst chucking the ball to him. |
Kickers
| 1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE at NYJ |
| 2. | Adam Vinatieri IND at Dal |
| 3. | Mason Crosby GB at TB |
| 4. | Dan Bailey DAL vs. Ind |
| 5. | Connor Barth DEN at Cin Note: Hit a whopping five field goals last week - maybe a function of the Broncos throwing less often? |
| 6. | Matt Bryant ATL at NO |
| 7. | Shaun Suisham PIT vs. KC |
| 8. | Cody Parkey PHI at Was |
| 9. | Steven Hauschka SEA at Ari |
| 10. | Phil Dawson SF vs. SD |
| 11. | Justin Tucker BAL at Hou |
| 12. | Nick Novak SD at SF Note: Two bad misses after being so reliable earlier. |
| 13. | *Jay Feely CHI vs. Det Note: ***Robbie Gould ruled out again this week.*** |
| 14. | Shayne Graham NO vs. Atl |
| 15. | *Dan Carpenter BUF at Oak Note: ***(Groin) Listed as probable.*** |
| 16. | Graham Gano CAR vs. Cle |
| 17. | Greg Zuerlein STL vs. NYG |
| 18. | Mike Nugent CIN vs. Den |
| 19. | Matt Prater DET at Chi |
| 20. | Blair Walsh MIN at Mia Note: Missed three field goals, albeit two from very long distance. |
| 21. | Garrett Hartley CLE at Car |
| 22. | Kai Forbath WAS vs. Phi |
| 23. | Ryan Succop TEN at Jax |
| 24. | Josh Brown NYG at StL |
| 25. | Cairo Santos KC at Pit |
| 26. | Randy Bullock HOU vs. Bal |
| 27. | Caleb Sturgis MIA vs. Min |
| 28. | Patrick Murray TB vs. GB |
| 29. | Chandler Catanzaro ARZ vs. Sea |
| 30. | Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Buf |
| 31. | Nick Folk NYJ vs. NE |
| 32. | Josh Scobee JAC vs. Ten |
| 33. | *Robbie Gould CHI vs. Det Note: (Groin) Inactive again last week. Did not practice Wednesday. |
Defenses
| 1. | Seattle Seahawks at Ari |
| 2. | Buffalo Bills at Oak |
| 3. | *Arizona Cardinals vs. Sea Note: Tyrann Mathieu (thumb) could return this week. |
| 4. | New England Patriots at NYJ |
| 5. | *Baltimore Ravens at Hou Note: Asa Jackson (knee) will miss the rest of the season. |
| 6. | St. Louis Rams vs. NYG |
| 7. | Detroit Lions at Chi |
| 8. | Miami Dolphins vs. Min |
| 9. | *Philadelphia Eagles at Was Note: Trent Cole (hand) will likely miss Saturday's game and could require surgery. |
| 10. | *Denver Broncos at Cin Note: Danny Trevathan (knee) is out for the season and on IR, plus Brandon Marshall (the linebacker version) is out for the season. |
| 11. | Carolina Panthers vs. Cle |
| 12. | Green Bay Packers at TB |
| 13. | New York Giants at StL |
| 14. | *San Francisco 49ers vs. SD Note: Chris Borland (ankle) is unlikely to play the last two games. |
| 15. | *Cleveland Browns at Car Note: Joe Haden (shoulder) is questionable, and Justin Gilbert (head injury) might also be questionable, but at least doesn't have a concussion. |
| 16. | Kansas City Chiefs at Pit |
| 17. | Minnesota Vikings at Mia |
| 18. | *San Diego Chargers at SF Note: Donald Butler suffered a dislocated elbow and is out for the season. |
| 19. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Ten |
| 20. | Tennessee Titans at Jax |
| 21. | Dallas Cowboys vs. Ind |
| 22. | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. KC |
| 23. | Houston Texans vs. Bal |
| 24. | Indianapolis Colts at Dal |
| 25. | New York Jets vs. NE |
| 26. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Den |
| 27. | Oakland Raiders vs. Buf |
| 28. | Chicago Bears vs. Det |
| 29. | *Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. GB Note: Gerald McCoy (sprained knee) is out for the season. |
| 30. | New Orleans Saints vs. Atl |
| 31. | Washington Redskins vs. Phi |
| 32. | *Atlanta Falcons at NO Note: Robert Alford (wrist) was placed on IR. |
