This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Flex Rankings will be up shortly!
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.
When setting your lineups, make sure to refer to the NFL inactives to ensure all of your players are set to receive snaps.
I welcome
Flex Rankings will be up shortly!
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.
When setting your lineups, make sure to refer to the NFL inactives to ensure all of your players are set to receive snaps.
I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.
Quarterbacks
| 1. | Justin Herbert LAC vs. LV |
| 2. | Patrick Mahomes KC at ARI |
| 3. | Josh Allen BUF at LAR |
| 4. | *Lamar Jackson BAL at NYJ Note: ***Jackson and the Ravens were not able to come to terms on a long-term extension by Jackson's self-imposed Friday deadline.*** |
| 5. | Jalen Hurts PHI at DET |
| 6. | *Joe Burrow CIN vs. PIT Note: Burrow (appendix) is officially cleared from the injury report. |
| 7. | Kyler Murray ARZ vs. KC |
| 8. | *Russell Wilson DEN at SEA Note: Wilson got a five-year contract contract extension last week. |
| 9. | *Tom Brady TB at DAL Note: ***This is likely Brady's final season, according to Ian Rapoport.*** |
| 10. | Derek Carr LV at LAC |
| 11. | *Matthew Stafford LA vs. BUF Note: Stafford has been dealing with right elbow discomfort, but he will have no limitations on Thursday night against the Bills. Stafford clarified that he both had an anti-inflammatory injection and a surgical procedure this offseason for his elbow, but reaffirmed that he has no limitations heading into the season. |
| 12. | Kirk Cousins MIN vs. GB |
| 13. | *Trey Lance SF at CHI Note: Lance will have Jimmy Garoppolo back on the team as his backup this year, thus giving him a shorter leash in the event of struggles. |
| 14. | *Dak Prescott DAL vs. TB Note: Prescott was limited in practice Thursday due to a sore right ankle, caused by a reaction to new shoes. ***Returned to a full practice Friday and cleared from the injury report.*** |
| 15. | Jameis Winston NO at ATL |
| 16. | Aaron Rodgers GB at MIN |
| 17. | Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. NE |
| 18. | Trevor Lawrence JAC at WAS |
| 19. | Matt Ryan IND at HOU |
| 20. | Ryan Tannehill TEN vs. NYG |
| 21. | Justin Fields CHI vs. SF |
| 22. | Daniel Jones NYG at TEN |
| 23. | Jared Goff DET vs. PHI |
| 24. | Davis Mills HOU vs. IND |
| 25. | *Mitch Trubisky PIT at CIN Note: Trubisky was officially named the starter ahead of Kenny Pickett for Week 1. |
| 26. | Marcus Mariota ATL vs. NO |
| 27. | *Baker Mayfield CAR vs. CLE Note: Mayfield beat out Sam Darnold for the Panthers' starting job, though from a distance it didn't appear to be much of a job battle. |
| 28. | Mac Jones NE at MIA |
| 29. | Carson Wentz WAS vs. JAX |
| 30. | *Joe Flacco NYJ vs. BAL Note: It's not yet a given that Flacco will start in Week 1 - it's still possible that Zach Wilson (knee) will be ready to go. Wilson is officially out, so Flacco will start. |
| 31. | *Geno Smith SEA vs. DEN Note: Smith won the starting job over Drew Lock in camp, as Lock first was out with COVID and then was his usual erratic self in the preseason. |
| 32. | Jacoby Brissett CLE at CAR |
| 33. | *Kenny Pickett PIT at CIN Note: Mitch Trubisky will start ahead of Pickett to begin the season, but Pickett has officially moved past Mason Rudolph for the backup job. |
| 34. | *Zach Wilson NYJ vs. BAL Note: Jets head coach Robert Sales said it's 'possible' that Wilson (knee) could still start in Week 1 - we'll know more after Wednesday's injury/practice report. It's no longer possible that Wilson will start, and in fact will be out at least until Week 4. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Jonathan Taylor IND at HOU |
| 2. | *Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. CLE Note: McCaffrey was a full practice participant Thursday after getting cut on the shin by a teammate's cleat. Stand down, nothing to see here. ***Full practice Friday, not on the final injury report.*** |
| 3. | Austin Ekeler LAC vs. LV |
| 4. | Joe Mixon CIN vs. PIT |
| 5. | Alvin Kamara NO at ATL |
| 6. | *Derrick Henry TEN vs. NYG Note: I really want to see if Henry has the pre-injury burst now that he's had an entire offseason to rest. |
| 7. | Dalvin Cook MIN vs. GB |
| 8. | Nick Chubb CLE at CAR |
| 9. | Saquon Barkley NYG at TEN |
| 10. | Aaron Jones GB at MIN |
| 11. | Najee Harris PIT at CIN |
| 12. | *Javonte Williams DEN at SEA Note: ***There's some buzz about the Broncos employing a 'hot-hand' approach at RB between Williams and Gordon, which might be defined as limiting Williams' work as the starter.*** |
| 13. | James Conner ARZ vs. KC |
| 14. | D'Andre Swift DET vs. PHI |
| 15. | Leonard Fournette TB at DAL |
| 16. | *Travis Etienne JAC at WAS Note: Teammate James Robinson (Achilles) looks ready to play this week. |
| 17. | *Elijah Mitchell SF at CHI Note: Mitchell was able to avoid the initial injury report Wednesday after missing some of training camp and all of the preseason with a hamstring injury. |
| 18. | Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. TB |
| 19. | AJ Dillon GB at MIN |
| 20. | Josh Jacobs LV at LAC |
| 21. | *Rashaad Penny SEA vs. DEN Note: Penny will likely get a lot of early-season work with Kenneth Walker III recovering from his hernia surgery. |
| 22. | *Antonio Gibson WAS vs. JAX Note: Gibson was set to lose tons of playing time to Brian Robinson before Robinson was shot. Gibson will now have at least four games where he's sharing the backfield work with J.D. McKissic. |
| 23. | *Dameon Pierce HOU vs. IND Note: Pierce was finally listed atop the Texans' unofficial depth chart despite earlier versions having him behind Rex Burkhead and the since-released Marlon Mack. Confirmed as the starter. |
| 24. | Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC at ARI |
| 25. | *Chase Edmonds MIA vs. NE Note: Edmonds (groin) was limited Wednesday but upgraded to full participation on Thursday. |
| 26. | Rhamondre Stevenson NE at MIA |
| 27. | David Montgomery CHI vs. SF |
| 28. | *Cam Akers LA vs. BUF Note: ***Even though I was pessimistic about Akers this week, I wasn't pessimistic enough.*** |
| 29. | *Breece Hall NYJ vs. BAL Note: ***Hall is listed behind Michael Carter on the Jets' unofficial depth chart right now.*** |
| 30. | *Miles Sanders PHI at DET Note: Sanders missed two weeks of practice with a hamstring injury before returning last Thursday. His status for Sunday still needs to be monitored, with the Eagles carrying three other backs (Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Trey Sermon) behind him. Full practice Wednesday, appears ready to play - but will Sanders lose out on some carries? |
| 31. | Devin Singletary BUF at LAR |
| 32. | Damien Harris NE at MIA |
| 33. | Darrell Henderson LA vs. BUF |
| 34. | *Mike Davis BAL at NYJ Note: Davis might be a sneaky Week 1 starter against the Jets if Dobbins can't go, though Kenyan Drake might also feature. ***Dobbins looks decreasingly likely to play.*** |
| 35. | Melvin Gordon DEN at SEA |
| 36. | *Michael Carter NYJ vs. BAL Note: ***The Jets' unofficial depth chart lists Carter ahead of Hall right now.*** |
| 37. | Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. NO |
| 38. | *James Robinson JAC at WAS Note: Robinson (Achilles) will be active for the Jaguars' Week 1 game against the Commanders. Full practice Wednesday, not even listed on the injury report. |
| 39. | Kareem Hunt CLE at CAR |
| 40. | Tony Pollard DAL vs. TB |
| 41. | Kenneth Gainwell PHI at DET |
| 42. | Raheem Mostert MIA vs. NE |
| 43. | Khalil Herbert CHI vs. SF |
| 44. | *Alexander Mattison MIN vs. GB Note: Mattison missed practice to attend to a personal matter, but so far there's no indication that his availability for Sunday has been threatened. ***Not on the final injury list and is expected to play as Cook's backup.*** |
| 45. | *J.D. McKissic WAS vs. JAX Note: McKissic missed some practices and a preseason game with a groin injury, but he's not on this week's injury report. |
| 46. | Jamaal Williams DET vs. PHI |
| 47. | *Jeff Wilson SF at CHI Note: Wilson is the clear No. 2 back in San Francisco behind Eli Mitchell, with Trey Sermon cut and now in Philly. |
| 48. | Rachaad White TB at DAL |
| 49. | Mark Ingram NO at ATL |
| 50. | Zamir White LV at LAC |
| 51. | Nyheim Hines IND at HOU |
| 52. | James Cook BUF at LAR |
| 53. | D'Onta Foreman CAR vs. CLE |
| 54. | *Isiah Pacheco KC at ARI Note: Pacheco picked up a lot of preseason buzz, but I don't he's the starter and I'm not sure he's going to get any work on passing downs. |
| 55. | Samaje Perine CIN vs. PIT |
| 56. | *Kenyan Drake BAL at NYJ Note: ***It appears less likely that teammate J.K. Dobbins will play.*** |
| 57. | Rex Burkhead HOU vs. IND |
| 58. | Ronald Jones KC at ARI |
| 59. | Darrel Williams ARZ vs. KC |
| 60. | Dontrell Hilliard TEN vs. NYG |
| 61. | Damien Williams ATL vs. NO |
| 62. | *Isaiah Spiller LAC vs. LV Note: Spiller suffered an ankle injury in training camp and looked behind Joshua Kelley for most of the preseason, plus the Chargers also added Sony Michel. Full practice on Wednesday. |
| 63. | Zack Moss BUF at LAR |
| 64. | Boston Scott PHI at DET |
| 65. | *Sony Michel LAC vs. LV Note: Cut by the Dolphins, but resurfaced with the Chargers. |
| 66. | Jordan Mason SF at CHI |
| 67. | *Jaylen Warren PIT at CIN Note: Warren is officially listed as Najee Harris's backup on the Steelers depth chart. |
| 68. | Jerick McKinnon KC at ARI |
| 69. | Eno Benjamin ARZ vs. KC |
| 70. | Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. CLE |
| 71. | Ty Chandler MIN vs. GB |
| 72. | *Tyrion Davis-Price SF at CHI Note: ***INACTIVE*** |
| 73. | *Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. NO Note: Allgeier is buried on the Falcons' unofficial depth chart, behind Damien Williams and Avery Williams as backups to Cordarrelle Patterson. ***INACTIVE.*** |
| 74. | *Kenneth Walker SEA vs. DEN Note: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that he's uncertain whether Walker (hernia) will play. Walker 'worked some' in Monday's practice. We won't have an official designation for Walker until Thursday, with Seattle playing Monday night. Walker was slated to get some reps in Thursday's practice after looking good in Wednesday's walk-through. It's not a given yet that he'll play, but things are pointing in the right direction. ***Walker was officially listed as a non-participant in practice this week, though he did work on the side, and is listed as questionable for Monday night.*** |
| 75. | *J.K. Dobbins BAL at NYJ Note: Dobbins's status for Week 1 returning form his knee injury is still uncertain. He's been seen limping at times, but at other times he's looked more explosive. Gus Edwards is out, so we may see more of Mike Davis and Kenyan Drake early on this season. Dobbins was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and though coach John Harbaugh said that Dobbins is 'ascending quickly,' teammate Lamar Jackson suggested that it might be a couple of weeks before we see Dobbins fully unleashed. ***Dobbins was limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable. ESPN's Dianna Russini reports that Dobbins is unlikely to play, though he's 'going to try' to give it a go in pregame warmups. OFFICIALLY INACTIVE*** |
| 76. | *Brian Robinson WAS vs. JAX Note: Robinson (lower body) was placed on the non-football injury list and will miss at least the first four games. ***Robinson has a 'realistic' chance to return by Week 5.*** |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | Cooper Kupp LA vs. BUF |
| 2. | Justin Jefferson MIN vs. GB |
| 3. | Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. PIT |
| 4. | Stefon Diggs BUF at LAR |
| 5. | *CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. TB Note: Lamb dealt with a foot injury in training camp, but he's clear of the injury report. |
| 6. | Davante Adams LV at LAC |
| 7. | *Deebo Samuel SF at CHI Note: Samuel missed roughly a week of practice with a sore knee, but resumed practicing on Monday. Not on the Niners' initial injury report. |
| 8. | A.J. Brown PHI at DET |
| 9. | Tyreek Hill MIA vs. NE |
| 10. | *Tee Higgins CIN vs. PIT Note: Higgins missed a decent chunk of time rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, but he was a full participant on Monday. Fully cleared to play in Week 1. |
| 11. | Mike Evans TB at DAL |
| 12. | Michael Pittman IND at HOU |
| 13. | Mike Williams LAC vs. LV |
| 14. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. LV |
| 15. | Courtland Sutton DEN at SEA |
| 16. | Allen Robinson LA vs. BUF |
| 17. | DJ Moore CAR vs. CLE |
| 18. | Terry McLaurin WAS vs. JAX |
| 19. | *Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. NE Note: Waddle returned to practice Monday after missing time the last two weeks with a nebulous 'lower-body' injury. Waddle's injury was finally revealed as a quad issue, but he upgraded to a full practice Thursday. |
| 20. | Gabe Davis BUF at LAR |
| 21. | Jerry Jeudy DEN at SEA |
| 22. | Marquise Brown ARZ vs. KC |
| 23. | JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at ARI |
| 24. | DK Metcalf SEA vs. DEN |
| 25. | *Diontae Johnson PIT at CIN Note: Johnson (shoulder) has been limited in practice so far after getting hurt in the Steelers' final preseason game. The quotes from Johnson himself on Wednesday weren't great, but the comments from the coaching staff and teammate Chase Claypool were more optimistic on Thursday. Still, he's a downgrade here. ***Full practice Friday and was cleared from the injury list. I get the idea that this is a 'play-through-pain' situation and he's not exactly 100 percent.*** |
| 26. | Elijah Moore NYJ vs. BAL |
| 27. | Brandin Cooks HOU vs. IND |
| 28. | Darnell Mooney CHI vs. SF |
| 29. | Rashod Bateman BAL at NYJ |
| 30. | Amon-Ra St. Brown DET vs. PHI |
| 31. | Brandon Aiyuk SF at CHI |
| 32. | Amari Cooper CLE at CAR |
| 33. | Hunter Renfrow LV at LAC |
| 34. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. GB |
| 35. | Chase Claypool PIT at CIN |
| 36. | DeVonta Smith PHI at DET |
| 37. | George Pickens PIT at CIN |
| 38. | Tyler Lockett SEA vs. DEN |
| 39. | *Michael Thomas NO at ATL Note: Thomas's draft stock has ridden a roller coaster all draft season, with him missing two weeks of practice recently with a hamstring issue. All signs point to him playing this week, however. Thomas has had just two limited practices so far this week, lessening my confidence about him getting a full compliment of snaps/targets this week. ***Limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.*** |
| 40. | Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC at ARI |
| 41. | Chris Olave NO at ATL |
| 42. | Christian Kirk JAC at WAS |
| 43. | Robert Woods TEN vs. NYG |
| 44. | DJ Chark DET vs. PHI |
| 45. | Skyy Moore KC at ARI |
| 46. | DeVante Parker NE at MIA |
| 47. | *Romeo Doubs GB at MIN Note: I bumped Doubs up a little bit with Lazard's status looking increasingly shaky. |
| 48. | Joshua Palmer LAC vs. LV |
| 49. | Tyler Boyd CIN vs. PIT |
| 50. | *Isaiah McKenzie BUF at LAR Note: McKenzie (groin) was a full participant in Monday's practice, likely putting him on track to play Thursday night. |
| 51. | *Chris Godwin TB at DAL Note: Godwin (knee) is now practicing without a brace on his surgically repaired right knee - it's a real possibility that he's available for Week 1. After being a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Godwin did not practice at all Thursday and will be a game-time decision Sunday night - that it's so late in the week makes him all the more volatile. ***Godwin had a full practice on Friday and is expected to play, though he'll be on a snap-count.*** |
| 52. | *Kenny Golladay NYG at TEN Note: On one hand, Golladay has been healthy in training camp, but on the other, he's had some drops in the preseason and in practice. Health no longer seems to be an issue, but can he still play? |
| 53. | Sammy Watkins GB at MIN |
| 54. | *Kadarius Toney NYG at TEN Note: Toney spent most of training camp dealing with what appears to be a hamstring issue, but he's on target to play in Week 1. Not on the injury report. |
| 55. | K.J. Osborn MIN vs. GB |
| 56. | Mecole Hardman KC at ARI |
| 57. | *Russell Gage TB at DAL Note: Gage (leg) returned to practice last week and should be available to play Week 1 against the Cowboys. Gage has had two limited practices this week. Meanwhile teammate Chris Godwin is now looking like a game-time decision. ***Limited again on Friday, listed as questionable but is expected to play.*** |
| 58. | Julio Jones TB at DAL |
| 59. | Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE at CAR |
| 60. | Jarvis Landry NO at ATL |
| 61. | *Drake London ATL vs. NO Note: London (knee) has been hurt since Aug. 12 and has been held out of practice since, though he was 'spotted' at practice Monday if not necessarily fully participating. London has had two limited practices so far this week, and coach Arthur Smith said that they won't decide on London until Saturday. ***London was limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable, though he's expected to play.*** |
| 62. | Nico Collins HOU vs. IND |
| 63. | Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. BAL |
| 64. | Jahan Dotson WAS vs. JAX |
| 65. | *Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN vs. NYG Note: Westbrook-Ikhine is listed as the starter opposite Robert Woods, ahead of rookie Treylon Burks, on the Titans' posted depth chart. |
| 66. | Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at TEN |
| 67. | *Jakobi Meyers NE at MIA Note: Meyers has had two limited practices so far this week. ***Meyers is listed as questionable after being limited again on Friday, but he's expected to play.*** |
| 68. | *Robbie Anderson CAR vs. CLE Note: Anderson (quad) fully practiced on Wednesday. |
| 69. | Curtis Samuel WAS vs. JAX |
| 70. | Marvin Jones JAC at WAS |
| 71. | *Treylon Burks TEN vs. NYG Note: Not on the injury list to begin the week. |
| 72. | *A.J. Green ARZ vs. KC Note: Just added Green to the list, with Hopkins suspended and both Moore & Ertz looking shaky. |
| 73. | Bryan Edwards ATL vs. NO |
| 74. | Alec Pierce IND at HOU |
| 75. | Zay Jones JAC at WAS |
| 76. | *Christian Watson GB at MIN Note: The Packers are 'hopeful' that Watson (knee) can play in Week 1 after missing the preseason with his injury. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 77. | Corey Davis NYJ vs. BAL |
| 78. | Devin Duvernay BAL at NYJ |
| 79. | *KJ Hamler DEN at SEA Note: Hamler (knee) started the week as a limited practice participant. ***Hamler was limited in practice all week, and is listed as questionable for Monday night.*** |
| 80. | *Allen Lazard GB at MIN Note: Lazard (undisclosed) was limited to running on the side on Monday and has been sidelined for a week, with coach Matt LaFleur non-committal about Lazard's status for Week 1. Lazard (ankle) did not practice at all Wednesday and wasn't present at the start of practice on Thursday. ***Lazard is listed as doubtful and is unlikely to play.*** |
| 81. | *Rondale Moore ARZ vs. KC Note: Moore is listed with an undisclosed injury, but was able to practice Monday. Moore had a setback in practice Thursday with his hamstring and is set for an MRI. ***Officially ruled out for Week 1.*** |
| 82. | *Van Jefferson LA vs. BUF Note: Jefferson injured his knee in training camp in early August and has been out of practice all week. He's 'day-to-day' but it doesn't appear likely that he'll play. Ruled out for this week and it's not looking good for Week 2. |
| 83. | *Michael Gallup DAL vs. TB Note: Gallup (knee) won't play or practice in Week 1, though 'if it were the Super Bowl he could play' - according to Jerry Jones. I like how the Cowboys said that Gallup wouldn't practice, and now he's had limited practices the last two days. ***Officially ruled out, though he had another limited practice Friday.*** |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Travis Kelce KC at ARI |
| 2. | Mark Andrews BAL at NYJ |
| 3. | Kyle Pitts ATL vs. NO |
| 4. | Dalton Schultz DAL vs. TB |
| 5. | *Darren Waller LV at LAC Note: Waller (hamstring) returned to practice last week after missing another week. He also changed agents and appears to be on the verge of signing a contract extension. Waller is not on the Week 1 injury list. ***Agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal on Saturday.*** |
| 6. | Dallas Goedert PHI at DET |
| 7. | *Dawson Knox BUF at LAR Note: Just got paid. |
| 8. | T.J. Hockenson DET vs. PHI |
| 9. | Pat Freiermuth PIT at CIN |
| 10. | Cole Kmet CHI vs. SF |
| 11. | David Njoku CLE at CAR |
| 12. | Hunter Henry NE at MIA |
| 13. | Noah Fant SEA vs. DEN |
| 14. | Austin Hooper TEN vs. NYG |
| 15. | *Gerald Everett LAC vs. LV Note: ***Teammate Donald Parham is listed as doubtful.*** |
| 16. | *Irv Smith MIN vs. GB Note: Smith (thumb) appears likely to be ready for Week 1. Smith isn't even on the Week 1 injury list; he's good to go. |
| 17. | *Tyler Higbee LA vs. BUF Note: Higbee (knee) didn't see any action in the preseason, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's not ready - the Rams almost never play their starters in the preseason. |
| 18. | *Mike Gesicki MIA vs. NE Note: The Dolphins shut down rumors that Gesicki was being shopped around, but they also appear to be lessening his impact in the passing game. |
| 19. | *Zach Ertz ARZ vs. KC Note: Ertz is still day-to-day with a calf injury that's been bothering him for a month. Ertz was limited in Wednesday's practice and did not practice Thursday. ***Ertz is now expected to play, barring any pregame setbacks.*** |
| 20. | *Robert Tonyan GB at MIN Note: It's 'a little too early' to say whether Tonyan (knee) will be available for Week 1. Tony has been limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Tonyan has been cleared from the injury list, though I suspect he'll be limited in his first game back.*** |
| 21. | *Albert Okwuegbunam DEN at SEA Note: Okwuegbunam (lower body) had a 'little tightness' last week but returned to practice Tuesday. ***Cleared from the injury report.*** |
| 22. | *Brevin Jordan HOU vs. IND Note: I like Jordan as an endgame/sleeper type, but it's hard to count on starting him off the bat. |
| 23. | Evan Engram JAC at WAS |
| 24. | Hayden Hurst CIN vs. PIT |
| 25. | Mo Alie-Cox IND at HOU |
| 26. | Isaiah Likely BAL at NYJ |
| 27. | Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. BAL |
| 28. | Cameron Brate TB at DAL |
| 29. | Trey McBride ARZ vs. KC |
| 30. | C.J. Uzomah NYJ vs. BAL |
| 31. | *Logan Thomas WAS vs. JAX Note: Thomas (knee) said he's uncertain whether he'll be ready for Week 1. In my experience, when the player isn't optimistic, that's not a good sign. Thomas has been limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Thomas is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.*** |
| 32. | *George Kittle SF at CHI Note: Kittle suffered a groin injury in practice Monday and hasn't been able to practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Sat out practice again Friday and is now unlikely to play.*** |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Jonathan Taylor IND at HOU |
| 2. | Cooper Kupp LA vs. BUF |
| 3. | Justin Jefferson MIN vs. GB |
| 4. | Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. PIT |
| 5. | *Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. CLE Note: McCaffrey was a full practice participant Thursday after getting cut on the shin by a teammate's cleat. Stand down, nothing to see here. ***Full practice Friday, not on the final injury report.*** |
| 6. | Austin Ekeler LAC vs. LV |
| 7. | Stefon Diggs BUF at LAR |
| 8. | *CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. TB Note: Lamb dealt with a foot injury in training camp, but he's clear of the injury report. |
| 9. | Joe Mixon CIN vs. PIT |
| 10. | Alvin Kamara NO at ATL |
| 11. | *Derrick Henry TEN vs. NYG Note: I really want to see if Henry has the pre-injury burst now that he's had an entire offseason to rest. |
| 12. | Davante Adams LV at LAC |
| 13. | Dalvin Cook MIN vs. GB |
| 14. | Travis Kelce KC at ARI |
| 15. | Nick Chubb CLE at CAR |
| 16. | Saquon Barkley NYG at TEN |
| 17. | *Javonte Williams DEN at SEA Note: ***There's some buzz about the Broncos employing a 'hot-hand' approach at RB between Williams and Gordon, which might be defined as limiting Williams' work as the starter.*** |
| 18. | *Deebo Samuel SF at CHI Note: Samuel missed roughly a week of practice with a sore knee, but resumed practicing on Monday. Not on the Niners' initial injury report. |
| 19. | A.J. Brown PHI at DET |
| 20. | Tyreek Hill MIA vs. NE |
| 21. | *Tee Higgins CIN vs. PIT Note: Higgins missed a decent chunk of time rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder, but he was a full participant on Monday. Fully cleared to play in Week 1. |
| 22. | Aaron Jones GB at MIN |
| 23. | Mike Evans TB at DAL |
| 24. | Michael Pittman IND at HOU |
| 25. | Mark Andrews BAL at NYJ |
| 26. | Kyle Pitts ATL vs. NO |
| 27. | Najee Harris PIT at CIN |
| 28. | Mike Williams LAC vs. LV |
| 29. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. LV |
| 30. | Courtland Sutton DEN at SEA |
| 31. | Allen Robinson LA vs. BUF |
| 32. | James Conner ARZ vs. KC |
| 33. | D'Andre Swift DET vs. PHI |
| 34. | Leonard Fournette TB at DAL |
| 35. | DJ Moore CAR vs. CLE |
| 36. | *Diontae Johnson PIT at CIN Note: Johnson (shoulder) has been limited in practice so far after getting hurt in the Steelers' final preseason game. The quotes from Johnson himself on Wednesday weren't great, but the comments from the coaching staff and teammate Chase Claypool were more optimistic on Thursday. Still, he's a downgrade here. ***Full practice Friday and was cleared from the injury list. I get the idea that this is a 'play-through-pain' situation and he's not exactly 100 percent.*** |
| 37. | Terry McLaurin WAS vs. JAX |
| 38. | *Elijah Mitchell SF at CHI Note: Mitchell was able to avoid the initial injury report Wednesday after missing some of training camp and all of the preseason with a hamstring injury. |
| 39. | Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. TB |
| 40. | *Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. NE Note: Waddle returned to practice Monday after missing time the last two weeks with a nebulous 'lower-body' injury. Waddle's injury was finally revealed as a quad issue, but he upgraded to a full practice Thursday. |
| 41. | Gabe Davis BUF at LAR |
| 42. | Jerry Jeudy DEN at SEA |
| 43. | Marquise Brown ARZ vs. KC |
| 44. | *Travis Etienne JAC at WAS Note: Teammate James Robinson (Achilles) looks ready to play this week. |
| 45. | AJ Dillon GB at MIN |
| 46. | JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at ARI |
| 47. | DK Metcalf SEA vs. DEN |
| 48. | Elijah Moore NYJ vs. BAL |
| 49. | Brandin Cooks HOU vs. IND |
| 50. | Darnell Mooney CHI vs. SF |
| 51. | Rashod Bateman BAL at NYJ |
| 52. | *Michael Thomas NO at ATL Note: Thomas's draft stock has ridden a roller coaster all draft season, with him missing two weeks of practice recently with a hamstring issue. All signs point to him playing this week, however. Thomas has had just two limited practices so far this week, lessening my confidence about him getting a full compliment of snaps/targets this week. ***Limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.*** |
| 53. | Amon-Ra St. Brown DET vs. PHI |
| 54. | Brandon Aiyuk SF at CHI |
| 55. | Amari Cooper CLE at CAR |
| 56. | *Antonio Gibson WAS vs. JAX Note: Gibson was set to lose tons of playing time to Brian Robinson before Robinson was shot. Gibson will now have at least four games where he's sharing the backfield work with J.D. McKissic. |
| 57. | Dalton Schultz DAL vs. TB |
| 58. | Josh Jacobs LV at LAC |
| 59. | Hunter Renfrow LV at LAC |
| 60. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. GB |
| 61. | DeVonta Smith PHI at DET |
| 62. | *Rashaad Penny SEA vs. DEN Note: Penny will likely get a lot of early-season work with Kenneth Walker III recovering from his hernia surgery. |
| 63. | *Dameon Pierce HOU vs. IND Note: Pierce was finally listed atop the Texans' unofficial depth chart despite earlier versions having him behind Rex Burkhead and the since-released Marlon Mack. Confirmed as the starter. |
| 64. | Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC at ARI |
| 65. | Tyler Lockett SEA vs. DEN |
| 66. | *Darren Waller LV at LAC Note: Waller (hamstring) returned to practice last week after missing another week. He also changed agents and appears to be on the verge of signing a contract extension. Waller is not on the Week 1 injury list. ***Agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal on Saturday.*** |
| 67. | Dallas Goedert PHI at DET |
| 68. | *Chase Edmonds MIA vs. NE Note: Edmonds (groin) was limited Wednesday but upgraded to full participation on Thursday. |
| 69. | Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC at ARI |
| 70. | Chris Olave NO at ATL |
| 71. | Christian Kirk JAC at WAS |
| 72. | Damien Harris NE at MIA |
| 73. | David Montgomery CHI vs. SF |
| 74. | Chase Claypool PIT at CIN |
| 75. | *Breece Hall NYJ vs. BAL Note: ***Hall is listed behind Michael Carter on the Jets' unofficial depth chart right now.*** |
| 76. | *Cam Akers LA vs. BUF Note: ***Even though I was pessimistic about Akers this week, I wasn't pessimistic enough.*** |
| 77. | Devin Singletary BUF at LAR |
| 78. | Rhamondre Stevenson NE at MIA |
| 79. | *Miles Sanders PHI at DET Note: Sanders missed two weeks of practice with a hamstring injury before returning last Thursday. His status for Sunday still needs to be monitored, with the Eagles carrying three other backs (Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Trey Sermon) behind him. Full practice Wednesday, appears ready to play - but will Sanders lose out on some carries? |
| 80. | *Kadarius Toney NYG at TEN Note: Toney spent most of training camp dealing with what appears to be a hamstring issue, but he's on target to play in Week 1. Not on the injury report. |
| 81. | Robert Woods TEN vs. NYG |
| 82. | DJ Chark DET vs. PHI |
| 83. | *J.K. Dobbins BAL at NYJ Note: Dobbins's status for Week 1 returning form his knee injury is still uncertain. He's been seen limping at times, but at other times he's looked more explosive. Gus Edwards is out, so we may see more of Mike Davis and Kenyan Drake early on this season. Dobbins was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and though coach John Harbaugh said that Dobbins is 'ascending quickly,' teammate Lamar Jackson suggested that it might be a couple of weeks before we see Dobbins fully unleashed. ***Dobbins was limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable. ESPN's Dianna Russini reports that Dobbins is unlikely to play, though he's 'going to try' to give it a go in pregame warmups. OFFICIALLY INACTIVE*** |
| 84. | Darrell Henderson LA vs. BUF |
| 85. | Melvin Gordon DEN at SEA |
| 86. | Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. NO |
| 87. | Skyy Moore KC at ARI |
| 88. | DeVante Parker NE at MIA |
| 89. | George Pickens PIT at CIN |
| 90. | Joshua Palmer LAC vs. LV |
| 91. | *George Kittle SF at CHI Note: Kittle suffered a groin injury in practice Monday and hasn't been able to practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Sat out practice again Friday and is now unlikely to play.*** |
| 92. | *Chris Godwin TB at DAL Note: Godwin (knee) is now practicing without a brace on his surgically repaired right knee - it's a real possibility that he's available for Week 1. After being a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Godwin did not practice at all Thursday and will be a game-time decision Sunday night - that it's so late in the week makes him all the more volatile. ***Godwin had a full practice on Friday and is expected to play, though he'll be on a snap-count.*** |
| 93. | *Allen Lazard GB at MIN Note: Lazard (undisclosed) was limited to running on the side on Monday and has been sidelined for a week, with coach Matt LaFleur non-committal about Lazard's status for Week 1. Lazard (ankle) did not practice at all Wednesday and wasn't present at the start of practice on Thursday. ***Lazard is listed as doubtful and is unlikely to play.*** |
Kickers
| 1. | Evan McPherson CIN vs. PIT |
| 2. | Justin Tucker BAL at NYJ |
| 3. | Tyler Bass BUF at LAR |
| 4. | Daniel Carlson LV at LAC |
| 5. | Harrison Butker KC at ARI |
| 6. | Matt Gay LA vs. BUF |
| 7. | Dustin Hopkins LAC vs. LV |
| 8. | Matt Prater ARZ vs. KC |
| 9. | Ryan Succop TB at DAL |
| 10. | *Chris Boswell PIT at CIN Note: Boswell signed a big contract extension in training camp. |
| 11. | Robbie Gould SF at CHI |
| 12. | Jason Sanders MIA vs. NE |
| 13. | Brandon McManus DEN at SEA |
| 14. | Nick Folk NE at MIA |
| 15. | Jake Elliott PHI at DET |
| 16. | Wil Lutz NO at ATL |
| 17. | Randy Bullock TEN vs. NYG |
| 18. | Younghoe Koo ATL vs. NO |
| 19. | *Cade York CLE at CAR Note: York has been impressive in training camp - there's some thought that he could be this year's Evan McPherson. |
| 20. | Rodrigo Blankenship IND at HOU |
| 21. | Greg Zuerlein NYJ vs. BAL |
| 22. | *Brett Maher DAL vs. TB Note: Maher was waived by the Cowboys and then added to their practice squad, but that's just the Cowboys playing roster shenanigans. He's expected to be their kicker on Sunday night. ***Officially added to the active roster on Saturday.*** |
| 23. | *Graham Gano NYG at TEN Note: Gano suffered a concussion in the Giants' second preseason game, but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Not listed on this week's injury report. |
| 24. | Greg Joseph MIN vs. GB |
| 25. | Joey Slye WAS vs. JAX |
| 26. | *Mason Crosby GB at MIN Note: Crosby (knee) was activated from the PUP list last week. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 27. | Cairo Santos CHI vs. SF |
| 28. | *Austin Seibert DET vs. PHI Note: Seibert (groin) was limited Wednesday but was back to a full practice Thursday. |
| 29. | Jason Myers SEA vs. DEN |
| 30. | *Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. IND Note: Not listed on the injury report after having to sit out the preseason finale. |
| 31. | Eddy Pineiro CAR vs. CLE |
| 32. | *Riley Patterson JAC at WAS Note: Patterson lost out to Austin Seibert with the Lions, but was claimed off waivers by the Jaguars and will begin the season as their kicker. |
Defenses
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers at CHI |
| 2. | Baltimore Ravens at NYJ |
| 3. | New Orleans Saints at ATL |
| 4. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. PIT |
| 5. | Cleveland Browns at CAR |
| 6. | Miami Dolphins vs. NE |
| 7. | *Indianapolis Colts at HOU Note: Shaquille Leonard (back) has been ruled out for Week 1. |
| 8. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DAL |
| 9. | Green Bay Packers at MIN |
| 10. | Philadelphia Eagles at DET |
| 11. | Tennessee Titans vs. NYG |
| 12. | Denver Broncos at SEA |
| 13. | Dallas Cowboys vs. TB |
| 14. | New England Patriots at MIA |
| 15. | *Washington Commanders vs. JAX Note: Chase Young (knee) will likely return by midseason. |
| 16. | *Los Angeles Rams vs. BUF Note: Jordan Fuller (ankle) appears fully ready to go after having surgery on his ankle in the offseason. Likewise, Jalen Ramsey (shoulder) is ready to go. |
| 17. | *Minnesota Vikings vs. GB Note: Safety Lewis Cine, the Vikings' first-round pick, is out with a knee injury. |
| 18. | Kansas City Chiefs at ARI |
| 19. | Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN |
| 20. | *Buffalo Bills at LAR Note: The Bills will be missing Tre'Davious White for at least the first four weeks of the season, meaning that rookies Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford will be thrown into the fire right away. At least it looks like Jordan Poyer (elbow) will be ready to go. |
| 21. | Carolina Panthers vs. CLE |
| 22. | Las Vegas Raiders at LAC |
| 23. | *Los Angeles Chargers vs. LV Note: J.C. Jackson (ankle) is doubtful for Week 1 against the Raiders. |
| 24. | *Arizona Cardinals vs. KC Note: J.J. Watt (calf) will be out, as will Trayvon Mullen (toe). |
| 25. | Jacksonville Jaguars at WAS |
| 26. | New York Giants at TEN |
| 27. | Chicago Bears vs. SF |
| 28. | *Seattle Seahawks vs. DEN Note: CB Sidney Jones (concussion) has been cleared from the injury list. |
| 29. | Detroit Lions vs. PHI |
| 30. | New York Jets vs. BAL |
| 31. | Atlanta Falcons vs. NO |
| 32. | Houston Texans vs. IND |
