This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday Update Complete
Bye Weeks: Buffalo, Chicago, New York Giants, San Francisco
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 "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.
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 PT. I will
Sunday Update Complete
Bye Weeks: Buffalo, Chicago, New York Giants, San Francisco
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 "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.
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 PT. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning. I will post at the top of the article in bold font when ranking updates are in progress and when they're complete.
I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.
Quarterbacks
1. | Kyler Murray ARZ at SEA |
2. | Patrick Mahomes KC at LV |
3. | *Russell Wilson SEA vs. ARI Note: The OL has become a real problem for Wilson and the Seahawks, and it's hard to imagine it getting completely fixed by Thursday night. |
4. | *Justin Herbert LAC vs. NYJ Note: Herbert had his first real bad game against Miami, but even then he accounted for three touchdowns - two passing, one rushing. |
5. | Lamar Jackson BAL vs. TEN |
6. | Deshaun Watson HOU vs. NE |
7. | Aaron Rodgers GB at IND |
8. | *Derek Carr LV vs. KC Note: Carr's attempts were drastically reduced in the blowout win, and his numbers were hurt by bad drops from Nelson Agholor (in the end zone!) and Darren Waller. |
9. | *Ben Roethlisberger PIT at JAX Note: Roethlisberger was seen holding his throwing elbow at one point in the first half Sunday, but it was from about that point that he started to tear apart the Bengals. He draws another good matchup this week in Jacksonville. |
10. | Tom Brady TB vs. LAR |
11. | Tua Tagovailoa MIA at DEN |
12. | Cam Newton NE at HOU |
13. | Matt Ryan ATL at NO |
14. | Alex Smith WAS vs. CIN |
15. | *Andy Dalton DAL at MIN Note: Dalton has cleared both the concussion protocol and the COVID-IR and fully practiced Monday. |
16. | Philip Rivers IND vs. GB |
17. | *Kirk Cousins MIN vs. DAL Note: Cousins finally won on Monday night and looked pretty good in the process. Even his interception was the fault of Adam Thielen's drop. |
18. | *Taysom Hill NO vs. ATL Note: Hill saw 22 snaps last week, and with Brees out will probably see a similar workload this week, even if Jameis Winston is the starter. It will be Hill that's the starter, not Winston. |
19. | Ryan Tannehill TEN at BAL |
20. | *Joe Burrow CIN at WAS Note: Burrow draws another tough pass rush matchup against the Football Team this week. |
21. | *Matthew Stafford DET at CAR Note: Stafford hurt his thumb in the win over the Football Team - it has been diagnosed as a partially torn ligament in his thumb, but he's still expected to play. Watch the practice reports closely on this one. Stafford did not practice Wednesday. ***Expected to be able to play, but won't have Golladay or Swift.*** |
22. | Jared Goff LA at TB |
23. | Carson Wentz PHI at CLE |
24. | *P.J. Walker CAR vs. DET Note: Walker would start if Teddy Bridgewater (knee) can't play. Bridgewater has only managed two limited practices so far, and some reports suggest he's pointing towards not starting. Will Grier is also an option to start - it's not guaranteed that Walker would get the call. |
25. | *Baker Mayfield CLE vs. PHI Note: Hoping to play a game in normal weather for once. Starting RT Jack Conklin is on the COVID-IR list - as a close contact - but could return Sunday. |
26. | *Drew Lock DEN vs. MIA Note: Lock has a 'pretty severe strain and bruising' to his ribs and is day-to-day. X-rays proved negative for a fracture at least. Brett Rypien started the last Broncos game when Lock was out. Lock did not practice Wednesday but returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Lock was able to gut it out through practice this week and is expected to start Sunday.*** |
27. | *Joe Flacco NYJ at LAC Note: Flacco will get another start with Sam Darnold ruled out again this week. |
28. | *Jake Luton JAC vs. PIT Note: Luton will get another start with Gardner Minshew (thumb) out again. ***Confirmed as the starter for the third week in a row.*** |
29. | *Teddy Bridgewater CAR vs. DET Note: Bridgewater suffered an MCL sprain in the loss to the Bucs in the fourth quarter and is day-to-day. Bridgewater has only had limited practices Wednesday and Thursday and it's looking less likely that he'll start this week. ***Limited again on Friday but apparently looked better - Matt Rhule described him as a game-time decision.*** |
30. | Will Grier CAR vs. DET |
31. | *Brett Rypien DEN vs. MIA Note: Rypien would likely start if Drew Lock (ribs) can't go. Lock did not practice Wednesday but did have a limited practice Thursday. This could end up being a game-time decision. ***It appears that Lock will start Sunday.*** |
32. | *Jameis Winston NO vs. ATL Note: Didn't look great in relief of Drew Brees, who is now out a minimum of three weeks. Coach Sean Payton said that he wouldn't reveal whether Winston or Taysom Hill will start this week until later, but even if Winston starts, Hill is going to be a big part of the game plan. It will be Hill and not Winston that's starting. |
33. | *Gardner Minshew JAC vs. PIT Note: Minshew (thumb) will miss at least another week, but he might throw in practice this week. ***Threw some in practice this week, as was foretold, but is listed as questionable and not expected to play.*** |
34. | *Garrett Gilbert DAL at MIN Note: Gilbert was passable against the Steelers, but the Cowboys have already said that if Andy Dalton is healthy, Dalton would start. And Dalton has been cleared from the concussion protocol and the COVID-IR. |
35. | *Sam Darnold NYJ at LAC Note: Darnold's sprained AC joint in his shoulder will keep him out at least one more week, even after the bye. ***Officially listed as doubtful, and didn't practice all week.*** |
36. | *Drew Brees NO vs. ATL Note: Brees was diagnosed with five broken ribs and and a collapsed lung on the right side and has been placed on IR, so he's out a minimum of three weeks. |
Running Backs
1. | *Dalvin Cook MIN vs. DAL Note: Cook was bottled up for most of the game, but had a couple of long runs called back due to holding penalties. He has a much better matchup at home this week against Dallas. |
2. | *Alvin Kamara NO vs. ATL Note: Kamara was very limited in practice Wednesday with a foot injury. ***Kamara sat out Thursday, but put in a full practice Friday and will play Sunday.*** |
3. | Derrick Henry TEN at BAL |
4. | Aaron Jones GB at IND |
5. | Nick Chubb CLE vs. PHI |
6. | Miles Sanders PHI at CLE |
7. | Josh Jacobs LV vs. KC |
8. | *Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC at LV Note: Edwards-Helaire wasn't present at the start of practice Thursday - still waiting for the reason why. ***(Illness) Full practice Friday, off the injury list.*** |
9. | *James Robinson JAC vs. PIT Note: Robinson was limited in Wednesday's practice with a sore shoulder. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
10. | Antonio Gibson WAS vs. CIN |
11. | *Ezekiel Elliott DAL at MIN Note: Elliott was nursing a hamstring injury before the bye, but put in a full practice Wednesday. |
12. | *James Conner PIT at JAX Note: The Bengals schemed well to stop Conner (13-36, two catches for 12 yards). The only problem was that Ben Roethlisberger passed all over them instead. |
13. | *Giovani Bernard CIN at WAS Note: ***Bernard not only will start this week, but for the next three weeks with Joe Mixon going on IR.*** |
14. | *Mike Davis CAR vs. DET Note: Davis briefly left with a finger injury in the loss to the Bucs. If he can't go this week, Rodney Smith is likely next in line. Davis's finger appears to be fine, and it looks as if McCaffrey won't play. |
15. | *J.D. McKissic WAS vs. CIN Note: McKissic had a whopping 15 targets, albeit for only 43 yards, in the loss to the Lions. |
16. | *Kenyan Drake ARZ at SEA Note: (Ankle) Drake managed 100 yards on 16 carries in the win over the Bills; he was listed as limited at Monday's estimated practice report. Drake has been cleared from the injury report in advance of Thursday night's game. |
17. | Todd Gurley ATL at NO |
18. | *Damien Harris NE at HOU Note: Harris's ankle looked just fine in the win over the Ravens on Sunday night. Limited practice Wednesday - seems similar to last week's progression. ***Harris is listed as questionable but should go. But with Sony Michel coming off the IR, perhaps Harris's workload declines.*** |
19. | Kareem Hunt CLE vs. PHI |
20. | *Kalen Ballage LAC vs. NYJ Note: Ballage was clearly the lead back against the Dolphins and will likely fill that role again this week against the Jets. Confirmed as the Chargers' primary back for now, at least until they get Austin Ekeler and/or Justin Jackson back. |
21. | Melvin Gordon DEN vs. MIA |
22. | *Ronald Jones TB vs. LAR Note: Jones lost a fumble early, but then exploded for 192 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers - probably on a lot of team's benches, including mine. |
23. | *Carlos Hyde SEA vs. ARI Note: (Hamstring) Hyde was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice, but practiced at full speed on Tuesday. It looks as if he could return Thursday night. |
24. | *Adrian Peterson DET at CAR Note: D'Andre Swift was reported on the concussion protocol Thursday - still finding more details on his status. ***Peterson will likely start with Swift declared out.*** |
25. | *Salvon Ahmed MIA at DEN Note: Ahmed received lead back carries - 21 for 85 yards and a touchdown - last week. The Dolphins then cut Jordan Howard this week, cementing Ahmed's role at least until Myles Gaskin returns. Matt Breida was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but I'm not sure how much that matters. It could hurt Ahmed in passing downs, perhaps. |
26. | *Duke Johnson HOU vs. NE Note: Johnson was disappointing in his 'revenge game' against the Browns, especially with zero catches, but the opportunity remains for at least two more weeks. Sat out practice Wednesday with a non-COVID related illness. ***Full practice Friday and no longer on the injury list.*** |
27. | *Latavius Murray NO vs. ATL Note: Murray could be busier than normal due to Alvin Kamara's foot injury. |
28. | *Chase Edmonds ARZ at SEA Note: Edmonds reverted to a backup role to Kenyan Drake against the Bills. Drake has been limited this week, but I suspect that Drake will still be the lead back again Thursday. |
29. | Darrell Henderson LA at TB |
30. | Nyheim Hines IND vs. GB |
31. | *Phillip Lindsay DEN vs. MIA Note: Lindsay got only four touches in the loss to the Raiders. Perhaps game flow was a problem - the Broncos trailed most of the game and by multiple scores for the extent of the second half, and Lindsay just isn't involved in the passing game. |
32. | Mark Ingram BAL vs. TEN |
33. | *Kerryon Johnson DET at CAR Note: D'Andre Swift was reported on the concussion protocol Thursday - still finding more details on his status. ***Swift is out; Peterson is the likely starter, but Johnson will get heavy work on passing downs and perhaps get some carries as well.*** |
34. | Leonard Fournette TB vs. LAR |
35. | Rex Burkhead NE at HOU |
36. | Jonathan Taylor IND vs. GB |
37. | *La'Mical Perine NYJ at LAC Note: Coach Adam Gase promised more touches for Perine for the remainder of the season, though he said that Frank Gore will still be involved some. |
38. | Gus Edwards BAL vs. TEN |
39. | Jamaal Williams GB at IND |
40. | Malcolm Brown LA at TB |
41. | Boston Scott PHI at CLE |
42. | J.K. Dobbins BAL vs. TEN |
43. | Le'Veon Bell KC at LV |
44. | *Cam Akers LA at TB Note: Akers had more touches (10) than Henderson and Brown (eight apiece), but they accounted for three touchdowns. Plus, LT Andrew Whitworth is out, which will hurt the running game. |
45. | Tony Pollard DAL at MIN |
46. | Devontae Booker LV vs. KC |
47. | *Samaje Perine CIN at WAS Note: ***Joe Mixon is officially out, and not just that, but he's on the IR.*** |
48. | Brian Hill ATL at NO |
49. | James White NE at HOU |
50. | *Joshua Kelley LAC vs. NYJ Note: Kelley saw his snaps drastically cut despite Justin Jackson being out and Troymaine Pope not getting any offensive snaps. Kalen Ballage is officially the Chargers' primary back ahead of Kelley. |
51. | Jordan Wilkins IND vs. GB |
52. | *Matt Breida MIA at DEN Note: (Hamstring) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. |
53. | D'Onta Foreman TEN at BAL |
54. | *Devine Ozigbo JAC vs. PIT Note: (Hamstring) ***Full practice Friday, will be the backup to James Robinson.*** |
55. | *DeeJay Dallas SEA vs. ARI Note: Dallas surprisingly played a minimal role for the Seahawks in the loss to the Rams, not getting a carry until the second half, taking a backseat to Alex Collins. |
56. | Frank Gore NYJ at LAC |
57. | Alexander Mattison MIN vs. DAL |
58. | Benny Snell PIT at JAX |
59. | *Sony Michel NE at HOU Note: ***(Quadriceps) Michel came off the IR on Saturday.*** |
60. | Rodney Smith CAR vs. DET |
61. | Darrel Williams KC at LV |
62. | *Corey Clement PHI at CLE Note: ***Placed on the COVID-IR list Thursday.*** |
63. | *Alex Collins at Note: Collins automatically reverted back to the practice squad Monday, but he was used significantly in the loss to the Rams and could be used again this week with the short week. |
64. | *D'Andre Swift DET at CAR Note: The Lions finally gave Swift a starting RB's workload and he rewarded them with 147 total yards and a score. Swift is in the concussion protocol, and there's some confusion about when he suffered the concussion - but the first report of that came on Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.*** |
65. | *Troymaine Pope LAC vs. NYJ Note: Active last week but didn't play a single offensive snap. |
66. | *Tyler Ervin GB at IND Note: Ervin left Sunday's win in the second quarter with a rib injury. Missed practice on Wednesday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
67. | *Jalen Richard LV vs. KC Note: Richard was forced from Sunday's game with a chest injury - x-rays were negative. Did not practice Wednesday. |
68. | *Chris Carson SEA vs. ARI Note: (Foot) Did not participate in Monday's estimated practice, but then was listed as a limited participant Tuesday. Did not participate in Wednesday's practice, and while he's officially listed as questionable, he is not expected to play. |
69. | *Joe Mixon CIN at WAS Note: (Foot) Still hasn't returned to practice. |
70. | *Travis Homer SEA vs. ARI Note: Homer was forced from the loss to the Rams with a foot injury and was limited in Monday's walk-through. (Wrist/Knee/Thumb) Downgraded to doubtful in advance of Thursday's game. |
71. | *Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. DET Note: McCaffrey (shoulder) is unlikely to play this week, according to Monday's report from Adam Schefter, but Matt Rhule later said he's still hopeful about his chances of returning. McCaffrey hasn't yet practiced this week and doesn't appear on track to play. |
72. | *David Johnson HOU vs. NE Note: IR- Concussion |
73. | *Myles Gaskin MIA at DEN Note: IR- MCL |
74. | *Justin Jackson LAC vs. NYJ Note: IR - Knee |
75. | *Chris Thompson JAC vs. PIT Note: (Back) Thompson was placed on IR on Monday. |
76. | Lamar Miller at |
Wide Receivers
1. | DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at SEA |
2. | Tyreek Hill KC at LV |
3. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. NYJ |
4. | Julio Jones ATL at NO |
5. | *DK Metcalf SEA vs. ARI Note: The Seahawks might just be forced to target Metcalf more despite him getting shadowed by Patrick Peterson, with Tyler Lockett a game-time decision due to a knee sprain. |
6. | Terry McLaurin WAS vs. CIN |
7. | *Davante Adams GB at IND Note: Adams briefly left with an ankle injury, but later returned and scored his touchdown on an acrobatic catch. Limited practice Wednesday and did not practice at all Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
8. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. DAL |
9. | Tyler Boyd CIN at WAS |
10. | Diontae Johnson PIT at JAX |
11. | Amari Cooper DAL at MIN |
12. | Cooper Kupp LA at TB |
13. | JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at JAX |
14. | *Tyler Lockett SEA vs. ARI Note: Lockett has missed both practices this week with 'a bit of a knee sprain' and will be a game-time decision. For now I'm ranking him as if he'll play, but this will come down to the wire. The tough part is that he had such a huge game against Arizona last time, and this injury almost ensure that the Cardinals will keep Patrick Peterson on DK Metcalf. Lockett is expected to play, and of course had that huge game against Dre' Kirkpatrick and the Cardinals a few weeks ago. |
15. | *Jakobi Meyers NE at HOU Note: Meyers has emerged as Cam Newton's top target and has essentially taken over Julian Edelman's role in the offense. |
16. | *Michael Thomas NO vs. ATL Note: The frustration continues - Thomas had just two catches for 27 yards against the Niners. I'm moving Thomas down a few notches with Hill starting over Winston. |
17. | Justin Jefferson MIN vs. DAL |
18. | Robert Woods LA at TB |
19. | Will Fuller HOU vs. NE |
20. | *Tee Higgins CIN at WAS Note: Missed practice Thursday with an illness. ***Full practice Friday, cleared from the injury list.*** |
21. | *Chris Godwin TB vs. LAR Note: Godwin had only six targets in the win over Carolina, but turned that into six catches for 92 yards. |
22. | DJ Chark JAC vs. PIT |
23. | Chase Claypool PIT at JAX |
24. | Christian Kirk ARZ at SEA |
25. | DJ Moore CAR vs. DET |
26. | *A.J. Brown TEN at BAL Note: Did not practice Thursday as part of his management of his knee injury. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
27. | *Mike Evans TB vs. LAR Note: Evans was fed 11 targets in the win over Carolina, turning that into 77 yards and a touchdown. Who gets Jalen Ramsey this week, though? |
28. | Jamison Crowder NYJ at LAC |
29. | *Calvin Ridley ATL at NO Note: (Foot) Worked with the trainers on the side in Monday's practice following the Falcons' bye week. Ridley participated in limited practices Wednesday and Thursday and appears to be geared towards playing this week. ***Cleared from the injury list and will play Sunday.*** |
30. | *Antonio Brown TB vs. LAR Note: Brown had seven catches for 69 yards on eight targets but didn't score. |
31. | Mike Williams LAC vs. NYJ |
32. | Robby Anderson CAR vs. DET |
33. | Jarvis Landry CLE vs. PHI |
34. | *Marvin Jones DET at CAR Note: On one hand, Jones has a pretty sweet matchup. On the other hand, he has a quarterback with a partially torn ligament in his throwing thumb. Seems sub-optimal. Jones sat out practice Wednesday and was a limited participant on Thursday. ***Good to go for Sunday.*** |
35. | *Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. MIA Note: Limited in Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury. ***Full participation in practice on Friday and cleared from the injury list.*** |
36. | Travis Fulgham PHI at CLE |
37. | DeVante Parker MIA at DEN |
38. | Jalen Reagor PHI at CLE |
39. | Michael Pittman IND vs. GB |
40. | Brandin Cooks HOU vs. NE |
41. | *Breshad Perriman NYJ at LAC Note: (Shoulder) Limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
42. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. GB |
43. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at IND Note: MVS is sneaking into Rodgers' circle of trust, but will he lose snaps/targets if Allen Lazard plays this week? With Adams looking shaky for this week, MVS's targets might actually go up. |
44. | *Demarcus Robinson KC at LV Note: This ranking presumes that both Watkins and Hardman are out. He drops 10 spots if one returns, 20 spots if both return. Downgraded with Sammy Watkins returning to practice. ***And now placed back up with Watkins declared out, though Hardman has been activated off the COVID-IR list.*** |
45. | Corey Davis TEN at BAL |
46. | *David Moore SEA vs. ARI Note: With Tyler Lockett a game-time decision, Moore might play a bigger role on Thursday night. |
47. | CeeDee Lamb DAL at MIN |
48. | Jakeem Grant MIA at DEN |
49. | Curtis Samuel CAR vs. DET |
50. | Denzel Mims NYJ at LAC |
51. | *Marvin Hall DET at CAR Note: ***Both Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola have been ruled out.*** |
52. | *Tim Patrick DEN vs. MIA Note: Patrick was ejected late in the loss to the Raiders for throwing punches with Isaiah Johnson. Luckily the college rules don't apply, so he can play from the start of the game this week. |
53. | Greg Ward PHI at CLE |
54. | *Marquise Brown BAL vs. TEN Note: Brown struggled to gain separation from J.C. Jackson all night, and was blanketed on Jackson's interception right before halftime. |
55. | *Emmanuel Sanders NO vs. ATL Note: Sanders was hurt from the game flow and Drew Brees's injury last week. |
56. | Rashard Higgins CLE vs. PHI |
57. | *Allen Lazard GB at IND Note: (Core muscle injury) The Packers activated Lazard from the IR on Tuesday - it doesn't yet mean that he'll play, as they had a deadline of Wednesday to activate him or lose him for the season. Limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Listed as questionable after another limited practice Friday. Ian Rapoport suggests that he's likely to play.*** |
58. | *Olamide Zaccheaus ATL at NO Note: I moved Zaccheaus down in anticipation of Ridley being able to play. ***Limited practice Friday (knee), but should be able to play.*** |
59. | Willie Snead BAL vs. TEN |
60. | *Cam Sims WAS vs. CIN Note: Sims started over Steven Sims for the third week in a row and had a 94 percent snap share. |
61. | KJ Hamler DEN vs. MIA |
62. | Keelan Cole JAC vs. PIT |
63. | *Nelson Agholor LV vs. KC Note: The Eagles version of Agholor popped up last week, with a bad drop in the end zone. |
64. | Chris Conley JAC vs. PIT |
65. | Hunter Renfrow LV vs. KC |
66. | Michael Gallup DAL at MIN |
67. | Jalen Guyton LAC vs. NYJ |
68. | Randall Cobb HOU vs. NE |
69. | Zach Pascal IND vs. GB |
70. | *Henry Ruggs LV vs. KC Note: Dropped a deep pass Sunday and hasn't really done much since his big game against the Chiefs the last time they played. |
71. | Russell Gage ATL at NO |
72. | *Mecole Hardman KC at LV Note: Hardman was placed on the COVID-IR list during the bye week. Still on the COVID-IR list and did not practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the COVID-IR list, but I'm not sure how many reps he'll get, even with Sammy Watkins out.*** |
73. | Josh Reynolds LA at TB |
74. | *A.J. Green CIN at WAS Note: Second goose-egg of the season last week against the Steelers - he's just not getting much separation these days. |
75. | Quintez Cephus DET at CAR |
76. | Devin Duvernay BAL vs. TEN |
77. | Damiere Byrd NE at HOU |
78. | *Alshon Jeffery PHI at CLE Note: Jeffery's playing time will gradually increase over the season, but he's still probably behind Jalen Reagor, Travis Fulgham and Greg Ward. |
79. | James Washington PIT at JAX |
80. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at SEA |
81. | *Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. ATL Note: Smith suffered a concussion in the win over the Niners. Limited practice Thursday as part of his progression from the concussion protocol. ***Cleared from the concussion protocol.*** |
82. | Freddie Swain SEA vs. ARI |
83. | Auden Tate CIN at WAS |
84. | Scotty Miller TB vs. LAR |
85. | Deonte Harris NO vs. ATL |
86. | DaeSean Hamilton DEN vs. MIA |
87. | Steven Sims WAS vs. CIN |
88. | *N'Keal Harry NE at HOU Note: ***Listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.*** |
89. | *Dontrelle Inman WAS vs. CIN Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Listed as questionable after a full practice on Friday.*** |
90. | *Danny Amendola DET at CAR Note: Amendola injured his hip in the win over Washington. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
91. | *Laviska Shenault JAC vs. PIT Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
92. | *Kenny Golladay DET at CAR Note: (Hip) Had a limited practice Wednesday, but then was a non-participant again on Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
93. | *Adam Humphries TEN at BAL Note: Humphries is still in the concussion protocol, two weeks after his injury. Still not practicing. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
94. | *Sammy Watkins KC at LV Note: (Hamstring) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Ruled out after downgrading to limited practices Thursday and Friday.*** |
Tight Ends
1. | Travis Kelce KC at LV |
2. | Darren Waller LV vs. KC |
3. | *Mark Andrews BAL vs. TEN Note: Andrews could get a heavier target volume with Nick Boyle (knee) out for the year. |
4. | *Hayden Hurst ATL at NO Note: Hurst's targets have been tracking up in the weeks preceding the bye, in part due to Calvin Ridley's injury, no doubt. But this is also a pretty decent matchup for him. |
5. | *T.J. Hockenson DET at CAR Note: Keep an eye out for the toe injury that sidelined Hockenson in practice last week. Limited practice again on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
6. | *Jared Cook NO vs. ATL Note: Cook is coming off of a bagel, but Atlanta is a great matchup. Tough call here, but there are few sure things at the position. |
7. | Hunter Henry LAC vs. NYJ |
8. | Jonnu Smith TEN at BAL |
9. | Eric Ebron PIT at JAX |
10. | *Logan Thomas WAS vs. CIN Note: The Bengals are among the worst teams against opposing tight ends again this year, so Thomas is a sneaky start. |
11. | *Rob Gronkowski TB vs. LAR Note: ***Routine rest day Friday, good to go for Monday night.*** |
12. | *Noah Fant DEN vs. MIA Note: (Ribs) Fant sat out Wednesday's practice but returned to a limited practice on Thursday. ***Though he's listed as questionable, Fant had a full practice Friday and coach Vic Fangio said that he expects Fant to play.*** |
13. | *Dallas Goedert PHI at CLE Note: Goedert was on the field for all but five snaps last week and had six targets. Zach Ertz could return soon, however. |
14. | Austin Hooper CLE vs. PHI |
15. | Dalton Schultz DAL at MIN |
16. | Gerald Everett LA at TB |
17. | Mike Gesicki MIA at DEN |
18. | *Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. DAL Note: Rudolph had four catches for 63 yards but also had his first lost fumble in his career. |
19. | Trey Burton IND vs. GB |
20. | Ryan Griffin NYJ at LAC |
21. | Jordan Akins HOU vs. NE |
22. | Tyler Higbee LA at TB |
23. | *Greg Olsen SEA vs. ARI Note: (Foot) Full practice Tuesday. ***Olsen suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in the win on Thursday night and will be out 6-8 weeks.*** |
24. | *Robert Tonyan GB at IND Note: The Colts are extremely tough against tight ends, so this seems to be a bad matchup for Tonyan. (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday. ***Taken off the injury list on Friday.*** |
25. | Chris Herndon NYJ at LAC |
26. | Dan Arnold ARZ at SEA |
27. | Richard Rodgers PHI at CLE |
28. | *Tyler Eifert JAC vs. PIT Note: ***(Shoulder) Cleared from the injury list.*** |
29. | Darren Fells HOU vs. NE |
30. | Anthony Firkser TEN at BAL |
31. | *Jack Doyle IND vs. GB Note: Doyle is still in the concussion protocol. Full practice on Thursday. ***Cleared to play on Sunday.*** |
32. | Adam Trautman NO vs. ATL |
33. | *Jacob Hollister SEA vs. ARI Note: Hollister had a 48 percent snap share, leading the Seahawks three tight ends in Week 9, but had just one target and six snaps in Week 10. |
34. | Drew Sample CIN at WAS |
35. | *Harrison Bryant CLE vs. PHI Note: Bryant wasn't targeted last week, though total passes were down because of the wind in this game. |
36. | *Mo Alie-Cox IND vs. GB Note: (Knee) Limited practice to begin the week. |
37. | Ian Thomas CAR vs. DET |
38. | Will Dissly SEA vs. ARI |
39. | Adam Shaheen MIA at DEN |
40. | *Zach Ertz PHI at CLE Note: (Ankle) Ertz has been designated to return from the IR, which means he can start practicing this week. Began practicing on Wednesday. ***Ertz is unlikely to play this week.*** |
41. | *Irv Smith MIN vs. DAL Note: Smith missed Monday night's game with a groin injury. Had a limited practice Thursday. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
1. | *Dalvin Cook MIN vs. DAL Note: Cook was bottled up for most of the game, but had a couple of long runs called back due to holding penalties. He has a much better matchup at home this week against Dallas. |
2. | DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at SEA |
3. | Tyreek Hill KC at LV |
4. | *Alvin Kamara NO vs. ATL Note: Kamara was very limited in practice Wednesday with a foot injury. ***Kamara sat out Thursday, but put in a full practice Friday and will play Sunday.*** |
5. | Derrick Henry TEN at BAL |
6. | Aaron Jones GB at IND |
7. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. NYJ |
8. | Julio Jones ATL at NO |
9. | *DK Metcalf SEA vs. ARI Note: The Seahawks might just be forced to target Metcalf more despite him getting shadowed by Patrick Peterson, with Tyler Lockett a game-time decision due to a knee sprain. |
10. | Terry McLaurin WAS vs. CIN |
11. | *Davante Adams GB at IND Note: Adams briefly left with an ankle injury, but later returned and scored his touchdown on an acrobatic catch. Limited practice Wednesday and did not practice at all Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
12. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. DAL |
13. | Travis Kelce KC at LV |
14. | Nick Chubb CLE vs. PHI |
15. | Miles Sanders PHI at CLE |
16. | Josh Jacobs LV vs. KC |
17. | *Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC at LV Note: Edwards-Helaire wasn't present at the start of practice Thursday - still waiting for the reason why. ***(Illness) Full practice Friday, off the injury list.*** |
18. | Tyler Boyd CIN at WAS |
19. | Diontae Johnson PIT at JAX |
20. | *James Robinson JAC vs. PIT Note: Robinson was limited in Wednesday's practice with a sore shoulder. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
21. | Antonio Gibson WAS vs. CIN |
22. | Amari Cooper DAL at MIN |
23. | Cooper Kupp LA at TB |
24. | JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at JAX |
25. | *Tyler Lockett SEA vs. ARI Note: Lockett has missed both practices this week with 'a bit of a knee sprain' and will be a game-time decision. For now I'm ranking him as if he'll play, but this will come down to the wire. The tough part is that he had such a huge game against Arizona last time, and this injury almost ensure that the Cardinals will keep Patrick Peterson on DK Metcalf. Lockett is expected to play, and of course had that huge game against Dre' Kirkpatrick and the Cardinals a few weeks ago. |
26. | *Jakobi Meyers NE at HOU Note: Meyers has emerged as Cam Newton's top target and has essentially taken over Julian Edelman's role in the offense. |
27. | *Michael Thomas NO vs. ATL Note: The frustration continues - Thomas had just two catches for 27 yards against the Niners. I'm moving Thomas down a few notches with Hill starting over Winston. |
28. | Justin Jefferson MIN vs. DAL |
29. | Robert Woods LA at TB |
30. | Will Fuller HOU vs. NE |
31. | DJ Chark JAC vs. PIT |
32. | Chase Claypool PIT at JAX |
33. | *Mike Evans TB vs. LAR Note: Evans was fed 11 targets in the win over Carolina, turning that into 77 yards and a touchdown. Who gets Jalen Ramsey this week, though? |
34. | *James Conner PIT at JAX Note: The Bengals schemed well to stop Conner (13-36, two catches for 12 yards). The only problem was that Ben Roethlisberger passed all over them instead. |
35. | *Mike Davis CAR vs. DET Note: Davis briefly left with a finger injury in the loss to the Bucs. If he can't go this week, Rodney Smith is likely next in line. Davis's finger appears to be fine, and it looks as if McCaffrey won't play. |
36. | *J.D. McKissic WAS vs. CIN Note: McKissic had a whopping 15 targets, albeit for only 43 yards, in the loss to the Lions. |
37. | *Giovani Bernard CIN at WAS Note: ***Bernard not only will start this week, but for the next three weeks with Joe Mixon going on IR.*** |
38. | *Ezekiel Elliott DAL at MIN Note: Elliott was nursing a hamstring injury before the bye, but put in a full practice Wednesday. |
39. | Todd Gurley ATL at NO |
40. | *Kenyan Drake ARZ at SEA Note: (Ankle) Drake managed 100 yards on 16 carries in the win over the Bills; he was listed as limited at Monday's estimated practice report. Drake has been cleared from the injury report in advance of Thursday night's game. |
41. | Christian Kirk ARZ at SEA |
42. | DJ Moore CAR vs. DET |
43. | *A.J. Brown TEN at BAL Note: Did not practice Thursday as part of his management of his knee injury. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
44. | *Tee Higgins CIN at WAS Note: Missed practice Thursday with an illness. ***Full practice Friday, cleared from the injury list.*** |
45. | *Chris Godwin TB vs. LAR Note: Godwin had only six targets in the win over Carolina, but turned that into six catches for 92 yards. |
46. | Jamison Crowder NYJ at LAC |
47. | *Calvin Ridley ATL at NO Note: (Foot) Worked with the trainers on the side in Monday's practice following the Falcons' bye week. Ridley participated in limited practices Wednesday and Thursday and appears to be geared towards playing this week. ***Cleared from the injury list and will play Sunday.*** |
48. | *Antonio Brown TB vs. LAR Note: Brown had seven catches for 69 yards on eight targets but didn't score. |
49. | Darren Waller LV vs. KC |
50. | Kareem Hunt CLE vs. PHI |
51. | Mike Williams LAC vs. NYJ |
52. | Robby Anderson CAR vs. DET |
53. | Jarvis Landry CLE vs. PHI |
54. | *Marvin Jones DET at CAR Note: On one hand, Jones has a pretty sweet matchup. On the other hand, he has a quarterback with a partially torn ligament in his throwing thumb. Seems sub-optimal. Jones sat out practice Wednesday and was a limited participant on Thursday. ***Good to go for Sunday.*** |
55. | *Damien Harris NE at HOU Note: Harris's ankle looked just fine in the win over the Ravens on Sunday night. Limited practice Wednesday - seems similar to last week's progression. ***Harris is listed as questionable but should go. But with Sony Michel coming off the IR, perhaps Harris's workload declines.*** |
56. | *Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. MIA Note: Limited in Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury. ***Full participation in practice on Friday and cleared from the injury list.*** |
57. | Travis Fulgham PHI at CLE |
58. | DeVante Parker MIA at DEN |
59. | Melvin Gordon DEN vs. MIA |
60. | *Kalen Ballage LAC vs. NYJ Note: Ballage was clearly the lead back against the Dolphins and will likely fill that role again this week against the Jets. Confirmed as the Chargers' primary back for now, at least until they get Austin Ekeler and/or Justin Jackson back. |
61. | *Ronald Jones TB vs. LAR Note: Jones lost a fumble early, but then exploded for 192 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers - probably on a lot of team's benches, including mine. |
62. | *Duke Johnson HOU vs. NE Note: Johnson was disappointing in his 'revenge game' against the Browns, especially with zero catches, but the opportunity remains for at least two more weeks. Sat out practice Wednesday with a non-COVID related illness. ***Full practice Friday and no longer on the injury list.*** |
63. | *Carlos Hyde SEA vs. ARI Note: (Hamstring) Hyde was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice, but practiced at full speed on Tuesday. It looks as if he could return Thursday night. |
64. | *Adrian Peterson DET at CAR Note: D'Andre Swift was reported on the concussion protocol Thursday - still finding more details on his status. ***Peterson will likely start with Swift declared out.*** |
65. | *Salvon Ahmed MIA at DEN Note: Ahmed received lead back carries - 21 for 85 yards and a touchdown - last week. The Dolphins then cut Jordan Howard this week, cementing Ahmed's role at least until Myles Gaskin returns. Matt Breida was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but I'm not sure how much that matters. It could hurt Ahmed in passing downs, perhaps. |
66. | Jalen Reagor PHI at CLE |
67. | Michael Pittman IND vs. GB |
68. | Brandin Cooks HOU vs. NE |
69. | *Breshad Perriman NYJ at LAC Note: (Shoulder) Limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
70. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at IND Note: MVS is sneaking into Rodgers' circle of trust, but will he lose snaps/targets if Allen Lazard plays this week? With Adams looking shaky for this week, MVS's targets might actually go up. |
71. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. GB |
72. | *Mark Andrews BAL vs. TEN Note: Andrews could get a heavier target volume with Nick Boyle (knee) out for the year. |
73. | *Chase Edmonds ARZ at SEA Note: Edmonds reverted to a backup role to Kenyan Drake against the Bills. Drake has been limited this week, but I suspect that Drake will still be the lead back again Thursday. |
74. | Darrell Henderson LA at TB |
75. | *Phillip Lindsay DEN vs. MIA Note: Lindsay got only four touches in the loss to the Raiders. Perhaps game flow was a problem - the Broncos trailed most of the game and by multiple scores for the extent of the second half, and Lindsay just isn't involved in the passing game. |
76. | *Latavius Murray NO vs. ATL Note: Murray could be busier than normal due to Alvin Kamara's foot injury. |
77. | Mark Ingram BAL vs. TEN |
78. | Rex Burkhead NE at HOU |
79. | Nyheim Hines IND vs. GB |
80. | *Hayden Hurst ATL at NO Note: Hurst's targets have been tracking up in the weeks preceding the bye, in part due to Calvin Ridley's injury, no doubt. But this is also a pretty decent matchup for him. |
81. | Jonathan Taylor IND vs. GB |
82. | *Demarcus Robinson KC at LV Note: This ranking presumes that both Watkins and Hardman are out. He drops 10 spots if one returns, 20 spots if both return. Downgraded with Sammy Watkins returning to practice. ***And now placed back up with Watkins declared out, though Hardman has been activated off the COVID-IR list.*** |
83. | CeeDee Lamb DAL at MIN |
84. | Jakeem Grant MIA at DEN |
85. | Leonard Fournette TB vs. LAR |
86. | Corey Davis TEN at BAL |
87. | Gus Edwards BAL vs. TEN |
88. | *La'Mical Perine NYJ at LAC Note: Coach Adam Gase promised more touches for Perine for the remainder of the season, though he said that Frank Gore will still be involved some. |
89. | Curtis Samuel CAR vs. DET |
90. | Denzel Mims NYJ at LAC |
91. | *Marvin Hall DET at CAR Note: ***Both Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola have been ruled out.*** |
92. | *Olamide Zaccheaus ATL at NO Note: I moved Zaccheaus down in anticipation of Ridley being able to play. ***Limited practice Friday (knee), but should be able to play.*** |
93. | Jamaal Williams GB at IND |
94. | Malcolm Brown LA at TB |
95. | Boston Scott PHI at CLE |
96. | *Kerryon Johnson DET at CAR Note: D'Andre Swift was reported on the concussion protocol Thursday - still finding more details on his status. ***Swift is out; Peterson is the likely starter, but Johnson will get heavy work on passing downs and perhaps get some carries as well.*** |
Kickers
1. | *Jason Sanders MIA at DEN Note: Sanders had his first FG miss of the season, from 47 yards, but he's benefiting from coach Brian Flores opting to kick in a lot of fourth-and-short situations. |
2. | Harrison Butker KC at LV |
3. | Justin Tucker BAL vs. TEN |
4. | Younghoe Koo ATL at NO |
5. | Ryan Succop TB vs. LAR |
6. | Joey Slye CAR vs. DET |
7. | Brandon McManus DEN vs. MIA |
8. | Wil Lutz NO vs. ATL |
9. | Greg Zuerlein DAL at MIN |
10. | Zane Gonzalez ARZ at SEA |
11. | Chris Boswell PIT at JAX |
12. | Daniel Carlson LV vs. KC |
13. | Rodrigo Blankenship IND vs. GB |
14. | *Matt Prater DET at CAR Note: Overcame recent struggles to nail a game-winning 59-yard kick last week. |
15. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. NE |
16. | Mason Crosby GB at IND |
17. | *Nick Folk NE at HOU Note: (Back) On the injury report again to begin the week. |
18. | Jason Myers SEA vs. ARI |
19. | Michael Badgley LAC vs. NYJ |
20. | Randy Bullock CIN at WAS |
21. | *Matt Gay LA at TB Note: Signed to replace the injured Kai Forbath. |
22. | Dan Bailey MIN vs. DAL |
23. | *Cody Parkey CLE vs. PHI Note: Placed on the COVID-IR list as a 'close contact' with someone that tested positive. ***Parkey was cleared from the COVID-IR on Saturday.*** |
24. | *Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. CIN Note: Hopkins had another miss in a three-point loss. Job security is an issue for him. Missed practice Wednesday with a groin injury. ***Officially listed as questionable.*** |
25. | Stephen Gostkowski TEN at BAL |
26. | Chase McLaughlin JAC vs. PIT |
27. | *Jake Elliott PHI at CLE Note: Elliott gets hurt by the Eagles constantly going for 2. |
28. | *Sergio Castillo NYJ at LAC |
29. | *Matt McCrane at Note: McCrane is the backup plan in case Cody Parkey can't return from the COVID-IR list in time Sunday. |
30. | *Sam Ficken NYJ at LAC Note: (Groin) Ficken is still limited in practice. |
31. | *Kai Forbath LA at TB Note: Placed on IR with an ankle injury. |
Defenses
1. | *Pittsburgh Steelers at JAX Note: The Steelers should get Mike Hilton (shoulder) back this week. |
2. | Miami Dolphins at DEN |
3. | *Los Angeles Chargers vs. NYJ Note: Joey Bosa has cleared the concussion protocol. |
4. | Washington Football Team vs. CIN |
5. | Minnesota Vikings vs. DAL |
6. | *New Orleans Saints vs. ATL Note: Marshon Lattimore left last week's win over the Niners with an oblique injury. |
7. | *Baltimore Ravens vs. TEN Note: The Ravens have had a lot of attrition at CB after their top two, with Terrell Bonds being the latest to land on IR. DT Brandon Williams (ankle) might have to sit, but Calais Campbell (calf) could return. |
8. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. LAR |
9. | Philadelphia Eagles at CLE |
10. | Los Angeles Rams at TB |
11. | *Cleveland Browns vs. PHI Note: Myles Garrett (illness) has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Garrett was placed on the COVID-IR list and will miss this week's game.*** |
12. | New England Patriots at HOU |
13. | Green Bay Packers at IND |
14. | Indianapolis Colts vs. GB |
15. | Carolina Panthers vs. DET |
16. | *Kansas City Chiefs at LV Note: The Chiefs are expected to add Deandre Baker to their practice squad this week. He won't play against the Raiders, however, and may take a few weeks to get up to speed. |
17. | Tennessee Titans at BAL |
18. | *Arizona Cardinals at SEA Note: I don't love the Cardinals this week, but they might be a desperation play given the number of sacks and turnovers Seattle has allowed the last two weeks. Buddy Baker (groin) was limited on Monday. |
19. | Dallas Cowboys at MIN |
20. | Detroit Lions at CAR |
21. | *Cincinnati Bengals at WAS Note: The Bengals have tons of injuries at CB - the latest being Mackensie Alexander, who left last week with a concussion. Making matters worse, Takkarist McKinley failed his physical, so that's one less improvement. Trae Waynes (pectoral) still working on the side. |
22. | Houston Texans vs. NE |
23. | Atlanta Falcons at NO |
24. | *Las Vegas Raiders vs. KC Note: The Raiders have a slew of defensive players on the 'high-risk, close contact' COVID-IR list after Clelin Ferrell tested positive. ***Most of the defensive COVID-IR players have been restored to the active roster.*** |
25. | Denver Broncos vs. MIA |
26. | *Seattle Seahawks vs. ARI Note: Shaquill Griffin cleared the concussion protocol but is still sitting out practice with a hamstring injury. Quinton Dunbar (knee) will also likely be out. |
27. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. PIT |
28. | *New York Jets at LAC Note: The Jets placed Brian Poole (knee/shoulder) on IR and straight up waived Pierre Desir, meaning they will have two new starters. |