This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
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.
This article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, followed by two updates later in the week, usually on Thursday and then Sunday morning. Players at the bottom of the rankings at each position are there because they either just had a significant injury, or are coming back from a long-term injury and haven't started practicing yet. I will adjust accordingly after practice news comes out.
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?".
I repeat, ***BUFFALO, CINCINNATI, PHILADELPHIA and SEATTLE are on bye this week!!!***
Sunday Update Complete
Quarterback
1. | Drew Brees NO at Atl |
2. | *Peyton Manning DEN at NE Note: Sat out practice Wednesday, returned to action Thursday. |
3. | Tom Brady NE vs. Den |
4. | Cam Newton CAR at Mia |
5. | Matthew |
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.
This article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, followed by two updates later in the week, usually on Thursday and then Sunday morning. Players at the bottom of the rankings at each position are there because they either just had a significant injury, or are coming back from a long-term injury and haven't started practicing yet. I will adjust accordingly after practice news comes out.
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?".
I repeat, ***BUFFALO, CINCINNATI, PHILADELPHIA and SEATTLE are on bye this week!!!***
Sunday Update Complete
Quarterback
1. | Drew Brees NO at Atl |
2. | *Peyton Manning DEN at NE Note: Sat out practice Wednesday, returned to action Thursday. |
3. | Tom Brady NE vs. Den |
4. | Cam Newton CAR at Mia |
5. | Matthew Stafford DET vs. TB |
6. | Tony Romo DAL at NYG |
7. | Robert Griffin WAS vs. SF |
8. | Philip Rivers SD at KC Note: Tough week - a lot of good fantasy QBs with bad matchups this week. |
9. | Eli Manning NYG vs. Dal |
10. | Andrew Luck IND at Ari |
11. | *Case Keenum HOU vs. Jax Note: Got pulled in the loss to the Raiders, but will start again this week against Jacksonville. |
12. | Mike Glennon TB at Det |
13. | *Scott Tolzien GB vs. Min Note: Will start at least one more week. *** Aaron Rodgers wasn't able to practice at all this week - it's possible that Tolzien starts next week, too.*** |
14. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT at Cle Note: Four more touchdowns against the Lions - that the Steelers have a weaker pass defense than usual works in favor of his fantasy value. *** Small downgrade due to the weather. *** |
15. | Ryan Fitzpatrick TEN at Oak |
16. | *Carson Palmer ARZ vs. Ind Note: Dealing with a sore hand, but practiced fully on Wednesday. |
17. | Matt Ryan ATL vs. NO Note: Briefly pulled for Dominique Davis, but then went back in after Davis got hurt and added a garbage time touchdown. |
18. | Alex Smith KC vs. SD |
19. | Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. Car |
20. | Josh McCown CHI at StL Note: Will start again this week, Cutler remains week-to-week. |
21. | Colin Kaepernick SF at Was Note: Great matchup, but I dunno, really hard to believe in him right now. |
22. | *Matt McGloin OAK vs. Ten Note: Raiders haven't named a starter this week, but McGloin is in the mix with a good start against Houston last week. McGloin gets another start this week. |
23. | Chad Henne JAC at Hou |
24. | Jason Campbell CLE vs. Pit Note: Threw three killer interceptions in the loss to the Bengals. *** Small downgrade due to the weather. *** |
25. | *Christian Ponder MIN at GB Note: (Shoulder) Pulled in the fourth quarter in favor of Matt Cassel. Will start again this week. |
26. | Kellen Clemens STL vs. Chi |
27. | Joe Flacco BAL vs. NYJ |
28. | Geno Smith NYJ at Bal Note: Four more turnovers in an ugly road loss, and was replaced by Matt Simms. He'll be back in the starting lineup this week. |
29. | *Matt Schaub HOU vs. Jax Note: Replaced Keenum last week, but then did very little himself in relief and will be back holding the clipboard again this week. |
30. | *Josh Freeman MIN at GB |
31. | *Terrelle Pryor OAK vs. Ten Note: (Knee) Pryor's status for Week 12 is unsettled still. |
32. | *Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Min Note: Rodgers' broken collarbone is no longer giving him pain when running or throwing, but there's still no official timetable for his return. Some rumblings about a Week 13, Thanksgiving return, but no team confirmation on that. |
33. | *Jay Cutler CHI at StL Note: (Ankle) Remains week-to-week, hoping to return in Week 13. |
Running Backs
1. | Matt Forte CHI at StL |
2. | Frank Gore SF at Was |
3. | Zac Stacy STL vs. Chi |
4. | Jamaal Charles KC vs. SD |
5. | Andre Brown NYG vs. Dal |
6. | Alfred Morris WAS vs. SF Note: Hasn't had a pass target in the last five games. Still, he's had a really good season running the ball - averaging more per carry than last year. |
7. | Chris Johnson TEN at Oak |
8. | Eddie Lacy GB vs. Min |
9. | *Pierre Thomas NO at Atl Note: Bumped up with Sproles inactive. |
10. | Knowshon Moreno DEN at NE Note: Ball's two touchdowns were annoying if you own Moreno, but keep in mind he still got 27 carries. |
11. | *Rashad Jennings OAK vs. Ten Note: Will see plenty of action even after McFadden returns. ***McFadden officially ruled out. *** |
12. | *Adrian Peterson MIN at GB Note: Not at full strength because of his groin issue. Sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday. *** Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable, though Peterson has vowed to play. *** |
13. | Ryan Mathews SD at KC Note: Another good game from Mathews makes us wonder why didn't he get more work in the Redskins' game, against a team so vulnerable against the run? |
14. | *Ben Tate HOU vs. Jax Note: Probably doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but it wasn't such a good idea for Tate to lash out at the fans for booing when they were losing to the Raiders last week. (Ribs/ankle/toe) Limited at practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
15. | Reggie Bush DET vs. TB Note: Benched for a while last week - was it because of the fumble, or because of the knee that forced him to miss Friday's practice? ***Practiced this Friday after missing the past couple of Fridays.*** |
16. | Chris Ivory NYJ at Bal |
17. | DeMarco Murray DAL at NYG |
18. | Shane Vereen NE vs. Den Note: Played 34 snaps and had eight receptions in his return to action. |
19. | *Bobby Rainey TB at Det Note: Remaining schedule isn't so friendly to the running game, but it's possible that the Bucs' OL has turned the corner - I've got the Mike James game against Seattle in my mind. |
20. | Ray Rice BAL vs. NYJ Note: Did Rice turn a corner last week, or was it just the lousy Bears' run defense? This is a pretty bad matchup this week. |
21. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at Cle Note: Failed to convert twice in the red zone and late in the game was not in there in a goal line package. Still, I don't think he's a threat to lose his job, and he still gets targets in the passing game, giving him a bit of a floor. |
22. | Donald Brown IND at Ari |
23. | Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at Hou |
24. | *Stevan Ridley NE vs. Den Note: Scored a touchdown after his fumble Monday night, but not until sitting out 18 plays in a row as a result of that fumble. |
25. | Andre Ellington ARZ vs. Ind Note: One of the bigger busts of Week 11 - the Cardinals used him less than Mendenhall, and the Jaguars sold out to stop the run. |
26. | Chris Ogbonnaya CLE vs. Pit Note: Ogbonnaya's lost fumble was costly, but he still got more work than McGahee and did more with his carries. |
27. | DeAngelo Williams CAR at Mia |
28. | Steven Jackson ATL vs. NO |
29. | *Mark Ingram NO at Atl Note: Bumped up with Sproles inactive. |
30. | Rashard Mendenhall ARZ vs. Ind |
31. | Danny Woodhead SD at KC |
32. | *Toby Gerhart MIN at GB Note: Heavier workload than usual thanks to Peterson's sore groin. Peterson didn't practice both Wednesday and Thursday. |
33. | Daniel Thomas MIA vs. Car Note: Ten carries for 57 yards versus just four carries for Lamar Miller. |
34. | Lamar Miller MIA vs. Car Note: Ugh - just four carries this week, with Daniel Thomas getting more work and running effectively. |
35. | *Joique Bell DET vs. TB Note: Had been the more effective back over Bush but then was forced out with tendinitis in his lower leg. Limited in practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as questionable, though.*** |
36. | Brian Leonard TB at Det Note: Actually started last week but was quickly surpassed by Bobby Rainey. |
37. | Mike Tolbert CAR at Mia |
38. | Shonn Greene TEN at Oak |
39. | *Trent Richardson IND at Ari Note: (Calf) Limited in Thursday's practice. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
40. | Montee Ball DEN at NE Note: Workload has increased lately, and he scored the two touchdowns even after a first quarter fumble. |
41. | Antone Smith ATL vs. NO |
42. | Kendall Hunter SF at Was |
43. | *Brandon Jacobs NYG vs. Dal Note: How much did Andre Brown's owners love Jacobs vulturing that touchdown last week? (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. ***Limited again Friday, listed as questionable.*** |
44. | Jonathan Stewart CAR at Mia |
45. | Dennis Johnson HOU vs. Jax Note: ***Limited snaps last week because he struggled in pass protection.*** |
46. | Bernard Pierce BAL vs. NYJ |
47. | Roy Helu WAS vs. SF |
48. | LeGarrette Blount NE vs. Den |
49. | Fozzy Whittaker CLE vs. Pit Note: Got some looks in the passing game, but most of his action came late - he's still the third string. |
50. | Bilal Powell NYJ at Bal |
51. | James Starks GB vs. Min |
52. | Willis McGahee CLE vs. Pit |
53. | *Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. NO Note: (Ankle) Limited in Tuesday's practice. |
54. | Felix Jones PIT at Cle |
55. | Knile Davis KC vs. SD |
56. | Benny Cunningham STL vs. Chi |
57. | Lance Dunbar DAL at NYG |
58. | Daryl Richardson STL vs. Chi |
59. | Joseph Randle DAL at NYG |
60. | Jordan Todman JAC at Hou |
61. | Marcel Reece OAK vs. Ten |
62. | Stepfan Taylor ARZ vs. Ind |
63. | C.J. Anderson DEN at NE |
64. | Michael Bush CHI at StL |
65. | Johnathan Franklin GB vs. Min |
66. | Peyton Hillis NYG vs. Dal Note: Inactive with both Brown and Jacobs back - you can cut him now. |
67. | Michael Cox NYG vs. Dal |
68. | *Brandon Bolden NE vs. Den Note: Inactive last week with Vereen back. |
69. | Denard Robinson JAC at Hou |
70. | Anthony Dixon SF at Was |
71. | Jackie Battle TEN at Oak |
72. | *Jason Snelling ATL vs. NO |
73. | *Darren McFadden OAK vs. Ten Note: (Hamstring) Status still up in the air, but even when he returns he'll get fewer carries. Did not practice Wednesday. |
74. | *Ronnie Hillman DEN at NE |
75. | Phillip Tanner DAL at NYG |
76. | *Darren Sproles NO at Atl Note: (Knee/ankle) Did not practice Tuesday. *** INACTIVE for Thursday's game. *** |
Wide Receivers
1. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NE |
2. | Vincent Jackson TB at Det |
3. | Andre Johnson HOU vs. Jax |
4. | *Calvin Johnson DET vs. TB Note: (Knee) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Will draw Revis exclusively today.*** |
5. | Brandon Marshall CHI at StL Note: Interesting litmus test to see just how much the Rams' pass defense has improved. |
6. | Dez Bryant DAL at NYG |
7. | *Pierre Garcon WAS vs. SF Note: Bothered by an ankle injury in the loss to the Eagles. *** Not listed on the injury report.*** |
8. | Eric Decker DEN at NE |
9. | T.Y. Hilton IND at Ari |
10. | Josh Gordon CLE vs. Pit |
11. | Jordy Nelson GB vs. Min |
12. | Marques Colston NO at Atl |
13. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Dal |
14. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Ind |
15. | Antonio Brown PIT at Cle Note: Draws Joe Haden this week - is this a similar scenario to what happened with A.J. Green, or is Brown a different type of receiver and Roethlisberger a different type of QB? |
16. | Alshon Jeffery CHI at StL Note: Still had 11 targets despite the nasty weather conditions Sunday. |
17. | Anquan Boldin SF at Was |
18. | *Danny Amendola NE vs. Den Note: (Groin) Limited practice Thursday. *** Limited again Friday, but listed as probable. *** |
19. | Torrey Smith BAL vs. NYJ |
20. | Jarrett Boykin GB vs. Min |
21. | Harry Douglas ATL vs. NO |
22. | *Keenan Allen SD at KC Note: Suffered a right knee injury against Miami but will play this week. It was his left knee that he hurt in college. Full practice Thursday. ***Practiced fully all week, listed as probable.*** |
23. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. SD |
24. | *Cecil Shorts JAC at Hou Note: (Groin) Could be a squeaky-wheel-gets-the-grease scenario this week, if he can stay healthy. Limited Thursday, as with almost every week. |
25. | Terrance Williams DAL at NYG |
26. | Rueben Randle NYG vs. Dal |
27. | *Wes Welker DEN at NE Note: Suffered a concussion Sunday night against the Chiefs. Limited practice Thursday. |
28. | Kendall Wright TEN at Oak |
29. | Rod Streater OAK vs. Ten |
30. | *Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Dal Note: Did not practice Wednesday, limited Thursday due to abdominal issue. |
31. | Brandon LaFell CAR at Mia |
32. | Aaron Dobson NE vs. Den |
33. | Santonio Holmes NYJ at Bal |
34. | Roddy White ATL vs. NO |
35. | Kenny Stills NO at Atl Note: I have a feeling we'll see at least one big completion to Stills on Thursday night. |
36. | *Steve Smith CAR at Mia Note: Briefly left Monday night with a chest injury but later returned. |
37. | *Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Ind Note: His monster breakout game occurred on my bench thanks to the shoulder injury that was dogging him all week. Gah. Limited practice Thursday. |
38. | Brian Hartline MIA vs. Car |
39. | Jerricho Cotchery PIT at Cle Note: Another week, another touchdown. |
40. | Andre Roberts ARZ vs. Ind |
41. | Julian Edelman NE vs. Den |
42. | Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at GB |
43. | *Nate Burleson DET vs. TB Note: (Forearm) Believes that it would take a major setback for him not to play this week. Full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
44. | Dexter McCluster KC vs. SD |
45. | Tavon Austin STL vs. Chi |
46. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Jax Note: Benched in the first quarter after making a 'lot of mistakes early in the game.' So that's where we are now in Houston. ***(Illness) Listed as probable.*** |
47. | *Emmanuel Sanders PIT at Cle Note: Left with a foot injury last week, but the Steelers bypassed an MRI, suggesting it's not serious. ***Full practice all week, listed as probable.*** |
48. | Austin Pettis STL vs. Chi |
49. | Lance Moore NO at Atl |
50. | Kris Durham DET vs. TB |
51. | Nate Washington TEN at Oak |
52. | *Mario Manningham SF at Was Note: (Knee) *** Listed as questionable for Monday night.*** |
53. | *James Jones GB vs. Min Note: Injured knee is still bothering him. |
54. | *Mike Wallace MIA vs. Car Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.*** |
55. | *Aldrick Robinson WAS vs. SF Note: Could get more snaps if Leonard Hankerson's injury is serious. |
56. | Ace Sanders JAC at Hou Note: Stepped up with eight catches after Mike Brown's injury. |
57. | *Greg Jennings MIN at GB Note: Surprise inactive thanks to an Achilles' tendon injury that landed him on the injury report Friday. *** Active this week. *** |
58. | *Miles Austin DAL at NYG Note: (Hamstring) According to Jerry Jones, he's ready to play. ***Insists that he's 100 percent. *** |
59. | *Marlon Brown BAL vs. NYJ Note: (Knee) Inactive last week, but expects to be back this week - we'll see how the practices go this week. ***Will play this week, albeit in sub-optimal conditions.*** |
60. | Donnie Avery KC vs. SD |
61. | Rishard Matthews MIA vs. Car |
62. | Greg Little CLE vs. Pit |
63. | Kenbrell Thompkins NE vs. Den Note: Had two big catches last week after being a healthy inactive the previous week. |
64. | *Vincent Brown SD at KC Note: (Shoulder) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.*** |
65. | Darrius Heyward-Bey IND at Ari |
66. | Chris Givens STL vs. Chi |
67. | *Andre Holmes OAK vs. Ten Note: ***Moving into the starting lineup with Denarius Moore out this week.*** |
68. | Tiquan Underwood TB at Det |
69. | *David Nelson NYJ at Bal Note: Could replace Stephen Hill in the starting lineup. |
70. | Eddie Royal SD at KC |
71. | Drew Davis ATL vs. NO |
72. | Jarius Wright MIN at GB |
73. | Ted Ginn CAR at Mia |
74. | Santana Moss WAS vs. SF |
75. | Davone Bess CLE vs. Pit |
76. | *Lavon Brazill IND at Ari Note: Moves up the ladder with the surprising release of Griff Whalen. |
77. | Markus Wheaton PIT at Cle |
78. | Robert Meachem NO at Atl |
79. | *Justin Hunter TEN at Oak Note: Suffered a concussion in the loss to the Colts. *** Listed as probable.*** |
80. | Jacoby Jones BAL vs. NYJ |
81. | Kevin Ogletree DET vs. TB Note: Dropped a perfectly thrown deep ball late in the loss to the Steelers. |
82. | Cole Beasley DAL at NYG |
83. | Dwayne Harris DAL at NYG |
84. | Brian Quick STL vs. Chi |
85. | *Jerome Simpson MIN at GB Note: Still might face discipline for DWI arrest. |
86. | *Denarius Moore OAK vs. Ten Note: Underwent an MRI for a shoulder injury Monday. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. Does not need surgery, though. ***Officially ruled out this week.*** |
87. | *Stephen Hill NYJ at Bal Note: Could lose starting job after failing to catch any of his seven targets last week, which raises the question - he was starting? |
88. | *Mike Brown JAC at Hou Note: Questionable this week with AC Joint (Shoulder) sprain. Did not practice Thursday. |
89. | Kenny Britt TEN at Oak |
90. | *Juron Criner OAK vs. Ten Note: (Shoulder) Placed on IR. |
91. | *Michael Crabtree SF at Was Note: Still on the PUP list after not playing last week. |
92. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ at Bal Note: ***(Elbow) Officially ruled out for this week. *** |
93. | *Leonard Hankerson WAS vs. SF Note: Suffered an LCL that may require surgery. *** Out for the season.*** |
Tight Ends
1. | *Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Den Note: Limited in Thursday's practice. |
2. | *Jimmy Graham NO at Atl Note: (Foot) Limited participant Tuesday - short turnaround this week. |
3. | Jason Witten DAL at NYG |
4. | Antonio Gates SD at KC |
5. | Vernon Davis SF at Was Note: Able to play through his concussion. |
6. | Coby Fleener IND at Ari |
7. | Delanie Walker TEN at Oak Note: Big game against the Colts, now gets the Raiders who were lit up by Garrett Graham. |
8. | John Carlson MIN at GB |
9. | Greg Olsen CAR at Mia |
10. | Jordan Cameron CLE vs. Pit Note: Not quite yet on milk cartons, but the QB upheaval has really hurt Cameron. |
11. | Heath Miller PIT at Cle Note: Eight catches on 10 targets last week. |
12. | Rob Housler ARZ vs. Ind Note: Up to nine targets last week. Could be more of the same this week against the Colts, who were burned repeatedly by Delanie Walker on Thursday. |
13. | Garrett Graham HOU vs. Jax |
14. | *Martellus Bennett CHI at StL Note: (Ankle) Was questionable heading into the game, but muddled through with two catches for 48 yards and barely missed on an end zone target. |
15. | Anthony Fasano KC vs. SD |
16. | Charles Clay MIA vs. Car |
17. | *Tony Gonzalez ATL vs. NO Note: (Toe) Did not practice Tuesday. Active Thursday. |
18. | Jared Cook STL vs. Chi |
19. | Brandon Pettigrew DET vs. TB |
20. | Timothy Wright TB at Det Note: Once again an afterthought against the Falcons. Should get more use this week against the Lions. |
21. | Jeff Cumberland NYJ at Bal |
22. | *Logan Paulsen WAS vs. SF Note: Should start Monday night with Reed out. |
23. | Dallas Clark BAL vs. NYJ |
24. | Andrew Quarless GB vs. Min |
25. | Kellen Winslow NYJ at Bal |
26. | *Ben Watson NO at Atl Note: (Concussion) Limited practice Tuesday. |
27. | *Fred Davis WAS vs. SF Note: Active this week with Reed out. |
28. | Brandon Myers NYG vs. Dal |
29. | Marcedes Lewis JAC at Hou |
30. | *Julius Thomas DEN at NE Note: Day-to-day with a knee strain. Sat out practice Wednesday, was present if not fully active Thursday. *** 'Not looking good' for Sunday night. Officially questionable.*** |
31. | Ed Dickson BAL vs. NYJ |
32. | Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Ten |
33. | Sean McGrath KC vs. SD |
34. | Lance Kendricks STL vs. Chi |
35. | *Jordan Reed WAS vs. SF Note: Left with a concussion last week. Hasn't yet received medical clearance to practice. ***Officially ruled out this week.*** |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
1. | Matt Forte CHI at StL |
2. | *Calvin Johnson DET vs. TB Note: (Knee) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Will draw Revis exclusively today.*** |
3. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NE |
4. | Frank Gore SF at Was |
5. | Zac Stacy STL vs. Chi |
6. | Jamaal Charles KC vs. SD |
7. | Vincent Jackson TB at Det |
8. | Andre Johnson HOU vs. Jax |
9. | Andre Brown NYG vs. Dal |
10. | *Adrian Peterson MIN at GB Note: Not at full strength because of his groin issue. Sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday. *** Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable, though Peterson has vowed to play. *** |
11. | Chris Johnson TEN at Oak |
12. | Knowshon Moreno DEN at NE Note: Ball's two touchdowns were annoying if you own Moreno, but keep in mind he still got 27 carries. |
13. | *Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Den Note: Limited in Thursday's practice. |
14. | *Jimmy Graham NO at Atl Note: (Foot) Limited participant Tuesday - short turnaround this week. |
15. | Dez Bryant DAL at NYG |
16. | *Pierre Garcon WAS vs. SF Note: Bothered by an ankle injury in the loss to the Eagles. *** Not listed on the injury report.*** |
17. | Eric Decker DEN at NE |
18. | Josh Gordon CLE vs. Pit |
19. | Brandon Marshall CHI at StL Note: Interesting litmus test to see just how much the Rams' pass defense has improved. |
20. | T.Y. Hilton IND at Ari |
21. | Jordy Nelson GB vs. Min |
22. | *Rashad Jennings OAK vs. Ten Note: Will see plenty of action even after McFadden returns. ***McFadden officially ruled out. *** |
23. | Ryan Mathews SD at KC Note: Another good game from Mathews makes us wonder why didn't he get more work in the Redskins' game, against a team so vulnerable against the run? |
24. | *Pierre Thomas NO at Atl Note: Bumped up with Sproles inactive. |
25. | Reggie Bush DET vs. TB Note: Benched for a while last week - was it because of the fumble, or because of the knee that forced him to miss Friday's practice? ***Practiced this Friday after missing the past couple of Fridays.*** |
26. | Marques Colston NO at Atl |
27. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Dal |
28. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Ind |
29. | Antonio Brown PIT at Cle Note: Draws Joe Haden this week - is this a similar scenario to what happened with A.J. Green, or is Brown a different type of receiver and Roethlisberger a different type of QB? |
30. | Alshon Jeffery CHI at StL Note: Still had 11 targets despite the nasty weather conditions Sunday. |
31. | Jason Witten DAL at NYG |
32. | Antonio Gates SD at KC |
33. | Eddie Lacy GB vs. Min |
34. | DeMarco Murray DAL at NYG |
35. | Shane Vereen NE vs. Den Note: Played 34 snaps and had eight receptions in his return to action. |
36. | Ray Rice BAL vs. NYJ Note: Did Rice turn a corner last week, or was it just the lousy Bears' run defense? This is a pretty bad matchup this week. |
37. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at Cle Note: Failed to convert twice in the red zone and late in the game was not in there in a goal line package. Still, I don't think he's a threat to lose his job, and he still gets targets in the passing game, giving him a bit of a floor. |
38. | Donald Brown IND at Ari |
39. | Alfred Morris WAS vs. SF Note: Hasn't had a pass target in the last five games. Still, he's had a really good season running the ball - averaging more per carry than last year. |
40. | *Ben Tate HOU vs. Jax Note: Probably doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but it wasn't such a good idea for Tate to lash out at the fans for booing when they were losing to the Raiders last week. (Ribs/ankle/toe) Limited at practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
41. | Anquan Boldin SF at Was |
42. | *Danny Amendola NE vs. Den Note: (Groin) Limited practice Thursday. *** Limited again Friday, but listed as probable. *** |
43. | Torrey Smith BAL vs. NYJ |
44. | Jarrett Boykin GB vs. Min |
45. | *Bobby Rainey TB at Det Note: Remaining schedule isn't so friendly to the running game, but it's possible that the Bucs' OL has turned the corner - I've got the Mike James game against Seattle in my mind. |
46. | Chris Ivory NYJ at Bal |
47. | Danny Woodhead SD at KC |
48. | Harry Douglas ATL vs. NO |
49. | Vernon Davis SF at Was Note: Able to play through his concussion. |
50. | Coby Fleener IND at Ari |
51. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. SD |
52. | *Cecil Shorts JAC at Hou Note: (Groin) Could be a squeaky-wheel-gets-the-grease scenario this week, if he can stay healthy. Limited Thursday, as with almost every week. |
53. | Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at Hou |
54. | *Stevan Ridley NE vs. Den Note: Scored a touchdown after his fumble Monday night, but not until sitting out 18 plays in a row as a result of that fumble. |
55. | Andre Ellington ARZ vs. Ind Note: One of the bigger busts of Week 11 - the Cardinals used him less than Mendenhall, and the Jaguars sold out to stop the run. |
56. | Chris Ogbonnaya CLE vs. Pit Note: Ogbonnaya's lost fumble was costly, but he still got more work than McGahee and did more with his carries. |
57. | DeAngelo Williams CAR at Mia |
58. | Terrance Williams DAL at NYG |
59. | Rueben Randle NYG vs. Dal |
60. | Kendall Wright TEN at Oak |
61. | Delanie Walker TEN at Oak Note: Big game against the Colts, now gets the Raiders who were lit up by Garrett Graham. |
62. | John Carlson MIN at GB |
63. | Jordan Cameron CLE vs. Pit Note: Not quite yet on milk cartons, but the QB upheaval has really hurt Cameron. |
64. | Heath Miller PIT at Cle Note: Eight catches on 10 targets last week. |
65. | Rob Housler ARZ vs. Ind Note: Up to nine targets last week. Could be more of the same this week against the Colts, who were burned repeatedly by Delanie Walker on Thursday. |
66. | Garrett Graham HOU vs. Jax |
67. | Rod Streater OAK vs. Ten |
68. | *Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Dal Note: Did not practice Wednesday, limited Thursday due to abdominal issue. |
69. | *Darren Sproles NO at Atl Note: (Knee/ankle) Did not practice Tuesday. *** INACTIVE for Thursday's game. *** |
70. | Brandon LaFell CAR at Mia |
71. | *Keenan Allen SD at KC Note: Suffered a right knee injury against Miami but will play this week. It was his left knee that he hurt in college. Full practice Thursday. ***Practiced fully all week, listed as probable.*** |
72. | Aaron Dobson NE vs. Den |
73. | Santonio Holmes NYJ at Bal |
74. | Roddy White ATL vs. NO |
75. | Kenny Stills NO at Atl Note: I have a feeling we'll see at least one big completion to Stills on Thursday night. |
76. | *Steve Smith CAR at Mia Note: Briefly left Monday night with a chest injury but later returned. |
77. | *Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Ind Note: His monster breakout game occurred on my bench thanks to the shoulder injury that was dogging him all week. Gah. Limited practice Thursday. |
78. | Brian Hartline MIA vs. Car |
79. | Jerricho Cotchery PIT at Cle Note: Another week, another touchdown. |
80. | Andre Roberts ARZ vs. Ind |
81. | Julian Edelman NE vs. Den |
82. | Dexter McCluster KC vs. SD |
83. | Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at GB |
84. | Tavon Austin STL vs. Chi |
85. | Austin Pettis STL vs. Chi |
86. | *Martellus Bennett CHI at StL Note: (Ankle) Was questionable heading into the game, but muddled through with two catches for 48 yards and barely missed on an end zone target. |
87. | Anthony Fasano KC vs. SD |
88. | Charles Clay MIA vs. Car |
89. | *Julius Thomas DEN at NE Note: Day-to-day with a knee strain. Sat out practice Wednesday, was present if not fully active Thursday. *** 'Not looking good' for Sunday night. Officially questionable.*** |
90. | *Joique Bell DET vs. TB Note: Had been the more effective back over Bush but then was forced out with tendinitis in his lower leg. Limited in practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as questionable, though.*** |
91. | Steven Jackson ATL vs. NO |
92. | Rashard Mendenhall ARZ vs. Ind |
93. | Daniel Thomas MIA vs. Car Note: Ten carries for 57 yards versus just four carries for Lamar Miller. |
94. | *Toby Gerhart MIN at GB Note: Heavier workload than usual thanks to Peterson's sore groin. Peterson didn't practice both Wednesday and Thursday. |
95. | Lamar Miller MIA vs. Car Note: Ugh - just four carries this week, with Daniel Thomas getting more work and running effectively. |
96. | Brian Leonard TB at Det Note: Actually started last week but was quickly surpassed by Bobby Rainey. |
97. | Mike Tolbert CAR at Mia |
98. | Lance Moore NO at Atl |
99. | Kris Durham DET vs. TB |
100. | *Mario Manningham SF at Was Note: (Knee) *** Listed as questionable for Monday night.*** |
101. | *James Jones GB vs. Min Note: Injured knee is still bothering him. |
102. | *Mike Wallace MIA vs. Car Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.*** |
103. | *Aldrick Robinson WAS vs. SF Note: Could get more snaps if Leonard Hankerson's injury is serious. |
104. | Ace Sanders JAC at Hou Note: Stepped up with eight catches after Mike Brown's injury. |
105. | *Tony Gonzalez ATL vs. NO Note: (Toe) Did not practice Tuesday. Active Thursday. |
106. | Jared Cook STL vs. Chi |
107. | Shonn Greene TEN at Oak |
108. | *Trent Richardson IND at Ari Note: (Calf) Limited in Thursday's practice. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
109. | Montee Ball DEN at NE Note: Workload has increased lately, and he scored the two touchdowns even after a first quarter fumble. |
110. | Kendall Hunter SF at Was |
Kickers
1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. Den Note: Has made 19 consecutive field goal attempts. |
2. | Mason Crosby GB vs. Min |
3. | Matt Prater DEN at NE |
4. | Josh Brown NYG vs. Dal |
5. | Robbie Gould CHI at StL Note: Huge game - made all three FG attempts despite the wind and the torn up field. |
6. | Jay Feely ARZ vs. Ind |
7. | Garrett Hartley NO at Atl Note: Made all three kicks this week. |
8. | Nick Folk NYJ at Bal |
9. | Adam Vinatieri IND at Ari |
10. | Ryan Succop KC vs. SD |
11. | Phil Dawson SF at Was |
12. | Justin Tucker BAL vs. NYJ |
13. | Dan Bailey DAL at NYG |
14. | Graham Gano CAR at Mia |
15. | David Akers DET vs. TB |
16. | Nick Novak SD at KC |
17. | Randy Bullock HOU vs. Jax Note: Made all three field goal attempts, including his first 50+ make of the year. |
18. | Matt Bryant ATL vs. NO |
19. | Blair Walsh MIN at GB |
20. | Rob Bironas TEN at Oak |
21. | Caleb Sturgis MIA vs. Car |
22. | Rian Lindell TB at Det |
23. | Billy Cundiff CLE vs. Pit |
24. | Shaun Suisham PIT at Cle Note: Would be perfect this year on FG's if not for the Oakland game. |
25. | Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Ten |
26. | Kai Forbath WAS vs. SF |
27. | Josh Scobee JAC at Hou |
28. | Greg Zuerlein STL vs. Chi |
Defenses
1. | *Carolina Panthers at Mia Note: Charles Johnson is week-to-week with a sprained MCL - he got hurt on what looked like a pretty dirty leg-whip by a Pats OL. |
2. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. SD |
3. | Arizona Cardinals vs. Ind |
4. | Baltimore Ravens vs. NYJ |
5. | Houston Texans vs. Jax |
6. | Green Bay Packers vs. Min |
7. | *New Orleans Saints at Atl Note: Cameron Jordan (ankle) was limited Tuesday. Kenny Vaccaro limited and Jabari Greer (leg) went on IR. |
8. | Cleveland Browns vs. Pit |
9. | San Francisco 49ers at Was |
10. | New York Jets at Bal |
11. | Indianapolis Colts at Ari |
12. | Pittsburgh Steelers at Cle |
13. | *Chicago Bears at StL Note: Lance Briggs (shoulder) is at least a couple of weeks away. |
14. | Tennessee Titans at Oak |
15. | Detroit Lions vs. TB |
16. | San Diego Chargers at KC |
17. | St. Louis Rams vs. Chi |
18. | Miami Dolphins vs. Car |
19. | *Denver Broncos at NE Note: Rahim Moore is expected to be out several weeks with a lower leg injury. |
20. | New York Giants vs. Dal |
21. | Oakland Raiders vs. Ten |
22. | *Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Det Note: Dashon Goldson's one-game suspension was upheld - he'll miss this game. |
23. | *Dallas Cowboys at NYG Note: Sean Lee (hamstring) will likely miss the game, but could be back before the initial 3-to-4 week estimate. |
24. | Jacksonville Jaguars at Hou |
25. | Washington Redskins vs. SF |
26. | *New England Patriots vs. Den Note: The Pats' secondary is banged up, with Alfonzo Dennard expected to miss Sunday against the Broncos. Meanwhile, Aqib Talib re-injured his hip late Monday. |
27. | Atlanta Falcons vs. NO |
28. | *Minnesota Vikings at GB Note: Josh Robinson is out 4-to-6 weeks with a fractured sternum. |