Weekly Rankings: Week 15 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 15 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Flex players will be up shortly.

Most of the games are on Saturday, with three Christmas (Sunday) games, in addition to the Thursday and Monday games.

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. 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

Flex players will be up shortly.

Most of the games are on Saturday, with three Christmas (Sunday) games, in addition to the Thursday and Monday games.

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. 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.

Quarterbacks

1.Jalen Hurts PHI at CHI
2.Patrick Mahomes KC at HOU
3.*Justin Herbert LAC vs. TEN
Note: Herbert was fantastic in the win over the Dolphins, even though his efforts resulted in just one touchdown pass.
4.Josh Allen BUF vs. MIA
5.*Joe Burrow CIN at TB
Note: Burrow might be without both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd this week - both are officially 'day-to-day.'
6.*Justin Fields CHI vs. PHI
Note: Fields didn't have many designed runs in the GB game, his first back from the shoulder injury. We'll see after the bye whether that's changed. Fields (illness) missed practice Wednesday, but returned to a full practice Thursday.
7.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. IND
8.Dak Prescott DAL at JAX
9.Geno Smith SEA vs. SF
10.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. LAR
11.*Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. DAL
Note: Aside from the Lions game, which was more on the defense than on him, Lawrence has been on a roll. Lawrence (toe) missed practice Wednesday but returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Lawrence had another limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable.***
12.Derek Carr LV vs. NE
13.Daniel Jones NYG at WAS
14.*Jared Goff DET at NYJ
Note: Goff and the Lions are on a roll, but a road game against the Jets will really put this run to the test.
15.Tua Tagovailoa MIA at BUF
16.*Ryan Tannehill TEN at LAC
Note: Tannehill (ankle) was limited Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
17.*Brock Purdy SF at SEA
Note: Purdy (oblique/ribs) was listed as limited on Monday's practice estimate. The Niners play on Thursday night, and Josh Johnson is next in line. Purdy was also limited Tuesday. Purdy is listed as questionable but he's expected to play.
18.*Tom Brady TB vs. CIN
Note: Brady had a long touchdown pass to Mike Evans called back early on due to a holding penalty, and then failed to get anything going downfield the rest of the game against the Niners. It's also worth noting that he banged his thumb on a pass-rusher's helmet late in the game.
19.*Matt Ryan IND at MIN
Note: Ryan will remain the Colts' starter coming out of their bye week.
20.*Deshaun Watson CLE vs. BAL
Note: Watson was better in his second game than his first, though most of his production game after the Browns were already behind 20-3.
21.*Zach Wilson NYJ vs. DET
Note: ***Wilson will be back in the saddle again as the starter, with Mike White (ribs) ruled out.***
22.*Taylor Heinicke WAS vs. NYG
Note: Teammate Carson Wentz (finger) has been activated from the IR, but Heinicke will remain the starter for the Commanders.
23.Mac Jones NE at LV
24.*Andy Dalton NO vs. ATL
Note: Dalton will remain the starter for the Saints coming out of their bye week.
25.Sam Darnold CAR vs. PIT
26.*Tyler Huntley BAL at CLE
Note: Huntley suffered a concussion in the win over the Ravens and is in the concussion protocol. He was on the field throwing some passes during Tuesday's practice. Huntley has been cleared from the protocol and it's likely that he'll start. Lamar Jackson (knee) has already been ruled out.
27.*Baker Mayfield LA at GB
Note: Mayfield has been named the Rams' starter for the rest of the season.
28.*Mitch Trubisky PIT at CAR
Note: Trubisky took over for the concussed Kenny Pickett last week and Pickett is iffy for this week. Trubisky has been splitting first-team reps with Mason Rudolph, while Pickett has been limited. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will decide between Mason Rudolph and Trubisky on Saturday. ***Trubisky will start Sunday but might be on a short leash.***
29.*Brett Rypien DEN vs. ARI
Note: Rypien took over for the concussed Russell Wilson late last week and could start this week. ***Wilson has been ruled out, so Rypien will start.***
30.*Desmond Ridder ATL at NO
Note: Ridder has been named the starter, and the Falcons claimed Logan Woodside from the Titans' practice squad to be the backup, with Marcus Mariota going on IR with a knee issue.
31.*Colt McCoy ARZ at DEN
Note: McCoy will take over as the Cardinals' starter with Kyler Murray out with a torn ACL. McCoy has had two limited practices due to a neck injury. ***McCoy has been cleared from the injury list and will start Sunday.***
32.*Jeff Driskel HOU vs. KC
Note: Driskel reverted back to the practice squad after Week 14, but he'll almost certainly get elevated again this week after splitting time with Davis Mills last week.
33.*Davis Mills HOU vs. KC
Note: Mills split time with Jeff Driskel last week and will almost certainly do the same this week. Making it tougher even still on Mills is that Driskel got most of the red zone snaps.
34.*Mason Rudolph PIT at CAR
Note: There's a chance that Rudolph could start this week, with Kenny Pickett listed as doubtful. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will likely decide between Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky on Saturday. ***Trubisky will start.***
35.*Anthony Brown BAL at CLE
Note: Brown was pressed into action last week after Tyler Huntley's concussion. By rule he reverted back to the practice squad on Monday, but it's possible that he could be in the mix to start this week. Teammate Tyler Huntley has cleared the concussion protocol.
36.*Kenny Pickett PIT at CAR
Note: Pickett left Sunday's loss to the Ravens with a concussion, his second of the year, and is currently in the concussion protocol. Pickett has been a limited participant in practice so far; both Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph have been getting reps in practice. ***Pickett has been listed as doubtful.***
37.*Russell Wilson DEN vs. ARI
Note: Wilson suffered a concussion late in the loss to the Chiefs and is in the concussion protocol to begin the week. Wilson didn't practice Wednesday and was scheduled to be limited Thursday. ***Wilson has officially been ruled out this week.***
38.*Lamar Jackson BAL at CLE
Note: Prior to the Week 14 win over the Steelers, it was suggested that Jackson (PCL tear) could be out until Week 16. We'll see if Tyler Huntley's concussion changes that timeframe. Jackson wasn't present for Tuesday's walk-through practice. Jackson has been ruled out again this week.
39.*Mike White NYJ vs. DET
Note: White twice left Sunday's game with rib injuries, and was examined at a local hospital after the game. It's possible that Zach Wilson could be the No. 2 behind him this week, ahead of Joe Flacco. White has been limited in both practices so far, but he's in line to start. ***White did *not* gain clearance to play from team doctors and has been ruled out, and it'll be a challenge for him to be cleared in time for Thursday's Week 16 game against the Jaguars. Zach Wilson will start in his place.***
40.*Marcus Mariota ATL at NO
Note: Mariota left the team after being informed he was being benched in favor of Desmond Ridder to get a second opinion on his knee. It now appears he'll go on IR. Mariota was officially placed on IR on Wednesday.
41.*Kyler Murray ARZ at DEN
Note: Murray suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact play on Monday night and is out for the season.

Running Backs

1.*Christian McCaffrey SF at SEA
Note: McCaffrey (knee) was listed as limited on Monday and Tuesday's practice estimate.
2.Austin Ekeler LAC vs. TEN
3.Derrick Henry TEN at LAC
4.Dalvin Cook MIN vs. IND
5.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. NE
Note: Jacobs played through a hand injury in the second half of Thursday's loss to the Rams. Jacobs (quadriceps/hand) was limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practices all week and is listed as questionable, but he's been questionable for multiple weeks recently. Jacobs should be able to go, according to both local and national reporters.***
6.Tony Pollard DAL at JAX
7.Miles Sanders PHI at CHI
8.*J.K. Dobbins BAL at CLE
Note: Dobbins might not have breakaway speed, as demonstrated when he got run down on his 44-yard run, but he breaks tackles and the BAL OL was rolling last week, and now they face the Browns.
9.*Aaron Jones GB vs. LAR
Note: Jones (shin) was limited in the Packers' game prior to the bye week, but he was back on the field for Tuesday's unofficial practice session. Jones (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday in the Packers' first full practice since the bye. ***Jones was limited again Friday. Jones has been cleared from the injury list for Monday night.***
10.Joe Mixon CIN at TB
11.Nick Chubb CLE vs. BAL
12.*Najee Harris PIT at CAR
Note: Harris (hip) full practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday.
13.*Saquon Barkley NYG at WAS
Note: Barkley's usage was limited in Sunday's blowout loss to the Eagles, in part due to a neck injury that led him to be a game-time decision. Barkley (neck) was a full practice participant Wednesday and isn't on the Giants' initial injury report.
14.James Conner ARZ at DEN
15.Alvin Kamara NO vs. ATL
16.Isiah Pacheco KC at HOU
17.*David Montgomery CHI vs. PHI
Note: Montgomery was held out of practice Thursday with an illness. ***Montgomery was cleared from the injury list Friday.***
18.*Jamaal Williams DET at NYJ
Note: Williams might be the most touchdown-dependent back in the top 25 each week. Usually he gets there, but you're not getting anything at all in the passing game. ***Teammate Justin Jackson is questionable with an illness.***
19.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at JAX
20.*Brian Robinson WAS vs. NYG
Note: Robinson (quad) was limited both Wednesday and Thursday, as was Antonio Gibson (foot). ***Robinson has been cleared from the injury list.***
21.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL at NO
22.Zonovan Knight NYJ vs. DET
23.D'Onta Foreman CAR vs. PIT
24.*Travis Etienne JAC vs. DAL
Note: Where have the targets gone?
25.*Rachaad White TB vs. CIN
Note: The Bucs are using White more frequently than Fournette at this point, and getting greater returns.
26.Cam Akers LA at GB
27.*Raheem Mostert MIA at BUF
Note: Mostert could be busier than usual Saturday night if Jeff Wilson (hip) has to sit out.
28.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE at LV
Note: Stevenson tried to come back from the ankle injury he suffered early on Monday night, but left again after a few plays. With Damien Harris also out, the Pats still had two more RBs in Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong, who finished out the game. Stevenson has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Stevenson returned to a limited practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. He's a game-time decision, but 'trending in the right direction,' according to Ian Rapoport. Meanwhile Damien Harris is out this week.***
29.*D'Andre Swift DET at NYJ
Note: Swift's usage backslid last week against the Vikings, not great. ***Teammate Justin Jackson is questionable with an illness.***
30.Devin Singletary BUF vs. MIA
31.Leonard Fournette TB vs. CIN
32.*Kenneth Walker SEA vs. SF
Note: Walker (ankle) was limited on Monday but had a full practice on Tuesday. This makes it likely that he'll return on Thursday against the Niners.
33.*Jerick McKinnon KC at HOU
Note: Since the Chiefs returned from the bye, McKinnon has had six or more targets in four of the Chiefs' six games.
34.*Gus Edwards BAL at CLE
Note: Even though J.K. Dobbins was more involved than Edwards, Edwards still had 21 snaps and 13 carries.
35.Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. PIT
36.AJ Dillon GB vs. LAR
37.Samaje Perine CIN at TB
38.*Antonio Gibson WAS vs. NYG
Note: Gibson (foot) was limited at practice on Thursday, but so was Brian Robinson (quad). ***Gibson has been cleared from the injury list, as has Robinson.***
39.Kareem Hunt CLE vs. BAL
40.*Dare Ogunbowale HOU vs. KC
Note: ***I'm a little higher on Ogunbowale than Rex Burkhead, with Dameon Pierce ruled out.***
41.Latavius Murray DEN vs. ARI
42.Tyler Allgeier ATL at NO
43.Marlon Mack DEN vs. ARI
44.James Cook BUF vs. MIA
45.Michael Carter NYJ vs. DET
46.*Jordan Mason SF at SEA
Note: The Niners might have to use their backs more on Thursday given the short rest, Deebo Samuel being out and Brock Purdy banged up.
47.*Rex Burkhead HOU vs. KC
Note: ***Burkhead could be in line for more work with Dameon Pierce ruled out.***
48.*Pierre Strong NE at LV
Note: Strong had fewer carries than Kevin Harris after Rhamondre Stevenson got hurt, but looked really good in spots against the Cardinals.
49.*Travis Homer SEA vs. SF
Note: Homer will revert to a backup role with Kenneth Walker returning this week.
50.Boston Scott PHI at CHI
51.Kyren Williams LA at GB
52.Zamir White LV vs. NE
53.*Kevin Harris NE at LV
Note: Harris filled in after Rhamondre Stevenson left, though he shared the carries with Pierre Strong.
54.Matt Breida NYG at WAS
55.JaMycal Hasty JAC vs. DAL
56.*Justin Jackson DET at NYJ
Note: ***Jackson (illness) is now listed as questionable.***
57.Kenneth Gainwell PHI at CHI
58.Jaylen Warren PIT at CAR
59.Alexander Mattison MIN vs. IND
60.Justice Hill BAL at CLE
61.Benny Snell PIT at CAR
62.Malik Davis DAL at JAX
63.Zack Moss IND at MIN
64.Nyheim Hines BUF vs. MIA
65.Deon Jackson IND at MIN
66.*Tony Jones SEA vs. SF
Note: Even with Kenneth Walker (ankle) and DeeJay Dallas (ankle) inactive, Jones managed just two touches in the loss to Carolina.
67.Anthony McFarland PIT at CAR
68.*DeeJay Dallas SEA vs. SF
Note: Dallas did not participate in Monday's estimated practice/walk-through.
69.*Damien Harris NE at LV
Note: Harris (thigh) was a limited practice participant Wednesday. ***Harris is listed as questionable - he was limited in practice all week. OUT AGAIN THIS WEEK.***
70.Ameer Abdullah LV vs. NE
71.*Jeff Wilson MIA at BUF
Note: Wilson (hip) left in the second quarter of Sunday night's loss to the Chargers. He was a non-participant in Tuesday's practice. The Dolphins play Saturday night in Buffalo. That said, the Dolphins said that Wilson avoided the worst-case scenario. Wilson was limited in Thursday's practice and is listed as questionable.
72.*Dameon Pierce HOU vs. KC
Note: Pierce (ankle) is expected to miss at least this week and up to three weeks. Pierce has a high-ankle sprain, and while he hasn't officially been ruled out, it's likely he'll have a multi-week absence. ***Pierce has officially been ruled out. PLACED ON IR.***
73.*Jonathan Taylor IND at MIN
Note: ***Taylor sprained his ankle on the first drive of the game and didn't return.***
74.*Dontrell Hilliard TEN at LAC
Note: Hilliard left Sunday's loss to the Jags with a neck injury and won't play this week. The Titans will have to turn to Julius Chestnut to back up Derrick Henry, as Hassan Haskins was out with a hip injury last week. ***Placed on IR.***

Wide Receivers

1.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. IND
2.Davante Adams LV vs. NE
3.Ja'Marr Chase CIN at TB
4.A.J. Brown PHI at CHI
5.Keenan Allen LAC vs. TEN
6.CeeDee Lamb DAL at JAX
7.Stefon Diggs BUF vs. MIA
8.*Tyreek Hill MIA at BUF
Note: Hill (ankle) was listed as limited on Tuesday. He sat out much of the Dolphins' final drive Sunday night when they were down two scores. ***Hill returned to a full practice Wednesday, but of equal concern is the weather, where it could be windy and snowy.***
9.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. NYG
10.DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at DEN
11.Mike Williams LAC vs. TEN
12.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at NYJ
13.Christian Watson GB vs. LAR
14.Michael Pittman IND at MIN
15.Chris Godwin TB vs. CIN
16.Christian Kirk JAC vs. DAL
17.*Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. DET
Note: ***Wilson merits a small downgrade with Mike White out and Zach Wilson back in there again.***
18.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. SF
Note: Metcalf played through a hip injury last week.
19.Chris Olave NO vs. ATL
20.DeVonta Smith PHI at CHI
21.*Mike Evans TB vs. CIN
Note: Evans had a touchdown called back early in the loss due to a holding penalty at the line.
22.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE vs. BAL
23.*Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. ARI
Note: ***Teammates Courtland Sutton (hamstring) and Kendall Hinton (hamstring) have been ruled out this week.***
24.Brandon Aiyuk SF at SEA
25.*Marquise Brown ARZ at DEN
Note: Brown had a bad fourth-down drop in the loss Monday night. Brown (illness) sat out practice Thursday. ***Brown returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable. Though he's listed as questionable, he's expected to play.***
26.*Jaylen Waddle MIA at BUF
Note: That's two quiet weeks in a row for Waddle, who was banged up in the San Francisco game.
27.Allen Lazard GB vs. LAR
28.Darius Slayton NYG at WAS
29.*Amari Cooper CLE vs. BAL
Note: Cooper (hip) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated practice report. Cooper looked good in Thursday's practice and is slated to play Thursday.
30.*JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at HOU
Note: ***Teammate Mecole Hardman will miss another game.***
31.Michael Gallup DAL at JAX
32.Parris Campbell IND at MIN
33.George Pickens PIT at CAR
34.Zay Jones JAC vs. DAL
35.*Elijah Moore NYJ vs. DET
Note: Moore had 10 targets and could be in line for a lot of work if Corey Davis (concussion) is out again. ***Davis is indeed out, but it's now Zach Wilson and not Mike White playing quarterback.***
36.Drake London ATL at NO
37.*Diontae Johnson PIT at CAR
Note: Johnson (hip) didn't practice Thursday. ***Johnson was removed from the injury list on Friday.***
38.Gabe Davis BUF vs. MIA
39.DJ Chark DET at NYJ
40.*Tee Higgins CIN at TB
Note: Higgins is officially day-to-day with the hamstring injury that essentially sidelined him last week. Given the injury report shenanigans that the Bengals played with him last week, it'll be hard to trust them and coach Zac Taylor this week. Higgins has had two limited practices so far this week. ***Higgins had a full practice Friday, but he's listed as questionable. National reporters are suggesting that Higgins will play - I obviously have trust issues. If you're considering Higgins, make sure you have a late game pivot just in case.***
41.Joshua Palmer LAC vs. TEN
42.*Chris Moore HOU vs. KC
Note: ***Teammates Nico Collins and Brandin Cooks have been ruled out again this week.***
43.Curtis Samuel WAS vs. NYG
44.Adam Thielen MIN vs. IND
45.*DJ Moore CAR vs. PIT
Note: Moore is day-to-day with a knee sprain, though originally it was reported that it was an ankle injury that required imaging. ***Moore is questionable after downgrading to a limited practice Friday. Though he's listed as questionable, he's expected to play.***
46.*Jauan Jennings SF at SEA
Note: With Deebo Samuel out, Jennings should get a lot more snaps on Thursday night.
47.Terrace Marshall CAR vs. PIT
48.Van Jefferson LA at GB
49.*Nelson Agholor NE at LV
Note: Agholor had 10 targets Monday night, netting just 32 yards - they were seemingly all screen passes.
50.Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC at HOU
51.Mack Hollins LV vs. NE
52.*Tyler Boyd CIN at TB
Note: Boyd is 'day-to-day' with a dislocated finger, suffered on the first pass attempt of the game last week. Boyd has had two limited practices so far this week. ***Boyd had a full practice Friday, but he's being listed as questionable. National reporters suggest that Boyd will play. I'd make sure to have a late-game pivot just in case you're contemplating playing him.***
53.*Demarcus Robinson BAL at CLE
Note: Robinson missed Tuesday's walk-through with an illness.
54.*Jakobi Meyers NE at LV
Note: Meyers (concussion) has been limited so far this week. ***Meyers (concussion) was limited all week and is listed as questionable. Trending towards playing, whereas Parker is out.***
55.Isaiah McKenzie BUF vs. MIA
56.Devin Duvernay BAL at CLE
57.*Robert Woods TEN at LAC
Note: Woods (illness) was a full participant Thursday.
58.*Romeo Doubs GB vs. LAR
Note: Doubs is expected to return to action on Monday night, but what sort of role will he have after the emergence of Christian Watson? Doubs had a full practice Thursday, which was the Packers' first full practice. ***Doubs has looked good in practice, but 'won't have too much on his plate' on Monday night.***
59.Jarvis Landry NO vs. ATL
60.Jahan Dotson WAS vs. NYG
61.Marvin Jones JAC vs. DAL
62.*Josh Reynolds DET at NYJ
Note: Reynolds dropped to a 60 percent snap share against the Vikings with Jameson Williams getting more involved, but he still managed three catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.
63.Randall Cobb GB vs. LAR
64.*Kadarius Toney KC at HOU
Note: Toney (hamstring) had limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Toney (hamstring) is listed as questionable after three limited practices. Trending towards playing, while Hardman remains out.***
65.Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at LAC
66.Ben Skowronek LA at GB
67.Jameson Williams DET at NYJ
68.*Richie James NYG at WAS
Note: James is in the concussion protocol, for an injury suffered I think on the play where he scored his touchdown. This is not his first injury of the season, so watch this one carefully. ***James has cleared the concussion protocol and is no longer on the injury list.***
69.*Quez Watkins PHI at CHI
Note: Watkins (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
70.*Julio Jones TB vs. CIN
Note: Jones (knee) was a non-participant Wednesday and Thursday this week. ***Jones returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable.***
71.Rashid Shaheed NO vs. ATL
72.Tutu Atwell LA at GB
73.Noah Brown DAL at JAX
74.*Isaiah Hodgins NYG at WAS
Note: Hodgins has scored two weeks in a row and had six targets last week. That role might increase this week with Richie James in the concussion protocol.
75.*Hunter Renfrow LV vs. NE
Note: ***Raiders coach Josh McDaniels hasn't decided yet whether Renfrow (oblique) will return this week. He has practiced after being designated to return. Officially activated from IR.***
76.*Corey Davis NYJ vs. DET
Note: Davis is in the concussion protocol for an injury suffered last week against the Bills. Davis has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Davis has been ruled out this week.***
77.*DeVante Parker NE at LV
Note: Parker left after six snaps with a concussion Monday night. Parker hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Parker has been ruled out for this week.***
78.*Chase Claypool CHI vs. PHI
Note: Claypool (knee) has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Claypool has been ruled out this week.***
79.*Courtland Sutton DEN vs. ARI
Note: Sutton (hamstring) didn't participate in Wednesday or Thursday's practice.
80.*Brandin Cooks HOU vs. KC
Note: Cooks (calf) returned to a limited practice Thursday, and 'looked fast.' Originally the Texans thought he wouldn't play, but there's a chance he returns this week. ***Cooks was ultimately ruled out again.***
81.*Nico Collins HOU vs. KC
Note: ***Collins (foot) has been ruled out again.***
82.*Treylon Burks TEN at LAC
Note: Burks (concussion) hasn't practiced yet this week - it looks like he could miss a second game. ***Officially ruled out.***
83.*Kendall Hinton DEN vs. ARI
Note: Hinton suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to the Chiefs. Hinton (hamstring) hasn't practiced yet this week.
84.*Tyler Lockett SEA vs. SF
Note: Lockett has scored in six consecutive games. ***Lockett suffered a broken finger Thursday night that required surgery and will be out at least until Week 17.***
85.Rondale Moore ARZ at DEN
86.*Deebo Samuel SF at SEA
Note: Samuel (knee/ankle) will be out this week for sure and probably in Week 16 as well. Given how ugly the injury looked, I'm surprised any part of the regular season is in play.

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC at HOU
2.Mark Andrews BAL at CLE
3.T.J. Hockenson MIN vs. IND
4.Dalton Schultz DAL at JAX
5.*Evan Engram JAC vs. DAL
Note: Engram had a career day (11-15-162-2) in the win over the Titans.
6.*George Kittle SF at SEA
Note: Kittle had four catches for 28 yards, with two of those catches coming on the first drive.
7.*David Njoku CLE vs. BAL
Note: Njoku (knee) was listed as limited in Tuesday's practice estimate. ***Njoku has been cleared from the injury report.***
8.*Pat Freiermuth PIT at CAR
Note: Freiermuth played through a foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Ravens, netting only 57 percent of the offensive snaps. ***Freiermuth had just one limited practice Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday, but he's still been cleared from the injury list and will play through it this weekend.***
9.Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN at LAC
10.Cole Kmet CHI vs. PHI
11.Greg Dulcich DEN vs. ARI
12.Dawson Knox BUF vs. MIA
13.*Darren Waller LV vs. NE
Note: Waller (hamstring) is uncertain for Sunday's game against the Pats. Like Hunter Renfrow, because he's still on IR, the Raiders don't have to use a 'questionable' designation for him. ***Waller has officially been activated from IR. My ranking for this first week back will be modest.***
14.Hunter Henry NE at LV
15.Gerald Everett LAC vs. TEN
16.Austin Hooper TEN at LAC
17.Robert Tonyan GB vs. LAR
18.Tyler Higbee LA at GB
19.Trey McBride ARZ at DEN
20.Taysom Hill NO vs. ATL
21.*Juwan Johnson NO vs. ATL
Note: ***Johnson (ankle) has been limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable.***
22.Noah Fant SEA vs. SF
23.Cade Otton TB vs. CIN
24.Logan Thomas WAS vs. NYG
25.Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. DET
26.Jordan Akins HOU vs. KC
27.Jelani Woods IND at MIN
28.*Foster Moreau LV vs. NE
Note: Moreau was shut out in Thursday's loss to the Rams. The Raiders took the air out of the ball after getting a lead and ultimately paid the price. ***Darren Waller is back, so he reverts to a reserve role.***
29.Isaiah Likely BAL at CLE
30.Harrison Bryant CLE vs. BAL
31.Mo Alie-Cox IND at MIN
32.MyCole Pruitt ATL at NO
33.Jonnu Smith NE at LV
34.Will Dissly SEA vs. SF
35.Tommy Tremble CAR vs. PIT
36.Brock Wright DET at NYJ
37.Mike Gesicki MIA at BUF
38.Mitchell Wilcox CIN at TB
39.Cameron Brate TB vs. CIN
40.*Daniel Bellinger NYG at WAS
Note: Bellinger left in the fourth quarter with a rib injury suffered in the second quarter last week. ***Bellinger has been limited all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday night.***
41.*Dallas Goedert PHI at CHI
Note: ***We probably won't know Goedert's status until Sunday - because he's still on IR, the Eagles don't have to list him on the injury report. NOT ACTIVE YET***
42.*Hayden Hurst CIN at TB
Note: Hurst (calf) remains 'week-to-week' after sitting out last week. ***Officially ruled out again this week.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. IND
2.*Christian McCaffrey SF at SEA
Note: McCaffrey (knee) was listed as limited on Monday and Tuesday's practice estimate.
3.Austin Ekeler LAC vs. TEN
4.Davante Adams LV vs. NE
5.Stefon Diggs BUF vs. MIA
6.Ja'Marr Chase CIN at TB
7.Travis Kelce KC at HOU
8.*Tyreek Hill MIA at BUF
Note: Hill (ankle) was listed as limited on Tuesday. He sat out much of the Dolphins' final drive Sunday night when they were down two scores. ***Hill returned to a full practice Wednesday, but of equal concern is the weather, where it could be windy and snowy.***
9.A.J. Brown PHI at CHI
10.Derrick Henry TEN at LAC
11.Dalvin Cook MIN vs. IND
12.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. NE
Note: Jacobs played through a hand injury in the second half of Thursday's loss to the Rams. Jacobs (quadriceps/hand) was limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practices all week and is listed as questionable, but he's been questionable for multiple weeks recently. Jacobs should be able to go, according to both local and national reporters.***
13.Tony Pollard DAL at JAX
14.Keenan Allen LAC vs. TEN
15.CeeDee Lamb DAL at JAX
16.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. NYG
17.*Aaron Jones GB vs. LAR
Note: Jones (shin) was limited in the Packers' game prior to the bye week, but he was back on the field for Tuesday's unofficial practice session. Jones (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday in the Packers' first full practice since the bye. ***Jones was limited again Friday. Jones has been cleared from the injury list for Monday night.***
18.*Jonathan Taylor IND at MIN
Note: ***Taylor sprained his ankle on the first drive of the game and didn't return.***
19.Miles Sanders PHI at CHI
20.DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at DEN
21.*Tyler Lockett SEA vs. SF
Note: Lockett has scored in six consecutive games. ***Lockett suffered a broken finger Thursday night that required surgery and will be out at least until Week 17.***
22.Mike Williams LAC vs. TEN
23.*J.K. Dobbins BAL at CLE
Note: Dobbins might not have breakaway speed, as demonstrated when he got run down on his 44-yard run, but he breaks tackles and the BAL OL was rolling last week, and now they face the Browns.
24.Joe Mixon CIN at TB
25.Nick Chubb CLE vs. BAL
26.*Najee Harris PIT at CAR
Note: Harris (hip) full practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday.
27.*Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. DET
Note: ***Wilson merits a small downgrade with Mike White out and Zach Wilson back in there again.***
28.Michael Pittman IND at MIN
29.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at NYJ
30.Chris Godwin TB vs. CIN
31.Christian Kirk JAC vs. DAL
32.*Saquon Barkley NYG at WAS
Note: Barkley's usage was limited in Sunday's blowout loss to the Eagles, in part due to a neck injury that led him to be a game-time decision. Barkley (neck) was a full practice participant Wednesday and isn't on the Giants' initial injury report.
33.James Conner ARZ at DEN
34.Alvin Kamara NO vs. ATL
35.Isiah Pacheco KC at HOU
36.*David Montgomery CHI vs. PHI
Note: Montgomery was held out of practice Thursday with an illness. ***Montgomery was cleared from the injury list Friday.***
37.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. SF
Note: Metcalf played through a hip injury last week.
38.Chris Olave NO vs. ATL
39.DeVonta Smith PHI at CHI
40.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at JAX
41.*Jamaal Williams DET at NYJ
Note: Williams might be the most touchdown-dependent back in the top 25 each week. Usually he gets there, but you're not getting anything at all in the passing game. ***Teammate Justin Jackson is questionable with an illness.***
42.*Brian Robinson WAS vs. NYG
Note: Robinson (quad) was limited both Wednesday and Thursday, as was Antonio Gibson (foot). ***Robinson has been cleared from the injury list.***
43.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL at NO
44.Zonovan Knight NYJ vs. DET
45.D'Onta Foreman CAR vs. PIT
46.*Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. ARI
Note: ***Teammates Courtland Sutton (hamstring) and Kendall Hinton (hamstring) have been ruled out this week.***
47.Brandon Aiyuk SF at SEA
48.*Marquise Brown ARZ at DEN
Note: Brown had a bad fourth-down drop in the loss Monday night. Brown (illness) sat out practice Thursday. ***Brown returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable. Though he's listed as questionable, he's expected to play.***
49.*Mike Evans TB vs. CIN
Note: Evans had a touchdown called back early in the loss due to a holding penalty at the line.
50.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE vs. BAL
51.*Jaylen Waddle MIA at BUF
Note: That's two quiet weeks in a row for Waddle, who was banged up in the San Francisco game.
52.Christian Watson GB vs. LAR
53.Allen Lazard GB vs. LAR
54.Darius Slayton NYG at WAS
55.*Travis Etienne JAC vs. DAL
Note: Where have the targets gone?
56.*Rachaad White TB vs. CIN
Note: The Bucs are using White more frequently than Fournette at this point, and getting greater returns.
57.*Elijah Moore NYJ vs. DET
Note: Moore had 10 targets and could be in line for a lot of work if Corey Davis (concussion) is out again. ***Davis is indeed out, but it's now Zach Wilson and not Mike White playing quarterback.***
58.Mark Andrews BAL at CLE
59.T.J. Hockenson MIN vs. IND
60.Cam Akers LA at GB
61.*Raheem Mostert MIA at BUF
Note: Mostert could be busier than usual Saturday night if Jeff Wilson (hip) has to sit out.
62.Devin Singletary BUF vs. MIA
63.Leonard Fournette TB vs. CIN
64.Michael Gallup DAL at JAX
65.Parris Campbell IND at MIN
66.George Pickens PIT at CAR
67.Zay Jones JAC vs. DAL
68.Drake London ATL at NO
69.*Kenneth Walker SEA vs. SF
Note: Walker (ankle) was limited on Monday but had a full practice on Tuesday. This makes it likely that he'll return on Thursday against the Niners.
70.*D'Andre Swift DET at NYJ
Note: Swift's usage backslid last week against the Vikings, not great. ***Teammate Justin Jackson is questionable with an illness.***
71.*Jerick McKinnon KC at HOU
Note: Since the Chiefs returned from the bye, McKinnon has had six or more targets in four of the Chiefs' six games.
72.Dalton Schultz DAL at JAX
73.*Evan Engram JAC vs. DAL
Note: Engram had a career day (11-15-162-2) in the win over the Titans.
74.*Diontae Johnson PIT at CAR
Note: Johnson (hip) didn't practice Thursday. ***Johnson was removed from the injury list on Friday.***
75.Gabe Davis BUF vs. MIA
76.DJ Chark DET at NYJ
77.*Amari Cooper CLE vs. BAL
Note: Cooper (hip) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated practice report. Cooper looked good in Thursday's practice and is slated to play Thursday.
78.Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. PIT
79.AJ Dillon GB vs. LAR
80.*Dare Ogunbowale HOU vs. KC
Note: ***I'm a little higher on Ogunbowale than Rex Burkhead, with Dameon Pierce ruled out.***
81.Samaje Perine CIN at TB
82.*David Njoku CLE vs. BAL
Note: Njoku (knee) was listed as limited in Tuesday's practice estimate. ***Njoku has been cleared from the injury report.***
83.Joshua Palmer LAC vs. TEN
84.*Chris Moore HOU vs. KC
Note: ***Teammates Nico Collins and Brandin Cooks have been ruled out again this week.***
85.Curtis Samuel WAS vs. NYG
86.Adam Thielen MIN vs. IND
87.*JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at HOU
Note: ***Teammate Mecole Hardman will miss another game.***
88.*Antonio Gibson WAS vs. NYG
Note: Gibson (foot) was limited at practice on Thursday, but so was Brian Robinson (quad). ***Gibson has been cleared from the injury list, as has Robinson.***
89.Kareem Hunt CLE vs. BAL
90.*Gus Edwards BAL at CLE
Note: Even though J.K. Dobbins was more involved than Edwards, Edwards still had 21 snaps and 13 carries.

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL at CLE
2.Brett Maher DAL at JAX
3.Evan McPherson CIN at TB
4.Jason Myers SEA vs. SF
5.Harrison Butker KC at HOU
6.*Daniel Carlson LV vs. NE
Note: Carlson ended a streak of games with a miss in the loss to the Rams last week. So at least that went right for the Raiders.
7.Nick Folk NE at LV
8.Tyler Bass BUF vs. MIA
9.Joey Slye WAS vs. NYG
10.Greg Joseph MIN vs. IND
11.Graham Gano NYG at WAS
12.Michael Badgley DET at NYJ
13.Cameron Dicker LAC vs. TEN
14.Ryan Succop TB vs. CIN
15.Greg Zuerlein NYJ vs. DET
16.Robbie Gould SF at SEA
17.Riley Patterson JAC vs. DAL
18.Chris Boswell PIT at CAR
19.Mason Crosby GB vs. LAR
20.Jake Elliott PHI at CHI
21.Randy Bullock TEN at LAC
22.Cade York CLE vs. BAL
23.Wil Lutz NO vs. ATL
24.Jason Sanders MIA at BUF
25.Matt Gay LA at GB
26.Brandon McManus DEN vs. ARI
27.Matt Prater ARZ at DEN
28.Younghoe Koo ATL at NO
29.Eddy Pineiro CAR vs. PIT
30.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. KC
31.Cairo Santos CHI vs. PHI
32.Chase McLaughlin IND at MIN

Defenses

1.Kansas City Chiefs at HOU
2.*Green Bay Packers vs. LAR
Note: The Packers should make hay against the Rams' patchwork offensive line, especially in Lambeau.
3.*Denver Broncos vs. ARI
Note: Denver already has a good defense, and now they'll be facing Colt McCoy instead of Kyler Murray against a bad OL.
4.*Buffalo Bills vs. MIA
Note: The Dolphins have struggled mightily the last two weeks, are banged up, and are on the third leg of their three-game road trip, on short rest. This could get ugly.
5.San Francisco 49ers at SEA
6.Dallas Cowboys at JAX
7.Philadelphia Eagles at CHI
8.Baltimore Ravens at CLE
9.Washington Commanders vs. NYG
10.*Cleveland Browns vs. BAL
Note: The Browns could be facing undrafted rookie Anthony Brown at QB on Saturday.
11.New England Patriots at LV
12.Carolina Panthers vs. PIT
13.Cincinnati Bengals at TB
14.New York Jets vs. DET
15.New Orleans Saints vs. ATL
16.Arizona Cardinals at DEN
17.Los Angeles Chargers vs. TEN
18.Pittsburgh Steelers at CAR
19.Minnesota Vikings vs. IND
20.Detroit Lions at NYJ
21.Los Angeles Rams at GB
22.New York Giants at WAS
23.Las Vegas Raiders vs. NE
24.Atlanta Falcons at NO
25.Tennessee Titans at LAC
26.Jacksonville Jaguars vs. DAL
27.Seattle Seahawks vs. SF
28.Indianapolis Colts at MIN
29.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. CIN
30.Miami Dolphins at BUF
31.Houston Texans vs. KC
32.Chicago Bears vs. PHI
Want to Read More?
Subscribe to RotoWire to see the full article.

We reserve some of our best content for our paid subscribers. Plus, if you choose to subscribe you can discuss this article with the author and the rest of the RotoWire community.

Get Instant Access To This Article Get Access To This Article
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only NFL Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire NFL fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Erickson
Jeff Erickson is a co-founder of RotoWire and the only two-time winner of Baseball Writer of the Year from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. He's also in the FSWA Hall of Fame. He roots for the Reds, Bengals, Red Wings, Pacers and Northwestern University (the real NU).
Early Waiver Wire For Week 16
Early Waiver Wire For Week 16
NFL Reactions: Week 15 Recap
NFL Reactions: Week 15 Recap
Packers at Seahawks: Sunday Night Football  Odds, Picks, and Predictions
Packers at Seahawks: Sunday Night Football Odds, Picks, and Predictions
Sunday Night Football DFS Breakdown: Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers
Sunday Night Football DFS Breakdown: Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers