This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
***Sunday Update Complete - Check Latest News For Last-Minute Inactives, Especially For Jamaal Charles.***
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 8:00 pm PT. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it.
By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?".
***Sunday Update Complete -
***Sunday Update Complete - Check Latest News For Last-Minute Inactives, Especially For Jamaal Charles.***
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 8:00 pm PT. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it.
By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?".
***Sunday Update Complete - Check Latest News For Last-Minute Inactives, Especially For Jamaal Charles.***
Quarterback
1. | Aaron Rodgers GB at Det |
2. | Drew Brees NO vs. Min |
3. | Nick Foles PHI vs. Was |
4. | Andrew Luck IND at Jax Note: I'm a little bit concerned about Luck's low YPA, though the practical application of that won't be felt too much this week against Jacksonville. |
5. | Matthew Stafford DET vs. GB |
6. | Tom Brady NE vs. Oak |
7. | *Tony Romo DAL at StL Note: Sat out practice Wednesday to rest his back but returned Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
8. | Peyton Manning DEN at Sea |
9. | Jay Cutler CHI at NYJ Note: Because the Jets are so good against the run, I think you'll see 35+ passing attempts from Cutler this week. The efficiency might not be there, but the volume should make up for it. |
10. | Matt Ryan ATL vs. TB Note: Ryan should be better back at home, but there are some reasons for concern - the short week, poor offensive line play with Baker and Matthews out, and Roddy White's hamstring injury. Originally I had him at 4th, but I've since lowered him. |
11. | Russell Wilson SEA vs. Den |
12. | Cam Newton CAR vs. Pit Note: Not on the initial injury report at all this week. |
13. | Philip Rivers SD at Buf |
14. | Kirk Cousins WAS at Phi |
15. | *Colin Kaepernick SF at Ari Note: (Back) Listed as probable. |
16. | *Matt Cassel MIN at NO Note: Cassell will get the start again this week despite throwing four interceptions last week. It'll be interesting to see whether Bortles or Bridgewater plays first. |
17. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Ten Note: Dalton is out of my top 12 this week because of the injuries to Jones, Eifert and especially Green. I don't if Green will be able to play, or will be close to full capacity. For now, I'm going to assume the negative and reserve the right to move Dalton up if Green is full go. |
18. | *Josh McCown TB at Atl Note: Sprained his right thumb in the loss to Atlanta and will likely be out in Week 4. |
19. | *Joe Flacco BAL at Cle Note: Sat out practice Wednesday with an illness but returned Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
20. | Geno Smith NYJ vs. Chi |
21. | Brian Hoyer CLE vs. Bal |
22. | Jake Locker TEN at Cin |
23. | Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. KC |
24. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT at Car |
25. | EJ Manuel BUF vs. SD |
26. | Alex Smith KC at Mia Note: I hate the matchup at Miami, especially in September, and especially given how he had happy feet in the pocket against the Broncos. |
27. | Ryan Fitzpatrick HOU at NYG |
28. | *Chad Henne JAC vs. Ind Note: Jags coach Gus Bradley said that playing Blake Bortles last week was never a consideration, and that Henne will start this week. Henne's offensive line is a huge problem - he was sacked 10 times by the Redskins. Granted, they have a better than average pass rush, but how much of this is to blame on the OL and how much on Henne? |
29. | *Austin Davis STL vs. Dal Note: Will start again this week. |
30. | *Drew Stanton ARZ vs. SF |
31. | Eli Manning NYG vs. Hou |
32. | Derek Carr OAK at NE |
33. | *Shaun Hill STL vs. Dal Note: (Thigh) The Rams have said that Hill will start over Davis if healthy, but he won't practice Wednesday - might try to go Thursday. As promised, Hill was limited to individual work Wednesday. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable, Austin Davis will start.*** |
34. | *Carson Palmer ARZ vs. SF Note: Apparently Palmer wasn't close to being able to play Sunday. The issue is with the nerve in his shoulder. With the Cardinals going on bye in Week 4, I'm going to operate under the assumption that Palmer will not play until he practices. Still no timetable for Palmer's return, and he was limited to footwork drills in Wednesday's practice. ***Won't start.*** |
35. | *Robert Griffin WAS at Phi Note: Dislocated ankle, but no broken bones according to the x-rays. Not yet put on IR or even IR-to-return by the team, and indications are that they will not do so. |
Running Backs
1. | DeMarco Murray DAL at StL |
2. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Ten |
3. | Alfred Morris WAS at Phi |
4. | Eddie Lacy GB at Det |
5. | LeSean McCoy PHI vs. Was |
6. | *Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. Den Note: Lynch is dealing with an 'ongoing' back concern and will be monitored this week in practice. Lynch had just six carries and four receptions and 24 total snaps. He last missed a game in 2011, but it was due to back spasms. Given his recent durability, I'm not going to downgrade him just yet - but reserve the right to do so if he doesn't practice this week. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday, listed as probable.*** |
7. | Zac Stacy STL vs. Dal |
8. | Frank Gore SF at Ari |
9. | Matt Forte CHI at NYJ |
10. | Montee Ball DEN at Sea |
11. | *Bobby Rainey TB at Atl Note: Preliminary reports suggest that Rainey will start and that Martin might not even suit up. |
12. | Stevan Ridley NE vs. Oak |
13. | *Chris Johnson NYJ vs. Chi Note: ***(Ankle) Listed as probable.*** |
14. | Terrance West CLE vs. Bal |
15. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at Car |
16. | *Donald Brown SD at Buf Note: Set to be the primary ballcarrier with Ryan Mathews out 4-to-5 weeks with an MCL sprain. I think that Brown will step right into Mathews' role, with Woodhead remaining a third-down and passing down specialist. Brown can catch passes too. |
17. | Darren Sproles PHI vs. Was |
18. | *Knile Davis KC at Mia Note: The interesting part about Davis's game against the Broncos is that he got nine targets in the passing game. The Chiefs just don't throw down-field all that frequently, and they obviously trust Davis in passing situations. Charles might just miss one game, or he could have setbacks because it's a high-ankle sprain and give Davis a handful of starts. I think he's the most talented back among this week's FA targets. With Charles practicing on Thursday, we have to downgrade Davis some. |
19. | C.J. Spiller BUF vs. SD |
20. | *Joique Bell DET vs. GB Note: (Knee) Limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice by the end of the week, listed as probable.*** |
21. | *Lamar Miller MIA vs. KC Note: Miller suffered a minor ankle injury towards the end of the loss to the Bills, but with Knowshon Moreno definitely out, this is a great opportunity for him. Damien Williams and professional flat tire Daniel Thomas are the backups. Was not on the Wednesday injury report. |
22. | Steven Jackson ATL vs. TB Note: This week should set up to be a different type of game for the Falcons than last week. They were getting dominated early, even if it took awhile for it to reflect in the score, and hence ran the ball only 16 times against the Bengals. This time they have the short week against the Bucs, a lesser opponent, and will be at home. Typically the running games do better than the passing games on short rest, though obviously one size does not fit all. |
23. | Reggie Bush DET vs. GB |
24. | Rashad Jennings NYG vs. Hou |
25. | *Shane Vereen NE vs. Oak Note: After getting the goal line carry in Week 1, it was Ridley that got that in Week 2 along with the majority of the carries. (Shoulder) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable, but expected to give it a go.*** |
26. | *Andre Ellington ARZ vs. SF Note: Ellington still has pain in his left foot, but the Cardinals hope that he can practice Thursday and Friday. Did not practice Wednesday, as planned. ***Listed as probable.*** |
27. | *Khiry Robinson NO vs. Min Note: I prefer both Knile Davis and Donald Brown to Robinson as FA options this week, for no other reason than the usual timeshare concerns that come along with being a RB for the Saints. |
28. | *Toby Gerhart JAC vs. Ind Note: Between his ankle injury and the early blowout, Gerhart never had a chance to get going last week. They kept it closer against the Eagles in Week 1, so there's still cause for hope. Don't cut bait on Gerhart. Missed practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.*** |
29. | *Justin Forsett BAL at Cle Note: ***Could be in line for a large workload if Pierce can't go.*** |
30. | *Darren McFadden OAK at NE |
31. | *Ahmad Bradshaw IND at Jax Note: Bradshaw has had fewer carries than Richardson, but he was again the more effective back, plus he was on the field for more snaps and didn't fumble, unlike Richardson. In PPR leagues, Bradshaw has enough value to start if you're hurting this week. |
32. | *Alfred Blue HOU at NYG Note: ***Possibly in line to play a lot if Arian Foster is limited by his injury.*** |
33. | *Pierre Thomas NO vs. Min Note: While the Ingram injury takes away one viable competitor, I don't think that Thomas gets feature back work - he's had plenty of other scenarios in the past where the Saints haven't treated him as such. He'll be viable in PPR leagues, and maybe even standard leagues, but I'd rather not have him as a top-2 RB. |
34. | Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Ten |
35. | Danny Woodhead SD at Buf |
36. | Chris Ivory NYJ vs. Chi |
37. | *Matt Asiata MIN at NO Note: Likely starting again with Peterson out indefinitely, but the Vikings indicated that they could go with more of a hot hand approach this time around. That could be mean for work for McKinnon eventually, as this season quickly could have a developmental emphasis. |
38. | *Trent Richardson IND at Jax Note: Richardson ran better Monday night than he did the previous week, but he also put the ball on the ground for a critical turnover. He's already getting fewer snaps than Bradshaw, and perhaps the only thing stopping that ratio from getting worse is durability concerns for Bradshaw. |
39. | Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Pit |
40. | *Carlos Hyde SF at Ari Note: Hyde's dud game in a good set-up has me afraid to use him in anything other than a bye-week scenario, at least for now. ***(Calf) Listed as probable.*** |
41. | Shonn Greene TEN at Cin Note: I think that the Titans gave up on the run way too early in what was a good matchup for them, and Greene's output suffered as a result. The problem is that we can really trust them to act accordingly going forward, especially when the matchup this week isn't nearly as attractive. |
42. | *Stepfan Taylor ARZ vs. SF Note: Taylor was on the field for only two snaps against the Giants. The talent might be present, but with him buried he's not an option for us now. Back to being the top backup with Jonathan Dwyer's situation coming to the forefront. Also in the picture are Robert Hughes and Jalen Parmele. |
43. | Fred Jackson BUF vs. SD |
44. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. TB |
45. | Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. Bal |
46. | LeGarrette Blount PIT at Car |
47. | Robert Turbin SEA vs. Den |
48. | Benny Cunningham STL vs. Dal |
49. | *Jerick McKinnon MIN at NO Note: Might get more work if the Vikings go with a 'hot hand' approach the rest of the way. I'm assuming we won't see Peterson for a long time. |
50. | *DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Pit Note: (Hip) After sitting out last week, Williams is expected to practice Wednesday and return to action Sunday night. Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, doing individual work on the side instead. ***Good day of practice Friday, possible that he goes on Sunday night.*** |
51. | James Starks GB at Det |
52. | Bishop Sankey TEN at Cin |
53. | *Damien Williams MIA vs. KC Note: Probably next in line behind Lamar Miller, though Daniel Thomas could prove to be a threat. Officially the backup behind Lamar Miller for this week. |
54. | *Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL at Cle Note: ***Could get more work if Bernard Pierce (thigh) can't play.*** |
55. | Andre Williams NYG vs. Hou |
56. | *Bernard Pierce BAL at Cle Note: Added to the injury report Thursday with a thigh injury. ***Limited practice Friday, game-time decision, and the early Sunday morning reports suggest that it doesn't look good for Pierce.*** |
57. | *Roy Helu WAS at Phi Note: Injured his knee against the Jaguars and is day-to-day. |
58. | *Mike Tolbert CAR vs. Pit Note: (Chest) Limited practice participant Thursday. |
59. | Devonta Freeman ATL vs. TB |
60. | Jonathan Grimes HOU at NYG |
61. | Silas Redd WAS at Phi |
62. | *Dexter McCluster TEN at Cin Note: Sore foot, status for this week currently unclear. |
63. | *Cyrus Gray KC at Mia Note: Probably next in line behind Knile Davis this week, though he's dealing with a foot injury. |
64. | *Travaris Cadet NO vs. Min Note: Could be a bigger part of the Saints' running back rotation with the injury to Ingram. |
65. | Jordan Todman JAC vs. Ind |
66. | Ronnie Hillman DEN at Sea |
67. | Latavius Murray OAK at NE Note: Even with MJD out in Week 2, Murray had just one carry, but that could be a product of the Raiders falling behind so early. In deeper leagues he's a hold. |
68. | Denard Robinson JAC vs. Ind |
69. | *Jalen Parmele ARZ vs. SF Note: ***Designated short-yardage back with Dwyer out.*** |
70. | Ka'Deem Carey CHI at NYJ |
71. | Mike James TB at Atl |
72. | Anthony Dixon BUF vs. SD |
73. | *Jamaal Charles KC at Mia Note: Diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, though coach Andy Reid said he 'didn't think it was a severe one' for what that's worth. I still don't expect him to play against Miami this week. Big news - Charles was able to practice Thursday in a bit of a surprise. Waiting to see how much work he got in and Friday's practice will be critical. ***Game-time decision, will test out his ankle in pregame warmups, but the current expectation is that he won't play.*** |
74. | *Christine Michael SEA vs. Den Note: (Hamstring) Slated to return to practice Wednesday. |
75. | *Daniel Thomas MIA vs. KC Note: Re-signed by the Dolphins after the Moreno injury. |
76. | *Joe McKnight KC at Mia |
77. | *Arian Foster HOU at NYG Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday, but that was also the case last week. ***Hamstring injury worse than last week, now a game-time decision.*** |
78. | *Maurice Jones-Drew OAK at NE Note: (Hand) Returned to practice for the first time since the injury on Thursday. ***Not expected to play this week.*** |
79. | *Doug Martin TB at Atl Note: Martin (knee) was limited in practice Tuesday but the time that he did spend out there was with the first team. With the short turnaround, I'm not certain whether he plays, let alone whether he'll get a full share of carries. Tread carefully here. Expected to test out the knee before kickoff, but preliminary reports suggest that Martin won't start and might not even play. |
80. | *Dri Archer PIT at Car |
81. | *De'Anthony Thomas KC at Mia Note: A possible backup to Knile Davis, but is dealing with a hamstring injury and could be behind Cyrus Gray. |
82. | *Ben Tate CLE vs. Bal Note: (Knee) Probably won't return this week. Sat out practice Wednesday. |
83. | *Knowshon Moreno MIA vs. KC Note: Out 4-to-8 weeks with a dislocated and possibly fractured elbow. |
84. | *Mark Ingram NO vs. Min Note: Out for a month with a broken hand. |
85. | *Ryan Mathews SD at Buf Note: MCL sprain, out 4-to-5 weeks. |
86. | *Adrian Peterson MIN at NO Note: Reinstated by the Vikings on Monday, but more allegations are surfacing. Nonetheless, he's expected to play against the Saints this week. Vikings reversed their stance overnight Tuesday. Peterson will be on the league's reserved list until his legal situation is resolved. That could take until next year. |
87. | *Jonathan Dwyer ARZ vs. SF Note: Out indefinitely after domestic violence arrest. |
Wide Receivers
1. | Calvin Johnson DET vs. GB |
2. | Jordy Nelson GB at Det |
3. | *Julio Jones ATL vs. TB Note: (Ankle) Full participant in Tuesday's practice after being limited Monday. |
4. | Jeremy Maclin PHI vs. Was |
5. | Randall Cobb GB at Det |
6. | *Dez Bryant DAL at StL Note: Briefly left with a shoulder injury but was very productive while wearing extra padding for his right shoulder. Missed practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable.*** |
7. | *Brandon Marshall CHI at NYJ Note: (Ankle) Didn't practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Saturday, listed as questionable for Monday night.*** |
8. | Antonio Brown PIT at Car |
9. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at Sea |
10. | *Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at NO Note: (Chest) Limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***(Chest) Listed as probable.*** |
11. | *Andre Johnson HOU at NYG Note: ***Probable with an ankle injury.*** |
12. | *A.J. Green CIN vs. Ten Note: Left on the first drive of the game with a right toe injury. Coach Marvin Lewis said that the injury isn't a long-term concern, which doesn't do much to placate our short-term concerns. Limited practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Coach Marvin Lewis expressed optimism that Green will play. I'm waiting until Friday's practices before moving Green up. ***Active this week.*** |
13. | Percy Harvin SEA vs. Den Note: Week 2 was a weird game for the San Diego offense - not only was Marshawn Lynch used sparingly, so was Harvin - he had just one target in the passing game and was on the field for only 25 snaps. There's no word of an 'ongoing' injury with Harvin as there was with Lynch, so I'm writing off last week's usage as a fluke. |
14. | Vincent Jackson TB at Atl |
15. | Pierre Garcon WAS at Phi Note: Garcon's four targets with Cousins last week seem like a fluke to me - he connected just fine with him last year. The Redskins were blowing out the Jaguars and didn't need to throw down-field nearly as often as they might in a different type of game. Look for him to bounce back. |
16. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. Oak Note: (Back) Limited practice Wednesday. |
17. | Michael Crabtree SF at Ari |
18. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. SF |
19. | Mike Wallace MIA vs. KC |
20. | *Keenan Allen SD at Buf Note: (Groin) Added to the injury report Thursday. ***Limited on both Thursday and Friday, listed as questionable but will start.*** |
21. | *DeSean Jackson WAS at Phi Note: Mild sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. We won't know much about his status until Thursday or Friday. Did not practice Thursday, still hoping to practice Friday. ***ACTIVE this week.*** |
22. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Sea Note: Through two weeks Sanders has 18 targets - now that Welker is back I don't expect Sanders to drop off completely, but rather decline just a little bit. |
23. | Reggie Wayne IND at Jax |
24. | *Alshon Jeffery CHI at NYJ Note: (Hamstring) Limited in Thursday's practice. The Bears get an extra day for Jeffery and Marshall to rest. ***Once again, limited in final practice of the week, listed as questionable but expected to play.*** |
25. | Michael Floyd ARZ vs. SF |
26. | Marques Colston NO vs. Min Note: Wasn't even targeted once in the loss to Cleveland despite being on the field for 41 snaps. I don't know what to make out of this, though an obvious inference would be that the Saints will look to re-establish Colston this week. |
27. | *Kelvin Benjamin CAR vs. Pit Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday after a rest day Wednesday. |
28. | *Sammy Watkins BUF vs. SD Note: Dominated against a tough Miami secondary despite a rib injury that twice required attention on the sidelines in Week 2. He's going to be special, particularly if EJ Manuel can develop accordingly. ***Moving slightly down because of the wind.*** |
29. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at Jax Note: (Groin) Limited practice Wednesday, but full practice Thursday. |
30. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Hou Note: On one hand, he's still getting a lot of targets (10 last week). On the other hand, he's still dropping a handful of them. At least he has a better matchup this week. |
31. | Kendall Wright TEN at Cin |
32. | Golden Tate DET vs. GB |
33. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU at NYG Note: Didn't practice Thursday due to illness, expected to play Sunday. |
34. | Andrew Hawkins CLE vs. Bal Note: Hawkins is going to be a target monster early in the season - now that we know how long Josh Gordon is out, we can keep using Hawkins for the foreseeable future in PPR leagues. Most of his targets are short, however, and he's not a big red zone target. |
35. | Brian Quick STL vs. Dal |
36. | Brandin Cooks NO vs. Min |
37. | Markus Wheaton PIT at Car |
38. | Torrey Smith BAL at Cle |
39. | *Harry Douglas ATL vs. TB Note: Could have a big game if Roddy White can't play. |
40. | Mike Evans TB at Atl Note: Undisclosed injury ended the game, but the Bucs haven't said much about his status this week for the Thursday game. |
41. | *Wes Welker DEN at Sea Note: Officially reinstated Tuesday night. |
42. | Rueben Randle NYG vs. Hou |
43. | Dwayne Bowe KC at Mia |
44. | Terrance Williams DAL at StL |
45. | Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Ten |
46. | Steve Smith BAL at Cle |
47. | Greg Jennings MIN at NO |
48. | Anquan Boldin SF at Ari |
49. | *Rod Streater OAK at NE Note: Injured his hip in the loss to the Texans and had an MRI on Monday - we're still awaiting the results. Did not practice Thursday. ***Active this week.*** |
50. | *Cecil Shorts JAC vs. Ind Note: (Hamstring) Could practice Wednesday. Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable, then activated.*** |
51. | Riley Cooper PHI vs. Was |
52. | Justin Hunter TEN at Cin |
53. | Andre Roberts WAS at Phi |
54. | Donnie Avery KC at Mia |
55. | James Jones OAK at NE |
56. | Davante Adams GB at Det |
57. | Miles Austin CLE vs. Bal |
58. | Brian Hartline MIA vs. KC |
59. | *Allen Robinson JAC vs. Ind Note: ***Picking up first NFL start in Week 3.*** |
60. | Malcom Floyd SD at Buf |
61. | Santonio Holmes CHI at NYJ |
62. | Kenny Stills NO vs. Min |
63. | Hakeem Nicks IND at Jax |
64. | Doug Baldwin SEA vs. Den |
65. | Devin Hester ATL vs. TB |
66. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. KC |
67. | Jordan Matthews PHI vs. Was |
68. | John Brown ARZ vs. SF |
69. | Eddie Royal SD at Buf |
70. | *Robert Woods BUF vs. SD Note: Sat out Thursday's practice with an ankle injury and afterward coach Doug Marrone sounded pessimistic about his status for Sunday. ***Limited practice Friday, but listed as probable.*** |
71. | Mike Williams BUF vs. SD |
72. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. Chi Note: Kerley could be Geno Smith's primary target Monday night if Decker can't go, and would face a Bears defense that lost Charles Tillman. |
73. | *Allen Hurns JAC vs. Ind Note: Insult then injury - had a big drop early in the game on a play that could have gone 80 yards, and then injured his ankle late. ***Practiced well Friday and is listed as probable.*** |
74. | Nate Washington TEN at Cin |
75. | Ryan Grant WAS at Phi |
76. | Jarrett Boykin GB at Det |
77. | Steve Johnson SF at Ari |
78. | Jermaine Kearse SEA vs. Den |
79. | Andre Caldwell DEN at Sea |
80. | Kenny Britt STL vs. Dal |
81. | Junior Hemingway KC at Mia |
82. | Danny Amendola NE vs. Oak |
83. | *Eric Decker NYJ vs. Chi Note: Left in the second half last week with a hamstring injury and the Jets have been tight-lipped about his status so far. No practice Thursday, but at least he didn't need (or at least, didn't yet need) an MRI for the injury. ***Did not practice Friday, limited practice Saturday, listed as questionable.*** |
84. | *Aaron Dobson NE vs. Oak Note: ***Inactive this week.*** |
85. | *Tavon Austin STL vs. Dal Note: Sprained MCL, out at least two weeks. |
86. | *Josh Morgan CHI at NYJ |
87. | *Roddy White ATL vs. TB Note: (Hamstring) Sat out practice Monday and Tuesday, but the Falcons still expect him to be able to play. Status got worse Wednesday, just 50-50 to suit up Thursday night. Make sure to do a final pass in our news area before you start him, but I'm benching him in my leagues. |
88. | *Marqise Lee JAC vs. Ind Note: Out this week with a hamstring injury. |
89. | *Josh Gordon CLE vs. Bal Note: Suspension officially reduced to 10 games Tuesday night. |
Tight Ends
1. | Jimmy Graham NO vs. Min |
2. | Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Oak |
3. | Dennis Pitta BAL at Cle |
4. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. Was |
5. | Julius Thomas DEN at Sea |
6. | *Greg Olsen CAR vs. Pit Note: (Calf) Limited practice Wednesday. |
7. | *Antonio Gates SD at Buf Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday. ***Active as expected.*** |
8. | Martellus Bennett CHI at NYJ |
9. | Larry Donnell NYG vs. Hou |
10. | *Jordan Cameron CLE vs. Bal Note: (Shoulder) Coach Mike Pettine was uncertain whether Cameron, who sat out Week 2, would be ready this week. 'Very limited' in Thursday's practice. ***Active despite being limited in practice all week.*** |
11. | Jason Witten DAL at StL |
12. | Niles Paul WAS at Phi |
13. | Delanie Walker TEN at Cin |
14. | Dwayne Allen IND at Jax Note: Huge bust last week, but I'm going to keep him up because of the matchup against JAX. |
15. | Travis Kelce KC at Mia Note: Kelce is really producttive when he's in there (81 yards in Week 2), but because the Chiefs like Fasano's blocking better, Kelce was in there for only 32 snaps compared to 79 for Fasano. |
16. | *Kyle Rudolph MIN at NO Note: (Abdomen) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
17. | Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. Ten |
18. | Heath Miller PIT at Car |
19. | Brandon Myers TB at Atl |
20. | Owen Daniels BAL at Cle |
21. | Levine Toilolo ATL vs. TB |
22. | Garrett Graham HOU at NYG |
23. | Jared Cook STL vs. Dal |
24. | Andrew Quarless GB at Det |
25. | Scott Chandler BUF vs. SD |
26. | *Zach Miller SEA vs. Den Note: (Ankle) Didn't practice Wednesday. |
27. | *Charles Clay MIA vs. KC Note: (Knee) Limited practice participant Thursday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.*** |
28. | Ladarius Green SD at Buf |
29. | Richard Rodgers GB at Det |
30. | Eric Ebron DET vs. GB |
31. | Jace Amaro NYJ vs. Chi |
32. | Tim Wright NE vs. Oak |
33. | Coby Fleener IND at Jax |
34. | Jacob Tamme DEN at Sea |
35. | Clay Harbor JAC vs. Ind |
36. | Brent Celek PHI vs. Was |
37. | Mychal Rivera OAK at NE |
38. | *Vernon Davis SF at Ari Note: (Ankle) Left with crutches Sunday night, but an MRI on Monday revealed a deep bruise and no structural damage. It's possible that he could play this weekend against Arizona. If it looks like he'll play, Davis will be back in the top five due to a great matchup. Didn't practice Wednesday, was on crutches instead. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
39. | *Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB at Atl Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Tuesday. |
40. | *Jordan Reed WAS at Phi Note: The team might not know until Friday whether Reed (hamstring) can play. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Officially out.*** |
41. | *Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. Ind Note: (Ankle) Out six-to-eight weeks, placed on the Jaguars' IR-designated-to-return list. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
1. | Calvin Johnson DET vs. GB |
2. | *Dez Bryant DAL at StL Note: Briefly left with a shoulder injury but was very productive while wearing extra padding for his right shoulder. Missed practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable.*** |
3. | Jordy Nelson GB at Det |
4. | DeMarco Murray DAL at StL |
5. | Jimmy Graham NO vs. Min |
6. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Ten |
7. | *Brandon Marshall CHI at NYJ Note: (Ankle) Didn't practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Saturday, listed as questionable for Monday night.*** |
8. | *Julio Jones ATL vs. TB Note: (Ankle) Full participant in Tuesday's practice after being limited Monday. |
9. | Jeremy Maclin PHI vs. Was |
10. | Antonio Brown PIT at Car |
11. | LeSean McCoy PHI vs. Was |
12. | *Arian Foster HOU at NYG Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday, but that was also the case last week. ***Hamstring injury worse than last week, now a game-time decision.*** |
13. | Eddie Lacy GB at Det |
14. | Randall Cobb GB at Det |
15. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at Sea |
16. | *Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at NO Note: (Chest) Limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***(Chest) Listed as probable.*** |
17. | *Andre Johnson HOU at NYG Note: ***Probable with an ankle injury.*** |
18. | Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Oak |
19. | Percy Harvin SEA vs. Den Note: Week 2 was a weird game for the San Diego offense - not only was Marshawn Lynch used sparingly, so was Harvin - he had just one target in the passing game and was on the field for only 25 snaps. There's no word of an 'ongoing' injury with Harvin as there was with Lynch, so I'm writing off last week's usage as a fluke. |
20. | *Keenan Allen SD at Buf Note: (Groin) Added to the injury report Thursday. ***Limited on both Thursday and Friday, listed as questionable but will start.*** |
21. | Matt Forte CHI at NYJ |
22. | *Knile Davis KC at Mia Note: The interesting part about Davis's game against the Broncos is that he got nine targets in the passing game. The Chiefs just don't throw down-field all that frequently, and they obviously trust Davis in passing situations. Charles might just miss one game, or he could have setbacks because it's a high-ankle sprain and give Davis a handful of starts. I think he's the most talented back among this week's FA targets. With Charles practicing on Thursday, we have to downgrade Davis some. |
23. | Darren Sproles PHI vs. Was |
24. | Alfred Morris WAS at Phi |
25. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. Oak Note: (Back) Limited practice Wednesday. |
26. | *A.J. Green CIN vs. Ten Note: Left on the first drive of the game with a right toe injury. Coach Marvin Lewis said that the injury isn't a long-term concern, which doesn't do much to placate our short-term concerns. Limited practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Coach Marvin Lewis expressed optimism that Green will play. I'm waiting until Friday's practices before moving Green up. ***Active this week.*** |
27. | Vincent Jackson TB at Atl |
28. | Pierre Garcon WAS at Phi Note: Garcon's four targets with Cousins last week seem like a fluke to me - he connected just fine with him last year. The Redskins were blowing out the Jaguars and didn't need to throw down-field nearly as often as they might in a different type of game. Look for him to bounce back. |
29. | *DeSean Jackson WAS at Phi Note: Mild sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder. We won't know much about his status until Thursday or Friday. Did not practice Thursday, still hoping to practice Friday. ***ACTIVE this week.*** |
30. | Dennis Pitta BAL at Cle |
31. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Sea Note: Through two weeks Sanders has 18 targets - now that Welker is back I don't expect Sanders to drop off completely, but rather decline just a little bit. |
32. | Michael Crabtree SF at Ari |
33. | *Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. Den Note: Lynch is dealing with an 'ongoing' back concern and will be monitored this week in practice. Lynch had just six carries and four receptions and 24 total snaps. He last missed a game in 2011, but it was due to back spasms. Given his recent durability, I'm not going to downgrade him just yet - but reserve the right to do so if he doesn't practice this week. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday, listed as probable.*** |
34. | Zac Stacy STL vs. Dal |
35. | Frank Gore SF at Ari |
36. | Montee Ball DEN at Sea |
37. | *Bobby Rainey TB at Atl Note: Preliminary reports suggest that Rainey will start and that Martin might not even suit up. |
38. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. SF |
39. | Mike Wallace MIA vs. KC |
40. | Reggie Wayne IND at Jax |
41. | *Sammy Watkins BUF vs. SD Note: Dominated against a tough Miami secondary despite a rib injury that twice required attention on the sidelines in Week 2. He's going to be special, particularly if EJ Manuel can develop accordingly. ***Moving slightly down because of the wind.*** |
42. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. Was |
43. | Julius Thomas DEN at Sea |
44. | Stevan Ridley NE vs. Oak |
45. | *Shane Vereen NE vs. Oak Note: After getting the goal line carry in Week 1, it was Ridley that got that in Week 2 along with the majority of the carries. (Shoulder) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable, but expected to give it a go.*** |
46. | Michael Floyd ARZ vs. SF |
47. | Marques Colston NO vs. Min Note: Wasn't even targeted once in the loss to Cleveland despite being on the field for 41 snaps. I don't know what to make out of this, though an obvious inference would be that the Saints will look to re-establish Colston this week. |
48. | *Kelvin Benjamin CAR vs. Pit Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday after a rest day Wednesday. |
49. | *Chris Johnson NYJ vs. Chi Note: ***(Ankle) Listed as probable.*** |
50. | Terrance West CLE vs. Bal |
51. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at Car |
52. | *Greg Olsen CAR vs. Pit Note: (Calf) Limited practice Wednesday. |
53. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at Jax Note: (Groin) Limited practice Wednesday, but full practice Thursday. |
54. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Hou Note: On one hand, he's still getting a lot of targets (10 last week). On the other hand, he's still dropping a handful of them. At least he has a better matchup this week. |
55. | Kendall Wright TEN at Cin |
56. | *Antonio Gates SD at Buf Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday. ***Active as expected.*** |
57. | Martellus Bennett CHI at NYJ |
58. | *Donald Brown SD at Buf Note: Set to be the primary ballcarrier with Ryan Mathews out 4-to-5 weeks with an MCL sprain. I think that Brown will step right into Mathews' role, with Woodhead remaining a third-down and passing down specialist. Brown can catch passes too. |
59. | C.J. Spiller BUF vs. SD |
60. | *Joique Bell DET vs. GB Note: (Knee) Limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice by the end of the week, listed as probable.*** |
61. | Reggie Bush DET vs. GB |
62. | *Lamar Miller MIA vs. KC Note: Miller suffered a minor ankle injury towards the end of the loss to the Bills, but with Knowshon Moreno definitely out, this is a great opportunity for him. Damien Williams and professional flat tire Daniel Thomas are the backups. Was not on the Wednesday injury report. |
63. | Golden Tate DET vs. GB |
64. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU at NYG Note: Didn't practice Thursday due to illness, expected to play Sunday. |
65. | Andrew Hawkins CLE vs. Bal Note: Hawkins is going to be a target monster early in the season - now that we know how long Josh Gordon is out, we can keep using Hawkins for the foreseeable future in PPR leagues. Most of his targets are short, however, and he's not a big red zone target. |
66. | Brian Quick STL vs. Dal |
67. | *Alshon Jeffery CHI at NYJ Note: (Hamstring) Limited in Thursday's practice. The Bears get an extra day for Jeffery and Marshall to rest. ***Once again, limited in final practice of the week, listed as questionable but expected to play.*** |
68. | Brandin Cooks NO vs. Min |
69. | Markus Wheaton PIT at Car |
70. | Larry Donnell NYG vs. Hou |
71. | Steven Jackson ATL vs. TB Note: This week should set up to be a different type of game for the Falcons than last week. They were getting dominated early, even if it took awhile for it to reflect in the score, and hence ran the ball only 16 times against the Bengals. This time they have the short week against the Bucs, a lesser opponent, and will be at home. Typically the running games do better than the passing games on short rest, though obviously one size does not fit all. |
72. | Rashad Jennings NYG vs. Hou |
73. | *Andre Ellington ARZ vs. SF Note: Ellington still has pain in his left foot, but the Cardinals hope that he can practice Thursday and Friday. Did not practice Wednesday, as planned. ***Listed as probable.*** |
74. | Torrey Smith BAL at Cle |
75. | *Harry Douglas ATL vs. TB Note: Could have a big game if Roddy White can't play. |
76. | Mike Evans TB at Atl Note: Undisclosed injury ended the game, but the Bucs haven't said much about his status this week for the Thursday game. |
77. | *Wes Welker DEN at Sea Note: Officially reinstated Tuesday night. |
78. | Rueben Randle NYG vs. Hou |
79. | *Justin Forsett BAL at Cle Note: ***Could be in line for a large workload if Pierce can't go.*** |
80. | *Alfred Blue HOU at NYG Note: ***Possibly in line to play a lot if Arian Foster is limited by his injury.*** |
81. | Dwayne Bowe KC at Mia |
82. | Terrance Williams DAL at StL |
83. | Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Ten |
84. | Steve Smith BAL at Cle |
85. | *Khiry Robinson NO vs. Min Note: I prefer both Knile Davis and Donald Brown to Robinson as FA options this week, for no other reason than the usual timeshare concerns that come along with being a RB for the Saints. |
86. | *Toby Gerhart JAC vs. Ind Note: Between his ankle injury and the early blowout, Gerhart never had a chance to get going last week. They kept it closer against the Eagles in Week 1, so there's still cause for hope. Don't cut bait on Gerhart. Missed practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.*** |
87. | *Darren McFadden OAK at NE |
88. | *Ahmad Bradshaw IND at Jax Note: Bradshaw has had fewer carries than Richardson, but he was again the more effective back, plus he was on the field for more snaps and didn't fumble, unlike Richardson. In PPR leagues, Bradshaw has enough value to start if you're hurting this week. |
89. | *Pierre Thomas NO vs. Min Note: While the Ingram injury takes away one viable competitor, I don't think that Thomas gets feature back work - he's had plenty of other scenarios in the past where the Saints haven't treated him as such. He'll be viable in PPR leagues, and maybe even standard leagues, but I'd rather not have him as a top-2 RB. |
90. | Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Ten |
91. | Danny Woodhead SD at Buf |
92. | Chris Ivory NYJ vs. Chi |
93. | *Matt Asiata MIN at NO Note: Likely starting again with Peterson out indefinitely, but the Vikings indicated that they could go with more of a hot hand approach this time around. That could be mean for work for McKinnon eventually, as this season quickly could have a developmental emphasis. |
94. | Greg Jennings MIN at NO |
95. | Anquan Boldin SF at Ari |
96. | Riley Cooper PHI vs. Was |
97. | Justin Hunter TEN at Cin |
98. | Andre Roberts WAS at Phi |
99. | Donnie Avery KC at Mia |
100. | Jason Witten DAL at StL |
101. | Niles Paul WAS at Phi |
102. | Delanie Walker TEN at Cin |
103. | *DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Pit Note: (Hip) After sitting out last week, Williams is expected to practice Wednesday and return to action Sunday night. Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, doing individual work on the side instead. ***Good day of practice Friday, possible that he goes on Sunday night.*** |
104. | *Trent Richardson IND at Jax Note: Richardson ran better Monday night than he did the previous week, but he also put the ball on the ground for a critical turnover. He's already getting fewer snaps than Bradshaw, and perhaps the only thing stopping that ratio from getting worse is durability concerns for Bradshaw. |
105. | Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Pit |
106. | James Jones OAK at NE |
107. | Davante Adams GB at Det |
108. | Miles Austin CLE vs. Bal |
109. | Brian Hartline MIA vs. KC |
110. | Dwayne Allen IND at Jax Note: Huge bust last week, but I'm going to keep him up because of the matchup against JAX. |
111. | Travis Kelce KC at Mia Note: Kelce is really producttive when he's in there (81 yards in Week 2), but because the Chiefs like Fasano's blocking better, Kelce was in there for only 32 snaps compared to 79 for Fasano. |
112. | *Kyle Rudolph MIN at NO Note: (Abdomen) Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
113. | *Bernard Pierce BAL at Cle Note: Added to the injury report Thursday with a thigh injury. ***Limited practice Friday, game-time decision, and the early Sunday morning reports suggest that it doesn't look good for Pierce.*** |
114. | *Jamaal Charles KC at Mia Note: Diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, though coach Andy Reid said he 'didn't think it was a severe one' for what that's worth. I still don't expect him to play against Miami this week. Big news - Charles was able to practice Thursday in a bit of a surprise. Waiting to see how much work he got in and Friday's practice will be critical. ***Game-time decision, will test out his ankle in pregame warmups, but the current expectation is that he won't play.*** |
115. | *Eric Decker NYJ vs. Chi Note: Left in the second half last week with a hamstring injury and the Jets have been tight-lipped about his status so far. No practice Thursday, but at least he didn't need (or at least, didn't yet need) an MRI for the injury. ***Did not practice Friday, limited practice Saturday, listed as questionable.*** |
116. | *Cecil Shorts JAC vs. Ind Note: (Hamstring) Could practice Wednesday. Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable, then activated.*** |
117. | *Roddy White ATL vs. TB Note: (Hamstring) Sat out practice Monday and Tuesday, but the Falcons still expect him to be able to play. Status got worse Wednesday, just 50-50 to suit up Thursday night. Make sure to do a final pass in our news area before you start him, but I'm benching him in my leagues. |
118. | *Marqise Lee JAC vs. Ind Note: Out this week with a hamstring injury. |
119. | *Adrian Peterson MIN at NO Note: Reinstated by the Vikings on Monday, but more allegations are surfacing. Nonetheless, he's expected to play against the Saints this week. Vikings reversed their stance overnight Tuesday. Peterson will be on the league's reserved list until his legal situation is resolved. That could take until next year. |
Kickers
1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. Oak |
2. | Matt Bryant ATL vs. TB |
3. | Dan Bailey DAL at StL |
4. | Mason Crosby GB at Det |
5. | Steven Hauschka SEA vs. Den |
6. | Justin Tucker BAL at Cle |
7. | Mike Nugent CIN vs. Ten Note: Three missed field goals were quite costly for those with negative points. Then again, if you had Nugent, you've likely benefited greatly from the Bengals' red zone struggles, which seem pretty real to me. |
8. | Phil Dawson SF at Ari |
9. | Adam Vinatieri IND at Jax |
10. | Shayne Graham NO vs. Min |
11. | Nick Novak SD at Buf |
12. | Cody Parkey PHI vs. Was |
13. | Brandon McManus DEN at Sea |
14. | Robbie Gould CHI at NYJ |
15. | Greg Zuerlein STL vs. Dal |
16. | Caleb Sturgis MIA vs. KC |
17. | Dan Carpenter BUF vs. SD |
18. | Blair Walsh MIN at NO |
19. | Randy Bullock HOU at NYG |
20. | Ryan Succop TEN at Cin |
21. | Shaun Suisham PIT at Car |
22. | Nate Freese DET vs. GB |
23. | Graham Gano CAR vs. Pit |
24. | Billy Cundiff CLE vs. Bal |
25. | Chandler Catanzaro ARZ vs. SF |
26. | Cairo Santos KC at Mia |
27. | Kai Forbath WAS at Phi |
28. | Nick Folk NYJ vs. Chi |
29. | Josh Brown NYG vs. Hou |
30. | Josh Scobee JAC vs. Ind |
31. | Patrick Murray TB at Atl |
32. | Sebastian Janikowski OAK at NE |
Defenses
1. | Seattle Seahawks vs. Den |
2. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Ten |
3. | *Carolina Panthers vs. Pit Note: Greg Hardy was deactivated on Sunday morning by the team, will practice this week, but his status for the game is uncertain. |
4. | New England Patriots vs. Oak |
5. | Houston Texans at NYG |
6. | *Arizona Cardinals vs. SF Note: John Abraham has rejoined the team but did not pass his concussion test. |
7. | Cleveland Browns vs. Bal |
8. | Buffalo Bills vs. SD |
9. | San Francisco 49ers at Ari |
10. | Baltimore Ravens at Cle |
11. | Miami Dolphins vs. KC |
12. | New Orleans Saints vs. Min |
13. | Denver Broncos at Sea |
14. | San Diego Chargers at Buf |
15. | Indianapolis Colts at Jax |
16. | *New York Giants vs. Hou Note: John Beason out for a couple of weeks and Walter Thurmond out for the season. |
17. | New York Jets vs. Chi |
18. | Pittsburgh Steelers at Car |
19. | St. Louis Rams vs. Dal |
20. | Green Bay Packers at Det |
21. | Atlanta Falcons vs. TB Note: Did not record a sack against Andy Dalton and generally didn't pressure him much, leading to a fateful decision to bring an all-out blitz that failed on Mohamed Sanu's big touchdown catch. |
22. | Detroit Lions vs. GB |
23. | Tennessee Titans at Cin Note: Going against the Bengals this week, who have not allowed a sack nor committed a turnover so far. |
24. | *Dallas Cowboys at StL Note: Could have Orlando Scandrick back from suspension this week. |
25. | *Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atl Note: Gerald McCoy (hand) won't know until Thursday whether he'll be able to play. Also, Mason Foster dislocated his shoulder. |
26. | *Chicago Bears at NYJ Note: Charles Tillman (triceps) out for the season, maybe for his career. |
27. | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Was |
28. | *Kansas City Chiefs at Mia Note: Eric Berry sprained an ankle in the loss to the Broncos. |
29. | Washington Redskins at Phi |
30. | Minnesota Vikings at NO |
31. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Ind |
32. | Oakland Raiders at NE |