This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday morning update complete.
Bye Week: Chicago, Tampa Bay
Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four 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. Most importantly, the default rankings are now for PPR leagues.
**** PLEASE READ: Times change, and with them, so do I, even if I go kicking and screaming into the good night. The vast majority of the fantasy football universe plays with some form of PPR -whether it's a full point or 1/2 point. ESPN's default is full-point PPR, Yahoo's is .5 PPR. The DFS games for the vast majority are either half or full point PPR. I'm sympathetic to those of you who would prefer standard rankings, so please, feel free to ask your questions in the comments regarding how a player might change in a standard scoring league. ****
***PLEASE READ, PART II - The masses (ok, the not-so-silent minority) have spoken, and you really want more representation for standard leagues too, so the Flex Rankings are now Standard scoring.***
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the
Sunday morning update complete.
Bye Week: Chicago, Tampa Bay
Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four 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. Most importantly, the default rankings are now for PPR leagues.
**** PLEASE READ: Times change, and with them, so do I, even if I go kicking and screaming into the good night. The vast majority of the fantasy football universe plays with some form of PPR -whether it's a full point or 1/2 point. ESPN's default is full-point PPR, Yahoo's is .5 PPR. The DFS games for the vast majority are either half or full point PPR. I'm sympathetic to those of you who would prefer standard rankings, so please, feel free to ask your questions in the comments regarding how a player might change in a standard scoring league. ****
***PLEASE READ, PART II - The masses (ok, the not-so-silent minority) have spoken, and you really want more representation for standard leagues too, so the Flex Rankings are now Standard scoring.***
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings. ***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. If there is no such note, that means it's my first pass at the rankings for this current week.
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. This first week in particular, but in other weeks as well, I will change ranks according to injuries and sometimes even a change of heart. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?". And then refer to the rankings again before asking a generic starting decision question. If you really desire a response to a starting question that doesn't have added complexity, please use our Ask An Expert service - it comes with your subscription. Otherwise, my response will correspond with the rankings. If I rank one player before another, that's how I plan on making my starting decisions.
Quarterback
1. | Drew Brees NO vs. Was |
2. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. Atl |
3. | Jared Goff LA at Sea |
4. | Matt Ryan ATL at Pit Note: Nearly every Falcons game has become a ticket to the carnival. Their offense is clicking, especially now that they started using Calvin Ridley more prominently, and their defense can't stop anybody. |
5. | Patrick Mahomes KC vs. Jax |
6. | Philip Rivers LAC vs. Oak |
7. | Alex Smith WAS at NO |
8. | Tom Brady NE vs. Ind |
9. | Carson Wentz PHI vs. Min |
10. | Cam Newton CAR vs. NYG |
11. | Matthew Stafford DET vs. GB |
12. | Kirk Cousins MIN at Phi |
13. | *Aaron Rodgers GB at Det Note: Pretty severe drop - receiving corps is decimated, and he's still not close to 100 percent with his knee. I know the history is good, but I have a bad feeling about this. It's not just that he didn't practice Wednesday - that's been the case every week. It's also phrased in terms like 'he's not regressing,' instead of positive expressions of progress. ***Logged a full practice Thursday.*** |
14. | Deshaun Watson HOU vs. Dal |
15. | Russell Wilson SEA vs. LAR |
16. | Blake Bortles JAC at KC |
17. | Marcus Mariota TEN at Buf Note: Phenomenal performance against the Eagles - especially in overtime. |
18. | Joe Flacco BAL at Cle |
19. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Mia |
20. | Andrew Luck IND at NE Note: Quelled a lot of concerns (including mine) with his performance against the Texans. Moved down a few notches, though, as he's going to be without Hilton this week. |
21. | Derek Carr OAK at LAC |
22. | Ryan Tannehill MIA at Cin Note: Getting replaced by Brock Osweiler, even if it is just in garbage time, is never a good moment. Meanwhile, Tannehill just lost his starting center for the season. |
23. | Case Keenum DEN at NYJ |
24. | Dak Prescott DAL at Hou |
25. | Eli Manning NYG at Car Note: Manning was disappointing in a favorable matchup, dinking-and-dunking against a secondary that got torched the week before. |
26. | Baker Mayfield CLE vs. Bal Note: We saw both the good and the bad with Mayfield against the Raiders - he's essentially the anti-Taylor. He'll make throws that Taylor can't, but he'll leave himself open to turnovers that Taylor doesn't. |
27. | Josh Rosen ARZ at SF Note: Better than Bradford, but not yet good either - just 6.7 yards per attempt in the loss to Seattle. |
28. | *C.J. Beathard SF vs. Ari Note: Appeared to get shaken up late against the Chargers but stayed in the game. Overall he played well, throwing for 298 yards, though his two interceptions were costly. |
29. | Sam Darnold NYJ vs. Den |
30. | Josh Allen BUF vs. Ten |
31. | Taysom Hill NO vs. Was |
32. | Lamar Jackson BAL at Cle |
Running Backs
1. | Todd Gurley LA at Sea |
2. | Melvin Gordon LAC vs. Oak |
3. | *Alvin Kamara NO vs. Was Note: ***(Knee) Much like last week, limited in the first two practices of the week.*** |
4. | Saquon Barkley NYG at Car |
5. | *Ezekiel Elliott DAL at Hou Note: (Knee, ankle) Banged up, but 'not to the extent that he won't play' this Sunday against Houston. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. |
6. | Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. NYG |
7. | Kareem Hunt KC vs. Jax |
8. | *Chris Thompson WAS at NO Note: Could carry a heavier-than-usual workload thanks to Peterson's ankle injury. |
9. | Carlos Hyde CLE vs. Bal Note: Hyde ran pretty well, but the calls for Nick Chubb to get more carries will perk up after Chubb's performance. |
10. | *James Conner PIT vs. Atl Note: Expected to start the next two games and then give way to Lev Bell once he returns after the Steelers' bye week. |
11. | *Marshawn Lynch OAK at LAC Note: Lynch looked great against the Browns - here's hoping that he can hold up. (Shoulder) Sat out Wednesday's practice. ***No injury designation for the game.*** |
12. | David Johnson ARZ at SF |
13. | *T.J. Yeldon JAC at KC Note: Could run wild against the Chiefs if Fournette's hamstring keeps him out this week. (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. Meanwhile, Fournette has already been declared out. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
14. | James White NE vs. Ind |
15. | *Matt Breida SF vs. Ari Note: Still dealing with the shoulder injury that he suffered in the preseason, but able to play. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practice all week, but still expected to play.*** |
16. | Sony Michel NE vs. Ind |
17. | *Joe Mixon CIN vs. Mia Note: Coach Marvin Lewis said he's uncertain whether Mixon (knee) will return this week, but the progress reports have been positive. Limited practices Wednesday and Thursday - good enough for me to move him up as if he's playing, especially with Gio out both days. ***Bernard declared out, but Mixon could still carry less than a full workload in his first game back - Mark Walton will be the backup.*** |
18. | Jay Ajayi PHI vs. Min |
19. | *Aaron Jones GB at Det Note: Obviously the best Packers RB, but playing time still isn't where it should be. However, opposing running backs have killed the Lions this year, so I expect this could be a breakout opportunity. |
20. | Kerryon Johnson DET vs. GB Note: Disappointingly on the field for just 20 snaps against the Cowboys, netting only nine carries - though he was productive in those carries. |
21. | Phillip Lindsay DEN at NYJ |
22. | *Mark Ingram NO vs. Was Note: Returning from suspension this week. |
23. | Isaiah Crowell NYJ vs. Den |
24. | Dion Lewis TEN at Buf |
25. | *Ty Montgomery GB at Det Note: Should be very active in the passing game with the Packers' receiving corps banged up. |
26. | *Nyheim Hines IND at NE Note: Hines has 20 targets in the Colts' two home games this year - both games in which Marlon Mack didn't play. The Colts will be on the road this week, but they might be without Mack again. Could get a lot of targets again - no Mack, Hilton or Doyle. |
27. | Royce Freeman DEN at NYJ Note: Once again scored, but also once again wasn't involved in the passing game. Making matters worse, Lindsay also scored on a goal line carry. Coach Vance Joseph pledged to get Freeman 'more involved' in the offense. |
28. | *Adrian Peterson WAS at NO Note: (Ankle) Limited to work on the side during Monday's practice. Returned to practice Thursday - remember, the Redskins play Monday night. ***Full participant in Saturday's practice.*** |
29. | Latavius Murray MIN at Phi |
30. | *Devonta Freeman ATL at Pit Note: Coach Dan Quinn is hopeful that Freeman (knee) can return this week, but we'll keep him down here until he practices. Has returned to practice, and Quinn said that Freeman will play this week. ***Doesn't have an injury designation - officially cleared to play.*** |
31. | *Kenyan Drake MIA at Cin Note: Only four touches and fewer snaps than Frank Gore, who got the garbage time touchdown last week. But then, I see the matchup against the Bengals and think he should do well. There's whipsaw potential here - finally give up on Drake, only to see him go off on our collective benches. |
32. | Austin Ekeler LAC vs. Oak |
33. | *Alfred Blue HOU vs. Dal Note: ***Probable starter Sunday night with Lamar Miller looking as if he won't be able to play.*** |
34. | Derrick Henry TEN at Buf |
35. | *Alex Collins BAL at Cle Note: Scored on a short reception, turning the tables on Buck Allen, but then later lost a fumble at the goal line, which could be really costly. (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday, then didn't practice at all Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, alleviating some concerns about his knee.*** |
36. | Javorius Allen BAL at Cle |
37. | *Tevin Coleman ATL at Pit Note: Losing touches with Freeman returning this week. Also, limited in Wednesday's practice with a shin injury. |
38. | Theo Riddick DET vs. GB |
39. | *LeSean McCoy BUF vs. Ten Note: (Rib, Hand) Expected to be fine with both injuries, but the bigger concern is the Bills' impotent offense. |
40. | *Chris Carson SEA vs. LAR Note: (Hip) Unable to go as a game-time decision last week, and now part of a RB committee with Mike Davis emerging. Held out of Wednesday's practice, expected to practice Thursday. ***Cleared to play - just how many carries will he get as the lead back now?*** |
41. | Nick Chubb CLE vs. Bal Note: Oh yeah, that's why the Browns spent an early pick on Chubb. Also 'oh yeah' - why not give him more work? Of all the three-headed monster RB committees, the Browns' is the most talented. |
42. | Bilal Powell NYJ vs. Den |
43. | *Corey Grant JAC at KC Note: Fournette has already been declared out. |
44. | *Mark Walton CIN vs. Mia Note: ***No. 2 back for the Bengals for the next couple of weeks with Gio Bernard out 2-to-4 weeks.*** |
45. | *Jordan Wilkins IND at NE Note: Really struggled on the ground against the Texans and only targeted once in the passing game. The Colts will be without Marlon Mack again. |
46. | Frank Gore MIA at Cin |
47. | C.J. Anderson CAR vs. NYG |
48. | Wendell Smallwood PHI vs. Min |
49. | *Alfred Morris SF vs. Ari Note: (Knee) Full practice Wednesday. |
50. | *Mike Davis SEA vs. LAR Note: Surprisingly a bigger part of the run offense than Penny last week even with Carson out. Coach Pete Carroll said that Davis will remain in the mix even when Carson returns. ***Carson has returned, and Pete Carroll has been purposefully vague about how he'll use the three backs.*** |
51. | *LeGarrette Blount DET vs. GB Note: Sat out practice Wednesday (illness) but returned Thursday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
52. | Wayne Gallman NYG at Car |
53. | Chris Ivory BUF vs. Ten |
54. | Jamaal Williams GB at Det Note: Just got tackled on first glance, let alone first contact. Mike McCarthy still approves. |
55. | Duke Johnson CLE vs. Bal |
56. | Devontae Booker DEN at NYJ |
57. | Ito Smith ATL at Pit |
58. | Jalen Richard OAK at LAC |
59. | *Rashaad Penny SEA vs. LAR Note: Took a backseat to Mike Davis, but on the bright side ran well against the Cardinals, gaining 49 yards on nine carries. As he continues to shed some of that summer weight, he could earn more playing time. The problem is that Davis is now part of the picture even after Carson returns. ***Moved down with the news that Carson is ready to go.*** |
60. | Doug Martin OAK at LAC |
61. | *Marcus Murphy BUF vs. Ten Note: (Ribs) Expected to be fine going forward. Full practice Wednesday. ***Full practice all week.*** |
62. | Malcolm Brown LA at Sea |
63. | Chase Edmonds ARZ at SF |
64. | Spencer Ware KC vs. Jax |
65. | *Lamar Miller HOU vs. Dal Note: Was injured towards the end of Sunday's overtime period against the Colts - though coach Bill O'Brien won't get into details about why he was out. (Chest) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited all week, the team is not optimistic that he'll be able to play - and remember they play Sunday night, so you'll have little recourse if you want to do a late swap.*** |
66. | *C.J. Prosise SEA vs. LAR |
67. | *Corey Clement PHI vs. Min Note: (Quad) Held out of Wednesday and Thursday practices. ***Didn't practice all week - officially listed as questionable, so he's not at the same level as Darren Sproles, but even if he plays his role will likely be minimized.*** |
68. | *Dalvin Cook MIN at Phi Note: (Hamstring) Still not '100 percent back' from his injury and could be on a pitch-count again this week. Moreover, the matchup against the Eagles is a tough one. Even worse, he's almost never on the field on passing downs - at least, he wasn't against the Rams. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Limited practice later in the week - not expected to play, but a final determination will be made prior to kickoff.*** |
69. | *Leonard Fournette JAC at KC Note: It's possible that Fournette and the Jags will take a more cautious approach after his latest aggravation of his hamstring. Ruled out for Week 5. |
70. | *Marlon Mack IND at NE Note: Limited in practice on Tuesday due to the same hamstring issue that kept him out last week. With the Colts playing on Thursday, it's an uphill battle for him to be available to play. Ruled out again this week. |
71. | *Darren Sproles PHI vs. Min Note: (Hamstring) Still not practicing. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
72. | *Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Mia Note: Bernard was unavailable on the Bengals' final drive, though the team didn't release the reason why he was out. Joe Mixon likely returns this week, but we'll wait until Mixon actually practices before moving him up and Bernard down. (Knee) Didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, while Mixon had limited practices. ***Declared out 2-to-4 weeks with a knee issue.*** |
73. | *Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. Atl Note: Intends to return to the Steelers following their Week 7 bye. ***Still could get traded - despite reports of his intention to return after the bye, officially he hasn't notified the team of his intentions.*** |
Wide Receivers
1. | Michael Thomas NO vs. Was |
2. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. Atl |
3. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Mia |
4. | JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. Atl |
5. | Odell Beckham NYG at Car |
6. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Dal Note: Limited at Wednesday's practice with an injury medley, similar to last week. ***No longer has an injury designation.*** |
7. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. Oak |
8. | Adam Thielen MIN at Phi |
9. | *Julio Jones ATL at Pit Note: (Hand/ankle) Practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
10. | Stefon Diggs MIN at Phi |
11. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN at NYJ |
12. | Robert Woods LA at Sea |
13. | Golden Tate DET vs. GB |
14. | Cooper Kupp LA at Sea |
15. | Brandin Cooks LA at Sea |
16. | Calvin Ridley ATL at Pit |
17. | *Corey Davis TEN at Buf Note: (Illness) Limited in Wednesday's practice. |
18. | Tyler Boyd CIN vs. Mia |
19. | *Doug Baldwin SEA vs. LAR Note: ***(Knee) No longer has an injury designation.*** |
20. | *Jarvis Landry CLE vs. Bal Note: (Knee) Returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
21. | John Brown BAL at Cle |
22. | *Alshon Jeffery PHI vs. Min Note: Sat out practice Wednesday with a chest injury, but returned Thursday. |
23. | *Davante Adams GB at Det Note: Suffered a calf injury in practice Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday. ***Practiced on Saturday, expected to play, though he's still officially listed as questionable.*** |
24. | *Amari Cooper OAK at LAC Note: Limited in practice Wednesday with a foot issue. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
25. | Kenny Golladay DET vs. GB |
26. | Jamison Crowder WAS at NO |
27. | Keelan Cole JAC at KC |
28. | Julian Edelman NE vs. Ind Note: Four-game suspension ends just in time, given Gronk's injury. |
29. | *Tyreek Hill KC vs. Jax Note: I think Hill draws Jalen Ramsey this week, which is why I moved him down. |
30. | Dede Westbrook JAC at KC |
31. | *Quincy Enunwa NYJ vs. Den Note: Limited in practice Thursday with a hip injury. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
32. | Michael Crabtree BAL at Cle Note: Drops were a big problem on Sunday night. |
33. | Devin Funchess CAR vs. NYG |
34. | *Will Fuller HOU vs. Dal Note: Exited with a hamstring injury but the Texans are downplaying it. That said, he's been dealing with that injury every week in practice. Limited in practice, though Fuller said that the hamstring 'is not bothering him.' The Texans play the Sunday night game, so you need to make sure you have a late swap option just in case he has a setback in warmups. ***Officially a game-time decision, but according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, he's expected to play, and is less serious of an issue than teammate Keke Coutee.*** |
35. | Mike Williams LAC vs. Oak Note: I'm baffled as to why he got only three targets, but there it was anyhow. |
36. | Taywan Taylor TEN at Buf |
37. | Kenny Stills MIA at Cin |
38. | *Sterling Shepard NYG at Car Note: Had a cyst removed from his lower back, but returned to practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
39. | Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAR |
40. | *Marvin Jones DET vs. GB Note: ***Late addition to the injury report Friday with an ankle injury, had a limited practice - he's questionable but expected to play.*** |
41. | Ryan Grant IND at NE |
42. | *Josh Gordon NE vs. Ind Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice Tuesday in advance of Thursday's game. Listed as questionable. |
43. | Pierre Garcon SF vs. Ari |
44. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NYJ |
45. | Kelvin Benjamin BUF vs. Ten |
46. | Jordy Nelson OAK at LAC |
47. | *Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Min Note: I'm just about done with Agholor after he netted 22 yards on 12 targets last week. |
48. | Phillip Dorsett NE vs. Ind |
49. | *Paul Richardson WAS at NO Note: Even after the bye week, Richardson is still dealing with shoulder pain. Was able to practice Thursday. ***Limited at Friday's practice.*** |
50. | Christian Kirk ARZ at SF |
51. | *Antonio Callaway CLE vs. Bal Note: (Knee) Held out of practice Wednesday, but returned Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, cleared to play.*** |
52. | *Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at SF Note: Still day-to-day with hamstring injury, though he's been on the field over 95 percent of the game the last two weeks. Returned to practice Thursday. ***Will play again this Sunday.*** |
53. | *Sammy Watkins KC vs. Jax Note: Injured his hamstring early Monday night against the Broncos, set for an MRI. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited practice all week, but he's trending towards being available.*** |
54. | *Mohamed Sanu ATL at Pit Note: Limited at Wednesday's practice with a hip injury. |
55. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at Det Note: Big bump up due to all of the Packers' wide receiver injuries. |
56. | Rashard Higgins CLE vs. Bal |
57. | Chester Rogers IND at NE |
58. | *Donte Moncrief JAC at KC |
59. | Chris Hogan NE vs. Ind |
60. | Chris Conley KC vs. Jax Note: More targets with Watkins hurt on Monday night. |
61. | *Keke Coutee HOU vs. Dal Note: Got those coveted slot targets last week in his debut, especially after Will Fuller got hurt. Limited in Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury. ***A 'true' game-time decision Sunday night.*** |
62. | Robby Anderson NYJ vs. Den |
63. | *Cameron Meredith NO vs. Was Note: ***(Knee) No longer listed on the injury report - with Ginn out, he might get more work this week.*** |
64. | *Zach Pascal IND at NE Note: I'd wager that he doesn't get 10 targets again Thursday night, but he'll be active in the game plan nonetheless given Hilton's injuries. |
65. | Brandon Marshall SEA vs. LAR |
66. | Tyrell Williams LAC vs. Oak |
67. | *Cole Beasley DAL at Hou Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
68. | Albert Wilson MIA at Cin |
69. | Jakeem Grant MIA at Cin |
70. | Allen Hurns DAL at Hou |
71. | D.J. Moore CAR vs. NYG |
72. | Courtland Sutton DEN at NYJ |
73. | Aldrick Robinson MIN at Phi |
74. | Demarcus Robinson KC vs. Jax |
75. | Willie Snead BAL at Cle |
76. | Tavon Austin DAL at Hou |
77. | Jermaine Kearse NYJ vs. Den |
78. | Tajae Sharpe TEN at Buf |
79. | Jordan Matthews PHI vs. Min |
80. | Cordarrelle Patterson NE vs. Ind |
81. | Martavis Bryant OAK at LAC |
82. | Zay Jones BUF vs. Ten |
83. | Equanimeous St. Brown GB at Det |
84. | J'Mon Moore GB at Det |
85. | Danny Amendola MIA at Cin |
86. | *Alex Erickson CIN vs. Mia Note: ***More snaps with Ross ruled out, could also be the third running back.*** |
87. | Jaron Brown SEA vs. LAR |
88. | *Kendrick Bourne SF vs. Ari Note: With all of the Niners' injuries, it's hard for them to find an identity. |
89. | James Washington PIT vs. Atl |
90. | *Josh Doctson WAS at NO Note: Day-to-day with a bruised heel. ***Missed practice Friday and Saturday.*** |
91. | *Marquise Goodwin SF vs. Ari Note: Dealing with thigh and hamstring injuries. Didn't practice Wednesday. ***Limited practices Thursday and Friday, game-time decision.*** |
92. | *DeVante Parker MIA at Cin Note: (Quadriceps) Uncertain for Week 5. Remains limited at practice. ***Limited at practice all week, listed as questionable.*** |
93. | *Geronimo Allison GB at Det Note: Suffered a concussion in the win over the Bills. Has not practiced yet this week. ***Also has a hamstring injury - unlikely to play.*** |
94. | *Travis Benjamin LAC vs. Oak Note: Aggravated a foot injury in the win over the Niners. Held out of practice Wednesday. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
95. | *John Ross CIN vs. Mia Note: Pulled a muscle while scoring a touchdown last week. (Groin) Limited Wednesday, sat out Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
96. | *Randall Cobb GB at Det Note: (Hamstring) Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Declared out for this week.*** |
97. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at NE Note: Dealing with a chest and hamstring injury and did not practice Tuesday. Unless there's positive news on him in walk-throughs before the game Thursday, I'm keeping him at the bottom. Declared out for Thursday night. |
98. | *Ted Ginn NO vs. Was Note: ***(Knee) Declared out this week.*** |
99. | *Dante Pettis SF vs. Ari Note: Out with a knee injury. |
Tight Ends
1. | Travis Kelce KC vs. Jax |
2. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. Min |
3. | Jordan Reed WAS at NO |
4. | Kyle Rudolph MIN at Phi |
5. | *Jimmy Graham GB at Det Note: (Knee) Sat out Wednesday for maintenance purposes, but returned to practice Thursday. ***Full participant in Friday's practice.*** |
6. | George Kittle SF vs. Ari |
7. | *Eric Ebron IND at NE Note: (Knee) Removed from the injury list. Meanwhile, Doyle is out again. |
8. | Vance McDonald PIT vs. Atl |
9. | *Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Ind Note: (Ankle) Did not participate in Tuesday's practice. Last year he also missed a Thursday game with an injury of questionable severity. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats play it safe here. Limited practice Wednesday, now tentatively expected to play. |
10. | Jared Cook OAK at LAC |
11. | Ricky Seals-Jones ARZ at SF |
12. | David Njoku CLE vs. Bal |
13. | Austin Hooper ATL at Pit |
14. | Rhett Ellison NYG at Car |
15. | Ben Watson NO vs. Was |
16. | *C.J. Uzomah CIN vs. Mia Note: Sharing the starting duties with Tyler Kroft with Eifert out. ***Uzomah is expected to be the primary tight end over Kroft.*** |
17. | Nick Vannett SEA vs. LAR |
18. | *Jeff Heuerman DEN at NYJ Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Thursday.*** |
19. | *Hayden Hurst BAL at Cle Note: (Foot) Close to returning last week, could debut this week. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Expected to make his debut and start this week.*** |
20. | Dallas Goedert PHI vs. Min |
21. | Antonio Gates LAC vs. Oak |
22. | Jesse James PIT vs. Atl |
23. | *Austin Seferian-Jenkins JAC at KC Note: (Core muscle injury) Following same schedule of previous weeks - out Wednesday, limited Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
24. | Virgil Green LAC vs. Oak |
25. | Ryan Griffin HOU vs. Dal |
26. | Mike Gesicki MIA at Cin |
27. | Mark Andrews BAL at Cle |
28. | Tyler Kroft CIN vs. Mia |
29. | Geoff Swaim DAL at Hou |
30. | Ian Thomas CAR vs. NYG |
31. | Luke Stocker TEN at Buf |
32. | Gerald Everett LA at Sea |
33. | *Charles Clay BUF vs. Ten Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
34. | Nick Boyle BAL at Cle |
35. | Dwayne Allen NE vs. Ind |
36. | Demetrius Harris KC vs. Jax |
37. | Jason Croom BUF vs. Ten |
38. | Luke Willson DET vs. GB |
39. | Jonnu Smith TEN at Buf |
40. | Garrett Celek SF vs. Ari |
41. | Vernon Davis WAS at NO |
42. | Seth DeValve CLE vs. Bal |
43. | *Tyler Higbee LA at Sea Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
44. | *A.J. Derby MIA at Cin Note: (Foot) Did not practice Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
45. | *Greg Olsen CAR vs. NYG Note: (Foot) Ruled out this week, but returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Some confidence expressed that Olsen could play next week.*** |
46. | *Jack Doyle IND at NE Note: (Hip) Did not practice Monday. Declared out again this week. |
47. | *Evan Engram NYG at Car Note: (Knee) Long shot to return this week. Making progress with running, but could be weeks away still. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
48. | *Will Dissly SEA vs. LAR Note: (Kneecap) Placed on IR. |
49. | *Tyler Eifert CIN vs. Mia Note: Fractured ankle, out for the season, again. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
1. | Todd Gurley LA at Sea |
2. | Melvin Gordon LAC vs. Oak |
3. | *Alvin Kamara NO vs. Was Note: ***(Knee) Much like last week, limited in the first two practices of the week.*** |
4. | Saquon Barkley NYG at Car |
5. | Michael Thomas NO vs. Was |
6. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. Atl |
7. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Mia |
8. | *Ezekiel Elliott DAL at Hou Note: (Knee, ankle) Banged up, but 'not to the extent that he won't play' this Sunday against Houston. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. |
9. | Kareem Hunt KC vs. Jax |
10. | JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. Atl |
11. | Odell Beckham NYG at Car |
12. | *DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Dal Note: Limited at Wednesday's practice with an injury medley, similar to last week. ***No longer has an injury designation.*** |
13. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. Oak |
14. | Carlos Hyde CLE vs. Bal Note: Hyde ran pretty well, but the calls for Nick Chubb to get more carries will perk up after Chubb's performance. |
15. | *James Conner PIT vs. Atl Note: Expected to start the next two games and then give way to Lev Bell once he returns after the Steelers' bye week. |
16. | Adam Thielen MIN at Phi |
17. | *Julio Jones ATL at Pit Note: (Hand/ankle) Practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
18. | Stefon Diggs MIN at Phi |
19. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN at NYJ |
20. | Robert Woods LA at Sea |
21. | Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. NYG |
22. | *T.J. Yeldon JAC at KC Note: Could run wild against the Chiefs if Fournette's hamstring keeps him out this week. (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. Meanwhile, Fournette has already been declared out. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
23. | *Marshawn Lynch OAK at LAC Note: Lynch looked great against the Browns - here's hoping that he can hold up. (Shoulder) Sat out Wednesday's practice. ***No injury designation for the game.*** |
24. | David Johnson ARZ at SF |
25. | Golden Tate DET vs. GB |
26. | Cooper Kupp LA at Sea |
27. | Brandin Cooks LA at Sea |
28. | Travis Kelce KC vs. Jax |
29. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. Min |
30. | *Joe Mixon CIN vs. Mia Note: Coach Marvin Lewis said he's uncertain whether Mixon (knee) will return this week, but the progress reports have been positive. Limited practices Wednesday and Thursday - good enough for me to move him up as if he's playing, especially with Gio out both days. ***Bernard declared out, but Mixon could still carry less than a full workload in his first game back - Mark Walton will be the backup.*** |
31. | Sony Michel NE vs. Ind |
32. | Jay Ajayi PHI vs. Min |
33. | *Corey Davis TEN at Buf Note: (Illness) Limited in Wednesday's practice. |
34. | Calvin Ridley ATL at Pit |
35. | *Jarvis Landry CLE vs. Bal Note: (Knee) Returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
36. | John Brown BAL at Cle |
37. | *Alshon Jeffery PHI vs. Min Note: Sat out practice Wednesday with a chest injury, but returned Thursday. |
38. | *Davante Adams GB at Det Note: Suffered a calf injury in practice Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday. ***Practiced on Saturday, expected to play, though he's still officially listed as questionable.*** |
39. | Tyler Boyd CIN vs. Mia |
40. | *Doug Baldwin SEA vs. LAR Note: ***(Knee) No longer has an injury designation.*** |
41. | *Chris Thompson WAS at NO Note: Could carry a heavier-than-usual workload thanks to Peterson's ankle injury. |
42. | *Amari Cooper OAK at LAC Note: Limited in practice Wednesday with a foot issue. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
43. | Kenny Golladay DET vs. GB |
44. | Jordan Reed WAS at NO |
45. | *Matt Breida SF vs. Ari Note: Still dealing with the shoulder injury that he suffered in the preseason, but able to play. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practice all week, but still expected to play.*** |
46. | *Tyreek Hill KC vs. Jax Note: I think Hill draws Jalen Ramsey this week, which is why I moved him down. |
47. | *Aaron Jones GB at Det Note: Obviously the best Packers RB, but playing time still isn't where it should be. However, opposing running backs have killed the Lions this year, so I expect this could be a breakout opportunity. |
48. | Jamison Crowder WAS at NO |
49. | *Quincy Enunwa NYJ vs. Den Note: Limited in practice Thursday with a hip injury. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
50. | *Ty Montgomery GB at Det Note: Should be very active in the passing game with the Packers' receiving corps banged up. |
51. | Julian Edelman NE vs. Ind Note: Four-game suspension ends just in time, given Gronk's injury. |
52. | Michael Crabtree BAL at Cle Note: Drops were a big problem on Sunday night. |
53. | Kerryon Johnson DET vs. GB Note: Disappointingly on the field for just 20 snaps against the Cowboys, netting only nine carries - though he was productive in those carries. |
54. | *Mark Ingram NO vs. Was Note: Returning from suspension this week. |
55. | James White NE vs. Ind |
56. | *Adrian Peterson WAS at NO Note: (Ankle) Limited to work on the side during Monday's practice. Returned to practice Thursday - remember, the Redskins play Monday night. ***Full participant in Saturday's practice.*** |
57. | Devin Funchess CAR vs. NYG |
58. | *Will Fuller HOU vs. Dal Note: Exited with a hamstring injury but the Texans are downplaying it. That said, he's been dealing with that injury every week in practice. Limited in practice, though Fuller said that the hamstring 'is not bothering him.' The Texans play the Sunday night game, so you need to make sure you have a late swap option just in case he has a setback in warmups. ***Officially a game-time decision, but according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, he's expected to play, and is less serious of an issue than teammate Keke Coutee.*** |
59. | Mike Williams LAC vs. Oak Note: I'm baffled as to why he got only three targets, but there it was anyhow. |
60. | Keelan Cole JAC at KC |
61. | Dede Westbrook JAC at KC |
62. | *Alex Collins BAL at Cle Note: Scored on a short reception, turning the tables on Buck Allen, but then later lost a fumble at the goal line, which could be really costly. (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday, then didn't practice at all Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, alleviating some concerns about his knee.*** |
63. | Phillip Lindsay DEN at NYJ |
64. | Isaiah Crowell NYJ vs. Den |
65. | *Kenyan Drake MIA at Cin Note: Only four touches and fewer snaps than Frank Gore, who got the garbage time touchdown last week. But then, I see the matchup against the Bengals and think he should do well. There's whipsaw potential here - finally give up on Drake, only to see him go off on our collective benches. |
66. | *Devonta Freeman ATL at Pit Note: Coach Dan Quinn is hopeful that Freeman (knee) can return this week, but we'll keep him down here until he practices. Has returned to practice, and Quinn said that Freeman will play this week. ***Doesn't have an injury designation - officially cleared to play.*** |
67. | Dion Lewis TEN at Buf |
68. | Royce Freeman DEN at NYJ Note: Once again scored, but also once again wasn't involved in the passing game. Making matters worse, Lindsay also scored on a goal line carry. Coach Vance Joseph pledged to get Freeman 'more involved' in the offense. |
69. | *Sterling Shepard NYG at Car Note: Had a cyst removed from his lower back, but returned to practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
70. | *Tevin Coleman ATL at Pit Note: Losing touches with Freeman returning this week. Also, limited in Wednesday's practice with a shin injury. |
71. | Taywan Taylor TEN at Buf |
72. | *Marvin Jones DET vs. GB Note: ***Late addition to the injury report Friday with an ankle injury, had a limited practice - he's questionable but expected to play.*** |
73. | Kenny Stills MIA at Cin |
74. | *Alfred Blue HOU vs. Dal Note: ***Probable starter Sunday night with Lamar Miller looking as if he won't be able to play.*** |
75. | Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAR |
76. | Phillip Dorsett NE vs. Ind |
77. | *Josh Gordon NE vs. Ind Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice Tuesday in advance of Thursday's game. Listed as questionable. |
78. | *Jimmy Graham GB at Det Note: (Knee) Sat out Wednesday for maintenance purposes, but returned to practice Thursday. ***Full participant in Friday's practice.*** |
79. | Kyle Rudolph MIN at Phi |
80. | George Kittle SF vs. Ari |
81. | Austin Ekeler LAC vs. Oak |
82. | Theo Riddick DET vs. GB |
83. | Derrick Henry TEN at Buf |
84. | *Nyheim Hines IND at NE Note: Hines has 20 targets in the Colts' two home games this year - both games in which Marlon Mack didn't play. The Colts will be on the road this week, but they might be without Mack again. Could get a lot of targets again - no Mack, Hilton or Doyle. |
85. | Pierre Garcon SF vs. Ari |
86. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NYJ |
87. | Kelvin Benjamin BUF vs. Ten |
88. | Jordy Nelson OAK at LAC |
89. | *Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Min Note: I'm just about done with Agholor after he netted 22 yards on 12 targets last week. |
90. | *LeSean McCoy BUF vs. Ten Note: (Rib, Hand) Expected to be fine with both injuries, but the bigger concern is the Bills' impotent offense. |
91. | *Eric Ebron IND at NE Note: (Knee) Removed from the injury list. Meanwhile, Doyle is out again. |
92. | Vance McDonald PIT vs. Atl |
93. | Jared Cook OAK at LAC |
94. | *Paul Richardson WAS at NO Note: Even after the bye week, Richardson is still dealing with shoulder pain. Was able to practice Thursday. ***Limited at Friday's practice.*** |
95. | Bilal Powell NYJ vs. Den |
96. | *Chris Carson SEA vs. LAR Note: (Hip) Unable to go as a game-time decision last week, and now part of a RB committee with Mike Davis emerging. Held out of Wednesday's practice, expected to practice Thursday. ***Cleared to play - just how many carries will he get as the lead back now?*** |
97. | *Corey Grant JAC at KC Note: Fournette has already been declared out. |
98. | *Mark Walton CIN vs. Mia Note: ***No. 2 back for the Bengals for the next couple of weeks with Gio Bernard out 2-to-4 weeks.*** |
99. | *Mohamed Sanu ATL at Pit Note: Limited at Wednesday's practice with a hip injury. |
100. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at Det Note: Big bump up due to all of the Packers' wide receiver injuries. |
101. | *Sammy Watkins KC vs. Jax Note: Injured his hamstring early Monday night against the Broncos, set for an MRI. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited practice all week, but he's trending towards being available.*** |
Kickers
1. | Justin Tucker BAL at Cle |
2. | Dustin Hopkins WAS at NO |
3. | Wil Lutz NO vs. Was |
4. | Harrison Butker KC vs. Jax |
5. | Jake Elliott PHI vs. Min |
6. | Josh Lambo JAC at KC |
7. | Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. Ind |
8. | Matt Bryant ATL at Pit |
9. | Matt Prater DET vs. GB |
10. | Cairo Santos LA at Sea |
11. | *Chris Boswell PIT vs. Atl Note: ***Limited by a foot injury on Wednesday, but returned to a full practice Thursday.*** |
12. | Mason Crosby GB at Det |
13. | Brandon McManus DEN at NYJ |
14. | Randy Bullock CIN vs. Mia |
15. | Graham Gano CAR vs. NYG |
16. | Robbie Gould SF vs. Ari |
17. | Dan Bailey MIN at Phi |
18. | *Caleb Sturgis LAC vs. Oak Note: Missed two extra point attempts, made 3/4 FG attempts. |
19. | Greg Joseph CLE vs. Bal |
20. | Aldrick Rosas NYG at Car |
21. | *Adam Vinatieri IND at NE Note: (Groin) Did not practice Monday. |
22. | Jason Sanders MIA at Cin |
23. | Sebastian Janikowski SEA vs. LAR |
24. | Ryan Succop TEN at Buf |
25. | Brett Maher DAL at Hou |
26. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. Dal |
27. | Matt McCrane OAK at LAC |
28. | Stephen Hauschka BUF vs. Ten |
29. | Jason Myers NYJ vs. Den |
30. | *Phil Dawson ARZ at SF Note: Two costly misses in the loss to the Seahawks, including one late in the fourth quarter when the game was still tied 17-17. |
31. | *Greg Zuerlein LA at Sea Note: ***Could return next week.*** |
Defenses
1. | Tennessee Titans at Buf |
2. | *Los Angeles Rams at Sea Note: Marcus Peters played through his calf injury, albeit not well. Hopefully the extra days off get him back up to speed. |
3. | Carolina Panthers vs. NYG |
4. | Jacksonville Jaguars at KC |
5. | Baltimore Ravens at Cle |
6. | Denver Broncos at NYJ |
7. | New England Patriots vs. Ind |
8. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Mia |
9. | San Francisco 49ers vs. Ari |
10. | Houston Texans vs. Dal |
11. | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Min |
12. | Dallas Cowboys at Hou |
13. | Los Angeles Chargers vs. Oak |
14. | Green Bay Packers at Det |
15. | Arizona Cardinals at SF |
16. | Buffalo Bills vs. Ten |
17. | *Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR Note: Devastating injury to Earl Thomas, who was placed on IR. |
18. | New York Jets vs. Den |
19. | Minnesota Vikings at Phi |
20. | New York Giants at Car |
21. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jax |
22. | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atl |
23. | Indianapolis Colts at NE |
24. | Cleveland Browns vs. Bal |
25. | Miami Dolphins at Cin |
26. | New Orleans Saints vs. Was |
27. | Detroit Lions vs. GB |
28. | Atlanta Falcons at Pit |
29. | Oakland Raiders at LAC |
30. | Washington Redskins at NO |