Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update complete

Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.

These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff

Sunday Update complete

Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.

These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning. I will post at the top of the article in bold font when ranking updates are in progress and when they're complete.

I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.

Quarterbacks

1.Kyler Murray ARZ vs. SF
2.Patrick Mahomes KC vs. BUF
3.Josh Allen BUF at KC
4.*Lamar Jackson BAL vs. IND
Note: Jackson had his first 300-yard passing game since 2019 against the Broncos, and now might get Rashod Bateman back. Full practice Thursday, not on the injury list.
5.Jalen Hurts PHI at CAR
6.Aaron Rodgers GB at CIN
7.Justin Herbert LAC vs. CLE
8.Dak Prescott DAL vs. NYG
9.Tom Brady TB vs. MIA
10.Joe Burrow CIN vs. GB
11.Matthew Stafford LA at SEA
12.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. DET
13.*Sam Darnold CAR vs. PHI
Note: Darnold struggled with the Cowboys' pass rush, but still had a productive fantasy day.
14.Matt Ryan ATL vs. NYJ
15.*Ryan Tannehill TEN at JAX
Note: Tannehill did yeoman's work just to get the Titans to overtime last week, as his wideouts couldn't gain any separation and he was constantly under pressure.
16.Zach Wilson NYJ at ATL
17.Daniel Jones NYG at DAL
18.Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. TEN
19.*Derek Carr LV vs. CHI
Note: Carr was awful in the first half against the Chargers, but at least the two second half touchdowns salvaged a mediocre day.
20.*Trey Lance SF at ARI
Note: Lance would be in line to start this week should Jimmy Garoppolo's bruised calf keep him out. ***Will get the start with Jimmy G ruled out.***
21.Jared Goff DET at MIN
22.*Justin Fields CHI at LV
Note: We're still waiting for more on Andy Dalton's knee this week, but coach Matt Nagy already said that if Dalton is healthy, he'll be the starter. Nagy reversed course Wednesday and named Fields as the starter for the rest of the season.
23.Jameis Winston NO at WAS
24.*Teddy Bridgewater DEN at PIT
Note: Bridgewater is in the concussion protocol after getting knocked out of the game last week in the second quarter. Progressing through the concussion protocol with a limited practice Thursday, but I'll wait until he clears the protocol fully before I move him up. ***Cleared the concussion protocol and practiced fully on Friday.***
25.Taylor Heinicke WAS vs. NO
26.*Jacoby Brissett MIA at TB
Note: Tua Tagovailoa has to spend at least one more week on IR, but he has started throwing already and could be back next week.
27.*Mac Jones NE at HOU
Note: Jones is coming off of his best game yet, and has a positive matchup against the Texans this week.
28.*Baker Mayfield CLE at LAC
Note: Mayfield really struggled in a plus matchup against the Vikings, including twice badly under throwing OBJ on potential touchdowns. Mayfield is playing through a torn labrum in his left shoulder, suffered in the Week 2 win over the Texans.
29.*Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. DEN
Note: Roethlisberger previously had a pectoral injury and now is dealing with a hip injury. Sat out practice Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
30.*Carson Wentz IND at BAL
Note: ***Listed as having a full practice Friday, and only one ankle was listed as a concern on the injury, as opposed to both like the last two weeks.***
31.Davis Mills HOU vs. NE
32.*Taysom Hill NO at WAS
Note: You could make a case for ranking Hill over Brissett and Mills, but I don't know if you can count on Hill getting enough snaps for that.
33.*Drew Lock DEN at PIT
Note: Lock filled in for Teddy Bridgewater after the latter suffered a concussion - it did not go well. Lock could be in line to start this week, with Bridgewater currently in the protocol. ***Bridgewater cleared the concussion protocol Friday and presumably will start again.***
34.*Andy Dalton CHI at LV
Note: Coach Matt Nagy said that Dalton (knee) is still the starter if healthy, and they will try to make that determination on Wednesday. Fields was named the starter for the rest of the season on Wednesday.
35.*Jimmy Garoppolo SF at ARI
Note: Garoppolo suffered a bruised calf last week and will be re-examined on Wednesday to determine his status for the week. Garoppolo hasn't been ruled out yet, but he also hasn't practiced and said that he doesn't expect to play this week. ***Has been ruled out, Trey Lance will start.***
36.*Geno Smith SEA vs. LAR
Note: ***Replaced the injured Russell Wilson on Thursday night and will be in line to start for the next 4-8 weeks.***
37.*Russell Wilson SEA vs. LAR
Note: ***Wilson suffered a ruptured tendon of his right middle finger Thursday night and will be out 4-8 weeks - though I've seen other outlets suggest that it will be a minimum of six weeks.***

Running Backs

1.Derrick Henry TEN at JAX
2.*Austin Ekeler LAC vs. CLE
Note: I'm done discounting Ekeler for a perceived lack of goal line carries.
3.*Aaron Jones GB at CIN
Note: Jones (ankle) had consecutive limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, but it's being termed more as maintenance than as a significant problem. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
4.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. NYG
Note: Elliott got Wednesday off and was limited Thursday with tightness in his knee. ***Limited again on Friday, and is expected to play but he's listed as questionable.***
5.*Saquon Barkley NYG at DAL
Note: Barkley had his first full-time Thursday practice of the season this week.
6.Alvin Kamara NO at WAS
7.Najee Harris PIT vs. DEN
8.James Robinson JAC vs. TEN
9.Nick Chubb CLE at LAC
10.Jonathan Taylor IND at BAL
11.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. DET
Note: Cook (ankle) had a limited workload last week, but there were so few plays in that game that his results were a little skewed. I think he gets well this week against the Lions. Cook has done individual work both Wednesday and Thursday, but is officially listed as a DNP. ***Cook 'did some work' at practice Friday, but he's going to come down to the wire.***
12.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. BUF
Note: This makes back-to-back 100-yard games for CEH since the high-profile fumble. He tore apart the Bills the regular season last year (in the rain on a weird early evening Monday game).
13.*Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. NYJ
Note: It's hard to be mad about Patterson taking away from Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley when he's been so effective, let alone when he's taking reps from Mike Davis.
14.*Darrell Henderson LA at SEA
Note: Henderson (ribs) is having his practice reps capped again this week, but he is without question the lead back. Cleared from the injury list.
15.Kareem Hunt CLE at LAC
16.Damien Harris NE at HOU
17.*D'Andre Swift DET at MIN
Note: (Groin) Limited again on Thursday. ***Once again listed as questionable, as is Jamaal Williams.***
18.*Damien Williams CHI at LV
Note: Williams likely takes over for the injured David Montgomery for the next 4-5 weeks, but it's worth noting that he suffered a thigh bruise last week - though it should be a minor injury. Full practice Wednesday.
19.*Antonio Gibson WAS vs. NO
Note: (Shin) Did not practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday. ***It was revealed Friday that Gibson is playing through a stress fracture in his shin.***
20.*Miles Sanders PHI at CAR
Note: Sanders had a hard time getting untracked in the running game but did have three catches for 34 yards - alas, Kenneth Gainwell was more productive than Sanders.
21.Tony Pollard DAL vs. NYG
22.*Melvin Gordon DEN at PIT
Note: Gordon is dealing with a leg contusion and was limited Thursday. ***Gordon was limited again Friday and is listed as questionable, but coach Vic Fangio is confident that Gordon will play.***
23.*Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. PHI
Note: Hubbard looked great against the Cowboys, but there's two concerns. One, the Panthers seem to avoid giving him goal line carries (though that's not necessarily a thing), and more concerning, Rodney Smith was in there as the pass-catching back when the Panthers were trying to come back against the Cowboys. CMC has had two limited practices this week and could actually return a week early. ***McCaffrey is listed as doubtful, and the Panthers activated Rodney Smith from the practice squad again.***
24.Leonard Fournette TB vs. MIA
25.James Conner ARZ vs. SF
26.Javonte Williams DEN at PIT
27.*Alex Collins SEA vs. LAR
Note: Is Collins in line for more playing time Thursday night? It appears to be the case with Chris Carson nursing a sore neck - this ranking presumes Carson is out..
28.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. CHI
Note: (Ankle) Limited at Wednesday's practice.
29.*J.D. McKissic WAS vs. NO
Note: McKissic (ankle) was limited Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday.
30.*Trey Sermon SF at ARI
Note: Sermon was the lead back, but that translated into only 51 percent of the snaps. ***Elijah Mitchell will return this week, so Sermon gets a downgrade here.***
31.*Alexander Mattison MIN vs. DET
Note: ***Teammate Dalvin Cook has been very limited in practice all week and is truly questionable.***
32.Latavius Murray BAL vs. IND
33.*Michael Carter NYJ at ATL
Note: Carter's playing time is on the upswing, and he scored his first NFL touchdown.
34.Kenneth Gainwell PHI at CAR
35.Zack Moss BUF at KC
36.*Samaje Perine CIN vs. GB
Note: Joe Mixon has a low-ankle sprain and is 'week-to-week,' albeit with a possibility of playing this week.
37.*Jamaal Williams DET at MIN
Note: Williams (hip) saw his reps capped Thursday due to a sore hip. ***Limited again Friday and is listed as questionable.***
38.*Chase Edmonds ARZ vs. SF
Note: Did not practice Wednesday because of a shoulder issue. ***Truly a game-time decision after sitting out again on Thursday and then getting just a limited practice Friday.***
39.Devin Singletary BUF at KC
40.*Elijah Mitchell SF at ARI
Note: Mitchell (shoulder) is expected to practice without a non-contact jersey this week. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Mitchell had a full practice Friday and will return to action this week.***
41.*Jeremy McNichols TEN at JAX
Note: The Titans' best plays were screen passes to McNichols - that's not exactly sustainable, but a reflection of what the pass-catchers are like without A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. McNichols' reps were capped Wednesday with a hamstring issue, but he was a full go Thursday.
42.*Joe Mixon CIN vs. GB
Note: Mixon suffered a low ankle sprain late Thursday night in the win over the Jaguars and his status is uncertain for this week. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. *Didn't practice again on Friday, but then went through a workout on Saturday morning and now he's 'trending towards playing.' I'm going to assume he'll be limited if he does play.***
43.Mike Davis ATL vs. NYJ
44.AJ Dillon GB at CIN
45.*Sony Michel LA at SEA
Note: Michel played just seven offensive snaps with Henderson back in action.
46.Mark Ingram HOU vs. NE
47.Tevin Coleman NYJ at ATL
48.*Brandon Bolden NE at HOU
Note: Bolden caught six passes in the loss to the Bucs, taking over James White's role as the top pass-catching back.
49.*Nyheim Hines IND at BAL
Note: Sat out practice Thursday with a shoulder issue. ***Limited practice Friday.***
50.*Larry Rountree LAC vs. CLE
Note: ***Teammate Justin Jackson is listed as doubtful.***
51.*Malcolm Brown MIA at TB
Note: Brown had eight carries compared to two for Myles Gaskin, but did little with them and now faces the Bucs this week.
52.*Peyton Barber LV vs. CHI
Note: Barber left with a foot injury in the first quarter of Monday's loss to the Chargers. Officially diagnosed with a turf toe injury. ***Barber had a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable.***
53.Myles Gaskin MIA at TB
54.Darrel Williams KC vs. BUF
55.Phillip Lindsay HOU vs. NE
56.*Royce Freeman CAR vs. PHI
Note: Freeman had only three touches in the loss to the Cowboys - it was Rodney Smith who was the superior third down back behind Chuba Hubbard.
57.*Carlos Hyde JAC vs. TEN
Note: (Shoulder) Full practice this week.
58.Ronald Jones TB vs. MIA
59.Ty Johnson NYJ at ATL
60.Demetric Felton CLE at LAC
61.Rodney Smith CAR vs. PHI
62.*Jaret Patterson WAS vs. NO
Note: ***Could be interesting if Gibson's shin fracture gets worse.***
63.Ke'Shawn Vaughn TB vs. MIA
64.Dare Ogunbowale JAC vs. TEN
65.Khalil Herbert CHI at LV
66.Marlon Mack IND at BAL
67.David Johnson HOU vs. NE
68.Salvon Ahmed MIA at TB
69.*Kenyan Drake LV vs. CHI
Note: Now an afterthought behind Josh Jacobs, even after Peyton Barber injured his foot in the first quarter.
70.Ameer Abdullah MIN vs. DET
71.Kylin Hill GB at CIN
72.*J.J. Taylor NE at HOU
Note: Taylor lost a fumble against the Bucs and only played four offensive snaps. For now, Brandon Bolden appears to be the team's pass-catching back.
73.*Ty'Son Williams BAL vs. IND
Note: Healthy scratch last week.
74.*Devontae Booker NYG at DAL
75.*Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. PHI
Note: McCaffrey (hamstring) will attempt to practice Wednesday to test where he's at. He's eligible to return having not gone on the IR, but it's unlikely that he'll do so. McCaffrey has put in two limited practices this week and said that there's a chance he'll be available to play this week. ***On Friday the Panthers listed McCaffrey as doubtful.***
76.*Chris Carson SEA vs. LAR
Note: Carson ceded key snaps to Alex Collins last week and now we know why, as he missed practice Tuesday with a neck injury. The Seahawks and the Rams play on Thursday. Carson's neck injury has been described as a 'chronic' injury, and he's a game-time call for Thursday night's game.
77.*Giovani Bernard TB vs. MIA
Note: (Knee) Limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Returned to a full practice Friday and is listed as questionable.***
78.*Justin Jackson LAC vs. CLE
Note: (Groin) Did not practice Wednesday nor Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.***
79.*Tony Jones NO at WAS
Note: Jones is out 3-to-4 weeks with an ankle injury. Dwayne Washington is next in line, and the Saints worked out a bunch of backs on Tuesday.
80.*David Montgomery CHI at LV
Note: Montgomery's knee sprain is likely to keep him out 4-5 weeks. ***Montgomery was placed on IR by the Bears, confirming that he will miss at least three games.***

Wide Receivers

1.Davante Adams GB at CIN
2.Tyreek Hill KC vs. BUF
3.Stefon Diggs BUF at KC
4.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. DET
5.Cooper Kupp LA at SEA
6.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. LAR
Note: Limited in practice Tuesday with a sore foot, just as he was limited last week.
7.DeAndre Hopkins ARZ vs. SF
8.Adam Thielen MIN vs. DET
9.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. NO
10.Chris Godwin TB vs. MIA
11.Diontae Johnson PIT vs. DEN
12.DJ Moore CAR vs. PHI
13.Mike Evans TB vs. MIA
14.Deebo Samuel SF at ARI
15.Keenan Allen LAC vs. CLE
16.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. GB
17.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAR
18.CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. NYG
19.*A.J. Brown TEN at JAX
Note: (Hamstring) Full practice on Thursday. ***Full participant again Friday and will play.***
20.*Mike Williams LAC vs. CLE
Note: The Raiders' pass rush limited the Chargers attempts down field, and they didn't look to him underneath very often.
21.*Amari Cooper DAL vs. NYG
Note: Cooper could be limited this week while tending to right hamstring and rib injuries. Limited work Thursday. ***Another limited practice Friday and listed as questionable, but expected to play.***
22.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. GB
23.Robert Woods LA at SEA
24.DeVonta Smith PHI at CAR
25.Corey Davis NYJ at ATL
26.*Kenny Golladay NYG at DAL
Note: (Shoulder) Full participant in Thursday's practice. Right now Shepard and Slayton are behind schedule.
27.Brandin Cooks HOU vs. NE
28.Odell Beckham CLE at LAC
29.Laviska Shenault JAC vs. TEN
30.Tim Patrick DEN at PIT
31.Robby Anderson CAR vs. PHI
32.Allen Robinson CHI at LV
33.Marquise Brown BAL vs. IND
34.*Tee Higgins CIN vs. GB
Note: (Shoulder) Could return this week - if he practices during the week I'll move him up. Higgins has had two limited practices so far - I'm ranking him as if he plays, but is on a 'pitch count.' ***Higgins had a full practice Friday and was cleared from the injury list. He will play.***
35.Antonio Brown TB vs. MIA
36.*Courtland Sutton DEN at PIT
Note: ***Sutton suffered a sprained ankle in practice Friday and is now a game-time decision.***
37.Henry Ruggs LV vs. CHI
38.Marvin Jones JAC vs. TEN
39.Jakobi Meyers NE at HOU
40.Marquez Callaway NO at WAS
41.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. DEN
Note: Full practice Thursday.
42.Jaylen Waddle MIA at TB
43.Emmanuel Sanders BUF at KC
44.*Kadarius Toney NYG at DAL
Note: ***Toney is getting another start with both Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton out.***
45.Cole Beasley BUF at KC
46.Michael Pittman IND at BAL
47.Hunter Renfrow LV vs. CHI
48.Jamison Crowder NYJ at ATL
49.*Darnell Mooney CHI at LV
Note: (Groin) Still limited at practice Thursday. But that didn't stop him last week and he seems to connect well with Justin Fields. ***Full practice Friday, and was removed from the injury list.***
50.*Chase Claypool PIT vs. DEN
Note: Claypool (hamstring) is in line to practice this week. We'll move him up later in the week accordingly as necessary. Back to back limited practices so far this week. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.***
51.Sammy Watkins BAL vs. IND
52.Zach Pascal IND at BAL
53.*Olamide Zaccheaus ATL vs. NYJ
Note: Zaccheaus could get more targets with Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage out.
54.*Curtis Samuel WAS vs. NO
Note: (Groin) Limited in practice early in the week, but practiced on Friday.***
55.Rondale Moore ARZ vs. SF
56.*DeVante Parker MIA at TB
Note: Parker has been limited at practice so far with a shoulder injury. ***Parker also picked up a shoulder injury, and was limited all week.***
57.*Bryan Edwards LV vs. CHI
Note: Edwards had 51 snaps but only four targets, as the Raiders were shut down with nearly everything downfield.
58.Brandon Aiyuk SF at ARI
59.Christian Kirk ARZ vs. SF
60.Jalen Reagor PHI at CAR
61.Kalif Raymond DET at MIN
62.Randall Cobb GB at CIN
63.Quez Watkins PHI at CAR
64.*Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at JAX
Note: ***Steadily increased his practice activity (hamstring) and is listed as questionable.***
65.Gabriel Davis BUF at KC
66.Nelson Agholor NE at HOU
67.Van Jefferson LA at SEA
68.*Elijah Moore NYJ at ATL
Note: Moore is still in the concussion protocol but close to clearing. Cleared the concussion protocol and is practicing fully. ***Cleared to play.***
69.John Ross NYG at DAL
70.A.J. Green ARZ vs. SF
71.Quintez Cephus DET at MIN
72.Chester Rogers TEN at JAX
73.*Cedrick Wilson DAL vs. NYG
Note: It looks like Michael Gallup (calf) will be out again this week, so once again Wilson will be the Cowboys third receiver.
74.K.J. Osborn MIN vs. DET
75.Mecole Hardman KC vs. BUF
76.DeSean Jackson LA at SEA
77.Tyler Johnson TB vs. MIA
78.Terrace Marshall CAR vs. PHI
79.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE at LAC
80.Braxton Berrios NYJ at ATL
81.*Josh Gordon KC vs. BUF
Note: Gordon was added to the Chiefs' active roster Tuesday.
82.Byron Pringle KC vs. BUF
83.Deonte Harris NO at WAS
84.Parris Campbell IND at BAL
85.Tajae Sharpe ATL vs. NYJ
86.Mohamed Sanu SF at ARI
87.Collin Johnson NYG at DAL
88.*Rashod Bateman BAL vs. IND
Note: Bateman (groin) could return to action on Monday night.
89.*James Washington PIT vs. DEN
Note: Limited Thursday with a groin injury. ***Ruled out this week.***
90.*Julio Jones TEN at JAX
Note: (Hamstring) Didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
91.*Sterling Shepard NYG at DAL
Note: (Hamstring) No reps in practice Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
92.*Darius Slayton NYG at DAL
Note: (Hamstring) No reps in practice Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
93.*Russell Gage ATL vs. NYJ
Note: (Ankle) Ruled out for this week.
94.*Calvin Ridley ATL vs. NYJ
Note: Won't travel with the team or play this week due to a personal issue.
95.*Will Fuller MIA at TB
Note: Already ruled out this week with a broken finger.
96.*Jarvis Landry CLE at LAC
Note: (Knee)
97.*Dee Eskridge SEA vs. LAR
Note: (Concussion) Limited again to start the week. Placed on IR by the Seahawks.
98.*DJ Chark JAC vs. TEN
Note: Out for the season with a fractured left ankle.

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC vs. BUF
2.Darren Waller LV vs. CHI
3.Mark Andrews BAL vs. IND
4.*T.J. Hockenson DET at MIN
Note: ***Hockenson was limited in practice this week on Thursday and Friday with a knee injury.***
5.Noah Fant DEN at PIT
6.Dallas Goedert PHI at CAR
7.Dawson Knox BUF at KC
8.*Kyle Pitts ATL vs. NYJ
Note: ***Will Pitts finally get a bigger target share with both Ridley and Gage out?***
9.Mike Gesicki MIA at TB
10.*Zach Ertz PHI at CAR
Note: Eight targets in the loss to the Chiefs.
11.Jared Cook LAC vs. CLE
12.Robert Tonyan GB at CIN
13.Evan Engram NYG at DAL
14.Dalton Schultz DAL vs. NYG
15.Hunter Henry NE at HOU
16.Austin Hooper CLE at LAC
17.Tyler Conklin MIN vs. DET
18.*Ross Dwelley SF at ARI
Note: ***Starting in place of the injured George Kittle for the next three weeks.***
19.Pat Freiermuth PIT vs. DEN
20.*Cameron Brate TB vs. MIA
Note: ***Starting again in place of Gronk this week.***
21.*Ricky Seals-Jones WAS vs. NO
Note: ***Stepping into a big opportunity with Logan Thomas going on IR.***
22.Jonnu Smith NE at HOU
23.*Tyler Higbee LA at SEA
Note: Higbee was limited at Tuesday's walkthrough with an ankle injury.
24.*Maxx Williams ARZ vs. SF
Note: ***Listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.***
25.C.J. Uzomah CIN vs. GB
26.Cole Kmet CHI at LV
27.Blake Jarwin DAL vs. NYG
28.Juwan Johnson NO at WAS
29.Dan Arnold JAC vs. TEN
30.Mo Alie-Cox IND at BAL
31.Tommy Tremble CAR vs. PHI
32.Anthony Firkser TEN at JAX
33.*David Njoku CLE at LAC
Note: ***Njoku is listed as questionable with a knee injury.***
34.Eric Ebron PIT vs. DEN
35.Adam Trautman NO at WAS
36.Harrison Bryant CLE at LAC
37.Pharaoh Brown HOU vs. NE
38.Hayden Hurst ATL vs. NYJ
39.Geoff Swaim TEN at JAX
40.Donald Parham LAC vs. CLE
41.Jimmy Graham CHI at LV
42.Jack Doyle IND at BAL
43.*Tyler Kroft NYJ at ATL
Note: ***Ruled out with a back injury. Ryan Griffin will start in his place.***
44.*Gerald Everett SEA vs. LAR
Note: Everett could be activated from the COVID-IR in time for Thursday's game against the Rams. Won't be activated in time.
45.*Rob Gronkowski TB vs. MIA
Note: (Ribs) Listed as doubtful. ***Officially ruled out.***
46.*Albert Okwuegbunam DEN at PIT
Note: ***Ruled out with a hamstring injury and might end up on IR.***
47.*Logan Thomas WAS vs. NO
Note: Thomas is considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury that knocked him out early in Week 4's win over Atlanta. ***Placed on IR.***
48.*George Kittle SF at ARI
Note: Kittle is still day-to-day with a calf injury. He managed 70 of 76 snaps despite the injury last week. ***Placed on IR with his calf injury, out the next three weeks.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Derrick Henry TEN at JAX
2.Davante Adams GB at CIN
3.*Austin Ekeler LAC vs. CLE
Note: I'm done discounting Ekeler for a perceived lack of goal line carries.
4.*Aaron Jones GB at CIN
Note: Jones (ankle) had consecutive limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, but it's being termed more as maintenance than as a significant problem. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
5.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. NYG
Note: Elliott got Wednesday off and was limited Thursday with tightness in his knee. ***Limited again on Friday, and is expected to play but he's listed as questionable.***
6.Tyreek Hill KC vs. BUF
7.Stefon Diggs BUF at KC
8.Travis Kelce KC vs. BUF
9.*Saquon Barkley NYG at DAL
Note: Barkley had his first full-time Thursday practice of the season this week.
10.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. DET
11.Cooper Kupp LA at SEA
12.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. LAR
Note: Limited in practice Tuesday with a sore foot, just as he was limited last week.
13.Alvin Kamara NO at WAS
14.Najee Harris PIT vs. DEN
15.James Robinson JAC vs. TEN
16.DeAndre Hopkins ARZ vs. SF
17.Adam Thielen MIN vs. DET
18.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. NO
19.Darren Waller LV vs. CHI
20.Jonathan Taylor IND at BAL
21.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. DET
Note: Cook (ankle) had a limited workload last week, but there were so few plays in that game that his results were a little skewed. I think he gets well this week against the Lions. Cook has done individual work both Wednesday and Thursday, but is officially listed as a DNP. ***Cook 'did some work' at practice Friday, but he's going to come down to the wire.***
22.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. BUF
Note: This makes back-to-back 100-yard games for CEH since the high-profile fumble. He tore apart the Bills the regular season last year (in the rain on a weird early evening Monday game).
23.Nick Chubb CLE at LAC
24.Chris Godwin TB vs. MIA
25.Diontae Johnson PIT vs. DEN
26.DJ Moore CAR vs. PHI
27.Mike Evans TB vs. MIA
28.Keenan Allen LAC vs. CLE
29.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. GB
30.Deebo Samuel SF at ARI
31.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAR
32.CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. NYG
33.*Mike Williams LAC vs. CLE
Note: The Raiders' pass rush limited the Chargers attempts down field, and they didn't look to him underneath very often.
34.*A.J. Brown TEN at JAX
Note: (Hamstring) Full practice on Thursday. ***Full participant again Friday and will play.***
35.*Amari Cooper DAL vs. NYG
Note: Cooper could be limited this week while tending to right hamstring and rib injuries. Limited work Thursday. ***Another limited practice Friday and listed as questionable, but expected to play.***
36.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. GB
37.*D'Andre Swift DET at MIN
Note: (Groin) Limited again on Thursday. ***Once again listed as questionable, as is Jamaal Williams.***
38.*Darrell Henderson LA at SEA
Note: Henderson (ribs) is having his practice reps capped again this week, but he is without question the lead back. Cleared from the injury list.
39.Kareem Hunt CLE at LAC
40.Damien Harris NE at HOU
41.*Melvin Gordon DEN at PIT
Note: Gordon is dealing with a leg contusion and was limited Thursday. ***Gordon was limited again Friday and is listed as questionable, but coach Vic Fangio is confident that Gordon will play.***
42.Robert Woods LA at SEA
43.DeVonta Smith PHI at CAR
44.Corey Davis NYJ at ATL
45.*Kenny Golladay NYG at DAL
Note: (Shoulder) Full participant in Thursday's practice. Right now Shepard and Slayton are behind schedule.
46.Brandin Cooks HOU vs. NE
47.*Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. NYJ
Note: It's hard to be mad about Patterson taking away from Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley when he's been so effective, let alone when he's taking reps from Mike Davis.
48.Mark Andrews BAL vs. IND
49.*Damien Williams CHI at LV
Note: Williams likely takes over for the injured David Montgomery for the next 4-5 weeks, but it's worth noting that he suffered a thigh bruise last week - though it should be a minor injury. Full practice Wednesday.
50.*Antonio Gibson WAS vs. NO
Note: (Shin) Did not practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday. ***It was revealed Friday that Gibson is playing through a stress fracture in his shin.***
51.Odell Beckham CLE at LAC
52.Robby Anderson CAR vs. PHI
53.Allen Robinson CHI at LV
54.Marquise Brown BAL vs. IND
55.Antonio Brown TB vs. MIA
56.James Conner ARZ vs. SF
57.Leonard Fournette TB vs. MIA
58.*Alex Collins SEA vs. LAR
Note: Is Collins in line for more playing time Thursday night? It appears to be the case with Chris Carson nursing a sore neck - this ranking presumes Carson is out..
59.*Courtland Sutton DEN at PIT
Note: ***Sutton suffered a sprained ankle in practice Friday and is now a game-time decision.***
60.*T.J. Hockenson DET at MIN
Note: ***Hockenson was limited in practice this week on Thursday and Friday with a knee injury.***
61.Laviska Shenault JAC vs. TEN
62.*Tee Higgins CIN vs. GB
Note: (Shoulder) Could return this week - if he practices during the week I'll move him up. Higgins has had two limited practices so far - I'm ranking him as if he plays, but is on a 'pitch count.' ***Higgins had a full practice Friday and was cleared from the injury list. He will play.***
63.Henry Ruggs LV vs. CHI
64.Tim Patrick DEN at PIT
65.*Kadarius Toney NYG at DAL
Note: ***Toney is getting another start with both Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton out.***
66.Michael Pittman IND at BAL
67.*Miles Sanders PHI at CAR
Note: Sanders had a hard time getting untracked in the running game but did have three catches for 34 yards - alas, Kenneth Gainwell was more productive than Sanders.
68.*Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. PHI
Note: Hubbard looked great against the Cowboys, but there's two concerns. One, the Panthers seem to avoid giving him goal line carries (though that's not necessarily a thing), and more concerning, Rodney Smith was in there as the pass-catching back when the Panthers were trying to come back against the Cowboys. CMC has had two limited practices this week and could actually return a week early. ***McCaffrey is listed as doubtful, and the Panthers activated Rodney Smith from the practice squad again.***
69.*Chase Edmonds ARZ vs. SF
Note: Did not practice Wednesday because of a shoulder issue. ***Truly a game-time decision after sitting out again on Thursday and then getting just a limited practice Friday.***
70.Tony Pollard DAL vs. NYG
71.*Trey Sermon SF at ARI
Note: Sermon was the lead back, but that translated into only 51 percent of the snaps. ***Elijah Mitchell will return this week, so Sermon gets a downgrade here.***
72.Javonte Williams DEN at PIT
73.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. CHI
Note: (Ankle) Limited at Wednesday's practice.
74.Mike Gesicki MIA at TB
75.Jakobi Meyers NE at HOU
76.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. DEN
Note: Full practice Thursday.
77.Marvin Jones JAC vs. TEN
78.*J.D. McKissic WAS vs. NO
Note: McKissic (ankle) was limited Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday.
79.Latavius Murray BAL vs. IND
80.*Michael Carter NYJ at ATL
Note: Carter's playing time is on the upswing, and he scored his first NFL touchdown.
81.Kenneth Gainwell PHI at CAR
82.Zack Moss BUF at KC
83.*Jamaal Williams DET at MIN
Note: Williams (hip) saw his reps capped Thursday due to a sore hip. ***Limited again Friday and is listed as questionable.***
84.Jaylen Waddle MIA at TB
85.Cole Beasley BUF at KC
86.Hunter Renfrow LV vs. CHI
87.Sammy Watkins BAL vs. IND
88.*DeVante Parker MIA at TB
Note: Parker has been limited at practice so far with a shoulder injury. ***Parker also picked up a shoulder injury, and was limited all week.***
89.Zach Pascal IND at BAL
90.Emmanuel Sanders BUF at KC
91.*Samaje Perine CIN vs. GB
Note: Joe Mixon has a low-ankle sprain and is 'week-to-week,' albeit with a possibility of playing this week.
92.*Joe Mixon CIN vs. GB
Note: Mixon suffered a low ankle sprain late Thursday night in the win over the Jaguars and his status is uncertain for this week. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. *Didn't practice again on Friday, but then went through a workout on Saturday morning and now he's 'trending towards playing.' I'm going to assume he'll be limited if he does play.***

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL vs. IND
2.Harrison Butker KC vs. BUF
3.Tyler Bass BUF at KC
4.Matt Prater ARZ vs. SF
5.Younghoe Koo ATL vs. NYJ
6.Graham Gano NYG at DAL
7.Daniel Carlson LV vs. CHI
8.Greg Zuerlein DAL vs. NYG
9.Jason Myers SEA vs. LAR
10.Ryan Succop TB vs. MIA
11.Mason Crosby GB at CIN
12.Matt Gay LA at SEA
13.Greg Joseph MIN vs. DET
14.Chase McLaughlin CLE at LAC
15.Brandon McManus DEN at PIT
16.Evan McPherson CIN vs. GB
17.Jason Sanders MIA at TB
18.Jake Elliott PHI at CAR
19.Rodrigo Blankenship IND at BAL
20.Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. NO
21.*Nick Folk NE at HOU
Note: ***Folk is listed as questionable with a knee injury but is expected to play.***
22.*Cody Parkey NO at WAS
Note: Signed by the Saints, replacing Aldrick Rosas. Wil Lutz isn't due back until Week 7.
23.Zane Gonzalez CAR vs. PHI
24.Chris Boswell PIT vs. DEN
25.Randy Bullock TEN at JAX
26.Tristan Vizcaino LAC vs. CLE
27.Cairo Santos CHI at LV
28.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. NE
29.*Matthew Wright JAC vs. TEN
Note: ***Elevated from the practice squad, so presumably he'll kick this week.***
30.*Joey Slye SF at ARI
Note: Signed to fill in for Robbie Gould.
31.Matt Ammendola NYJ at ATL
32.*Austin Seibert DET at MIN
Note: It's uncertain whether Seibert will return from the COVID-IR this week.
33.*Josh Lambo JAC vs. TEN
Note: (Personal leave) Wright was activated from the practice squad, so we'll assume he'll kick instead of Lambo.***
34.Ryan Santoso at
35.*Robbie Gould SF at ARI
Note: Gould injured his groin in pregame warmups last week and now is on IR. Joey Slye will take his place this week.

Defenses

1.New England Patriots at HOU
2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIA
3.Denver Broncos at PIT
4.Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
5.Arizona Cardinals vs. SF
6.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. DEN
7.Minnesota Vikings vs. DET
8.New Orleans Saints at WAS
9.Dallas Cowboys vs. NYG
10.Carolina Panthers vs. PHI
11.Los Angeles Chargers vs. CLE
12.Green Bay Packers at CIN
13.Los Angeles Rams at SEA
14.Cleveland Browns at LAC
15.Tennessee Titans at JAX
16.Las Vegas Raiders vs. CHI
17.Chicago Bears at LV
18.Indianapolis Colts at BAL
19.Cincinnati Bengals vs. GB
20.Miami Dolphins at TB
21.New York Jets at ATL
22.New York Giants at DAL
23.Philadelphia Eagles at CAR
24.Buffalo Bills at KC
25.San Francisco 49ers at ARI
26.Washington Football Team vs. NO
27.Atlanta Falcons vs. NYJ
28.Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR
29.Kansas City Chiefs vs. BUF
30.Detroit Lions at MIN
31.Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN
32.Houston Texans vs. NE
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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).
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