Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update Complete

Bye Weeks: Cowboys, Ravens.

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

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

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

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Eli Manning?"

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

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights, roughly around 10:00 pm ET. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.

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

Quarterbacks

1.*Russell Wilson SEA at ATL
Note: Bottled up

Sunday Update Complete

Bye Weeks: Cowboys, Ravens.

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

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

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

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Eli Manning?"

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

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights, roughly around 10:00 pm ET. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.

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

Quarterbacks

1.*Russell Wilson SEA at ATL
Note: Bottled up against the Ravens, but now has a 'get well' game against the Falcons.
2.Deshaun Watson HOU vs. OAK
3.*Aaron Rodgers GB at KC
Note: Nearly perfect against the Raiders despite a lack of healthy receivers. Listed as limited in practice (knee).
4.Jared Goff LA vs. CIN
5.Tom Brady NE vs. CLE
6.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. WAS
7.Matthew Stafford DET vs. NYG
8.*Drew Brees NO vs. ARI
Note: (Thumb) Limited practice Wednesday - he's not at 100 percent yet, but his practice activity is increasing. There's a chance that he plays this week. ***Starting Sunday despite limited practices all week.***
9.Jameis Winston TB at TEN
10.Jacoby Brissett IND vs. DEN
11.*Ryan Tannehill TEN vs. TB
Note: I have to admit, he looked pretty good - fit some passes into tight windows that I don't think Mariota would be able to do. His one INT was the result of getting hit while he was throwing.
12.Derek Carr OAK at HOU
13.*Josh Allen BUF vs. PHI
Note: Rallied late after a rough first half against ... Miami? ***Heavy winds expected in Buffalo.***
14.*Gardner Minshew JAC vs. NYJ
Note: Nick Foles will return to practice this week, directing the scout team. He's not eligible to return to game action until Week 11.
15.*Kyler Murray ARZ at NO
Note: Contained by the Giants.
16.*Matt Moore KC vs. GB
Note: Starting in place of Mahomes this week. ***Officially starting with Mahomes finally ruled out on Friday.***
17.*Philip Rivers LAC at CHI
Note: Offense was rolling in the second half, as he got Henry and Ekeler increasingly involved in good matchups. Keenan Allen was active early.
18.*Baker Mayfield CLE at NE
Note: (Hip) Rested during the Browns' bye week practices, but looked good in Monday's practice. Full practice Wednesday.
19.*Daniel Jones NYG at DET
Note: Delivered a few nice throws against Arizona, but also displayed poor pocket awareness, leading to two lost fumbles and three total fumbles.
20.*Mason Rudolph PIT vs. MIA
Note: Cleared from the concussion protocol.
21.*Jimmy Garoppolo SF vs. CAR
Note: Unproductive in a monsoon last week, but returns home this week and now has Emmanuel Sanders on the team, though we'll see just how active he is.
22.*Carson Wentz PHI at BUF
Note: Under constant pressure against the Cowboys. Losing Jason Peters at LT was a big part of it.
23.Joe Flacco DEN at IND
24.*Matt Schaub ATL vs. SEA
Note: Matt Ryan did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. I'm proceeding as if Schaub will start. ***Matt Ryan officially ruled out, Schaub will start and Danny Etling will back up.
25.*Kyle Allen CAR at SF
Note: Getting another start this week.
26.Mitchell Trubisky CHI vs. LAC
27.Ryan Fitzpatrick MIA at PIT
28.*Sam Darnold NYJ at JAX
Note: Had a toenail removed following Monday night's disastrous loss to the Pats. Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Fully practiced Thursday and Friday.***
29.*Andy Dalton CIN at LAR
Note: Has three rushing touchdowns this year - the only rushing touchdowns that the Bengals have had all season.
30.*Case Keenum WAS at MIN
Note: Will likely remain the starter through the team's Week 10 bye.
31.Taysom Hill NO vs. ARI
32.*Teddy Bridgewater NO vs. ARI
Note: Drew Brees hopes to return this week. If so, Bridgewater went 5-0 with Brees out, almost ensuring he'll be starting somewhere next season. ***Retreats to the bench with Brees returning.***
33.*Matt Ryan ATL vs. SEA
Note: Sprained his ankle in the loss to the Rams; he hasn't been ruled out yet for Week 8 against Seattle. Matt Schaub is the backup. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.***
34.*Patrick Mahomes KC vs. GB
Note: Chiefs coach Andy Reid refused to put a timetable on Mahomes, but his dislocated kneecap has been estimated to keep him out 3-to-6 weeks. All that Reid will concede is that 'it would be a stretch' for Mahomes to play this week. Limited but increasing practices Wednesday and Thursday. Not yet ruled out this week. ***Ruled out for this week, but it's noteworthy that coach Andy Reid said that he's 'close' to being ready to play.***
35.*Cam Newton CAR at SF
Note: Will continue to rehab his foot this week, so Kyle Allen gets another start. Didn't practice Wednesday, but the Panthers like how he's progressing.

Running Backs

1.Christian McCaffrey CAR at SF
2.Dalvin Cook MIN vs. WAS
3.Aaron Jones GB at KC
4.*Saquon Barkley NYG at DET
Note: (Ankle) Limited Wednesday, upgraded to full practice Thursday.
5.Chris Carson SEA at ATL
6.Leonard Fournette JAC vs. NYJ
7.*James Conner PIT vs. MIA
Note: Will the bye week be enough to recover from his quad injury? It appears that the answer is 'yes.' Conner is expected to play Monday night.
8.Le'Veon Bell NYJ at JAX
9.*Latavius Murray NO vs. ARI
Note: Fantastic in relief of Kamara last week - he jumps way up if Kamara has to sit again. ***Kamara is now unlikely to play.***
10.*Nick Chubb CLE at NE
Note: Kareem Hunt has started practicing with the team, though he can't play until Week 10.
11.*Derrick Henry TEN vs. TB
Note: Running so well, but the Bucs have been strong against the top backs.
12.Todd Gurley LA vs. CIN
13.Marlon Mack IND vs. DEN
14.Tevin Coleman SF vs. CAR
15.*Phillip Lindsay DEN at IND
Note: Losing snaps to Freeman in the passing game.
16.*Chase Edmonds ARZ at NO
Note: Making the case that he should be getting more snaps even when Johnson is fully healthy. ***Don't love the matchup, but I love the opportunity with David Johnson unlikely to play again.***
17.*Austin Ekeler LAC at CHI
Note: ***Could get more targets if Keenan Allen can't go.***
18.*Josh Jacobs OAK at HOU
Note: (Shoulder) Has missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday. He's been able to 'tough-out' other injuries, but I'm moving him down a few slots. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable. After missing Thursday's practice he said that he intends to play, for what it's worth.***
19.*Devonta Freeman ATL vs. SEA
Note: It's never a good idea to punch a helmet, much less one with Aaron Donald's head inside of it.
20.*Ty Johnson DET vs. NYG
Note: Clear top RB pickup this week with Kerryon Johnson out, though J.D. McKissic will also be a factor.
21.Carlos Hyde HOU vs. OAK
22.Jordan Howard PHI at BUF
23.Royce Freeman DEN at IND
24.James White NE vs. CLE
25.LeSean McCoy KC vs. GB
26.Sony Michel NE vs. CLE
27.Duke Johnson HOU vs. OAK
28.Peyton Barber TB at TEN
29.Tarik Cohen CHI vs. LAC
30.Melvin Gordon LAC at CHI
31.*David Montgomery CHI vs. LAC
Note: Only four touches in the loss to the Saints. That'll change this week, but probably not to the levels that we had hoped for.
32.Joe Mixon CIN at LAR
33.Frank Gore BUF vs. PHI
34.*Matt Breida SF vs. CAR
Note: Got poked in the eye and was evaluated for a concussion against the Redskins; he was available afterward but was unused.
35.*Adrian Peterson WAS at MIN
Note: Suffered both a high-ankle sprain and a low-ankle sprain last week, but still expects to play Thursday in his homecoming game against the Vikings. Officially listed as questionable, but intends to play through the discomfort.
36.*Mark Walton MIA at PIT
Note: Took over the lead back role for the Dolphins last week.
37.*Alexander Mattison MIN vs. WAS
Note: Could be a nice bye-week pivot - I expect that the Vikings will be ahead early, leading to more rushes and thus more time for Mattison.
38.Ronald Jones TB at TEN
39.Jamaal Williams GB at KC
40.Kenyan Drake MIA at PIT
41.*Miles Sanders PHI at BUF
Note: Really struggling to find holes in the running game, not due to the OL, but due to him not seeing the plays develop well. ***Darren Sproles has been ruled out again, so at least Sanders has a chance to get out there more on passing downs.***
42.*Darrell Henderson LA vs. CIN
Note: Will be the backup again this week with Brown out.
43.Devin Singletary BUF vs. PHI
44.*Wendell Smallwood WAS at MIN
Note: Will be the primary backup with Chris Thompson ruled out again.
45.*Benny Snell PIT vs. MIA
Note: Next in line if Conner (quad) can't go.
46.Darrel Williams KC vs. GB
47.*J.D. McKissic DET vs. NYG
Note: Increased role with Kerryon Johnson out.
48.Brian Hill ATL vs. SEA
49.Brandon Bolden NE vs. CLE
50.*Kalen Ballage MIA at PIT
Note: Role has now evolved into being a touchdown vulture.
51.DeAndre Washington OAK at HOU
52.*Damien Williams KC vs. GB
Note: Disappearing snap count.
53.*Nyheim Hines IND vs. DEN
Note: Outsnapped by Jordan Wilkins last week.
54.Dion Lewis TEN vs. TB
55.Reggie Bonnafon CAR at SF
56.*Jalen Richard OAK at HOU
Note: ***(Ankle) Removed from the injury list Friday.***
57.Jeff Wilson SF vs. CAR
58.T.J. Yeldon BUF vs. PHI
59.Rashaad Penny SEA at ATL
60.Dwayne Washington NO vs. ARI
61.Dare Ogunbowale TB at TEN
62.Giovani Bernard CIN at LAR
63.Wayne Gallman NYG at DET
64.Jordan Wilkins IND vs. DEN
65.Ryquell Armstead JAC vs. NYJ
66.C.J. Prosise SEA at ATL
67.Ty Montgomery NYJ at JAX
68.*Jaylen Samuels PIT vs. MIA
Note: (Knee) Hasn't yet been ruled out for Monday night and doesn't have an official target return date. He's improving rapidly. ***Full practice all week, officially listed as questionable.***
69.*Raheem Mostert SF vs. CAR
Note: (Knee) Limited to special teams duties Sunday even after Breida left the game. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.***
70.*Justin Jackson LAC at CHI
Note: (Calf) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited practice all week, has a chance to play.***
71.*Alfred Morris ARZ at NO
Note: Signed with the Cardinals on Tuesday.
72.*Rex Burkhead NE vs. CLE
Note: (Foot) Present at Wednesday's walk-through practice. ***Limited practice all week, listed as questionable.***
73.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. ARI
Note: (Ankle) That the Saints released Zach Zenner might be a good sign that Kamara can return this week. Practiced without a brace or sleeve on his knee Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Limited practice Friday, and according to Adam Schefter he's unlikely to play Sunday.***
74.*David Johnson ARZ at NO
Note: (Ankle) Played only three snaps as the Cardinals after the fact said that he was available only on a 'need-based' situation. Jerks. No practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially a game-time decision, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that he's not expected to play Sunday or even next Thursday against the Niners.***
75.*Chris Thompson WAS at MIN
Note: (Toe) Did not practice Tuesday after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Niners. Ruled out for Thursday.
76.*Malcolm Brown LA vs. CIN
Note: (Ankle) Ruled out this week again.
77.*Ito Smith ATL vs. SEA
Note: Ruled out for Week 8 with a concussion.
78.*Kerryon Johnson DET vs. NYG
Note: Underwent a surgical procedure on his injured right knee and was placed on IR by the Lions.

Wide Receivers

1.DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. OAK
2.Michael Thomas NO vs. ARI
3.Chris Godwin TB at TEN
4.Tyler Lockett SEA at ATL
5.Stefon Diggs MIN vs. WAS
6.Julio Jones ATL vs. SEA
7.Tyreek Hill KC vs. GB
8.T.Y. Hilton IND vs. DEN
9.*Cooper Kupp LA vs. CIN
Note: Getting hurt by the emergence of Gerald Everett, plus the success of Todd Gurley in the passing game last week.
10.Courtland Sutton DEN at IND
11.Mike Evans TB at TEN
12.Marvin Jones DET vs. NYG
13.*Julian Edelman NE vs. CLE
Note: (Chest) As usual, limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practices all week, listed as questionable, but it's the same issue he's played through the last couple of weeks.***
14.Kenny Golladay DET vs. NYG
15.*Odell Beckham CLE at NE
Note: ***Still getting treatment for a sore groin, even though he's been removed from the injury list, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.***
16.Brandin Cooks LA vs. CIN
17.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. MIA
Note: Sat out Thursday's practice with what appeared to be an illness, but the Steelers were purposefully vague about the reason for his absence. ***Full practice Friday, no injury designation.***
18.Allen Robinson CHI vs. LAC
19.Robert Woods LA vs. CIN
20.*Golden Tate NYG at DET
Note: Eleven more targets last week with Shepard out.
21.D.J. Chark JAC vs. NYJ
22.Calvin Ridley ATL vs. SEA
23.D.J. Moore CAR at SF
24.*Corey Davis TEN vs. TB
Note: At least for one week, Tannehill did indeed revive Davis's value. Sat out Wednesday with an illness but returned on Thursday.
25.Curtis Samuel CAR at SF
26.*Mike Williams LAC at CHI
Note: Targeted in the end zone, but didn't cash in. Still, the opportunities are there. He also made a brilliant toe-tap catch on the sideline earlier in the game. ***In line for more targets if Keenan Allen doesn't play.***
27.*John Brown BUF vs. PHI
Note: Given a rest day Wednesday. ***Downgraded because of the wind.***
28.*Alshon Jeffery PHI at BUF
Note: ***High winds expected on Sunday.***
29.*Terry McLaurin WAS at MIN
Note: I'm tempted to write off McLaurin's bad day as a function of the weather, but I'm also a little concerned about the coaching change - Callahan is on record that he wants to return the Redskins offense to the Mesozoic Era. ***Value crushed by Case Keenum leaving with a concussion at halftime.***
30.DK Metcalf SEA at ATL
31.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at NO
32.*Kenny Stills HOU vs. OAK
Note: Proved to be fully healthy, and now Will Fuller will be out for multiple weeks.
33.*Tyler Boyd CIN at LAR
Note: Rough day against the Jags - drops, a fumble and an interception when he was targeted. Still, the volume remains, with him netting 73 targets so far. Unfortunately, he draws Jalen Ramsey this week most likely.
34.*DeVante Parker MIA at PIT
Note: Has now scored in three consecutive games.
35.*Emmanuel Sanders SF vs. CAR
Note: Traded to the Niners, so he'll get one extra game this season. We'll see how involved he gets in his first week with the team. Expected to play - just a question of how much. ***Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Sanders would play 'a lot' in his Niners debut.***
36.A.J. Brown TEN vs. TB
37.*Jarvis Landry CLE at NE
Note: (Ankle) Not on the initial injury report.
38.Auden Tate CIN at LAR
39.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at KC
Note: Turned 20 snaps and three targets into 133 yards and a touchdown last week as part of the perfect storm against the Raiders. (Ankle/Knee) Limited on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
40.*Keenan Allen LAC at CHI
Note: Sat out practice with a sore hamstring. ***Also missed practice Friday and wasn't optimistic on Saturday. Considered a true game-time decision. OFFICIALLY ACTIVE - WILL 'GIVE IT A GO'***
41.*Jamison Crowder NYJ at JAX
Note: Added to the injury report with a knee injury that limited him on Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list after being limited Thursday, thanks to a collision in Wednesday's practice.***
42.*Cole Beasley BUF vs. PHI
Note: ***High winds expected Sunday.***
43.*Zach Pascal IND vs. DEN
Note: Huge day against the Texans - can he do it again this week to become the established #2 for the Colts? The snap count suggests otherwise.
44.*Dede Westbrook JAC vs. NYJ
Note: (Neck/Shoulder) Unable to practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, expected to play Sunday.***
45.*Tyrell Williams OAK at HOU
Note: (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Expected to return this week.***
46.*Robby Anderson NYJ at JAX
Note: The Jets have made Anderson available in trade talks.
47.*Preston Williams MIA at PIT
Note: Dolphins are committed to playing Williams, no matter who the quarterback is.
48.Keke Coutee HOU vs. OAK
49.*Danny Amendola DET vs. NYG
Note: Amendola's 11 targets came at the expense of Kenny Golladay, who had only two targets.
50.*Bisi Johnson MIN vs. WAS
Note: Already emerging as the Vikings' #3 receiver, and could have a bigger role Thursday night if Thielen can't play.
51.*Mohamed Sanu NE vs. CLE
Note: Traded to the Pats. I have to think that this hurts his volume a little bit, though perhaps not while Josh Gordon is hurt.
52.*Christian Kirk ARZ at NO
Note: (Ankle) Still limited in practice Wednesday. ***Expected to return but could be on a limited snap count.***
53.*Sammy Watkins KC vs. GB
Note: (Hamstring) Full practice Wednesday. It appears he'll be ready to frustrate us once again. ***Officially cleared to return.***
54.Ted Ginn NO vs. ARI
55.Anthony Miller CHI vs. LAC
56.Geronimo Allison GB at KC
57.*DaeSean Hamilton DEN at IND
Note: Elevated role in the wake of the Emmanuel Sanders trade.
58.*Alex Erickson CIN at LAR
Note: Deceptive speed. Gamer. Just having fun out there. Good family bloodlines.
59.Mecole Hardman KC vs. GB
60.*Phillip Dorsett NE vs. CLE
Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Wednesday's practice.
61.Jaron Brown SEA at ATL
62.Allen Lazard GB at KC
63.*Nelson Agholor PHI at BUF
Note: Another week, another alligator-arm moment.
64.Diontae Johnson PIT vs. MIA
65.*Demaryius Thomas NYJ at JAX
Note: Targeted nine times in the loss to the Pats. (Hamstring) Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Removed from the injury list.***
66.*Deebo Samuel SF vs. CAR
Note: (Groin) Expected to return this week. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
67.*Chris Conley JAC vs. NYJ
Note: ***Marqise Lee has been cleared to return, so his target count will likely decline this week.***
68.Trey Quinn WAS at MIN
69.Paul Richardson WAS at MIN
70.Demarcus Robinson KC vs. GB
71.*Trevor Davis OAK at HOU
Note: Getting more work with Williams out.
72.David Moore SEA at ATL
73.*Dante Pettis SF vs. CAR
Note: Shut out in the monsoon in D.C. I'm more concerned about the acquisition of Sanders than I am in last week's bagel, however. ***Cleared from the injury list (knee).***
74.Jakobi Meyers NE vs. CLE
75.*Justin Hardy ATL vs. SEA
Note: More snaps are likely following the Mohamed Sanu trade. It might be Russell Gage instead of Hardy that gets the first shot to replace Sanu.
76.Damiere Byrd ARZ at NO
77.Darius Slayton NYG at DET
78.Albert Wilson MIA at PIT
79.Keelan Doss OAK at HOU
80.*Deon Cain IND vs. DEN
Note: Started last week, but didn't receive a target in a game when the Colts were a pass-heavy team.
81.Taylor Gabriel CHI vs. LAC
82.*Davante Adams GB at KC
Note: (Toe) Officially didn't practice Wednesday, though he was on the field for warmups before position drills. ***Listed as doubtful, not expected to play.***
83.*Marquise Goodwin SF vs. CAR
Note: Was checked for a concussion against the Redskins and cleared, but did not return anyways. ***Excused from practice Friday to attend to a personal matter and is listed as questionable - had the Niners had a game Friday, he would not have played.***
84.*Sterling Shepard NYG at DET
Note: Symptom-free from his concussion, now just awaiting medical clearance. Limited participant in practice this week, and there's a strong possibility that he sits out again this week. ***Ruled out again this week.***
85.*A.J. Green CIN at LAR
Note: (Ankle) Not officially ruled for Week 8, but coach Zac Taylor said that he would not play unless he has full practices. Not expected to play again this week. ***Officially out.***
86.*Adam Thielen MIN vs. WAS
Note: Injured his hamstring early in the win over the Lions. He hasn't been ruled out yet, but given that it's the Thursday game, it'll be a long shot for him to play.
87.*DeSean Jackson PHI at BUF
Note: (Abdomen) Unlikely to practice on Wednesday. Sat out practice on Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
88.*Will Fuller HOU vs. OAK
Note: (Hamstring) Expected to miss multiple weeks.
89.*Josh Gordon NE vs. CLE
Note: (Knee) Placed on IR by the Pats.

Tight Ends

1.Darren Waller OAK at HOU
2.*Hunter Henry LAC at CHI
Note: Huge game again, and opened Ekeler up for single-man coverage against a linebacker late in the game.
3.*George Kittle SF vs. CAR
Note: (Groin) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
4.Austin Hooper ATL vs. SEA
5.Travis Kelce KC vs. GB
6.*Gerald Everett LA vs. CIN
Note: Had 10 targets in the win over the Falcons, and now faces a Bengals team that struggles to cover tight ends.
7.*Evan Engram NYG at DET
Note: Spent time in the medical tent Sunday but later returned. Removed the wrap on his left knee.
8.Zach Ertz PHI at BUF
9.Greg Olsen CAR at SF
10.Darren Fells HOU vs. OAK
11.Eric Ebron IND vs. DEN
12.*Jimmy Graham GB at KC
Note: (Ankle) Limited in practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
13.*Jonnu Smith TEN vs. TB
Note: Was impressive in relief of Delanie Walker last week, reminding us that he was emerging as a good target before his injury last season. ***Walker is officially out.***
14.*Cameron Brate TB at TEN
Note: ***Starting with O.J. Howard out.***
15.*Dallas Goedert PHI at BUF
Note: Had a nice touchdown reception, but also coughed up a killer fumble on the Eagles' first drive.
16.T.J. Hockenson DET vs. NYG
17.*Josh Hill NO vs. ARI
Note: If Jared Cook sits again, Hill will really put the 'start your tight ends against Arizona' plan to the test. ***Cook officially inactive.***
18.Dawson Knox BUF vs. PHI
19.Trey Burton CHI vs. LAC
20.Foster Moreau OAK at HOU
21.*Noah Fant DEN at IND
Note: ***Cut his foot while cutting off tape after Thursday's practice and sat out Friday's practice, but is fully expected to play Sunday.***
22.Luke Willson SEA at ATL
23.Vance McDonald PIT vs. MIA
24.Irv Smith Jr. MIN vs. WAS
25.Ben Watson NE vs. CLE
26.Ricky Seals-Jones CLE at NE
27.*Josh Oliver JAC vs. NYJ
Note: Could have an expanded role in the Jaguars' offense.
28.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. WAS
29.*Jack Doyle IND vs. DEN
Note: ***Added to the injury report Friday with a groin injury, but will play.***
30.Tyler Eifert CIN at LAR
31.Jordan Akins HOU vs. OAK
32.Rhett Ellison NYG at DET
33.Mike Gesicki MIA at PIT
34.Jeremy Sprinkle WAS at MIN
35.Nick Vannett PIT vs. MIA
36.Seth DeValve JAC vs. NYJ
37.*Maxx Williams ARZ at NO
Note: (Ankle) Limited at Wednesday's practice.
38.*Chris Herndon NYJ at JAX
Note: (Hamstring) Making good progress - the Jets hope to have him back this week. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday - possible he could make his 2019 debut this week. ***Declared out.***
39.*O.J. Howard TB at TEN
Note: That the Bucs had to clarify that Howard is not available in trade talks speaks volumes about how they've used him. (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday, did not practice Thursday - not a good sign for someone coming off a bye.
40.*Delanie Walker TEN vs. TB
Note: Left early with an ankle injury. Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out for Week 8.***
41.*Vernon Davis WAS at MIN
Note: (Concussion) Limited participant in Tuesday's practice. Ruled out this week.
42.*Jared Cook NO vs. ARI
Note: (Ankle) Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out again.***
43.*Matt LaCosse NE vs. CLE
Note: (Knee) Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out this week.***
44.*Ryan Izzo NE vs. CLE
Note: (Concussion) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out this week.***
45.*Geoff Swaim JAC vs. NYJ
Note: (Concussion/Ankle) Placed on IR.

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Christian McCaffrey CAR at SF
2.Dalvin Cook MIN vs. WAS
3.Aaron Jones GB at KC
4.*Saquon Barkley NYG at DET
Note: (Ankle) Limited Wednesday, upgraded to full practice Thursday.
5.Chris Carson SEA at ATL
6.*Nick Chubb CLE at NE
Note: Kareem Hunt has started practicing with the team, though he can't play until Week 10.
7.DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. OAK
8.Michael Thomas NO vs. ARI
9.Julio Jones ATL vs. SEA
10.Tyler Lockett SEA at ATL
11.Leonard Fournette JAC vs. NYJ
12.Chris Godwin TB at TEN
13.*Josh Jacobs OAK at HOU
Note: (Shoulder) Has missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday. He's been able to 'tough-out' other injuries, but I'm moving him down a few slots. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable. After missing Thursday's practice he said that he intends to play, for what it's worth.***
14.Stefon Diggs MIN vs. WAS
15.Tyreek Hill KC vs. GB
16.T.Y. Hilton IND vs. DEN
17.Le'Veon Bell NYJ at JAX
18.*Latavius Murray NO vs. ARI
Note: Fantastic in relief of Kamara last week - he jumps way up if Kamara has to sit again. ***Kamara is now unlikely to play.***
19.Darren Waller OAK at HOU
20.Courtland Sutton DEN at IND
21.Mike Evans TB at TEN
22.*Derrick Henry TEN vs. TB
Note: Running so well, but the Bucs have been strong against the top backs.
23.Todd Gurley LA vs. CIN
24.Marlon Mack IND vs. DEN
25.*Cooper Kupp LA vs. CIN
Note: Getting hurt by the emergence of Gerald Everett, plus the success of Todd Gurley in the passing game last week.
26.*Odell Beckham CLE at NE
Note: ***Still getting treatment for a sore groin, even though he's been removed from the injury list, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.***
27.Marvin Jones DET vs. NYG
28.Austin Hooper ATL vs. SEA
29.*Hunter Henry LAC at CHI
Note: Huge game again, and opened Ekeler up for single-man coverage against a linebacker late in the game.
30.*George Kittle SF vs. CAR
Note: (Groin) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
31.Travis Kelce KC vs. GB
32.Tevin Coleman SF vs. CAR
33.*James Conner PIT vs. MIA
Note: Will the bye week be enough to recover from his quad injury? It appears that the answer is 'yes.' Conner is expected to play Monday night.
34.*Phillip Lindsay DEN at IND
Note: Losing snaps to Freeman in the passing game.
35.*John Brown BUF vs. PHI
Note: Given a rest day Wednesday. ***Downgraded because of the wind.***
36.*Julian Edelman NE vs. CLE
Note: (Chest) As usual, limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practices all week, listed as questionable, but it's the same issue he's played through the last couple of weeks.***
37.Brandin Cooks LA vs. CIN
38.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. MIA
Note: Sat out Thursday's practice with what appeared to be an illness, but the Steelers were purposefully vague about the reason for his absence. ***Full practice Friday, no injury designation.***
39.*Alshon Jeffery PHI at BUF
Note: ***High winds expected on Sunday.***
40.Allen Robinson CHI vs. LAC
41.Robert Woods LA vs. CIN
42.*Gerald Everett LA vs. CIN
Note: Had 10 targets in the win over the Falcons, and now faces a Bengals team that struggles to cover tight ends.
43.*Evan Engram NYG at DET
Note: Spent time in the medical tent Sunday but later returned. Removed the wrap on his left knee.
44.*Ty Johnson DET vs. NYG
Note: Clear top RB pickup this week with Kerryon Johnson out, though J.D. McKissic will also be a factor.
45.*Devonta Freeman ATL vs. SEA
Note: It's never a good idea to punch a helmet, much less one with Aaron Donald's head inside of it.
46.Carlos Hyde HOU vs. OAK
47.Kenny Golladay DET vs. NYG
48.*Golden Tate NYG at DET
Note: Eleven more targets last week with Shepard out.
49.D.J. Chark JAC vs. NYJ
50.D.J. Moore CAR at SF
51.Melvin Gordon LAC at CHI
52.Jordan Howard PHI at BUF
53.LeSean McCoy KC vs. GB
54.Sony Michel NE vs. CLE
55.*Mike Williams LAC at CHI
Note: Targeted in the end zone, but didn't cash in. Still, the opportunities are there. He also made a brilliant toe-tap catch on the sideline earlier in the game. ***In line for more targets if Keenan Allen doesn't play.***
56.*Corey Davis TEN vs. TB
Note: At least for one week, Tannehill did indeed revive Davis's value. Sat out Wednesday with an illness but returned on Thursday.
57.Calvin Ridley ATL vs. SEA
58.*Kenny Stills HOU vs. OAK
Note: Proved to be fully healthy, and now Will Fuller will be out for multiple weeks.
59.Curtis Samuel CAR at SF
60.*Terry McLaurin WAS at MIN
Note: I'm tempted to write off McLaurin's bad day as a function of the weather, but I'm also a little concerned about the coaching change - Callahan is on record that he wants to return the Redskins offense to the Mesozoic Era. ***Value crushed by Case Keenum leaving with a concussion at halftime.***
61.*Austin Ekeler LAC at CHI
Note: ***Could get more targets if Keenan Allen can't go.***
62.*Chase Edmonds ARZ at NO
Note: Making the case that he should be getting more snaps even when Johnson is fully healthy. ***Don't love the matchup, but I love the opportunity with David Johnson unlikely to play again.***
63.Royce Freeman DEN at IND
64.Zach Ertz PHI at BUF
65.Greg Olsen CAR at SF
66.James White NE vs. CLE
67.DK Metcalf SEA at ATL
68.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at NO
69.*Tyler Boyd CIN at LAR
Note: Rough day against the Jags - drops, a fumble and an interception when he was targeted. Still, the volume remains, with him netting 73 targets so far. Unfortunately, he draws Jalen Ramsey this week most likely.
70.*DeVante Parker MIA at PIT
Note: Has now scored in three consecutive games.
71.Peyton Barber TB at TEN
72.*David Montgomery CHI vs. LAC
Note: Only four touches in the loss to the Saints. That'll change this week, but probably not to the levels that we had hoped for.
73.Frank Gore BUF vs. PHI
74.*Emmanuel Sanders SF vs. CAR
Note: Traded to the Niners, so he'll get one extra game this season. We'll see how involved he gets in his first week with the team. Expected to play - just a question of how much. ***Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Sanders would play 'a lot' in his Niners debut.***
75.A.J. Brown TEN vs. TB
76.Auden Tate CIN at LAR
77.*Jarvis Landry CLE at NE
Note: (Ankle) Not on the initial injury report.
78.*Dede Westbrook JAC vs. NYJ
Note: (Neck/Shoulder) Unable to practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, expected to play Sunday.***
79.Duke Johnson HOU vs. OAK
80.Tarik Cohen CHI vs. LAC
81.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at KC
Note: Turned 20 snaps and three targets into 133 yards and a touchdown last week as part of the perfect storm against the Raiders. (Ankle/Knee) Limited on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
82.*Keenan Allen LAC at CHI
Note: Sat out practice with a sore hamstring. ***Also missed practice Friday and wasn't optimistic on Saturday. Considered a true game-time decision. OFFICIALLY ACTIVE - WILL 'GIVE IT A GO'***
83.*Jamison Crowder NYJ at JAX
Note: Added to the injury report with a knee injury that limited him on Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list after being limited Thursday, thanks to a collision in Wednesday's practice.***
84.*Cole Beasley BUF vs. PHI
Note: ***High winds expected Sunday.***
85.Eric Ebron IND vs. DEN
86.*Matt Breida SF vs. CAR
Note: Got poked in the eye and was evaluated for a concussion against the Redskins; he was available afterward but was unused.
87.*Benny Snell PIT vs. MIA
Note: Next in line if Conner (quad) can't go.
88.*Alexander Mattison MIN vs. WAS
Note: Could be a nice bye-week pivot - I expect that the Vikings will be ahead early, leading to more rushes and thus more time for Mattison.
89.Joe Mixon CIN at LAR
90.*Mark Walton MIA at PIT
Note: Took over the lead back role for the Dolphins last week.
91.*Adrian Peterson WAS at MIN
Note: Suffered both a high-ankle sprain and a low-ankle sprain last week, but still expects to play Thursday in his homecoming game against the Vikings. Officially listed as questionable, but intends to play through the discomfort.
92.*Zach Pascal IND vs. DEN
Note: Huge day against the Texans - can he do it again this week to become the established #2 for the Colts? The snap count suggests otherwise.
93.*Robby Anderson NYJ at JAX
Note: The Jets have made Anderson available in trade talks.
94.*Preston Williams MIA at PIT
Note: Dolphins are committed to playing Williams, no matter who the quarterback is.
95.Darren Fells HOU vs. OAK

Kickers

1.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. OAK
2.Greg Zuerlein LA vs. CIN
3.*Wil Lutz NO vs. ARI
Note: Long road streak came to an end in Chicago.
4.Harrison Butker KC vs. GB
5.Josh Lambo JAC vs. NYJ
6.Chris Boswell PIT vs. MIA
7.Jason Myers SEA at ATL
8.Mike Nugent NE vs. CLE
9.Mason Crosby GB at KC
10.Joey Slye CAR at SF
11.Robbie Gould SF vs. CAR
12.Matt Gay TB at TEN
13.Adam Vinatieri IND vs. DEN
14.Matt Prater DET vs. NYG
15.Brandon McManus DEN at IND
16.Zane Gonzalez ARZ at NO
17.Daniel Carlson OAK at HOU
18.Matt Bryant ATL vs. SEA
19.*Aldrick Rosas NYG at DET
Note: Has only six field goal attempts all season.
20.Dan Bailey MIN vs. WAS
21.*Stephen Hauschka BUF vs. PHI
Note: ***High winds expected on Sunday.***
22.*Jake Elliott PHI at BUF
Note: ***High winds expected in Buffalo.***
23.*Cody Parkey TEN vs. TB
Note: Clanked an extra point off the post in the win over the Chargers. Ryan Succop could still return from the IR later this season.
24.Eddy Pineiro CHI vs. LAC
25.Austin Seibert CLE at NE
26.*Chase McLaughlin LAC at CHI
Note: Got the nod for at least one more week and nailed two field goals. ***Getting the nod at least one more time.***
27.Dustin Hopkins WAS at MIN
28.Randy Bullock CIN at LAR
29.Sam Ficken NYJ at JAX
30.Jason Sanders MIA at PIT
31.*Michael Badgley LAC at CHI
Note: Was warming up before the game, but the Chargers went with McLaughlin for at least another week. Was unable to resume kickoff duties. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. ***INACTIVE AFTER ALL.***

Defenses

1.New England Patriots vs. CLE
2.*Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIA
Note: Bye week came at the right time - T.J. Watt and Joe Haden were banged up before the bye. Alas, Stephon Tuitt is out for the season.
3.Minnesota Vikings vs. WAS
4.New Orleans Saints vs. ARI
5.Los Angeles Rams vs. CIN
6.Buffalo Bills vs. PHI
7.Jacksonville Jaguars vs. NYJ
8.San Francisco 49ers vs. CAR
9.*Indianapolis Colts vs. DEN
Note: Should get Malik Hooker (knee) back this week.
10.Green Bay Packers at KC
11.Chicago Bears vs. LAC
12.Los Angeles Chargers at CHI
13.New York Jets at JAX
14.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TEN
15.Detroit Lions vs. NYG
16.*Philadelphia Eagles at BUF
Note: More turnover - releasing Orlando Scandrik and Akeem Spence.
17.*Seattle Seahawks at ATL
Note: Traded for Quandre Diggs to add to their safety depth. Might get to face Matt Schaub instead of Matt Ryan.
18.Carolina Panthers at SF
19.Tennessee Titans vs. TB
20.Houston Texans vs. OAK
21.New York Giants at DET
22.Kansas City Chiefs vs. GB
23.Cincinnati Bengals at LAR
24.Denver Broncos at IND
25.Oakland Raiders at HOU
26.Cleveland Browns at NE
27.Arizona Cardinals at NO
28.Washington Redskins at MIN
29.Atlanta Falcons vs. SEA
30.Miami Dolphins at PIT
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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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