Weekly Rankings: Week 3 Rankings

Week 3 Rankings

Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards.

Last updated September 24. * = check status (not necessarily injury status)

Quarterback

1. Aaron Rodgers GB at CHI
2. Peyton Manning IND at DEN
3. Drew Brees NO vs. ATL
4. Tom Brady NE vs. BUF
5. Tony Romo DAL at HOU
Note: The yards have been there even if the scoring hasn't, and they'll probably be there again this week.
6. Matt Schaub HOU vs. DAL
Note: Sacked five times last week and hit nine other times. That can't last. Otherwise, it's full speed ahead.
Update: Modest downgrade because of Andre Johnson's ankle injury.
7. Jay Cutler CHI vs. GB
Note: Held up strong in the face of a strong Cowboys pass rush.
8. (Prev. 12.) *Michael Vick PHI at JAC
Note: Andy Reid reversed course and named Vick the starter ahead of Kevin Kolb.
Update: Modest move upward.
9. Philip Rivers SD at SEA
10. *Donovan McNabb WAS at STL
Update: Not on the injury report at all this week.
11. Joe Flacco BAL vs. CLE
Note: An awful start to the season, but consider the two matchups, on the road no less. This should provide a better litmus test.
12. (Prev 15.) Matt Ryan ATL at NO
13. (Prev 6.) Brett Favre MIN vs. DET
Note: Hurt more by the loss of Sidney Rice than we might have anticipated. But the perfect tonic for the Vikes' struggles is arriving this week in the Lions' secondary.
Update: Upon further review, I'm moving him down a few notches, because of his receiving corps being the controlling factor more than the matchups. Also, he took another lubricant injection for his ankle after last week's game. *** SUNDAY ACTIVE - though there was some pregame buzz that he might not be. ***
14. Carson Palmer CIN at CAR
15. Eli Manning NYG vs. TEN
Note: Will the Giants do a better job of protecting Manning this week?
16. Kyle Orton DEN vs. IND
17. Matt Hasselbeck SEA vs. SD
Note: The most mobile quarterback in the NFL! No, not really, but two rushing touchdowns already.
18. Alex Smith SF at KC
Note: Played much better than in Week 1.
19. *David Garrard JAC vs. PHI
Note: Got yanked after tossing four INT's last week, but then regained whatever job security he lost when Luke McCown went on the IR with a torn ACL. Todd Bouman is now the backup.
20. Chad Henne MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Only 15 passing attempts against the Vikings in Week 2.
21. Mark Sanchez NYJ at MIA
22. *Shaun Hill DET at MIN
Note: Like last year, coach Jim Schwartz won't provide a status report on Matthew Stafford's shoulder, but I don't expect that Stafford will be able to play.
23. Vince Young TEN at NYG
Note: Yanked in favor of Kerry Collins last week, but already named the starter for Week 3.
Update: Practicing with the first team offense this week.
24. (Prev. 29.) *Bruce Gradkowski OAK at AZ
Update: Gradkowski was named the starter ahead of Jason Campbell.
25. Matt Cassel KC vs. SF
26. *Charlie Batch PIT at TB
Note: Batch has the "pole position" to start ahead of Byron Leftwich, with Dennis Dixon out due to a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee.
Update: Dixon out six weeks, Batch will start and Leftwich (knee) available to play if needed.
27. Derek Anderson AZ vs. OAK
Note: Joined the cavalcade of yanked quarterbacks last week. But he'll get back in the starting lineup again this week - Max Hall isn't an immediate threat so much as Anderson is the threat to himself.
28. Sam Bradford STL vs. WAS
29. *Josh Freeman TB vs. PIT
Note: Really like his development, really hate his matchup.
Update: (Thumb) Full practice this week.
30. *Jake Delhomme CLE at BAL
Note: Ankle is improving, but will it be enough to play, or will Seneca Wallace get the nod again? The better question is will it matter?
Update: (Ankle) Delhomme still not practicing - looks like it will be another week for Wallace.
31. *Jimmy Clausen CAR vs. CIN
Note: Getting the start ahead of Matt Moore on Sunday after replacing Moore halfway through Week 2.
32. *Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF at NE
Note: Gets the start ahead of Trent Edwards, who will be the backup ahead of Brian Brohm.

Running Back

1. Adrian Peterson MIN vs. DET
2. Chris Johnson TEN at NYG
3. (prev. 5.) Rashard Mendenhall PIT at TB
4. *Ray Rice BAL vs. CLE
Note: Fourth quarter ankle injury, but practiced on Monday.
Update: (Ankle) Listed as probable, very enticing matchup. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
5. Frank Gore SF at KC
6. (prev. 3.) Maurice Jones-Drew JAC vs. PHI
Update: (Ankle) Expected to play though limited in practice earlier in the week.
7. *Michael Turner ATL at NO
Note: Had 70+ yards in the first quarter before a minor groin injury knocked him out of the game. Supposedly good to go for Week 3 - we'll see what happens in practice.
Update: (Groin) Full practice on Friday, listed as probable. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
8. LeSean McCoy PHI at JAC
Note: Got all the goal line carries too.
9. Matt Forte CHI vs. GB
10. DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. CIN
11. Pierre Thomas NO vs. ATL
Note: Focal point of the Saints' offense on a tough night on Monday. With Bush out, Thomas should easily get 20+ touches.
12. Arian Foster HOU vs. DAL
Note: Also involved in the passing game last week.
13. *Steven Jackson STL vs. WAS
Note: (Knee) Plenty of yards from scrimmage last week, though he didn't reach the end zone.
Update: (Knee) Limited on Wednesday and Thursday.
14. Joseph Addai IND at DEN
Update: (Knee) Officially listed as questionable, but was a full participant in Friday's practice. Remember, with the Colts a "questionable" designation is virtually meaningless.
15. Cedric Benson CIN at CAR
16. Jahvid Best DET at MIN
17. (Prev. 13.) *Darren McFadden OAK at AZ
Note: Yes, it's been the perfect storm for McFadden early this year, but hey, that storm continues this week against the Cardinals' run defense.
Update: Bush listed as probable, which might mean a timeshare this week for McFadden.
18. Justin Forsett SEA vs. SD
Note: Really effective early, ignored later in the offense. Really baffling usage pattern by the Seahawks.
19. *Tim Hightower AZ vs. OAK
20. Ahmad Bradshaw NYG vs. TEN
21. Ronnie Brown MIA vs. NYJ
22. Jamaal Charles KC vs. SF
23. *Brandon Jackson GB at CHI
Note: Just 11 carries in his first week as the starter post-Grant.
24. *Clinton Portis WAS at STL
Note: Sore right forearm/wrist - iced the injury in the second half.
UPDATE: Listed as questionable, but should play.
25. LaDainian Tomlinson NYJ at MIA
26. (prev. 44.) Correll Buckhalter DEN vs. IND
Update: Big bump up now that Moreno has been ruled out, though Laurence Maroney will be part of the picture.
27. (prev. 46.) Darren Sproles SD at SEA
Update: More action with Mathews out.
28. Shonn Greene NYJ at MIA
29. Ricky Williams MIA vs. NYJ
30. Thomas Jones KC vs. SF
Note: Had 2:1 edge in rushing attempts over Jamaal Charles - what is that all about?
31. (prev. 43.) *Mike Tolbert SD at SEA
Note: Could steal goal line carries away from Ryan Mathews.
Update: Mathews is now unlikely to play this week with a high-ankle sprain. Look for Sproles to get more of the carries, but Tolbert to get the goal line and short-yardage action.
32. *Fred Taylor NE vs. BUF
Update: (Toe) Listed as probable after Friday's practice. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
33. Marion Barber DAL at HOU
34. *Peyton Hillis CLE at BAL
35. Cadillac Williams TB vs. PIT
Update: (Hamstring) Full practice on Thursday.
36. *Marshawn Lynch BUF at NE
Note: Surprise starter against Green Bay, though Fred Jackson got the goal line action.
37. Felix Jones DAL at HOU
Note: Seven yards on seven carries in Week 2.
38. *Jason Snelling ATL at NO
39. *Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. CIN
40. *Fred Jackson BUF at NE
41. Willis McGahee BAL vs. CLE
42. Donald Brown IND at DEN
43. (Prev. 71.) *Laurence Maroney DEN vs. IND
Update: Profile raised with Moreno out this week.
44. *Brandon Jacobs NYG vs. TEN
Note: Trade demand or not, I don't think he'll get dealt.
45. C.J. Spiller BUF at NE
Note: How do you only give Spiller one carry if you're the Bills? Inexcusable.
46. Benjarvus Green-Ellis NE vs. BUF
47. Keiland Williams WAS at STL
Note: Now the backup to Portis after the team released Larry Johnson.
48. (prev. 56.) *Chris Wells AZ vs. OAK
Note: Wells' performance while recovering from his knee injury in practice will determine his availability for Week 3.
Update: Just now revealed that he previously had his knee scoped after he injured it on Sept. 2. Expected to play this week, but I'm going to play it cautiously to see how he's used. Break glass only in the case of emergency.
49. Chester Taylor CHI vs. GB
50. Rashad Jennings JAC vs. PHI
51. (prev. 65.) James Davis CLE at BAL
Update: Good chance he'll get action this week with Harrison iffy.
52. *Leon Washington SEA vs. SD
53. Sammy Morris NE vs. BUF
Note: Kevin Faulk's injury could create further opportunities.
54. Anthony Dixon SF at KC
Note: Ready to deliver when needed, scoring a touchdown with his only carry.
Update: (Back) Limited in Thursday's practice.
55. Bernard Scott CIN at CAR
56. Earnest Graham TB vs. PIT
57. (prev. 35.) Jerome Harrison CLE at BAL
Update: Sat out practice on Friday with a thigh injury. Officially listed as questionable.
58. Mike Goodson CAR vs. CIN
59. John Kuhn GB at CHI
60. Steve Slaton HOU vs. DAL
61. Tashard Choice DAL at HOU
62. Javon Ringer TEN at NYG
63. *Mike Bell PHI at JAC
Note: Looking like less of a threat to McCoy at the goal line.
64. Julius Jones SEA vs. SD
65. *Brian Westbrook SF at KC
66. *Toby Gerhart MIN vs. DET
67. Isaac Redman PIT at TB
68. *Maurice Morris DET at MIN
69. *Kevin Smith DET at MIN
70. *Dimitri Nance GB at CHI
71. *Chris Ivory NO vs. ATL
Update: (Knee) Full participant in Thursday's practice.
72. *Michael Bush OAK at AZ
Note: Had the stitches removed from his broken thumb.
Update: (Thumb) Listed as probable - but what does that mean for the sharing of carries?
73. *Kareem Huggins TB vs. PIT
Note: Sat out Week 2 with a groin injury.
*** SUNDAY UPDATE - INACTIVE FOR Week 3. ***
74. (prev. 19.) *Ryan Mathews SD at SEA
Note: Tests on Mathews' ankle were negative after left in the second quarter in Week 2. He was on the sideline later in the game but didn't come in because the game was a blowout. He expects to play against Seattle, but Tolbert could vulture goal line carries from him, plus he's had fumbles in each of the first two games.
Update: (Ankle) Diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain and now seems unlikely to play. Held out of practice on Friday.
75. (prev. 52.) *DeShawn Wynn NO vs. ATL
Note: Could be the backup this week with Reggie Bush out and Chris Ivory working his way back from an injury of his own.
Update: Released by the Saints, who re-signed LaDell Betts.
76. (prev. 14.) Knowshon Moreno DEN vs. IND
Update: Suffered an injury in practice on Friday and has been ruled out for this week's game.
77. *Reggie Bush NO vs. ATL
Note: Broken right fibula, out for six weeks.
78. *Kevin Faulk NE vs. BUF
Note: Torn ACL.
79. *Jerious Norwood ATL at NO
Note: Torn ACL, out for the year.
80. Larry Johnson
Note: Released by the Redskins. This is your annual reminder about how short the shelf-life can be for an NFL running back.

Wide Receiver

1. Miles Austin DAL at HOU
2. DeSean Jackson PHI at JAC
3. Roddy White ATL at NO
4. Randy Moss NE vs. BUF
5. (Prev. 2.) *Andre Johnson HOU vs. DAL
Note: Ankle injury doesn't appear to be serious.
Update: (Ankle) Though he's listed as questionable, coach Kubiak said that Johnson would play. Still, we'll move him down a couple of pegs. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
6. Reggie Wayne IND at DEN
7. Calvin Johnson DET at MIN
8. Marques Colston NO vs. ATL
9. Malcom Floyd SD at SEA
Update: (leg) Full practice on Friday and listed as probable.
10. *Larry Fitzgerald AZ vs. OAK
Note: Also wearing a brace on his wrist, in addition to nursing a sore knee.
11. Anquan Boldin BAL vs. CLE
12. Greg Jennings GB at CHI
13. Mike Sims-Walker JAC vs. PHI
14. Brandon Marshall MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Darrelle Revis is questionable this week.
15. Wes Welker NE vs. BUF
16. *Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. TEN
Note: Injured ankle made it through the Sunday night game without any complications.
17. *Steve Smith CAR vs. CIN
Note: Sore wrist.
Update: Listed as probable with a thigh injury, but not because of the wrist. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
18. Johnny Knox CHI vs. GB
19. Jeremy Maclin PHI at JAC
Note: Not a big yardage day, but he seems to be a priority read for Vick in the red zone.
20. Donald Driver GB at CHI
21. Hines Ward PIT at TB
Update: (Calf) Listed as probable. How much will the Steelers turn Batch loose to throw to him, though?
22. Steven Smith NYG vs. TEN
23. *Chad Ochocinco CIN at CAR
Note: Cracked rib?
24. *Jerricho Cotchery NYJ at MIA
Note: Could get more targets if Edwards is suspended.
Update: Edwards is not suspended, but he also will not start.
25. Dez Bryant DAL at HOU
Update: (Ribs) Listed as probable on the injury report.
26. Santana Moss WAS at STL
27. Mark Clayton STL vs. WAS
28. Austin Collie IND at DEN
29. Eddie Royal DEN vs. IND
30. (prev. 36.) *Percy Harvin MIN vs. DET
Note: MRI on sore hip showed no structural damage, but he's black-and-blue and was on the field for just 11 plays in the second half in Week 2. Candidate for a big bump if he proves healthy later in the week.
Update: Listed as probable with both his hip and migraines. Practiced well the last two days. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
31. Mike Wallace PIT at TB
32. Dwayne Bowe KC vs. SF
33. Michael Crabtree SF at KC
Note: Just one catch and three targets, though the one catch was sweet and he nearly made an improbable catch later on. The wind played a major part in limiting his role on Monday night.
34. Terrell Owens CIN at CAR
Update: (Back) Worked without his helmet on Friday, but listed as probable. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***
35. *Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. IND
Note: Fantastic debut.
36. Mario Manningham NYG vs. TEN
Update: (Illness) Full participation in Friday's practice.
37. (prev. 52.) Devin Hester CHI vs. GB
38. Legedu Naanee SD at SEA
39. Robert Meachem NO vs. ATL
Note: Part of the "don't give up" club.
40. Mike Williams TB vs. PIT
Note: Love the player, hate the matchup, part 2.
41. Josh Morgan SF at KC
42. Mohamed Massaquoi CLE at BAL
43. James Jones GB at CHI
Note: Frequent red zone target in Week 2.
44. Louis Murphy OAK at AZ
45. Lee Evans BUF at NE
Note: The quarterback change can't possibly hurt Evans' value. Only one unofficial target last week, and that one resulted in a PI call against the Packers.
46. Jacoby Jones HOU vs. DAL
47. Devery Henderson NO vs. ATL
48. Bernard Berrian MIN vs. DET
Note: If the Vikes trade for Vincent Jackson, you can kiss whatever remaining value Berrian has good-bye.
Update: (Knee) Listed as probable. Dodged a bullet ... for now with the lack of a Vincent Jackson trade. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE, FAVRE ALSO ACTIVE ***
49. Mike Thomas JAC vs. PHI
50. Kevin Walter HOU vs. DAL
51. *Braylon Edwards NYJ at MIA
Note: DWI on Tuesday morning, the team might suspend him, even with Santonio Holmes already sitting out his suspension.
52. *Mike Williams SEA vs. SD
Note: Limited with a sore thigh last week.
Update: No longer listed on the injury report.
53. Joey Galloway WAS at STL
54. Deon Butler SEA vs. SD
55. Josh Cribbs CLE at BAL
Update: Tweaked an ankle in practice on Friday. *** SUNDAY UPDATE - Practiced on the field before the game, though downgraded to questionable on Saturday. ***
56. Roy Williams DAL at HOU
57. Chris Chambers KC vs. SF
58. Devin Aromashodu CHI vs. GB
Note: Ten targets in Week 1, none in Week 2, despite no word from the Bears coaching staff. Thanks guys.
Update: His alleged offense was short-arming balls going across the middle.
59. Jabar Gaffney DEN vs. IND
61. Lance Moore NO vs. ATL
Note: The wideouts aside from Colston were all marginalized on Monday night because of the wind.
62. Derrick Mason BAL vs. CLE
Update: (Knee) Listed as probable.
63. Nate Washington TEN at NYG
64. Davone Bess MIA vs. NYJ
65. *Steve Breaston AZ vs. OAK
Note: Briefly sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
Update: (Knee) Listed as questionable on the injury report.
66. Danny Amendola STL vs. WAS
67. Dexter McCluster KC vs. SF
68. Deion Branch SEA vs. SD
69. (Prev. 83.) *Julian Edelman NE vs. BUF
Update: (foot) No longer on the injury report. However, targeted just twice last week.
70. Harry Douglas ATL at NO
71. Justin Gage TEN at NYG
72. Greg Camarillo MIN vs. DET
73. Brandon Lloyd DEN vs. IND
74. Darrius Heyward-Bey OAK at AZ
75. T.J. Houshmandzadeh BAL vs. CLE
76. Jordan Shipley CIN at CAR
77. Patrick Crayton SD at SEA
78. Earl Bennett CHI vs. GB
79. Jason Avant PHI at DAL
80. *Early Doucet AZ vs. OAK
Note: Sports hernia.
81. Kenny Britt TEN at NYG
82. Michael Spurlock TB vs. PIT
83. Craig Davis SD at SEA
84. Devin Thomas WAS at STL
85. *Ted Ginn SF at KC
86. *Brandon LaFell CAR vs. CIN
87. (Prev. 55.) *Laurent Robinson STL vs. WAS
Update: (Foot) Listed as doubtful for this week.
60. (prev. 33.) Pierre Garcon IND at DEN
Update: (Hamstring) Missed practice both on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable. Contrast the practice status of Addai and Garcon to get a good indication of why "questionable" is such an empty word for the Colts. *** SUNDAY UPDATE - Did not travel with the team on Saturday. ***
88. *Nate Burleson DET at MIN
Note: High ankle sprain, possibly out 2-to-3 weeks. Bryant Johnson would get elevated to the #2 receiver slot should Burleson sit out.
Update: (ankle) Ruled out for this week.
89. *Anthony Gonzalez IND at DEN
Note: High ankle sprain, out for at least a month.

Tight End

1. Antonio Gates SD at SEA
2. Vernon Davis SF at KC
3. Dallas Clark IND at DEN
4. Jermichael Finley GB at CHI
5. Visanthe Shiancoe MIN vs. DET
6. Zach Miller OAK at AZ
7. *Kellen Winslow TB vs. PIT
Note: Dealt with knee problems during the week but came up big in the game.
Update: (Knee) Practiced on Friday, listed as probable.
8. Chris Cooley WAS at STL
9. Aaron Hernandez NE vs. BUF
Note: Monster game against the Jets - good moves in the open field.
19. *Jason Witten DAL at HOU
Note: High-profile concussion issue last week. Looks like he'll play this week.
Update: (Head) Listed as probable.
10. Brent Celek PHI at JAC
Note: Possibly marginalized with Vick at QB?
Update: (Chest) Listed as probable. Nine targets so far this year - not great, but not alarming either.
11. John Carlson SEA vs. SD
Note: Targeted 10 times in Week 2.
12. Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. PHI
Note: Eagles got torched by the Lions tight ends last week.
13. Greg Olsen CHI vs. GB
14. Dustin Keller NYJ at MIA
15. Brandon Pettigrew DET at MIN
Note: Frequent target of Shaun Hill in Week 2.
16. Tony Gonzalez ATL at NO
17. Tony Moeaki KC vs. SF
18. Jermaine Gresham CIN at CAR
20. *Todd Heap BAL vs. CLE
21. *Owen Daniels HOU vs. DAL
Note: Restrictions on play counts lifted last week. Still not getting targeted as often as in the past.
Update: (Knee) Listed as probable.
22. Jeremy Shockey NO vs. ATL
Update: Bruised quad, did not practice on Friday, yet still listed as probable.
23. Ben Watson CLE at BAL
24. Bo Scaife TEN at NYG
25. Rob Gronkowski NE vs. BUF
26. Heath Miller PIT at TB
27. Fred Davis WAS at STL
28. Tony Scheffler DET at MIN
29. Anthony Fasano MIA vs. NYJ
30. Daniel Fells STL vs. WAS
Update: (Knee) Listed as probable.
31. *Evan Moore CLE at BAL
Note: Suffered a head injury in Week 2.
Update: (Head) Limited participation on Friday, but still listed as probable.
32. *Kevin Boss NYG vs. TEN
Note: Believes that he's on schedule to return to practice and game action this week after sitting out Week 2 with a concussion.
Update: (Head) Practiced on Friday, listed as probable. *** SUNDAY - ACTIVE ***

Kicker

1. Mason Crosby GB at CHI
2. Nate Kaeding SD at SEA
3. David Akers PHI at JAC
4. Garrett Hartley NO vs. ATL
5. Adam Vinatieri IND at DEN
6. Ryan Longwell MIN vs. DET
7. Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. BUF
Note: Now just 1-for-4 on the season.
8. Matt Prater DEN vs. IND
9. Jeff Reed PIT at TB
10. Sebastian Janikowski OAK at AZ
11. Dan Carpenter MIA vs. NYJ
12. Lawrence Tynes NYG vs. TEN
13. Neil Rackers HOU vs. DAL
14. Mike Nugent CIN at CAR
15. Jay Feely AZ vs. OAK
16. Robbie Gould CHI vs. GB
17. Rob Bironas TEN at NYG
18. Nick Folk NYJ at MIA
19. David Buehler DAL at HOU
20. John Kasay CAR vs. CIN
21. Matt Bryant ATL at NO
22. Graham Gano WAS at STL
23. Jason Hanson DET at MIN
24. Josh Scobee JAC vs. PHI
25. Joe Nedney SF at KC
26. Rian Lindell BUF at NE
27. Josh Brown STL vs. WAS
28. Billy Cundiff BAL vs. CLE
29. Ryan Succop KC vs. SF
30. *Olindo Mare SEA vs. SD
31. Phil Dawson CLE at BAL
32. Connor Barth TB vs. PIT

Defense

1. Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay
2. Baltimore vs. Cleveland
3. Minnesota vs. Detroit
4. New England vs. Buffalo
5. Cincinnati at Carolina
6. Philadelphia at Jacksonville
7. Miami vs. New York Jets
8. New York Giants vs. Tennessee
9. New York Jets at Miami
10. San Francisco at Kansas City
11. Oakland at Arizona
12. Washington at St. Louis
13. New Orleans vs. Atlanta
14. San Diego at Seattle
15. Kansas City vs. San Francisco
16. Green Bay at Chicago
17. Arizona vs. Oakland
18. Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh
19. Houston vs. Dallas
20. Indianapolis at Denver
21. Tennessee at New York Giants
22. Seattle vs. San Diego
23. Carolina vs. Cincinnati
24. Cleveland at Baltimore
25. St. Louis vs. Washington
26. Atlanta at New Orleans
27. Chicago vs. Green Bay
28. Denver vs. Indianapolis
29. Dallas at Houston
30. Jacksonville vs. Philadelphia
31. Buffalo at New England
32. Detroit at Minnesota

Flex Position (RB/WR/TE)

1. Adrian Peterson MIN vs. DET
2. Chris Johnson TEN at NYG
3. Maurice Jones-Drew JAC vs. PHI
4. *Ray Rice BAL vs. CLE
Note: Fourth quarter ankle injury, but practiced on Monday.
5. Rashard Mendenhall PIT at TB
6. Frank Gore SF at KC
7. Miles Austin DAL at HOU
8. *Andre Johnson HOU vs. DAL
Note: Ankle injury doesn't appear to be serious.
9. *Michael Turner ATL at NO
Note: Had 70+ yards in the first quarter before a minor groin injury knocked him out of the game. Supposedly good to go for Week 3 - we'll see what happens in practice.
10. LeSean McCoy PHI at JAC
Note: Got all the goal line carries too.
11. Matt Forte CHI vs. GB
12. DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. CIN
13. Pierre Thomas NO vs. ATL
Note: Focal point of the Saints' offense on a tough night on Monday. With Bush out, Thomas should easily get 20+ touches.
14. Arian Foster HOU vs. DAL
Note: Also involved in the passing game last week.
15. DeSean Jackson PHI at JAC
16. Roddy White ATL at NO
17. Randy Moss NE vs. BUF
18. Reggie Wayne IND at DEN
19. *Darren McFadden OAK at AZ
Note: Yes, it's been the perfect storm for McFadden early this year, but hey, that storm continues this week against the Cardinals' run defense.
20. Knowshon Moreno DEN vs. IND
21. *Steven Jackson STL vs. WAS
Note: (Knee) Plenty of yards from scrimmage last week, though he didn't reach the end zone.
22. Joseph Addai IND at DEN
23. Cedric Benson CIN at CAR
24. Jahvid Best DET at MIN
25. Calvin Johnson DET at MIN
26. Marques Colston NO vs. ATL
27. Malcom Floyd SD at SEA
28. *Larry Fitzgerald AZ vs. OAK
Note: Also wearing a brace on his wrist, in addition to nursing a sore knee.
29. Anquan Boldin BAL vs. CLE
30. Greg Jennings GB at CHI
31. Mike Sims-Walker JAC vs. PHI
32. *Ryan Mathews SD at SEA
Note: Tests on Mathews' ankle were negative after left in the second quarter in Week 2. He was on the sideline later in the game but didn't come in because the game was a blowout. He expects to play against Seattle, but Tolbert could vulture goal line carries from him, plus he's had fumbles in each of the first two games.
33. Justin Forsett SEA vs. SD
Note: Really effective early, ignored later in the offense. Really baffling usage pattern by the Seahawks.
34. *Tim Hightower AZ vs. OAK
35. Ahmad Bradshaw NYG vs. TEN
36. Brandon Marshall MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Darrelle Revis is questionable this week.
37. Wes Welker NE vs. BUF
38. *Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. TEN
Note: Injured ankle made it through the Sunday night game without any complications.
39. *Steve Smith CAR vs. CIN
Note: Sore wrist.
40. Johnny Knox CHI vs. GB
41. Antonio Gates SD at SEA
42. Vernon Davis SF at KC
43. Dallas Clark IND at DEN
44. Ronnie Brown MIA vs. NYJ
45. LaDainian Tomlinson NYJ at MIA
46. Jamaal Charles KC vs. SF
47. Jermichael Finley GB at CHI
48. *Brandon Jackson GB at CHI
Note: Just 11 carries in his first week as the starter post-Grant.
49. Jeremy Maclin PHI at JAC
Note: Not a big yardage day, but he seems to be a priority read for Vick in the red zone.
50. Donald Driver GB at CHI
51. Hines Ward PIT at TB
52. Steven Smith NYG vs. TEN
53. Visanthe Shiancoe MIN vs. DET
54. *Chad Ochocinco CIN at CAR
Note: Cracked rib?
55. *Jerricho Cotchery NYJ at MIA
Note: Could get more targets if Edwards is suspended.
56. Dez Bryant DAL at HOU
57. Santana Moss WAS at STL
58. Mark Clayton STL vs. WAS
59. *Clinton Portis WAS at STL
Note: Sore right forearm/wrist - iced the injury in the second half.
60. Shonn Greene NYJ at MIA
61. Ricky Williams MIA vs. NYJ
62. Thomas Jones KC vs. SF
Note: Had 2:1 edge in rushing attempts over Jamaal Charles - what is that all about?
63. *Fred Taylor NE vs. BUF
64. Marion Barber DAL at HOU
65. *Peyton Hillis CLE at BAL
66. Cadillac Williams TB vs. PIT
67. Jerome Harrison CLE at BAL
68. *Marshawn Lynch BUF at NE
Note: Surprise starter against Green Bay, though Fred Jackson got the goal line action.
69. Austin Collie IND at DEN
70. Eddie Royal DEN vs. IND
71. Mike Wallace PIT at TB
72. Dwayne Bowe KC vs. SF
73. Michael Crabtree SF at KC
Note: Just one catch and three targets, though the one catch was sweet and he nearly made an improbable catch later on. The wind played a major part in limiting his role on Monday night.
74. Zach Miller OAK at AZ
75. *Kellen Winslow TB vs. PIT
Note: Dealt with knee problems during the week but came up big in the game.
76. Chris Cooley WAS at STL
77. Aaron Hernandez NE vs. BUF
Note: Monster game against the Jets - good moves in the open field.
78. Pierre Garcon IND at DEN
79. Terrell Owens CIN at CAR
80. *Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. IND
Note: Fantastic debut.
81. *Percy Harvin MIN vs. DET
Note: MRI on sore hip showed no structural damage, but he's black-and-blue and was on the field for just 11 plays in the second half in Week 2. Candidate for a big bump if he proves healthy later in the week.
82. Felix Jones DAL at HOU
Note: Seven yards on seven carries in Week 2.
83. *Jason Snelling ATL at NO
84. Legedu Naanee SD at SEA
85. Robert Meachem NO vs. ATL
Note: Part of the "don't give up" club.
86. Mario Manningham NYG vs. TEN
87. Mike Williams TB vs. PIT
Note: Love the player, hate the matchup, part 2.
88. *Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. CIN
89. *Fred Jackson BUF at NE
90. Willis McGahee BAL vs. CLE
91. Donald Brown IND at DEN
92. *Mike Tolbert SD at SEA
Note: Could steal goal line carries away from Ryan Mathews.
93. Josh Morgan SF at KC
94. Mohamed Massaquoi CLE at BAL
95. James Jones GB at CHI
Note: Frequent red zone target in Week 2.
96. Louis Murphy OAK at AZ
97. Lee Evans BUF at NE
Note: The quarterback change can't possibly hurt Evans' value. Only one unofficial target last week, and that one resulted in a PI call against the Packers.
98. Jacoby Jones HOU vs. DAL
99. Correll Buckhalter DEN vs. IND
100. Brent Celek PHI at JAC
Note: Possibly marginalized with Vick at QB?
101. John Carlson SEA vs. SD
Note: Targeted 10 times in Week 2.
102. Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. PHI
Note: Eagles got torched by the Lions tight ends last week.
103. Greg Olsen CHI vs. GB
104. Dustin Keller NYJ at MIA
105. Brandon Pettigrew DET at MIN
Note: Frequent target of Shaun Hill in Week 2.
106. Tony Gonzalez ATL at NO
107. Tony Moeaki KC vs. SF
108. Jermaine Gresham CIN at CAR