This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues. All the position rankings will be updated twice per week, once on Wednesday night, once on Friday night.
Detroit, Dallas, Oakland and Tampa Bay are on bye this week.
Updated Thursday, Oct. 7.
Quarterback
| 1. | Aaron Rodgers GB at Ind |
| 2. | Drew Brees NO vs. SD |
| 3. | Matt Ryan ATL at Was |
| 4. | *Tom Brady NE vs. Den Note: (Shoulder) Once again limited in practice this week. Once again, not worth adjusting in the rankings. *** Not on the final injury report for the week. *** |
| 5. | *Eli Manning NYG vs. Cle Note: Without Hakeem Nicks again this week. |
| 6. | Robert Griffin WAS vs. Atl |
| 7. | Peyton Manning DEN at NE |
| 8. | Cam Newton CAR vs. Sea |
| 9. | Philip Rivers SD at NO |
| 10. | *Michael Vick PHI at Pit Note: Vick suffered a knee contusion Sunday night - not serious enough to miss time during the game. |
| 11. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Mia Note: The Bengals are a different style of team, asking Dalton to do more to win than relying on the running game and defense like they did last year. |
| 12. | Ben |
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues. All the position rankings will be updated twice per week, once on Wednesday night, once on Friday night.
Detroit, Dallas, Oakland and Tampa Bay are on bye this week.
Updated Thursday, Oct. 7.
Quarterback
| 1. | Aaron Rodgers GB at Ind |
| 2. | Drew Brees NO vs. SD |
| 3. | Matt Ryan ATL at Was |
| 4. | *Tom Brady NE vs. Den Note: (Shoulder) Once again limited in practice this week. Once again, not worth adjusting in the rankings. *** Not on the final injury report for the week. *** |
| 5. | *Eli Manning NYG vs. Cle Note: Without Hakeem Nicks again this week. |
| 6. | Robert Griffin WAS vs. Atl |
| 7. | Peyton Manning DEN at NE |
| 8. | Cam Newton CAR vs. Sea |
| 9. | Philip Rivers SD at NO |
| 10. | *Michael Vick PHI at Pit Note: Vick suffered a knee contusion Sunday night - not serious enough to miss time during the game. |
| 11. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Mia Note: The Bengals are a different style of team, asking Dalton to do more to win than relying on the running game and defense like they did last year. |
| 12. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. Phi |
| 13. | Andrew Luck IND vs. GB |
| 14. | Joe Flacco BAL at KC |
| 15. | *Christian Ponder MIN vs. Ten Note: Limited in practice Wednesday with a knee injury. *** Full participant in Friday's practice, listed as probable. *** |
| 16. | Jay Cutler CHI at Jac |
| 17. | Alex Smith SF vs. Buf Note: The frequent use of Colin Kaepernick last week by the Niners is a troublesome fantasy development for Smith. |
| 18. | Matt Schaub HOU at NYJ |
| 19. | *Matt Cassel KC vs. Bal Note: After another bad game for Cassel last week, coach Romeo Crennel suggested that Brady Quinn could play a series or two if Cassel gets off to a bad start against this week. |
| 20. | Brandon Weeden CLE at NYG |
| 21. | Ryan Tannehill MIA at Cin Note: Tannehill's 431 passing yards were as unlikely of a result as any we've seen so far in the NFL. Of course, he also had three turnovers in the game. *** Added to the injury report with a thumb injury, though he's probable. *** |
| 22. | Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF at SF Note: The classic better-in-fantasy-than-in-real-life quarterback. |
| 23. | Kevin Kolb ARZ at StL Note: Kolb led the team to a late rally, but he also threw a terrible interception in the end zone to force the need for that rally. With the short week, there's no risk of losing the job back to John Skelton this week. |
| 24. | *Matt Hasselbeck TEN at Min Note: Probably will start this week, with Locker recovering from another left shoulder separation. Officially the starter this week, and Rusty Smith is the #2. |
| 25. | Sam Bradford STL vs. Ari |
| 26. | *Russell Wilson SEA at Car Note: Wilson still hasn't topped 200 passing yards in a game. He's not going to lose his job to Matt Flynn this week, but the question is at least getting asked. |
| 27. | *Mark Sanchez NYJ vs. Hou Note: Another awful home matchup this week against the Texans - the cries for Tim Tebow could get louder with another stinker on Monday night. |
| 28. | Blaine Gabbert JAC vs. Chi |
| 29. | *Jake Locker TEN at Min Note: Separated his left shoulder again - a specialist believes that Locker will eventually need surgery. He'll likely miss Week 5 against the Vikings. Officially the third string QB this week. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Marshawn Lynch SEA at Car |
| 2. | Arian Foster HOU at NYJ |
| 3. | Ray Rice BAL at KC |
| 4. | Frank Gore SF vs. Buf |
| 5. | Adrian Peterson MIN vs. Ten |
| 6. | *LeSean McCoy PHI at Pit Note: Tweaked his knee Sunday night, which might explain why Bryce Brown and not he was in the game for the Eagles' final possession after reaching first-and-goal. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. |
| 7. | Jamaal Charles KC vs. Bal Note: Two costly early fumbles, but also two touchdowns as the Chiefs stuck with him. |
| 8. | Trent Richardson CLE at NYG |
| 9. | Maurice Jones-Drew JAC vs. Chi |
| 10. | *Reggie Bush MIA at Cin Note: (Knee) Wasn't targeted in the passing game much, but otherwise looked good considering the injury the previous week. (Hip) Limited Wednesday, full practice Thursday. *** Full practice Friday. *** |
| 11. | Alfred Morris WAS vs. Atl Note: Another strong game last week, even with a semi-tough matchup (the Bucs had allowed just 2.3 yards per carry prior to Week 4). |
| 12. | Stevan Ridley NE vs. Den Note: In Week 3 it was Woodhead staling carries, this week it was Bolden. Ridley still had a huge game, but the timeshare is frustrating. |
| 13. | *Willis McGahee DEN at NE Note: Able to play through his rib injury last week just fine. |
| 14. | Ahmad Bradshaw NYG vs. Cle |
| 15. | *Matt Forte CHI at Jac Note: (Ankle) Early scare Monday night, but recovered quickly after getting re-taped and made it through the game decently. *** Listed as probable this week. *** |
| 16. | Chris Johnson TEN at Min Note: Went for 141 yards in a losing effort. Praised his offensive line for their Week 4 performance after throwing them under the bus the previous week. |
| 17. | *Darren Sproles NO vs. SD Note: Could get more targets in the passing game if Lance Moore (hamstring) can't go. |
| 18. | *Ryan Mathews SD at NO Note: Norv Turner's sly benching of Mathews caused a lot of fantasy anguish, but it appears he's back out of the doghouse now. But there's always going to be that concern in the background now with him. Still listed as the backup behind Battle in this week's depth chart. |
| 19. | Cedric Benson GB at Ind |
| 20. | *C.J. Spiller BUF at SF Note: At one point it appeared that Spiller aggravated his shoulder injury, but afterward he said he emerged ok. So we're now back to the old timeshare that we had at the beginning of the season. Full practice Wednesday and Thursday, not on the injury list this week. |
| 21. | Michael Turner ATL at Was Note: Took advantage of a great matchup last week - this week won't be so easy. |
| 22. | BenJarvus Green-Ellis CIN vs. Mia Note: Two more fumbles - one lost at the goal line, the other he was able to recover himself. It's in his head now. |
| 23. | *Jackie Battle SD at NO Note: Battle got the surprise start in Week 4, but he might return to a backup role this week against the Saints. Still listed as the starter on the depth chart. ***Norv Turner wouldn't confirm or deny that Battle is still the starter for this week. *** |
| 24. | *Steven Jackson STL vs. Ari Note: (Groin) Listed as questionable again, but expected to play Thursday night. |
| 25. | Donald Brown IND vs. GB |
| 26. | *Fred Jackson BUF at SF Note: Jackson's knee was sore after playing against the Pats, but not enough to stop him from playing this week. So we're back to the same timeshare that we had at the beginning of the season. Not on the injury list this week. |
| 27. | DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Sea |
| 28. | Ryan Williams ARZ at StL Note: Very disappointing first game as the starter - 13 carries for 26 yards. |
| 29. | *Rashard Mendenhall PIT vs. Phi Note: (Knee) Expected to make his 2012 debut this week. Full practice Thursday. |
| 30. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Sea Note: (Toe) Split carries nearly evenly with DeAngelo Williams against the Falcons. |
| 31. | Kendall Hunter SF vs. Buf |
| 32. | Daniel Thomas MIA at Cin |
| 33. | Shonn Greene NYJ vs. Hou |
| 34. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL at Was |
| 35. | Andre Brown NYG vs. Cle Note: Bradshaw got the bulk of the work Sunday night. *** Was limited last week because the Giants don't trust him in pass protection. *** |
| 36. | Michael Bush CHI at Jac Note: Limited use with Matt Forte back. |
| 37. | *Brandon Bolden NE vs. Den Note: Big effort sharing the carries with Ridley last week. (Knee) Limited in practice Thursday. It'll be a great joke when the Pats let Shane Vereen get 20 carries this week. *** One of 12 Patriots listed as questionable. *** |
| 38. | *Ben Tate HOU at NYJ Note: Sore toe, missed Monday's walk-through. This also explains his very limited use against Tennessee on Sunday. (Toe) Didn't practice Thursday, won't practice until Saturday (the Texans play Monday night). *** Practiced Saturday, listed as questionable. *** |
| 39. | Daryl Richardson STL vs. Ari Note: Definitely the Rams' change-of-pace back, but little more than that. |
| 40. | *Bilal Powell NYJ vs. Hou Note: Powell was on the field more than Greene last week, though that was a function of the Jets trailing the whole game. |
| 41. | Pierre Thomas NO vs. SD Note: Nine carries for Thomas compared to five carries for Ingram. |
| 42. | Lance Ball DEN at NE |
| 43. | Danny Woodhead NE vs. Den |
| 44. | Bernard Pierce BAL at KC |
| 45. | Toby Gerhart MIN vs. Ten |
| 46. | Lamar Miller MIA at Cin |
| 47. | Shaun Draughn KC vs. Bal |
| 48. | Robert Turbin SEA at Car Note: Turbin ran well in a bigger role than he's had in his previous games, but he's no threat to Lynch, who is also running well. |
| 49. | Mark Ingram NO vs. SD |
| 50. | Jason Snelling ATL at Was |
| 51. | *Isaac Redman PIT vs. Phi Note: Likely to revert back to Mendenhall's backup this week. |
| 52. | Ronnie Hillman DEN at NE |
| 53. | Vick Ballard IND vs. GB |
| 54. | David Wilson NYG vs. Cle |
| 55. | Rashad Jennings JAC vs. Chi |
| 56. | Mike Tolbert CAR vs. Sea |
| 57. | Bryce Brown PHI at Pit |
| 58. | William Powell ARZ at StL |
| 59. | *Bernard Scott CIN vs. Mia Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday. ***Probable after a full practice Friday. *** |
| 60. | *Shane Vereen NE vs. Den Note: (Foot) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Listed as questionable. *** |
| 61. | Ronnie Brown SD at NO |
| 62. | Tashard Choice BUF at SF |
| 63. | *Jonathan Dwyer PIT vs. Phi Note: Could get buried this week with Mendenhall returning, and with his critical fumble against the Raiders. |
| 64. | Montario Hardesty CLE at NYG |
| 65. | James Starks GB at Ind |
| 66. | Kahlil Bell CHI at Jac |
| 67. | *Ryan Grant WAS vs. Atl Note: Still learning the playbook, could be inactive again this week. |
| 68. | Knowshon Moreno DEN at NE |
| 69. | Brandon Jackson CLE at NYG |
| 70. | Isaiah Pead STL vs. Ari |
| 71. | Alex Green GB at Ind |
| 72. | *Brandon Jacobs SF vs. Buf Note: (Knee) Present at practice Wednesday. That's progress, at least. ***Listed as questionable this week. *** |
| 73. | *Mewelde Moore IND vs. GB Note: Ankle injury, did not practice Wednesday. ***Limited in Friday's practice.*** |
| 74. | Dion Lewis PHI at Pit |
| 75. | *Evan Royster WAS vs. Atl Note: (Knee) Limited practice participant Thursday. ***Questionable for Sunday's game. *** |
| 76. | *Peyton Hillis KC vs. Bal Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. *** Inactive again this week. *** |
| 77. | *LaRod Stephens-Howling ARZ at StL Note: (Groin) Still not practicing. William Powell once again will be Ryan Williams' backup. |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Mia |
| 2. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Cle |
| 3. | Roddy White ATL at Was |
| 4. | Wes Welker NE vs. Den |
| 5. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. Bal |
| 6. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at StL |
| 7. | *Julio Jones ATL at Was Note: Lacerated hand has fully healed. |
| 8. | Brandon Marshall CHI at Jac |
| 9. | Percy Harvin MIN vs. Ten |
| 10. | Mike Wallace PIT vs. Phi |
| 11. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NE |
| 12. | Reggie Wayne IND vs. GB |
| 13. | Steve Smith CAR vs. Sea |
| 14. | Brandon Lloyd NE vs. Den |
| 15. | *Torrey Smith BAL at KC Note: *** Chiefs' top corner Brandon Flowers will play but is less than 100 percent with a heel injury. *** |
| 16. | Marques Colston NO vs. SD |
| 17. | *Andre Johnson HOU at NYJ Note: 50+ yards on the first drive, ended up with just 56 yards for the game. (Groin) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Full participant Saturday. *** |
| 18. | DeSean Jackson PHI at Pit |
| 19. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. Phi |
| 20. | Eric Decker DEN at NE |
| 21. | Jordy Nelson GB at Ind |
| 22. | Brian Hartline MIA at Cin |
| 23. | Steve Johnson BUF at SF |
| 24. | James Jones GB at Ind |
| 25. | Nate Washington TEN at Min |
| 26. | *Danny Amendola STL vs. Ari Note: (Ankle) Probable for Thursday night's game. |
| 27. | Andre Roberts ARZ at StL Note: Huge game in the comeback effort against the Dolphins. |
| 28. | Michael Crabtree SF vs. Buf |
| 29. | Malcom Floyd SD at NO |
| 30. | *Jeremy Maclin PHI at Pit Note: Disastrous game - one catch, three targets. Not on the injury list this week. |
| 31. | Donnie Avery IND vs. GB |
| 32. | Greg Little CLE at NYG Note: If a ball drops in a forest, can anyone see it? |
| 33. | *Domenik Hixon NYG vs. Cle Note: Hixon and not Barden started with Nicks out against the Eagles. |
| 34. | *Devery Henderson NO vs. SD Note: *** Bumping up with Lance Moore out. *** |
| 35. | Sidney Rice SEA at Car Note: Seahawks' conservative offense really limiting his upside. |
| 36. | Andrew Hawkins CIN vs. Mia |
| 37. | Anquan Boldin BAL at KC |
| 38. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. Hou Note: With Santonio Holmes out, Kerley should get more targets. Whether there's a quarterback that can deliver is a matter of debate. |
| 39. | Brandon LaFell CAR vs. Sea Note: Costly goose egg last week - seemed to be hurt by Greg Olsen's targets. |
| 40. | Jerome Simpson MIN vs. Ten Note: Four catches for 50 yards and drew two pass interference penalties. |
| 41. | *Pierre Garcon WAS vs. Atl Note: (Foot) Didn't suffer a setback last week, but was kept off the field on the Redskins' final game-winning drive. Believes that it will take a long time for his foot to fully heal. |
| 42. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. GB |
| 43. | Randall Cobb GB at Ind |
| 44. | Davone Bess MIA at Cin |
| 45. | Robert Meachem SD at NO Note: Blanked once again. |
| 46. | *Jon Baldwin KC vs. Bal Note: Four catches for 50 yards last week - slowly working his way into the offense. (Hamstring) Full practice Thursday. |
| 47. | *Donald Jones BUF at SF Note: Suffered a head injury has been classified as minor by head coach Chan Gailey. Full practice Thursday. |
| 48. | Jason Avant PHI at Pit |
| 49. | Golden Tate SEA at Car |
| 50. | Armon Binns CIN vs. Mia |
| 51. | *Rueben Randle NYG vs. Cle Note: Could be his turn for a bigger role with both Nicks and Barden out. |
| 52. | Randy Moss SF vs. Buf Note: Targeted just once - part of a product of the game being a blowout. |
| 53. | Kendall Wright TEN at Min |
| 54. | Alshon Jeffery CHI at Jac |
| 55. | Leonard Hankerson WAS vs. Atl |
| 56. | Justin Blackmon JAC vs. Chi Note: Ten targets against the Bengals last week. |
| 57. | Santana Moss WAS vs. Atl |
| 58. | Chaz Schilens NYJ vs. Hou |
| 59. | Josh Morgan WAS vs. Atl |
| 60. | Brandon Stokley DEN at NE |
| 61. | *Aldrick Robinson WAS vs. Atl Note: Pregame collision knocked Robinson out for a minute and forced him out of last week's game. Status for this week uncertain. Full practice Thursday. *** Probable for this week. *** |
| 62. | Cecil Shorts JAC vs. Chi |
| 63. | Mario Manningham SF vs. Buf |
| 64. | Eddie Royal SD at NO |
| 65. | Brandon Gibson STL vs. Ari |
| 66. | Jacoby Jones BAL at KC |
| 67. | Michael Floyd ARZ at StL |
| 68. | *Joseph Morgan NO vs. SD Note: Hooked up with Drew Brees on a big play. Could get more snaps with Lance Moore's hamstring bothering him. |
| 69. | Damaris Johnson PHI at Pit |
| 70. | Emmanuel Sanders PIT vs. Phi |
| 71. | Kevin Walter HOU at NYJ |
| 72. | Doug Baldwin SEA at Car |
| 73. | Dexter McCluster KC vs. Bal |
| 74. | Steven Smith STL vs. Ari |
| 75. | Chris Givens STL vs. Ari Note: Hit on a big play with Bradford last week. |
| 76. | Braylon Edwards SEA at Car |
| 77. | Josh Gordon CLE at NYG |
| 78. | Steve Breaston KC vs. Bal |
| 79. | Devin Aromashodu MIN vs. Ten |
| 80. | *Stephen Hill NYJ vs. Hou Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Thursday. *** Did not practice Saturday, doubtful. *** |
| 81. | *Earl Bennett CHI at Jac Note: Inactive Monday night with a hand injury. Limited in Thursday's practice. |
| 82. | *Kenny Britt TEN at Min Note: (Ankle) Held out in Week 4, with the hope that the extra week off would make him available this week. Did not practice Thursday. *** Will not play this week. *** |
| 83. | *Travis Benjamin CLE at NYG Note: Held out of practice Monday with an undisclosed injury. (Hamstring) Did not practice Thursday. |
| 84. | *Ramses Barden NYG vs. Cle Note: Unlikely to play due to a concussion. |
| 85. | *Greg Jennings GB at Ind Note: Jennings' groin injury flared up against the Saints, and he's back to where he was a couple of weeks ago. Officially ruled out this week. |
| 86. | *Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Cle Note: As of Monday, Nicks' knee isn't any better. Officially ruled out this week. |
| 87. | *Mohamed Massaquoi CLE at NYG Note: (Hamstring) Inactive last week, still not practicing. Did not practice. *** Out this week.*** |
| 88. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. Den Note: (Hand) Still not practicing. |
| 89. | *Lance Moore NO vs. SD Note: Hamstring injury, did not practice Thursday. *** Out this week. *** |
| 90. | *Laurent Robinson JAC vs. Chi Note: Suffered another concussion against the Bengals - chances are really against him playing this week. Not practicing Thursday. |
| 91. | *Santonio Holmes NYJ vs. Hou Note: Foot injury - out at least this week, talking in terms of weeks, not days. Out for the season with a lisfranc foot injury. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Jimmy Graham NO vs. SD |
| 2. | *Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Den Note: (Hip) Practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. *** Hip is a lot more painful than initially let on - listed as questionable, but still expected to play. *** |
| 3. | Vernon Davis SF vs. Buf |
| 4. | Tony Gonzalez ATL at Was |
| 5. | Fred Davis WAS vs. Atl Note: Hasn't found the end zone yet, but he's getting good targets now and faces a Falcons defense that allowed Greg Olsen to score last week. |
| 6. | *Antonio Gates SD at NO Note: (Ribs) Had a season-high 59 receiving yards last week. |
| 7. | Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. Mia |
| 8. | *Jermichael Finley GB at Ind Note: Should get a lot of targets with Jennings out - and he was probably too low on the initial rankings anyhow. |
| 9. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Ten Note: One of many disappointing tight ends last week. |
| 10. | *Owen Daniels HOU at NYJ Note: Limited in Thursday's practice with a thigh injury. |
| 11. | Greg Olsen CAR vs. Sea |
| 12. | Heath Miller PIT vs. Phi |
| 13. | Brent Celek PHI at Pit |
| 14. | Martellus Bennett NYG vs. Cle Note: Just one catch, three official targets last week - had one big play wiped out by a penalty. |
| 15. | Dennis Pitta BAL at KC |
| 16. | *Scott Chandler BUF at SF Note: Suffered a head injury against the Pats. Full practice Thursday, much like teammate Donald Jones, and isn't on the injury report this week. |
| 17. | Jacob Tamme DEN at NE |
| 18. | *Jared Cook TEN at Min Note: (Shoulder) Played just 24 snaps last week. Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Full practice Friday, listed as probable. *** |
| 19. | Anthony Fasano MIA at Cin |
| 20. | Joel Dreessen DEN at NE |
| 21. | Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. Chi |
| 22. | Craig Stevens TEN at Min |
| 23. | Lance Kendricks STL vs. Ari |
| 24. | *Coby Fleener IND vs. GB Note: (Head) Full participant in Thursday's practice. *** Active for Sunday's game. *** |
| 25. | Ed Dickson BAL at KC |
| 26. | Jordan Cameron CLE at NYG |
| 27. | Tony Moeaki KC vs. Bal |
| 28. | Kellen Davis CHI at Jac |
| 29. | Ben Watson CLE at NYG |
| 30. | Dwayne Allen IND vs. GB |
| 31. | Dante Rosario SD at NO |
| 32. | Zach Miller SEA at Car |
| 33. | *Aaron Hernandez NE vs. Den Note: (Ankle) Returned to practice Thursday, but had a clear hitch in his step and appeared to be limited. Very risky play for this week. *** Listed as questionable, did practice some Friday. Late game makes him even more difficult to start. *** |
| 34. | *Dustin Keller NYJ vs. Hou Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Thursday. |
| 35. | *Todd Heap ARZ at StL Note: (Knee) Did not practice Monday. Questionable for Thursday night's game. |
| 36. | *Kevin Boss KC vs. Bal Note: (Head injury) Placed on IR for the season. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Marshawn Lynch SEA at Car |
| 2. | Arian Foster HOU at NYJ |
| 3. | Ray Rice BAL at KC |
| 4. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Mia |
| 5. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Cle |
| 6. | Roddy White ATL at Was |
| 7. | Wes Welker NE vs. Den |
| 8. | Frank Gore SF vs. Buf |
| 9. | Adrian Peterson MIN vs. Ten |
| 10. | *LeSean McCoy PHI at Pit Note: Tweaked his knee Sunday night, which might explain why Bryce Brown and not he was in the game for the Eagles' final possession after reaching first-and-goal. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. |
| 11. | Jamaal Charles KC vs. Bal Note: Two costly early fumbles, but also two touchdowns as the Chiefs stuck with him. |
| 12. | Trent Richardson CLE at NYG |
| 13. | Maurice Jones-Drew JAC vs. Chi |
| 14. | Jimmy Graham NO vs. SD |
| 15. | *Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Den Note: (Hip) Practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. *** Hip is a lot more painful than initially let on - listed as questionable, but still expected to play. *** |
| 16. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. Bal |
| 17. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at StL |
| 18. | *Julio Jones ATL at Was Note: Lacerated hand has fully healed. |
| 19. | Brandon Marshall CHI at Jac |
| 20. | Percy Harvin MIN vs. Ten |
| 21. | *Reggie Bush MIA at Cin Note: (Knee) Wasn't targeted in the passing game much, but otherwise looked good considering the injury the previous week. (Hip) Limited Wednesday, full practice Thursday. *** Full practice Friday. *** |
| 22. | *Darren Sproles NO vs. SD Note: Could get more targets in the passing game if Lance Moore (hamstring) can't go. |
| 23. | Stevan Ridley NE vs. Den Note: In Week 3 it was Woodhead staling carries, this week it was Bolden. Ridley still had a huge game, but the timeshare is frustrating. |
| 24. | *Willis McGahee DEN at NE Note: Able to play through his rib injury last week just fine. |
| 25. | *Ryan Mathews SD at NO Note: Norv Turner's sly benching of Mathews caused a lot of fantasy anguish, but it appears he's back out of the doghouse now. But there's always going to be that concern in the background now with him. Still listed as the backup behind Battle in this week's depth chart. |
| 26. | *Matt Forte CHI at Jac Note: (Ankle) Early scare Monday night, but recovered quickly after getting re-taped and made it through the game decently. *** Listed as probable this week. *** |
| 27. | Ahmad Bradshaw NYG vs. Cle |
| 28. | Mike Wallace PIT vs. Phi |
| 29. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NE |
| 30. | Reggie Wayne IND vs. GB |
| 31. | Steve Smith CAR vs. Sea |
| 32. | Brandon Lloyd NE vs. Den |
| 33. | *Torrey Smith BAL at KC Note: *** Chiefs' top corner Brandon Flowers will play but is less than 100 percent with a heel injury. *** |
| 34. | Marques Colston NO vs. SD |
| 35. | *Andre Johnson HOU at NYJ Note: 50+ yards on the first drive, ended up with just 56 yards for the game. (Groin) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Full participant Saturday. *** |
| 36. | Alfred Morris WAS vs. Atl Note: Another strong game last week, even with a semi-tough matchup (the Bucs had allowed just 2.3 yards per carry prior to Week 4). |
| 37. | Chris Johnson TEN at Min Note: Went for 141 yards in a losing effort. Praised his offensive line for their Week 4 performance after throwing them under the bus the previous week. |
| 38. | *C.J. Spiller BUF at SF Note: At one point it appeared that Spiller aggravated his shoulder injury, but afterward he said he emerged ok. So we're now back to the old timeshare that we had at the beginning of the season. Full practice Wednesday and Thursday, not on the injury list this week. |
| 39. | *Fred Jackson BUF at SF Note: Jackson's knee was sore after playing against the Pats, but not enough to stop him from playing this week. So we're back to the same timeshare that we had at the beginning of the season. Not on the injury list this week. |
| 40. | Brian Hartline MIA at Cin |
| 41. | Vernon Davis SF vs. Buf |
| 42. | Tony Gonzalez ATL at Was |
| 43. | DeSean Jackson PHI at Pit |
| 44. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. Phi |
| 45. | Eric Decker DEN at NE |
| 46. | Jordy Nelson GB at Ind |
| 47. | Steve Johnson BUF at SF |
| 48. | BenJarvus Green-Ellis CIN vs. Mia Note: Two more fumbles - one lost at the goal line, the other he was able to recover himself. It's in his head now. |
| 49. | *Steven Jackson STL vs. Ari Note: (Groin) Listed as questionable again, but expected to play Thursday night. |
| 50. | Ryan Williams ARZ at StL Note: Very disappointing first game as the starter - 13 carries for 26 yards. |
| 51. | Michael Turner ATL at Was Note: Took advantage of a great matchup last week - this week won't be so easy. |
| 52. | Donald Brown IND vs. GB |
| 53. | DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Sea |
| 54. | *Rashard Mendenhall PIT vs. Phi Note: (Knee) Expected to make his 2012 debut this week. Full practice Thursday. |
| 55. | James Jones GB at Ind |
| 56. | Nate Washington TEN at Min |
| 57. | *Danny Amendola STL vs. Ari Note: (Ankle) Probable for Thursday night's game. |
| 58. | Andre Roberts ARZ at StL Note: Huge game in the comeback effort against the Dolphins. |
| 59. | *Lance Moore NO vs. SD Note: Hamstring injury, did not practice Thursday. *** Out this week. *** |
| 60. | Michael Crabtree SF vs. Buf |
| 61. | Malcom Floyd SD at NO |
| 62. | Fred Davis WAS vs. Atl Note: Hasn't found the end zone yet, but he's getting good targets now and faces a Falcons defense that allowed Greg Olsen to score last week. |
| 63. | *Antonio Gates SD at NO Note: (Ribs) Had a season-high 59 receiving yards last week. |
| 64. | Cedric Benson GB at Ind |
| 65. | Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. Mia |
| 66. | *Jeremy Maclin PHI at Pit Note: Disastrous game - one catch, three targets. Not on the injury list this week. |
| 67. | Donnie Avery IND vs. GB |
| 68. | Greg Little CLE at NYG Note: If a ball drops in a forest, can anyone see it? |
| 69. | *Domenik Hixon NYG vs. Cle Note: Hixon and not Barden started with Nicks out against the Eagles. |
| 70. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Sea Note: (Toe) Split carries nearly evenly with DeAngelo Williams against the Falcons. |
| 71. | *Ben Tate HOU at NYJ Note: Sore toe, missed Monday's walk-through. This also explains his very limited use against Tennessee on Sunday. (Toe) Didn't practice Thursday, won't practice until Saturday (the Texans play Monday night). *** Practiced Saturday, listed as questionable. *** |
| 72. | *Brandon Bolden NE vs. Den Note: Big effort sharing the carries with Ridley last week. (Knee) Limited in practice Thursday. It'll be a great joke when the Pats let Shane Vereen get 20 carries this week. *** One of 12 Patriots listed as questionable. *** |
| 73. | Shonn Greene NYJ vs. Hou |
| 74. | Sidney Rice SEA at Car Note: Seahawks' conservative offense really limiting his upside. |
| 75. | Andrew Hawkins CIN vs. Mia |
| 76. | Anquan Boldin BAL at KC |
| 77. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. Hou Note: With Santonio Holmes out, Kerley should get more targets. Whether there's a quarterback that can deliver is a matter of debate. |
| 78. | Brandon LaFell CAR vs. Sea Note: Costly goose egg last week - seemed to be hurt by Greg Olsen's targets. |
| 79. | *Donald Jones BUF at SF Note: Suffered a head injury has been classified as minor by head coach Chan Gailey. Full practice Thursday. |
| 80. | Jerome Simpson MIN vs. Ten Note: Four catches for 50 yards and drew two pass interference penalties. |
| 81. | *Pierre Garcon WAS vs. Atl Note: (Foot) Didn't suffer a setback last week, but was kept off the field on the Redskins' final game-winning drive. Believes that it will take a long time for his foot to fully heal. |
| 82. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. GB |
| 83. | Randall Cobb GB at Ind |
| 84. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL at Was |
| 85. | Andre Brown NYG vs. Cle Note: Bradshaw got the bulk of the work Sunday night. *** Was limited last week because the Giants don't trust him in pass protection. *** |
| 86. | Daniel Thomas MIA at Cin |
| 87. | Michael Bush CHI at Jac Note: Limited use with Matt Forte back. |
| 88. | *Jackie Battle SD at NO Note: Battle got the surprise start in Week 4, but he might return to a backup role this week against the Saints. Still listed as the starter on the depth chart. ***Norv Turner wouldn't confirm or deny that Battle is still the starter for this week. *** |
| 89. | Kendall Hunter SF vs. Buf |
| 90. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Ten Note: One of many disappointing tight ends last week. |
| 91. | *Owen Daniels HOU at NYJ Note: Limited in Thursday's practice with a thigh injury. |
| 92. | Greg Olsen CAR vs. Sea |
| 93. | Heath Miller PIT vs. Phi |
| 94. | Brent Celek PHI at Pit |
Kickers
| 1. | Greg Zuerlein STL vs. Ari Note: Massive day included kicks from 58 and 60 yards last week. |
| 2. | David Akers SF vs. Buf |
| 3. | Mason Crosby GB at Ind |
| 4. | Nick Novak SD at NO Note: Perfect day in relief of Kaeding - looks like he'll kick again this week, too. |
| 5. | Justin Tucker BAL at KC |
| 6. | Matt Bryant ATL at Was |
| 7. | Blair Walsh MIN vs. Ten |
| 8. | Shayne Graham HOU at NYJ |
| 9. | Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. Den Note: Two more field goals missed, forgotten when the Pats went on their massive second-half run. |
| 10. | Alex Henery PHI at Pit Note: Henery had 17 points going into Week 4, but then had 13 points in Week 4. The moral of the story? Handicapping kickers really sucks. |
| 11. | Robbie Gould CHI at Jac |
| 12. | Matt Prater DEN at NE |
| 13. | Rob Bironas TEN at Min |
| 14. | Mike Nugent CIN vs. Mia |
| 15. | Garrett Hartley NO vs. SD |
| 16. | Lawrence Tynes NYG vs. Cle |
| 17. | Justin Medlock CAR vs. Sea |
| 18. | Dan Carpenter MIA at Cin |
| 19. | Josh Scobee JAC vs. Chi |
| 20. | Adam Vinatieri IND vs. GB |
| 21. | Shaun Suisham PIT vs. Phi |
| 22. | *Billy Cundiff WAS vs. Atl Note: Had he missed that last field goal attempt, would Cundiff have a job this week? |
| 23. | Jay Feely ARZ at StL |
| 24. | Nick Folk NYJ vs. Hou |
| 25. | Phil Dawson CLE at NYG |
| 26. | Rian Lindell BUF at SF |
| 27. | Steven Hauschka SEA at Car |
| 28. | Ryan Succop KC vs. Bal |
| 29. | *Nate Kaeding SD at NO Note: Seeing a specialist about his groin injury - it could be season-ending. |
Defenses
| 1. | San Francisco 49ers vs. Buf |
| 2. | Houston Texans at NYJ |
| 3. | Chicago Bears at Jac |
| 4. | Baltimore Ravens at KC |
| 5. | Arizona Cardinals at StL |
| 6. | *New York Giants vs. Cle Note: Kenny Phillips is dealing with a sprained right MCL. |
| 7. | St. Louis Rams vs. Ari |
| 8. | *Minnesota Vikings vs. Ten Note: Jared Allen (groin) didn't practice Thursday, but coach Leslie Frazier thinks that he'll still be ok for Sunday. |
| 9. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Mia |
| 10. | New England Patriots vs. Den |
| 11. | Seattle Seahawks at Car |
| 12. | Philadelphia Eagles at Pit |
| 13. | New York Jets vs. Hou |
| 14. | Green Bay Packers at Ind |
| 15. | Denver Broncos at NE |
| 16. | San Diego Chargers at NO |
| 17. | Atlanta Falcons at Was |
| 18. | *Cleveland Browns at NYG Note: T.J. Ward underwent thumb surgery a couple of days ago. |
| 19. | Tennessee Titans at Min |
| 20. | *Kansas City Chiefs vs. Bal Note: Derrick Johnson (groin) did not practice Thursday. Meanwhile, Brandon Flowers (heel) did practice, but moved around gingerly. |
| 21. | *Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Phi Note: James Harrison and Troy Polamalu should be back this week - could be a huge difference. |
| 22. | Carolina Panthers vs. Sea |
| 23. | *Washington Redskins vs. Atl Note: Lost Brandon Meriweather in a pregame warmup collision last week. |
| 24. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chi |
| 25. | New Orleans Saints vs. SD |
| 26. | Miami Dolphins at Cin |
| 27. | *Buffalo Bills at SF Note: Jairus Byrd suffered a hip injury in the loss to the Patriots. Mario Williams is dealing with a lingering wrist injury. |
| 28. | *Indianapolis Colts vs. GB Note: Dwight Freeney is questionable with an ankle injury, plus both Robert Mathis and Pat Angerer missed Thursday's practice. |
