Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update Complete (8:25 a.m. PT)

Bye Week - Carolina, New York Jets, Miami, Minnesota.

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: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 10:00 pm PT - it used to be 8:00, but life intervenes, and I coach two soccer practices on Tuesdays now. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***

I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it.

By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to

Sunday Update Complete (8:25 a.m. PT)

Bye Week - Carolina, New York Jets, Miami, Minnesota.

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: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 10:00 pm PT - it used to be 8:00, but life intervenes, and I coach two soccer practices on Tuesdays now. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***

I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it.

By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?".

Quarterback

1.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. StL
2.Tom Brady NE at Dal
3.Philip Rivers SD vs. Pit
4.Matt Ryan ATL vs. Was
5.Sam Bradford PHI vs. NO
Note: I'm concerned that the Eagles rarely have moved the ball well early in games. This matchup against the Saints is a prime opportunity to reverse that trend.
6.Peyton Manning DEN at Oak
7.Alex Smith KC vs. Chi
Note: Smith put up huge yardage numbers last week, but the Chiefs constantly sputtered inside the 20 or so, in part because they couldn't protect him against the pass rush (or, alternately, Smith was too fixated on said pass rush).
8.Eli Manning NYG vs. SF
9.Carson Palmer ARZ at Det
Note: You still got the yards from Palmer last week, but not the same efficiency thanks to the Rams pass rush, which sacked him four times.
10.Michael Vick PIT at SD
Note: Should do better with the extra time to prepare - he even gets an extra day due to playing on Monday night. Vick also draws a San Diego defense that allowed Josh McCown to throw for 356 yards.
11.Drew Brees NO at Phi
Note: Not listed in this week's injury report.
12.Kirk Cousins WAS at Atl
13.Josh McCown CLE at Bal
14.*Russell Wilson SEA at Cin
Note: Detroit exposed how poor Wilson's offensive line is.
15.*Jay Cutler CHI at KC
Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited practice participant all week, listed as questionable.***
16.Joe Flacco BAL vs. Cle
Note: Won't have Steve Smith, Breshad Perriman or Michael Campanaro this week (and the later two for a longer time, most likely). The Ravens traded for Chris Givens but may need to do more.
17.Nick Foles STL at GB
18.Tyrod Taylor BUF at Ten
19.Marcus Mariota TEN vs. Buf
20.Blake Bortles JAC at TB
Note: Bortles' 298 yards last week looks impressive until you see he threw it 50 times and put up just 13 points. That said, it looks like the attempts will be there nearly every week.
21.Matthew Stafford DET vs. Ari
Note: Yet another difficult opponent for Stafford this week against Arizona, though at least this one is at home.
22.Andy Dalton CIN vs. Sea
Note: If you've been on the Dalton DFS train, this is your stop. Wait one week, then jump back on in Week 6 against the Bills.
23.Brandon Weeden DAL vs. NE
Note: ***1Matt Cassel will be active as Weeden's backup this week. He's more of a threat to take over than Kellen Moore, should Weeden falter.***
24.Jameis Winston TB vs. Jax
25.*Ryan Mallett HOU vs. Ind
Note: Mallett will start Thursday night despite getting replaced in the second half last week by Brian Hoyer. (Chest) Full practice Tuesday. ***Brian Hoyer will start next week.***
26.*Matt Hasselbeck IND at Hou
Note: (Illness) Sat out practice Tuesday, and Luck is expected back in the lineup. Now expected to be the starter despite his illness.
27.Colin Kaepernick SF at NYG
28.Derek Carr OAK vs. Den
Note: Progress comes in fits-and-starts - and this week bodes ill against the Broncos.
29.*Andrew Luck IND at Hou
Note: (Shoulder) Limited in Monday's walk-through, though the Colts remain optimistic that he'll play Thursday against the Texans. One indicator - the Colts released third quarterback Josh Johnson, which would suggest that Luck will play. He took most of the snaps Tuesday, however it was a light practice and Hasselbeck was out with an illness. Luck is slated to throw before Thursday's game, but now is not expected to play.
30.*Brian Hoyer HOU vs. Ind
Note: ***Starting next week.***

Running Backs

1.Le'Veon Bell PIT at SD
2.Jamaal Charles KC vs. Chi
3.Eddie Lacy GB vs. StL
4.Matt Forte CHI at KC
5.Devonta Freeman ATL vs. Was
6.Mark Ingram NO at Phi
7.Todd Gurley STL at GB
8.*Arian Foster HOU vs. Ind
Note: (Groin) Would have been limited Monday had Houston practiced, but he emerged from last week's game without any aggravation of his injury. Should have a better setup against the Colts on Thursday night.Listed as probable.
9.T.J. Yeldon JAC at TB
10.Dion Lewis NE at Dal
Note: Signed a two-year contract extension with the Pats on Thursday - that seems to be a good indicator that they at least believe he is for real.
11.Justin Forsett BAL vs. Cle
12.*Latavius Murray OAK vs. Den
Note: Murray had a brutal game against the Bears - a dropped pass turned into an interception, and then a fumble that led to the Bears' go-ahead score. (Shoulder) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
13.Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Sea
Note: I'm going Bernard over Hill this week because I think it'll be very difficult to run inside against the Seahawks, and Bernard could get a lot of targets in the passing game.
14.Danny Woodhead SD vs. Pit
15.Rashad Jennings NYG vs. SF
16.*Frank Gore IND at Hou
Note: (Foot) Missed practice Monday but returned on Tuesday. Listed as probable.
17.Melvin Gordon SD vs. Pit
18.*Joseph Randle DAL vs. NE
Note: Benched in the fourth quarter for his near fumble that ultimately was ruled a touchdown and has been very limited in his second half carries.
19.Chris Johnson ARZ at Det
20.*Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Sea
Note: (Knee) Limited at practice on Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.***
21.Ameer Abdullah DET vs. Ari
22.Carlos Hyde SF at NYG
23.LeGarrette Blount NE at Dal
24.DeMarco Murray PHI vs. NO
25.*Ronnie Hillman DEN at Oak
Note: Hillman has 'earned the right to get more carries' according to coach Gary Kubiak, though C.J. Anderson will continue to start.
26.Doug Martin TB vs. Jax
27.Thomas Rawls SEA at Cin
Note: Rawls was rather pedestrian against the Lions in a much tougher matchup than the previous week. ***Lynch is out again this week, but it looks like Fred Jackson could play.***
28.*C.J. Anderson DEN at Oak
Note: Anderson will remain the starter, but Ronnie Hillman will probably cut deeper into his carries.
29.Charles Sims TB vs. Jax
30.Alfred Morris WAS at Atl
31.*Duke Johnson CLE at Bal
Note: Johnson not only had a whopping 10 targets, he also got a goal line carry, falling just short, with Cleveland throwing to Barnidge for the TD on the next play. It could be a harbinger of future goal line carries. (Ankle) Full practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.***
32.Darren Sproles PHI vs. NO
33.*Anthony Dixon BUF at Ten
Note: Dixon was targeted thrice in the loss to the Giants. He might end up starting this week with both Karlos Williams and Shady McCoy hurting. Looking more likely that Dixon will start. ***Might lose carries to Boom Herron.***
34.Theo Riddick DET vs. Ari
35.C.J. Spiller NO at Phi
Note: Spiller was having a quiet day (two carries, 10 yards; four receptions for 19 yards) before hitting on his big 80-yard touchdown in overtime on a play where the Cowboys were scrambling before the snap. But that also illustrates the point that he's capable of hitting on such a play, and should be used more frequently.
36.*Darren McFadden DAL vs. NE
Note: ***With Lance Dunbar out, it's been suggested that McFadden will take over his role as the top receiving back.***
37.Ryan Mathews PHI vs. NO
38.Isaiah Crowell CLE at Bal
39.Shane Vereen NYG vs. SF
40.Chris Thompson WAS at Atl
Note: Thompson ripped off one big run, and while it would be silly to completely write that off, he had just nine yards on his other five carries. He's still more of a third-down back.
41.*Andre Ellington ARZ at Det
Note: (Knee) Was almost healthy enough to play last week, and should return this week against the Bears. Limited at Wednesday's practice. Friday's practice will be critical. ***Listed as probable after full practices Thursday and Friday.***
42.Antonio Andrews TEN vs. Buf
43.Matt Jones WAS at Atl
44.Andre Williams NYG vs. SF
Note: ***This could be a good week for Williams - if the Giants get ahead of the Niners as expected, he would likely be on the field more as part of the process of protecting a lead.***
45.James Starks GB vs. StL
46.Alfred Blue HOU vs. Ind
47.*Christine Michael DAL vs. NE
Note: Back in the mix, sort of - only had one carry and lost a yard. But the Cowboys are having trust issues with Joseph Randle, so it's not difficult to envision a bigger role for Michael in the future, especially with Lance Dunbar out.
48.*David Johnson ARZ at Det
Note: On one hand, he had another big play with a touchdown reception, but he also had two costly mistakes. With Andre Ellington returning potentially this week, Johnson's window could be narrowing.
49.Dexter McCluster TEN vs. Buf
50.Khiry Robinson NO at Phi
Note: Vultured a touchdown away from Mark Ingram after Ingram had a TD overturned on the previous play - he's not the designated goal line guy, though the Saints are comfortable using him there if Ingram needs a rest.
51.*Dan Herron BUF at Ten
Note: Signed by the Bills to address their rash of injuries. ***Getting good reviews in practice already, could play more than expected.***
52.*Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL vs. Cle
Note: (Foot) Did not practice Wednesday, limited Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
53.Bishop Sankey TEN vs. Buf
54.*Roy Helu OAK vs. Den
Note: Back as the top backup to Murray, and was in on the final series after Murray fumbled in the previous series.
55.*Charcandrick West KC vs. Chi
Note: Has bypassed Knile Davis for now as Charles' backup.
56.Reggie Bush SF at NYG
57.DeAngelo Williams PIT at SD
58.*Tevin Coleman ATL vs. Was
Note: (Ribs) On track to return to practice this week. It's hard to envision him starting ahead of Freeman anytime soon, though. (Rib) Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable after a full practice Friday.***
59.Javorius Allen BAL vs. Cle
60.Marcel Reece OAK vs. Den
61.Benny Cunningham STL at GB
62.*Fred Jackson SEA at Cin
Note: Jackson suffered what is believed to be a high ankle sprain Monday night, meaning he's almost certainly out this week. High ankle sprain confirmed. ***Officially listed as questionable despite the high ankle sprain and could play some. But the Seahawks activated a running back off the practice squad, making it less likely that he sees extensive action.***
63.*Terron Ward ATL vs. Was
Note: Don't be fooled by Ward's heavy workload (19 carries) Sunday - he was in to close out matters after the Falcons jumped to a 42-0 lead, plus Tevin Coleman is returning soon.
64.*Josh Robinson IND at Hou
Note: The Colts are talking to Ahmad Bradshaw, which doesn't bode well for Robinson's job security - or for Gore's, for that matter.
65.*Chris Polk HOU vs. Ind
Note: (Knee) Listed as questionable.
66.Bobby Rainey TB vs. Jax
67.Tre Mason STL at GB
68.Jeremy Langford CHI at KC
69.*Rod Smith SEA at Cin
Note: ***Promoted from the Seahawks' practice squad.***
70.Terrance West TEN vs. Buf
71.Brandon Bolden NE at Dal
72.*Knile Davis KC vs. Chi
Note: Zero offensive snaps last week - is he no longer the handcuff to Charles?
73.*Denard Robinson JAC at TB
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Officially out.***
74.*Joique Bell DET vs. Ari
Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Out again this week.***
75.*Marshawn Lynch SEA at Cin
Note: (Hamstring) After being ruled out Sunday, Lynch had a good day of workouts Monday before the game. He might return this week. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again this week, 'should' come back in Week 6.***
76.*Karlos Williams BUF at Ten
Note: Williams suffered a concussion in the loss to the Giants. Ryan said Thursday that it's probably a 'reach' for Williams to play this week. ***Officially out.***
77.*LeSean McCoy BUF at Ten
Note: Some reports have McCoy (hamstring) out three-to-four weeks total, though Rex Ryan refused to confirm that timetable. Still, it doesn't look good for this week. Did not practice again on Thursday. ***Out this week, could be out until November.***
78.*Lance Dunbar DAL vs. NE
Note: Dunbar suffered a torn ACL that will require surgery and a partially torn MCL.

Wide Receivers

1.Odell Beckham NYG vs. SF
2.DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Ind
3.*Demaryius Thomas DEN at Oak
Note: Briefly left with a neck injury that looked awfully close to a concussion-type of injury, but later returned. Still, watch his practice status closely this week. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Practiced Thursday and Friday, listed as probable.***
4.Randall Cobb GB vs. StL
5.Keenan Allen SD vs. Pit
6.Julian Edelman NE at Dal
7.Antonio Brown PIT at SD
8.*Julio Jones ATL vs. Was
Note: (Toe) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Felt his hamstring tighten later in the week. He's still expected to play, but there's now a bigger threat of him sitting out plays, especially if Atlanta can jump out to a lead.***
9.Jeremy Maclin KC vs. Chi
10.Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Oak
11.Calvin Johnson DET vs. Ari
12.Mike Evans TB vs. Jax
Note: Put last week's low output aside - that was a Josh Norman issue, one I should have seen coming. It gets better from here on out.
13.T.Y. Hilton IND at Hou
14.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Det
15.Jordan Matthews PHI vs. NO
16.Kendall Wright TEN vs. Buf
17.Vincent Jackson TB vs. Jax
18.Donte Moncrief IND at Hou
19.A.J. Green CIN vs. Sea
20.Golden Tate DET vs. Ari
21.Allen Robinson JAC at TB
22.*Pierre Garcon WAS at Atl
Note: Dealing with a 'mild' knee sprain, probably suffered when he got crunched while catching the game-winning touchdown. Full practice Thursday.
23.Amari Cooper OAK vs. Den
24.Travis Benjamin CLE at Bal
25.*Marquess Wilson CHI at KC
Note: ***Jeffery unlikely to play, and Royal is questionable. Somebody has to catch the passes this week for the Bears.***
26.*James Jones GB vs. StL
Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
27.*Leonard Hankerson ATL vs. Was
Note: (Thumb) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
28.Percy Harvin BUF at Ten
29.*Allen Hurns JAC at TB
Note: (Thigh) Returned to practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
30.Rueben Randle NYG vs. SF
31.Kamar Aiken BAL vs. Cle
32.Anquan Boldin SF at NYG
33.*Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Den
Note: Briefly left with an ankle injury before returning. Returned to practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
34.Terrance Williams DAL vs. NE
35.*Brandin Cooks NO at Phi
Note: Is it possible that the ankle injury is bothering him more than the Saints are letting on? Limited Wednesday, full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
36.Cole Beasley DAL vs. NE
Note: Appears to be Weeden's top wideout target.
37.Marlon Brown BAL vs. Cle
38.Doug Baldwin SEA at Cin
39.Dorial Green-Beckham TEN vs. Buf
40.Danny Amendola NE at Dal
41.Tavon Austin STL at GB
42.Torrey Smith SF at NYG
43.John Brown ARZ at Det
44.Willie Snead NO at Phi
45.Darrius Heyward-Bey PIT at SD
46.Nelson Agholor PHI vs. NO
47.Roddy White ATL vs. Was
Note: Clearly third behind Hankerson now - just 13 targets over four games. ***Despite being behind Hankerson, this might be a sneaky decent week for White. Not only did he complain about his role, but both Jones and Hankerson are playing through injuries.***
48.Jamison Crowder WAS at Atl
49.Marvin Jones CIN vs. Sea
Note: Poor output - highlighted by a bad drop of what appeared to be an easy touchdown on a long pass.
50.Phillip Dorsett IND at Hou
51.Michael Floyd ARZ at Det
Note: Floyd was on the field for 52 of 74 snaps last week, his most active game yet this season.
52.Ty Montgomery GB vs. StL
53.*Kenny Britt STL at GB
Note: Only one target, no receptions after being the Rams top wideout the previous two weeks. ***Missed practice Friday with swelling in the knee, listed as probable.***
54.*Keith Mumphery HOU vs. Ind
Note: Could have a bigger role this week with Cecil Shorts out and Nate Washington nursing a hamstring injury.
55.Marques Colston NO at Phi
56.Brandon Coleman NO at Phi
57.*Eddie Royal CHI at KC
Note: (Ankle) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Did not practice all week, listed as questionable.***
58.Andre Johnson IND at Hou
Note: Targeted just twice in an overtime game against the Jaguars. Ignore the 'revenge game' angle on Thursday night.
59.Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Sea
60.Tyler Lockett SEA at Cin
61.Stedman Bailey STL at GB
62.Aaron Dobson NE at Dal
63.Louis Murphy TB vs. Jax
64.Robert Woods BUF at Ten
65.Andrew Hawkins CLE at Bal
66.Jermaine Kearse SEA at Cin
67.*Malcom Floyd SD vs. Pit
Note: Forced out of last week's game with a concussion. Full practice Thursday. ***Officially listed as questionable, but was able to practice all week. Might still have to receive official clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol.***
68.*Markus Wheaton PIT at SD
Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable for Monday night. He might get a few targets still if Martavis Bryant does not play.***
69.*Jaelen Strong HOU vs. Ind
Note: Could have a bigger role this week with Cecil Shorts out and Nate Washington nursing a hamstring injury.
70.Dwayne Bowe CLE at Bal
71.*Dontrelle Inman SD vs. Pit
Note: He's no Seyi Ajirotutu, but he's the latest unknown to have a decent game with Philip Rivers at the helm when the Chargers suffered a rash of receiver injuries. Good matchup if Floyd and Johnson are out this week.
72.Miles Austin PHI vs. NO
73.Riley Cooper PHI vs. NO
74.Marqise Lee JAC at TB
75.Chris Conley KC vs. Chi
76.*Brian Quick STL at GB
Note: Active but no targets against the Cards.
77.Dwayne Harris NYG vs. SF
78.*Josh Huff PHI vs. NO
79.*Martavis Bryant PIT at SD
Note: Returning from his four-game suspension this week, albeit with Vick at the helm. ***Might not be returning this week after all. The Steelers are playing games with his injury status - because they haven't yet added him to the active roster following his suspension, they don't have to disclose his injury status, but it's rumored that he injured his knee last week.***
80.*Sammy Watkins BUF at Ten
Note: (Calf) The Bills are hopeful that Watkins can return this week. We'll move him up once/if he starts practicing. Still not practicing as of Thursday. ***Officially listed as questionable, but he's not expected to play.***
81.*Steve Johnson SD vs. Pit
Note: Departed with a left hamstring injury last week.Did not practice Thursday. ***Officially out this week.***
82.*Alshon Jeffery CHI at KC
Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday, possible he could return this week, but we'll wait until after the Friday practice to move him up. ***Not expected to play once again this week.***
83.*Victor Cruz NYG vs. SF
Note: (Calf) Aiming for Week 6.
84.*Davante Adams GB vs. StL
Note: (Ankle) Still a week-to-week issue. The Packers haven't been very clear on details of the injury. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Listed as doubtful.***
85.*DeSean Jackson WAS at Atl
Note: (Hamstring) Expected to increase his level of practice activity this week. Limited practice Thursday. I'm still wary of the 'won't be rushed' talk. ***Ruled out this week again.***
86.*Nate Washington HOU vs. Ind
Note: (Hamstring) Non-participant in Tuesday's practice. Officially ruled out.
87.*Cody Latimer DEN at Oak
Note: Suffered a groin injury in the win over the Vikings, hasn't caught a pass this season. ***Officially ruled out.***
88.*Steve Smith BAL vs. Cle
Note: (Back) Out this week, on a week-to-week basis. ***Officially listed as doubtful.***
89.*Cecil Shorts HOU vs. Ind
Note: Out with a shoulder injury.

Tight Ends

1.Rob Gronkowski NE at Dal
2.Travis Kelce KC vs. Chi
3.Martellus Bennett CHI at KC
4.Jason Witten DAL vs. NE
5.Tyler Eifert CIN vs. Sea
6.Richard Rodgers GB vs. StL
7.Owen Daniels DEN at Oak
Note: Auto-start against the Raiders, who have allowed six tight end touchdowns now.
8.Jimmy Graham SEA at Cin
9.*Antonio Gates SD vs. Pit
Note: Returns from his four-game suspension this week, just in time with the Chargers dealing with multiple wide receiver injuries.
10.Gary Barnidge CLE at Bal
Note: It's not just a Raiders thing - six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. The opportunity is there in Cleveland.
11.Zach Ertz PHI vs. NO
12.*Charles Clay BUF at Ten
Note: (Calf) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
13.Delanie Walker TEN vs. Buf
14.Heath Miller PIT at SD
15.Tim Wright DET vs. Ari
16.Maxx Williams BAL vs. Cle
17.Larry Donnell NYG vs. SF
18.*Julius Thomas JAC at TB
Note: ***(Hand) Returning to action this week.***
19.Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Den
20.Jared Cook STL at GB
21.*Jermaine Gresham ARZ at Det
Note: ***Perhaps more targets this week with Fells questionable.***
22.Coby Fleener IND at Hou
23.*Derek Carrier WAS at Atl
Note: Jordan Reed's backup, likely to start this week.
24.Virgil Green DEN at Oak
25.Gavin Escobar DAL vs. NE
26.Ben Watson NO at Phi
27.*Ladarius Green SD vs. Pit
Note: Recovered quicker than expected from his concussion, but Gates comes back this week.
28.Scott Chandler NE at Dal
29.*Dwayne Allen IND at Hou
Note: (Ankle) Full participant in practice on Tuesday. Listed as probable for Thursday night.
30.Brent Celek PHI vs. NO
31.*Jacob Tamme ATL vs. Was
Note: Sat out last week due to a concussion. ***Listed as probable.***
32.*Marcedes Lewis JAC at TB
Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday.
33.Garrett Graham HOU vs. Ind
34.Lance Kendricks STL at GB
35.Josh Hill NO at Phi
36.*Darren Fells ARZ at Det
Note: (Hip) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Listed as questionable.***
37.*Vernon Davis SF at NYG
Note: (Knee) Inactive last week. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Inactive again this week.***
38.*Crockett Gillmore BAL vs. Cle
Note: (Calf) Status for Week 5 uncertain. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out for this week.***
39.*Eric Ebron DET vs. Ari
Note: Injured his knee Monday night, MRI revealed no structural damage - no timetable yet for his return. Out up to three weeks.
40.*Jordan Reed WAS at Atl
Note: Suffered another concussion Sunday - at least the fourth of his career. Still in the concussion protocol and hasn't practiced this week yet. ***Officially out this week.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Le'Veon Bell PIT at SD
2.*Julio Jones ATL vs. Was
Note: (Toe) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Felt his hamstring tighten later in the week. He's still expected to play, but there's now a bigger threat of him sitting out plays, especially if Atlanta can jump out to a lead.***
3.Jamaal Charles KC vs. Chi
4.Rob Gronkowski NE at Dal
5.Odell Beckham NYG vs. SF
6.DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Ind
7.*Demaryius Thomas DEN at Oak
Note: Briefly left with a neck injury that looked awfully close to a concussion-type of injury, but later returned. Still, watch his practice status closely this week. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Practiced Thursday and Friday, listed as probable.***
8.Antonio Brown PIT at SD
9.Randall Cobb GB vs. StL
10.Keenan Allen SD vs. Pit
11.Jeremy Maclin KC vs. Chi
12.Julian Edelman NE at Dal
13.Eddie Lacy GB vs. StL
14.Matt Forte CHI at KC
15.Devonta Freeman ATL vs. Was
16.Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Oak
17.Calvin Johnson DET vs. Ari
18.Mike Evans TB vs. Jax
Note: Put last week's low output aside - that was a Josh Norman issue, one I should have seen coming. It gets better from here on out.
19.T.Y. Hilton IND at Hou
20.Mark Ingram NO at Phi
21.Todd Gurley STL at GB
22.*Arian Foster HOU vs. Ind
Note: (Groin) Would have been limited Monday had Houston practiced, but he emerged from last week's game without any aggravation of his injury. Should have a better setup against the Colts on Thursday night.Listed as probable.
23.Dion Lewis NE at Dal
Note: Signed a two-year contract extension with the Pats on Thursday - that seems to be a good indicator that they at least believe he is for real.
24.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Det
25.Jordan Matthews PHI vs. NO
26.Kendall Wright TEN vs. Buf
27.Vincent Jackson TB vs. Jax
28.Donte Moncrief IND at Hou
29.A.J. Green CIN vs. Sea
30.Golden Tate DET vs. Ari
31.Allen Robinson JAC at TB
32.Travis Kelce KC vs. Chi
33.T.J. Yeldon JAC at TB
34.Melvin Gordon SD vs. Pit
35.Justin Forsett BAL vs. Cle
36.*Latavius Murray OAK vs. Den
Note: Murray had a brutal game against the Bears - a dropped pass turned into an interception, and then a fumble that led to the Bears' go-ahead score. (Shoulder) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
37.Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Sea
Note: I'm going Bernard over Hill this week because I think it'll be very difficult to run inside against the Seahawks, and Bernard could get a lot of targets in the passing game.
38.Rashad Jennings NYG vs. SF
39.Martellus Bennett CHI at KC
40.Jason Witten DAL vs. NE
41.Anquan Boldin SF at NYG
42.*Eddie Royal CHI at KC
Note: (Ankle) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Did not practice all week, listed as questionable.***
43.Amari Cooper OAK vs. Den
44.*Pierre Garcon WAS at Atl
Note: Dealing with a 'mild' knee sprain, probably suffered when he got crunched while catching the game-winning touchdown. Full practice Thursday.
45.Travis Benjamin CLE at Bal
46.*James Jones GB vs. StL
Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
47.*Leonard Hankerson ATL vs. Was
Note: (Thumb) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
48.Percy Harvin BUF at Ten
49.*Allen Hurns JAC at TB
Note: (Thigh) Returned to practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
50.*Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Sea
Note: (Knee) Limited at practice on Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.***
51.*Frank Gore IND at Hou
Note: (Foot) Missed practice Monday but returned on Tuesday. Listed as probable.
52.*Joseph Randle DAL vs. NE
Note: Benched in the fourth quarter for his near fumble that ultimately was ruled a touchdown and has been very limited in his second half carries.
53.Chris Johnson ARZ at Det
54.Tyler Eifert CIN vs. Sea
55.Richard Rodgers GB vs. StL
56.Owen Daniels DEN at Oak
Note: Auto-start against the Raiders, who have allowed six tight end touchdowns now.
57.Rueben Randle NYG vs. SF
58.*Ronnie Hillman DEN at Oak
Note: Hillman has 'earned the right to get more carries' according to coach Gary Kubiak, though C.J. Anderson will continue to start.
59.Charles Sims TB vs. Jax
60.*Duke Johnson CLE at Bal
Note: Johnson not only had a whopping 10 targets, he also got a goal line carry, falling just short, with Cleveland throwing to Barnidge for the TD on the next play. It could be a harbinger of future goal line carries. (Ankle) Full practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.***
61.Darren Sproles PHI vs. NO
62.Theo Riddick DET vs. Ari
63.C.J. Spiller NO at Phi
Note: Spiller was having a quiet day (two carries, 10 yards; four receptions for 19 yards) before hitting on his big 80-yard touchdown in overtime on a play where the Cowboys were scrambling before the snap. But that also illustrates the point that he's capable of hitting on such a play, and should be used more frequently.
64.*Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Den
Note: Briefly left with an ankle injury before returning. Returned to practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
65.Ameer Abdullah DET vs. Ari
66.Terrance Williams DAL vs. NE
67.Kamar Aiken BAL vs. Cle
68.*Brandin Cooks NO at Phi
Note: Is it possible that the ankle injury is bothering him more than the Saints are letting on? Limited Wednesday, full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
69.Cole Beasley DAL vs. NE
Note: Appears to be Weeden's top wideout target.
70.Marlon Brown BAL vs. Cle
71.Danny Woodhead SD vs. Pit
72.LeGarrette Blount NE at Dal
73.DeMarco Murray PHI vs. NO
74.Doug Martin TB vs. Jax
75.Thomas Rawls SEA at Cin
Note: Rawls was rather pedestrian against the Lions in a much tougher matchup than the previous week. ***Lynch is out again this week, but it looks like Fred Jackson could play.***
76.*C.J. Anderson DEN at Oak
Note: Anderson will remain the starter, but Ronnie Hillman will probably cut deeper into his carries.
77.Shane Vereen NYG vs. SF
78.Chris Thompson WAS at Atl
Note: Thompson ripped off one big run, and while it would be silly to completely write that off, he had just nine yards on his other five carries. He's still more of a third-down back.
79.Carlos Hyde SF at NYG
80.Jimmy Graham SEA at Cin
81.*Antonio Gates SD vs. Pit
Note: Returns from his four-game suspension this week, just in time with the Chargers dealing with multiple wide receiver injuries.
82.Gary Barnidge CLE at Bal
Note: It's not just a Raiders thing - six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. The opportunity is there in Cleveland.
83.*David Johnson ARZ at Det
Note: On one hand, he had another big play with a touchdown reception, but he also had two costly mistakes. With Andre Ellington returning potentially this week, Johnson's window could be narrowing.
84.*Andre Ellington ARZ at Det
Note: (Knee) Was almost healthy enough to play last week, and should return this week against the Bears. Limited at Wednesday's practice. Friday's practice will be critical. ***Listed as probable after full practices Thursday and Friday.***
85.Doug Baldwin SEA at Cin
86.Dorial Green-Beckham TEN vs. Buf
87.Danny Amendola NE at Dal
88.Tavon Austin STL at GB
89.Torrey Smith SF at NYG
90.John Brown ARZ at Det
91.Willie Snead NO at Phi
92.Zach Ertz PHI vs. NO
93.*Charles Clay BUF at Ten
Note: (Calf) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Listed as probable.***
94.Alfred Morris WAS at Atl
95.*Darren McFadden DAL vs. NE
Note: ***With Lance Dunbar out, it's been suggested that McFadden will take over his role as the top receiving back.***
96.Ryan Mathews PHI vs. NO
97.Isaiah Crowell CLE at Bal
98.*Anthony Dixon BUF at Ten
Note: Dixon was targeted thrice in the loss to the Giants. He might end up starting this week with both Karlos Williams and Shady McCoy hurting. Looking more likely that Dixon will start. ***Might lose carries to Boom Herron.***
99.Antonio Andrews TEN vs. Buf
100.Matt Jones WAS at Atl
101.Darrius Heyward-Bey PIT at SD
102.Nelson Agholor PHI vs. NO
103.*Kenny Britt STL at GB
Note: Only one target, no receptions after being the Rams top wideout the previous two weeks. ***Missed practice Friday with swelling in the knee, listed as probable.***
104.Jamison Crowder WAS at Atl
105.*Keith Mumphery HOU vs. Ind
Note: Could have a bigger role this week with Cecil Shorts out and Nate Washington nursing a hamstring injury.
106.Marvin Jones CIN vs. Sea
Note: Poor output - highlighted by a bad drop of what appeared to be an easy touchdown on a long pass.
107.*Marquess Wilson CHI at KC
Note: ***Jeffery unlikely to play, and Royal is questionable. Somebody has to catch the passes this week for the Bears.***
108.Phillip Dorsett IND at Hou
109.*Martavis Bryant PIT at SD
Note: Returning from his four-game suspension this week, albeit with Vick at the helm. ***Might not be returning this week after all. The Steelers are playing games with his injury status - because they haven't yet added him to the active roster following his suspension, they don't have to disclose his injury status, but it's rumored that he injured his knee last week.***
110.Michael Floyd ARZ at Det
Note: Floyd was on the field for 52 of 74 snaps last week, his most active game yet this season.

Kickers

1.Stephen Gostkowski NE at Dal
2.Justin Tucker BAL vs. Cle
3.Mason Crosby GB vs. StL
4.Brandon McManus DEN at Oak
5.Matt Bryant ATL vs. Was
6.Josh Brown NYG vs. SF
7.Adam Vinatieri IND at Hou
8.Josh Lambo SD vs. Pit
Note: Bailed out by the Browns jumping offside on his first attempt at the game-winner.
9.Cairo Santos KC vs. Chi
Note: Santos's fantasy owners applaud Andy Reid's game theory skills.
10.Steven Hauschka SEA at Cin
11.Dan Bailey DAL vs. NE
12.Robbie Gould CHI at KC
13.Chandler Catanzaro ARZ at Det
14.Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Den
15.Travis Coons CLE at Bal
16.Caleb Sturgis PHI vs. NO
Note: Likely dealing with a short least after missing a short field goal and an extra point against the Redskins.
17.Mike Nugent CIN vs. Sea
18.Nick Novak HOU vs. Ind
19.*Connor Barth TB vs. Jax
Note: Replaces Kyle Brindza on the Bucs.
20.Greg Zuerlein STL at GB
21.Chris Boswell PIT at SD
22.Jason Myers JAC at TB
23.Dustin Hopkins WAS at Atl
24.Zach Hocker NO at Phi
Note: A bad miss on Sunday night led to all sorts of gambling chaos in OT.
25.*Dan Carpenter BUF at Ten
Note: (Knee) Missed a mid-range field goal in the loss to the Giants. The Bills signed Billy Cundiff this week, but Carpenter remains on the roster. ***It appears that Carpenter will do field goals, Cundiff kickoffs.***
26.Phil Dawson SF at NYG
27.Ryan Succop TEN vs. Buf
28.Matt Prater DET vs. Ari
29.*Billy Cundiff BUF at Ten
Note: ***Right now will just do kickoffs, but if Carpenter misses, Cundiff could get a chance for field goals.***

Defenses

1.Denver Broncos at Oak
2.Green Bay Packers vs. StL
3.Arizona Cardinals at Det
4.Cincinnati Bengals vs. Sea
5.New York Giants vs. SF
6.Houston Texans vs. Ind
7.Seattle Seahawks at Cin
8.Atlanta Falcons vs. Was
9.Philadelphia Eagles vs. NO
10.New England Patriots at Dal
11.Detroit Lions vs. Ari
12.*Buffalo Bills at Ten
Note: Bacarri Rambo likely out with a thigh injury.
13.Baltimore Ravens vs. Cle
14.*Indianapolis Colts at Hou
Note: Greg Toler (neck) could return Thursday night. Meanwhile, Vontae Davis missed Monday's walkthrough with an undisclosed injury.
15.*Jacksonville Jaguars at TB
Note: Paul Posluszny left last week's game with a high ankle sprain.
16.Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chi
17.*Cleveland Browns at Bal
Note: Joe Haden missed last week's game despite being listed as probable - with two injuries, a rib injury and a broken finger.
18.Tennessee Titans vs. Buf
19.Oakland Raiders vs. Den
20.San Diego Chargers vs. Pit
Note: Quietly has been one of the worst defenses around so far.
21.New Orleans Saints at Phi
22.*St. Louis Rams at GB
Note: Alec Ogletree out with a broken fibula - out at least eight weeks.
23.Chicago Bears at KC
24.*Dallas Cowboys vs. NE
Note: Sean Lee suffered a concussion Sunday night, but 'expected to play,' according to owner/spokesperson Jerry Jones. The Cowboys get back both Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain from suspension.
25.Washington Redskins at Atl
26.Pittsburgh Steelers at SD
27.San Francisco 49ers at NYG
28.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jax
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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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