This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday Update complete
BYE WEEKS: Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans, Washington
Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) 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.***
**** PLEASE READ: (On a quick aside - our research shows that even though PPR leagues are becoming more popular, standard scoring leagues still outpace them, and moreover there are more 1/2pt PPR leagues coming into play as leagues adjust to the higher passing environment in the NFL. Beyond that, it makes more sense to create PPR rankings for the Flex position, and extrapolate those across the individual positions than it does in reverse. You may choose to disagree, but my stance here is pretty inflexible.)****
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 5:00 pm PT. ***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
Sunday Update complete
BYE WEEKS: Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans, Washington
Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) 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.***
**** PLEASE READ: (On a quick aside - our research shows that even though PPR leagues are becoming more popular, standard scoring leagues still outpace them, and moreover there are more 1/2pt PPR leagues coming into play as leagues adjust to the higher passing environment in the NFL. Beyond that, it makes more sense to create PPR rankings for the Flex position, and extrapolate those across the individual positions than it does in reverse. You may choose to disagree, but my stance here is pretty inflexible.)****
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 5:00 pm PT. ***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. If there is no such note, that means it's my first pass at the rankings for this current week.
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?". And then refer to the rankings again before asking a generic starting decision question. If you really desire a response to a starting question that doesn't have added complexity, please use our Ask An Expert service - it comes with your subscription. My response will correspond with the rankings.
Quarterback
| 1. | Tom Brady NE at TB |
| 2. | Aaron Rodgers GB at Dal |
| 3. | Jameis Winston TB vs. NE |
| 4. | Dak Prescott DAL vs. GB |
| 5. | Eli Manning NYG vs. LAC |
| 6. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. Jax |
| 7. | Russell Wilson SEA at LAR |
| 8. | *Cam Newton CAR at Det Note: After looking great against the surprisingly bad Patriots' defense, how will he play against the surprisingly good Lions defense? (Shoulder) Limited in Wednesday's practice. Expect this to be an evergreen comment. ***Removed from the injury list on Friday.*** |
| 9. | Philip Rivers LAC at NYG Note: Rivers has thrown at least 30 passes in every game so far. |
| 10. | Deshaun Watson HOU vs. KC |
| 11. | Carson Wentz PHI vs. Ari Note: Wentz has thrown it less frequently the last two games with the running game heating up. |
| 12. | Alex Smith KC at Hou |
| 13. | Jacoby Brissett IND vs. SF |
| 14. | Carson Palmer ARZ at Phi Note: Palmer's OL is going to get him crushed at some point this season. He endured six more sacks by the 49ers on Sunday. |
| 15. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Buf |
| 16. | Jared Goff LA vs. Sea Note: Goff hasn't had a bad game yet, but this will be a tougher test. |
| 17. | *Josh McCown NYJ at Cle Note: Added to the injury report Wednesday with a sore shoulder, but was a full participant in practice. |
| 18. | Matthew Stafford DET vs. Car |
| 19. | DeShone Kizer CLE vs. NYJ Note: Kizer is in no immediate danger of losing the starting job despite frequent lackluster performances. |
| 20. | *Jay Cutler MIA vs. Ten Note: Coach Adam Gase shot down the notion of benching Cutler for Matt Moore after a second consecutive stinker of a performance. If the Saints' pass defense can't save him, can the Titans? |
| 21. | Tyrod Taylor BUF at Cin |
| 22. | *Brian Hoyer SF at Ind Note: Needed a dreaded vote of confidence from coach Kyle Shanahan to keep his job of rookie C.J. Beathard. |
| 23. | *EJ Manuel OAK vs. Bal Note: Starting in place of the injured Derek Carr. Connor Cook will be the backup. |
| 24. | Joe Flacco BAL at Oak |
| 25. | *Case Keenum MIN at Chi Note: ***Bradford is a 'true game-time decision' for Monday night.*** |
| 26. | *Matt Cassel TEN at Mia Note: The likely starter in place of Marcus Mariota this week. |
| 27. | Blake Bortles JAC at Pit |
| 28. | *Mitchell Trubisky CHI vs. Min Note: Named the starter for Monday night's game against the Vikings. |
| 29. | *Marcus Mariota TEN at Mia Note: Left with an injured hamstring, officially day-to-day. That the Titans signed Brandon Weeden indicates that Mariota probably won't be ready to go, and it indicates how low teams will go to avoid signing Colin Kaepernick. Very limited on Wednesday, still limited Thursday but did more. ***Officially questionable and a game-time decision, but he's not expected to play.*** |
| 30. | *Sam Bradford MIN at Chi Note: (Knee) Remains day-to-day - playing Monday night against the Bears is possible. Will practice 'in some capacity' Thursday. ***Expected to be a 'true' game-time decision Monday night. That means you can only start him if you also own Keenum or Trubisky and have the ability to slot them in there. If it were certain that Bradford was playing, I'd put him at 19, ahead of Kizer.*** |
| 31. | *Derek Carr OAK vs. Bal Note: Has a fracture in his back and will be out 2-to-6 weeks. EJ Manuel will start in his place. ***Limited practices this week has opened the door to him possibly playing, yet he's still not expected to go.*** |
| 32. | *Andrew Luck IND vs. SF Note: (Shoulder) Expected to 'work his way' into practice this week, as part of a slow progression. Practiced Wednesday, but taking Thursday off and is still 'a few weeks away' from playing. ***Unlikely to play at all in October.*** |
| 33. | *Mike Glennon CHI vs. Min Note: Benched in favor of Mitchell Trubisky in the wake of his latest disaster start. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. Jax |
| 2. | Kareem Hunt KC at Hou |
| 3. | Todd Gurley LA vs. Sea |
| 4. | Melvin Gordon LAC at NYG |
| 5. | *Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. GB Note: A decision on the NFL's appeal of his preliminary injunction could come as early as during the Cowboys' Week 6 bye week. Nursing a chest injury, but the Cowboys seemed dismissive of it. Also, he could be without LT Tyron Smith (back). ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 6. | LeSean McCoy BUF at Cin |
| 7. | *Leonard Fournette JAC at Pit Note: (Ankle) Limited at Wednesday's practice, full practice Thursday. |
| 8. | *Jay Ajayi MIA vs. Ten Note: (Knee) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. Got a 'customary day off' Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 9. | *Carlos Hyde SF at Ind Note: Dealt with hip pain in the loss to the Cardinals. He has a good matchup this week against the Colts, but only if he's fully functional. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
| 10. | DeMarco Murray TEN at Mia |
| 11. | *Ameer Abdullah DET vs. Car Note: Sustained a minor ankle injury in the win over the Vikes. Limited practice Wednesday, full practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list on Friday.*** |
| 12. | Lamar Miller HOU vs. KC |
| 13. | *LeGarrette Blount PHI vs. Ari Note: Bumped up with Smallwood not practicing. |
| 14. | Jordan Howard CHI vs. Min |
| 15. | Mike Gillislee NE at TB |
| 16. | Bilal Powell NYJ at Cle |
| 17. | Marshawn Lynch OAK vs. Bal Note: Another bad game against the Raiders, but he should be used more against the Ravens. |
| 18. | Christian McCaffrey CAR at Det |
| 19. | Duke Johnson CLE vs. NYJ |
| 20. | *Aaron Jones GB at Dal Note: I'm operating under the assumption that both Montgomery and Williams won't be able to play, but obviously Jones would move down considerably if they do play. Montgomery had a limited practice Thursday, Williams looks as if he'll play. ***Jones has been taking the first-team snaps in practice, not Williams.*** |
| 21. | Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. NYJ |
| 22. | *Latavius Murray MIN at Chi Note: Even though Cook is out for the season, it's not a guarantee that Murray is really ready to handle a full workload - he admitted that his ankle still bothered him against the Lions. The Vikings hedged against Murray's health by signing Stevan Ridley. ***Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur expressed confidence that Murray could be a 'high-volume runner.'*** |
| 23. | *Doug Martin TB vs. NE Note: Returns from his suspension this week - though his projected usage is obviously cloudy. |
| 24. | Joe Mixon CIN vs. Buf |
| 25. | *James White NE at TB Note: Should get more targets in the passing game with Gronk out. |
| 26. | *Eddie Lacy SEA at LAR Note: Splitting the workload Thomas Rawls, according to Pete Carroll. ***Going to be 'treated as the starter' this week, for what that's worth.*** |
| 27. | *Wayne Gallman NYG vs. LAC Note: Could receive a big bump in playing time in response to his performance last week, in addition to Paul Perkins' rib injury. ***Perkins has been ruled out.*** |
| 28. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR at Det Note: Got a 'veteran rest day' Thursday. |
| 29. | Andre Ellington ARZ at Phi Note: Had a whopping 14 targets last week. |
| 30. | Alex Collins BAL at Oak Note: Collins had nine carries for 82 yards last week, but also lost a fumble. |
| 31. | Jacquizz Rodgers TB vs. NE |
| 32. | Tarik Cohen CHI vs. Min |
| 33. | Frank Gore IND vs. SF |
| 34. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Buf |
| 35. | Derrick Henry TEN at Mia |
| 36. | *Corey Clement PHI vs. Ari Note: Bumped up with Smallwood not practicing. |
| 37. | Javorius Allen BAL at Oak |
| 38. | *Jerick McKinnon MIN at Chi Note: McKinnon hurt his ankle in the loss to the Lions, further muddying the picture for the Vikings. Full practice Thursday. |
| 39. | Chris Johnson ARZ at Phi |
| 40. | Mike Tolbert BUF at Cin |
| 41. | Theo Riddick DET vs. Car |
| 42. | Jalen Richard OAK vs. Bal |
| 43. | Elijah McGuire NYJ at Cle |
| 44. | D'Onta Foreman HOU vs. KC |
| 45. | *Jamaal Williams GB at Dal Note: Suffered a knee injury Thursday night. An MRI revealed no ligament damage. He said he *may* play, but until he practices I'm leaving him towards the bottom of my rankings. Full practice Wednesday. ***It appears that Williams will play, but it's Aaron Jones that has been getting the first-team snaps.*** |
| 46. | *J.D. McKissic SEA at LAR Note: ***Will take over the receiving back duties again this week, with Prosise out.*** |
| 47. | Shane Vereen NYG vs. LAC |
| 48. | *Thomas Rawls SEA at LAR Note: Healthy scratch behind Eddie Lacy last week. With Carson out for the season, Rawls could crawl back into relevance, but it's hard to park him on your reserve roster while waiting during bye weeks. Expected to split carries with Eddie Lacy, according to Pete Carroll. |
| 49. | Jeremy Hill CIN vs. Buf |
| 50. | Charcandrick West KC at Hou |
| 51. | Robert Turbin IND vs. SF Note: Stole the goal line carries from Frank Gore last week. |
| 52. | *Matt Breida SF at Ind Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 53. | Terrance West BAL at Oak |
| 54. | Chris Ivory JAC at Pit |
| 55. | *DeAndre Washington OAK vs. Bal Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 56. | Dion Lewis NE at TB |
| 57. | *Austin Ekeler LAC at NYG Note: A deep pull, but after his big run this week, coach Anthony Lynn suggested that they wanted to use him more. That probably comes at the expense of Branden Oliver. ***Oliver ruled out with a hamstring this week.*** |
| 58. | *Kenyan Drake MIA vs. Ten Note: ***Coach Adam Gase said that he hopes Drake can take over the backup duties behind Ajayi.*** |
| 59. | *Stevan Ridley MIN at Chi Note: Signed by the Vikings to be their third RB. |
| 60. | Charles Sims TB vs. NE |
| 61. | Zach Zenner DET vs. Car |
| 62. | Alfred Morris DAL vs. GB |
| 63. | Devante Mays GB at Dal |
| 64. | James Conner PIT vs. Jax |
| 65. | Benny Cunningham CHI vs. Min |
| 66. | Corey Grant JAC at Pit |
| 67. | Damien Williams MIA vs. Ten |
| 68. | *Marlon Mack IND vs. SF Note: (Shoulder) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. |
| 69. | *Orleans Darkwa NYG vs. LAC Note: (Back) Limited at Wednesday's practice. |
| 70. | *Ty Montgomery GB at Dal Note: Suffered multiple broken ribs Thursday night. His status for Sunday's game hasn't yet officially been determined, but for now I'm keeping him at the bottom, assuming that he won't play. Practiced Wednesday and appeared not to have a setback, but then didn't practice Thursday after coach Mike McCarthy previously said that he would - late reports suggest that he was at the part of practice not open to the media. ***Officially listed as doubtful.*** |
| 71. | *Wendell Smallwood PHI vs. Ari Note: Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury. ***Sat out Friday's practice as well, not expected to play.*** |
| 72. | *Paul Perkins NYG vs. LAC Note: Injured his ribs in the loss to the Bucs, which in turn gave Wayne Gallman an opportunity that he might not give back to Perkins. Limited practice Wednesday, did not practice Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
| 73. | *C.J. Prosise SEA at LAR Note: Prosise (ankle) is expected to return this week, but the performance of McKissic might encourage the Seahawks to take their time with him. Held out practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out after all.*** |
| 74. | *Matt Forte NYJ at Cle Note: (Toe) Did not practice Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 75. | *Rex Burkhead NE at TB Note: (Ribs) Listed as limited on the Monday practice report. Out again this week. |
| 76. | *Chris Carson SEA at LAR Note: Suffered a broken leg just below the knee along with a high ankle sprain and has been placed on IR, having already had surgery. |
| 77. | *Dalvin Cook MIN at Chi Note: Torn ACL, out for the season. |
| 78. | *Tyler Ervin HOU vs. KC Note: Torn patellar tendon, out for the season. |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. Jax |
| 2. | Mike Evans TB vs. NE |
| 3. | Jordy Nelson GB at Dal |
| 4. | *Odell Beckham NYG vs. LAC Note: Injured his finger and is still dealing with some ankle soreness. Limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list Friday.*** |
| 5. | Dez Bryant DAL vs. GB |
| 6. | *Brandin Cooks NE at TB Note: Moved up a couple of spots with Gronk out. |
| 7. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Buf |
| 8. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. KC |
| 9. | Stefon Diggs MIN at Chi |
| 10. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. SF |
| 11. | DeVante Parker MIA vs. Ten |
| 12. | Tyreek Hill KC at Hou |
| 13. | Keenan Allen LAC at NYG |
| 14. | Chris Hogan NE at TB |
| 15. | Golden Tate DET vs. Car |
| 16. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Phi |
| 17. | *Sammy Watkins LA vs. Sea Note: (Illness) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 18. | Randall Cobb GB at Dal |
| 19. | DeSean Jackson TB vs. NE |
| 20. | Pierre Garcon SF at Ind |
| 21. | *Martavis Bryant PIT vs. Jax Note: ***Late addition to the injury report this week with an illness, but will play.*** |
| 22. | Jaron Brown ARZ at Phi |
| 23. | Alshon Jeffery PHI vs. Ari |
| 24. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. Ten |
| 25. | *Doug Baldwin SEA at LAR Note: (Groin) Was active last week, but only had four targets. He figures to be more active in a road division game this week against the Rams. Did not practice Wednesday. |
| 26. | *Davante Adams GB at Dal Note: Somehow might still be able to suit up, despite his horrific concussion on Thursday night. Until he practices, however, I'm going to keep him at the bottom of the rankings. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Has cleared the concussion protocol, traveled with the team and satisfied the concerns of the NFLPA's specialist - it appears that he'll play.*** |
| 27. | Devin Funchess CAR at Det |
| 28. | *Tyrell Williams LAC at NYG Note: ***Added to the injury report with a sore neck. I'm warming up to him this week, with Allen likely to draw the attention of Jenkins.*** |
| 29. | *Kelvin Benjamin CAR at Det Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
| 30. | Danny Amendola NE at TB |
| 31. | *Amari Cooper OAK vs. Bal Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 32. | *Allen Hurns JAC at Pit Note: Bumped up a couple of spots with Lee hurting. |
| 33. | Rishard Matthews TEN at Mia |
| 34. | Adam Thielen MIN at Chi |
| 35. | Jermaine Kearse NYJ at Cle |
| 36. | Paul Richardson SEA at LAR |
| 37. | Donte Moncrief IND vs. SF |
| 38. | Will Fuller HOU vs. KC |
| 39. | *Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Bal Note: (Chest) Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 40. | Cooper Kupp LA vs. Sea |
| 41. | Sterling Shepard NYG vs. LAC |
| 42. | *Jeremy Maclin BAL at Oak Note: ***(Hand) Listed as questionable on the injury list, but expected to play.*** |
| 43. | Adam Humphries TB vs. NE |
| 44. | *Brandon Marshall NYG vs. LAC Note: (Toe) Limited practice Wednesday, full practice Thursday. |
| 45. | Marvin Jones DET vs. Car |
| 46. | Kendall Wright CHI vs. Min |
| 47. | Torrey Smith PHI vs. Ari |
| 48. | Kenny Stills MIA vs. Ten |
| 49. | Cole Beasley DAL vs. GB |
| 50. | Zay Jones BUF at Cin |
| 51. | Andre Holmes BUF at Cin |
| 52. | *J.J. Nelson ARZ at Phi Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.*** |
| 53. | Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Ari |
| 54. | Mike Wallace BAL at Oak |
| 55. | *Marqise Lee JAC at Pit Note: After getting 19 targets the previous two weeks, Lee was limited to only three against the Jets. That should normalize, but it's hard to put much faith in any Jaguars receiver right now. (Ribs) Sat out Wednesday and Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, but expected to play.*** |
| 56. | Eric Decker TEN at Mia |
| 57. | Tyler Lockett SEA at LAR |
| 58. | Albert Wilson KC at Hou |
| 59. | Travis Benjamin LAC at NYG |
| 60. | Seth Roberts OAK vs. Bal |
| 61. | *Geronimo Allison GB at Dal Note: ***It now appears that Davante Adams will play, which obviously hurts Allison.*** |
| 62. | Robert Woods LA vs. Sea |
| 63. | Deonte Thompson CHI vs. Min |
| 64. | *Brandon LaFell CIN vs. Buf Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday. |
| 65. | *John Brown ARZ at Phi Note: (Quad) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable, expected to play.*** |
| 66. | Aldrick Robinson SF at Ind |
| 67. | TJ Jones DET vs. Car |
| 68. | *Robby Anderson NYJ at Cle Note: Absent from practice Wednesday and Thursday, for non-injury reasons. |
| 69. | Tavon Austin LA vs. Sea |
| 70. | Trent Taylor SF at Ind |
| 71. | Brice Butler DAL vs. GB Note: Somebody get this man more targets! |
| 72. | Bruce Ellington HOU vs. KC |
| 73. | Rashard Higgins CLE vs. NYJ |
| 74. | Breshad Perriman BAL at Oak |
| 75. | *Michael Floyd MIN at Chi Note: Reinstated from his four-game suspension. |
| 76. | Chris Conley KC at Hou |
| 77. | Terrance Williams DAL vs. GB |
| 78. | *Curtis Samuel CAR at Det |
| 79. | *Mike Williams LAC at NYG Note: (Back) Will practice in pads this week, but will also have limited contact. Unlikely to return until Week 6 at the earliest. |
| 80. | *Markus Wheaton CHI vs. Min |
| 81. | *Marquise Goodwin SF at Ind Note: In the concussion protocol following the Week 4 loss to the Cardinals. Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 82. | *Kenny Britt CLE vs. NYJ Note: Had a drop that turned into an interception against the Bengals. Coach Hue Jackson is openly slagging him, saying he would be benched or cut if everyone were healthy. Missed practice Wednesday with knee and groin injuries. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
| 83. | *Kenny Golladay DET vs. Car Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 84. | *John Ross CIN vs. Buf Note: (Knee) Did not practice Thursday. |
| 85. | *Corey Davis TEN at Mia Note: (Hamstring) Already ruled out for Week 5. |
| 86. | *Jordan Matthews BUF at Cin Note: Out for at least a month with a thumb injury. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Travis Kelce KC at Hou |
| 2. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. Ari |
| 3. | Charles Clay BUF at Cin |
| 4. | Austin Seferian-Jenkins NYJ at Cle Note: Draws the Browns this week, who couldn't cover Tyler Kroft. |
| 5. | *Evan Engram NYG vs. LAC Note: Tied for second in targets among TE's. |
| 6. | Delanie Walker TEN at Mia |
| 7. | Jimmy Graham SEA at LAR Note: Quietly had an awful game against the Colts - one drop led to an interception, and another occurred when it appeared that he didn't fight that hard for the ball against the defender. (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday. |
| 8. | Jason Witten DAL vs. GB |
| 9. | Kyle Rudolph MIN at Chi |
| 10. | Hunter Henry LAC at NYG Note: Caught a touchdown against the Eagles last week, but only had three targets. The Giants have given up a touchdown to a tight end in each week so far this season, however. |
| 11. | Jared Cook OAK vs. Bal |
| 12. | *Ben Watson BAL at Oak Note: (Calf) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 13. | Martellus Bennett GB at Dal Note: Does he care about Revenge Games? |
| 14. | Ed Dickson CAR at Det |
| 15. | Cameron Brate TB vs. NE |
| 16. | Eric Ebron DET vs. Car |
| 17. | *Tyler Kroft CIN vs. Buf Note: (Knee/Neck) Full practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
| 18. | *Jesse James PIT vs. Jax Note: (Shoulder) Full practice Thursday. |
| 19. | *Dwayne Allen NE at TB Note: In for only nine snaps last week. Should get more reps with Gronk out - will that translate into the targets that he hasn't gotten yet? They might just go to Jacob Hollister. |
| 20. | Seth DeValve CLE vs. NYJ |
| 21. | Antonio Gates LAC at NYG |
| 22. | Ryan Griffin HOU vs. KC |
| 23. | Zach Miller CHI vs. Min |
| 24. | Marcedes Lewis JAC at Pit Note: Went from three touchdowns back to zero catches - he's the ultimate binary player. |
| 25. | David Njoku CLE vs. NYJ |
| 26. | Julius Thomas MIA vs. Ten |
| 27. | Jermaine Gresham ARZ at Phi |
| 28. | Nick Boyle BAL at Oak |
| 29. | *Jacob Hollister NE at TB Note: A deep pull for those of you in two-TE leagues. Both of you. |
| 30. | Gerald Everett LA vs. Sea |
| 31. | O.J. Howard TB vs. NE |
| 32. | *Jack Doyle IND vs. SF Note: Has entered the concussion protocol. Wearing a no-contact jersey in practice. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
| 33. | *Rob Gronkowski NE at TB Note: Thigh contusion, not expected to play. |
| 34. | *Tyler Eifert CIN vs. Buf Note: (Back) Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Inactive again this week.*** |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. Jax |
| 2. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. Jax |
| 3. | Kareem Hunt KC at Hou |
| 4. | Mike Evans TB vs. NE |
| 5. | Jordy Nelson GB at Dal |
| 6. | *Odell Beckham NYG vs. LAC Note: Injured his finger and is still dealing with some ankle soreness. Limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list Friday.*** |
| 7. | Dez Bryant DAL vs. GB |
| 8. | Todd Gurley LA vs. Sea |
| 9. | Melvin Gordon LAC at NYG |
| 10. | *Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. GB Note: A decision on the NFL's appeal of his preliminary injunction could come as early as during the Cowboys' Week 6 bye week. Nursing a chest injury, but the Cowboys seemed dismissive of it. Also, he could be without LT Tyron Smith (back). ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 11. | *Leonard Fournette JAC at Pit Note: (Ankle) Limited at Wednesday's practice, full practice Thursday. |
| 12. | LeSean McCoy BUF at Cin |
| 13. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Buf |
| 14. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. KC |
| 15. | Keenan Allen LAC at NYG |
| 16. | *Jay Ajayi MIA vs. Ten Note: (Knee) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. Got a 'customary day off' Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 17. | Travis Kelce KC at Hou |
| 18. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. Ari |
| 19. | *Brandin Cooks NE at TB Note: Moved up a couple of spots with Gronk out. |
| 20. | Stefon Diggs MIN at Chi |
| 21. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. SF |
| 22. | *Carlos Hyde SF at Ind Note: Dealt with hip pain in the loss to the Cardinals. He has a good matchup this week against the Colts, but only if he's fully functional. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
| 23. | DeMarco Murray TEN at Mia |
| 24. | Lamar Miller HOU vs. KC |
| 25. | *Ameer Abdullah DET vs. Car Note: Sustained a minor ankle injury in the win over the Vikes. Limited practice Wednesday, full practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list on Friday.*** |
| 26. | Golden Tate DET vs. Car |
| 27. | DeVante Parker MIA vs. Ten |
| 28. | Bilal Powell NYJ at Cle |
| 29. | *James White NE at TB Note: Should get more targets in the passing game with Gronk out. |
| 30. | Jordan Howard CHI vs. Min |
| 31. | Tyreek Hill KC at Hou |
| 32. | Chris Hogan NE at TB |
| 33. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Phi |
| 34. | Alshon Jeffery PHI vs. Ari |
| 35. | *Sammy Watkins LA vs. Sea Note: (Illness) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 36. | Rishard Matthews TEN at Mia |
| 37. | *Kelvin Benjamin CAR at Det Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury report.*** |
| 38. | Randall Cobb GB at Dal |
| 39. | Duke Johnson CLE vs. NYJ |
| 40. | Christian McCaffrey CAR at Det |
| 41. | Andre Ellington ARZ at Phi Note: Had a whopping 14 targets last week. |
| 42. | *Aaron Jones GB at Dal Note: I'm operating under the assumption that both Montgomery and Williams won't be able to play, but obviously Jones would move down considerably if they do play. Montgomery had a limited practice Thursday, Williams looks as if he'll play. ***Jones has been taking the first-team snaps in practice, not Williams.*** |
| 43. | Charles Clay BUF at Cin |
| 44. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. Ten |
| 45. | *Doug Baldwin SEA at LAR Note: (Groin) Was active last week, but only had four targets. He figures to be more active in a road division game this week against the Rams. Did not practice Wednesday. |
| 46. | *Davante Adams GB at Dal Note: Somehow might still be able to suit up, despite his horrific concussion on Thursday night. Until he practices, however, I'm going to keep him at the bottom of the rankings. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Has cleared the concussion protocol, traveled with the team and satisfied the concerns of the NFLPA's specialist - it appears that he'll play.*** |
| 47. | DeSean Jackson TB vs. NE |
| 48. | Danny Amendola NE at TB |
| 49. | Marshawn Lynch OAK vs. Bal Note: Another bad game against the Raiders, but he should be used more against the Ravens. |
| 50. | Pierre Garcon SF at Ind |
| 51. | *Martavis Bryant PIT vs. Jax Note: ***Late addition to the injury report this week with an illness, but will play.*** |
| 52. | Adam Thielen MIN at Chi |
| 53. | Jaron Brown ARZ at Phi |
| 54. | Devin Funchess CAR at Det |
| 55. | *Amari Cooper OAK vs. Bal Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 56. | Tarik Cohen CHI vs. Min |
| 57. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Buf |
| 58. | Jermaine Kearse NYJ at Cle |
| 59. | Austin Seferian-Jenkins NYJ at Cle Note: Draws the Browns this week, who couldn't cover Tyler Kroft. |
| 60. | *Evan Engram NYG vs. LAC Note: Tied for second in targets among TE's. |
| 61. | Jimmy Graham SEA at LAR Note: Quietly had an awful game against the Colts - one drop led to an interception, and another occurred when it appeared that he didn't fight that hard for the ball against the defender. (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday. |
| 62. | Mike Gillislee NE at TB |
| 63. | *LeGarrette Blount PHI vs. Ari Note: Bumped up with Smallwood not practicing. |
| 64. | Paul Richardson SEA at LAR |
| 65. | *Allen Hurns JAC at Pit Note: Bumped up a couple of spots with Lee hurting. |
| 66. | *Tyrell Williams LAC at NYG Note: ***Added to the injury report with a sore neck. I'm warming up to him this week, with Allen likely to draw the attention of Jenkins.*** |
| 67. | Donte Moncrief IND vs. SF |
| 68. | *Jeremy Maclin BAL at Oak Note: ***(Hand) Listed as questionable on the injury list, but expected to play.*** |
| 69. | Joe Mixon CIN vs. Buf |
| 70. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR at Det Note: Got a 'veteran rest day' Thursday. |
| 71. | *Jerick McKinnon MIN at Chi Note: McKinnon hurt his ankle in the loss to the Lions, further muddying the picture for the Vikings. Full practice Thursday. |
| 72. | Will Fuller HOU vs. KC |
| 73. | *Geronimo Allison GB at Dal Note: ***It now appears that Davante Adams will play, which obviously hurts Allison.*** |
| 74. | *Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Bal Note: (Chest) Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 75. | *J.J. Nelson ARZ at Phi Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.*** |
| 76. | Cooper Kupp LA vs. Sea |
| 77. | Sterling Shepard NYG vs. LAC |
| 78. | Adam Humphries TB vs. NE |
| 79. | Jason Witten DAL vs. GB |
| 80. | Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. NYJ |
| 81. | Theo Riddick DET vs. Car |
| 82. | Kyle Rudolph MIN at Chi |
| 83. | *Doug Martin TB vs. NE Note: Returns from his suspension this week - though his projected usage is obviously cloudy. |
| 84. | Alex Collins BAL at Oak Note: Collins had nine carries for 82 yards last week, but also lost a fumble. |
| 85. | *Brandon Marshall NYG vs. LAC Note: (Toe) Limited practice Wednesday, full practice Thursday. |
| 86. | Marvin Jones DET vs. Car |
| 87. | *Latavius Murray MIN at Chi Note: Even though Cook is out for the season, it's not a guarantee that Murray is really ready to handle a full workload - he admitted that his ankle still bothered him against the Lions. The Vikings hedged against Murray's health by signing Stevan Ridley. ***Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur expressed confidence that Murray could be a 'high-volume runner.'*** |
| 88. | *Corey Clement PHI vs. Ari Note: Bumped up with Smallwood not practicing. |
| 89. | Jacquizz Rodgers TB vs. NE |
| 90. | *Wayne Gallman NYG vs. LAC Note: Could receive a big bump in playing time in response to his performance last week, in addition to Paul Perkins' rib injury. ***Perkins has been ruled out.*** |
| 91. | Shane Vereen NYG vs. LAC |
| 92. | *Eddie Lacy SEA at LAR Note: Splitting the workload Thomas Rawls, according to Pete Carroll. ***Going to be 'treated as the starter' this week, for what that's worth.*** |
| 93. | Frank Gore IND vs. SF |
| 94. | Derrick Henry TEN at Mia |
| 95. | Javorius Allen BAL at Oak |
| 96. | Jalen Richard OAK vs. Bal |
| 97. | Kendall Wright CHI vs. Min |
| 98. | *Ben Watson BAL at Oak Note: (Calf) Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 99. | *Marqise Lee JAC at Pit Note: After getting 19 targets the previous two weeks, Lee was limited to only three against the Jets. That should normalize, but it's hard to put much faith in any Jaguars receiver right now. (Ribs) Sat out Wednesday and Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, but expected to play.*** |
| 100. | *Wendell Smallwood PHI vs. Ari Note: Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury. ***Sat out Friday's practice as well, not expected to play.*** |
Kickers
| 1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE at TB |
| 2. | Dan Bailey DAL vs. GB |
| 3. | Mason Crosby GB at Dal |
| 4. | Chris Boswell PIT vs. Jax |
| 5. | Greg Zuerlein LA vs. Sea |
| 6. | Jake Elliott PHI vs. Ari |
| 7. | Justin Tucker BAL at Oak Note: Clearly slipping - missed a 62-yard attempt. In all seriousness, he's getting dragged down by the Baltimore offense. |
| 8. | Nick Folk TB vs. NE Note: Missed two field goal attempts - from 46 and 49 yards - against the Giants. |
| 9. | Aldrick Rosas NYG vs. LAC |
| 10. | Giorgio Tavecchio OAK vs. Bal |
| 11. | Matt Prater DET vs. Car |
| 12. | Blair Walsh SEA at LAR |
| 13. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. KC |
| 14. | Cody Parkey MIA vs. Ten |
| 15. | Harrison Butker KC at Hou Note: Missed his first kick, recovered to make the next three, including the presumed game-winner (before the crazy last fumble recovery TD). |
| 16. | Randy Bullock CIN vs. Buf |
| 17. | Stephen Hauschka BUF at Cin |
| 18. | Graham Gano CAR at Det |
| 19. | *Nick Novak LAC at NYG Note: Signed by the Chargers after they waived Younghoe Koo. As is often the case, Chris Liss summarized it best. |
| 20. | Phil Dawson ARZ at Phi |
| 21. | Adam Vinatieri IND vs. SF |
| 22. | Ryan Succop TEN at Mia |
| 23. | Zane Gonzalez CLE vs. NYJ |
| 24. | Robbie Gould SF at Ind |
| 25. | Jason Myers JAC at Pit |
| 26. | Kai Forbath MIN at Chi |
| 27. | Connor Barth CHI vs. Min |
| 28. | Chandler Catanzaro NYJ at Cle |
Defenses
| 1. | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Ari Note: If the Niners can manage six sacks against Palmer on the road, imagine what the Eagles can do in Philly. |
| 2. | Minnesota Vikings at Chi Note: They draw a rookie QB's first start on Monday night. |
| 3. | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jax |
| 4. | Detroit Lions vs. Car |
| 5. | Oakland Raiders vs. Bal |
| 6. | New York Giants vs. LAC |
| 7. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buf |
| 8. | Los Angeles Rams vs. Sea |
| 9. | Seattle Seahawks at LAR |
| 10. | Baltimore Ravens at Oak Note: Don't drop too far because they are facing EJ Manuel. |
| 11. | Buffalo Bills at Cin |
| 12. | Houston Texans vs. KC |
| 13. | New York Jets at Cle |
| 14. | Jacksonville Jaguars at Pit |
| 15. | Kansas City Chiefs at Hou |
| 16. | Green Bay Packers at Dal |
| 17. | San Francisco 49ers at Ind |
| 18. | Arizona Cardinals at Phi |
| 19. | Carolina Panthers at Det |
| 20. | Miami Dolphins vs. Ten Note: Might be a decent streaming option if Marcus Mariota can't play. |
| 21. | Los Angeles Chargers at NYG |
| 22. | Tennessee Titans at Mia Note: Which is the controlling factor on Sunday - Cutler's awful recent form, or the Titans' awful recent form? |
| 23. | Chicago Bears vs. Min |
| 24. | Indianapolis Colts vs. SF |
| 25. | New England Patriots at TB |
| 26. | Cleveland Browns vs. NYJ |
| 27. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NE |
| 28. | Dallas Cowboys vs. GB Note: Really awful without Sean Lee in there, even with Lawrence churning out the pass rush. |
