Weekly Rankings: Week 1 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 1 Value Meter

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.

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 8:00 pm PT. However, for Week 1 they are up extra early, even with one more preseason game to go. ***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.

The first week is always the trickiest. I try not to rely too much on matchups early on - personnel changes, both on the field and in the coaching staffs, dictate so much change, as does a critical injury. By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try

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.

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 8:00 pm PT. However, for Week 1 they are up extra early, even with one more preseason game to go. ***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.

The first week is always the trickiest. I try not to rely too much on matchups early on - personnel changes, both on the field and in the coaching staffs, dictate so much change, as does a critical injury. 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?".

Sunday Update Complete. For any late breaking news, please just follow our latest news page.

Quarterback

1.Peyton Manning DEN vs. Ind
2.*Drew Brees NO at Atl
Note: Brees has been slowed by a sore oblique all preseason, but played well in the third preseason game against the Colts as if nothing had happened.
3.Nick Foles PHI vs. Jax
4.Andrew Luck IND at Den
5.Matt Ryan ATL vs. NO
6.Aaron Rodgers GB at Sea
7.Colin Kaepernick SF at Dal
8.Matthew Stafford DET vs. NYG
9.Russell Wilson SEA vs. GB
10.Jay Cutler CHI vs. Buf
11.*Tom Brady NE at Mia
Note: ***Missed practice Thursday with a calf issue after practicing Wednesday.*** - Limited practice Friday, officially listed as questionable, but expects to play.
12.Alex Smith KC vs. Ten
Note: Signed a big contract extension with the Chiefs.
13.*Tony Romo DAL vs. SF
Note: The Cowboys worked Romo (back) slowly into the mix in the preseason and are still making sure to rest him on occasion. *** Full practice Wednesday. *** - Listed as probable.
14.Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. NE
15.Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. Cle
16.Carson Palmer ARZ vs. SD
17.*Robert Griffin WAS at Hou
Note: Dealt with a thigh contusion in the preseason, and then with his own ineffectiveness. How much does preseason performance matter? This is a good litmus test - certainly we'll see a drop in his ADP.
18.Andy Dalton CIN at Bal
19.Philip Rivers SD at Ari
20.Jake Locker TEN at KC
21.*Cam Newton CAR at TB
Note: Had offseason ankle surgery and has an entirely new wide receiver corps to work with. Missed the first preseason game, but then played five series in the second game. Suffered a back contusion in the third game, which has now been reclassified as a hairline rib fracture. Practiced Monday for the first time since suffering the injury, expected to start in Week 1. *** Didn't practice Wednesday, only limited Thursday - could be a game-time decision. I'm going to treat him as if he plays, but downgrading him nonetheless because I don't think he'll take goal line carries.*** - Officially questionable and a game-time decision even after a full practice Friday.
22.Eli Manning NYG at Det
Note: Early reviews of the Giants' new offense have been poor, but the preseason is often meaningless.
23.*Matt Cassel MIN at StL
Note: Nothing official, but Cassel played deep into the third quarter in the third preseason game, indicating that he's the starter. Confirmed as the Vikings' starter over Bridgewater.
24.Ryan Fitzpatrick HOU vs. Was
25.*Geno Smith NYJ vs. Oak
Note: Officially named the starter for Week 1 after the third preseason game.
26.*Shaun Hill STL vs. Min
Note: Sam Bradford is out for the year with a torn ACL. Hill is the current next-in-line, but we'll see if the Rams hit the open market or trade for a QB. The Rams claimed Case Keenum off waivers, but Keenum will be the third QB behind Hill and Austin Davis.
27.EJ Manuel BUF at Chi
Note: The Bills signed Kyle Orton to be Manuel's backup, giving them a veteran option if things go south this time.
28.Josh McCown TB vs. Car
29.Joe Flacco BAL vs. Cin
30.*Derek Carr OAK at NYJ
Note: Named the starter ahead of Schaub for Week 1.
31.*Chad Henne JAC at Phi
Note: Officially named the starter for Week 1 after the third preseason game.
32.*Brian Hoyer CLE at Pit
Note: Officially name the starter over Johnny Manziel. *** However, Manziel will be inserted in 'certain packages' to run read-option plays.
33.*Derek Anderson CAR at TB
Note: ***Added just in case Cam Newton can't go.***
34.*Matt Schaub OAK at NYJ
Note: Awful preseason, but his competition, rookie Derek Carr, sat out the third preseason game with a concussion. There isn't much of a job battle here, yet. Surprise, surprise - after Derek Carr's big game in the final preseason game, Carr was indeed named the starter over Schaub.
35.*Sam Bradford STL vs. Min
Note: Suffered a knee injury in the third presason game, but early reports suggests that he avoided ACL damage and 'dodged a bullet.' ***Early reports were wrong - Bradford tore an ACL and is out for the year.***

Running Backs

1.*LeSean McCoy PHI vs. Jax
Note: Dealing with both a toe and thumb injury suffered in the preseason, but practiced over the weekend.
2.*Jamaal Charles KC vs. Ten
Note: (Bruised foot) Held out of the third preseason game as a precaution.
3.Matt Forte CHI vs. Buf
4.Adrian Peterson MIN at StL
5.Alfred Morris WAS at Hou
6.Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. GB
7.*Montee Ball DEN vs. Ind
Note: Had his appendix removed, yet returned to action in time for the third preseason game.
8.*Zac Stacy STL vs. Min
Note: ***Some talk of a 'hot hand' approach at running back, rather than giving Stacy a standard workload commensurate with being the starting running back. Thus, he gets a small downgrade here.***
9.Eddie Lacy GB at Sea
10.DeMarco Murray DAL vs. SF
11.*Doug Martin TB vs. Car
Note: Value goes up after the Bucs traded for Logan Mankins.
12.C.J. Spiller BUF at Chi
13.Giovani Bernard CIN at Bal
14.*Arian Foster HOU vs. Was
Note: (Hamstring) Being held out of game action, but has practiced regularly over the last two weeks. ***Ready to go for Week 1.*** Texans coach Bill O'Brien said that Foster will receive the bulk of the carries. He gets a mild upgrade here.
15.Frank Gore SF at Dal
16.Chris Johnson NYJ vs. Oak
17.Ryan Mathews SD at Ari
18.Toby Gerhart JAC at Phi
19.Shane Vereen NE at Mia
20.*Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. Cle
Note: Arrested for marijuana possession and suspicion of DUI, along with teammate LeGarrette Blount. No punishment from the team or the league is imminent - it may eventually come, but the legal case needs to be addressed first. Both Bell and Blount will be active in Week 1.
21.Joique Bell DET vs. NYG
22.Rashad Jennings NYG at Det
23.Ben Tate CLE at Pit
24.Reggie Bush DET vs. NYG
25.*Knowshon Moreno MIA vs. NE
Note: (Knee) Returned to game action for Week 3 of the preseason and ran the ball with authority. It's possible that Moreno has passed Miller for the starting job.
26.Pierre Thomas NO at Atl
27.Trent Richardson IND at Den
28.*Bernard Pierce BAL vs. Cin
Note: Left the third preseason game to be evaluated for a concussion. He was expected to start the first two games with Ray Rice suspended. Returned to practice over the weekend, expected to be able to start in Week 1 against the Bengals. ***Full practice Wednesday.*** - Listed as probable.
29.Jonathan Stewart CAR at TB
Note: I may be a fool for falling for Stewart again, but I like what he can do when healthy, and there's a fair chance that Newton no longer runs much at the goal line. Of course, Mike Tolbert could make all of this look silly.
30.Maurice Jones-Drew OAK at NYJ
31.*Steven Jackson ATL vs. NO
Note: (Hamstring) Hasn't played in the preseason, but expects to be available for Week 1. Not on the official injury report.
32.Fred Jackson BUF at Chi
33.Darren Sproles PHI vs. Jax
34.Danny Woodhead SD at Ari
35.*Stevan Ridley NE at Mia
Note: Did not lose his roster spot after initial rumors reported he was at risk.
36.Carlos Hyde SF at Dal
37.*Bishop Sankey TEN at KC
Note: Not playing with the first-team yet, perhaps because of fumbling issues. ***Still behind Greene on the depth chart, but at least he's ahead of McCluster now.***
38.Mark Ingram NO at Atl
39.*Shonn Greene TEN at KC
Note: Still running with the first-team offense ahead of Bishop Sankey.
40.*Lamar Miller MIA vs. NE
Note: It's possible that Moreno has passed Miller for the starting job.
41.*Andre Ellington ARZ vs. SD
Note: ***Limited in Thursday's practice with a foot injury. The Cardinals don't play until Monday night, so that means Thursday's practice was his first of the week. But it also gives us less recourse if he can't play this week.*** - Going to be a game-time decision after a limited practice Saturday, officially listed as questionable.
42.Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. NO
Note: Has dominated the first-team touches in the preseason with Steven Jackson out.
43.*Jeremy Hill CIN at Bal
Note: Dealt with a bit of a shoulder injury early in the preseason. More role-security after the Bengals waived BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
44.DeAngelo Williams CAR at TB
45.Darren McFadden OAK at NYJ
46.*LeGarrette Blount PIT vs. Cle
Note: Both Bell and Blount will be active in Week 1.
47.*Robert Turbin SEA vs. GB
Note: Had a strong preseason, plus he didn't have the hamstring or fumbling issues of Michael - my preference between the two if you want to gamble on a lottery ticket behind Lynch. ***Christine Michael is now out this week.***
48.Andre Williams NYG at Det
49.*Jonathan Dwyer ARZ vs. SD
Note: Listed as the #2 back ahead of Stepfan Taylor. ***Upgraded due to Ellington's injury.***
50.Devonta Freeman ATL vs. NO
Note: One potential big leak in this game is treating players as how we think teams should use them, rather than how they are being used. So as much as we love Freeman, it's still Rodgers getting most of the work in the absence of Steven Jackson.
51.Donald Brown SD at Ari
52.*Ahmad Bradshaw IND at Den
Note: (Neck) Made his preseason debut in the third preseason game, saw limited work.
53.*Ronnie Hillman DEN vs. Ind
Note: Briefly hospitalized with an illness following the Broncos' final preseason game in Dallas, but back with the team and presumably good to go for Week 1. ***Did individual work in drills Wednesday.***
54.*Terrance West CLE at Pit
Note: Poor preseason - less of a timeshare back and more of a backup.
55.Chris Ivory NYJ vs. Oak
56.Knile Davis KC vs. Ten
57.*Jonathan Grimes HOU vs. Was
Note: Arian Foster's top backup for now, though Alfred Blue remains in the picture.
58.Khiry Robinson NO at Atl
59.James Starks GB at Sea
60.Roy Helu WAS at Hou
61.Bryce Brown BUF at Chi
62.James White NE at Mia
63.*Benny Cunningham STL vs. Min
Note: Cunningham and not rookie Tre Mason will begin the year as Stacy's top backup.
64.*Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL vs. Cin
Note: With Rice suspended and Pierce banged up, it could be Taliaferro and Forsett splitting the carries.
65.Bobby Rainey TB vs. Car
66.Ka'Deem Carey CHI vs. Buf
Note: Finally moved up to the top backup role behind Matt Forte.
67.*Justin Forsett BAL vs. Cin
Note: With Rice suspended and Pierce banged up, it could be Taliaferro and Forsett splitting the carries.
68.Alfred Blue HOU vs. Was
69.Mike James TB vs. Car
70.Tre Mason STL vs. Min
Note: Looks to be behind Cunningham as the Rams' backup behind Zac Stacy.
71.Jordan Todman JAC at Phi
72.Dexter McCluster TEN at KC
73.Matt Asiata MIN at StL
74.Marcel Reece OAK at NYJ
75.Dri Archer PIT vs. Cle
76.C.J. Anderson DEN vs. Ind
77.Jerick McKinnon MIN at StL
78.Latavius Murray OAK at NYJ
79.Stepfan Taylor ARZ vs. SD
80.*Christine Michael SEA vs. GB
Note: Missed the preseason finale and also missed Monday's practice with a hamstring injury. ***Officially out for Thursday night.***
81.*Ray Rice BAL vs. Cin
Note: Suspended for the first two weeks of the season.
82.*Charles Sims TB vs. Car
Note: Ankle injury, out for 11-12 weeks - this is a courtesy listing for just the first week, for those that drafted early.

Wide Receivers

1.Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. Ind
2.Calvin Johnson DET vs. NYG
3.Dez Bryant DAL vs. SF
4.A.J. Green CIN at Bal
5.Brandon Marshall CHI vs. Buf
6.Julio Jones ATL vs. NO
7.Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Buf
8.Keenan Allen SD at Ari
9.Michael Floyd ARZ vs. SD
10.Victor Cruz NYG at Det
11.Jordy Nelson GB at Sea
12.Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at StL
13.Percy Harvin SEA vs. GB
14.T.Y. Hilton IND at Den
15.Pierre Garcon WAS at Hou
16.Antonio Brown PIT vs. Cle
17.Vincent Jackson TB vs. Car
18.Roddy White ATL vs. NO
19.*Michael Crabtree SF at Dal
Note: ***Sat out practice Wednesday with a calf injury but returned on Thursday.*** - Technically limited as questionable, but practiced Thursday and Friday.
20.Torrey Smith BAL vs. Cin
21.DeSean Jackson WAS at Hou
22.Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. Ind
Note: ***Moved up a smidge to account for the Welker suspension.***
23.*Jeremy Maclin PHI vs. Jax
Note: Went down with a non-contact injury in the third preseason game, but then returned to the game. ***(Hamstring) Not on the injury report. ***
24.Randall Cobb GB at Sea
25.Andre Johnson HOU vs. Was
26.*Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. SD
Note: *** (Knee) Listed as probable for Monday night.***
27.Marques Colston NO at Atl
28.Eric Decker NYJ vs. Oak
29.*Terrance Williams DAL vs. SF
Note: ***Sat out practice Thursday with a back bruise.*** - Listed as questionable, though he said he would play. Dallas plays in the second set of games Sunday.
30.Mike Wallace MIA vs. NE
31.Kendall Wright TEN at KC
32.Rueben Randle NYG at Det
33.*Riley Cooper PHI vs. Jax
Note: ***(Ankle) Full practice Wednesday.***
34.Mike Evans TB vs. Car
35.Julian Edelman NE at Mia
36.Reggie Wayne IND at Den
37.Golden Tate DET vs. NYG
38.Marqise Lee JAC at Phi
39.*Brandin Cooks NO at Atl
Note: Currently listed as a third-string receiver by the Saints behind both Colston and Nick Toon, though it's unclear whether the snap counts will reflect that.
40.DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Was
41.*Sammy Watkins BUF at Chi
Note: Watkins missed the Bills' fourth preseason game with a rib injury. Remember, they had one extra preseason game this year. Aggravated his rib injury in the final preseason game, expects to play in Week 1 but is a question mark at this point. ***Full practice Thursday.*** - Officially listed as probable.
42.Kelvin Benjamin CAR at TB
Note: Though the Panthers' offense hasn't looked very good this preseason, Benjamin has been a bright spot. ***Really gets hurt if Cam Newton can't go - I've slid him down a few spots.***
43.Jordan Matthews PHI vs. Jax
44.Justin Hunter TEN at KC
45.*Aaron Dobson NE at Mia
Note: Dobson has been limited by his foot injury this presason. Boom or bust pick. Returned to action in the final preseason game, looked good in limited action.
46.*Markus Wheaton PIT vs. Cle
Note: ***Could get more targets with Lance Moore hurting.*** Lance Moore officially out.
47.Donnie Avery KC vs. Ten
48.Anquan Boldin SF at Dal
49.*Kenny Britt STL vs. Min
Note: Emerging as the Rams' top wideout to own, but who is going to throw the ball to him now?
50.*Malcom Floyd SD at Ari
Note: Has been the 'MVP' of Chargers camp - I try not to put too much stock into such reports, but Floyd was once fantasy-worthy, so don't sleep on him on draft day.
51.Greg Jennings MIN at StL
52.Mike Williams BUF at Chi
53.Brian Hartline MIA vs. NE
54.*Cody Latimer DEN vs. Ind
Note: Could get more reps with Wes Welker suffering a concussion in the third preseason game, but he's only played with the second-team offense so far. ***Looks like the Broncos are moving Sanders to the slot with Welker out, which could give Latimer more snaps.***
55.Hakeem Nicks IND at Den
56.Jermaine Kearse SEA vs. GB
57.Danny Amendola NE at Mia
58.Doug Baldwin SEA vs. GB
59.Jarrett Boykin GB at Sea
60.Andrew Hawkins CLE at Pit
61.Mohamed Sanu CIN at Bal
Note: Steps in as the Bengals' #2 receiver with Marvin Jones out.
62.Steve Smith BAL vs. Cin
63.James Jones OAK at NYJ
64.*Nick Toon NO at Atl
Note: ***Added to the list with Kenny Stills ruled out.***
65.Tavon Austin STL vs. Min
66.Robert Woods BUF at Chi
67.Nate Washington TEN at KC
68.Miles Austin CLE at Pit
69.*Mike Brown JAC at Phi
Note: ***Will likely start opposite Marqise Lee with Shorts ruled out.***
70.Rod Streater OAK at NYJ
71.Steve Johnson SF at Dal
72.*Andre Caldwell DEN vs. Ind
73.Josh Morgan CHI vs. Buf
74.Andre Holmes OAK at NYJ
75.Allen Hurns JAC at Phi
76.Chris Givens STL vs. Min
77.Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. Oak
78.*Junior Hemingway KC vs. Ten
Note: Could start in Week 1 for the Chiefs due to Bwayne Bowe's suspension, but he is dealing with a hip injury.
79.*Kenny Stills NO at Atl
Note: Has been dealing with a quad injury all throughout the preseason. ***Didn't practice Thursday.*** OFFICIALLY RULED OUT.
80.*Cecil Shorts JAC at Phi
Note: (Hamstring) Saw his first action of the preseason in the Jaguars' third game. ***Couldn't finish practice Thursday due to left hamstring tightness.*** OFFICIALLY RULED OUT.
81.*Jeff Janis GB at Sea
Note: ***Healthy scratch in Week 1 - Davante Adams beat him out for the final active spot.***
82.*Josh Gordon CLE at Pit
Note: As of August 24, we still haven't heard word on Gordon's suspension appeal. He's also dealing with an abdominal strain. Lost his appeal, suspended for the full season. *** Could have suspension modified if the NFLPA and the league come to an agreement on modifying the drug testing policy.
83.*Dwayne Bowe KC vs. Ten
Note: Suspended for Week 1, but also dealing with a quadriceps injury.
84.*Wes Welker DEN vs. Ind
Note: Suffered another concussion in Week 3 of the preseason. Participated in individual drills Monday, could be cleared for full practice Wednesday or Thursday. If that happens, I'll bump him back up the rankings. ***Never mind! Suspended for four games for a positive amphetamines test.
85.*Marvin Jones CIN at Bal
Note: Out until at least Week 5 with a broken foot.

Tight Ends

1.Jimmy Graham NO at Atl
2.Julius Thomas DEN vs. Ind
3.*Rob Gronkowski NE at Mia
Note: (Knee) Still hasn't played this preseason, though the Patriots are optimistic that he can be ready by Week 1. Gronk told reporters that he's been cleared to play. That hasn't come from the team, nor clearly has any clarification about how much he'll play. ***Officially active.***
4.Jordan Cameron CLE at Pit
5.*Greg Olsen CAR at TB
Note: Dealing with a slight calf ailment.
6.Jason Witten DAL vs. SF
7.Vernon Davis SF at Dal
8.Zach Ertz PHI vs. Jax
9.*Jordan Reed WAS at Hou
Note: ***(Thumb) Full participant in practice Wednesday.*** - Expected to play.
10.Dennis Pitta BAL vs. Cin
11.Travis Kelce KC vs. Ten
Note: Probably the biggest riser in the TE ranks this preseason.
12.Kyle Rudolph MIN at StL
13.*Ladarius Green SD at Ari
Note: ***Moved up a couple of notches with Gates questionable.***
14.Heath Miller PIT vs. Cle
Note: Deserves to be in the same tier as Davis, Ertz and Reed.
15.Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Buf
16.*Charles Clay MIA vs. NE
Note: (Knee) Made his preseason debut in the Dolphins' third game. ***Full practice Thursday.*** No longer on the injury report.
17.*Tyler Eifert CIN at Bal
Note: Dealing with a sore shoulder in the preseason. Also sat out the preseason finale, but expected to play in Week 1. ***Full participant in practice this week.***
18.Jared Cook STL vs. Min
19.*Richard Rodgers GB at Sea
Note: Edging closer to winning the starting TE job over Andrew Quarless, but remember that job battles don't end once the season begins.
20.Eric Ebron DET vs. NYG
21.Dwayne Allen IND at Den
22.*Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB vs. Car
Note: Will be expected to contribute right away following the Tim Wright trade.
23.Delanie Walker TEN at KC
24.Jace Amaro NYJ vs. Oak
Note: I'm wary of rookie tight ends, but the opportunity is there for Amaro to get a lot of targets.
25.*Antonio Gates SD at Ari
Note: ***Tweaked his hamstring at practice Saturday and now is listed as questionable, could be a game-time decision for the second Monday night game.***
26.*Tim Wright NE at Mia
Note: Wright's value probably goes up a little bit with the Patriots, though he's not going to be the next version of Aaron Hernandez.
27.*Scott Chandler BUF at Chi
Note: (Knee) Practiced Monday after missing the final preseason game.
28.Levine Toilolo ATL vs. NO
Note: The starter replacing Tony Gonzalez in the Falcons' offense, but how many targets will he get?
29.Coby Fleener IND at Den
30.*Jacob Tamme DEN vs. Ind
Note: Could get more work in the slot with Wes Welker suspended for four games.
31.Marcedes Lewis JAC at Phi
32.Jermaine Gresham CIN at Bal
Note: Listed here just in case Eifert's shoulder keeps him limited or even sidelined.
33.*Zach Miller SEA vs. GB
Note: ***Added due to popular demand.***
34.Adrien Robinson NYG at Det
35.Brent Celek PHI vs. Jax
36.Brandon Myers TB vs. Car
37.Andrew Quarless GB at Sea
38.*Mychal Rivera OAK at NYJ
Note: Likely to get most of the Week 1 reps with David Ausberry dealing with a knee injury.
39.*Garrett Graham HOU vs. Was
Note: ***(Back) Going to be a game-time decision Sunday.*** Not expected to play.

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.*LeSean McCoy PHI vs. Jax
Note: Dealing with both a toe and thumb injury suffered in the preseason, but practiced over the weekend.
2.*Jamaal Charles KC vs. Ten
Note: (Bruised foot) Held out of the third preseason game as a precaution.
3.Matt Forte CHI vs. Buf
4.Calvin Johnson DET vs. NYG
5.Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. Ind
6.Adrian Peterson MIN at StL
7.Dez Bryant DAL vs. SF
8.A.J. Green CIN at Bal
9.Brandon Marshall CHI vs. Buf
10.Jimmy Graham NO at Atl
11.Julio Jones ATL vs. NO
12.Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Buf
13.Keenan Allen SD at Ari
14.DeMarco Murray DAL vs. SF
15.Eddie Lacy GB at Sea
16.C.J. Spiller BUF at Chi
17.Giovani Bernard CIN at Bal
18.Antonio Brown PIT vs. Cle
19.Jordy Nelson GB at Sea
20.Julius Thomas DEN vs. Ind
21.*Doug Martin TB vs. Car
Note: Value goes up after the Bucs traded for Logan Mankins.
22.*Rob Gronkowski NE at Mia
Note: (Knee) Still hasn't played this preseason, though the Patriots are optimistic that he can be ready by Week 1. Gronk told reporters that he's been cleared to play. That hasn't come from the team, nor clearly has any clarification about how much he'll play. ***Officially active.***
23.Victor Cruz NYG at Det
24.Michael Floyd ARZ vs. SD
25.Percy Harvin SEA vs. GB
26.Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at StL
27.Shane Vereen NE at Mia
28.Roddy White ATL vs. NO
29.Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. GB
30.*Andre Ellington ARZ vs. SD
Note: ***Limited in Thursday's practice with a foot injury. The Cardinals don't play until Monday night, so that means Thursday's practice was his first of the week. But it also gives us less recourse if he can't play this week.*** - Going to be a game-time decision after a limited practice Saturday, officially listed as questionable.
31.*Montee Ball DEN vs. Ind
Note: Had his appendix removed, yet returned to action in time for the third preseason game.
32.Alfred Morris WAS at Hou
33.*Zac Stacy STL vs. Min
Note: ***Some talk of a 'hot hand' approach at running back, rather than giving Stacy a standard workload commensurate with being the starting running back. Thus, he gets a small downgrade here.***
34.*Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. SD
Note: *** (Knee) Listed as probable for Monday night.***
35.Vincent Jackson TB vs. Car
36.Andre Johnson HOU vs. Was
37.Randall Cobb GB at Sea
38.*Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. Cle
Note: Arrested for marijuana possession and suspicion of DUI, along with teammate LeGarrette Blount. No punishment from the team or the league is imminent - it may eventually come, but the legal case needs to be addressed first. Both Bell and Blount will be active in Week 1.
39.T.Y. Hilton IND at Den
40.Pierre Garcon WAS at Hou
41.*Michael Crabtree SF at Dal
Note: ***Sat out practice Wednesday with a calf injury but returned on Thursday.*** - Technically limited as questionable, but practiced Thursday and Friday.
42.Reggie Bush DET vs. NYG
43.Torrey Smith BAL vs. Cin
44.DeSean Jackson WAS at Hou
45.*Jeremy Maclin PHI vs. Jax
Note: Went down with a non-contact injury in the third preseason game, but then returned to the game. ***(Hamstring) Not on the injury report. ***
46.Rashad Jennings NYG at Det
47.Pierre Thomas NO at Atl
48.Toby Gerhart JAC at Phi
49.*Arian Foster HOU vs. Was
Note: (Hamstring) Being held out of game action, but has practiced regularly over the last two weeks. ***Ready to go for Week 1.*** Texans coach Bill O'Brien said that Foster will receive the bulk of the carries. He gets a mild upgrade here.
50.Joique Bell DET vs. NYG
51.Ben Tate CLE at Pit
52.Julian Edelman NE at Mia
53.*Terrance Williams DAL vs. SF
Note: ***Sat out practice Thursday with a back bruise.*** - Listed as questionable, though he said he would play. Dallas plays in the second set of games Sunday.
54.Marques Colston NO at Atl
55.Kendall Wright TEN at KC
56.Ryan Mathews SD at Ari
57.Chris Johnson NYJ vs. Oak
58.Eric Decker NYJ vs. Oak
59.Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. Ind
Note: ***Moved up a smidge to account for the Welker suspension.***
60.Jordan Cameron CLE at Pit
61.*Greg Olsen CAR at TB
Note: Dealing with a slight calf ailment.
62.Jason Witten DAL vs. SF
63.Darren Sproles PHI vs. Jax
64.Vernon Davis SF at Dal
65.Danny Woodhead SD at Ari
66.Frank Gore SF at Dal
67.Mike Wallace MIA vs. NE
68.*Bishop Sankey TEN at KC
Note: Not playing with the first-team yet, perhaps because of fumbling issues. ***Still behind Greene on the depth chart, but at least he's ahead of McCluster now.***
69.*Sammy Watkins BUF at Chi
Note: Watkins missed the Bills' fourth preseason game with a rib injury. Remember, they had one extra preseason game this year. Aggravated his rib injury in the final preseason game, expects to play in Week 1 but is a question mark at this point. ***Full practice Thursday.*** - Officially listed as probable.
70.Rueben Randle NYG at Det
71.*Riley Cooper PHI vs. Jax
Note: ***(Ankle) Full practice Wednesday.***
72.Mike Evans TB vs. Car
73.Golden Tate DET vs. NYG
74.*Jordan Reed WAS at Hou
Note: ***(Thumb) Full participant in practice Wednesday.*** - Expected to play.
75.Zach Ertz PHI vs. Jax
76.*Knowshon Moreno MIA vs. NE
Note: (Knee) Returned to game action for Week 3 of the preseason and ran the ball with authority. It's possible that Moreno has passed Miller for the starting job.
77.Dennis Pitta BAL vs. Cin
78.Heath Miller PIT vs. Cle
Note: Deserves to be in the same tier as Davis, Ertz and Reed.
79.Kelvin Benjamin CAR at TB
Note: Though the Panthers' offense hasn't looked very good this preseason, Benjamin has been a bright spot. ***Really gets hurt if Cam Newton can't go - I've slid him down a few spots.***
80.*Aaron Dobson NE at Mia
Note: Dobson has been limited by his foot injury this presason. Boom or bust pick. Returned to action in the final preseason game, looked good in limited action.
81.Danny Amendola NE at Mia
82.*Cecil Shorts JAC at Phi
Note: (Hamstring) Saw his first action of the preseason in the Jaguars' third game. ***Couldn't finish practice Thursday due to left hamstring tightness.*** OFFICIALLY RULED OUT.
83.Tavon Austin STL vs. Min
84.Trent Richardson IND at Den
85.Maurice Jones-Drew OAK at NYJ
86.*Stevan Ridley NE at Mia
Note: Did not lose his roster spot after initial rumors reported he was at risk.
87.DeAngelo Williams CAR at TB
88.Brian Hartline MIA vs. NE
89.Reggie Wayne IND at Den
90.DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Was
91.Marqise Lee JAC at Phi
92.*Lamar Miller MIA vs. NE
Note: It's possible that Moreno has passed Miller for the starting job.
93.*Brandin Cooks NO at Atl
Note: Currently listed as a third-string receiver by the Saints behind both Colston and Nick Toon, though it's unclear whether the snap counts will reflect that.
94.Nate Washington TEN at KC
95.Jordan Matthews PHI vs. Jax
96.Justin Hunter TEN at KC
97.*Charles Clay MIA vs. NE
Note: (Knee) Made his preseason debut in the Dolphins' third game. ***Full practice Thursday.*** No longer on the injury report.
98.Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Buf
99.Kyle Rudolph MIN at StL
100.Anquan Boldin SF at Dal
101.Mark Ingram NO at Atl
102.*Terrance West CLE at Pit
Note: Poor preseason - less of a timeshare back and more of a backup.
103.Carlos Hyde SF at Dal
104.*Bernard Pierce BAL vs. Cin
Note: Left the third preseason game to be evaluated for a concussion. He was expected to start the first two games with Ray Rice suspended. Returned to practice over the weekend, expected to be able to start in Week 1 against the Bengals. ***Full practice Wednesday.*** - Listed as probable.
105.Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. NO
Note: Has dominated the first-team touches in the preseason with Steven Jackson out.
106.Darren McFadden OAK at NYJ
107.*Steven Jackson ATL vs. NO
Note: (Hamstring) Hasn't played in the preseason, but expects to be available for Week 1. Not on the official injury report.
108.Devonta Freeman ATL vs. NO
Note: One potential big leak in this game is treating players as how we think teams should use them, rather than how they are being used. So as much as we love Freeman, it's still Rodgers getting most of the work in the absence of Steven Jackson.
109.Jared Cook STL vs. Min
110.Andre Williams NYG at Det
111.*Ladarius Green SD at Ari
Note: ***Moved up a couple of notches with Gates questionable.***
112.Travis Kelce KC vs. Ten
Note: Probably the biggest riser in the TE ranks this preseason.
113.Mohamed Sanu CIN at Bal
Note: Steps in as the Bengals' #2 receiver with Marvin Jones out.
114.*Garrett Graham HOU vs. Was
Note: ***(Back) Going to be a game-time decision Sunday.*** Not expected to play.
115.*Tyler Eifert CIN at Bal
Note: Dealing with a sore shoulder in the preseason. Also sat out the preseason finale, but expected to play in Week 1. ***Full participant in practice this week.***
116.Hakeem Nicks IND at Den
117.Jermaine Kearse SEA vs. GB
118.Doug Baldwin SEA vs. GB
119.Chris Givens STL vs. Min
120.Jarrett Boykin GB at Sea
121.*Kenny Britt STL vs. Min
Note: Emerging as the Rams' top wideout to own, but who is going to throw the ball to him now?
122.Greg Jennings MIN at StL
123.Mike Williams BUF at Chi
124.James Jones OAK at NYJ
125.*Markus Wheaton PIT vs. Cle
Note: ***Could get more targets with Lance Moore hurting.*** Lance Moore officially out.
126.Robert Woods BUF at Chi
127.*Kenny Stills NO at Atl
Note: Has been dealing with a quad injury all throughout the preseason. ***Didn't practice Thursday.*** OFFICIALLY RULED OUT.
128.*Dwayne Bowe KC vs. Ten
Note: Suspended for Week 1, but also dealing with a quadriceps injury.
129.*Wes Welker DEN vs. Ind
Note: Suffered another concussion in Week 3 of the preseason. Participated in individual drills Monday, could be cleared for full practice Wednesday or Thursday. If that happens, I'll bump him back up the rankings. ***Never mind! Suspended for four games for a positive amphetamines test.
130.*Marvin Jones CIN at Bal
Note: Out until at least Week 5 with a broken foot.

Kickers

1.Stephen Gostkowski NE at Mia
2.Phil Dawson SF at Dal
Note: Missed two attempts in the Niners' new stadium, but made one in the third preseason game.
3.Steven Hauschka SEA vs. GB
4.Matt Bryant ATL vs. NO
5.Justin Tucker BAL vs. Cin
6.Mason Crosby GB at Sea
7.Nick Novak SD at Ari
8.Dan Bailey DAL vs. SF
9.*Brandon McManus DEN vs. Ind
Note: The Broncos' temporary kicker while Matt Prater is suspended.
10.Robbie Gould CHI vs. Buf
11.Adam Vinatieri IND at Den
12.*Cody Parkey PHI vs. Jax
Note: Beat out Alex Henery for the Eagles' starting job.
13.Dan Carpenter BUF at Chi
14.*Shayne Graham NO at Atl
Note: Competing against Derek Dimke for the starting job, appears to be the leader. Cut by the Saints and subsequently re-signed by them.
15.Shaun Suisham PIT vs. Cle
16.Greg Zuerlein STL vs. Min
17.Mike Nugent CIN at Bal
18.Blair Walsh MIN at StL
19.Cairo Santos KC vs. Ten
20.*Nate Freese DET vs. NYG
Note: Appears to be leading the Lions job battle against Gino Tavecchio.
21.Graham Gano CAR at TB
22.Nick Folk NYJ vs. Oak
23.*Ryan Succop TEN at KC
Note: Cut by the Chiefs, signed by the Titans, so he now faces ... the Chiefs.
24.Josh Brown NYG at Det
Note: Held off Brandon McManus, who subsequently landed with the Broncos.
25.Kai Forbath WAS at Hou
26.*Chandler Catanzaro ARZ vs. SD
Note: TheCardinals' new kicker - won the job in large part because his kickoffs were consistently deeper.
27.*Caleb Sturgis MIA vs. NE
Note: Missed the Dolphins' third preseason game with a groin injury, while his backup John Potter left with a hip injury. Has recovered enough to keep his job, with the Dolphins releasing potential replacement Jake Rogers. ***Full practice Thursday.***
28.*Josh Scobee JAC at Phi
Note: Dealing with a sore quad, but expected to be able to kick in Week 1. ***Not 100 percent, but cleared to play.***
29.*Patrick Murray TB vs. Car
Note: The Bucs' new kicker.
30.Randy Bullock HOU vs. Was
Note: Trying to hold off Chris Boswell for the Texans' starting job. Won the starting job over Boswell.
31.Billy Cundiff CLE at Pit
32.*Sebastian Janikowski OAK at NYJ
Note: Dealing with a right quad injury. He always seems to have various aches and pains. Quad remains sore, but he's expected to kick in Week 1.
33.*Matt Prater DEN vs. Ind
Note: Suspended until Week 6 for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

Defenses

1.*Carolina Panthers at TB
Note: Luke Kuechly is nursing a hyper-extended thumb.
2.Seattle Seahawks vs. GB
3.St. Louis Rams vs. Min
4.Baltimore Ravens vs. Cin
5.Arizona Cardinals vs. SD
6.New England Patriots at Mia
7.Cincinnati Bengals at Bal
8.Detroit Lions vs. NYG
9.Denver Broncos vs. Ind
10.*New York Jets vs. Oak
Note: On one hand, they get a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut. On the other hand, Dee Milliner is banged up and Antonio Allen, a converted safety, will be playing corner while not yet 100 percent himself.
11.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cle
12.*Houston Texans vs. Was
Note: Johnathan Joseph (toe) missed the entire preseason, but is expected to suit up Sunday.
13.Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jax
14.Cleveland Browns at Pit
15.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Car
16.Buffalo Bills at Chi
17.New York Giants at Det
18.*San Francisco 49ers at Dal
Note: Glenn Dorsey (biceps) out at least six weeks, Aldon Smith suspended nine games.
19.New Orleans Saints at Atl
20.*Kansas City Chiefs vs. Ten
Note: Eric Berry hasn't played all preseason due to a heel injury.
21.Green Bay Packers at Sea
22.Miami Dolphins vs. NE
23.Washington Redskins at Hou
24.Tennessee Titans at KC
25.Chicago Bears vs. Buf
26.San Diego Chargers at Ari
27.Minnesota Vikings at StL
28.Atlanta Falcons vs. NO
29.Jacksonville Jaguars at Phi
30.Indianapolis Colts at Den
31.Oakland Raiders at NYJ
32.*Dallas Cowboys vs. SF
Note: Already looking at risk with Sean Lee out for the season.
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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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