This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
***BYE WEEKS Start. Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle and St. Louis on bye. Sunday Update Complete - for any late adjustments, please check our 'Latest News' page.***
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. ***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
***BYE WEEKS Start. Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle and St. Louis on bye. Sunday Update Complete - for any late adjustments, please check our 'Latest News' page.***
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. ***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?".
***BYE WEEKS Start. Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle and St. Louis on bye. Sunday Update Complete - for any late adjustments, please check our 'Latest News' page.***
Quarterback
| 1. | Andrew Luck IND vs. Ten |
| 2. | Aaron Rodgers GB at Chi |
| 3. | Drew Brees NO at Dal |
| 4. | *Tony Romo DAL vs. NO Note: (Back) Rest day Wednesday, practiced Thursday. ***Full practice Friday as well.*** |
| 5. | Colin Kaepernick SF vs. Phi |
| 6. | Jay Cutler CHI vs. GB |
| 7. | *Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. TB Note: ***Limited in Friday's practice, no injury reason given.*** |
| 8. | Matthew Stafford DET at NYJ |
| 9. | Nick Foles PHI at SF Note: For someone that didn't get sacked last week, Foles got beat up quite a bit. His OL is a mess right now due to injuries, but he kept producing against the Redskins nonetheless. This week could be pretty tough against the Niners, as they have a strong pass rush. Then again, they just played a team that was coming off a 10-sack game. Anyhow, I expect a drop-off this week. |
| 10. | Philip Rivers SD vs. Jax |
| 11. | Matt Ryan ATL at Min |
| 12. | Eli Manning NYG at Was |
| 13. | Kirk Cousins WAS vs. NYG Note: It appears that Cousins will get at least six weeks as the Redskins starting quarterback according to the latest reports on RG3's injury. |
| 14. | Tom Brady NE at KC |
| 15. | Ryan Fitzpatrick HOU vs. Buf Note: Asked to do a lot more with Arian Foster out, Fitzpatrick came up short, throwing three interceptions. It won't likely be much better this week against Buffalo. |
| 16. | *Cam Newton CAR at Bal Note: Newton appeared to aggravate his surgically-repaired ankle late in the loss to the Steelers and was hobbling a little bit. He only carried the ball twice for seven yards in the game. |
| 17. | *Ryan Tannehill MIA at Oak Note: There are some rumblings that Tannehill's job security is in question, though he will be the starter this week against the Raiders in London. Got all of the first-team snaps Thursday despite the Miami coaching staff's unwillingness to commit to him. |
| 18. | *Teddy Bridgewater MIN vs. Atl Note: Came into the game after Cassel got hurt and will start this week. Adds some value with his running ability. |
| 19. | Geno Smith NYJ vs. Det |
| 20. | *Joe Flacco BAL vs. Car Note: Will be without his starting left tackle, Eugene Monroe. |
| 21. | Alex Smith KC vs. NE |
| 22. | *Blake Bortles JAC at SD Note: Replaced an ineffective Henne and threw for two touchdowns in the second half last week, though that also came with two picks. He'll be the starter going forward. |
| 23. | *Mike Glennon TB at Pit Note: Probably will start this week thanks to Josh McCown's injury. Barring a dynamite performance from Glennon this week, I don't think that the Bucs make a permanent change at the position yet. McCown out this week, Glennon should start. |
| 24. | *EJ Manuel BUF at Hou Note: Showed up on the injury report with abdominal soreness, but fully practiced. ***Full practice again Friday.*** |
| 25. | Derek Carr OAK vs. Mia |
| 26. | *Charlie Whitehurst TEN at Ind Note: Could end up starting this week against the Colts. ***It's official, Whitehurst will start.*** |
| 27. | *Jake Locker TEN at Ind Note: Locker underwent an MRI on his right wrist Monday. If he can't go, Charlie Whitehurst is the backup, Zach Mettenberger is the long-term play. Locker didn't practice Thursday, and the Titans might take this until Saturday or maybe even game-time to name a starter. Whitehurst would get the start this week if Locker can't go. ***Limited Friday, Whitehurst will start.*** |
| 28. | *Josh McCown TB at Pit Note: McCown is expected to miss this week's game against the Steelers with a thumb injury. Mike Glennon will get the start. Diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb, could need surgery. |
| 29. | *Chad Henne JAC at SD Note: Benched, probably for good. |
| 30. | *Matt Cassel MIN vs. Atl Note: Fractured several bones in his foot and is out for multiple weeks, after which he'll probably be out of a starting job. Placed on IR, out for the year. |
Running Backs
| 1. | DeMarco Murray DAL vs. NO Note: My only hesitation with Murray is that he lost yet another fumble, his third week in a row where he's done that. But I still think that he'll run the ball well this week against the Saints. |
| 2. | Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. TB |
| 3. | *LeSean McCoy PHI at SF Note: McCoy took a head-to-head hit Sunday and briefly was checked for a concussion, but later returned to the game. But the Eagles' offensive line is torn to shreds right now, and McCoy is suffering as a result. |
| 4. | *Alfred Morris WAS vs. NYG Note: Briefly treated for a knee injury Week 3 against the Eagles but later returned to action, and practiced Tuesday. Listed as probable. |
| 5. | Matt Forte CHI vs. GB |
| 6. | Rashad Jennings NYG at Was |
| 7. | Eddie Lacy GB at Chi Note: Finally gets a good matchup, but he's been underwhelming so far - the NFFC's Greg Ambrosius said on our show Monday that he believes that the Packers' offensive line is the reason for that. That can skew two ways - sure, there's a reason to believe in Lacy once his OL improves, but what if that line does not improve? |
| 8. | *Jamaal Charles KC vs. NE Note: Charles (ankle) is expected to return to practice on Thursday when the Chiefs first practice this week. They have the Monday night game, which means one more day for him to heal, but very little recourse for us if he can't play. Still awaiting word on how well Charles practiced Thursday, but the Chiefs are optimistic. ***Listed as probable for Monday night.*** |
| 9. | Donald Brown SD vs. Jax |
| 10. | Frank Gore SF vs. Phi Note: Even though Gore got just six carries last week, I expect him to be busier against the Eagles, who are a better matchup. |
| 11. | Lamar Miller MIA at Oak |
| 12. | *Arian Foster HOU vs. Buf Note: (Hamstring) Remains 'day-to-day' after missing Week 3's loss to the Giants. If/when he returns to practice, I'll bump him up the rankings. Did some work on the side, but hasn't fully practiced so far. Will probably be a game-time decision again this week. ***Expected to suit-up, according to NFL.com's Ian Rappaport.*** |
| 13. | Ahmad Bradshaw IND vs. Ten |
| 14. | *Doug Martin TB at Pit Note: (Knee) Practiced Monday, should be back in the mix. The question - what is the mix now? Bobby Rainey has been a more dynamic runner this year, but he also lost two costly fumbles last week after also coughing one up in Week 1. Self-declared that his knee is '100 percent.' I'm wary when the player pronounces his diagnosis so optimistically, but it's better than the alternative. ***Officially listed as probable.*** |
| 15. | Chris Ivory NYJ vs. Det |
| 16. | Stevan Ridley NE at KC |
| 17. | *C.J. Spiller BUF at Hou Note: Added to the injury report with a chest injury, but fully practiced Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 18. | Shane Vereen NE at KC |
| 19. | Steven Jackson ATL at Min |
| 20. | Khiry Robinson NO at Dal |
| 21. | *Darren McFadden OAK vs. Mia Note: ***Even with MJD returning to action, it's McFadden that will start.*** |
| 22. | Reggie Bush DET at NYJ |
| 23. | Darren Sproles PHI at SF |
| 24. | *Toby Gerhart JAC at SD Note: ***(Foot) Listed as probable.*** |
| 25. | Pierre Thomas NO at Dal |
| 26. | Fred Jackson BUF at Hou |
| 27. | Trent Richardson IND vs. Ten |
| 28. | Matt Asiata MIN vs. Atl |
| 29. | *Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL vs. Car Note: Big game with Pierce out - it'll be difficult to keep him on the shelf now that he's emerged. |
| 30. | *Joique Bell DET at NYJ Note: (Knee) Limited in practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 31. | *Knile Davis KC vs. NE Note: Davis lost a fumble late that cost him a chance to add more yards and a late score that went to Cyrus Gray instead. If Charles sits, Davis could lose a few reps because of that fumble. ***Jamaal Charles is listed as probable, Davis goes down a couple more notches.*** |
| 32. | *Maurice Jones-Drew OAK vs. Mia Note: (Hand) Full practice Thursday, should return to action this week. ***Listed as probable, though McFadden will start ahead of him.*** |
| 33. | *DeAngelo Williams CAR at Bal Note: Missed the last two games due to a thigh injury, but is expected to return to practice Wednesday. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 34. | Bobby Rainey TB at Pit Note: A late drive salvaged Rainey's fantasy day after two early fumbles nearly killed it. Doug Martin probably is back this week, however. |
| 35. | LeGarrette Blount PIT vs. TB |
| 36. | Carlos Hyde SF vs. Phi |
| 37. | Bishop Sankey TEN at Ind Note: Finally showed signs of life in the loss to the Bengals, with 61 yards on 10 carries. Tennessee had to be watching that he had upside and Greene does not, right? |
| 38. | Chris Johnson NYJ vs. Det |
| 39. | *Alfred Blue HOU vs. Buf Note: Arian Foster will be a game-time decision, and even if he plays, I don't think that Blue will simply go away. |
| 40. | Shonn Greene TEN at Ind |
| 41. | Roy Helu WAS vs. NYG |
| 42. | *Branden Oliver SD vs. Jax Note: Now the Chargers' backup to Donald Brown with Mathews and Woodhead out. ***Oliver has been told he will play more this week than he did last week.*** |
| 43. | Jerick McKinnon MIN vs. Atl |
| 44. | *Bernard Pierce BAL vs. Car Note: (Thigh) Could Pierce be 'Wally Pipped' by the emergence of Taliaferro? Full practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 45. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL at Min |
| 46. | *Justin Forsett BAL vs. Car Note: ***Moved down because Pierce is likely to play.*** |
| 47. | *Denard Robinson JAC at SD Note: Started to cut into Gerhart's workload late in the loss to the Colts. |
| 48. | Andre Williams NYG at Was |
| 49. | James Starks GB at Chi |
| 50. | Dexter McCluster TEN at Ind |
| 51. | Cyrus Gray KC vs. NE |
| 52. | Devonta Freeman ATL at Min |
| 53. | *Darrin Reaves CAR at Bal Note: Stewart and Tolbert appear to be out, plus DeAngelo Williams and Fozzy Whittaker missed last week's game. Williams should be back this week, but in case he isn't, Reaves could be in line for significant action. |
| 54. | Antone Smith ATL at Min |
| 55. | Jonathan Grimes HOU vs. Buf |
| 56. | Silas Redd WAS vs. NYG |
| 57. | Travaris Cadet NO at Dal |
| 58. | Jordan Todman JAC at SD |
| 59. | Latavius Murray OAK vs. Mia |
| 60. | Ka'Deem Carey CHI vs. GB |
| 61. | Mike James TB at Pit |
| 62. | Anthony Dixon BUF at Hou |
| 63. | Daniel Thomas MIA at Oak |
| 64. | *Damien Williams MIA at Oak Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 65. | *Fozzy Whittaker CAR at Bal Note: Out last week with a quad injury, but injuries to Stewart and Tolbert may have opened the door for him to help out if he can get on the field. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
| 66. | *De'Anthony Thomas KC vs. NE Note: Expected to practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 67. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR at Bal Note: Severely sprained right knee, will probably be out for an extended period of time. The Panthers will re-examine him Friday to get a better idea on his absence. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable.*** |
| 68. | *Joe McKnight KC vs. NE Note: ***Achilles' tendon injury, out indefinitely.*** |
| 69. | *Mike Tolbert CAR at Bal Note: Hairline fracture in his left leg, placed on the IR-designated to return list. |
| 70. | *Danny Woodhead SD vs. Jax Note: Out for the season with a broken fibula. |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | Julio Jones ATL at Min |
| 2. | *Dez Bryant DAL vs. NO Note: (Shoulder) Wednesday was a maintenance day. |
| 3. | Jordy Nelson GB at Chi |
| 4. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. TB |
| 5. | Jeremy Maclin PHI at SF |
| 6. | Randall Cobb GB at Chi |
| 7. | Julian Edelman NE at KC |
| 8. | Victor Cruz NYG at Was |
| 9. | *Calvin Johnson DET at NYJ Note: (Ankle) Missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday - Friday's practice could be hugely important. I'm moving him down a few spots just to be safe - maybe it's wise to stay away from him in DFS even if you use him in your standard leagues. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable, but expected to play.*** |
| 10. | Pierre Garcon WAS vs. NYG |
| 11. | *Michael Crabtree SF vs. Phi Note: ***(Quadriceps) Listed as probable.*** |
| 12. | Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. GB Note: Not listed on the initial injury report Wednesday. |
| 13. | *Keenan Allen SD vs. Jax Note: Limited with a groin injury in practice last week, limited in the game plan on Sunday. Great matchup this week - if fully healthy he should produce. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 14. | *Cordarrelle Patterson MIN vs. Atl Note: I wonder if Patterson's chest injury is limiting his performance, or otherwise inducing the Vikings to look to him less frequently than we might otherwise anticipate. |
| 15. | *Andre Johnson HOU vs. Buf Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday - better than last Thursday with the same injury. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 16. | *DeSean Jackson WAS vs. NYG Note: Limited in practice Tuesday with his sore shoulder, but he was able to play through it last week. It's more difficult this week with the Thursday game, but I anticipate that he'll play. Barring a setbacks in warmups he'll play Thursday. |
| 17. | *Vincent Jackson TB at Pit Note: Dealing with a small fracture in his right wrist. Full practice Wednesday, vowed that he would play this week. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 18. | *Mike Wallace MIA at Oak Note: (Hamstring) Listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 19. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR at Bal |
| 20. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Buf |
| 21. | Brandin Cooks NO at Dal |
| 22. | Reggie Wayne IND vs. Ten |
| 23. | *Brandon Marshall CHI vs. GB Note: Missed part of the second quarter Monday night after appearing to aggravate his ankle injury, had just one catch on six targets. Earlier it was suggested that the injury could linger but that he could adjust to it - this is the downside. I got fooled by the Sunday night performance against the Niners into thinking he was in the clear, but that's obviously not the case. Didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is 'day-to-day.' ***Did not practice on Friday, but still expected to play.*** |
| 24. | Marques Colston NO at Dal Note: Colston's late touchdown salvaged his day, but that he only got five targets is disturbing. |
| 25. | Cecil Shorts JAC at SD |
| 26. | *Sammy Watkins BUF at Hou Note: (Ribs) Full practice Wednesday. |
| 27. | *T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Ten Note: Left the win over the Jaguars with an ankle injury, one that coach Chuck Pagano later downplayed. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 28. | Mike Evans TB at Pit |
| 29. | Golden Tate DET at NYJ |
| 30. | Steve Smith BAL vs. Car |
| 31. | Kendall Wright TEN at Ind |
| 32. | Terrance Williams DAL vs. NO |
| 33. | Markus Wheaton PIT vs. TB |
| 34. | Torrey Smith BAL vs. Car |
| 35. | Rueben Randle NYG at Was Note: Even with the poor fantasy day, that Randle got 10 targets is still encouraging. |
| 36. | *Roddy White ATL at Min Note: (Hamstring) Missed practice Monday after sitting out the Thursday night game. Returned to practice, intends to play Sunday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 37. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. NE |
| 38. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. Det Note: Kerley had 11 targets with Eric Decker only making a token appearance. |
| 39. | James Jones OAK vs. Mia |
| 40. | Allen Robinson JAC at SD |
| 41. | Greg Jennings MIN vs. Atl Note: More targets than Patterson last week - could that trend continue with Bridgewater starting full-time? |
| 42. | Anquan Boldin SF vs. Phi |
| 43. | Jordan Matthews PHI at SF |
| 44. | *Eric Decker NYJ vs. Det Note: Brief appearance Monday night, but then aggravated his hamstring injury and left in the second quarter. Did some work in positional drills Thursday but otherwise didn't practice. ***Limited practice Friday, but ACTIVE this week.*** |
| 45. | Hakeem Nicks IND vs. Ten |
| 46. | Justin Hunter TEN at Ind |
| 47. | Eddie Royal SD vs. Jax Note: Could I get fooled again? It's possible, after his hit-or-miss act last year. |
| 48. | Andre Roberts WAS vs. NYG |
| 49. | Donnie Avery KC vs. NE |
| 50. | Brian Hartline MIA at Oak |
| 51. | *Devin Hester ATL at Min Note: Calf cramps in the Thursday night game, but later returned. However, he sat out practice Monday. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 52. | Malcom Floyd SD vs. Jax |
| 53. | Robert Woods BUF at Hou |
| 54. | Davante Adams GB at Chi |
| 55. | *Andre Holmes OAK vs. Mia Note: Might end up starting over Denarius Moore with Streater out. |
| 56. | *Harry Douglas ATL at Min Note: Injured his foot Thursday night, didn't practice Monday. Full practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 57. | Santonio Holmes CHI vs. GB |
| 58. | Kenny Stills NO at Dal |
| 59. | Riley Cooper PHI at SF |
| 60. | Jarvis Landry MIA at Oak Note: His role with the Dolphins isn't huge, but it is growing and I'm impressed with his talent. |
| 61. | *Donte Moncrief IND vs. Ten Note: Had four catches for 55 yards last week and coach Chuck Pagano said that Moncrief had earned more playing time. Should T.Y. Hilton be limited Sunday, Moncrief could be the beneficiary. |
| 62. | *Allen Hurns JAC at SD Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 63. | Steve Johnson SF vs. Phi |
| 64. | Danny Amendola NE at KC |
| 65. | Brandon LaFell NE at KC |
| 66. | Kenbrell Thompkins NE at KC |
| 67. | Mike Williams BUF at Hou |
| 68. | Nate Washington TEN at Ind |
| 69. | Ryan Grant WAS vs. NYG |
| 70. | *Jarrett Boykin GB at Chi Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 71. | David Nelson NYJ vs. Det |
| 72. | *Corey Brown CAR at Bal Note: If you're looking for 'Philly Brown' this is him - I get a Ryan Grant (receiver version) feel with him - nice target day, but only due to lack of alternatives. I don't think that there's much to build on here, though the competiton is weaker here. |
| 73. | Junior Hemingway KC vs. NE |
| 74. | *Aaron Dobson NE at KC Note: I don't understand why Dobson was a healthy scratch, but he's a cut in all but the deepest of leagues for me now. |
| 75. | *Denarius Moore OAK vs. Mia Note: Had three catches on seven targets last week. With Rod Streater out, Moore's profile could improve, but coach Bruce Allen suggested Andre Holmes might benefit just as much and could start. ***HEALTHY SCRATCH*** |
| 76. | *Josh Morgan CHI vs. GB |
| 77. | *Marqise Lee JAC at SD Note: (Hamstring) Probably will sit out again this week. |
| 78. | *Rod Streater OAK vs. Mia Note: Fractured foot, will be out multiple weeks. Needs surgery, will be out 4-to-5 weeks. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Jimmy Graham NO at Dal |
| 2. | Martellus Bennett CHI vs. GB |
| 3. | *Rob Gronkowski NE at KC Note: Limited practice Thursday, but remember that the Pats play Monday night, so this is the same as other teams having a player limited on Wednesday. ***Three limited practices this week, but listed as probable.*** |
| 4. | Antonio Gates SD vs. Jax Note: Only one target last week, but his opponent this week is Jacksonville, which has given up big production to tight ends all three weeks this season. Gates and Green might both be viable this week. ***Listed as probable (hamstring).*** |
| 5. | *Zach Ertz PHI at SF Note: (Knee) Ertz was only on the field for 38 snaps and had just three targets. The weird flow of the game might have contributed to that, and maybe so did the knee injury that landed him as probable on the injury list last week. |
| 6. | Greg Olsen CAR at Bal |
| 7. | Niles Paul WAS vs. NYG Note: Jordan Reed is out again, so Paul should continue to get a lot of targets. |
| 8. | *Owen Daniels BAL vs. Car Note: Bigger role now that Dennis Pitta is out for the season. Remember, Gary Kubiak is the OC there and has a history with him, so we could be looking at a lot of targets. |
| 9. | Larry Donnell NYG at Was Note: Donnell is a bit of a tough call for Thursday night. The Redskins haven't allowed much at all against tight ends, and it's a short-rest game on the road for the Giants, but he also is among the leaders in TE targets so far. |
| 10. | Travis Kelce KC vs. NE Note: Kelce's snap count has gone from 18, to 32, to 47 last week against Miami. The Chiefs have been slow to warm up to him, or maybe just have been working him in slowly given his injury last season, but he's becoming a bigger part of the offense. |
| 11. | Jason Witten DAL vs. NO |
| 12. | Dwayne Allen IND vs. Ten |
| 13. | *Vernon Davis SF vs. Phi Note: (Ankle) Coach Jim Harbaugh is 'optimistic, very hopeful' that Davis can return this week after sitting out against Arizona. Limited in Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practice Friday, game-time decision. NFL.com's Ian Rappaport suggests that Davis will play, but they play the late afternoon game.*** |
| 14. | *Delanie Walker TEN at Ind Note: Walker is dealing with a shoulder injury - watch the practice reports carefully this week. Limited at practice Thursday. ***Will be active this week.*** |
| 15. | Heath Miller PIT vs. TB |
| 16. | Garrett Graham HOU vs. Buf |
| 17. | *Eric Ebron DET at NYJ Note: ***Expanded role with Joseph Fauria out, maybe even a little more with Megatron playing hurt.*** |
| 18. | Andrew Quarless GB at Chi |
| 19. | Coby Fleener IND vs. Ten Note: Getting the same number of targets as Dwayne Allen, even though Allen is rated higher in most places. |
| 20. | *Rhett Ellison MIN vs. Atl Note: Ellison replaces Kyle Rudolph as the starting tight end. PFF loves him for his blocking - can he fill the void in the passing game too? |
| 21. | Jace Amaro NYJ vs. Det |
| 22. | *Ladarius Green SD vs. Jax Note: Added to the injury list as limited by a hamstring injury. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 23. | Brandon Myers TB at Pit |
| 24. | Levine Toilolo ATL at Min |
| 25. | Scott Chandler BUF at Hou |
| 26. | *Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB at Pit Note: (Ankle) Practiced Wednesday. |
| 27. | *Charles Clay MIA at Oak Note: (Knee) Didn't practice Wednesday, limited Thursday. |
| 28. | Richard Rodgers GB at Chi |
| 29. | Tim Wright NE at KC |
| 30. | Derek Carrier SF vs. Phi |
| 31. | *Clay Harbor JAC at SD Note: (Calf) Full participant Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 32. | Brent Celek PHI at SF |
| 33. | Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Mia |
| 34. | *Jordan Reed WAS vs. NYG Note: (Hamstring) Already ruled out for Thursday's game. |
| 35. | *Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Atl Note: Rudolph will be out at least six weeks following groin surgery. |
| 36. | *Dennis Pitta BAL vs. Car Note: (Hip, again) Out for the season, already placed on IR by the Ravens. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | DeMarco Murray DAL vs. NO Note: My only hesitation with Murray is that he lost yet another fumble, his third week in a row where he's done that. But I still think that he'll run the ball well this week against the Saints. |
| 2. | Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. TB |
| 3. | Julio Jones ATL at Min |
| 4. | *Dez Bryant DAL vs. NO Note: (Shoulder) Wednesday was a maintenance day. |
| 5. | Jimmy Graham NO at Dal |
| 6. | Jordy Nelson GB at Chi |
| 7. | Antonio Brown PIT vs. TB |
| 8. | *Calvin Johnson DET at NYJ Note: (Ankle) Missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday - Friday's practice could be hugely important. I'm moving him down a few spots just to be safe - maybe it's wise to stay away from him in DFS even if you use him in your standard leagues. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable, but expected to play.*** |
| 9. | Jeremy Maclin PHI at SF |
| 10. | *LeSean McCoy PHI at SF Note: McCoy took a head-to-head hit Sunday and briefly was checked for a concussion, but later returned to the game. But the Eagles' offensive line is torn to shreds right now, and McCoy is suffering as a result. |
| 11. | Matt Forte CHI vs. GB |
| 12. | Rashad Jennings NYG at Was |
| 13. | Pierre Garcon WAS vs. NYG |
| 14. | Randall Cobb GB at Chi |
| 15. | Julian Edelman NE at KC |
| 16. | Victor Cruz NYG at Was |
| 17. | Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. GB Note: Not listed on the initial injury report Wednesday. |
| 18. | *Michael Crabtree SF vs. Phi Note: ***(Quadriceps) Listed as probable.*** |
| 19. | *Jamaal Charles KC vs. NE Note: Charles (ankle) is expected to return to practice on Thursday when the Chiefs first practice this week. They have the Monday night game, which means one more day for him to heal, but very little recourse for us if he can't play. Still awaiting word on how well Charles practiced Thursday, but the Chiefs are optimistic. ***Listed as probable for Monday night.*** |
| 20. | *Alfred Morris WAS vs. NYG Note: Briefly treated for a knee injury Week 3 against the Eagles but later returned to action, and practiced Tuesday. Listed as probable. |
| 21. | Eddie Lacy GB at Chi Note: Finally gets a good matchup, but he's been underwhelming so far - the NFFC's Greg Ambrosius said on our show Monday that he believes that the Packers' offensive line is the reason for that. That can skew two ways - sure, there's a reason to believe in Lacy once his OL improves, but what if that line does not improve? |
| 22. | *Keenan Allen SD vs. Jax Note: Limited with a groin injury in practice last week, limited in the game plan on Sunday. Great matchup this week - if fully healthy he should produce. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 23. | Ahmad Bradshaw IND vs. Ten |
| 24. | Martellus Bennett CHI vs. GB |
| 25. | *Rob Gronkowski NE at KC Note: Limited practice Thursday, but remember that the Pats play Monday night, so this is the same as other teams having a player limited on Wednesday. ***Three limited practices this week, but listed as probable.*** |
| 26. | *Cordarrelle Patterson MIN vs. Atl Note: I wonder if Patterson's chest injury is limiting his performance, or otherwise inducing the Vikings to look to him less frequently than we might otherwise anticipate. |
| 27. | *Andre Johnson HOU vs. Buf Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday - better than last Thursday with the same injury. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 28. | Donald Brown SD vs. Jax |
| 29. | Frank Gore SF vs. Phi Note: Even though Gore got just six carries last week, I expect him to be busier against the Eagles, who are a better matchup. |
| 30. | Lamar Miller MIA at Oak |
| 31. | *Arian Foster HOU vs. Buf Note: (Hamstring) Remains 'day-to-day' after missing Week 3's loss to the Giants. If/when he returns to practice, I'll bump him up the rankings. Did some work on the side, but hasn't fully practiced so far. Will probably be a game-time decision again this week. ***Expected to suit-up, according to NFL.com's Ian Rappaport.*** |
| 32. | *Doug Martin TB at Pit Note: (Knee) Practiced Monday, should be back in the mix. The question - what is the mix now? Bobby Rainey has been a more dynamic runner this year, but he also lost two costly fumbles last week after also coughing one up in Week 1. Self-declared that his knee is '100 percent.' I'm wary when the player pronounces his diagnosis so optimistically, but it's better than the alternative. ***Officially listed as probable.*** |
| 33. | *DeSean Jackson WAS vs. NYG Note: Limited in practice Tuesday with his sore shoulder, but he was able to play through it last week. It's more difficult this week with the Thursday game, but I anticipate that he'll play. Barring a setbacks in warmups he'll play Thursday. |
| 34. | *Vincent Jackson TB at Pit Note: Dealing with a small fracture in his right wrist. Full practice Wednesday, vowed that he would play this week. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 35. | *Mike Wallace MIA at Oak Note: (Hamstring) Listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 36. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR at Bal |
| 37. | *C.J. Spiller BUF at Hou Note: Added to the injury report with a chest injury, but fully practiced Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 38. | Shane Vereen NE at KC |
| 39. | *Darren McFadden OAK vs. Mia Note: ***Even with MJD returning to action, it's McFadden that will start.*** |
| 40. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Buf |
| 41. | Brandin Cooks NO at Dal |
| 42. | Reggie Wayne IND vs. Ten |
| 43. | *Brandon Marshall CHI vs. GB Note: Missed part of the second quarter Monday night after appearing to aggravate his ankle injury, had just one catch on six targets. Earlier it was suggested that the injury could linger but that he could adjust to it - this is the downside. I got fooled by the Sunday night performance against the Niners into thinking he was in the clear, but that's obviously not the case. Didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is 'day-to-day.' ***Did not practice on Friday, but still expected to play.*** |
| 44. | Antonio Gates SD vs. Jax Note: Only one target last week, but his opponent this week is Jacksonville, which has given up big production to tight ends all three weeks this season. Gates and Green might both be viable this week. ***Listed as probable (hamstring).*** |
| 45. | Reggie Bush DET at NYJ |
| 46. | Darren Sproles PHI at SF |
| 47. | Marques Colston NO at Dal Note: Colston's late touchdown salvaged his day, but that he only got five targets is disturbing. |
| 48. | Chris Ivory NYJ vs. Det |
| 49. | *Alfred Blue HOU vs. Buf Note: Arian Foster will be a game-time decision, and even if he plays, I don't think that Blue will simply go away. |
| 50. | Stevan Ridley NE at KC |
| 51. | Pierre Thomas NO at Dal |
| 52. | Cecil Shorts JAC at SD |
| 53. | *Sammy Watkins BUF at Hou Note: (Ribs) Full practice Wednesday. |
| 54. | Mike Evans TB at Pit |
| 55. | Golden Tate DET at NYJ |
| 56. | *T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Ten Note: Left the win over the Jaguars with an ankle injury, one that coach Chuck Pagano later downplayed. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 57. | Steve Smith BAL vs. Car |
| 58. | *Zach Ertz PHI at SF Note: (Knee) Ertz was only on the field for 38 snaps and had just three targets. The weird flow of the game might have contributed to that, and maybe so did the knee injury that landed him as probable on the injury list last week. |
| 59. | Greg Olsen CAR at Bal |
| 60. | Niles Paul WAS vs. NYG Note: Jordan Reed is out again, so Paul should continue to get a lot of targets. |
| 61. | Steven Jackson ATL at Min |
| 62. | Khiry Robinson NO at Dal |
| 63. | *Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL vs. Car Note: Big game with Pierce out - it'll be difficult to keep him on the shelf now that he's emerged. |
| 64. | *Knile Davis KC vs. NE Note: Davis lost a fumble late that cost him a chance to add more yards and a late score that went to Cyrus Gray instead. If Charles sits, Davis could lose a few reps because of that fumble. ***Jamaal Charles is listed as probable, Davis goes down a couple more notches.*** |
| 65. | *Toby Gerhart JAC at SD Note: ***(Foot) Listed as probable.*** |
| 66. | Kendall Wright TEN at Ind |
| 67. | Terrance Williams DAL vs. NO |
| 68. | *Roddy White ATL at Min Note: (Hamstring) Missed practice Monday after sitting out the Thursday night game. Returned to practice, intends to play Sunday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 69. | Fred Jackson BUF at Hou |
| 70. | *Joique Bell DET at NYJ Note: (Knee) Limited in practice Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.*** |
| 71. | Trent Richardson IND vs. Ten |
| 72. | Markus Wheaton PIT vs. TB |
| 73. | Torrey Smith BAL vs. Car |
| 74. | Rueben Randle NYG at Was Note: Even with the poor fantasy day, that Randle got 10 targets is still encouraging. |
| 75. | *Owen Daniels BAL vs. Car Note: Bigger role now that Dennis Pitta is out for the season. Remember, Gary Kubiak is the OC there and has a history with him, so we could be looking at a lot of targets. |
| 76. | Larry Donnell NYG at Was Note: Donnell is a bit of a tough call for Thursday night. The Redskins haven't allowed much at all against tight ends, and it's a short-rest game on the road for the Giants, but he also is among the leaders in TE targets so far. |
| 77. | Travis Kelce KC vs. NE Note: Kelce's snap count has gone from 18, to 32, to 47 last week against Miami. The Chiefs have been slow to warm up to him, or maybe just have been working him in slowly given his injury last season, but he's becoming a bigger part of the offense. |
| 78. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. NE |
| 79. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ vs. Det Note: Kerley had 11 targets with Eric Decker only making a token appearance. |
| 80. | James Jones OAK vs. Mia |
| 81. | Allen Robinson JAC at SD |
| 82. | Greg Jennings MIN vs. Atl Note: More targets than Patterson last week - could that trend continue with Bridgewater starting full-time? |
| 83. | Anquan Boldin SF vs. Phi |
| 84. | *Justin Forsett BAL vs. Car Note: ***Moved down because Pierce is likely to play.*** |
| 85. | Matt Asiata MIN vs. Atl |
| 86. | Jordan Matthews PHI at SF |
| 87. | Eddie Royal SD vs. Jax Note: Could I get fooled again? It's possible, after his hit-or-miss act last year. |
| 88. | Hakeem Nicks IND vs. Ten |
| 89. | Justin Hunter TEN at Ind |
| 90. | Andre Roberts WAS vs. NYG |
| 91. | Donnie Avery KC vs. NE |
| 92. | Brian Hartline MIA at Oak |
| 93. | *Delanie Walker TEN at Ind Note: Walker is dealing with a shoulder injury - watch the practice reports carefully this week. Limited at practice Thursday. ***Will be active this week.*** |
| 94. | Jason Witten DAL vs. NO |
| 95. | Dwayne Allen IND vs. Ten |
| 96. | *Devin Hester ATL at Min Note: Calf cramps in the Thursday night game, but later returned. However, he sat out practice Monday. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 97. | Malcom Floyd SD vs. Jax |
| 98. | Carlos Hyde SF vs. Phi |
| 99. | LeGarrette Blount PIT vs. TB |
| 100. | Bishop Sankey TEN at Ind Note: Finally showed signs of life in the loss to the Bengals, with 61 yards on 10 carries. Tennessee had to be watching that he had upside and Greene does not, right? |
| 101. | Bobby Rainey TB at Pit Note: A late drive salvaged Rainey's fantasy day after two early fumbles nearly killed it. Doug Martin probably is back this week, however. |
| 102. | Chris Johnson NYJ vs. Det |
| 103. | *DeAngelo Williams CAR at Bal Note: Missed the last two games due to a thigh injury, but is expected to return to practice Wednesday. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 104. | Shonn Greene TEN at Ind |
| 105. | Robert Woods BUF at Hou |
| 106. | Davante Adams GB at Chi |
| 107. | Santonio Holmes CHI vs. GB |
| 108. | Kenny Stills NO at Dal |
| 109. | Riley Cooper PHI at SF |
| 110. | Heath Miller PIT vs. TB |
| 111. | *Andre Holmes OAK vs. Mia Note: Might end up starting over Denarius Moore with Streater out. |
| 112. | Garrett Graham HOU vs. Buf |
| 113. | Andrew Quarless GB at Chi |
| 114. | *Ladarius Green SD vs. Jax Note: Added to the injury list as limited by a hamstring injury. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 115. | *Maurice Jones-Drew OAK vs. Mia Note: (Hand) Full practice Thursday, should return to action this week. ***Listed as probable, though McFadden will start ahead of him.*** |
Kickers
| 1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE at KC |
| 2. | Dan Bailey DAL vs. NO Note: Solid as ever - has made 28 in a row. |
| 3. | Matt Bryant ATL at Min |
| 4. | Cody Parkey PHI at SF |
| 5. | Adam Vinatieri IND vs. Ten |
| 6. | Phil Dawson SF vs. Phi Note: 2-for-4 with a blocked kick so far this year. |
| 7. | Nick Novak SD vs. Jax |
| 8. | Robbie Gould CHI vs. GB |
| 9. | Blair Walsh MIN vs. Atl |
| 10. | Shaun Suisham PIT vs. TB |
| 11. | Mason Crosby GB at Chi |
| 12. | Justin Tucker BAL vs. Car |
| 13. | *Kai Forbath WAS vs. NYG Note: Still nursing a groin injury, also had a huge miss in the loss to the Eagles. Listed as probable. |
| 14. | Shayne Graham NO at Dal Note: Had an extra point blocked on a low kick. |
| 15. | Josh Brown NYG at Was |
| 16. | Alex Henery DET at NYJ |
| 17. | Randy Bullock HOU vs. Buf |
| 18. | Caleb Sturgis MIA at Oak |
| 19. | Dan Carpenter BUF at Hou |
| 20. | Nick Folk NYJ vs. Det |
| 21. | Graham Gano CAR at Bal |
| 22. | Cairo Santos KC vs. NE |
| 23. | Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Mia |
| 24. | Josh Scobee JAC at SD |
| 25. | Ryan Succop TEN at Ind |
| 26. | Patrick Murray TB at Pit |
Defenses
| 1. | San Diego Chargers vs. Jax |
| 2. | Baltimore Ravens vs. Car |
| 3. | Houston Texans vs. Buf |
| 4. | *Detroit Lions at NYJ Note: Stephen Tulloch out for the season with a torn ACL suffered while celebrating a sack. |
| 5. | Indianapolis Colts vs. Ten |
| 6. | Carolina Panthers at Bal |
| 7. | New England Patriots at KC |
| 8. | *Pittsburgh Steelers vs. TB Note: Ike Taylor suffered a broken arm that will keep him out multiple weeks, Ryan Shazier (knee) is out, and Jarvis Jones is out at least eight weeks. Big win for the Steelers, but big injuries too. |
| 9. | *Buffalo Bills at Hou Note: IDP Alert - Preston Brown has back-to-back double-digit tackle games. |
| 10. | *Washington Redskins vs. NYG Note: Brian Orakpo and Jason Hatcher were both limited in practice Tuesday. DeAngelo Hall (Achilles' tendon) out for the season. |
| 11. | *Kansas City Chiefs vs. NE Note: Eric Berry (ankle) expected to practice Thursday. |
| 12. | *New York Jets vs. Det Note: Muhammad Wilkerson has a knee contusion. |
| 13. | Miami Dolphins at Oak |
| 14. | Atlanta Falcons at Min |
| 15. | *New York Giants at Was Note: Jon Beason (toe) missed last week, was limited Tuesday. |
| 16. | San Francisco 49ers vs. Phi |
| 17. | New Orleans Saints at Dal |
| 18. | *Green Bay Packers at Chi Note: Clay Matthews (groin) could be a game-time decision. |
| 19. | Dallas Cowboys vs. NO |
| 20. | *Chicago Bears vs. GB Note: Kyle Fuller is an emerging star in the secondary. |
| 21. | Oakland Raiders vs. Mia |
| 22. | Philadelphia Eagles at SF |
| 23. | Tennessee Titans at Ind |
| 24. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pit |
| 25. | *Minnesota Vikings vs. Atl Note: Chad Greenway is likely out with a broken rib. |
| 26. | Jacksonville Jaguars at SD |
