Weekly Rankings: Week 2 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 2 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

***Sunday Update Complete (8:15 a.m. PT).***

Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.

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

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

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

***Sunday Update Complete (8:15 a.m. PT).***

Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.

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

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

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

***Sunday Update Complete (8:15 a.m. PT).***

Quarterback

1.Drew Brees NO vs. TB
2.Matt Ryan ATL at NYG
3.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Sea
4.Andrew Luck IND vs. NYJ
5.*Sam Bradford PHI vs. Dal
Note: Reportedly sprained an ankle in the Monday night game, but wasn't limping afterward. Not listed on the initial injury report.
6.Eli Manning NYG vs. Atl
7.Tom Brady NE at Buf
8.Carson Palmer ARZ at Chi
9.Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. SF
10.Tony Romo DAL at Phi
Note: Both INTs against the Giants were the result of drops from his wide receivers. He'll have to adjust to life without Dez for the first half of the season, however.
11.Andy Dalton CIN vs. SD
12.Ryan Tannehill MIA at Jax
13.Russell Wilson SEA at GB
Note: Averaged only 6.1 yards per attempt against the Rams. Sunday night's game against the Packers doesn't look much easier.
14.Philip Rivers SD at Cin
15.*Peyton Manning DEN at KC
Note: (Back) I'm not sure if I'm overreacting to Sunday's performance, or not reacting enough? Hate the matchup this week, hate the short week, hate the nagging injury. Full practice Wednesday, listed as probable.
16.Tyrod Taylor BUF vs. NE
17.Colin Kaepernick SF at Pit
Note: Wasn't asked to do much, and he complied, though the 41 rushing yards helped. Should be more of a shootout this week against the Steelers.
18.Marcus Mariota TEN at Cle
19.Joe Flacco BAL at Oak
20.*Matthew Stafford DET at Min
Note: Had to wear a bulky wrap around his throwing elbow Monday after getting hit by a helmet early in the second half. Full practice Wednesday, ready-to-go this week. ***Listed as probable.***
21.Jameis Winston TB at NO
22.Ryan Fitzpatrick NYJ at Ind
23.Cam Newton CAR vs. Hou
24.Teddy Bridgewater MIN vs. Det
25.Alex Smith KC vs. Den
26.Nick Foles STL at Was
27.*Jay Cutler CHI vs. Ari
Note: ***Moved down because of Alshon Jeffery's bad hamstring injury.***
28.*Ryan Mallett HOU at Car
Note: Gave the Texans a spark in the fourth quarter after Hoyer was benched. Coach Bill O'Brien will not commit to naming a starter for Week 2 until later in the week. Officially confirmed as the starter.
29.Kirk Cousins WAS vs. StL
30.*Johnny Manziel CLE vs. Ten
Note: Manziel is being prepped to start this week, in place of the injured Josh McCown. Manziel made some nice plays against the Jets, but also remains a high turnover risk. It now looks as if McCown and not Manziel will start. ***And now it looks like Manziel will start after all, with Austin Davis backing up.***
31.Blake Bortles JAC vs. Mia
32.*Derek Carr OAK vs. Bal
Note: Suffered a bruised thumb in the loss to the Bengals, and his status for Week 2 is uncertain. Full practice Wednesday, seems in line to start.
33.*Matt McGloin OAK vs. Bal
Note: I'm presuming for now that McGloin will start this week. The Ravens lost Terrell Suggs last week, but that defense should still feast on McGloin.
34.*Brian Hoyer HOU at Car
Note: Benched in the fourth quarter against the Chiefs. Mallett confirmed as the starter this week.
35.*Josh McCown CLE vs. Ten
Note: McCown's injury in Week 1 evoked immediate mentions of the Sage Rosenfels helicopter fumble from a few years ago. He's in the concussion protocol this week and unlikely to play. Has improved enough with his concussion that he'll start if he's officially cleared out of the protocol by Friday. ***Not ready to go after all.***

Running Backs

1.Jeremy Hill CIN vs. SD
2.Marshawn Lynch SEA at GB
3.Eddie Lacy GB vs. Sea
4.Jamaal Charles KC vs. Den
5.Adrian Peterson MIN vs. Det
6.Mark Ingram NO vs. TB
Note: Ingram surprisingly was targeted nine times, catching eight balls for 98 yards. This will probably change once C.J. Spiller returns, but it speaks to giving Ingram more value than previously anticipated (at least by me).
7.DeMarco Murray PHI vs. Dal
Note: I'm not that worried about Murray's poor output - he had a couple of runs called back due to penalty, and he's still the first choice in the red zone. The Eagles' offense overall was much better in the second half, too.
8.Matt Forte CHI vs. Ari
Note: I couldn't have been more down on Forte this year, but at least for one week I was wrong.
9.Carlos Hyde SF at Pit
Note: Is Hyde (and the Niners' OL) that much better than expected, or were the Vikings just that disappointing? He moves into early-third round territory for me if we're playing in a PPR league, late second in a standard format.
10.Doug Martin TB at NO
Note: Martin actually looked pretty good, but the game flow in Week 1 limited his usage. The problem is, game flow could be a problem in the future if the Bucs really do stink this badly.
11.Alfred Morris WAS vs. StL
12.Bishop Sankey TEN at Cle
Note: Pretty close to a perfect season-opener. Only downer was seeing Terrance West get some early goal line carries, but Sankey still got his in the third quarter, plus West lost a fumble in the game.
13.T.J. Yeldon JAC vs. Mia
14.Justin Forsett BAL at Oak
Note: I think Forsett will bounce back this week, but LT Eugene Monroe out with a concussion doesn't help. Limited at practice with a shoulder injury Wednesday. ***Full practices Thursday and Friday, listed as probable.***
15.*Ameer Abdullah DET at Min
Note: Abdullah ended up with more touches from scrimmage than Joique Bell (11 to 8) and also returned three kicks. I still think that the Lions should allocate more from scrimmage to him, but coach Jim Caldwell indicated that he was happy with the current ratio.
16.Lamar Miller MIA at Jax
Note: Don't panic about the low output - Miller got most of his work in the second half, when the Dolphins' lineup was at least a little functional, and the team didn't run that many plays overall.
17.*Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Hou
Note: Full practice Thursday's after a 'veteran's day off' Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.***
18.DeAngelo Williams PIT vs. SF
19.LeGarrette Blount NE at Buf
20.*C.J. Anderson DEN at KC
Note: Dealing with a turf-toe and ankle injury and missed Monday's walk-through practice. The early game this week really works against him. Listed as questionable for Thursday night, but expected to suit up.
21.Joseph Randle DAL at Phi
Note: Got more work than the other two Cowboys running backs, but it's clear that for now there's going to be a committee. Nobody got a goal line carry Sunday night, but he was in the game in a goal-to-go situation where the Cowboys through to tight end Gavin Escobar.
22.Rashad Jennings NYG vs. Atl
23.Latavius Murray OAK vs. Bal
24.Melvin Gordon SD at Cin
Note: Gordon looked good at times, but Danny Woodhead taking away his carries at the goal line is a pretty big problem.
25.Tevin Coleman ATL at NYG
Note: Looked pretty good in his debut, though he was regularly taken out of the game on passing downs. I worry a little about that, and what happens in the red zone.
26.Frank Gore IND vs. NYJ
Note: Dismal game and suffered calf cramps, though he didn't have any lingering issues with that. Monday night might not be much better.
27.*Chris Ivory NYJ at Ind
Note: Limited in practice Thursday with a sore groin. ***Limited in practice Saturday, going to be listed as questionable for Monday night.***
28.*LeSean McCoy BUF vs. NE
Note: Experienced tightness in his hamstring and was pulled from practice Thursday. ***Limited in practice Friday, listed as questionable, but multiple sources expect him to play.***
29.*Chris Johnson ARZ at Chi
Note: It appears that Chris Johnson and not David will start while Ellington is out with a PCL strain. ***Officially will start in place of Ellington.***
30.Danny Woodhead SD at Cin
31.Ronnie Hillman DEN at KC
32.Darren Sproles PHI vs. Dal
33.Alfred Blue HOU at Car
Note: The Texans had to abandon the running game in the second half, and Blue's role was diminished as a result.
34.Giovani Bernard CIN vs. SD
35.Shane Vereen NYG vs. Atl
36.*Karlos Williams BUF vs. NE
Note: Might get more work this week - McCoy had to be lifted from Thursday's practice with tightness in his hamstring, plus the Bills cut Bryce Brown.
37.*Tre Mason STL at Was
Note: (Hamstring) Would have had full practice Thursday if the Rams had practiced. ***Expected to play, could start.***
38.*Bilal Powell NYJ at Ind
Note: ***Bumped up due to the uncertain status of Chris Ivory.***
39.Dion Lewis NE at Buf
40.*Duke Johnson CLE vs. Ten
Note: Johnson ran better than Crowell, though that's damning with faint praise.
41.Joique Bell DET at Min
42.Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. Ten
43.Ryan Mathews PHI vs. Dal
44.Darren McFadden DAL at Phi
45.Benny Cunningham STL at Was
Note: Huge receiving game against the Seahawks. His matchup against the Redskins might not be as good - opposing backs didn't do much against them last year. Gurley and Mason are on their way, less playing time looms.
46.*David Johnson ARZ at Chi
Note: Took it to the house with his one touch, but alas that was it. Chris Johnson and not David will start while Ellington is out, it appears.
47.*Devonta Freeman ATL at NYG
Note: Saw most of the action on passing downs, though Coleman was the better runner.
48.Lance Dunbar DAL at Phi
Note: Dunbar caught a whopping eight passes Sunday night, including two big plays on the game-winning drive.
49.Marcel Reece OAK vs. Bal
50.Khiry Robinson NO vs. TB
51.Knile Davis KC vs. Den
52.Charles Sims TB at NO
53.Denard Robinson JAC vs. Mia
54.Javorius Allen BAL at Oak
55.James Starks GB vs. Sea
56.*Todd Gurley STL at Was
Note: Rams coach Jeff Fisher 'would not rule out' Gurley playing this week. Let's wait to see the practice reports. Wednesday's practice report was positive, Rams didn't practice Thursday. ***Officially out.***
57.Matt Jones WAS vs. StL
58.Terrance West TEN at Cle
59.Andre Williams NYG vs. Atl
60.Damien Williams MIA at Jax
61.Brandon Bolden NE at Buf
62.Cameron Artis-Payne CAR vs. Hou
63.Fred Jackson SEA at GB
64.Josh Robinson IND vs. NYJ
65.Anthony Dixon BUF vs. NE
66.Dexter McCluster TEN at Cle
67.*C.J. Spiller NO vs. TB
Note: (Knee) Limited in practice the last two days, showing progress. ***Expected to play, could be limited to red zone situations.***
68.Chris Polk HOU at Car
69.Bobby Rainey TB at NO
70.*Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL at Oak
Note: ***Listed as probable.***
71.Terron Ward ATL at NYG
72.Jonathan Grimes HOU at Car
73.*Theo Riddick DET at Min
Note: Riddick only played eight snaps from the Lions' crowded backfield, but looked good with two catches for 37 yards.
74.*Jerick McKinnon MIN vs. Det
Note: (Ankle) Full practice Wednesday.
75.Zach Zenner DET at Min
76.James White NE at Buf
77.Jeremy Langford CHI vs. Ari
Note: Just one carry in Week 1, with Jacquizz Rodgers getting more work.
78.Zac Stacy NYJ at Ind
79.Chase Reynolds STL at Was
80.Stevan Ridley NYJ at Ind
81.Juwan Thompson DEN at KC
Note: Thompson didn't have any carries despite Anderson spraining his toe. Ronnie Hillman is clearly Anderson' handcuff.
82.*Travaris Cadet NE at Buf
Note: (Hamstring) Practiced Wednesday.
83.*Roy Helu OAK vs. Bal
Note: Demoted to third string, inactive in Week 1.
84.*Antonio Andrews TEN at Cle
Note: ***(Hamstring) Ruled out for Week 2.***
85.*Christine Michael DAL at Phi
Note: Inactive in Week 1.
86.*Arian Foster HOU at Car
Note: (Groin) Coach Bill O'Brien pretty firmly did not believe that Foster would be able to play in Week 2. Returned to practice Thursday, though not expected to play in Week 2. ***Officially out.***
87.*Reggie Bush SF at Pit
Note: Bush suffered a calf injury and is considered 'week-to-week,' seemingly putting him at risk of missing this week against the Steelers. Wasn't available for practice Wednesday, though the Niners only had a walk-through.***Ruled out for this week.***
88.*Andre Ellington ARZ at Chi
Note: Diagnosed with a 'mild' PCL sprain - no timetable yet for Ellington's return. Chris Johnson will start ahead of David Johnson, according to coach Bruce Arians. Wasn't present at Thursday's practice. ***Officially out.***

Wide Receivers

1.Antonio Brown PIT vs. SF
2.Odell Beckham NYG vs. Atl
3.*Julio Jones ATL at NYG
Note: (Hamstring) Missed practice Thursday, but both he and the coaching staff said that there was no doubt he would play Sunday. ***Returned to practice Friday, listed as probable.***
4.A.J. Green CIN vs. SD
5.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at Car
6.Calvin Johnson DET at Min
Note: Remember when we used to knock Matthew Stafford for locking in on Megatron too much? Yeah, that was fun - let's get back to that, please.
7.Jordan Matthews PHI vs. Dal
8.Vincent Jackson TB at NO
Note: Jackson's poor overall numbers weren't a function of a lack of targets (12), but more the case that Jameis Winston had too much trouble with the Titans pass rush in getting an accurate ball to Jackson.
9.Keenan Allen SD at Cin
10.*Demaryius Thomas DEN at KC
Note: Thomas has a sore hand that required an x-ray Monday, but he was also able to go through the Broncos' jog-through practice. Full practice Wednesday, listed as probable.
11.Brandin Cooks NO vs. TB
Note: Cooks was hurt by Drew Brees being forced to check down so often against Arizona. I don't think that will be as big of a problem against the Bucs.
12.*Terrance Williams DAL at Phi
Note: Williams should become the Cowboys' primary wide receiver, though I think that Witten will continue to also get a lot of targets.
13.Emmanuel Sanders DEN at KC
14.Brandon Marshall NYJ at Ind
15.Anquan Boldin SF at Pit
16.*Randall Cobb GB vs. Sea
Note: Rated lower this week because I think he'll frequently draw Richard Sherman. (Shoulder) Limited in practice Thursday. I'm giving him a small bump up.
17.Julian Edelman NE at Buf
18.*Jeremy Maclin KC vs. Den
Note: Maclin was limited in practice Monday with a sore back. Listed as probable.
19.John Brown ARZ at Chi
20.Jarvis Landry MIA at Jax
21.Steve Smith BAL at Oak
22.*Davante Adams GB vs. Sea
Note: While it's troubling for Adams' owners to see James Jones score twice, keep in mind that Adams still led the Packers in targets in Week 1.
23.Pierre Garcon WAS vs. StL
24.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: (Hamstring) Inactive in Week 1 and uncertain for Week 2 - unless he makes significant strides by Friday, you can't even consider starting him this week. Limited again on Thursday, a decision on Evans probably won't be made until Saturday. ***Listed as probable, expected to play.***
25.Donte Moncrief IND vs. NYJ
Note: If I'm the Jets I'd have Darrelle Revis shadow Moncrief and not Andre Johnson.
26.Kendall Wright TEN at Cle
27.Roddy White ATL at NYG
28.Amari Cooper OAK vs. Bal
29.Steve Johnson SD at Cin
30.*Eddie Royal CHI vs. Ari
Note: Royal was evaluated for a concussion but later returned to the game against the Packers. ***Should get more targets this week with Jeffery hurt.***
31.*Golden Tate DET at Min
Note: (Quadriceps) Limited in practice, didn't practice Wednesday. ***Limited Thursday and Friday, but listed as probable.***
32.Sammy Watkins BUF vs. NE
Note: Watkins had a disappointing bagel in Week 1, but we can attribute at least some of that to being covered by Vontae Davis.
33.Torrey Smith SF at Pit
Note: Meet the new 49ers - same as the old 49ers. At least on Monday night, they stuck with a run-first strategy, and Smith was targeted only thrice. Week 2 presents a matchup against the Steelers that is likely to be more wide-open, but I'll admit my expectations are lowered regardless.
34.Markus Wheaton PIT vs. SF
35.Percy Harvin BUF vs. NE
Note: Hit on a big 51-yard touchdown play against the Colts. If he can stay healthy, he might turn in a big season with Tyrod Taylor, though it's worth noting he didn't draw the Colts top coverage priority. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.***
36.Eric Decker NYJ at Ind
37.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Chi
38.Mike Wallace MIN vs. Det
Note: The Vikings were unable to go deep with Wallace on Monday night, taking away his strongest attribute.
39.James Jones GB vs. Sea
40.*T.Y. Hilton IND vs. NYJ
Note: Hilton is day-to-day with a knee bruise, and it's possible he could miss Monday night's game against the Jets. Probably going to be a game-time decision Monday night. ***Practiced on Saturday, and coach Chuck Pagano was optimistic afterward that Hilton could play.***
41.Andre Johnson IND vs. NYJ
42.Danny Amendola NE at Buf
43.Allen Hurns JAC vs. Mia
44.Cole Beasley DAL at Phi
45.Charles Johnson MIN vs. Det
46.Rueben Randle NYG vs. Atl
47.*Allen Robinson JAC vs. Mia
Note: Briefly left with a knee injury, but still was on the field for 60 snaps last week. Of greater concern was just how awful Blake Bortles looked. Taken off the injury report Thursday.
48.Marques Colston NO vs. TB
49.Phillip Dorsett IND vs. NYJ
50.Marvin Jones CIN vs. SD
51.Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Dal
Note: Slow start on Monday - just one catch on two targets. But he was on the field more than teammate Josh Huff.
52.Brandon Coleman NO vs. TB
53.Travis Benjamin CLE vs. Ten
54.*Rashad Greene JAC vs. Mia
Note: Greene shockingly got 13 targets in Week 1, yet I can't really recommend him - he netted only 28 yards from those targets. He also suffered a back contusion, though was cleared of concussion symptoms. Full practice Thursday. ***Listed as probable.***
55.Tyler Lockett SEA at GB
Note: Had four receptions in addition to his punt return touchdown. The Rams started punting away from him after the touchdown.
56.Stedman Bailey STL at Was
57.Cecil Shorts HOU at Car
58.Rishard Matthews MIA at Jax
59.Marlon Brown BAL at Oak
60.Ted Ginn CAR vs. Hou
61.*Marquess Wilson CHI vs. Ari
Note: ***Should get more targets this week with Jeffery hurt.***
62.*Michael Floyd ARZ at Chi
Note: Floyd played only nine snaps in Sunday's win over the Saints.
63.Devin Funchess CAR vs. Hou
64.Leonard Hankerson ATL at NYG
65.Kenny Stills MIA at Jax
Note: On the field for only 23 snaps last week, treated as the fourth receiver.
66.Cody Latimer DEN at KC
67.Josh Huff PHI vs. Dal
68.Philly Brown CAR vs. Hou
69.Kamar Aiken BAL at Oak
70.Aaron Dobson NE at Buf
71.Kenny Britt STL at Was
72.Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Bal
73.Doug Baldwin SEA at GB
74.Malcom Floyd SD at Cin
75.Robert Woods BUF vs. NE
76.Greg Jennings MIA at Jax
77.Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. SD
78.Devin Street DAL at Phi
79.*Brice Butler DAL at Phi
Note: Traded to the Cowboys by the Raiders - perhaps he'll find a bigger opportunity in the wake of Dez Bryant's injury. But he could end up inactive in his first week there, much like Christine Michael was in Week 1.
80.Jerricho Cotchery CAR vs. Hou
81.Andrew Hawkins CLE vs. Ten
Note: Hawkins had a team-high six targets, but got just 24 yards. Travis Benjamin seems more interesting to me.
82.Jermaine Kearse SEA at GB
Note: Kearse led the Seahawks in targets in Week 1 with 10.
83.Darrius Heyward-Bey PIT vs. SF
84.Nate Washington HOU at Car
85.Miles Austin PHI vs. Dal
86.Tavon Austin STL at Was
Note: Austin managed to score twice despite not being a prominent part of the Rams' passing game.
87.*DeVante Parker MIA at Jax
Note: (Foot) No targets in Week 1 - progress will come slowly.
88.Dorial Green-Beckham TEN at Cle
Note: Wasn't targeted in Week 1.
89.*Brian Quick STL at Was
Note: Quick was a surprise inactive in Week 1.
90.*Marqise Lee JAC vs. Mia
Note: (Hamstring) Could return to limited practice on Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.***
91.*Dwayne Bowe CLE vs. Ten
Note: Bowe suffered a setback with hamstring injury last week - that doesn't bode well for Week 2. ***Listed as questionable.***
92.*Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Ari
Note: ***Hamstring tightness kept him out of Friday's practice, and he's now unlikely to play, though he's officially listed as questionable.***
93.*Victor Cruz NYG vs. Atl
Note: (Calf, Knee) Still not practicing. ***Ruled out again this week.***
94.*Breshad Perriman BAL at Oak
95.*DeSean Jackson WAS vs. StL
Note: Jackson is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks due to his hamstring strain.
96.*Dez Bryant DAL at Phi
Note: Bryant suffered a broken fifth metatarsal that has already been surgically repaired. The Cowboys are already backing off their original four-to-six week estimate, suggesting now that it will be closer to six-to-eight weeks. ***Recent updates now suggest that it will be 10-12 weeks.***

Tight Ends

1.Rob Gronkowski NE at Buf
2.Jimmy Graham SEA at GB
3.Greg Olsen CAR vs. Hou
Note: Olsen had a touchdown called back early on due to a pass interference penalty (on himself), making his day look worse than it was. Don't sweat the poor result.
4.Travis Kelce KC vs. Den
Note: I think that there's a pretty good case to be made that Kelce is the second-best tight end for the season, but I don't like his setup as well on Thursday night.
5.Jason Witten DAL at Phi
6.Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Ari
7.Tyler Eifert CIN vs. SD
Note: I really believe in the breakout potential of Eifert, Reed and Ertz - I think that they are for real, and could be reliable as long as they are healthy. Meanwhile, I'm optimistic about Ebron and Seferian-Jenkins, but I need more data before I put them on that level on a weekly basis.
8.*Zach Ertz PHI vs. Dal
Note: Ertz (groin) caught me by surprise by playing 70 percent of the snaps and having a significant role in the gameplan. I think that there's some breakout potential with him in this offense.
9.Heath Miller PIT vs. SF
10.Ladarius Green SD at Cin
Note: I underestimated Green last week because of the concussion, but clearly he's overcome that issue. He could be a frequent target Sunday in Cincy.
11.*Eric Ebron DET at Min
Note: ***Teammate Brandon Pettigrew will be out this week, which might create more targets for Ebron.***
12.Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB at NO
13.Jordan Cameron MIA at Jax
14.*Jordan Reed WAS vs. StL
Note: (Quad) Limited in practice Thursday, but the coaching staff downplayed the injury. ***Officially listed as questionable, though he said he will play.***
15.Owen Daniels DEN at KC
16.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Det
17.Vernon Davis SF at Pit
18.Charles Clay BUF vs. NE
19.*Darren Fells ARZ at Chi
Note: For now Fells is the clear top tight end for Arizona ahead of Gresham, though once Gresham is at full speed, that might change.
20.Jared Cook STL at Was
21.Ben Watson NO vs. TB
22.Dwayne Allen IND vs. NYJ
23.Richard Rodgers GB vs. Sea
24.Gary Barnidge CLE vs. Ten
25.Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Bal
26.Scott Chandler NE at Buf
27.Coby Fleener IND vs. NYJ
28.Brent Celek PHI vs. Dal
29.Larry Donnell NYG vs. Atl
30.Virgil Green DEN at KC
31.Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. Mia
32.Crockett Gillmore BAL at Oak
33.Jeff Cumberland NYJ at Ind
34.Garrett Graham HOU at Car
Note: Graham played the fewest snaps among the Texans' tight ends in Week 1, but that count should increase now that Ryan Griffin is hurt.
35.Gavin Escobar DAL at Phi
36.Lance Kendricks STL at Was
37.Josh Hill NO vs. TB
Note: Hill played only 18 snaps and wasn't targeted at all. Time to bury him in the ranks.
38.Maxx Williams BAL at Oak
39.*Jermaine Gresham ARZ at Chi
40.*Delanie Walker TEN at Cle
Note: Walker has a hand injury, but at least it's not broken. Strained wrist ligaments, did not practice Thursday. ***Not expected to play.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.*Julio Jones ATL at NYG
Note: (Hamstring) Missed practice Thursday, but both he and the coaching staff said that there was no doubt he would play Sunday. ***Returned to practice Friday, listed as probable.***
2.Antonio Brown PIT vs. SF
3.Odell Beckham NYG vs. Atl
4.Rob Gronkowski NE at Buf
5.Jeremy Hill CIN vs. SD
6.Marshawn Lynch SEA at GB
7.A.J. Green CIN vs. SD
8.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at Car
9.Calvin Johnson DET at Min
Note: Remember when we used to knock Matthew Stafford for locking in on Megatron too much? Yeah, that was fun - let's get back to that, please.
10.Eddie Lacy GB vs. Sea
11.Jamaal Charles KC vs. Den
12.Adrian Peterson MIN vs. Det
13.Justin Forsett BAL at Oak
Note: I think Forsett will bounce back this week, but LT Eugene Monroe out with a concussion doesn't help. Limited at practice with a shoulder injury Wednesday. ***Full practices Thursday and Friday, listed as probable.***
14.Mark Ingram NO vs. TB
Note: Ingram surprisingly was targeted nine times, catching eight balls for 98 yards. This will probably change once C.J. Spiller returns, but it speaks to giving Ingram more value than previously anticipated (at least by me).
15.*Demaryius Thomas DEN at KC
Note: Thomas has a sore hand that required an x-ray Monday, but he was also able to go through the Broncos' jog-through practice. Full practice Wednesday, listed as probable.
16.Jordan Matthews PHI vs. Dal
17.Brandin Cooks NO vs. TB
Note: Cooks was hurt by Drew Brees being forced to check down so often against Arizona. I don't think that will be as big of a problem against the Bucs.
18.*Golden Tate DET at Min
Note: (Quadriceps) Limited in practice, didn't practice Wednesday. ***Limited Thursday and Friday, but listed as probable.***
19.*Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Ari
Note: ***Hamstring tightness kept him out of Friday's practice, and he's now unlikely to play, though he's officially listed as questionable.***
20.*Terrance Williams DAL at Phi
Note: Williams should become the Cowboys' primary wide receiver, though I think that Witten will continue to also get a lot of targets.
21.Vincent Jackson TB at NO
Note: Jackson's poor overall numbers weren't a function of a lack of targets (12), but more the case that Jameis Winston had too much trouble with the Titans pass rush in getting an accurate ball to Jackson.
22.Keenan Allen SD at Cin
23.DeMarco Murray PHI vs. Dal
Note: I'm not that worried about Murray's poor output - he had a couple of runs called back due to penalty, and he's still the first choice in the red zone. The Eagles' offense overall was much better in the second half, too.
24.Matt Forte CHI vs. Ari
Note: I couldn't have been more down on Forte this year, but at least for one week I was wrong.
25.Carlos Hyde SF at Pit
Note: Is Hyde (and the Niners' OL) that much better than expected, or were the Vikings just that disappointing? He moves into early-third round territory for me if we're playing in a PPR league, late second in a standard format.
26.Doug Martin TB at NO
Note: Martin actually looked pretty good, but the game flow in Week 1 limited his usage. The problem is, game flow could be a problem in the future if the Bucs really do stink this badly.
27.*LeSean McCoy BUF vs. NE
Note: Experienced tightness in his hamstring and was pulled from practice Thursday. ***Limited in practice Friday, listed as questionable, but multiple sources expect him to play.***
28.Emmanuel Sanders DEN at KC
29.Brandon Marshall NYJ at Ind
30.Julian Edelman NE at Buf
31.*Jeremy Maclin KC vs. Den
Note: Maclin was limited in practice Monday with a sore back. Listed as probable.
32.John Brown ARZ at Chi
33.*C.J. Anderson DEN at KC
Note: Dealing with a turf-toe and ankle injury and missed Monday's walk-through practice. The early game this week really works against him. Listed as questionable for Thursday night, but expected to suit up.
34.*Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Hou
Note: Full practice Thursday's after a 'veteran's day off' Wednesday. ***Listed as probable.***
35.Alfred Morris WAS vs. StL
36.*Chris Ivory NYJ at Ind
Note: Limited in practice Thursday with a sore groin. ***Limited in practice Saturday, going to be listed as questionable for Monday night.***
37.Jimmy Graham SEA at GB
38.Greg Olsen CAR vs. Hou
Note: Olsen had a touchdown called back early on due to a pass interference penalty (on himself), making his day look worse than it was. Don't sweat the poor result.
39.Bishop Sankey TEN at Cle
Note: Pretty close to a perfect season-opener. Only downer was seeing Terrance West get some early goal line carries, but Sankey still got his in the third quarter, plus West lost a fumble in the game.
40.T.J. Yeldon JAC vs. Mia
41.Jarvis Landry MIA at Jax
42.Travis Kelce KC vs. Den
Note: I think that there's a pretty good case to be made that Kelce is the second-best tight end for the season, but I don't like his setup as well on Thursday night.
43.Jason Witten DAL at Phi
44.Steve Smith BAL at Oak
45.Anquan Boldin SF at Pit
46.Lamar Miller MIA at Jax
Note: Don't panic about the low output - Miller got most of his work in the second half, when the Dolphins' lineup was at least a little functional, and the team didn't run that many plays overall.
47.*Davante Adams GB vs. Sea
Note: While it's troubling for Adams' owners to see James Jones score twice, keep in mind that Adams still led the Packers in targets in Week 1.
48.Donte Moncrief IND vs. NYJ
Note: If I'm the Jets I'd have Darrelle Revis shadow Moncrief and not Andre Johnson.
49.Roddy White ATL at NYG
50.Amari Cooper OAK vs. Bal
51.*Randall Cobb GB vs. Sea
Note: Rated lower this week because I think he'll frequently draw Richard Sherman. (Shoulder) Limited in practice Thursday. I'm giving him a small bump up.
52.*Ameer Abdullah DET at Min
Note: Abdullah ended up with more touches from scrimmage than Joique Bell (11 to 8) and also returned three kicks. I still think that the Lions should allocate more from scrimmage to him, but coach Jim Caldwell indicated that he was happy with the current ratio.
53.Benny Cunningham STL at Was
Note: Huge receiving game against the Seahawks. His matchup against the Redskins might not be as good - opposing backs didn't do much against them last year. Gurley and Mason are on their way, less playing time looms.
54.Danny Woodhead SD at Cin
55.Darren Sproles PHI vs. Dal
56.DeAngelo Williams PIT vs. SF
57.LeGarrette Blount NE at Buf
58.Joseph Randle DAL at Phi
Note: Got more work than the other two Cowboys running backs, but it's clear that for now there's going to be a committee. Nobody got a goal line carry Sunday night, but he was in the game in a goal-to-go situation where the Cowboys through to tight end Gavin Escobar.
59.Giovani Bernard CIN vs. SD
60.Shane Vereen NYG vs. Atl
61.Dion Lewis NE at Buf
62.Rashad Jennings NYG vs. Atl
63.Steve Johnson SD at Cin
64.Pierre Garcon WAS vs. StL
65.Sammy Watkins BUF vs. NE
Note: Watkins had a disappointing bagel in Week 1, but we can attribute at least some of that to being covered by Vontae Davis.
66.Torrey Smith SF at Pit
Note: Meet the new 49ers - same as the old 49ers. At least on Monday night, they stuck with a run-first strategy, and Smith was targeted only thrice. Week 2 presents a matchup against the Steelers that is likely to be more wide-open, but I'll admit my expectations are lowered regardless.
67.Markus Wheaton PIT vs. SF
68.Kendall Wright TEN at Cle
69.Percy Harvin BUF vs. NE
Note: Hit on a big 51-yard touchdown play against the Colts. If he can stay healthy, he might turn in a big season with Tyrod Taylor, though it's worth noting he didn't draw the Colts top coverage priority. ***Full practice Friday, listed as probable.***
70.Latavius Murray OAK vs. Bal
71.Melvin Gordon SD at Cin
Note: Gordon looked good at times, but Danny Woodhead taking away his carries at the goal line is a pretty big problem.
72.Tevin Coleman ATL at NYG
Note: Looked pretty good in his debut, though he was regularly taken out of the game on passing downs. I worry a little about that, and what happens in the red zone.
73.Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Ari
74.Tyler Eifert CIN vs. SD
Note: I really believe in the breakout potential of Eifert, Reed and Ertz - I think that they are for real, and could be reliable as long as they are healthy. Meanwhile, I'm optimistic about Ebron and Seferian-Jenkins, but I need more data before I put them on that level on a weekly basis.
75.*Jordan Reed WAS vs. StL
Note: (Quad) Limited in practice Thursday, but the coaching staff downplayed the injury. ***Officially listed as questionable, though he said he will play.***
76.*Zach Ertz PHI vs. Dal
Note: Ertz (groin) caught me by surprise by playing 70 percent of the snaps and having a significant role in the gameplan. I think that there's some breakout potential with him in this offense.
77.Frank Gore IND vs. NYJ
Note: Dismal game and suffered calf cramps, though he didn't have any lingering issues with that. Monday night might not be much better.
78.Alfred Blue HOU at Car
Note: The Texans had to abandon the running game in the second half, and Blue's role was diminished as a result.
79.*Chris Johnson ARZ at Chi
Note: It appears that Chris Johnson and not David will start while Ellington is out with a PCL strain. ***Officially will start in place of Ellington.***
80.Eric Decker NYJ at Ind
81.Mike Wallace MIN vs. Det
Note: The Vikings were unable to go deep with Wallace on Monday night, taking away his strongest attribute.
82.Joique Bell DET at Min
83.Ronnie Hillman DEN at KC
84.Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. Ten
85.*David Johnson ARZ at Chi
Note: Took it to the house with his one touch, but alas that was it. Chris Johnson and not David will start while Ellington is out, it appears.
86.Danny Amendola NE at Buf
87.James Jones GB vs. Sea
88.Jordan Cameron MIA at Jax
89.Heath Miller PIT vs. SF
90.Ladarius Green SD at Cin
Note: I underestimated Green last week because of the concussion, but clearly he's overcome that issue. He could be a frequent target Sunday in Cincy.
91.Andre Johnson IND vs. NYJ
92.*Duke Johnson CLE vs. Ten
Note: Johnson ran better than Crowell, though that's damning with faint praise.
93.Ryan Mathews PHI vs. Dal
94.Darren McFadden DAL at Phi
95.*Devonta Freeman ATL at NYG
Note: Saw most of the action on passing downs, though Coleman was the better runner.
96.Lance Dunbar DAL at Phi
Note: Dunbar caught a whopping eight passes Sunday night, including two big plays on the game-winning drive.
97.Marcel Reece OAK vs. Bal
98.Khiry Robinson NO vs. TB
99.Allen Hurns JAC vs. Mia
100.Cole Beasley DAL at Phi
101.*Eddie Royal CHI vs. Ari
Note: Royal was evaluated for a concussion but later returned to the game against the Packers. ***Should get more targets this week with Jeffery hurt.***
102.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Chi
103.Charles Johnson MIN vs. Det
104.Rueben Randle NYG vs. Atl
105.*Allen Robinson JAC vs. Mia
Note: Briefly left with a knee injury, but still was on the field for 60 snaps last week. Of greater concern was just how awful Blake Bortles looked. Taken off the injury report Thursday.
106.Kenny Stills MIA at Jax
Note: On the field for only 23 snaps last week, treated as the fourth receiver.
107.Marques Colston NO vs. TB
108.Phillip Dorsett IND vs. NYJ
109.*T.Y. Hilton IND vs. NYJ
Note: Hilton is day-to-day with a knee bruise, and it's possible he could miss Monday night's game against the Jets. Probably going to be a game-time decision Monday night. ***Practiced on Saturday, and coach Chuck Pagano was optimistic afterward that Hilton could play.***
110.Brandon Coleman NO vs. TB
111.Marvin Jones CIN vs. SD
112.Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Dal
Note: Slow start on Monday - just one catch on two targets. But he was on the field more than teammate Josh Huff.
113.Travis Benjamin CLE vs. Ten
114.Tyler Lockett SEA at GB
Note: Had four receptions in addition to his punt return touchdown. The Rams started punting away from him after the touchdown.
115.Owen Daniels DEN at KC
116.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Det
117.*Eric Ebron DET at Min
Note: ***Teammate Brandon Pettigrew will be out this week, which might create more targets for Ebron.***
118.Vernon Davis SF at Pit
119.Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB at NO

Kickers

1.Dan Bailey DAL at Phi
2.Josh Brown NYG vs. Atl
3.Justin Tucker BAL at Oak
4.Cody Parkey PHI vs. Dal
Note: Parkey had the critical field goal miss (44 yards out) and got the dreaded vote of confidence after the game, this after a shaky preseason. He's not necessarily in trouble, but he'd also better not miss this week.
5.Matt Bryant ATL at NYG
6.Stephen Gostkowski NE at Buf
7.Adam Vinatieri IND vs. NYJ
8.Zach Hocker NO vs. TB
9.Robbie Gould CHI vs. Ari
Note: Rock solid in Week 1 against the Packers.
10.Mike Nugent CIN vs. SD
11.Mason Crosby GB vs. Sea
12.Brandon McManus DEN at KC
Note: McManus cashed in for his owners with bonus distances immediately, with two field goals good from over 50 yards.
13.Josh Lambo SD at Cin
Note: Lambo missed an extra point following a penalty that moved the attempt back.
14.Phil Dawson SF at Pit
15.Steven Hauschka SEA at GB
16.*Randy Bullock HOU at Car
Note: Answer to a trivia question someday - who was the first to miss an extra point from the new NFL distance?
17.Cairo Santos KC vs. Den
18.Josh Scobee PIT vs. SF
19.Chandler Catanzaro ARZ at Chi
20.Matt Prater DET at Min
21.Nick Folk NYJ at Ind
22.Dan Carpenter BUF vs. NE
23.Blair Walsh MIN vs. Det
24.Andrew Franks MIA at Jax
25.Graham Gano CAR vs. Hou
26.Greg Zuerlein STL at Was
27.Kyle Brindza TB at NO
28.Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Bal
29.Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. StL
30.Ryan Succop TEN at Cle
31.Travis Coons CLE vs. Ten
32.Jason Myers JAC vs. Mia

Defenses

1.Carolina Panthers vs. Hou
2.Miami Dolphins at Jax
3.St. Louis Rams at Was
Note: The Rams' defensive line looked like an elite unit against Seattle - now they get to face the Redskins. Will they troll RG3 again?
4.*Baltimore Ravens at Oak
Note: Terrell Suggs is out for the year with a torn Achilles' tendon.
5.Houston Texans at Car
6.Cleveland Browns vs. Ten
7.Kansas City Chiefs vs. Den
Note: The Chiefs had five sacks at Houston and now face a Broncos' offensive line that looked porous against the Ravens.
8.Green Bay Packers vs. Sea
9.Denver Broncos at KC
10.*Arizona Cardinals at Chi
Note: Tyrann Mathieu looked awesome in his return to action. ***Up a notch if Alshon Jeffery doesn't play.***
11.Cincinnati Bengals vs. SD
12.Seattle Seahawks at GB
Note: The Seahawks had the two defensive/ST scores against the Rams, but also allowed Nick Foles to throw for nearly 300 yards. They really miss Kam Chancellor. The over-under against GB is 48.5 points, shockingly high for a Seattle game, albeit on the road and of course against an elite quarterback.
13.*Buffalo Bills vs. NE
Note: ***DT Marcell Dareus returns from his suspension this week.***
14.Indianapolis Colts vs. NYJ
15.Tennessee Titans at Cle
16.New England Patriots at Buf
17.Minnesota Vikings vs. Det
18.*Washington Redskins vs. StL
Note: Safety Duke Ihenacho is out 6-to-8 weeks with a wrist injury.
19.*New York Jets at Ind
Note: The Jets will really miss Antonio Cromartie (knee) against the Colts, though possibly less so if T.Y. Hilton can't go.
20.Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Mia
21.Detroit Lions at Min
22.San Diego Chargers at Cin
23.Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dal
24.Chicago Bears vs. Ari
25.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. SF
26.*New Orleans Saints vs. TB
Note: The Saints were already thin in the secondary and now have lost S Rafael Bush (chest) for the season.
27.*Oakland Raiders vs. Bal
Note: The Raiders placed S Nate Allen (knee) on the IR-to-return list.
28.*Dallas Cowboys at Phi
Note: The Cowboys lost LB Randy Gregory for 4-to-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Sean Lee came back with a flourish, registering nine tackles.
29.San Francisco 49ers at Pit
30.New York Giants vs. Atl
31.Atlanta Falcons at NYG
32.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
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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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