Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

***MINNESOTA, PITTSBURGH, TAMPA BAY, and WASHINGTON on bye this week!!!***

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 6:00 pm PT. We'll be back to that schedule next week, now that all of my baseball work is complete.

I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice.

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?".

I repeat, ***MINNESOTA, PITTSBURGH, TAMPA BAY, and WASHINGTON on bye this week!!!***

Sunday Update Complete

Quarterback

1.Peyton Manning DEN at Dal
2.Drew Brees NO at Chi
3.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Det
***MINNESOTA, PITTSBURGH, TAMPA BAY, and WASHINGTON on bye this week!!!***

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 6:00 pm PT. We'll be back to that schedule next week, now that all of my baseball work is complete.

I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice.

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?".

I repeat, ***MINNESOTA, PITTSBURGH, TAMPA BAY, and WASHINGTON on bye this week!!!***

Sunday Update Complete

Quarterback

1.Peyton Manning DEN at Dal
2.Drew Brees NO at Chi
3.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Det
4.Michael Vick PHI at NYG
5.Cam Newton CAR at Ari
6.Tom Brady NE at Cin
Note: Looked like vintage Brady on Sunday night against the Falcons.
7.Philip Rivers SD at Oak
Note: Doing all of this without Malcom Floyd or a meaningful contribution from Vincent Brown.
8.Tony Romo DAL vs. Den
Note: Still just 6.6 yards per attempt this week.
9.Colin Kaepernick SF vs. Hou
10.Eli Manning NYG vs. Phi
Note: This week will be a really good test to see if Eli can turn it around.
11.Matt Ryan ATL vs. NYJ
12.Russell Wilson SEA at Ind
Note: Check into the status of his offensive line before starting.
13.*Terrelle Pryor OAK vs. SD
Note: (Concussion) Confirmed as the starter. Matt Flynn is all the way down to third string.
14.Sam Bradford STL vs. Jax
15.Jay Cutler CHI vs. NO
16.Alex Smith KC at Ten
17.Matthew Stafford DET at GB
Note: *** Big downgrade with Megatron out. ***
18.Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. Bal
Note: Rough time on Monday night, with three interceptions and a lost fumble.
19.*Matt Schaub HOU at SF
Note: It's sort of silly that the Texans have to address whether Schaub is still the started, but address it they did. Six interceptions, three of which were pick-sixes.
20.Andrew Luck IND vs. Sea
21.Andy Dalton CIN vs. NE
Note: The Bengals' weakest link?
22.Joe Flacco BAL at Mia
23.Geno Smith NYJ at Atl
Note: Four turnovers in the loss, but the Jets are going to ride it out with the rookie.
24.Carson Palmer ARZ vs. Car
25.*Ryan Fitzpatrick TEN vs. KC
Note: Starting in place of the injured Locker. Rusty Smith will be the backup.
26.Blaine Gabbert JAC at StL
Note: Double-agent Gabbert will remain the starter for another week.
27.*EJ Manuel BUF at Cle
Note: *** Out four-to-eight weeks with an LCL strain. Ugh, part 2. ***
28.*Brian Hoyer CLE vs. Buf
Note: Brandon Weeden has been cleared to play, but Hoyer will start Thursday night - of course. ***Out for the season - ugh. ***
29.*Jake Locker TEN vs. KC
Note: Hip injury that will keep him out multiple weeks, though the Titans don't believe it will knock him out for the season.

Running Backs

1.LeSean McCoy PHI at NYG
2.Marshawn Lynch SEA at Ind
3.Matt Forte CHI vs. NO
4.Reggie Bush DET at GB
5.Frank Gore SF vs. Hou
6.*Arian Foster HOU at SF
Note: *** Listed as probable with thumb and back injuries. ***
7.Chris Johnson TEN vs. KC
8.*Jamaal Charles KC at Ten
Note: Dealing with 'extensive' blisters on his feet. Expected to be fine for Week 5 against Tennessee. Limited practice Thursday.
9.David Wilson NYG vs. Phi
Note: Getting more carries, could burst big this week now that the Giants have released Scott. This could be your last chance to buy low.
10.DeMarco Murray DAL vs. Den
11.*Ray Rice BAL at Mia
Note: Did not aggravate his hip flexor injury, but used quite sparingly by the Ravens in the loss.
12.Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at StL
13.Bilal Powell NYJ at Atl
14.*Eddie Lacy GB vs. Det
Note: Coach Mike McCarthy said that Lacy (concussion) is a full-go this week. Full practice again Thursday, expected to start, and Starks is out.
15.Knowshon Moreno DEN at Dal
16.Giovani Bernard CIN vs. NE
17.Trent Richardson IND vs. Sea
Note: Just 60 yards on his 20 carries. Blech.
18.*LeGarrette Blount NE at Cin
Note: *** Starting with Ridley out this week. ***
19.Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. NYJ
20.Lamar Miller MIA vs. Bal
21.DeAngelo Williams CAR at Ari
22.Darren Sproles NO at Chi
23.*Rashad Jennings OAK vs. SD
Note: Caught eight passes with McFadden and Reece both out. Could start Sunday night. McFadden not practicing yet.
24.*Fred Jackson BUF at Cle
Note: (Knee) Limited both Monday and Tuesday in practice, but adamantly believes that he'll be able to play Thursday night. Listed as probable, likely to start even if Spiller plays.
25.Willis McGahee CLE vs. Buf
26.Danny Woodhead SD at Oak
27.*Ryan Mathews SD at Oak
Note: *** Limited at practice Friday with a hamstring issue, but listed as probable. ***
28.Joique Bell DET at GB
29.Jason Snelling ATL vs. NYJ
30.*Brandon Bolden NE at Cin
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday, but Ridley hasn't yet practiced this week. *** Listed as questionable, as is Leon Washington. ***
31.*Bernard Pierce BAL at Mia
Note: Pierce is dealing with a strained calf. He and Ray Rice were virtually ignored in the loss to Buffalo, perhaps because of the injury?
32.Ben Tate HOU at SF
Note: Was buried after losing a fumble in the third quarter against Seattle.
33.Andre Ellington ARZ vs. Car
Note: He's the Cardinals' best back right now, but Mendenhall is still getting more work.
34.BenJarvus Green-Ellis CIN vs. NE
35.*C.J. Spiller BUF at Cle
Note: Suffered an ankle injury in Week 4, couldn't practice Monday or Tuesday and will be a game-time decision Thursday night. Still questionable and a game-time decision, but looking more positive that he'll at least play.
36.*Donald Brown IND vs. Sea
Note: Could have a much bigger role if Ahmad Bradshaw's neck problem persists.
37.Bryce Brown PHI at NYG
38.Ronnie Hillman DEN at Dal
39.Rashard Mendenhall ARZ vs. Car
40.*Zac Stacy STL vs. Jax
Note: *** The latest reports suggest that Stacy could be the guy getting the first choice for the Rams this week. ***
41.Pierre Thomas NO at Chi
42.*Chris Ogbonnaya CLE vs. Buf
Note: (Thigh) Full practice Tuesday, probable for Thursday.
43.Kendall Hunter SF vs. Hou
44.Jackie Battle TEN vs. KC
45.*Johnathan Franklin GB vs. Det
Note: Bad timing award - has his breakout, but loses a fumble, then has the bye week, which allows Lacy enough time to heal. With Starks out, at least Franklin will be the backup.
46.*Tashard Choice BUF at Cle
Note: It looks like Fred Jackson at least will be able to play, so Choice looks at best to be the backup Thursday night.
47.Khiry Robinson NO at Chi
Note: The Saints will do just about anything to make sure Pierre Thomas doesn't get 10+ carries in a game.
48.Bobby Rainey CLE vs. Buf
49.*Kenjon Barner CAR at Ari
Note: Could get his first NFL game action this week.
50.*Mike Goodson NYJ at Atl
Note: Returns from suspension this week.
51.*Benny Cunningham STL vs. Jax
Note: Richardson's job is in question. I'm seeing some big speculative bids on Cunningham, but he's just one of four potential options.
52.Montee Ball DEN at Dal
53.Jordan Todman JAC at StL
54.Robert Turbin SEA at Ind
55.Michael Bush CHI vs. NO
56.Knile Davis KC at Ten
57.*Daryl Richardson STL vs. Jax
Note: Might not even start. Foot seems to be an issue still.
58.*Leon Washington NE at Cin
Note: Inactive with a thigh injury last week, and Bolden's emergence makes him somewhat redundant. *** Listed as questionable, but Ridley is out and Bolden is also listed as questionable. ***
59.*Isaiah Pead STL vs. Jax
Note: Healthy scratch last week. Could be active and have a bigger role this week.
60.Daniel Thomas MIA vs. Bal
61.*Chris Ivory NYJ at Atl
Note: Working on positional drills - might play this week. *** Listed as probable. ***
62.*Marcel Reece OAK vs. SD
Note: Knee injury - won't need surgery. *** Listed as questionable, got some work in at practice this week. ***
63.Brandon Jacobs NYG vs. Phi
64.Lance Dunbar DAL vs. Den
65.Mike Tolbert CAR at Ari
66.Mikel Leshoure DET at GB
67.Alfonso Smith ARZ vs. Car
68.Justin Forsett JAC at StL
69.*Darren McFadden OAK vs. SD
Note: Early hamstring injury was a killer, but it's not as if we didn't know what we were getting into with him. 'Not serious' according to the team, but they did not give a timetable, and they play Sunday night. Coach Allen said that he doesn't necessarily need to practice to play, but he hasn't practiced yet. That it's also an 11:30 pm ET game makes it that much tougher. *** Listed as doubtful. ***
70.*Stevan Ridley NE at Cin
Note: Ran well at least (11-for-53) with the carries he got. Varying reports on whether it's a knee or a thigh injury, but no practice yet this week. *** Declared out for the week. ***
71.*James Starks GB vs. Det
Note: (Knee) Was not at practice Monday. Ruled out for this week.
72.*Mark Ingram NO at Chi
Note: (Toe) Still not practicing. *** Out again this week. ***
73.*Shonn Greene TEN vs. KC
Note: (Knee) Not practicing yet.
74.*Ahmad Bradshaw IND vs. Sea
Note: (Neck) We'll have to see him practice before moving him back up. Visiting a specialist to see if he needs season-ending surgery.
75.*Steven Jackson ATL vs. NYJ
Note: (Thigh) Did not practice Tuesday, seems unlikely to play again this week. *** Officially declared out. ***

Wide Receivers

1.Demaryius Thomas DEN at Dal
2.Dez Bryant DAL vs. Den
3.*Julio Jones ATL vs. NYJ
Note: (Knee) Limited again in practice Thursday.
4.*Brandon Marshall CHI vs. NO
Note: Sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury that is considered 'not serious' and he's considered day-to-day. Friday could be more revealing. *** Practiced on Friday, active this week. ***
5.Wes Welker DEN at Dal
6.A.J. Green CIN vs. NE
7.Victor Cruz NYG vs. Phi
8.*Eric Decker DEN at Dal
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday.
9.Randall Cobb GB vs. Det
10.Jordy Nelson GB vs. Det
11.*DeSean Jackson PHI at NYG
Note: Banged up a couple of times against the Broncos but was back in there quickly each time.
12.Josh Gordon CLE vs. Buf
13.*Andre Johnson HOU at SF
Note: Pulled through the shin injury just fine. Limited practice Thursday. *** Limited all week, but will play Sunday night. ***
14.Reggie Wayne IND vs. Sea
15.Marques Colston NO at Chi
16.Torrey Smith BAL at Mia
17.Julian Edelman NE at Cin
18.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Car
19.Anquan Boldin SF vs. Hou
20.Steve Smith CAR at Ari
21.James Jones GB vs. Det
22.Dwayne Bowe KC at Ten
Note: Late touchdown bailed us out of another bad game.
23.Nate Washington TEN vs. KC
24.Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Phi
Note: I'm really trying hard not to overreact here, but I have to downgrade him.
25.*Kenbrell Thompkins NE at Cin
Note: (Shoulder) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Active this week. ***
26.Mike Wallace MIA vs. Bal
27.Eddie Royal SD at Oak
28.Denarius Moore OAK vs. SD
29.T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Sea
30.Donnie Avery KC at Ten
Note: Low output despite getting 10 targets.
31.Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. NO
32.*Justin Blackmon JAC at StL
Note: Returns from suspension this week. *** I'm giving Blackmon a small bump because Shorts wasn't able to practice all week. ***
33.*Roddy White ATL vs. NYJ
Note: Small progress - was on the field for 74 of 76 snaps. Limited in Thursday's practice, as per usual. *** Limited all week, listed as questionable. ***
34.Sidney Rice SEA at Ind
35.Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. NE
36.Brian Hartline MIA vs. Bal
37.*Robert Woods BUF at Cle
Note: Could get extra targets again if Stevie Johnson is limited.
38.Terrance Williams DAL vs. Den
39.Keenan Allen SD at Oak
40.*Danny Amendola NE at Cin
Note: (Groin) Could return against the Bengals this week. Still limited in practice. *** Expected to give it a go this week. ***
41.*Cecil Shorts JAC at StL
Note: At least the targets are still there, but Gabbert instead of Henne is just killing his value. Groin injury, not considered serious. *** Didn't practice all week, but active against the Rams. ***
42.Rueben Randle NYG vs. Phi
43.Golden Tate SEA at Ind
44.Chris Givens STL vs. Jax
45.*Jeremy Kerley NYJ at Atl
Note: Could be very busy with both Holmes and Hill out this week. *** Hill is going to play - bumping Kerley down. ***
46.*Steve Johnson BUF at Cle
Note: (Hamstring) Limited participant in Tuesday's practice, which is becoming commonplace. But does he draw Joe Haden? Active Thursday.
47.Rod Streater OAK vs. SD
48.*Ryan Broyles DET at GB
Note: *** Going to have to be more involved with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson both out. ***
49.Austin Pettis STL vs. Jax
50.*Aaron Dobson NE at Cin
Note: Dealing with a sore back and neck. *** Active this week after being listed as questionable. ***
51.Tavon Austin STL vs. Jax
52.Brandon LaFell CAR at Ari
53.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at SF
54.Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Car
55.Kenny Stills NO at Chi
56.Harry Douglas ATL vs. NYJ
57.Justin Hunter TEN vs. KC
58.Darrius Heyward-Bey IND vs. Sea
59.*Stephen Hill NYJ at Atl
Note: Suffered a concussion on the first series against Tennessee and is not expected to play Monday night. Did not practice Thursday. *** Cleared for contact, looks like he'll play Monday night. ***
60.*Kris Durham DET at GB
Note: *** More targets with Megatron out. ***
61.Andre Roberts ARZ vs. Car
62.Vincent Brown SD at Oak
63.*Kenny Britt TEN vs. KC
Note: (Ribs) Missed the game last week, but expected to be a full go in Wednesday's practice.
64.Riley Cooper PHI at NYG
65.Doug Baldwin SEA at Ind
66.Kendall Wright TEN vs. KC
67.*Brandon Gibson MIA vs. Bal
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday. *** Limited all week but active this week. ***
68.Ace Sanders JAC at StL
69.Jason Avant PHI at NYG
70.Davone Bess CLE vs. Buf
71.Kyle Williams SF vs. Hou
72.Greg Little CLE vs. Buf
73.Clyde Gates NYJ at Atl
74.Dexter McCluster KC at Ten
75.Jon Baldwin SF vs. Hou
76.Patrick Edwards DET at GB
77.Kevin Ogletree DET at GB
78.Ted Ginn CAR at Ari
79.*Marlon Brown BAL at Mia
Note: Suffered a hamstring injury against the Bills. Sat out Thursday's practice with a thigh injury. *** Inactive this week. ***
80.*Miles Austin DAL vs. Den
Note: (Hamstring) Sat out Sunday, but has been able to run the past two days. Said to be improving, but has not practiced yet. *** Out again this week. ***
81.*Lance Moore NO at Chi
Note: Sat out Monday night with a wrist injury. Still not practicing.
82.*Santonio Holmes NYJ at Atl
Note: From bad to worse - out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. Did not practice Thursday.
83.*Calvin Johnson DET at GB
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Thursday, but he's missed plenty of practices this year. *** Huge game-day inactive. ***
84.*Malcom Floyd SD at Oak
Note: (Neck) Going on IR for the season.

Tight Ends

1.Jimmy Graham NO at Chi
2.Jordan Cameron CLE vs. Buf
3.Antonio Gates SD at Oak
4.Greg Olsen CAR at Ari
Note: Love the matchup vs. Arizona this week.
5.*Martellus Bennett CHI vs. NO
Note: (Shoulder) Full practice Thursday.
6.Tony Gonzalez ATL vs. NYJ
7.Jason Witten DAL vs. Den
8.*Owen Daniels HOU at SF
Note: (Knee) Limited Friday, but listed as probable.
9.*Vernon Davis SF vs. Hou
Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice this week so far. *** Listed as questionable after being limited all week. ***
10.Julius Thomas DEN at Dal
11.Charles Clay MIA vs. Bal
12.Coby Fleener IND vs. Sea
13.Jared Cook STL vs. Jax
14.*Jermichael Finley GB vs. Det
Note: Concussion - did not practice Monday. Full practice Wednesday and Thursday.
15.Brandon Myers NYG vs. Phi
Note: Just one target last week - OL issues dragging him down?
16.Scott Chandler BUF at Cle
17.Mychal Rivera OAK vs. SD
18.Dallas Clark BAL at Mia
19.Zach Ertz PHI at NYG
20.Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. NE
21.Sean McGrath KC at Ten
Note: Taking advantage of the Chiefs' injuries at TE.
22.Brandon Pettigrew DET at GB
23.Brent Celek PHI at NYG
24.Tyler Eifert CIN vs. NE
25.Ed Dickson BAL at Mia
26.*Kellen Winslow NYJ at Atl
Note: Could be very busy also with Hill and Holmes out. *** (Knee) Did not practice Saturday, questionable for the Monday night game. ***
27.Tony Scheffler DET at GB
28.Ben Watson NO at Chi
29.Rob Housler ARZ vs. Car
30.Garrett Graham HOU at SF
Note: More than just a TD vulture.
31.Jeff Cumberland NYJ at Atl
32.*Delanie Walker TEN vs. KC
Note: Caught a touchdown but suffered a rib contusion.
33.Joel Dreessen DEN at Dal
34.*Marcedes Lewis JAC at StL
Note: (Calf) Left in the first quarter against the Colts. Has not practiced yet this week.
35.*Anthony Fasano KC at Ten
36.*Zach Miller SEA at Ind
Note: *** Inactive this week with a hamstring injury. ***
37.*Rob Gronkowski NE at Cin
Note: Now targeting Week 6? The second-worst case scenario (worst case - re-injury) is coming to fruition. The tea leaves remain difficult to read - Gronk was limited in practice Thursday again, but the team released Zach Sudfeld. *** Out again this week. ***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.LeSean McCoy PHI at NYG
2.*Calvin Johnson DET at GB
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Thursday, but he's missed plenty of practices this year. *** Huge game-day inactive. ***
3.Demaryius Thomas DEN at Dal
4.Jimmy Graham NO at Chi
5.Dez Bryant DAL vs. Den
6.Matt Forte CHI vs. NO
7.Reggie Bush DET at GB
8.Marshawn Lynch SEA at Ind
9.*Julio Jones ATL vs. NYJ
Note: (Knee) Limited again in practice Thursday.
10.*Brandon Marshall CHI vs. NO
Note: Sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury that is considered 'not serious' and he's considered day-to-day. Friday could be more revealing. *** Practiced on Friday, active this week. ***
11.Wes Welker DEN at Dal
12.Frank Gore SF vs. Hou
13.*Jamaal Charles KC at Ten
Note: Dealing with 'extensive' blisters on his feet. Expected to be fine for Week 5 against Tennessee. Limited practice Thursday.
14.*Arian Foster HOU at SF
Note: *** Listed as probable with thumb and back injuries. ***
15.A.J. Green CIN vs. NE
16.Victor Cruz NYG vs. Phi
17.*Eric Decker DEN at Dal
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday.
18.Randall Cobb GB vs. Det
19.Jordy Nelson GB vs. Det
20.Jordan Cameron CLE vs. Buf
21.David Wilson NYG vs. Phi
Note: Getting more carries, could burst big this week now that the Giants have released Scott. This could be your last chance to buy low.
22.DeMarco Murray DAL vs. Den
23.Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at StL
24.*DeSean Jackson PHI at NYG
Note: Banged up a couple of times against the Broncos but was back in there quickly each time.
25.Josh Gordon CLE vs. Buf
26.*Andre Johnson HOU at SF
Note: Pulled through the shin injury just fine. Limited practice Thursday. *** Limited all week, but will play Sunday night. ***
27.Darren Sproles NO at Chi
28.Bilal Powell NYJ at Atl
29.*Eddie Lacy GB vs. Det
Note: Coach Mike McCarthy said that Lacy (concussion) is a full-go this week. Full practice again Thursday, expected to start, and Starks is out.
30.*Ray Rice BAL at Mia
Note: Did not aggravate his hip flexor injury, but used quite sparingly by the Ravens in the loss.
31.Antonio Gates SD at Oak
32.Greg Olsen CAR at Ari
Note: Love the matchup vs. Arizona this week.
33.Knowshon Moreno DEN at Dal
34.Chris Johnson TEN vs. KC
35.Giovani Bernard CIN vs. NE
36.Reggie Wayne IND vs. Sea
37.Marques Colston NO at Chi
38.Torrey Smith BAL at Mia
39.Julian Edelman NE at Cin
40.*Martellus Bennett CHI vs. NO
Note: (Shoulder) Full practice Thursday.
41.Tony Gonzalez ATL vs. NYJ
42.Trent Richardson IND vs. Sea
Note: Just 60 yards on his 20 carries. Blech.
43.*Ryan Mathews SD at Oak
Note: *** Limited at practice Friday with a hamstring issue, but listed as probable. ***
44.Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. NYJ
45.Lamar Miller MIA vs. Bal
46.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Car
47.Anquan Boldin SF vs. Hou
48.Steve Smith CAR at Ari
49.James Jones GB vs. Det
50.Dwayne Bowe KC at Ten
Note: Late touchdown bailed us out of another bad game.
51.*Kenbrell Thompkins NE at Cin
Note: (Shoulder) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Active this week. ***
52.Nate Washington TEN vs. KC
53.*Jeremy Kerley NYJ at Atl
Note: Could be very busy with both Holmes and Hill out this week. *** Hill is going to play - bumping Kerley down. ***
54.*Cecil Shorts JAC at StL
Note: At least the targets are still there, but Gabbert instead of Henne is just killing his value. Groin injury, not considered serious. *** Didn't practice all week, but active against the Rams. ***
55.*Steve Johnson BUF at Cle
Note: (Hamstring) Limited participant in Tuesday's practice, which is becoming commonplace. But does he draw Joe Haden? Active Thursday.
56.Jason Witten DAL vs. Den
57.*Owen Daniels HOU at SF
Note: (Knee) Limited Friday, but listed as probable.
58.*Rashad Jennings OAK vs. SD
Note: Caught eight passes with McFadden and Reece both out. Could start Sunday night. McFadden not practicing yet.
59.DeAngelo Williams CAR at Ari
60.*Stevan Ridley NE at Cin
Note: Ran well at least (11-for-53) with the carries he got. Varying reports on whether it's a knee or a thigh injury, but no practice yet this week. *** Declared out for the week. ***
61.Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Phi
Note: I'm really trying hard not to overreact here, but I have to downgrade him.
62.Mike Wallace MIA vs. Bal
63.Eddie Royal SD at Oak
64.Denarius Moore OAK vs. SD
65.T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Sea
66.Donnie Avery KC at Ten
Note: Low output despite getting 10 targets.
67.Sidney Rice SEA at Ind
68.Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. NO
69.*Vernon Davis SF vs. Hou
Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice this week so far. *** Listed as questionable after being limited all week. ***
70.Julius Thomas DEN at Dal
71.Charles Clay MIA vs. Bal
72.Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. NE
73.Brian Hartline MIA vs. Bal
74.*Robert Woods BUF at Cle
Note: Could get extra targets again if Stevie Johnson is limited.
75.*Fred Jackson BUF at Cle
Note: (Knee) Limited both Monday and Tuesday in practice, but adamantly believes that he'll be able to play Thursday night. Listed as probable, likely to start even if Spiller plays.
76.Willis McGahee CLE vs. Buf
77.Joique Bell DET at GB
78.Jason Snelling ATL vs. NYJ
79.Danny Woodhead SD at Oak
80.*Bernard Pierce BAL at Mia
Note: Pierce is dealing with a strained calf. He and Ray Rice were virtually ignored in the loss to Buffalo, perhaps because of the injury?
81.Ben Tate HOU at SF
Note: Was buried after losing a fumble in the third quarter against Seattle.
82.Andre Ellington ARZ vs. Car
Note: He's the Cardinals' best back right now, but Mendenhall is still getting more work.
83.Rueben Randle NYG vs. Phi
84.Golden Tate SEA at Ind
85.Chris Givens STL vs. Jax
86.Rod Streater OAK vs. SD
87.Austin Pettis STL vs. Jax
88.*Aaron Dobson NE at Cin
Note: Dealing with a sore back and neck. *** Active this week after being listed as questionable. ***
89.Coby Fleener IND vs. Sea
90.Jared Cook STL vs. Jax
91.*Brandon Bolden NE at Cin
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday, but Ridley hasn't yet practiced this week. *** Listed as questionable, as is Leon Washington. ***
92.Bryce Brown PHI at NYG
93.*Donald Brown IND vs. Sea
Note: Could have a much bigger role if Ahmad Bradshaw's neck problem persists.
94.BenJarvus Green-Ellis CIN vs. NE
95.*Roddy White ATL vs. NYJ
Note: Small progress - was on the field for 74 of 76 snaps. Limited in Thursday's practice, as per usual. *** Limited all week, listed as questionable. ***
96.Tavon Austin STL vs. Jax
97.*Marlon Brown BAL at Mia
Note: Suffered a hamstring injury against the Bills. Sat out Thursday's practice with a thigh injury. *** Inactive this week. ***
98.Terrance Williams DAL vs. Den
99.Keenan Allen SD at Oak
100.*Justin Blackmon JAC at StL
Note: Returns from suspension this week. *** I'm giving Blackmon a small bump because Shorts wasn't able to practice all week. ***
101.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at SF
102.Brandon Myers NYG vs. Phi
Note: Just one target last week - OL issues dragging him down?
103.Scott Chandler BUF at Cle
104.*LeGarrette Blount NE at Cin
Note: *** Starting with Ridley out this week. ***
105.Ronnie Hillman DEN at Dal
106.Rashard Mendenhall ARZ vs. Car
107.*Daryl Richardson STL vs. Jax
Note: Might not even start. Foot seems to be an issue still.
108.Pierre Thomas NO at Chi
109.*C.J. Spiller BUF at Cle
Note: Suffered an ankle injury in Week 4, couldn't practice Monday or Tuesday and will be a game-time decision Thursday night. Still questionable and a game-time decision, but looking more positive that he'll at least play.
110.*Chris Ogbonnaya CLE vs. Buf
Note: (Thigh) Full practice Tuesday, probable for Thursday.
111.Kendall Hunter SF vs. Hou
112.*Ryan Broyles DET at GB
Note: *** Going to have to be more involved with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson both out. ***
113.Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Car
114.Kenny Stills NO at Chi

Kickers

1.Stephen Gostkowski NE at Cin
2.Matt Bryant ATL vs. NYJ
3.*Matt Prater DEN at Dal
Note: Limited in practice with a calf injury.
4.Alex Henery PHI at NYG
5.Justin Tucker BAL at Mia
6.David Akers DET at GB
7.Steven Hauschka SEA at Ind
8.Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. SD
9.Robbie Gould CHI vs. NO
10.Mike Nugent CIN vs. NE
11.Adam Vinatieri IND vs. Sea
12.Garrett Hartley NO at Chi
Note: Had his second miss of the year.
13.Nick Novak SD at Oak
14.Mason Crosby GB vs. Det
15.Graham Gano CAR at Ari
16.Randy Bullock HOU at SF
17.Dan Bailey DAL vs. Den
18.Rob Bironas TEN vs. KC
19.Greg Zuerlein STL vs. Jax
20.Caleb Sturgis MIA vs. Bal
21.Phil Dawson SF vs. Hou
22.Ryan Succop KC at Ten
23.Jay Feely ARZ vs. Car
24.Dan Carpenter BUF at Cle
25.Nick Folk NYJ at Atl
26.*Josh Brown NYG vs. Phi
Note: Missed his only attempt. Again.
27.*Billy Cundiff CLE vs. Buf
Note: (Quad) Played through the injury - missed two kicks early on, then nailed a 49-yarder late. Active again Thursday night.
28.Josh Scobee JAC at StL
29.*Dustin Hopkins BUF at Cle
Note: (Groin) Still out.

Defenses

1.Seattle Seahawks at Ind
2.Kansas City Chiefs at Ten
3.*St. Louis Rams vs. Jax
Note: T.J. McDonald out 6-8 weeks with a fractured leg.
4.Atlanta Falcons vs. NYJ
5.Baltimore Ravens at Mia
6.Cleveland Browns vs. Buf
7.Denver Broncos at Dal
8.*Arizona Cardinals vs. Car
Note: Daryl Washington returns from suspension this week.
9.*San Diego Chargers at Oak
Note: Dwight Freeney out for the season with a torn quad.
10.*New England Patriots at Cin
Note: Vince Willfork out for the season with torn Achilles' heel.
11.*Miami Dolphins vs. Bal
Note: Missed Cameron Wake (knee) badly Monday night.
12.New Orleans Saints at Chi
13.Tennessee Titans vs. KC
14.San Francisco 49ers vs. Hou
15.Cincinnati Bengals vs. NE
16.Carolina Panthers at Ari
17.*Buffalo Bills at Cle
Note: Mario Williams limited by an ankle injury, but Jairus Byrd (foot) could return.
18.New York Jets at Atl
19.*Houston Texans at SF
Note: Brian Cushing is going through the concussion protocol.
20.Green Bay Packers vs. Det
21.Indianapolis Colts vs. Sea
22.Oakland Raiders vs. SD
23.Detroit Lions at GB
24.Philadelphia Eagles at NYG
25.Jacksonville Jaguars at StL
26.Chicago Bears vs. NO
27.New York Giants vs. Phi
28.*Dallas Cowboys vs. Den
Note: DeMarcus Ware is receiving treatment for his injured back.
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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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