Weekly Rankings: Week 18 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 18 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update complete

Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Eli Manning?"

These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.

When setting your lineups, make sure to refer to the NFL inactives to ensure all of your players are set to receive snaps.

Quarterbacks

1.Patrick Mahomes KC at LV
2.Joe Burrow

Sunday Update complete

Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Eli Manning?"

These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.

When setting your lineups, make sure to refer to the NFL inactives to ensure all of your players are set to receive snaps.

Quarterbacks

1.Patrick Mahomes KC at LV
2.Joe Burrow CIN vs. BAL
3.*Josh Allen BUF vs. NE
Note: ***Allen (ankle/elbow) was a full participant Friday and has been cleared from the injury report.***
4.*Dak Prescott DAL at WAS
Note: Prescott hyperextended his knee Thursday in the win, but the Cowboys downplayed the issue. Prescott wasn't listed on the Wednesday injury report.
5.*Jalen Hurts PHI vs. NYG
Note: Hurts (shoulder) is expected to play against the Giants. He would have started last week had it been a playoff game. Hurts worked with first-team offense but was still listed as limited Wednesday. ***Hurts had limited practices all week, and is listed as questionable. Coach Nick Sirianni said that Hurts is trending in the right direction.***
6.*Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. TEN
Note: Lawrence (toe) did not participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice. Lawrence returned to a limited practice on Wednesday.
7.*Aaron Rodgers GB vs. DET
Note: Rodgers had his customary Wednesday off from practice to rest his knee and thumb. ***Full practice Thursday, and has been cleared from the injury list.***
8.*Geno Smith SEA vs. LAR
Note: With the Seahawks jumping ahead of the Jets early, Smith wasn't asked to do much in the passing game last week.
9.Jared Goff DET at GB
10.*Brock Purdy SF vs. ARI
Note: Purdy had some shaky moments in the second half against the Raiders last week, including an interception where he underthrew George Kittle on a play that otherwise could have been a big play. ***Purdy (oblique) has been cleared from the injury report.***
11.*Justin Herbert LAC at DEN
Note: There's some chance that Herbert gets rested early in this game, if the Ravens lose in the early window.
12.Sam Darnold CAR at NO
13.*Jarrett Stidham LV vs. KC
Note: Stidham (elbow) was listed as limited on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Stidham had a full practice Wednesday.
14.*Kirk Cousins MIN at CHI
Note: Cousins played as if Sunday's game against the Packers was a prime time game. He lost two offensive linemen in the game, which could weigh on the Vikings' decision whether to play him or Nick Mullens against the Bears this week, though I think they'll try to win the No. 2 seed. ***Coach Kevin O'Connell hinted that the Vikings may not play their key starters the entire game: 'We've got a pretty clear cut plan with how we want to go about the whole game, but we're going to go in with the expectation of our guys going and try to get off to a good start and play good football.'***
15.Andy Dalton NO vs. CAR
16.Russell Wilson DEN vs. LAC
17.*Kenny Pickett PIT vs. CLE
Note: Pickett posted minimal stats again, but for the second week in a row led the Steelers on a game-winning drive.
18.*Deshaun Watson CLE at PIT
Note: Watson only had nine completions, but three of them went for touchdowns.
19.*Joe Flacco NYJ at MIA
Note: ***Flacco will start now that Mike White (ribs) is not going to play.***
20.*Tom Brady TB at ATL
Note: Brady will get the start Sunday, but how long will he play? Both Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask will also be active.
21.*Joshua Dobbs TEN at JAX
Note: Dobbs has been named the starter for Saturday night's game against Jacksonville. He acquitted himself decently on Thursday night against the Cowboys - at the very least, better than Malik Willis had in previous games.
22.Mac Jones NE at BUF
23.*Skylar Thompson MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Thompson was pulled into relief late after Teddy Bridgewater suffered a dislocated pinky finger in the loss to the Pats. It'll either be Thompson or Bridgewater this week. Thompson took the first-team reps on Wednesday. ***Thompson will start this week.***
24.Desmond Ridder ATL vs. TB
25.*Baker Mayfield LA at SEA
Note: Mayfield looked more like the Carolina version than the Rams version in the loss to the Chargers.
26.*Sam Howell WAS vs. DAL
Note: Howell will get the start ahead of Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz.
27.*Anthony Brown BAL at CIN
Note: ***Starting with Tyler Huntley inactive.***
28.Davis Mills HOU at IND
29.*Davis Webb NYG at PHI
Note: ***Webb has been activated from the practice squad and apparently will start against the Eagles.***
30.*Nathan Peterman CHI vs. MIN
Note: Peterman will get the start in Week 18, with Justin Fields sitting out due to a sore hip.
31.*David Blough ARZ at SF
Note: Blough went 24-40-222 with one touchdown and no interceptions in his start against Atlanta, but if he plays this week, he'll draw the Niners. Blough will get another start, with Colt McCoy (concussion) already ruled out.
32.Blaine Gabbert TB at ATL
33.*Sam Ehlinger IND vs. HOU
Note: Ehlinger will start the regular season finale against the Texans.
34.*Jeff Driskel HOU at IND
Note: Driskel is still part of the game plan for the Texans, though he took on a diminishing role last week.
35.Kyle Trask TB at ATL
36.*Daniel Jones NYG at PHI
Note: The Giants are locked into the 6-seed, will they rest their starters against the Eagles? ***It appears that the answer is 'yes' to that question. Davis Webb has been activated from the practice squad and reportedly will start.***
37.*Teddy Bridgewater MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Bridgewater suffered a dislocated pinkie finger in the loss to the Patriots. The team hopes to have more clarity on his status on Wednesday. Bridgewater was limited on Wednesday. ***Skylar Thompson will start, but there's a chance that Bridgewater, who is listed as questionable, could be the No. 2 QB this week.***
38.Nick Mullens MIN at CHI
39.*Gardner Minshew PHI vs. NYG
Note: Minshew should retreat to the bench this week - the Eagles have suggested that Jalen Hurts (shoulder) will return this week.
40.*Lamar Jackson BAL at CIN
Note: Jackson (knee) did not practice Wednesday. ***Jackson has been ruled out for Week 18.***
41.*Tyler Huntley BAL at CIN
Note: I've joked that the Ravens' offense is a 'service academy' offense; unfortunately, Huntley hasn't been that effective on the ground this season compared to last year to allow the offense to rise to service academy levels. Ravens WRs caught two total passes last week. Huntley was limited Wednesday in practice with shoulder and wrist injuries. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson (knee) did not practice. ***Huntley is listed as questionable, but he's expected to start, with Lamar Jackson ruled out again. INACTIVE - Anthony Brown will start.***
42.*Colt McCoy ARZ at SF
Note: McCoy (concussion) has already been ruled out for Week 18.
43.*Taylor Heinicke WAS vs. DAL
Note: Initial reports suggested that Heinicke would start this week, but instead it will be Sam Howell.
44.*Mike White NYJ at MIA
Note: White really struggled in his first start since suffering the rib injury against the Bills. White will remain the starter this week - at least, that was the initial word. White was downgraded to a limited practice Thursday, and the line shifted three points in Miami's favor. ***White is out (even though he's officially listed as questionable.***
45.*Justin Fields CHI vs. MIN
Note: After posting huge rushing numbers early, Fields did very little the last three quarters and really struggled in the passing game. Fields (hip) has been ruled out this week. Nathan Peterman will start instead.
46.*Carson Wentz WAS vs. DAL
Note: Wentz turned in a farcical 16-28-143-0-3 performance against the Browns to help ensure the Commanders missing the playoffs. A starter for Week 18 hasn't been announced. Wentz has been demoted to third quarterback.
47.*Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Tagovailoa (concussion) is not a part of the Dolphins' initial game plans for this week.
48.*Nick Foles IND vs. HOU
Note: Foles will sit out the season finale after suffering a rib injury against the Giants last week.

Running Backs

1.*Christian McCaffrey SF vs. ARI
Note: McCaffrey is day-to-day with a mild ankle sprain. McCaffrey typically has been limited on most Wednesdays recently. ***McCaffrey has been cleared from the injury list.***
2.*Derrick Henry TEN at JAX
Note: Henry (hip) had a full practice Tuesday.
3.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. KC
Note: Jacobs (hip/oblique) was listed as limited on Tuesday's practice estimate. He was the first back to top 60 yards against the Niners this year, but he needed the first drive in OT to do so. Jacobs was given a personal day for Wednesday's walk-through. ***Jacobs also missed Thursday's practice and is listed as questionable - with his hip, oblique and personal issues listed as reasons. I still think he plays, however.***
4.*Miles Sanders PHI vs. NYG
Note: Sanders (knee) was a limited participant on Wednesday. ***Sanders has been cleared from the injury list after a couple of early limited practices.***
5.Nick Chubb CLE at PIT
6.*Najee Harris PIT vs. CLE
Note: Harris is coming off of his best result of the year, with 111 rushing yards and the game-winning touchdown reception.
7.*Aaron Jones GB vs. DET
Note: Jones (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Jones has been cleared from the injury list.***
8.*Kenneth Walker SEA vs. LAR
Note: Walker looked great in the win over the Jets, especially early on. Walker (ankle/illness) did not practice Wednesday. ***Walker has been cleared from the injury list.***
9.*Austin Ekeler LAC at DEN
Note: There's a chance that the Chargers shut it down if the Ravens lose against the Bengals.
10.Cam Akers LA at SEA
11.Joe Mixon CIN vs. BAL
12.Travis Etienne JAC vs. TEN
13.*Tony Pollard DAL at WAS
Note: Pollard (thigh) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Full participant at Wednesday's practice.
14.Alvin Kamara NO vs. CAR
15.David Montgomery CHI vs. MIN
16.*Dalvin Cook MIN at CHI
Note: ***Cook and the other Vikings starters might not play the full game this week.***
17.D'Andre Swift DET at GB
18.Jerick McKinnon KC at LV
19.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE at BUF
Note: Stevenson had just 10 touches in the win over Miami, in part because Damien Harris (thigh) returned to action.
20.Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. TB
21.Devin Singletary BUF vs. NE
22.*Chuba Hubbard CAR at NO
Note: ***Hubbard might get more work this week, because D'Onta Foreman (knee) is a game-time decision.***
23.*AJ Dillon GB vs. DET
Note: Dillon has scored a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games.
24.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at WAS
25.Raheem Mostert MIA vs. NYJ
26.Isiah Pacheco KC at LV
27.Zack Moss IND vs. HOU
28.Jamaal Williams DET at GB
29.*Alexander Mattison MIN at CHI
Note: ***Mattison might get more work than usual this week, in a plus-matchup, if the Vikings decide to rest their starters. I recall one year where they also rested Mattison when they were resting Cook, however, so it's not a lock that he'll run wild.***
30.*Jonathan Williams WAS vs. DAL
Note: Williams could be in line for a significant workload this week, as Antonio Gibson is on IR and Brian Robinson (knee) has missed the first two practices so far this week. ***Robinson has been ruled out. The Commanders' backs this week will be Williams, Jaret Patterson and Reggie Bonnafon.***
31.*Gus Edwards BAL at CIN
Note: Edwards had just three carries in the loss to the Steelers after taking over the workload in the second half the week before. ***With J.K. Dobbins inactive, Edwards should be busier this week, though a number of Ravens starters are sitting this one out.***
32.Leonard Fournette TB at ATL
33.James Cook BUF vs. NE
34.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. TB
35.Rachaad White TB at ATL
36.Latavius Murray DEN vs. LAC
37.Jeff Wilson MIA vs. NYJ
38.*Jaret Patterson WAS vs. DAL
Note: ***Teammates Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson have been ruled out this week.***
39.*D'Onta Foreman CAR at NO
Note: ***Foreman was added to the injury report on Friday wit ha knee injury and is listed as questionable. Interim coach Steve Wills said that Foreman will be a game-time decision. Foreman is ACTIVE.***
40.*Matt Breida NYG at PHI
Note: ***Breida could get a decent amount of volume if the Giants rest Saquon Barkley, as expected.***
41.Zonovan Knight NYJ at MIA
42.Damien Harris NE at BUF
43.*Keaontay Ingram ARZ at SF
Note: ***Ingram and Corey Clement will split the RB duties with James Conner ruled out. Ingram played more snaps than Clement last week when Conner sat out the fourth quarter.***
44.Royce Freeman HOU at IND
45.Kareem Hunt CLE at PIT
46.*DeeJay Dallas SEA vs. LAR
Note: Dallas (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday - but Kenneth Walker and Travis Homer also sat out, so it's not necessarily indicative of Dallas's availability this week. ***Dallas has been cleared from the injury list. Meanwhile, Travis Homer is out.***
47.Samaje Perine CIN vs. BAL
48.Jordan Mason SF vs. ARI
49.Khalil Herbert CHI vs. MIN
50.*Michael Carter NYJ at MIA
Note: Carter managed only 20 offensive snaps in the loss to the Seahawks, dropping behind Ty Johnson.
51.Jaylen Warren PIT vs. CLE
52.Corey Clement ARZ at SF
53.*Elijah Mitchell SF vs. ARI
Note: Mitchell (knee) will practice this week, but as his 21-day window to return began this week. ***Mitchell should be activated for Sunday's game against the Cardinals - he'll likely be on a snap-count, as they try to get him up to speed for the playoffs.***
54.JaMycal Hasty JAC vs. TEN
55.Hassan Haskins TEN at JAX
56.Raheem Blackshear CAR at NO
57.Julius Chestnut TEN at JAX
58.Deon Jackson IND vs. HOU
59.Rex Burkhead HOU at IND
60.Kyren Williams LA at SEA
61.Kenneth Gainwell PHI vs. NYG
62.Boston Scott PHI vs. NYG
63.Joshua Kelley LAC at DEN
64.*Justin Jackson DET at GB
Note: Jackson (hip) was inactive against the Bears. Full participant in Wednesday's practice.
65.Dare Ogunbowale HOU at IND
66.*Saquon Barkley NYG at PHI
Note: We don't know yet how much the Giants will rest their starters, but if anyone is going to get rested, it's Barkley. For his part, Barkley said he wants to play, though coach Brian Daboll has been silent on that account. ***It appears that the Giants are going to rest their starters.***
67.*J.K. Dobbins BAL at CIN
Note: ***Dobbins is one of many Ravens starters that are inactive this week.***
68.*Travis Homer SEA vs. LAR
Note: Homer (ankle) could return in Week 18 after sitting out last week. No practice reps on Wednesday. ***Homer is listed as doubtful.***
69.*Brian Robinson WAS vs. DAL
Note: The volume was there for Robinson against the Browns, but his 24 carries netted just 87 yards. Robinson (knee) hasn't practiced the first two days of the week. Teammate Antonio Gibson has been placed on IR, so Jonathan Williams and Jared Patterson are next in line. ***Robinson has been ruled out this week.***
70.*James Conner ARZ at SF
Note: Conner left the fourth quarter last week with a shin injury and is day-to-day. Conner was spotted at practice Thursday after logging a DNP on Wednesday. ***Conner has been ruled out for Week 18.***
71.*Antonio Gibson WAS vs. DAL
Note: Gibson (foot/knee) has been placed on IR.
72.*Marlon Mack DEN vs. LAC
Note: Mack (hamstring) was placed on IR by the Broncos on Tuesday.

Wide Receivers

1.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. BAL
2.A.J. Brown PHI vs. NYG
3.*Davante Adams LV vs. KC
Note: Adams was listed as limited on Tuesday's practice estimate because of an illness. Full practice Wednesday.
4.CeeDee Lamb DAL at WAS
5.Stefon Diggs BUF vs. NE
6.DeVonta Smith PHI vs. NYG
7.Tyreek Hill MIA vs. NYJ
8.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at GB
9.Tee Higgins CIN vs. BAL
10.*Justin Jefferson MIN at CHI
Note: ***There's a good chance Jefferson and other top Vikings players will only play a part of the game.***
11.Keenan Allen LAC at DEN
12.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. DAL
13.Mike Williams LAC at DEN
14.Christian Kirk JAC vs. TEN
15.Garrett Wilson NYJ at MIA
16.*Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Waddle (shoulder) has been limited at the first two Dolphins practices this week. ***Waddle has been cleared from the injury list.***
17.*Brandon Aiyuk SF vs. ARI
Note: Aiyuk grabbed many of his nine catches late, looking impossible to defend by the Raiders. With Deebo Samuel returning, Aiyuk could get fewer targets.
18.Chris Olave NO vs. CAR
19.DJ Moore CAR at NO
20.DK Metcalf SEA vs. LAR
21.*Amari Cooper CLE at PIT
Note: Cooper (hip/rest) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Cooper was limited again Friday, but was cleared from the injury list.***
22.*Christian Watson GB vs. DET
Note: Watson (hip) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Watson has been cleared from the injury list. He was limited last week, but it was also a blowout.***
23.Zay Jones JAC vs. TEN
24.Drake London ATL vs. TB
25.Jahan Dotson WAS vs. DAL
26.*Mike Evans TB at ATL
Note: Evans broke his touchdown drought in a big way against the Panthers.
27.*Chris Godwin TB at ATL
Note: ***I have to think both Godwin and Evans will be limited at best on Sunday.***
28.Marquise Brown ARZ at SF
29.JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at LV
30.*Diontae Johnson PIT vs. CLE
Note: Johnson briefly left with a shin issue last week but later returned. Johnson (hip) fully practiced Thursday.
31.*Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. LAC
Note: Jeudy (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Jeudy has been cleared from the injury list.***
32.Allen Lazard GB vs. DET
33.George Pickens PIT vs. CLE
34.*Deebo Samuel SF vs. ARI
Note: Samuel (knee/ankle) fully practiced Wednesday. ***Samuel has been cleared from the injury report and will play on Sunday.***
35.Michael Pittman IND vs. HOU
36.*Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAR
Note: Lockett came back from his finger injury, but then picked up a leg injury in the win over the Jets and was limited to 22 snaps. Lockett didn't practice Wednesday, but said he would play Sunday. ***Lockett looked good at Friday's practice and is expected to play.***
37.Elijah Moore NYJ at MIA
38.DJ Chark DET at GB
39.Gabe Davis BUF vs. NE
40.Rashid Shaheed NO vs. CAR
41.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE at PIT
42.Romeo Doubs GB vs. DET
43.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LAC
44.Michael Gallup DAL at WAS
45.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. BAL
46.K.J. Osborn MIN at CHI
47.*Richie James NYG at PHI
Note: James has led the Giants in receiving yards the last four weeks. ***The Giants are resting many of their starters, including Daniel Jones.***
48.Parris Campbell IND vs. HOU
49.*Greg Dortch ARZ at SF
Note: Dortch had 10 targets with DeAndre Hopkins (knee) out, but that translated into only four catches for 15 yards.
50.Russell Gage TB at ATL
51.Adam Thielen MIN at CHI
52.Joshua Palmer LAC at DEN
53.*Kadarius Toney KC at LV
Note: Teammate Skyy Moore had to sit out practice Tuesday with a hand injury - if he's out, that could translate into more snaps for Toney on Saturday. Moore (hand) has been ruled out, but Toney will still have to potentially compete with Mecole Hardman for snaps, with Hardman expected to return this week.
54.Brandin Cooks HOU at IND
55.Kendrick Bourne NE at BUF
56.Noah Brown DAL at WAS
57.*Treylon Burks TEN at JAX
Note: b>Burks (groin) was added to the injury list Wednesday and then was held out of practice Thursday. He's listed as questionable. ***ACTIVE.***
58.Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC at LV
59.Curtis Samuel WAS vs. DAL
60.Chris Moore HOU at IND
61.*DeVante Parker NE at BUF
Note: Parker (concussion) was a limited practice participant Wednesday - it's his first practice since suffering the concussion in Week 14. ***Parker has been cleared from the injury list after practicing fully on Friday.***
62.*Jakobi Meyers NE at BUF
Note: Meyers aggravated a shoulder injury in the win over the Dolphins, an injury which he downplayed. Meyers has been limited at the first two Pats practices. ***Meyers was limited all week and is listed as questionable. ACTIVE***
63.Darius Slayton NYG at PHI
64.Isaiah Hodgins NYG at PHI
65.Demarcus Robinson BAL at CIN
66.Robert Woods TEN at JAX
67.Van Jefferson LA at SEA
68.Hunter Renfrow LV vs. KC
69.Corey Davis NYJ at MIA
70.Mack Hollins LV vs. KC
71.Jauan Jennings SF vs. ARI
72.Terrace Marshall CAR at NO
73.Isaiah McKenzie BUF vs. NE
74.Nelson Agholor NE at BUF
75.Josh Reynolds DET at GB
76.Marvin Jones JAC vs. TEN
77.Randall Cobb GB vs. DET
78.Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at JAX
79.*Mecole Hardman KC at LV
Note: Hardman (pelvis) is listed as questionable - he had limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. If he plays, he'll be on a restricted snap count. ***INACTIVE***
80.*Julio Jones TB at ATL
Note: Jones (knee) hasn't practiced yet this week - with the Bucs locked into the 4-seed, it's a good bet Jones doesn't play. ***Jones had a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable. INACTIVE***
81.*DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at SF
Note: Hopkins (knee) has been ruled out for Week 18.

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC at LV
2.George Kittle SF vs. ARI
3.Dalton Schultz DAL at WAS
4.Evan Engram JAC vs. TEN
5.Dallas Goedert PHI vs. NYG
6.Darren Waller LV vs. KC
7.Pat Freiermuth PIT vs. CLE
8.*Noah Fant SEA vs. LAR
Note: Fant saw fewer snaps than Colby Parkinson, but keep in mind that Seattle was running the ball a lot more due to the game flow and opponent. I still prefer Fant. ***Fant was rested Wednesday, then had limited practices Thursday and Friday, but was cleared from the injury list.***
9.*Taysom Hill NO vs. CAR
Note: ***Hill (back) is listed as questionable. ACTIVE***
10.David Njoku CLE at PIT
11.*Dawson Knox BUF vs. NE
Note: ***Knox (hip) has been cleared from the injury list.***
12.Tyler Higbee LA at SEA
13.Hayden Hurst CIN vs. BAL
14.*T.J. Hockenson MIN at CHI
Note: ***Two reasons for the downgrade here - the Vikings could rest all of their starters early in the game, plus Ira Smith was activated from the injury list.***
15.Tyler Conklin NYJ at MIA
16.*Albert Okwuegbunam DEN vs. LAC
Note: Scored in his first game out of purgatory. ***All the other Broncos tight ends are dealing with some sort of injury.***
17.*Juwan Johnson NO vs. CAR
Note: ***Johnson (quadriceps) is listed as questionable. He had two limited practices this week. ACTIVE***
18.Cole Kmet CHI vs. MIN
19.Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN at JAX
20.Logan Thomas WAS vs. DAL
21.Robert Tonyan GB vs. DET
22.*Isaiah Likely BAL at CIN
Note: ***Likely could be the Ravens' best pass-catcher this week, with Mark Andrews inactive.***
23.Cade Otton TB at ATL
24.*Trey McBride ARZ at SF
Note: McBride had 10 targets against the Falcons, netting seven catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
25.*Hunter Henry NE at BUF
Note: ***Teammate Jonnu Smith (concussion) has been ruled out.***
26.Jelani Woods IND vs. HOU
27.Brock Wright DET at GB
28.Donald Parham LAC at DEN
29.Shane Zylstra DET at GB
30.Colby Parkinson SEA vs. LAR
31.Gerald Everett LAC at DEN
32.Tommy Tremble CAR at NO
33.Austin Hooper TEN at JAX
34.Mike Gesicki MIA vs. NYJ
35.Jordan Akins HOU at IND
36.Daniel Bellinger NYG at PHI
37.Cameron Brate TB at ATL
38.*Mark Andrews BAL at CIN
Note: ***INACTIVE***
39.*C.J. Uzomah NYJ at MIA
Note: ***Uzomah (ankle) is INACTIVE.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.*Christian McCaffrey SF vs. ARI
Note: McCaffrey is day-to-day with a mild ankle sprain. McCaffrey typically has been limited on most Wednesdays recently. ***McCaffrey has been cleared from the injury list.***
2.*Derrick Henry TEN at JAX
Note: Henry (hip) had a full practice Tuesday.
3.Travis Kelce KC at LV
4.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. BAL
5.A.J. Brown PHI vs. NYG
6.*Davante Adams LV vs. KC
Note: Adams was listed as limited on Tuesday's practice estimate because of an illness. Full practice Wednesday.
7.CeeDee Lamb DAL at WAS
8.Stefon Diggs BUF vs. NE
9.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. KC
Note: Jacobs (hip/oblique) was listed as limited on Tuesday's practice estimate. He was the first back to top 60 yards against the Niners this year, but he needed the first drive in OT to do so. Jacobs was given a personal day for Wednesday's walk-through. ***Jacobs also missed Thursday's practice and is listed as questionable - with his hip, oblique and personal issues listed as reasons. I still think he plays, however.***
10.DeVonta Smith PHI vs. NYG
11.Tyreek Hill MIA vs. NYJ
12.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at GB
13.Tee Higgins CIN vs. BAL
14.*Justin Jefferson MIN at CHI
Note: ***There's a good chance Jefferson and other top Vikings players will only play a part of the game.***
15.*Miles Sanders PHI vs. NYG
Note: Sanders (knee) was a limited participant on Wednesday. ***Sanders has been cleared from the injury list after a couple of early limited practices.***
16.*Austin Ekeler LAC at DEN
Note: There's a chance that the Chargers shut it down if the Ravens lose against the Bengals.
17.*Najee Harris PIT vs. CLE
Note: Harris is coming off of his best result of the year, with 111 rushing yards and the game-winning touchdown reception.
18.Keenan Allen LAC at DEN
19.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. DAL
20.Mike Williams LAC at DEN
21.*Aaron Jones GB vs. DET
Note: Jones (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Jones has been cleared from the injury list.***
22.*Kenneth Walker SEA vs. LAR
Note: Walker looked great in the win over the Jets, especially early on. Walker (ankle/illness) did not practice Wednesday. ***Walker has been cleared from the injury list.***
23.Nick Chubb CLE at PIT
24.Cam Akers LA at SEA
25.Joe Mixon CIN vs. BAL
26.Travis Etienne JAC vs. TEN
27.*Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Waddle (shoulder) has been limited at the first two Dolphins practices this week. ***Waddle has been cleared from the injury list.***
28.Christian Kirk JAC vs. TEN
29.Garrett Wilson NYJ at MIA
30.*Brandon Aiyuk SF vs. ARI
Note: Aiyuk grabbed many of his nine catches late, looking impossible to defend by the Raiders. With Deebo Samuel returning, Aiyuk could get fewer targets.
31.*Tony Pollard DAL at WAS
Note: Pollard (thigh) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Full participant at Wednesday's practice.
32.Alvin Kamara NO vs. CAR
33.Chris Olave NO vs. CAR
34.David Montgomery CHI vs. MIN
35.*Dalvin Cook MIN at CHI
Note: ***Cook and the other Vikings starters might not play the full game this week.***
36.D'Andre Swift DET at GB
37.George Kittle SF vs. ARI
38.DJ Moore CAR at NO
39.DK Metcalf SEA vs. LAR
40.*Amari Cooper CLE at PIT
Note: Cooper (hip/rest) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Cooper was limited again Friday, but was cleared from the injury list.***
41.*Christian Watson GB vs. DET
Note: Watson (hip) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Watson has been cleared from the injury list. He was limited last week, but it was also a blowout.***
42.Jerick McKinnon KC at LV
43.*J.K. Dobbins BAL at CIN
Note: ***Dobbins is one of many Ravens starters that are inactive this week.***
44.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE at BUF
Note: Stevenson had just 10 touches in the win over Miami, in part because Damien Harris (thigh) returned to action.
45.Zay Jones JAC vs. TEN
46.Drake London ATL vs. TB
47.*Mike Evans TB at ATL
Note: Evans broke his touchdown drought in a big way against the Panthers.
48.Jahan Dotson WAS vs. DAL
49.*Chris Godwin TB at ATL
Note: ***I have to think both Godwin and Evans will be limited at best on Sunday.***
50.Marquise Brown ARZ at SF
51.Devin Singletary BUF vs. NE
52.*AJ Dillon GB vs. DET
Note: Dillon has scored a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games.
53.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at WAS
54.*Mark Andrews BAL at CIN
Note: ***INACTIVE***
55.Dalton Schultz DAL at WAS
56.JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at LV
57.*Diontae Johnson PIT vs. CLE
Note: Johnson briefly left with a shin issue last week but later returned. Johnson (hip) fully practiced Thursday.
58.*Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. LAC
Note: Jeudy (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Jeudy has been cleared from the injury list.***
59.Allen Lazard GB vs. DET
60.Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. TB
61.Raheem Mostert MIA vs. NYJ
62.Isiah Pacheco KC at LV
63.Zack Moss IND vs. HOU
64.*Chuba Hubbard CAR at NO
Note: ***Hubbard might get more work this week, because D'Onta Foreman (knee) is a game-time decision.***
65.Leonard Fournette TB at ATL
66.George Pickens PIT vs. CLE
67.*Jonathan Williams WAS vs. DAL
Note: Williams could be in line for a significant workload this week, as Antonio Gibson is on IR and Brian Robinson (knee) has missed the first two practices so far this week. ***Robinson has been ruled out. The Commanders' backs this week will be Williams, Jaret Patterson and Reggie Bonnafon.***
68.*Alexander Mattison MIN at CHI
Note: ***Mattison might get more work than usual this week, in a plus-matchup, if the Vikings decide to rest their starters. I recall one year where they also rested Mattison when they were resting Cook, however, so it's not a lock that he'll run wild.***
69.*Deebo Samuel SF vs. ARI
Note: Samuel (knee/ankle) fully practiced Wednesday. ***Samuel has been cleared from the injury report and will play on Sunday.***
70.Michael Pittman IND vs. HOU
71.Elijah Moore NYJ at MIA
72.DJ Chark DET at GB
73.Gabe Davis BUF vs. NE
74.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE at PIT
75.Michael Gallup DAL at WAS
76.*Richie James NYG at PHI
Note: James has led the Giants in receiving yards the last four weeks. ***The Giants are resting many of their starters, including Daniel Jones.***
77.*T.J. Hockenson MIN at CHI
Note: ***Two reasons for the downgrade here - the Vikings could rest all of their starters early in the game, plus Ira Smith was activated from the injury list.***

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL at CIN
2.Brett Maher DAL at WAS
3.Jason Myers SEA vs. LAR
4.Evan McPherson CIN vs. BAL
5.*Ryan Succop TB at ATL
Note: Succop missed from distance (55) and on an extra point, plus he also had another short field goal attempt blocked. Not a great day, on the heels of a good one in Arizona.
6.Daniel Carlson LV vs. KC
7.Harrison Butker KC at LV
8.*Robbie Gould SF vs. ARI
Note: Gould recovered from a missed kick in regulation to make the game-winner in overtime.
9.Cameron Dicker LAC at DEN
10.Joey Slye WAS vs. DAL
11.Mason Crosby GB vs. DET
12.Graham Gano NYG at PHI
13.Michael Badgley DET at GB
14.Riley Patterson JAC vs. TEN
15.Tyler Bass BUF vs. NE
16.Cairo Santos CHI vs. MIN
17.Matt Gay LA at SEA
18.*Greg Joseph MIN at CHI
Note: The Vikings' struggles carried over to Joseph, who missed two field goal attempts.
19.Matt Prater ARZ at SF
20.Younghoe Koo ATL vs. TB
21.Nick Folk NE at BUF
22.Brandon McManus DEN vs. LAC
23.Greg Zuerlein NYJ at MIA
24.Chris Boswell PIT vs. CLE
25.Wil Lutz NO vs. CAR
26.Jake Elliott PHI vs. NYG
27.Eddy Pineiro CAR at NO
28.*Jason Sanders MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Sanders has made just one kick over 50 yards in five attempts this season, including a miss last week against the Pats from 51 yards.
29.Cade York CLE at PIT
30.Randy Bullock TEN at JAX
31.Chase McLaughlin IND vs. HOU
32.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at IND

Defenses

1.Philadelphia Eagles vs. NYG
2.*San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI
Note: The Niners were really disappointing against Stidham, but they'll surely rebound against the Cardinals' medley of QBs, right?
3.Dallas Cowboys at WAS
4.Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR
5.Los Angeles Chargers at DEN
6.Buffalo Bills vs. NE
7.Cincinnati Bengals vs. BAL
8.*Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN
Note: The Jags will face Joshua Dobbs in a winner-take-all game for the AFC South.
9.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CLE
10.*New York Jets at MIA
Note: The Jets might face Skylar Thompson for the second time this season.
11.Kansas City Chiefs at LV
12.New Orleans Saints vs. CAR
13.Miami Dolphins vs. NYJ
14.Baltimore Ravens at CIN
15.Carolina Panthers at NO
16.Tennessee Titans at JAX
17.Houston Texans at IND
18.New England Patriots at BUF
19.Indianapolis Colts vs. HOU
20.Green Bay Packers vs. DET
21.*Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL
Note: The Bucs might rest their starters too.
22.Washington Commanders vs. DAL
23.*Cleveland Browns at PIT
Note: ***Jadeveon Clowney won't play after comments criticizing the organization.***
24.Denver Broncos vs. LAC
25.Detroit Lions at GB
26.Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
27.Los Angeles Rams at SEA
28.Minnesota Vikings at CHI
29.*New York Giants at PHI
Note: Good chance the Giants will rest a lot of starters.
30.Las Vegas Raiders vs. KC
31.Arizona Cardinals at SF
32.Chicago Bears vs. MIN
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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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