This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 6:00 pm PT.
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice.
The first week is always the trickiest. I try not to rely too much on matchups early on - personnel changes, both on the field and in the coaching staffs, dictate so much change, as does a critical injury. By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?".
Updated 9/15
Quarterback
1. | Peyton Manning DEN at NYG |
2. | Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Was |
3. | Drew Brees NO at TB |
4. | Matt Ryan ATL vs. StL |
5. | Eli Manning NYG vs. Den Note: Eli is going to be throwing all season long - while a repeat of Sunday night isn't likely (really going |
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 6:00 pm PT.
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice.
The first week is always the trickiest. I try not to rely too much on matchups early on - personnel changes, both on the field and in the coaching staffs, dictate so much change, as does a critical injury. By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?".
Updated 9/15
Quarterback
1. | Peyton Manning DEN at NYG |
2. | Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Was |
3. | Drew Brees NO at TB |
4. | Matt Ryan ATL vs. StL |
5. | Eli Manning NYG vs. Den Note: Eli is going to be throwing all season long - while a repeat of Sunday night isn't likely (really going out on a limb there, eh?), getting 40+ attempts won't be unusual. |
6. | Colin Kaepernick SF at Sea Note: Thrived despite the Niners putting the zone read in the garage. |
7. | Robert Griffin WAS at GB Note: RG3 was a bit slower than usual Monday night, which was to be expected given his injury and rust. I wonder how soon they'll incorporate more zone reads into the game plan? |
8. | Cam Newton CAR at Buf |
9. | *Michael Vick PHI vs. SD Note: Smashing debut, but did appear to be a little gimpy in the fourth quarter Monday night. Watch for injury news Wednesday. |
10. | *Tony Romo DAL at KC Note: X-rays on Romo's ribs came up negative - he's expected to play this week against the Chiefs. Wearing full pads in Wednesday's practice. *** Listed as probable. *** |
11. | Josh Freeman TB vs. NO |
12. | Matthew Stafford DET at Ari |
13. | Russell Wilson SEA vs. SF Note: Coming off of his first regular season 300-yard passing game. |
14. | Carson Palmer ARZ vs. Det Note: The offensive line is still a problem - Palmer was sacked four times last week. |
15. | Alex Smith KC vs. Dal |
16. | Andrew Luck IND vs. Mia Note: Not a huge passing day, but his rushing touchdown on a scramble cured a lot of ills. Why did he only get 23 attempts, though? He had a nice 7.7 YPA. |
17. | *Tom Brady NE vs. NYJ Note: Brady's receiving options are dropping like flies - Shane Vereen is definitely out, and he could also be without Gronk, Amendola and Sudfeld. |
18. | Philip Rivers SD at Phi Note: The four touchdowns were a bit of a fluke - the Chargers had great field position early. Rivers had just 6.7 yards per attempt overall Monday night. |
19. | Matt Schaub HOU vs. Ten Note: Don't be surprised by the 45 attempts - I doubt that the Texans will be playing such an extreme method of catchup all that often this year. |
20. | Jay Cutler CHI vs. Min |
21. | Sam Bradford STL at Atl |
22. | Ryan Tannehill MIA at Ind |
23. | Terrelle Pryor OAK vs. Jax Note: Until Monday night, he was Week 1's leading rusher with 112 yards. |
24. | Andy Dalton CIN vs. Pit |
25. | Joe Flacco BAL vs. Cle |
26. | Jake Locker TEN at Hou Note: Miniscule Week 1 output, but it was on the road against the Steelers. This week is a better barometer of his progress against the Texans. |
27. | *Chad Henne JAC at Oak Note: Starting in place of the injured Blaine Gabbert. |
28. | Brandon Weeden CLE at Bal Note: Threw three interceptions in the season opener - he'll get better, we think, once he gets Josh Gordon back in Week 3. |
29. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT at Cin Note: Had a woeful 5.8 YPA in the opener and no doubt was hurt by the injury to Maurkice Pouncey - the snaps were all over the place. |
30. | EJ Manuel BUF vs. Car |
31. | Geno Smith NYJ at NE Note: Respectable in his debut - will start again Thursday night. |
32. | Christian Ponder MIN at Chi Note: Responsible for four turnovers last week. |
33. | *Mark Sanchez NYJ at NE Note: (Shoulder) Declared out again this week. Has a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. |
34. | *Blaine Gabbert JAC at Oak Note: Out this week with a laceration on his throwing hand that required 15 stitches. |
Running Backs
1. | LeSean McCoy PHI vs. SD Note: A massive 31 carries for McCoy on Monday night, with another nine for Bryce Brown. |
2. | Adrian Peterson MIN at Chi Note: Peterson had 78 yards on his first carry, and then 15 on his next 17 carries. Teams are going to force Christian Ponder to beat them, or at least not lose it for them all season long. |
3. | Matt Forte CHI vs. Min Note: Huge matchup this week against the Vikes. |
4. | Doug Martin TB vs. NO Note: Not a great season opener, but take a look around - virtually nobody was happy, and there were plenty worse performances out there. |
5. | Ray Rice BAL vs. Cle |
6. | *Reggie Bush DET at Ari Note: Played through a dislocated thumb and a groin injury last week against the Vikes. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. *** Officially listed as probable. *** |
7. | *Jamaal Charles KC vs. Dal Note: Dealing with a bruised quad. Sat out practice Wednesday, but expected to practice Thursday. *** Practiced Thursday and Friday, expected to play. *** |
8. | DeMarco Murray DAL at KC |
9. | C.J. Spiller BUF vs. Car Note: Miserable season opener - lost a fumble, and was outgained by Fred Jackson. |
10. | Arian Foster HOU vs. Ten Note: Had more carries than Tate on a 2:1 ratio, though Tate was more effective. |
11. | Eddie Lacy GB vs. Was Note: Not a great YPA last week, but consider who was the opponent. |
12. | Trent Richardson CLE at Bal Note: Saw a lot of eight-man fronts with Josh Gordon out. |
13. | *Stevan Ridley NE vs. NYJ Note: Didn't get on the field after losing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, but now Shane Vereen is out for the next eight weeks, minimum. Apparently he's dealing with a shoulder injury, though he practiced Tuesday. |
14. | Chris Johnson TEN at Hou |
15. | Alfred Morris WAS at GB Note: Rough first game, but salvaged from a fantasy perspective with a third quarter touchdown, and the Redskins stayed patient with him. |
16. | Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. SF Note: Only 2.5 yards per carry in the opener. |
17. | Steven Jackson ATL vs. StL |
18. | Darren McFadden OAK vs. Jax Note: Could have had a huge day, but had a touchdown overturned because he didn't get his second foot in-bounds. |
19. | Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at Oak |
20. | Frank Gore SF at Sea |
21. | Ryan Mathews SD at Phi Note: Not very productive following his season-opening touchdown reception - the first of his career. Just 33 yards on 13 carries. |
22. | DeAngelo Williams CAR at Buf Note: Ran effectively, but lost a critical fumble against the Seahawks. |
23. | Darren Sproles NO at TB |
24. | *David Wilson NYG vs. Den Note: Benched after two soul-crushing fumbles and a blown blocking assignment that led to a sack. He'll be valuable again at some point this season, but there are no guarantees for this week. Giants signed Brandon Jacobs, and Tom Coughlin hasn't yet committed to Wilson starting this week. *** Listed as the starter again on Friday's depth chart - that's enough for me to bump him up, even though there's no guarantee on his workload. *** |
25. | *Ahmad Bradshaw IND vs. Mia Note: (Foot) Limited to just seven carries last week to 13 for Ballard. |
26. | *Daryl Richardson STL at Atl Note: Richardson was dealing with a sore foot most of the game, but still had 20 carries to just one for Zac Stacy. Did not practice Wednesday - described as a rest day. *** (Foot) Listed as probable. *** |
27. | Lamar Miller MIA at Ind Note: Perhaps the biggest healthy dud of Week 1, with just three yards on 10 carries, and Daniel Thomas took the goal line carry. |
28. | *Rashard Mendenhall ARZ vs. Det Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice Wednesday. *** Officially listed as probable. *** |
29. | Bryce Brown PHI vs. SD |
30. | *Isaac Redman PIT at Cin Note: Woeful Week 1, but he'll start again this week despite the Steelers re-signing Dwyer. The Pouncey injury really hurts the running game, though. |
31. | BenJarvus Green-Ellis CIN vs. Pit |
32. | Joique Bell DET at Ari Note: Got the goal line carries last week and Reggie Bush is banged up. One of the better backups out there. |
33. | Knowshon Moreno DEN at NYG Note: Got most of the snaps for the Broncos last Thursday. |
34. | *Ben Tate HOU vs. Ten Note: Coach Gary Kubiak suggested that he wants to get Tate more touches this week, after Tate had 9 carries Monday night versus 18 for Arian Foster. |
35. | Bilal Powell NYJ at NE Note: Powell was marginally better than Ivory last week, but neither were good. |
36. | Mark Ingram NO at TB |
37. | Pierre Thomas NO at TB |
38. | Fred Jackson BUF vs. Car |
39. | Chris Ivory NYJ at NE |
40. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Pit Note: Just four carries and two targets last week against the Bears, compared to 14 carries for Green-Ellis. |
41. | *Da'Rel Scott NYG vs. Den Note: Took over after Wilson was benched. Sore knee, but took part in a full practice Thursday. *** Listed as probable. *** |
42. | Montee Ball DEN at NYG |
43. | *Donald Brown IND vs. Mia Note: Now the top backup for the Colts with Vick Ballard out for the season. |
44. | Ronnie Hillman DEN at NYG |
45. | *Bernard Pierce BAL vs. Cle Note: (Thigh) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Limited all week, listed as questionable. *** |
46. | Michael Bush CHI vs. Min |
47. | Zac Stacy STL at Atl |
48. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. StL |
49. | Robert Turbin SEA vs. SF |
50. | Roy Helu WAS at GB Note: Limited to passing downs last week, even with Alfred Morris's early miscues. |
51. | Knile Davis KC vs. Dal |
52. | Alfonso Smith ARZ vs. Det Note: Was the clear #2 option behind Mendenhall last week, with 10 carries. |
53. | *Jonathan Dwyer PIT at Cin Note: Re-signed by the Steelers. |
54. | *LeGarrette Blount NE vs. NYJ Note: Could be Ridley's top backup with Vereen out and Bolden limited by a knee injury. |
55. | Kendall Hunter SF at Sea |
56. | *Lance Dunbar DAL at KC Note: Sat out last week with a foot injury but could return in Week 2. Full practice Wednesday - could be Murray's backup. |
57. | Daniel Thomas MIA at Ind |
58. | Danny Woodhead SD at Phi Note: Two catches, but no rushing attempts on Monday night. Ronnie Brown, instead, took over the backup role. |
59. | *Brandon Jacobs NYG vs. Den Note: Re-signed with the Giants on Tuesday. Will be used most often on passing downs. |
60. | Rashad Jennings OAK vs. Jax |
61. | James Starks GB vs. Was |
62. | *Felix Jones PIT at Cin Note: Supposedly the backup this week, but didn't have any carries last week. Lack of activity attributed to Jones still not knowing the Steelers' offense. |
63. | Jackie Battle TEN at Hou |
64. | Christine Michael SEA vs. SF |
65. | Joseph Randle DAL at KC |
66. | Phillip Tanner DAL at KC |
67. | Johnathan Franklin GB vs. Was |
68. | *Brandon Bolden NE vs. NYJ Note: Sat out last week with a knee injury and was limited in Monday's practice, but might see action with Vereen out. Listed as questionable for Thursday night. |
69. | *Leon Washington NE vs. NYJ Note: (Thigh) Listed as questionable for Thursday night - if he plays, might he take over the Vereen role in the passing game? |
70. | *Isaiah Pead STL at Atl Note: Rams coach Jeff Fisher was non-committal about whether Pead would play this week. |
71. | Stepfan Taylor ARZ vs. Det |
72. | *Shonn Greene TEN at Hou Note: Injured his knee against the Steelers, thus losing out on a vulture touchdown to Jackie Battle. He thinks he can go this week. Did not practice Wednesday. *** Did not practice all week, listed as questionable. *** |
73. | *Le'Veon Bell PIT at Cin Note: (Foot) No update given by coach Mike Tomlin early this week. It might not matter, given the state of the Steelers' offensive line. Latest reports suggest that Bell could be out for another month. |
74. | *Shane Vereen NE vs. NYJ Note: Fractured wrist - placed on the IR-designated-to-return list by the Patriots, meaning that he's out until at least Week 9 and probably until Week 11. |
75. | *LaRod Stephens-Howling PIT at Cin Note: Torn ACL and MCL - out for the season. |
76. | Vick Ballard IND vs. Mia Note: Ballard drew praise for blitz pickups last week, which should go far towards keeping him on the field, even with Ahmad Bradshaw getting healthier. *** TORN ACL, OUT FOR THE SEASON. *** |
Wide Receivers
1. | Calvin Johnson DET at Ari |
2. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NYG |
3. | Brandon Marshall CHI vs. Min |
4. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Pit |
5. | Andre Johnson HOU vs. Ten |
6. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Den |
7. | DeSean Jackson PHI vs. SD |
8. | Pierre Garcon WAS at GB |
9. | Randall Cobb GB vs. Was |
10. | Vincent Jackson TB vs. NO |
11. | Jordy Nelson GB vs. Was |
12. | *Julio Jones ATL vs. StL Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. *** Both Jones and White are questionable but expected to play. Mild downgrade here. *** |
13. | *Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Det Note: (Hamstring) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Listed as questionable, but expected to play. *** |
14. | Reggie Wayne IND vs. Mia |
15. | *Dez Bryant DAL at KC Note: MRI revealed a mild foot sprain suffered late in the win over the Giants. Able to practice Wednesday. *** Listed as probable. *** |
16. | *Wes Welker DEN at NYG Note: Limited with an ankle injury Wednesday. *** Full practice Thursday and Friday - listed as questionable, but expected to play. *** |
17. | Anquan Boldin SF at Sea |
18. | Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Den |
19. | *Marques Colston NO at TB Note: (Foot) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. Could draw Revis this week. |
20. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. Dal |
21. | Torrey Smith BAL vs. Cle |
22. | Miles Austin DAL at KC |
23. | Mike Williams TB vs. NO |
24. | Cecil Shorts JAC at Oak Note: Had 11 targets and now gets Henne - don't be discouraged about the Week 1 dud. (Groin) Limited Wednesday. |
25. | *Eric Decker DEN at NYG Note: (Shoulder) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Full practice Friday, listed as probable. *** |
26. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. NYJ Note: If Amendola can't go, Edelman could get a ludicrous number of targets - so many of the Pats' options are hurt right now. |
27. | Denarius Moore OAK vs. Jax |
28. | Steve Smith CAR at Buf |
29. | Lance Moore NO at TB |
30. | Antonio Brown PIT at Cin |
31. | *Roddy White ATL vs. StL Note: We'll have to watch his practice status really closely after the Falcons revealed Sunday morning that his injury was actually a high ankle sprain. Did not practice Wednesday. |
32. | Mike Wallace MIA at Ind Note: Complained about his role after the Week 1 win - only five targets. I'd consider this to just be a Joe Haden thing, and not anything noteworthy. |
33. | Steve Johnson BUF vs. Car |
34. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Mia |
35. | Golden Tate SEA vs. SF |
36. | Kenbrell Thompkins NE vs. NYJ |
37. | James Jones GB vs. Was Note: Shut out on just two targets. |
38. | Rueben Randle NYG vs. Den |
39. | Kenny Britt TEN at Hou |
40. | Tavon Austin STL at Atl |
41. | Brian Hartline MIA at Ind Note: Had a whopping 15 targets in Week 1, but I think that might have been a product of the matchups against the Browns. |
42. | Greg Jennings MIN at Chi |
43. | Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Pit |
44. | Michael Floyd ARZ vs. Det |
45. | Vincent Brown SD at Phi Note: Only had four targets in Week 1, but at least he scored on one of them. |
46. | *Sidney Rice SEA vs. SF Note: (Knee) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Full participant Thursday and Friday, listed as probable. *** |
47. | Darrius Heyward-Bey IND vs. Mia |
48. | Kenny Stills NO at TB |
49. | Leonard Hankerson WAS at GB Note: Year 3 breakout? It's possible. |
50. | Chris Givens STL at Atl |
51. | Alshon Jeffery CHI vs. Min |
52. | Nate Washington TEN at Hou |
53. | Greg Little CLE at Bal |
54. | *Santonio Holmes NYJ at NE Note: (Foot) Limited in Tuesday's practice. |
55. | Rod Streater OAK vs. Jax |
56. | *Andre Roberts ARZ vs. Det Note: (Quad) Limited in practice, just like last week. *** Listed as probable. *** |
57. | Malcom Floyd SD at Phi |
58. | *Marlon Brown BAL vs. Cle Note: Taking over with Jacoby Jones hurt. |
59. | Riley Cooper PHI vs. SD |
60. | Donnie Avery KC vs. Dal |
61. | Santana Moss WAS at GB |
62. | Eddie Royal SD at Phi Note: Two scores, but only three targets on Monday night. |
63. | Jerome Simpson MIN at Chi |
64. | Harry Douglas ATL vs. StL |
65. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Ten |
66. | Doug Baldwin SEA vs. SF |
67. | Nate Burleson DET at Ari |
68. | Emmanuel Sanders PIT at Cin |
69. | Stephen Hill NYJ at NE Note: Could get more targets with Jeremy Kerley out this week. |
70. | Brandon LaFell CAR at Buf |
71. | Kendall Wright TEN at Hou |
72. | Brandon Gibson MIA at Ind |
73. | *Josh Boyce NE vs. NYJ Note: Could be a factor with Amendola out. |
74. | Davone Bess CLE at Bal |
75. | Ace Sanders JAC at Oak Note: Had nine targets in his NFL debut, alas that translated into just 14 yards. |
76. | Jason Avant PHI vs. SD |
77. | Cordarrelle Patterson MIN at Chi |
78. | Jacoby Ford OAK vs. Jax |
79. | Quinton Patton SF at Sea |
80. | Robert Woods BUF vs. Car |
81. | Dexter McCluster KC vs. Dal |
82. | Nick Toon NO at TB Note: Only on the field for 14 plays last week. |
83. | Markus Wheaton PIT at Cin |
84. | Keenan Allen SD at Phi |
85. | *Danny Amendola NE vs. NYJ Note: Groin injury - many observers expect him to miss Thursday night's game. Doubtful for Thursday, perhaps even the next two weeks. |
86. | *Jeremy Kerley NYJ at NE Note: (Concussion) Did not practice Tuesday. Out this week. |
87. | *Aaron Dobson NE vs. NYJ Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice Tuesday after missing Week 1. Listed as questionable for Thursday. |
88. | *Jacoby Jones BAL vs. Cle Note: Sprained MCL - could be out 4-to-6 weeks. |
89. | Josh Gordon CLE at Bal Note: One more week. |
90. | Justin Blackmon JAC at Oak Note: Three more weeks. |
Tight Ends
1. | Jimmy Graham NO at TB |
2. | Vernon Davis SF at Sea |
3. | Jason Witten DAL at KC |
4. | Jared Cook STL at Atl Note: Lived up to the hype with a monster game against the Cardinals. |
5. | Tony Gonzalez ATL vs. StL |
6. | Jordan Cameron CLE at Bal Note: The most effective part of the Cleveland offense last week. |
7. | Greg Olsen CAR at Buf |
8. | Julius Thomas DEN at NYG |
9. | *Owen Daniels HOU vs. Ten Note: (Back/Groin) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Full practice Friday. *** |
10. | *Jermichael Finley GB vs. Was Note: Had a horrible drop that led to an INT, but also caught a TD later. (Toe) Limited in practice Thursday. *** Still limited Friday, but expected to play. *** |
11. | Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Min |
12. | Brandon Myers NYG vs. Den Note: Garbage Time counts too! |
13. | Brandon Pettigrew DET at Ari Note: Could bounce back this week - the Cardinals really struggled against Jared Cook last week. |
14. | Antonio Gates SD at Phi |
15. | Kyle Rudolph MIN at Chi |
16. | Brent Celek PHI vs. SD |
17. | *Kellen Winslow NYJ at NE Note: (Knee) Listed as probable. |
18. | Dallas Clark BAL vs. Cle Note: On one hand, he had a whopping 12 targets thanks to the game situation. On the other hand, he had a big fumble, a big drop and got beaten up pretty badly by the Denver secondary. |
19. | Charles Clay MIA at Ind |
20. | Tyler Eifert CIN vs. Pit |
21. | Fred Davis WAS at GB |
22. | Coby Fleener IND vs. Mia |
23. | Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. Pit |
24. | Zach Miller SEA vs. SF |
25. | Ed Dickson BAL vs. Cle Note: Took a backseat to Dallas Clark in Week 1. |
26. | Delanie Walker TEN at Hou |
27. | Tony Scheffler DET at Ari |
28. | Anthony Fasano KC vs. Dal |
29. | *Zach Sudfeld NE vs. NYJ Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice participant Tuesday. Listed as questionable. |
30. | Ben Watson NO at TB |
31. | Zach Ertz PHI vs. SD |
32. | Scott Chandler BUF vs. Car |
33. | *Dwayne Allen IND vs. Mia Note: Hip injury - MRI showed no structural damage. Did not practice Thursday. *** Downgraded to doubtful. *** |
34. | *Jeff Cumberland NYJ at NE Note: Limited with a head injury in practice Tuesday, though he's not in the concussion protocol. |
35. | *Joel Dreessen DEN at NYG Note: (Knee) Did not practice Monday. *** Declared out last week. *** |
36. | *Rob Gronkowski NE vs. NYJ Note: Limited practice participant Tuesday - doubtful for Week 2. |
37. | *Rob Housler ARZ vs. Det Note: (Ankle) Will miss Week 2 against the Lions. |
38. | *Marcedes Lewis JAC at Oak Note: (Calf) Status against the Raiders this week is uncertain. Did not practice Thursday. *** Doubtful again for this week. *** |
39. | *David Ausberry OAK vs. Jax |
40. | *Heath Miller PIT at Cin Note: (Knee) Will be limited in practice again this week. *** Declared out for Monday night. *** |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
1. | LeSean McCoy PHI vs. SD Note: A massive 31 carries for McCoy on Monday night, with another nine for Bryce Brown. |
2. | Adrian Peterson MIN at Chi Note: Peterson had 78 yards on his first carry, and then 15 on his next 17 carries. Teams are going to force Christian Ponder to beat them, or at least not lose it for them all season long. |
3. | Matt Forte CHI vs. Min Note: Huge matchup this week against the Vikes. |
4. | Doug Martin TB vs. NO Note: Not a great season opener, but take a look around - virtually nobody was happy, and there were plenty worse performances out there. |
5. | Calvin Johnson DET at Ari |
6. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at NYG |
7. | Brandon Marshall CHI vs. Min |
8. | A.J. Green CIN vs. Pit |
9. | Andre Johnson HOU vs. Ten |
10. | Ray Rice BAL vs. Cle |
11. | *Jamaal Charles KC vs. Dal Note: Dealing with a bruised quad. Sat out practice Wednesday, but expected to practice Thursday. *** Practiced Thursday and Friday, expected to play. *** |
12. | C.J. Spiller BUF vs. Car Note: Miserable season opener - lost a fumble, and was outgained by Fred Jackson. |
13. | *Reggie Bush DET at Ari Note: Played through a dislocated thumb and a groin injury last week against the Vikes. Full participant in Wednesday's practice. *** Officially listed as probable. *** |
14. | *Stevan Ridley NE vs. NYJ Note: Didn't get on the field after losing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, but now Shane Vereen is out for the next eight weeks, minimum. Apparently he's dealing with a shoulder injury, though he practiced Tuesday. |
15. | *Julio Jones ATL vs. StL Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. *** Both Jones and White are questionable but expected to play. Mild downgrade here. *** |
16. | *Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Det Note: (Hamstring) Limited in Thursday's practice. *** Listed as questionable, but expected to play. *** |
17. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Den |
18. | DeSean Jackson PHI vs. SD |
19. | Pierre Garcon WAS at GB |
20. | Jimmy Graham NO at TB |
21. | DeMarco Murray DAL at KC |
22. | Trent Richardson CLE at Bal Note: Saw a lot of eight-man fronts with Josh Gordon out. |
23. | Arian Foster HOU vs. Ten Note: Had more carries than Tate on a 2:1 ratio, though Tate was more effective. |
24. | Chris Johnson TEN at Hou |
25. | Darren Sproles NO at TB |
26. | *Marques Colston NO at TB Note: (Foot) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. Could draw Revis this week. |
27. | Randall Cobb GB vs. Was |
28. | Vincent Jackson TB vs. NO |
29. | Reggie Wayne IND vs. Mia |
30. | *Dez Bryant DAL at KC Note: MRI revealed a mild foot sprain suffered late in the win over the Giants. Able to practice Wednesday. *** Listed as probable. *** |
31. | *Wes Welker DEN at NYG Note: Limited with an ankle injury Wednesday. *** Full practice Thursday and Friday - listed as questionable, but expected to play. *** |
32. | Anquan Boldin SF at Sea |
33. | Eddie Lacy GB vs. Was Note: Not a great YPA last week, but consider who was the opponent. |
34. | Steven Jackson ATL vs. StL |
35. | Vernon Davis SF at Sea |
36. | Darren McFadden OAK vs. Jax Note: Could have had a huge day, but had a touchdown overturned because he didn't get his second foot in-bounds. |
37. | Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at Oak |
38. | Frank Gore SF at Sea |
39. | Alfred Morris WAS at GB Note: Rough first game, but salvaged from a fantasy perspective with a third quarter touchdown, and the Redskins stayed patient with him. |
40. | Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. SF Note: Only 2.5 yards per carry in the opener. |
41. | Jordy Nelson GB vs. Was |
42. | Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Den |
43. | Dwayne Bowe KC vs. Dal |
44. | Torrey Smith BAL vs. Cle |
45. | Miles Austin DAL at KC |
46. | Jason Witten DAL at KC |
47. | Jared Cook STL at Atl Note: Lived up to the hype with a monster game against the Cardinals. |
48. | Ryan Mathews SD at Phi Note: Not very productive following his season-opening touchdown reception - the first of his career. Just 33 yards on 13 carries. |
49. | DeAngelo Williams CAR at Buf Note: Ran effectively, but lost a critical fumble against the Seahawks. |
50. | *Ahmad Bradshaw IND vs. Mia Note: (Foot) Limited to just seven carries last week to 13 for Ballard. |
51. | *Daryl Richardson STL at Atl Note: Richardson was dealing with a sore foot most of the game, but still had 20 carries to just one for Zac Stacy. Did not practice Wednesday - described as a rest day. *** (Foot) Listed as probable. *** |
52. | Mike Williams TB vs. NO |
53. | Cecil Shorts JAC at Oak Note: Had 11 targets and now gets Henne - don't be discouraged about the Week 1 dud. (Groin) Limited Wednesday. |
54. | *Julian Edelman NE vs. NYJ Note: If Amendola can't go, Edelman could get a ludicrous number of targets - so many of the Pats' options are hurt right now. |
55. | *Eric Decker DEN at NYG Note: (Shoulder) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Full practice Friday, listed as probable. *** |
56. | Denarius Moore OAK vs. Jax |
57. | Steve Smith CAR at Buf |
58. | Tony Gonzalez ATL vs. StL |
59. | Jordan Cameron CLE at Bal Note: The most effective part of the Cleveland offense last week. |
60. | *Owen Daniels HOU vs. Ten Note: (Back/Groin) Limited in Wednesday's practice. *** Full practice Friday. *** |
61. | Greg Olsen CAR at Buf |
62. | Lance Moore NO at TB |
63. | Antonio Brown PIT at Cin |
64. | *Roddy White ATL vs. StL Note: We'll have to watch his practice status really closely after the Falcons revealed Sunday morning that his injury was actually a high ankle sprain. Did not practice Wednesday. |
65. | Lamar Miller MIA at Ind Note: Perhaps the biggest healthy dud of Week 1, with just three yards on 10 carries, and Daniel Thomas took the goal line carry. |
66. | *Rashard Mendenhall ARZ vs. Det Note: (Hamstring) Limited in practice Wednesday. *** Officially listed as probable. *** |
67. | Bryce Brown PHI vs. SD |
68. | Vick Ballard IND vs. Mia Note: Ballard drew praise for blitz pickups last week, which should go far towards keeping him on the field, even with Ahmad Bradshaw getting healthier. *** TORN ACL, OUT FOR THE SEASON. *** |
69. | *Isaac Redman PIT at Cin Note: Woeful Week 1, but he'll start again this week despite the Steelers re-signing Dwyer. The Pouncey injury really hurts the running game, though. |
70. | BenJarvus Green-Ellis CIN vs. Pit |
71. | *David Wilson NYG vs. Den Note: Benched after two soul-crushing fumbles and a blown blocking assignment that led to a sack. He'll be valuable again at some point this season, but there are no guarantees for this week. Giants signed Brandon Jacobs, and Tom Coughlin hasn't yet committed to Wilson starting this week. *** Listed as the starter again on Friday's depth chart - that's enough for me to bump him up, even though there's no guarantee on his workload. *** |
72. | Joique Bell DET at Ari Note: Got the goal line carries last week and Reggie Bush is banged up. One of the better backups out there. |
73. | Knowshon Moreno DEN at NYG Note: Got most of the snaps for the Broncos last Thursday. |
74. | Steve Johnson BUF vs. Car |
75. | T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Mia |
76. | Golden Tate SEA vs. SF |
77. | Kenbrell Thompkins NE vs. NYJ |
78. | Tavon Austin STL at Atl |
79. | Brian Hartline MIA at Ind Note: Had a whopping 15 targets in Week 1, but I think that might have been a product of the matchups against the Browns. |
80. | James Jones GB vs. Was Note: Shut out on just two targets. |
81. | Rueben Randle NYG vs. Den |
82. | Julius Thomas DEN at NYG |
83. | *Jermichael Finley GB vs. Was Note: Had a horrible drop that led to an INT, but also caught a TD later. (Toe) Limited in practice Thursday. *** Still limited Friday, but expected to play. *** |
84. | Martellus Bennett CHI vs. Min |
85. | Brandon Myers NYG vs. Den Note: Garbage Time counts too! |
86. | Brandon Pettigrew DET at Ari Note: Could bounce back this week - the Cardinals really struggled against Jared Cook last week. |
87. | Bilal Powell NYJ at NE Note: Powell was marginally better than Ivory last week, but neither were good. |
88. | Pierre Thomas NO at TB |
89. | Fred Jackson BUF vs. Car |
90. | Giovani Bernard CIN vs. Pit Note: Just four carries and two targets last week against the Bears, compared to 14 carries for Green-Ellis. |
91. | *Da'Rel Scott NYG vs. Den Note: Took over after Wilson was benched. Sore knee, but took part in a full practice Thursday. *** Listed as probable. *** |
92. | Jacquizz Rodgers ATL vs. StL |
93. | Roy Helu WAS at GB Note: Limited to passing downs last week, even with Alfred Morris's early miscues. |
94. | Robert Turbin SEA vs. SF |
95. | Kenny Britt TEN at Hou |
96. | *Marlon Brown BAL vs. Cle Note: Taking over with Jacoby Jones hurt. |
97. | Greg Jennings MIN at Chi |
98. | Mohamed Sanu CIN vs. Pit |
99. | Malcom Floyd SD at Phi |
100. | Vincent Brown SD at Phi Note: Only had four targets in Week 1, but at least he scored on one of them. |
101. | Antonio Gates SD at Phi |
102. | Kyle Rudolph MIN at Chi |
103. | Brent Celek PHI vs. SD |
104. | *Kellen Winslow NYJ at NE Note: (Knee) Listed as probable. |
105. | Dallas Clark BAL vs. Cle Note: On one hand, he had a whopping 12 targets thanks to the game situation. On the other hand, he had a big fumble, a big drop and got beaten up pretty badly by the Denver secondary. |
Kickers
1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. NYJ |
2. | Justin Tucker BAL vs. Cle |
3. | Matt Bryant ATL vs. StL |
4. | Randy Bullock HOU vs. Ten Note: One-for-2 in his first regular season. |
5. | Matt Prater DEN at NYG |
6. | Blair Walsh MIN at Chi |
7. | Greg Zuerlein STL at Atl |
8. | Alex Henery PHI vs. SD |
9. | Josh Brown NYG vs. Den |
10. | Phil Dawson SF at Sea |
11. | Robbie Gould CHI vs. Min Note: Nailed a career-high 58 yarder that ultimately provided the margin of victory in Week 1. |
12. | Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Jax |
13. | Steven Hauschka SEA vs. SF |
14. | Adam Vinatieri IND vs. Mia |
15. | Mason Crosby GB vs. Was |
16. | Mike Nugent CIN vs. Pit |
17. | Garrett Hartley NO at TB |
18. | Dan Bailey DAL at KC |
19. | David Akers DET at Ari |
20. | Billy Cundiff CLE at Bal |
21. | Ryan Succop KC vs. Dal |
22. | Rob Bironas TEN at Hou |
23. | Caleb Sturgis MIA at Ind Note: The next solid rookie kicker? Three-for-three in his debut. |
24. | Nick Novak SD at Phi |
25. | Josh Scobee JAC at Oak |
26. | *John Potter WAS at GB Note: *** Replaces an injured Kai Forbath. *** |
27. | Jay Feely ARZ vs. Det |
28. | Dan Carpenter BUF vs. Car |
29. | Graham Gano CAR at Buf |
30. | Rian Lindell TB vs. NO |
31. | Nick Folk NYJ at NE |
32. | *Shaun Suisham PIT at Cin Note: Dealing with a hamstring injury - conflicting reports about its severity. But there's a chance he could kick this week. The team signed Shayne Graham as insurance. Limited Thursday. *** Full practice Friday, listed as probable. *** |
33. | Dustin Hopkins BUF vs. Car Note: (Groin) Did not practice Thursday. |
34. | *Kai Forbath WAS at GB Note: *** Out with a groin injury. *** |
Defenses
1. | Chicago Bears vs. Min |
2. | New England Patriots vs. NYJ |
3. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pit |
4. | Seattle Seahawks vs. SF |
5. | Houston Texans vs. Ten |
6. | *Pittsburgh Steelers at Cin Note: Larry Foote suffered a torn biceps and is out for the season. |
7. | San Francisco 49ers at Sea |
8. | Cleveland Browns at Bal |
9. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dal |
10. | Miami Dolphins at Ind Note: Another monster game from Cameron Wake. |
11. | Baltimore Ravens vs. Cle |
12. | *Oakland Raiders vs. Jax Note: Tyvon Branch injured his shoulder in the loss to the Colts. |
13. | St. Louis Rams at Atl |
14. | Detroit Lions at Ari |
15. | Tennessee Titans at Hou |
16. | *Dallas Cowboys at KC Note: Morris Claiborne (shoulder) is expected to play this week. |
17. | Indianapolis Colts vs. Mia |
18. | Carolina Panthers at Buf |
19. | New York Jets at NE |
20. | Arizona Cardinals vs. Det |
21. | Jacksonville Jaguars at Oak |
22. | *Philadelphia Eagles vs. SD Note: The Eagles could be without CB Bradley Fletcher (concussion) this week. |
23. | *New York Giants vs. Den Note: Prince Amukamara (concussion) might be able to play against Denver. |
24. | Atlanta Falcons vs. StL |
25. | Buffalo Bills vs. Car |
26. | New Orleans Saints at TB |
27. | *Denver Broncos at NYG Note: Champ Bailey (foot) sat out the opener and didn't practice Monday. |
28. | Green Bay Packers vs. Was |
29. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NO |
30. | San Diego Chargers at Phi |
31. | *Washington Redskins at GB Note: Good debut for S Bacarri Rambo - though that's in part because the Eagles were crushing the Redskins' front 7 in the run game. Ryan Kerrigan left with a concussion, however. |
32. | Minnesota Vikings at Chi |