Weekly Rankings: Week 1 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 1 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 "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.

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, roughly around 10:00 pm ET. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on

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 "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.

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, roughly around 10:00 pm ET. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning. I will post at the top of the article in bold font when ranking updates are in progress and when they're complete.

I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.

Quarterbacks

1.Patrick Mahomes KC vs. CLE
2.Josh Allen BUF vs. PIT
3.Kyler Murray ARZ at TEN
4.Lamar Jackson BAL at LV
5.*Aaron Rodgers GB at NO
Note: Remember when Rodgers was a threat to retire or hold out from the Packers? That seems like a lifetime ago.
6.Tom Brady TB vs. DAL
7.Russell Wilson SEA at IND
8.Justin Herbert LAC at WAS
9.Jalen Hurts PHI at ATL
10.*Ryan Tannehill TEN vs. ARI
Note: Tannehill missed 10 ays of camp and practice while on the COVID IL, but he was activated on Saturday.
11.Matthew Stafford LA vs. CHI
12.*Kirk Cousins MIN at CIN
Note: The Bengals will be without starting corner Trae Raynes, with Eli Apple starting in his place. This seems advantageous for Cousins.
13.*Dak Prescott DAL at TB
Note: Prescott (shoulder) declared himself fully healthy on Friday after returning to practice on 8/25. He was a full participant in Monday's practice. However, he will be playing without All-Pro Guard Zack Martin (COVID).
14.Trevor Lawrence JAC at HOU
15.Matt Ryan ATL vs. PHI
16.Baker Mayfield CLE at KC
17.Ryan Fitzpatrick WAS vs. LAC
18.Sam Darnold CAR vs. NYJ
19.*Jimmy Garoppolo SF at DET
Note: Expected to start in Week 1 against the Lions. Jimmy G. was confirmed as the starter on Wednesday.
20.*Jameis Winston NO vs. GB
Note: Winston won the starting job ahead of Taysom Hill. His first game will be in Jacksonville, however, thanks to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida.
21.Ben Roethlisberger PIT at BUF
22.*Joe Burrow CIN vs. MIN
Note: Burrow (knee ligaments) played one series and threw just one pass in the preseason - we have to take his readiness for Week 1 as a matter of faith, and less of evidence.
23.Derek Carr LV vs. BAL
24.Daniel Jones NYG vs. DEN
25.*Tyrod Taylor HOU vs. JAX
Note: Taylor has officially been named the starter, which isn't a surprise given the practice reports and the news surrounding Deshaun Watson this offseason. Davis Mills will be the backup, and Watson will be a healthy scratch.
26.Tua Tagovailoa MIA at NE
27.*Teddy Bridgewater DEN at NYG
Note: Bridgewater won the starting battle over Drew Lock in training camp.
28.Zach Wilson NYJ at CAR
29.*Carson Wentz IND vs. SEA
Note: Between his foot injury and a brief stint on the COVID-IL, Wentz is behind schedule, but he returned to 11-on-11 drills on Thursday and the Colts think he'll be ready to go for Week 1. If he has a setback, Jacob Eason is the backup. Full practice on Wednesday. ***Wentz was officially cleared to start Friday for Sunday's game.***
30.*Mac Jones NE vs. MIA
Note: Jones won't the starting job for Week 1, and his backup is the non-threatening Brian Hoyer, with Cam Newton getting released.
31.Jared Goff DET vs. SF
32.*Andy Dalton CHI at LAR
Note: Much to everyone's chagrin not in the Dalton family, Dalton will likely start ahead of Justin Fields against the Rams.
33.*Taysom Hill NO vs. GB
Note: Hill lost the starting job battle against Jameis Winston, but I'd still expect to see him in goal line scenarios.
34.*Trey Lance SF at DET
Note: Lance has a 'chip' in his finger on this throwing hand and will miss at least a week of practice, with the latest reports suggesting it could be longer. He didn't throw in the open portion of Monday's practice. Limited on Wednesday, but throwing without issue on Thursday. ***Lance was removed from the injury report despite being limited at practice much of the week - he could see action in special packages on Sunday.***
35.Justin Fields CHI at LAR
36.*Deshaun Watson HOU vs. JAX
Note: I'm going to list Watson just this week until he's traded, as he's likely to be a healthy scratch until legal case regarding 22 sexual assault allegations has been resolved. ***Officially ruled out for Sunday.***

Running Backs

1.Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. NYJ
2.Dalvin Cook MIN at CIN
3.Alvin Kamara NO vs. GB
4.Jonathan Taylor IND vs. SEA
5.Derrick Henry TEN vs. ARI
6.Nick Chubb CLE at KC
7.Aaron Jones GB at NO
8.Antonio Gibson WAS vs. LAC
9.Najee Harris PIT at BUF
10.James Robinson JAC at HOU
11.*Austin Ekeler LAC at WAS
Note: Ekeler sat out practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury, and then wasn't participating in individual drills during the open portion of Thursday's practice. though he was suited up in pads. ***Ekeler returned to a limited practice Friday and 'looked good out there,' and the Chargers are optimistic that he'll be able to go on Sunday.***
12.*Saquon Barkley NYG vs. DEN
Note: Barkley (knee) appears ready to play for Week 1, but his role is uncertain. Moreover, the Giants have a quick turnaround for Week 2, a Thursday night game against division rival Washington. Barkley was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***Barkley has been 'medically cleared' to play Sunday - he should play, it's just a question of how much.***
13.Raheem Mostert SF at DET
14.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL at TB
Note: Downgraded this week because of the tough run matchup (only 80.6 rush yards per game last year, by far the best in the NFL) and because of Zack Martin's absence.
15.Joe Mixon CIN vs. MIN
16.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. CLE
Note: Edwards-Helaire sprained an ankle in the preseason, but it was a low-ankle sprain, and he's expected to be ready for Week 1. Full practice Wednesday.
17.Miles Sanders PHI at ATL
18.Chris Carson SEA at IND
19.David Montgomery CHI at LAR
20.Damien Harris NE vs. MIA
21.Mike Davis ATL vs. PHI
22.*D'Andre Swift DET vs. SF
Note: There are some concerns that Swift's groin injury will limit him in Week 1. On Tuesday, coach Dan Campbell said that Swift has been cleared to go.
23.*Ty'Son Williams BAL at LV
Note: Teammate Justice Hill has a torn Achilles tendon. The Ravens have worked out Devonta Freeman and Le'Veon Bell so far to find another RB. Now Gus Edwards is feared to have a torn ACL, so both Lev Bell and Devonta Freeman could be elevated from the practice squad. The Ravens have already promoted Trenton Cannon, who by default is currently the backup to Williams.
24.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. BAL
Note: Jacobs has missed practices on Monday and Tuesday for an unspecified reason, and won't practice until Thursday, with the Raiders not revealing the reason for his absence. Jacobs' injury is a toe issue, and he was limited at Thursday's practice. Keep in mind that the Raiders play on Monday night. ***Jacobs was limited in practice all three practices this week, beginning on Thursday, but he was cleared from the final injury report.***
25.*Javonte Williams DEN at NYG
Note: Williams is in coach Vic Fangio's circle of trust, with Fangio suggesting he'd play Williams in any situation, any time of the game.
26.Chase Edmonds ARZ at TEN
27.Kareem Hunt CLE at KC
28.*Darrell Henderson LA vs. CHI
Note: Henderson suffered a thumb injury in training camp and his status is uncertain for Week 1. Henderson was not listed on the Rams' initial injury report Wednesday.
29.Myles Gaskin MIA at NE
30.Trey Sermon SF at DET
31.Ronald Jones TB vs. DAL
32.James Conner ARZ at TEN
33.Melvin Gordon DEN at NYG
34.Leonard Fournette TB vs. DAL
35.Jamaal Williams DET vs. SF
36.*Sony Michel LA vs. CHI
Note: Michel should be fully ready to go for Week 1 after arriving via trade from the Pats. Teammate Darrell Henderson has a thumb injury, and his status for this week is up in the air.
37.Phillip Lindsay HOU vs. JAX
38.Zack Moss BUF vs. PIT
39.AJ Dillon GB at NO
40.*Tevin Coleman NYJ at CAR
Note: Coleman is officially atop the Jets' depth chart for the first week.
41.Devin Singletary BUF vs. PIT
42.*J.D. McKissic WAS vs. LAC
Note: ***There's some speculation that McKissic might get more work with Curtis Samuel out - I tend to agree.***
43.*Nyheim Hines IND vs. SEA
Note: ***Hines signed a three-year contract extension on Friday.***
44.*Kenyan Drake LV vs. BAL
Note: Drake might play more than normal now that Josh Jacobs has a toe issue.
45.David Johnson HOU vs. JAX
46.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. MIA
Note: (Thumb) Stevenson is not listed on the Pats' initial injury report.
47.*Michael Carter NYJ at CAR
Note: Carter missed practice time during training camp with an unspecified issue, but he wasn't on the initial injury report Wednesday.
48.Ty Johnson NYJ at CAR
49.James White NE vs. MIA
50.Carlos Hyde JAC at HOU
51.*Tony Jones NO vs. GB
Note: Jones is the clear backup to Alvin Kamara with Latavius Murray getting released.
52.*Latavius Murray BAL at LV
Note: Released by the Saints on Tuesday after he declined to take a pay cut. Tony Jones will be the top backup to Kamara. ***Murray signed with the Ravens and could play a big role once he gets up-to-speed with their offense.***
53.Tony Pollard DAL at TB
54.*Le'Veon Bell at
Note: Bell signed with the Ravens to their practice squad, but a promotion to the active roster seems likely in the wake of the Gus Edwards injury.
55.Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. NYJ
56.Kenneth Gainwell PHI at ATL
57.Justin Jackson LAC at WAS
58.Salvon Ahmed MIA at NE
59.*Wayne Gallman ATL vs. PHI
Note: Gallman was cut by the Niners but then snapped up by the Falcons, who then cut Qadree Ollison to make room.
60.*Damien Williams CHI at LAR
Note: Clear No. 2 with Tarik Cohen on the PUP list.
61.Larry Rountree LAC at WAS
62.Alex Collins SEA at IND
63.*Darrel Williams KC vs. CLE
Note: Williams (head) missed some preseason action but was moving well in practice last week, so he should be ready in Week 1. Williams was cleared from the injury report Wednesday.
64.*Alexander Mattison MIN at CIN
Note: (Ribs) Mattison practiced fully Wednesday after missing time the previous two weeks.
65.*Giovani Bernard TB vs. DAL
Note: Bernard suffered a 'mild' high ankle sprain in the preseason, but he practiced in full on Monday.
66.Jerick McKinnon KC vs. CLE
67.Boston Scott PHI at ATL
68.Devontae Booker NYG vs. DEN
69.Kylin Hill GB at NO
70.Marlon Mack IND vs. SEA
71.Samaje Perine CIN vs. MIN
72.*Trenton Cannon BAL at LV
Note: Cannon signed with the Ravens on Wednesday, and he might actually be ahead of Lev Bell, at least for the first week of the season.
73.Malcolm Brown MIA at NE
74.Benny Snell PIT at BUF
75.*Rashaad Penny SEA at IND
Note: It's not a done deal that Penny is Seattle's No. 2 over Alex Collins. Limited practice participant Wednesday due to a calf injury. ***Penny was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
76.Elijah Mitchell SF at DET
77.*Royce Freeman CAR vs. NYJ
Note: Freeman was claimed off waivers by the Panthers, so he could cut into any potential playing time for rookie Chuba Hubbard.
78.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. PHI
79.Jaret Patterson WAS vs. LAC
80.Chris Evans CIN vs. MIN
81.*Mekhi Sargent TEN vs. ARI
Note: Sargent could be the primary backup to Derrick Henry with Darrynton Evans is out, though Jeremy McNichols is also an option.
82.Dwayne Washington NO vs. GB
83.*Devonta Freeman at
Note: Freeman signed with the Ravens to their practice squad.
84.*Gus Edwards BAL at LV
Note: Edwards suffered a knee injury Thursday that is feared to be a torn ACL. ***The diagnosis of a torn ACL for Edwards has been confirmed and he has been placed on IR.***

Wide Receivers

1.Tyreek Hill KC vs. CLE
2.DK Metcalf SEA at IND
3.Davante Adams GB at NO
4.Calvin Ridley ATL vs. PHI
5.DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at TEN
6.*Justin Jefferson MIN at CIN
Note: Jefferson suffered a shoulder injury early in camp, but he was cleared from the injury report for Wednesday.
7.*A.J. Brown TEN vs. ARI
Note: Had some knee issues in training camp but then returned to practice last week. Full practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday - Brown seems to be getting managed similarly in practice to how he was managed last season. ***Good to go for Sunday, but Brown might have his practice reps managed again next week.***
8.*Stefon Diggs BUF vs. PIT
Note: (Knee) Not listed on the injury report after missing practice time the last two weeks.
9.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. LAC
10.*CeeDee Lamb DAL at TB
Note: Returned from the COVID IR on Thursday last week.
11.Keenan Allen LAC at WAS
12.Cooper Kupp LA vs. CHI
13.Mike Evans TB vs. DAL
14.Robert Woods LA vs. CHI
15.DJ Moore CAR vs. NYJ
16.Allen Robinson CHI at LAR
17.Diontae Johnson PIT at BUF
18.*Adam Thielen MIN at CIN
Note: Thielen (thigh) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.
19.Robby Anderson CAR vs. NYJ
20.Amari Cooper DAL at TB
21.*Tyler Lockett SEA at IND
Note: Lockett (groin) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report after missing practice time earlier in training camp.
22.Jarvis Landry CLE at KC
23.Deebo Samuel SF at DET
24.Jerry Jeudy DEN at NYG
25.*Chris Godwin TB vs. DAL
Note: Godwin (quad) was limited at Tuesday's practice. Godwin was cleared from the injury list Wednesday and was cleared to play - will he be full on, or a decoy? I'm a tiny bit wary.
26.Tee Higgins CIN vs. MIN
27.*Julio Jones TEN vs. ARI
Note: Jones missed a big chunk of training camp with an undisclosed injury, but he returned to practice last week. Jones was not on the Titans' injury report despite missing a good chunk of training camp.
28.Courtland Sutton DEN at NYG
29.*Brandon Aiyuk SF at DET
Note: Aiyuk sat out the final preseason game with a hamstring injury, but he was running routes and catching passes at Monday's practice. Aiyuk had a full practice Wednesday.
30.Chase Claypool PIT at BUF
31.*Michael Pittman IND vs. SEA
Note: Pittman is likely the Colts' top option for the first weeks of the season with T.Y. Hilton (neck) out.
32.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. MIN
33.*DJ Chark JAC at HOU
Note: Chark has fully healed from the broken finger he suffered in early August.
34.JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at BUF
35.*Odell Beckham CLE at KC
Note: Beckham is coming back from an ACL injury and didn't play at all in the preseason, but he's expected to be available and play in Week 1 against the Chiefs. (Knee) Listed as limited in Wednesday's practice. ***OBJ has been limited all week and didn't take any contact during training camp and the preseason. He's loosely expected to play, but officially is a game-time decision on a 4:25p ET kickoff.***
36.Corey Davis NYJ at CAR
37.Brandin Cooks HOU vs. JAX
38.Marquez Callaway NO vs. GB
39.Laviska Shenault JAC at HOU
40.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. MIN
41.Jakobi Meyers NE vs. MIA
42.*Elijah Moore NYJ at CAR
Note: Even though he missed time in the preseason due to a quad injury, he's listed as a starter on the depth chart. Jamison Crowder is still on the COVID reserve list.
43.*Antonio Brown TB vs. DAL
Note: Brown sat out practice Tuesday after getting listed on the injury report Monday with a knee issue. Brown was cleared from the injury report Wednesday and is good-to-go.
44.*Mecole Hardman KC vs. CLE
Note: (Oblique) Hardman had a limited practice Wednesday but a full practice Thursday.
45.DeVonta Smith PHI at ATL
46.Mike Williams LAC at WAS
47.Marquise Brown BAL at LV
48.Sterling Shepard NYG vs. DEN
49.Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at NO
50.Jaylen Waddle MIA at NE
51.*Darnell Mooney CHI at LAR
Note: Mooney has been limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday with a back injury. ***Fully practiced on Friday and is expected to go on Sunday night.***
52.*Michael Gallup DAL at TB
Note: ***Gallup suffered a calf injury in the Thursday night loss to the Bucs and is expected to miss 3-to-5 weeks.***
53.Henry Ruggs LV vs. BAL
54.*Kenny Golladay NYG vs. DEN
Note: Golladay has missed a ton of practice due to a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp. I'm lower than the pack on him, and that's even accounting for the discount you're seeing on him in drafts right now. (Hamstring) Limited both Wednesday and Thursday in practice. ***Golladay was limited again Friday but then cleared from the injury list.***
55.Jalen Reagor PHI at ATL
56.*Marvin Jones JAC at HOU
Note: Jones (shoulder) was not on Wednesday's initial injury report.
57.*Bryan Edwards LV vs. BAL
Note: Clear hold on the second WR spot (which could end up being the first) following the release of John Brown.
58.Russell Gage ATL vs. PHI
59.DeVante Parker MIA at NE
60.*Parris Campbell IND vs. SEA
Note: Campbell (Achilles) was limited Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
61.Gabriel Davis BUF vs. PIT
62.Rondale Moore ARZ at TEN
63.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE at KC
64.Terrace Marshall CAR vs. NYJ
65.Christian Kirk ARZ at TEN
66.*Nelson Agholor NE vs. MIA
Note: Agholor (ankle) sat out practice Thursday. ***Agholor returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable.***
67.Tyrell Williams DET vs. SF
68.*Van Jefferson LA vs. CHI
Note: Jefferson (arm) was not on the Rams' initial injury report Wednesday.
69.*Zach Pascal IND vs. SEA
Note: Pascal returned from the COVID list last Thursday as a close contact. He'll compete with Parris Campbell to get more targets while T.Y. Hilton is out.
70.Randall Cobb GB at NO
71.Cole Beasley BUF vs. PIT
72.Quez Watkins PHI at ATL
73.*Emmanuel Sanders BUF vs. PIT
Note: (Foot) Sanders was limited both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Sanders is expected to play despite being limited all week.***
74.*Josh Palmer LAC at WAS
Note: Palmer won the third receiver's job in camp, leading the Chargers to cut Tyron Johnson.
75.Hunter Renfrow LV vs. BAL
76.Sammy Watkins BAL at LV
77.Olamide Zaccheaus ATL vs. PHI
78.*Kadarius Toney NYG vs. DEN
Note: Missed a good chunk of training camp due to both COVID and then an undisclosed injury, but then returned to practice last week. Limited in practice Thursday with a hamstring injury. ***Tony had his reps limited in practice all week but was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
79.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET vs. SF
80.Nico Collins HOU vs. JAX
81.Lil'Jordan Humphrey NO vs. GB
82.Dee Eskridge SEA at IND
83.Deonte Harris NO vs. GB
84.Adam Humphries WAS vs. LAC
85.*Keelan Cole NYJ at CAR
Note: Cole is one of three starters listed on the Jets' initial depth chart. Cole was limited in practice by a knee injury on Thursday.
86.Cedrick Wilson DAL at TB
87.*Will Fuller MIA at NE
Note: Fuller is serving the final game of last season's suspension during Week 1.
88.*Jamison Crowder NYJ at CAR
Note: Still listed on the COVID reserve list. ***Crowder will not come off the COVID list in time for Sunday's game.***
89.*Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. GB
Note: Smith (hamstring) sat out Thursday's practice entirely. ***Smith was placed on IR and will miss at least at the first three weeks.***
90.*Curtis Samuel WAS vs. LAC
Note: Samuel has recovered slowly from a groin injury, getting gradually brought back, but he 'looked good' and 'moved around well' in Monday's practice. My guess is that if Samuel plays, he'll be limited. Samuel tried to run a route Wednesday early and immediately went to get looked at my the team's trainers, and was listed as a non-participant Wednesday and Thursday - I don't think he plays. ***Samuel was placed on IR and will miss at least the first three weeks.***

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC vs. CLE
2.George Kittle SF at DET
3.Darren Waller LV vs. BAL
4.*Mark Andrews BAL at LV
Note: Just got paid.
5.Kyle Pitts ATL vs. PHI
6.*T.J. Hockenson DET vs. SF
Note: (Shoulder) Full participant in practice this week.
7.*Noah Fant DEN at NYG
Note: Fant was sidelined last week with a leg injury, but he upgraded to individual drills Monday, and he's expected to be ready for Week 1. Fant had a full practice Thursday.
8.Tyler Higbee LA vs. CHI
9.Mike Gesicki MIA at NE
10.Robert Tonyan GB at NO
11.Rob Gronkowski TB vs. DAL
12.Logan Thomas WAS vs. LAC
13.Dallas Goedert PHI at ATL
14.*Hunter Henry NE vs. MIA
Note: Henry suffered a shoulder injury on Aug. 8 but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Removed from the injury list on Wednesday.
15.Cole Kmet CHI at LAR
16.Jared Cook LAC at WAS
17.*Zach Ertz PHI at ATL
Note: Stuck around with the Eagles after all.
18.Jonnu Smith NE vs. MIA
19.Gerald Everett SEA at IND
20.Blake Jarwin DAL at TB
21.Austin Hooper CLE at KC
22.*Tyler Conklin MIN at CIN
Note: Now the Vikings starter with Irv Smith out for the season. Conklin (hamstring) was limited Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
23.Anthony Firkser TEN vs. ARI
24.Eric Ebron PIT at BUF
25.Dawson Knox BUF vs. PIT
26.*Tyler Kroft NYJ at CAR
Note: Kroft should have a bigger role for the Jets with Chris Herndon now on the Vikings.
27.*Adam Trautman NO vs. GB
Note: Trautman (ankle) surprisingly isn't on the injury list at all after initially looking like he was going to miss Week 1.
28.Hayden Hurst ATL vs. PHI
29.Dan Arnold CAR vs. NYJ
30.Dalton Schultz DAL at TB
31.David Njoku CLE at KC
32.Pat Freiermuth PIT at BUF
33.Donald Parham LAC at WAS
34.*Kaden Smith NYG vs. DEN
Note: Smith (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, as was Kyle Rudolph (foot). Evan Engram (calf) hasn't yet practiced. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday, while Engram was declared out.***
35.*Kyle Rudolph NYG vs. DEN
Note: ***Rudolph (foot) was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
36.Harrison Bryant CLE at KC
37.Kylen Granson IND vs. SEA
38.O.J. Howard TB vs. DAL
39.*Chris Herndon MIN at CIN
Note: Listed as the third string tight end following the trade to the Vikings, with the presumption that he'll move up as he gets up to speed with his new team.
40.*Evan Engram NYG vs. DEN
Note: Engram suffered a calf injury in the preseason and his status for Week 1 is questionable. Held out of practice so far this week. ***Declared out this week.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. NYJ
2.Dalvin Cook MIN at CIN
3.Jonathan Taylor IND vs. SEA
4.Derrick Henry TEN vs. ARI
5.Nick Chubb CLE at KC
6.Tyreek Hill KC vs. CLE
7.DK Metcalf SEA at IND
8.Davante Adams GB at NO
9.Alvin Kamara NO vs. GB
10.Calvin Ridley ATL vs. PHI
11.DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at TEN
12.Travis Kelce KC vs. CLE
13.*Justin Jefferson MIN at CIN
Note: Jefferson suffered a shoulder injury early in camp, but he was cleared from the injury report for Wednesday.
14.*A.J. Brown TEN vs. ARI
Note: Had some knee issues in training camp but then returned to practice last week. Full practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday - Brown seems to be getting managed similarly in practice to how he was managed last season. ***Good to go for Sunday, but Brown might have his practice reps managed again next week.***
15.Najee Harris PIT at BUF
16.*Stefon Diggs BUF vs. PIT
Note: (Knee) Not listed on the injury report after missing practice time the last two weeks.
17.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. LAC
18.*CeeDee Lamb DAL at TB
Note: Returned from the COVID IR on Thursday last week.
19.Aaron Jones GB at NO
20.James Robinson JAC at HOU
21.Antonio Gibson WAS vs. LAC
22.Keenan Allen LAC at WAS
23.*Chris Godwin TB vs. DAL
Note: Godwin (quad) was limited at Tuesday's practice. Godwin was cleared from the injury list Wednesday and was cleared to play - will he be full on, or a decoy? I'm a tiny bit wary.
24.Cooper Kupp LA vs. CHI
25.George Kittle SF at DET
26.Darren Waller LV vs. BAL
27.*Austin Ekeler LAC at WAS
Note: Ekeler sat out practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury, and then wasn't participating in individual drills during the open portion of Thursday's practice. though he was suited up in pads. ***Ekeler returned to a limited practice Friday and 'looked good out there,' and the Chargers are optimistic that he'll be able to go on Sunday.***
28.Mike Evans TB vs. DAL
29.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL at TB
Note: Downgraded this week because of the tough run matchup (only 80.6 rush yards per game last year, by far the best in the NFL) and because of Zack Martin's absence.
30.Allen Robinson CHI at LAR
31.Diontae Johnson PIT at BUF
32.*Adam Thielen MIN at CIN
Note: Thielen (thigh) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.
33.*Saquon Barkley NYG vs. DEN
Note: Barkley (knee) appears ready to play for Week 1, but his role is uncertain. Moreover, the Giants have a quick turnaround for Week 2, a Thursday night game against division rival Washington. Barkley was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***Barkley has been 'medically cleared' to play Sunday - he should play, it's just a question of how much.***
34.Raheem Mostert SF at DET
35.Joe Mixon CIN vs. MIN
36.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. CLE
Note: Edwards-Helaire sprained an ankle in the preseason, but it was a low-ankle sprain, and he's expected to be ready for Week 1. Full practice Wednesday.
37.Robby Anderson CAR vs. NYJ
38.Amari Cooper DAL at TB
39.Robert Woods LA vs. CHI
40.DJ Moore CAR vs. NYJ
41.Miles Sanders PHI at ATL
42.Chris Carson SEA at IND
43.David Montgomery CHI at LAR
44.*Tyler Lockett SEA at IND
Note: Lockett (groin) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report after missing practice time earlier in training camp.
45.Deebo Samuel SF at DET
46.Jerry Jeudy DEN at NYG
47.Jarvis Landry CLE at KC
48.Tee Higgins CIN vs. MIN
49.Damien Harris NE vs. MIA
50.Mike Davis ATL vs. PHI
51.*Ty'Son Williams BAL at LV
Note: Teammate Justice Hill has a torn Achilles tendon. The Ravens have worked out Devonta Freeman and Le'Veon Bell so far to find another RB. Now Gus Edwards is feared to have a torn ACL, so both Lev Bell and Devonta Freeman could be elevated from the practice squad. The Ravens have already promoted Trenton Cannon, who by default is currently the backup to Williams.
52.*Julio Jones TEN vs. ARI
Note: Jones missed a big chunk of training camp with an undisclosed injury, but he returned to practice last week. Jones was not on the Titans' injury report despite missing a good chunk of training camp.
53.*D'Andre Swift DET vs. SF
Note: There are some concerns that Swift's groin injury will limit him in Week 1. On Tuesday, coach Dan Campbell said that Swift has been cleared to go.
54.*Mark Andrews BAL at LV
Note: Just got paid.
55.*Javonte Williams DEN at NYG
Note: Williams is in coach Vic Fangio's circle of trust, with Fangio suggesting he'd play Williams in any situation, any time of the game.
56.Courtland Sutton DEN at NYG
57.Chase Claypool PIT at BUF
58.*Michael Pittman IND vs. SEA
Note: Pittman is likely the Colts' top option for the first weeks of the season with T.Y. Hilton (neck) out.
59.Kyle Pitts ATL vs. PHI
60.*T.J. Hockenson DET vs. SF
Note: (Shoulder) Full participant in practice this week.
61.Ronald Jones TB vs. DAL
62.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. BAL
Note: Jacobs has missed practices on Monday and Tuesday for an unspecified reason, and won't practice until Thursday, with the Raiders not revealing the reason for his absence. Jacobs' injury is a toe issue, and he was limited at Thursday's practice. Keep in mind that the Raiders play on Monday night. ***Jacobs was limited in practice all three practices this week, beginning on Thursday, but he was cleared from the final injury report.***
63.*DJ Chark JAC at HOU
Note: Chark has fully healed from the broken finger he suffered in early August.
64.*Brandon Aiyuk SF at DET
Note: Aiyuk sat out the final preseason game with a hamstring injury, but he was running routes and catching passes at Monday's practice. Aiyuk had a full practice Wednesday.
65.JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at BUF
66.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. MIN
67.Corey Davis NYJ at CAR
68.Brandin Cooks HOU vs. JAX
69.Trey Sermon SF at DET
70.Leonard Fournette TB vs. DAL
71.James Conner ARZ at TEN
72.*Darrell Henderson LA vs. CHI
Note: Henderson suffered a thumb injury in training camp and his status is uncertain for Week 1. Henderson was not listed on the Rams' initial injury report Wednesday.
73.*Antonio Brown TB vs. DAL
Note: Brown sat out practice Tuesday after getting listed on the injury report Monday with a knee issue. Brown was cleared from the injury report Wednesday and is good-to-go.
74.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. MIN
75.Marquez Callaway NO vs. GB
76.Chase Edmonds ARZ at TEN
77.Myles Gaskin MIA at NE
78.Kareem Hunt CLE at KC
79.*Odell Beckham CLE at KC
Note: Beckham is coming back from an ACL injury and didn't play at all in the preseason, but he's expected to be available and play in Week 1 against the Chiefs. (Knee) Listed as limited in Wednesday's practice. ***OBJ has been limited all week and didn't take any contact during training camp and the preseason. He's loosely expected to play, but officially is a game-time decision on a 4:25p ET kickoff.***
80.Melvin Gordon DEN at NYG
81.Jamaal Williams DET vs. SF
82.*Elijah Moore NYJ at CAR
Note: Even though he missed time in the preseason due to a quad injury, he's listed as a starter on the depth chart. Jamison Crowder is still on the COVID reserve list.
83.Jakobi Meyers NE vs. MIA
84.Laviska Shenault JAC at HOU
85.*Darnell Mooney CHI at LAR
Note: Mooney has been limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday with a back injury. ***Fully practiced on Friday and is expected to go on Sunday night.***
86.DeVonta Smith PHI at ATL
87.Mike Williams LAC at WAS
88.Marquise Brown BAL at LV
89.Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at NO
90.Jaylen Waddle MIA at NE
91.*Michael Gallup DAL at TB
Note: ***Gallup suffered a calf injury in the Thursday night loss to the Bucs and is expected to miss 3-to-5 weeks.***
92.*Mecole Hardman KC vs. CLE
Note: (Oblique) Hardman had a limited practice Wednesday but a full practice Thursday.
93.*Kenny Golladay NYG vs. DEN
Note: Golladay has missed a ton of practice due to a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp. I'm lower than the pack on him, and that's even accounting for the discount you're seeing on him in drafts right now. (Hamstring) Limited both Wednesday and Thursday in practice. ***Golladay was limited again Friday but then cleared from the injury list.***
94.Henry Ruggs LV vs. BAL

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL at LV
2.Harrison Butker KC vs. CLE
3.Tyler Bass BUF vs. PIT
4.Younghoe Koo ATL vs. PHI
5.*Ryan Succop TB vs. DAL
Note: Succop was briefly on the COVID IL, but he returned last week.
6.Robbie Gould SF at DET
7.Jason Sanders MIA at NE
8.*Greg Zuerlein DAL at TB
Note: Missed some time in camp with a back injury but has been back for a couple of weeks now.
9.Rodrigo Blankenship IND vs. SEA
10.Mason Crosby GB at NO
11.Jason Myers SEA at IND
12.Daniel Carlson LV vs. BAL
13.Greg Joseph MIN at CIN
14.Matt Prater ARZ at TEN
15.Graham Gano NYG vs. DEN
16.Chris Boswell PIT at BUF
17.Josh Lambo JAC at HOU
18.Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. LAC
19.Matt Gay LA vs. CHI
20.Cairo Santos CHI at LAR
21.*Evan McPherson CIN vs. MIN
Note: The Bengals' fifth-round rookie looked great in camp and the preseason, beating out Austin Seibert for the job.
22.*Michael Badgley TEN vs. ARI
Note: ***Badgley was added from the Titans' practice squad to replace the injured Sam Ficken.***
23.*Chase McLaughlin CLE at KC
Note: Outdueled Cody Parkey for the Browns' starting job. ***McLaughlin was added to the injury report with a hamstring injury, despite a full practice Friday. The Browns elevated Chris Naggar from their practice squad, too.***
24.*Tristan Vizcaino LAC at WAS
Note: Vizcaino beat out Michael Badgley for the Chargers' starting job.
25.Brandon McManus DEN at NYG
26.*Austin Seibert DET vs. SF
Note: The Lions claimed Seibert after they cut both of their kickers. Seibert lost the kicking job for the Bengals to rookie Evan McPherson.
27.Jake Elliott PHI at ATL
28.*Aldrick Rosas NO vs. GB
Note: Rosas isn't officially on the Saints roster yet, but he'll be their kicker this weekend after Will Lutz was placed on IL. ***Rosas was added to the Saints' active roster on Saturday.***
29.*Ryan Santoso CAR vs. NYJ
Note: Beat out Joey Slye for the Panthers job.
30.*Nick Folk NE vs. MIA
Note: ***Folk was added to the active roster Saturday, so it's uncertain who will kick Sunday.***
31.*Quinn Nordin NE vs. MIA
Note: Nordin appears to have won the Pats' starting job, but Nick Folk remains on the practice squad. ***Folk was added to the active roster on Saturday, so now it's uncertain who will do the kicking on Sunday.***
32.Matt Ammendola NYJ at CAR
33.*Joey Slye HOU vs. JAX
Note: Slye is expected to be activated from the Texans' practice squad to replace the injured Ka'imi Fairbairn for the first three weeks. ***Slye has officially been added to the Texans' active roster.***
34.*Sam Ficken TEN vs. ARI
Note: ***Ficken (groin) will miss at least the first three weeks of the season with a groin injury.***
35.*Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. JAX
Note: Fairbairn was placed on IR with a leg issue and will miss the first three weeks.

Defenses

1.*Los Angeles Rams vs. CHI
Note: Here's hoping that the Bears follow through on their threat to start Andy Dalton this week.
2.San Francisco 49ers at DET
3.*Denver Broncos at NYG
Note: The Giants' offensive line still looks like a mess.
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. DAL
5.Baltimore Ravens at LV
6.Minnesota Vikings at CIN
7.Washington Football Team vs. LAC
8.Green Bay Packers at NO
9.Buffalo Bills vs. PIT
10.Indianapolis Colts vs. SEA
11.New England Patriots vs. MIA
12.New York Giants vs. DEN
13.Carolina Panthers vs. NYJ
14.Seattle Seahawks at IND
15.Miami Dolphins at NE
16.Los Angeles Chargers at WAS
17.Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
18.Kansas City Chiefs vs. CLE
19.Tennessee Titans vs. ARI
20.Philadelphia Eagles at ATL
21.Jacksonville Jaguars at HOU
22.*Cleveland Browns at KC
Note: Great defense but I don't like the matchup this week.
23.Arizona Cardinals at TEN
24.New Orleans Saints vs. GB
25.*Cincinnati Bengals vs. MIN
Note: The Bengals are already down a starting corner. With them facing Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, that seems sub-optimal.
26.Chicago Bears at LAR
27.Dallas Cowboys at TB
28.New York Jets at CAR
29.Las Vegas Raiders vs. BAL
30.Detroit Lions vs. SF
31.Atlanta Falcons vs. PHI
32.Houston Texans vs. JAX
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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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