This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday Update complete
Bye Weeks: GB, PIT
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 Bryce Young?"
These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.
Each week, the first set of rankings will be posted on Tuesday night. 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.
I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments.
Sunday Update complete
Bye Weeks: GB, PIT
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 Bryce Young?"
These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.
Each week, the first set of rankings will be posted on Tuesday night. 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.
I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.
<Quarterbacks
1. | Josh Allen BUF vs. NYG |
2. | Patrick Mahomes KC vs. DEN |
3. | Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. CAR |
4. | Jalen Hurts PHI at NYJ |
5. | *Justin Herbert LAC vs. DAL Note: Herbert (finger) was a full participant in practice Thursday, but it might be noteworthy that he's not expected to take any snaps under center in practice this week. |
6. | *Lamar Jackson BAL at TEN Note: I had a good joke to make about Sunday's loss to the Steelers, but decided to drop it. |
7. | Justin Fields CHI vs. MIN |
8. | *Joe Burrow CIN vs. SEA Note: Burrow is coming off of his first big game, throwing for 317 yards and three touchdowns. He also looked more mobile than he did at any point this season, scrambling for a first down at one point. |
9. | Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. IND |
10. | Matthew Stafford LA vs. ARI |
11. | *Jared Goff DET at TB Note: No Sun God? No problem, at least last week against Carolina. |
12. | *Dak Prescott DAL at LAC Note: Prescott had another awful game in a big moment against the Niners. How will he rebound against the Chargers? |
13. | *Geno Smith SEA at CIN Note: Smith (knee) missed 17 snaps in the Week 4 Monday night win over the Giants, but he returned to action in that game and is now 'fine' following the Seahawks' bye week. Smith fully practiced Wednesday. |
14. | *Kirk Cousins MIN at CHI Note: ***Cousins is not expected to waive his full no-trade clause despite the Vikings' tough start and now the absence of Justin Jefferson.*** |
15. | Brock Purdy SF at CLE |
16. | *Russell Wilson DEN at KC Note: Wilson had a killer fumble-six at the end of the loss to the Jets, leading to him getting chewed out on the sidelines by Sean Payton. |
17. | *Gardner Minshew IND at JAX Note: Minshew will start in a 'revenge game' against the Jaguars with Anthony Richardson (shoulder) out. |
18. | *C.J. Stroud HOU vs. NO Note: The Falcons did a good job of taking away the deep ball from Stroud, but he nearly pulled off the upset anyhow. He still hasn't thrown an interception this season. |
19. | Baker Mayfield TB vs. DET |
20. | *Joshua Dobbs ARZ at LAR Note: Dobbs was unable to scramble in the loss to the Bengals, taking away a key element of the Cardinals' offense. |
21. | *Desmond Ridder ATL vs. WAS Note: Ridder had his best game of the year against the Texans, throwing for 329 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for a score. |
22. | Bryce Young CAR at MIA |
23. | Sam Howell WAS at ATL |
24. | Ryan Tannehill TEN vs. BAL |
25. | Derek Carr NO at HOU |
26. | *Tyrod Taylor NYG at BUF Note: Taylor replaced an injured Daniel Jones last week against Miami. Jones suggested he's going to try to play, but the practice reports will tell the story. Taylor has taken the first-team reps both on Wednesday and Thursday. ***Taylor will start, with Daniel Jones ruled out.*** |
27. | Jimmy Garoppolo LV vs. NE |
28. | *Mac Jones NE at LV Note: Jones got yanked for Bailey Zappe for the second week in a row, but will remain the starter this week, in no small part because Zappe did very little in his own right. ***Both Zappe and Will Grier took first-team snaps along with Jones this week.*** |
29. | *Zach Wilson NYJ vs. PHI Note: Wilson was just ok in a great matchup against Denver, now he has a much tougher task against the Eagles. |
30. | *PJ Walker CLE vs. SF Note: Walker has been named as next in line behind Watson, who hasn't yet practiced this week. ***Walker will start with Deshaun Watson officially ruled out.*** |
31. | Taysom Hill NO at HOU |
32. | Bailey Zappe NE at LV |
33. | *Deshaun Watson CLE vs. SF Note: Watson has a bruised rotator cuff and is still day-to-day, though he was able to do some limited throwing Monday following the Browns' bye week. He was medically cleared to play in Week 4 but felt so uncomfortable in pregame warmups that the Browns held him out. If he can't go, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker are next in line. Watson didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. Walker has been named as the next in line. ***Watson has been ruled out for Sunday, though it's possible he'll return in Week 7.*** |
34. | *Daniel Jones NYG at BUF Note: Jones left Sunday's loss to the Dolphins. On Tuesday he said that this neck injury is different than the one that forced him to miss six games in 2021. Tyrod Taylor is the backup. It's looking more likely that Taylor will start this week, though Jones hasn't been ruled out as of Thursday. ***Ruled out for Sunday night.*** |
35. | *Anthony Richardson IND at JAX Note: Richardson has an AC joint sprain and will miss some time - the Colts described the time period in terms of weeks. ***Richardson is on IR and the Colts are contemplating having him undergo season-ending surgery.*** |
Running Backs
1. | Christian McCaffrey SF at CLE |
2. | Kenneth Walker SEA at CIN |
3. | Bijan Robinson ATL vs. WAS |
4. | *David Montgomery DET at TB Note: ***Teammate Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) has been ruled out again.*** |
5. | Travis Etienne JAC vs. IND |
6. | *Tony Pollard DAL at LAC Note: Pollard (shoulder) was limited in practice for the Cowboys' first practice of the week on Thursday. ***Upgraded to a full practice Friday.*** |
7. | D'Andre Swift PHI at NYJ |
8. | *Austin Ekeler LAC vs. DAL Note: Ekeler (ankle) said that he's 99 percent certain to return to action this week after the bye. Ekeler was a full practice participant Thursday. |
9. | Breece Hall NYJ vs. PHI |
10. | *Raheem Mostert MIA vs. CAR Note: De'Von Achane's knee injury likely means more work for Mostert, but probably not as much as you think. Mostert's history suggests that Miami will find carries for others such as Salvon Ahmed (if he's active), Chris Brooks or maybe even Jeff Wilson. |
11. | Isiah Pacheco KC vs. DEN |
12. | Alvin Kamara NO at HOU |
13. | Derrick Henry TEN vs. BAL |
14. | *Brian Robinson WAS at ATL Note: The Falcons have actually been stingy against the run so far this season. |
15. | Alexander Mattison MIN at CHI |
16. | Joe Mixon CIN vs. SEA |
17. | *Jonathan Taylor IND at JAX Note: Taylor was limited in his return, ceding more carries to Zack Moss, who had a tremendous game against the Titans' stout run defense. The Colts plan to ramp up Taylor's workload this week. |
18. | Kyren Williams LA vs. ARI |
19. | Josh Jacobs LV vs. NE |
20. | James Cook BUF vs. NYG |
21. | Rachaad White TB vs. DET |
22. | Dameon Pierce HOU vs. NO |
23. | *Chuba Hubbard CAR at MIA Note: ***Teammate Miles Sanders (shoulder) has been ruled out this week. Look for Hubbard to be the primary ballcarrier, but Laviska Shenault and Raheem Blackshear will also see work.*** |
24. | *Saquon Barkley NYG at BUF Note: Barkley's status for Week 6 on his ankle has yet to be determined. He hasn't played since Week 2. Barkley had a limited practice Wednesday, with his ankle heavily taped. ***Barkley is listed as questionable, but the Giants are 'optimistic' and 'hopeful' that he'll play Sunday night. The question is, if he plays, how much action will he get? Will it be like Jonathan Taylor last week, or will he be a full-go?*** |
25. | *Javonte Williams DEN at KC Note: Williams (quad) was a true game-time decision last week and was close to playing. He was a full participant in Tuesday's walk-through, with the Broncos facing the Chiefs on Thursday. Williams has officially been cleared from the injury list. |
26. | *Zack Moss IND at JAX Note: Moss's huge game was one of the more surprising outcomes of the season for me, due both to the opponent and to Jonathan Taylor's return. |
27. | *Rhamondre Stevenson NE at LV Note: Stevenson rushed for eight yards on his first carry, and then was limited to 16 yards on seven carries the rest of the day. |
28. | *D'Onta Foreman CHI vs. MIN Note: Foreman has been a healthy scratch lately, but Khalil Herbert has a high-ankle sprain and Roschon Johnson left last week's game with a concussion. Even Travis Homer got hurt in that game. ***Herbert is on IR, Johnson and Homer have been ruled out. Foreman and Darryton Evans will be the Bears' running backs this week.*** |
29. | *Jerome Ford CLE vs. SF Note: Ford (knee) was limited on Wednesday, but apparently that was for maintenance purposes. |
30. | Tyjae Spears TEN vs. BAL |
31. | *Justice Hill BAL at TEN Note: Hill looked great at times against the Steelers, scoring early, but also coughed up a critical fumble that led to points for Pittsburgh. |
32. | *Emari Demercado ARZ at LAR Note: Demercado is likely to take over as the Cardinals' starting running back with James Conner (knee) getting placed on IR. The Cardinals also just added Tony Jones off of waivers. Demercado is actually listed behind Keaontay Ingram (neck) on the depth chart, though Ingram has been limited in practice this week so far. |
33. | Kenneth Gainwell PHI at NYJ |
34. | Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. WAS |
35. | *Matt Breida NYG at BUF Note: ***The Giants are optimistic that teammate Saquon Barkley (ankle) will play on Sunday night.*** |
36. | Gus Edwards BAL at TEN |
37. | *Keaontay Ingram ARZ at LAR Note: Ingram is listed first on the Cardinals' RB depth chart, not Demercado. However, he's been limited in practice so far this week with a neck injury. ***Ingram has been cleared from the injury list.*** |
38. | *Jaleel McLaughlin DEN at KC Note: I love the player, but hate the situation with Williams back this week. |
39. | Antonio Gibson WAS at ATL |
40. | Kareem Hunt CLE vs. SF |
41. | Samaje Perine DEN at KC |
42. | Chris Brooks MIA vs. CAR |
43. | Ezekiel Elliott NE at LV |
44. | Cam Akers MIN at CHI |
45. | Damien Harris BUF vs. NYG |
46. | Craig Reynolds DET at TB |
47. | *Elijah Mitchell SF at CLE Note: Mitchell (knee) still hasn't started practicing. ***Mitchell returned to practice Thursday and is listed as questionable.*** |
48. | Jordan Mason SF at CLE |
49. | Latavius Murray BUF vs. NYG |
50. | *Darrynton Evans CHI vs. MIN Note: ***Evans will be the backup behind D'Onta Foreman.*** |
51. | Devin Singletary HOU vs. NO |
52. | Dalvin Cook NYJ vs. PHI |
53. | Michael Carter NYJ vs. PHI |
54. | Jerick McKinnon KC vs. DEN |
55. | Zach Charbonnet SEA at CIN |
56. | Joshua Kelley LAC vs. DAL |
57. | *Salvon Ahmed MIA vs. CAR |
58. | Tank Bigsby JAC vs. IND |
59. | Kendre Miller NO at HOU |
60. | *Keaton Mitchell BAL at TEN Note: ***Mitchell (shoulder) has been activated off IR and will make his season debut Sunday.*** |
61. | *Gary Brightwell NYG at BUF Note: Brightwell (ankle) was limited at practice to start the week. |
62. | Tony Jones ARZ at LAR |
63. | Sean Tucker TB vs. DET |
64. | Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. DEN |
65. | Pierre Strong CLE vs. SF |
66. | Ronnie Rivers LA vs. ARI |
67. | Zamir White LV vs. NE |
68. | Boston Scott PHI at NYJ |
69. | Deuce Vaughn DAL at LAC |
70. | Rico Dowdle DAL at LAC |
71. | Raheem Blackshear CAR at MIA |
72. | Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. WAS |
73. | *Jahmyr Gibbs DET at TB Note: Gibbs (hamstring) won't know until Friday whether he'll be able to play this week and did not practice Wednesday nor Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
74. | *Miles Sanders CAR at MIA Note: Sanders lost a critical fumble in the second quarter of the Panthers' loss to the Lions, and he ceded a lot of snaps to Chuba Hubbard afterwards. Sanders has sat out the last two practices with a shoulder injury. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
75. | *Roschon Johnson CHI vs. MIN Note: Johnson left Thursday night's win with a concussion. With Khalil Herbert out with a high-ankle sprain, Johnson could be in line for a lot work if he can get cleared. Johnson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.*** |
76. | *Jeff Wilson MIA vs. CAR Note: Wilson (ribs) could have his practice window open this week. He's currently on IR, but De'Von Achane's knee injury might accelerate his timetable. Wilson's practice window opened on Wednesday, and he was limited. ***Not yet activated from the IR.*** |
77. | *Khalil Herbert CHI vs. MIN Note: Herbert has a high-ankle sprain and will likely miss multiple weeks. Herbert hasn't officially been ruled out, but he also hasn't practiced this week. ***Herbert was moved to the IR list, so he will miss at least four games.*** |
78. | *De'Von Achane MIA vs. CAR Note: Achane is expected to miss multiple weeks with a knee injury. The Dolphins officially put Achane on IR. ***Achane is expected to miss just the minimum four games plus the Week 10 bye week.*** |
79. | *James Conner ARZ at LAR Note: The Cardinals placed Conner (knee) on IR on Tuesday. |
Wide Receivers
1. | Tyreek Hill MIA vs. CAR |
2. | Stefon Diggs BUF vs. NYG |
3. | Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. SEA |
4. | A.J. Brown PHI at NYJ |
5. | *Cooper Kupp LA vs. ARI Note: Kupp had 12 targets in his return, and now gets a Cardinals secondary that Ja'Marr Chase just torched. |
6. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. DAL |
7. | *Davante Adams LV vs. NE Note: Adams (shoulder) sat out Wednesday, and was limited on Thursday. I expect that this will track similarly to last week. ***Adams has been cleared from the injury list.*** |
8. | Calvin Ridley JAC vs. IND |
9. | DeAndre Hopkins TEN vs. BAL |
10. | *Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at TB Note: The Lions are optimistic that St. Brown (abdomen) will return this week. St. Brown was limited Wednesday and upgraded to a full practice Thursday. |
11. | *DK Metcalf SEA at CIN Note: Metcalf (ribs) continues to sit out Wednesday practices for maintenance reasons. ***Metcalf also sat out Thursday, but was cleared from the injury list Friday.*** |
12. | Brandon Aiyuk SF at CLE |
13. | DJ Moore CHI vs. MIN |
14. | *CeeDee Lamb DAL at LAC Note: I may have to accept that Lamb isn't going to be the target-monster that I think he should be. |
15. | Puka Nacua LA vs. ARI |
16. | *Chris Olave NO at HOU Note: The boxscore betrays what could have been a big day - Olave came very close to having two touchdowns (just narrowly missing getting his feet down in bounds on the second one), and also had a drop on another intermediate target. The volume wasn't there after the Saints jumped to an early 21-0 lead. Olave (toe) was limited Wednesday, but was back to full participation Thursday. |
17. | *Chris Godwin TB vs. DET Note: ***I wouldn't be surprised if Godwin is the lead receiver even with Mike Evans (hamstring) cleared to play.*** |
18. | Adam Thielen CAR at MIA |
19. | *Mike Evans TB vs. DET Note: Waiting to hear an update from the Bucs on Evans's hamstring coming out of the bye week. Evans did not practice Wednesday and was very limited Thursday. Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Friday's practice would be the key to determining Evans's status. ***Evans took every rep on Friday and has been cleared from the injury list.*** |
20. | Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. CAR |
21. | Nico Collins HOU vs. NO |
22. | Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. PHI |
23. | Terry McLaurin WAS at ATL |
24. | Gabe Davis BUF vs. NYG |
25. | *DeVonta Smith PHI at NYJ Note: Smith was the odd man out last week - conspicuously so, as at one point the broadcast focused on him talking with the coaching staff in frustration. My guess is that he'll get taken care of this week. |
26. | Michael Pittman IND at JAX |
27. | *Jordan Addison MIN at CHI Note: It's time for Addison to step up in class with Justin Jefferson out. Addison (ankle) had his practice reps limited both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Addison has been cleared from the injury list following a full practice Friday.*** |
28. | Tyler Lockett SEA at CIN |
29. | Deebo Samuel SF at CLE |
30. | K.J. Osborn MIN at CHI |
31. | Christian Kirk JAC vs. IND |
32. | *Tee Higgins CIN vs. SEA Note: Higgins (ribs) has been limited both Wednesday and Thursday, but after Thursday's practice said that 'it looks promising' for him to play this week. ***Higgins had a full practice Friday. Though he's listed as questionable, he's expected to play.*** |
33. | *Courtland Sutton DEN at KC Note: Sutton got Sauce'd - he's not toast. |
34. | Amari Cooper CLE vs. SF |
35. | Zay Flowers BAL at TEN |
36. | *Marquise Brown ARZ at LAR Note: Brown returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with an illness. ***Brown had another limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, but is expected to play.*** |
37. | *Jakobi Meyers LV vs. NE Note: Meyers (wrist) upgraded to a full practice Thursday. |
38. | Tyler Boyd CIN vs. SEA |
39. | Jerry Jeudy DEN at KC |
40. | Jahan Dotson WAS at ATL |
41. | *Michael Wilson ARZ at LAR Note: Wilson had his second-highest snap share despite only getting two targets last week. |
42. | Tutu Atwell LA vs. ARI |
43. | Michael Thomas NO at HOU |
44. | Drake London ATL vs. WAS |
45. | Josh Downs IND at JAX |
46. | Rashid Shaheed NO at HOU |
47. | Kendrick Bourne NE at LV |
48. | *Robert Woods HOU vs. NO Note: Woods left momentarily due to a rib injury but later returned. Did not practice Wednesday, but returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Woods returned to a full practice Friday.*** |
49. | Josh Reynolds DET at TB |
50. | Rashee Rice KC vs. DEN |
51. | DJ Chark CAR at MIA |
52. | *Nelson Agholor BAL at TEN Note: Agholor got more snaps at the expense of Rashod Bateman, but he too had a bad drop in the loss to the Steelers. |
53. | Skyy Moore KC vs. DEN |
54. | Joshua Palmer LAC vs. DAL |
55. | Elijah Moore CLE vs. SF |
56. | Darnell Mooney CHI vs. MIN |
57. | Curtis Samuel WAS at ATL |
58. | Jonathan Mingo CAR at MIA |
59. | Allen Lazard NYJ vs. PHI |
60. | Kalif Raymond DET at TB |
61. | Rondale Moore ARZ at LAR |
62. | *Marvin Mims DEN at KC Note: I keep wanting to see more of Mims, but he put the ball on the ground twice last week, once on a punt return and the other on a reverse. |
63. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA at CIN |
64. | Kadarius Toney KC vs. DEN |
65. | DeVante Parker NE at LV |
66. | *Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at BUF Note: Robinson briefly left to get checked for a concussion but later returned. Robinson sat out Wednesday with a knee issue and was limited Thursday. ***Cleared to play Sunday night.*** |
67. | *John Metchie HOU vs. NO Note: Metchie could be a nice play in really deep leagues if Tank Dell (concussion) can't play. |
68. | Jameson Williams DET at TB |
69. | *Brandon Powell MIN at CHI Note: Another deep play - Powell had six targets last week, many after Justin Jefferson got hurt. Addison and Osborn are 1-2 with Jefferson out, but Powell at least steps up in class. |
70. | Michael Gallup DAL at LAC |
71. | Brandin Cooks DAL at LAC |
72. | Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN vs. BAL |
73. | *Laviska Shenault CAR at MIA Note: ***Shenault will get more work as a running back than as a wide receiver this week, with Miles Sanders (shoulder) out.*** |
74. | *Van Jefferson ATL vs. WAS Note: Jefferson saw only two snaps last week, so it's not surprising that the Rams traded him to Atlanta. |
75. | *Odell Beckham BAL at TEN Note: Full practice on Thursday. |
76. | Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC vs. DEN |
77. | *Rashod Bateman BAL at TEN Note: Bateman had a bad drop in the end zone and seemed to lose playing time to Nelson Agholor after that. |
78. | Isaiah Hodgins NYG at BUF |
79. | Hunter Renfrow LV vs. NE |
80. | Mack Hollins ATL vs. WAS |
81. | Parris Campbell NYG at BUF |
82. | Olamide Zaccheaus PHI at NYJ |
83. | *Tank Dell HOU vs. NO Note: Dell is in the concussion protocol. One report from Aaron Wilson said that the Texans don't expect that Dell will be available this week, though they haven't made that official. He hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Dell returned to a limited practice Friday, but is expected to sit out this week.*** |
84. | *Zay Jones JAC vs. IND Note: Jones aggravated his knee injury in the win over the Bills and is day-to-day. Sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.*** |
85. | *JuJu Smith-Schuster NE at LV Note: Smith-Schuster left Sunday's loss with a head injury. Smith-Schuster (concussion) hasn't started practicing this week. ***Won't play this week.*** |
86. | *Treylon Burks TEN vs. BAL Note: Burks (knee) will miss another game this week. |
87. | *Justin Jefferson MIN at CHI Note: Jefferson is likely to go on IR, which would force him to miss at least four games. ***Jefferson is officially on IR. He's due to receive imaging in four weeks, and his projected absence is four-to-six weeks, with a possibility that the Vikes just shut him down.*** |
88. | Quentin Johnston LAC vs. DAL |
Tight Ends
1. | T.J. Hockenson MIN at CHI |
2. | Mark Andrews BAL at TEN |
3. | *Travis Kelce KC vs. DEN Note: Kelce sprained his ankle before halftime last week but later returned and scored. He was limited in Tuesday's walk-through, and the Chiefs have the short week with the Thursday game. Kelce is active, though he'll play with his ankle heavily taped. |
4. | *Sam LaPorta DET at TB Note: LaPorta showed up on the injury list Thursday after missing practice with a calf injury. ***LaPorta actually suffered the injury the previous week, he said, and he had a limited practice Friday and is expected to play.*** |
5. | George Kittle SF at CLE |
6. | Evan Engram JAC vs. IND |
7. | Dallas Goedert PHI at NYJ |
8. | *Jake Ferguson DAL at LAC Note: Ferguson's teammate Peyton Hendershot (ankle) landed on the IR. |
9. | *Darren Waller NYG at BUF Note: Waller (groin) sat out practice Wednesday and returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Waller was limited again Friday and is listed as questionable, but expected to play.*** |
10. | Kyle Pitts ATL vs. WAS |
11. | Logan Thomas WAS at ATL |
12. | *Cole Kmet CHI vs. MIN Note: Kmet (hamstring) has been limited in practice this week. ***Kmet was cleared from the injury list on Friday.*** |
13. | Dalton Schultz HOU vs. NO |
14. | Zach Ertz ARZ at LAR |
15. | Tyler Higbee LA vs. ARI |
16. | Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. PHI |
17. | *David Njoku CLE vs. SF Note: Njoku (hand/facial burns) hasn't practiced this week, though he was able to play in the wake of suffering those burns in Week 4. ***Njoku will play this week, though he won't have quarterback Deshaun Watson.*** |
18. | Gerald Everett LAC vs. DAL |
19. | Hunter Henry NE at LV |
20. | Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN vs. BAL |
21. | Noah Fant SEA at CIN |
22. | *Jonnu Smith ATL vs. WAS Note: Smith (ankle) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. |
23. | *Dawson Knox BUF vs. NYG Note: Knox injured his wrist in the loss to the Jaguars. Limited practice Thursday. ***Knox is listed as questionable but is expected to play, and teammate Dalton Kincaid (concussion) is less certain.*** |
24. | Hayden Hurst CAR at MIA |
25. | Durham Smythe MIA vs. CAR |
26. | *Donald Parham LAC vs. DAL Note: Parham (wrist) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***Parham was a full participant Friday, but is listed as questionable.*** |
27. | Adam Trautman DEN at KC |
28. | Kylen Granson IND at JAX |
29. | Irv Smith CIN vs. SEA |
30. | Isaiah Likely BAL at TEN |
31. | Cade Otton TB vs. DET |
32. | Michael Mayer LV vs. NE |
33. | Noah Gray KC vs. DEN |
34. | Daniel Bellinger NYG at BUF |
35. | *Dalton Kincaid BUF vs. NYG Note: Kincaid has entered the concussion protocol. Kincaid had a limited practice Thursday and remains in the concussion protocol. ***Kincaid was in the concussion protocol again on Friday.*** |
36. | *Juwan Johnson NO at HOU Note: Johnson (calf) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Johnson has been ruled out this week.*** |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
1. | Christian McCaffrey SF at CLE |
2. | Tyreek Hill MIA vs. CAR |
3. | Stefon Diggs BUF vs. NYG |
4. | Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. SEA |
5. | Kenneth Walker SEA at CIN |
6. | A.J. Brown PHI at NYJ |
7. | *Cooper Kupp LA vs. ARI Note: Kupp had 12 targets in his return, and now gets a Cardinals secondary that Ja'Marr Chase just torched. |
8. | Bijan Robinson ATL vs. WAS |
9. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. DAL |
10. | *Davante Adams LV vs. NE Note: Adams (shoulder) sat out Wednesday, and was limited on Thursday. I expect that this will track similarly to last week. ***Adams has been cleared from the injury list.*** |
11. | *David Montgomery DET at TB Note: ***Teammate Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) has been ruled out again.*** |
12. | Travis Etienne JAC vs. IND |
13. | Calvin Ridley JAC vs. IND |
14. | DeAndre Hopkins TEN vs. BAL |
15. | *Chris Olave NO at HOU Note: The boxscore betrays what could have been a big day - Olave came very close to having two touchdowns (just narrowly missing getting his feet down in bounds on the second one), and also had a drop on another intermediate target. The volume wasn't there after the Saints jumped to an early 21-0 lead. Olave (toe) was limited Wednesday, but was back to full participation Thursday. |
16. | *Tony Pollard DAL at LAC Note: Pollard (shoulder) was limited in practice for the Cowboys' first practice of the week on Thursday. ***Upgraded to a full practice Friday.*** |
17. | D'Andre Swift PHI at NYJ |
18. | *Brian Robinson WAS at ATL Note: The Falcons have actually been stingy against the run so far this season. |
19. | *Austin Ekeler LAC vs. DAL Note: Ekeler (ankle) said that he's 99 percent certain to return to action this week after the bye. Ekeler was a full practice participant Thursday. |
20. | *DK Metcalf SEA at CIN Note: Metcalf (ribs) continues to sit out Wednesday practices for maintenance reasons. ***Metcalf also sat out Thursday, but was cleared from the injury list Friday.*** |
21. | Brandon Aiyuk SF at CLE |
22. | DJ Moore CHI vs. MIN |
23. | Puka Nacua LA vs. ARI |
24. | Derrick Henry TEN vs. BAL |
25. | Breece Hall NYJ vs. PHI |
26. | *Raheem Mostert MIA vs. CAR Note: De'Von Achane's knee injury likely means more work for Mostert, but probably not as much as you think. Mostert's history suggests that Miami will find carries for others such as Salvon Ahmed (if he's active), Chris Brooks or maybe even Jeff Wilson. |
27. | *CeeDee Lamb DAL at LAC Note: I may have to accept that Lamb isn't going to be the target-monster that I think he should be. |
28. | Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. CAR |
29. | *Chris Godwin TB vs. DET Note: ***I wouldn't be surprised if Godwin is the lead receiver even with Mike Evans (hamstring) cleared to play.*** |
30. | Isiah Pacheco KC vs. DEN |
31. | Alvin Kamara NO at HOU |
32. | Adam Thielen CAR at MIA |
33. | T.J. Hockenson MIN at CHI |
34. | Mark Andrews BAL at TEN |
35. | *Travis Kelce KC vs. DEN Note: Kelce sprained his ankle before halftime last week but later returned and scored. He was limited in Tuesday's walk-through, and the Chiefs have the short week with the Thursday game. Kelce is active, though he'll play with his ankle heavily taped. |
36. | Alexander Mattison MIN at CHI |
37. | Joe Mixon CIN vs. SEA |
38. | *Mike Evans TB vs. DET Note: Waiting to hear an update from the Bucs on Evans's hamstring coming out of the bye week. Evans did not practice Wednesday and was very limited Thursday. Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Friday's practice would be the key to determining Evans's status. ***Evans took every rep on Friday and has been cleared from the injury list.*** |
39. | Kyren Williams LA vs. ARI |
40. | Nico Collins HOU vs. NO |
41. | Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. PHI |
42. | Terry McLaurin WAS at ATL |
43. | Gabe Davis BUF vs. NYG |
44. | Josh Jacobs LV vs. NE |
45. | *Sam LaPorta DET at TB Note: LaPorta showed up on the injury list Thursday after missing practice with a calf injury. ***LaPorta actually suffered the injury the previous week, he said, and he had a limited practice Friday and is expected to play.*** |
46. | Michael Pittman IND at JAX |
47. | *Jordan Addison MIN at CHI Note: It's time for Addison to step up in class with Justin Jefferson out. Addison (ankle) had his practice reps limited both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Addison has been cleared from the injury list following a full practice Friday.*** |
48. | Tyler Lockett SEA at CIN |
49. | James Cook BUF vs. NYG |
50. | Rachaad White TB vs. DET |
51. | Deebo Samuel SF at CLE |
52. | George Kittle SF at CLE |
53. | *Jonathan Taylor IND at JAX Note: Taylor was limited in his return, ceding more carries to Zack Moss, who had a tremendous game against the Titans' stout run defense. The Colts plan to ramp up Taylor's workload this week. |
54. | Dameon Pierce HOU vs. NO |
55. | K.J. Osborn MIN at CHI |
56. | *Courtland Sutton DEN at KC Note: Sutton got Sauce'd - he's not toast. |
57. | Evan Engram JAC vs. IND |
58. | *Saquon Barkley NYG at BUF Note: Barkley's status for Week 6 on his ankle has yet to be determined. He hasn't played since Week 2. Barkley had a limited practice Wednesday, with his ankle heavily taped. ***Barkley is listed as questionable, but the Giants are 'optimistic' and 'hopeful' that he'll play Sunday night. The question is, if he plays, how much action will he get? Will it be like Jonathan Taylor last week, or will he be a full-go?*** |
59. | *Javonte Williams DEN at KC Note: Williams (quad) was a true game-time decision last week and was close to playing. He was a full participant in Tuesday's walk-through, with the Broncos facing the Chiefs on Thursday. Williams has officially been cleared from the injury list. |
60. | *Rhamondre Stevenson NE at LV Note: Stevenson rushed for eight yards on his first carry, and then was limited to 16 yards on seven carries the rest of the day. |
61. | *DeVonta Smith PHI at NYJ Note: Smith was the odd man out last week - conspicuously so, as at one point the broadcast focused on him talking with the coaching staff in frustration. My guess is that he'll get taken care of this week. |
62. | Jahan Dotson WAS at ATL |
63. | *Justice Hill BAL at TEN Note: Hill looked great at times against the Steelers, scoring early, but also coughed up a critical fumble that led to points for Pittsburgh. |
64. | Amari Cooper CLE vs. SF |
65. | Christian Kirk JAC vs. IND |
66. | Zay Flowers BAL at TEN |
67. | *Marquise Brown ARZ at LAR Note: Brown returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with an illness. ***Brown had another limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, but is expected to play.*** |
68. | *Jakobi Meyers LV vs. NE Note: Meyers (wrist) upgraded to a full practice Thursday. |
69. | Gus Edwards BAL at TEN |
70. | *Jerome Ford CLE vs. SF Note: Ford (knee) was limited on Wednesday, but apparently that was for maintenance purposes. |
71. | *Chuba Hubbard CAR at MIA Note: ***Teammate Miles Sanders (shoulder) has been ruled out this week. Look for Hubbard to be the primary ballcarrier, but Laviska Shenault and Raheem Blackshear will also see work.*** |
72. | *Zack Moss IND at JAX Note: Moss's huge game was one of the more surprising outcomes of the season for me, due both to the opponent and to Jonathan Taylor's return. |
73. | *Emari Demercado ARZ at LAR Note: Demercado is likely to take over as the Cardinals' starting running back with James Conner (knee) getting placed on IR. The Cardinals also just added Tony Jones off of waivers. Demercado is actually listed behind Keaontay Ingram (neck) on the depth chart, though Ingram has been limited in practice this week so far. |
74. | *D'Onta Foreman CHI vs. MIN Note: Foreman has been a healthy scratch lately, but Khalil Herbert has a high-ankle sprain and Roschon Johnson left last week's game with a concussion. Even Travis Homer got hurt in that game. ***Herbert is on IR, Johnson and Homer have been ruled out. Foreman and Darryton Evans will be the Bears' running backs this week.*** |
75. | Kenneth Gainwell PHI at NYJ |
76. | Tyjae Spears TEN vs. BAL |
77. | Tyler Boyd CIN vs. SEA |
78. | Jerry Jeudy DEN at KC |
79. | *Michael Wilson ARZ at LAR Note: Wilson had his second-highest snap share despite only getting two targets last week. |
80. | Michael Thomas NO at HOU |
81. | *Matt Breida NYG at BUF Note: ***The Giants are optimistic that teammate Saquon Barkley (ankle) will play on Sunday night.*** |
82. | Tutu Atwell LA vs. ARI |
83. | Drake London ATL vs. WAS |
84. | Josh Downs IND at JAX |
85. | Dallas Goedert PHI at NYJ |
86. | *Jake Ferguson DAL at LAC Note: Ferguson's teammate Peyton Hendershot (ankle) landed on the IR. |
87. | *Jaleel McLaughlin DEN at KC Note: I love the player, but hate the situation with Williams back this week. |
88. | *Keaontay Ingram ARZ at LAR Note: Ingram is listed first on the Cardinals' RB depth chart, not Demercado. However, he's been limited in practice so far this week with a neck injury. ***Ingram has been cleared from the injury list.*** |
Kickers
1. | Harrison Butker KC vs. DEN |
2. | Tyler Bass BUF vs. NYG |
3. | Evan McPherson CIN vs. SEA |
4. | Brandon Aubrey DAL at LAC |
5. | Justin Tucker BAL at TEN |
6. | Jason Sanders MIA vs. CAR |
7. | Matt Gay IND at JAX |
8. | *Daniel Carlson LV vs. NE Note: Missed a 52-yarder at the end of the game. One thing's for sure - Josh McDaniels will keep authorizing attempts. |
9. | Cameron Dicker LAC vs. DAL |
10. | Jake Moody SF at CLE |
11. | Jake Elliott PHI at NYJ |
12. | Riley Patterson DET at TB |
13. | Wil Lutz DEN at KC |
14. | Younghoe Koo ATL vs. WAS |
15. | Blake Grupe NO at HOU |
16. | Jason Myers SEA at CIN |
17. | Chase McLaughlin TB vs. DET |
18. | Eddy Pineiro CAR at MIA |
19. | Brandon McManus JAC vs. IND |
20. | Greg Joseph MIN at CHI |
21. | Matt Prater ARZ at LAR |
22. | Graham Gano NYG at BUF |
23. | Joey Slye WAS at ATL |
24. | Dustin Hopkins CLE vs. SF |
25. | Brett Maher LA vs. ARI |
26. | Greg Zuerlein NYJ vs. PHI |
27. | Cairo Santos CHI vs. MIN |
28. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. NO |
29. | Nick Folk TEN vs. BAL |
30. | *Chad Ryland NE at LV Note: A miss from 48 yards last week aided the Pats in getting shut out. |
Defenses
1. | San Francisco 49ers at CLE |
2. | Philadelphia Eagles at NYJ |
3. | *Buffalo Bills vs. NYG Note: The Bills have lost Tre'Davious White (Achilles) and Matt Milano (broken leg) in consecutive weeks, but they do get the Giants this week, possibly without both Daniel Jones and Andrew Thomas. |
4. | Miami Dolphins vs. CAR |
5. | Baltimore Ravens at TEN |
6. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. DEN |
7. | Atlanta Falcons vs. WAS |
8. | New Orleans Saints at HOU |
9. | Los Angeles Rams vs. ARI |
10. | Detroit Lions at TB |
11. | Las Vegas Raiders vs. NE |
12. | Washington Commanders at ATL |
13. | Cincinnati Bengals vs. SEA |
14. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND |
15. | Dallas Cowboys at LAC |
16. | Tennessee Titans vs. BAL |
17. | New England Patriots at LV |
18. | Houston Texans vs. NO |
19. | Minnesota Vikings at CHI |
20. | Seattle Seahawks at CIN |
21. | Indianapolis Colts at JAX |
22. | Los Angeles Chargers vs. DAL |
23. | New York Jets vs. PHI |
24. | Chicago Bears vs. MIN |
25. | New York Giants at BUF |
26. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. DET |
27. | Denver Broncos at KC |
28. | Cleveland Browns vs. SF |
29. | Arizona Cardinals at LAR |
30. | Carolina Panthers at MIA |