Weekly Rankings: Week 6 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 6 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update (Richardson/Flacco, Watson) Complete

Bears-Jaguars is the London game, beginning at 9:30a ET.

Week 6 Byes: Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams, Miami, Minnesota

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 after Week 1, the first set of rankings will be posted late 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

Sunday Update (Richardson/Flacco, Watson) Complete

Bears-Jaguars is the London game, beginning at 9:30a ET.

Week 6 Byes: Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams, Miami, Minnesota

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 after Week 1, the first set of rankings will be posted late 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.Lamar Jackson BAL vs. WAS
2.Joe Burrow CIN at NYG
3.Jayden Daniels WAS at BAL
4.Kyler Murray ARZ at GB
5.*Josh Allen BUF at NYJ
Note: Allen was cleared from a concussion his head hit the turf pretty hard against the Texans, but he also has a sore chest and ankle.
6.Jalen Hurts PHI vs. CLE
7.Dak Prescott DAL vs. DET
8.Brock Purdy SF at SEA
9.Jordan Love GB vs. ARI
10.Jared Goff DET at DAL
11.C.J. Stroud HOU at NE
12.Kirk Cousins ATL at CAR
13.Geno Smith SEA vs. SF
14.*Caleb Williams CHI vs. JAX
Note: I moved Williams up a handful of slots due to his recent improved play and the matchup against the Jaguars.
15.Baker Mayfield TB at NO
16.*Joe Flacco IND at TEN
Note: Flacco will give way back to Anthony Richardson eventually, but we haven't yet heard what Richardson's status is this week. Richardson was limited Wednesday but a full participant Thursday. ***Richardson is expected to start, but I get the feeling that the Colts will be watching intently, and if he struggles, they won't hesitate to turn back to Flacco mid-game.***Flacco will start and Richardson is inactive after all.***
17.Daniel Jones NYG vs. CIN
18.*Justin Fields PIT at LV
Note: Fields will work with the first team in practice this week, while Russell Wilson will practice with the second team. ***Fields officially will start, but Wilson has been cleared from the injury report.***
19.Trevor Lawrence JAC at CHI
20.*Will Levis TEN vs. IND
Note: Levis (shoulder) improved over the bye week, but he wasn't yet ready to participate in Monday's unofficial practice. Levis was a full participant at Wednesday's practice. Levis has been terrible this year, but this is a pretty sweet matchup. ***Confirmed as the starter this week.***
21.*Andy Dalton CAR vs. ATL
Note: Dalton was pulled late in the loss to the Bears.
22.*Aaron Rodgers NYJ vs. BUF
Note: Rodgers suffered a low-ankle sprain in the loss to the Vikings. He and the Jets will play under an interim coach Monday night against the Bills. Rodgers was limited on Thursday. ***Rodgers was cleared from the injury list. Also, Todd Downing will take over the play calling duties from Nathaniel Hackett.***
23.*Justin Herbert LAC at DEN
Note: Herbert (ankle) was limited at Wednesday's practice. He's likely to play still, as he did before the break, but his limitations remind us that high-ankle sprains, no matter how 'mild' they are, tend to linger. ***Herbert fully practiced Friday and was cleared from the injury list.***
24.Bo Nix DEN vs. LAC
25.*Deshaun Watson CLE at PHI
Note: Watson got the dreaded vote of confidence from coach Kevin Stefanski this week, and will continue to start ahead of Jameis Winston.
26.*Spencer Rattler NO vs. TB
Note: Rattler is a 'strong candidate' to start this week against the Bucs, even though he was inactive Monday night, behind Jake Haener. Rattler has been named the starter ahead of Haener.
27.*Drake Maye NE vs. HOU
Note: Maye will get the start over Jacoby Brissett, according to Ian Rapoport. The switch to Maye has been confirmed.
28.*Aidan O'Connell LV vs. PIT
Note: O'Connell was not really an improvement over Gardner Minshew, but has a chance to start this week - the Raiders haven't yet named a starter. O'Connell has been named the starter, just in time to face the Steelers, and without Davante Adams.
29.*Russell Wilson PIT at LV
Note: Wilson (calf) had his first full practice Wednesday since Sept. 5.
30.*Gardner Minshew LV vs. PIT
Note: Minshew was benched after his second bad interception against the Broncos, the second time he's been benched for Aidan O'Connell this year. The Raiders haven't yet named a starter for Week 6. Benched in favor of Aidan O'Connell.
31.*Jacoby Brissett NE vs. HOU
Note: Brissett has been benched in favor of Drake Maye.
32.*Jake Haener NO vs. TB
Note: Haener relieved an injured Derek Carr late in the loss to the Chiefs, but it could be Spencer Rattler who gets the start this week. Indeed it is Rattler starting this week.
33.*Anthony Richardson IND at TEN
Note: Richardson (oblique) will be the starter again 'when healthy,' according to coach Shane Steichen. Steichen left the door open for the short term, but mentioning that the job is Richardson's when he returns to 'full health.' Richardson was limited in practice Wednesday - just as he was limited in all three practices last week. But he was a full practice participant Thursday. ***Even though he was limited Friday and is listed as questionable, Richardson is expected to start. ***INACTIVE after all.***
34.*Derek Carr NO vs. TB
Note: Carr is expected to have a multi-week absence due to the oblique injury he suffered late on Monday night. Jake Haener relieved Carr on Monday night, but Spencer Rattler might get the nod this week. Rattler will start this week. Carr is 'week-to-week' with the injury, though he isn't likely to go on IR.
35.Patrick Mahomes KC at
36.Sam Darnold MIN at
37.Matthew Stafford LA at
38.Tyler Huntley MIA at

Running Backs

1.Saquon Barkley PHI vs. CLE
2.Derrick Henry BAL vs. WAS
3.*Bijan Robinson ATL at CAR
Note: I know that Robinson hasn't been worth this rank so far, but I really think Carolina is a get-well opponent for the run game.
4.Jordan Mason SF at SEA
5.Jahmyr Gibbs DET at DAL
6.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. TB
Note: Kamara (hip/hand) sat out Wednesday's practice for the third week in a row. He was then limited Thursday. ***Kamara has been cleared from the injury list.***
7.Josh Jacobs GB vs. ARI
8.Kenneth Walker SEA vs. SF
9.James Conner ARZ at GB
10.*David Montgomery DET at DAL
Note: ***Just signed a two-year contract extension.***
11.Tony Pollard TEN vs. IND
12.*Breece Hall NYJ vs. BUF
Note: Unfortunately I don't see the coaching change doing much to help improve matters for Hall.
13.*Tyrone Tracy NYG vs. CIN
Note: Tracy was treated like a workhorse back after Eric Gray's first quarter fumble. We'll see how much his role changes if Devin Singletary returns this week. ***Singletary has been ruled out again this week.***
14.*James Cook BUF at NYJ
Note: Cook (foot/toe) did not practice Wednesday. The Bills play on Monday night, giving Cook an extra day to recuperate. Cook also didn't practice Thursday, though he did do some work on the side. ***Cook was limited Saturday after sitting out Thursday and Friday. He's listed as questionable, but is trending towards playing.***
15.J.K. Dobbins LAC at DEN
16.D'Andre Swift CHI vs. JAX
17.Tank Bigsby JAC at CHI
18.*Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. ATL
Note: Hubbard will probably get at least one more week as the starter, but Jonathon Brooks is getting closer to opening the practice window and eventually taking over. Moreover, the Panthers just lost their starting center, so we'll probably see diminishing returns from Hubbard.
19.*Najee Harris PIT at LV
Note: ***Harris's teammate Jaylen Warren will likely return this week after earlier being listed as doubtful.***
20.*Chase Brown CIN at NYG
Note: Brown could see a workhorse role this week if Zack Moss (foot) doesn't go. That seems less likely now that Brown was limited Thursday with a quad injury. ***Brown is listed as questionable but is expected to play. Meanwhile, Zack Moss has been cleared from the injury list.***
21.*Joe Mixon HOU at NE
Note: Mixon (ankle) remains week-to-week, though he is improving. But the Texans don't know yet when he'll be able to return. Mixon did not practice Wednesday. He then had his first practice since Week 4, and was limited, on Thursday. ***Mixon was limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play against the Pats this week.***
22.Rico Dowdle DAL vs. DET
23.*Bucky Irving TB at NO
Note: Teammate Rachaad White (foot) didn't practice Thursday. ***White is listed as doubtful.***
24.*Austin Ekeler WAS at BAL
Note: Ekeler (heel) was limited at Wednesday's practice. He had a full practice Thursday. ***Teammate Brian Robinson (knee) has been ruled out.***
25.*Antonio Gibson NE vs. HOU
Note: ***Gibson will start again this week, with the difference being that Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) has been ruled out.***
26.*Javonte Williams DEN vs. LAC
Note: Rates a little lower in standard leagues, as Jaleel McLaughlin has been more successful at the goal line. ***Teammate Audric Estime (ankle) was activated from the IR this week, meaning there might be another mouth to feed in the Broncos' backfield, cutting into Williams's workload.***
27.*Jerome Ford CLE at PHI
Note: ***Teammate Nick Chubb has been ruled out for this week, but should return next week.***
28.*Travis Etienne JAC at CHI
Note: Etienne 'got popped pretty good' on his already hurting shoulder in the win over the Colts. He played just 22 of a possible 58 snaps against the Colts. Etienne was limited at Wednesday and Thursday's practice.
29.*Trey Sermon IND at TEN
Note: Sermon (collarbone) didn't practice Wednesday. He returned to a full practice Thursday. ***Teammate Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out again this week.***
30.Alexander Mattison LV vs. PIT
31.*Zack Moss CIN at NYG
Note: Moss suffered a right ankle injury in the loss to the Ravens. He's believed to be 'OK.' Moss didn't practice Wednesday due to what is now being termed a foot injury. He returned to a limited practice Thursday.
32.Justice Hill BAL vs. WAS
33.Roschon Johnson CHI vs. JAX
34.*Jeremy McNichols WAS at BAL
Note: McNichols scored again in cleanup duty, but only after both Robinson and Ekeler carried the early load. ***With Robinson (knee) ruled out, McNichols will get some earlier work this week.***
35.*Dameon Pierce HOU at NE
Note: Pierce (hamstring) was limited at Wednesday's practice, whereas Joe Mixon (ankle) did not practice, but then Pierce was a full practice participant and Mixon was limited Thursday. ***PIerce has been cleared to play, but it also appears that Mixon will play.***
36.Tyler Allgeier ATL at CAR
37.*Jaylen Warren PIT at LV
Note: Warren (knee) is already considered doubtful for Week 6. ***Warren has been upgraded from doubtful, to questionable, to cleared from the injury list after increasing his practice activity.***
38.Tyjae Spears TEN vs. IND
39.Braelon Allen NYJ vs. BUF
40.Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. SF
41.*Dare Ogunbowale HOU at NE
Note: Ogunbowale had twice as many touches as Cam Akers, but Akers scored a touchdown, while Ogunbowale got stuffed on a fourth down and also dropped a pass one play before C.J. Stroud lost a fourth quarter fumble.
42.*D'Onta Foreman CLE at PHI
Note: Foreman (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
43.Jaleel McLaughlin DEN vs. LAC
44.*Cam Akers HOU at NE
Note: Akers could cede carries and might not be on the field much at all, with Dameon Pierce upgrading to a full practice and Joe Mixon getting in a limited practice Thursday. ***It looks as if both Mixon and Pierce are going to play.***
45.Miles Sanders CAR vs. ATL
46.Tyler Goodson IND at TEN
47.*Ray Davis BUF at NYJ
Note: Teammate James Cook didn't practice Wednesday, but that wasn't an official practice. But if Cook is significantly hurt, Davis and Ty Johnson would share the backfield duties. ***Cook upgraded to a limited practice Saturday.***
48.Emanuel Wilson GB vs. ARI
49.*Ty Johnson BUF at NYJ
Note: ***Johnson has already vultured two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving), but may be in line for more work with James Cook banged up.***
50.Isaac Guerendo SF at SEA
51.Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. DET
52.*Ameer Abdullah LV vs. PIT
Note: Abdullah played a season-high 31 snaps and scored in the loss to the Broncos with Zamir White out.
53.Jamaal Williams NO vs. TB
54.Kenneth Gainwell PHI vs. CLE
55.*Kendre Miller NO vs. TB
Note: ***Miller (hamstring) was activated from IR.***
56.Khalil Herbert CHI vs. JAX
57.Emari Demercado ARZ at GB
58.Trey Benson ARZ at GB
59.Kimani Vidal LAC at DEN
60.*Rachaad White TB at NO
Note: White was limited at Wednesday's practice with a foot injury. He then downgraded to a non-practice Thursday. ***Downgraded to doubtful.***
61.*Zamir White LV vs. PIT
Note: White (groin) missed practice Wednesday after sitting out last week's game against the Broncos. ***White returned to a limited practice Friday.***
62.*Devin Singletary NYG vs. CIN
Note: Singletary (groin) had a limited practice Wednesday. He was also limited Thursday. ***Singletary has been ruled out again this week.***
63.*Jonathan Taylor IND at TEN
Note: Taylor (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday. He reportedly is feeling way better than last week, but he also missed Thursday's practice. ***Ruled out again this week.***
64.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. HOU
Note: Stevenson's benching was basically one series, after which he carried more times and significantly outgained Gibson. Stevenson sat out Wednesday's practice to tend to a foot injury. He also didn't practice Thursday. ***Stevenson has been ruled out this week.***
65.*Cordarrelle Patterson PIT at LV
Note: Patterson (ankle) has already been ruled out for Week 6.
66.*Brian Robinson WAS at BAL
Note: Robinson (knee) once again didn't practice Wednesday. At first glance this appears to be similar to last week's practice regimen. He also sat out Thursday's practice. ***Ruled out this week.***
67.*Nick Chubb CLE at PHI
Note: Chubb (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday. ***Chubb is expected to return next week against the Bengals.***
68.*Gus Edwards LAC at DEN
Note: Edwards (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Edwards is not only out, but he's been placed on IR.***
69.Christian McCaffrey SF at SEA
70.Kyren Williams LA at
71.De'Von Achane MIA at
72.Kareem Hunt KC at
73.Raheem Mostert MIA at
74.Ty Chandler MIN at
75.Jaylen Wright MIA at
76.Samaje Perine KC at
77.Carson Steele KC at
78.Aaron Jones MIN at

Wide Receivers

1.CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. DET
2.Ja'Marr Chase CIN at NYG
3.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at DAL
4.*A.J. Brown PHI vs. CLE
Note: I'm waiting to see if Brown practices before moving him up in the rankings, but I'm hopeful. Brown had a full practice on Wednesday.
5.DJ Moore CHI vs. JAX
6.Drake London ATL at CAR
7.Jayden Reed GB vs. ARI
8.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. SF
Note: Metcalf turned in a relative dud last week (55 yards with a lost fumble) after three consecutive 100-yard games. It's a little worrisome that he's lost key fumbles the last two games.
9.Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. BUF
10.Chris Godwin TB at NO
11.*Brandon Aiyuk SF at SEA
Note: I'm bumping Aiyuk up with all the Seahawks' defensive injuries.
12.*Stefon Diggs HOU at NE
Note: Diggs should command a lot of targets with Nico Collins likely out, but that also means he'll probably also draw Christian Gonzalez covering him.
13.Tee Higgins CIN at NYG
14.Terry McLaurin WAS at BAL
15.Marvin Harrison ARZ at GB
16.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: I downgraded Evans due to the matchup against Marshon Lattimore, though maybe not as much as some would like.
17.Deebo Samuel SF at SEA
18.*DeVonta Smith PHI vs. CLE
Note: I'm guessing that Smith will be back from his concussion after the bye week. Smith returned to a full practice Wednesday. ***Officially cleared to play.***
19.Brian Thomas JAC at CHI
20.Zay Flowers BAL vs. WAS
21.Jameson Williams DET at DAL
22.*Chris Olave NO vs. TB
Note: On one hand, Olave has a great matchup. On the other hand, he just had a measly four targets against the Chiefs and now will have either Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener throwing it to him.
23.Wan'Dale Robinson NYG vs. CIN
24.*George Pickens PIT at LV
Note: Pickens' snap share was drastically reduced Sunday night, and the Steelers implied that his effort level was the reason for him sitting out when they were in 12 personnel.
25.Keon Coleman BUF at NYJ
26.Amari Cooper CLE at PHI
27.*Diontae Johnson CAR vs. ATL
Note: Johnson (groin) has been limited in back-to-back practices so far this week. ***Johnson is expected to play.***
28.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LAC
29.*Jalen Tolbert DAL vs. DET
Note: Tolbert was actually on the field for two more snaps than CeeDee Lamb and had 10 targets including the game-winning touchdown Sunday night. With Brandin Cooks on IR, the opportunity is there for more important weeks.
30.*Darnell Mooney ATL at CAR
Note: Mooney (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
31.*Michael Pittman IND at TEN
Note: Pittman has a back injury that might require him to miss multiple weeks. He hasn't officially been ruled out yet, but hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Pittman fully practiced Friday and traveled with the team; he may play this week after all, and certainly doesn't seem at risk for a multi-week absence. ***OFFICIALLY ACTIVE.***
32.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. SF
33.Christian Kirk JAC at CHI
34.*Alec Pierce IND at TEN
Note: Michael Pittman (back) and Josh Downs (toe) both have missed the first two days of practice. It might be a volume day for Pierce this week. ***Downs and Pittman might play after all.***
35.Calvin Ridley TEN vs. IND
36.Tank Dell HOU at NE
37.DeAndre Hopkins TEN vs. IND
38.Allen Lazard NYJ vs. BUF
39.Ladd McConkey LAC at DEN
40.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. SF
41.Rome Odunze CHI vs. JAX
42.Mike Williams NYJ vs. BUF
43.*Josh Downs IND at TEN
Note: Downs has missed the first two practices of the week with a toe injury. ***Downs upgraded to a full practice Friday and is now likely to play, and Michael Pittman has miraculously recovered and might play, too.***
44.Keenan Allen CHI vs. JAX
45.Jerry Jeudy CLE at PHI
46.*Jauan Jennings SF at SEA
Note: Jennings had just three targets despite playing 57 percent of the snaps against the Cardinals.
47.*Darius Slayton NYG vs. CIN
Note: Malik Nabers has been slow to move the through the concussion protocol and might not be ready to go this week. ***Nabers has been ruled out, so Slayton could be very active in the passing game again.***
48.*Tre Tucker LV vs. PIT
Note: ***Tucker's teammates Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers both look as if they won't play.***
49.*Ray-Ray McCloud ATL at CAR
Note: McCloud had nine targets in the Thursday night shootout win over the Bucs.
50.*Rashid Shaheed NO vs. TB
Note: Shaheed (hip) was present for the team stretch Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice, but then left after the team stretch. ***Shaheed was limited Friday and that was good enough to remove him from the injury list.***
51.*Christian Watson GB vs. ARI
Note: Watson (ankle) is not expected to play again this week. Watson returned to a limited practice Wednesday. ***Watson is listed as questionable after three limited practices. ***ACTIVE. ***
52.*Rashod Bateman BAL vs. WAS
Note: Bateman had eight targets, resulting in four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. Not too many games will require the shootout that happened in Week 5, however. Bateman (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, though coach John Harbaugh downplayed the injury afterward.
53.Quentin Johnston LAC at DEN
54.DeMario Douglas NE vs. HOU
55.*Romeo Doubs GB vs. ARI
Note: The Packers reinstated Doubs from his one-game suspension. ***Doubs will return to action this week.***
56.*Adonai Mitchell IND at TEN
Note: Mitchell only played 19 snaps in the loss to the Jaguars, as he's the fourth receiver behind Pittman, Downs and Pierce. Both Pittman and Downs have missed the first two practices of the week. ***Both might play after all.***
57.Michael Wilson ARZ at GB
58.*Gabe Davis JAC at CHI
Note: Davis was limited Wednesday with a knee injury. ***Listed as questionable for Sunday's game in London.***
59.*Xavier Hutchinson HOU at NE
Note: Hutchinson played 48 snaps last week after Nico Collins got hurt.
60.*Dontayvion Wicks GB vs. ARI
Note: Wicks is the ultimate whipsaw player this season - he's had two goose eggs and last week's minimal production, but two very productive fantasy games where he was likely benched or even dropped.
61.Olamide Zaccheaus WAS at BAL
62.Joshua Palmer LAC at DEN
63.Greg Dortch ARZ at GB
64.Andrei Iosivas CIN at NYG
65.Dyami Brown WAS at BAL
66.*Xavier Legette CAR vs. ATL
Note: Legette suffered a shoulder injury against the Bears. He doesn't expect to miss time, but we'll wait until he gets cleared by the team before moving him back up. Full practice Wednesday.
67.*Ja'Lynn Polk NE vs. HOU
Note: Polk played all 60 snaps in the loss to the Pats and had one catch on six targets, almost scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute. He and Pop Douglas might benefit from the pivot to Drake Maye.
68.Tim Patrick DET at DAL
69.*Curtis Samuel BUF at NYJ
Note: Samuel (foot/toe) sat out Wednesday but participated in Thursday's practice. ***Samuel has been cleared from the injury list and will play Monday night.***
70.Noah Brown WAS at BAL
71.*Jakobi Meyers LV vs. PIT
Note: Meyers has 19 targets the last two weeks with Davante Adams out. Adams might be healthy enough to play this week, but will he still be in Las Vegas? Meyers didn't practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury. It looks like Adams will not play. ***Downgraded to doubtful.***
72.Jonathan Mingo CAR vs. ATL
73.*Malik Nabers NYG vs. CIN
Note: Nabers was only limited on Wednesday and had less activity on Thursday, and his progression through the concussion protocol has been slowed. ***Ruled out again this week.***
74.*Khalil Shakir BUF at NYJ
Note: The Bills really missed Shakir (ankle) last week. He did not practice Thursday. ***Shakir upgraded to a limited practice Saturday and will be questionable.***
75.*Davante Adams LV vs. PIT
Note: Adams (hamstring) is improving, but with his trade demand he still might not play this week. Adams has been ruled out this week. The Raiders hinted that they may hang onto Adams - that's most likely because nobody is meeting their asking price.***
76.*Nico Collins HOU at NE
Note: Collins (hamstring) is considered 'week-to-week' by the Texans, so we'll presume he won't be able to play this week against the Pats. Collins went from day-to-day, to week-to-week, and then to the IR.
77.*Josh Reynolds DEN vs. LAC
Note: Reynolds didn't practice Wednesday due to a hand injury. ***Reynolds had surgery on his finger and has been placed on IR.***
78.Cooper Kupp LA at
79.Justin Jefferson MIN at
80.Tyreek Hill MIA at
81.Xavier Worthy KC at
82.Jordan Addison MIN at
83.Jaylen Waddle MIA at
84.JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at
85.Jordan Whittington LA at
86.Tutu Atwell LA at
87.Jalen Nailor MIN at
88.Demarcus Robinson LA at

Tight Ends

1.Trey McBride ARZ at GB
2.*George Kittle SF at SEA
Note: Kittle (ribs) was limited in Tuesday's practice. Kittle was cleared from the injury list.
3.Brock Bowers LV vs. PIT
4.Sam LaPorta DET at DAL
5.Jake Ferguson DAL vs. DET
6.Dallas Goedert PHI vs. CLE
7.Dalton Kincaid BUF at NYJ
8.*Tucker Kraft GB vs. ARI
Note: Kraft's teammate Luke Musgrave isn't even getting offensive snaps, while Kraft is becoming a consistent red zone option. Kraft's teammate Luke Musgrave (ankle) is likely to go on IR. Meanwhile, Kraft was limited Thursday with a groin injury. ***Kraft has been cleared from the injury report.***
9.*Evan Engram JAC at CHI
Note: Coach Doug Pederson is optimistic that Engram (hamstring) will be cleared to play Sunday. Engram was limited in Wednesday and Thursday's practice. ***Engram is expected to play this week. OFFICIALLY ACTIVE.***
10.*Pat Freiermuth PIT at LV
Note: Freiermuth (calf) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. ***Freiermuth has been cleared from the injury report.***
11.Cade Otton TB at NO
12.*Dalton Schultz HOU at NE
Note: Schultz could get a bump in targets (six last week) if Nico Collins is out as expected.
13.Kyle Pitts ATL at CAR
14.Isaiah Likely BAL vs. WAS
15.Cole Kmet CHI vs. JAX
16.*David Njoku CLE at PHI
Note: Njoku injured his knee in the loss to the Commanders. Njoku sat out practice Wednesday and returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Njoku has been cleared from the injury report.***
17.*Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. BUF
Note: Conklin (hip) was limited in Thursday's practice. ***Conklin was limited all week in practice and is listed as questionable.***
18.Hunter Henry NE vs. HOU
19.Zach Ertz WAS at BAL
20.Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN vs. IND
21.*Mark Andrews BAL vs. WAS
Note: Andrews had five targets but saw the Ravens' other two tight ends combined for three touchdowns. One of those would have gone to Andrews had Lamar Jackson thrown a better pass earlier in the possession.
22.Mo Alie-Cox IND at TEN
23.*Mike Gesicki CIN at NYG
Note: Gesicki (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice but returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Gesicki has been cleared from the injury report.***
24.*Brenton Strange JAC at CHI
Note: ***Teammate Evan Engram (hamstring) should return on Sunday.***
25.Foster Moreau NO vs. TB
26.Noah Fant SEA vs. SF
27.Luke Schoonmaker DAL vs. DET
28.Juwan Johnson NO vs. TB
29.Dawson Knox BUF at NYJ
30.*Erick All CIN at NYG
Note: All has already encroached on Mike Gesicki's snap share due to All's superior blocking, and now Gesicki is battling a hamstring injury.
31.*Charlie Kolar BAL vs. WAS
Note: Kolar (toe) was a full practice participant Thursday.
32.*Hayden Hurst LAC at DEN
Note: Hurst (Achilles) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
33.*Taysom Hill NO vs. TB
Note: Hill (ribs) still hasn't returned to practice. ***Ruled out again this week.***
34.*Tommy Tremble CAR vs. ATL
Note: Tremble suffered a concussion in the loss to the Bears.
35.Travis Kelce KC at
36.Colby Parkinson LA at
37.Jonnu Smith MIA at
38.Noah Gray KC at
39.T.J. Hockenson MIN at

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. DET
2.Ja'Marr Chase CIN at NYG
3.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at DAL
4.Saquon Barkley PHI vs. CLE
5.Derrick Henry BAL vs. WAS
6.*A.J. Brown PHI vs. CLE
Note: I'm waiting to see if Brown practices before moving him up in the rankings, but I'm hopeful. Brown had a full practice on Wednesday.
7.*Bijan Robinson ATL at CAR
Note: I know that Robinson hasn't been worth this rank so far, but I really think Carolina is a get-well opponent for the run game.
8.Jordan Mason SF at SEA
9.Jahmyr Gibbs DET at DAL
10.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: I downgraded Evans due to the matchup against Marshon Lattimore, though maybe not as much as some would like.
11.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. TB
Note: Kamara (hip/hand) sat out Wednesday's practice for the third week in a row. He was then limited Thursday. ***Kamara has been cleared from the injury list.***
12.DJ Moore CHI vs. JAX
13.Josh Jacobs GB vs. ARI
14.Drake London ATL at CAR
15.Jayden Reed GB vs. ARI
16.Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. BUF
17.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. SF
Note: Metcalf turned in a relative dud last week (55 yards with a lost fumble) after three consecutive 100-yard games. It's a little worrisome that he's lost key fumbles the last two games.
18.Kenneth Walker SEA vs. SF
19.James Conner ARZ at GB
20.*David Montgomery DET at DAL
Note: ***Just signed a two-year contract extension.***
21.Tony Pollard TEN vs. IND
22.Chris Godwin TB at NO
23.*Stefon Diggs HOU at NE
Note: Diggs should command a lot of targets with Nico Collins likely out, but that also means he'll probably also draw Christian Gonzalez covering him.
24.Tee Higgins CIN at NYG
25.Trey McBride ARZ at GB
26.*George Kittle SF at SEA
Note: Kittle (ribs) was limited in Tuesday's practice. Kittle was cleared from the injury list.
27.*Breece Hall NYJ vs. BUF
Note: Unfortunately I don't see the coaching change doing much to help improve matters for Hall.
28.*Tyrone Tracy NYG vs. CIN
Note: Tracy was treated like a workhorse back after Eric Gray's first quarter fumble. We'll see how much his role changes if Devin Singletary returns this week. ***Singletary has been ruled out again this week.***
29.Terry McLaurin WAS at BAL
30.*James Cook BUF at NYJ
Note: Cook (foot/toe) did not practice Wednesday. The Bills play on Monday night, giving Cook an extra day to recuperate. Cook also didn't practice Thursday, though he did do some work on the side. ***Cook was limited Saturday after sitting out Thursday and Friday. He's listed as questionable, but is trending towards playing.***
31.Marvin Harrison ARZ at GB
32.*Michael Pittman IND at TEN
Note: Pittman has a back injury that might require him to miss multiple weeks. He hasn't officially been ruled out yet, but hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Pittman fully practiced Friday and traveled with the team; he may play this week after all, and certainly doesn't seem at risk for a multi-week absence. ***OFFICIALLY ACTIVE.***
33.Deebo Samuel SF at SEA
34.*DeVonta Smith PHI vs. CLE
Note: I'm guessing that Smith will be back from his concussion after the bye week. Smith returned to a full practice Wednesday. ***Officially cleared to play.***
35.Brian Thomas JAC at CHI
36.Zay Flowers BAL vs. WAS
37.*Chris Olave NO vs. TB
Note: On one hand, Olave has a great matchup. On the other hand, he just had a measly four targets against the Chiefs and now will have either Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener throwing it to him.
38.*George Pickens PIT at LV
Note: Pickens' snap share was drastically reduced Sunday night, and the Steelers implied that his effort level was the reason for him sitting out when they were in 12 personnel.
39.*Brandon Aiyuk SF at SEA
Note: I'm bumping Aiyuk up with all the Seahawks' defensive injuries.
40.*Najee Harris PIT at LV
Note: ***Harris's teammate Jaylen Warren will likely return this week after earlier being listed as doubtful.***
41.J.K. Dobbins LAC at DEN
42.Tank Bigsby JAC at CHI
43.*Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. ATL
Note: Hubbard will probably get at least one more week as the starter, but Jonathon Brooks is getting closer to opening the practice window and eventually taking over. Moreover, the Panthers just lost their starting center, so we'll probably see diminishing returns from Hubbard.
44.Jameson Williams DET at DAL
45.Keon Coleman BUF at NYJ
46.Amari Cooper CLE at PHI
47.*Chase Brown CIN at NYG
Note: Brown could see a workhorse role this week if Zack Moss (foot) doesn't go. That seems less likely now that Brown was limited Thursday with a quad injury. ***Brown is listed as questionable but is expected to play. Meanwhile, Zack Moss has been cleared from the injury list.***
48.*Diontae Johnson CAR vs. ATL
Note: Johnson (groin) has been limited in back-to-back practices so far this week. ***Johnson is expected to play.***
49.Brock Bowers LV vs. PIT
50.Sam LaPorta DET at DAL
51.Jake Ferguson DAL vs. DET
52.Wan'Dale Robinson NYG vs. CIN
53.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LAC
54.*Jalen Tolbert DAL vs. DET
Note: Tolbert was actually on the field for two more snaps than CeeDee Lamb and had 10 targets including the game-winning touchdown Sunday night. With Brandin Cooks on IR, the opportunity is there for more important weeks.
55.*Darnell Mooney ATL at CAR
Note: Mooney (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
56.*Joe Mixon HOU at NE
Note: Mixon (ankle) remains week-to-week, though he is improving. But the Texans don't know yet when he'll be able to return. Mixon did not practice Wednesday. He then had his first practice since Week 4, and was limited, on Thursday. ***Mixon was limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play against the Pats this week.***
57.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. SF
58.Christian Kirk JAC at CHI
59.D'Andre Swift CHI vs. JAX
60.*Javonte Williams DEN vs. LAC
Note: Rates a little lower in standard leagues, as Jaleel McLaughlin has been more successful at the goal line. ***Teammate Audric Estime (ankle) was activated from the IR this week, meaning there might be another mouth to feed in the Broncos' backfield, cutting into Williams's workload.***
61.Rico Dowdle DAL vs. DET
62.*Bucky Irving TB at NO
Note: Teammate Rachaad White (foot) didn't practice Thursday. ***White is listed as doubtful.***
63.*Tucker Kraft GB vs. ARI
Note: Kraft's teammate Luke Musgrave isn't even getting offensive snaps, while Kraft is becoming a consistent red zone option. Kraft's teammate Luke Musgrave (ankle) is likely to go on IR. Meanwhile, Kraft was limited Thursday with a groin injury. ***Kraft has been cleared from the injury report.***
64.Calvin Ridley TEN vs. IND
65.*Antonio Gibson NE vs. HOU
Note: ***Gibson will start again this week, with the difference being that Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) has been ruled out.***
66.*Rashid Shaheed NO vs. TB
Note: Shaheed (hip) was present for the team stretch Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice, but then left after the team stretch. ***Shaheed was limited Friday and that was good enough to remove him from the injury list.***
67.*Austin Ekeler WAS at BAL
Note: Ekeler (heel) was limited at Wednesday's practice. He had a full practice Thursday. ***Teammate Brian Robinson (knee) has been ruled out.***
68.*Josh Downs IND at TEN
Note: Downs has missed the first two practices of the week with a toe injury. ***Downs upgraded to a full practice Friday and is now likely to play, and Michael Pittman has miraculously recovered and might play, too.***
69.DeAndre Hopkins TEN vs. IND
70.Allen Lazard NYJ vs. BUF
71.*Jerome Ford CLE at PHI
Note: ***Teammate Nick Chubb has been ruled out for this week, but should return next week.***
72.*Cam Akers HOU at NE
Note: Akers could cede carries and might not be on the field much at all, with Dameon Pierce upgrading to a full practice and Joe Mixon getting in a limited practice Thursday. ***It looks as if both Mixon and Pierce are going to play.***
73.*Trey Sermon IND at TEN
Note: Sermon (collarbone) didn't practice Wednesday. He returned to a full practice Thursday. ***Teammate Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out again this week.***
74.Ladd McConkey LAC at DEN
75.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. SF
76.*Travis Etienne JAC at CHI
Note: Etienne 'got popped pretty good' on his already hurting shoulder in the win over the Colts. He played just 22 of a possible 58 snaps against the Colts. Etienne was limited at Wednesday and Thursday's practice.
77.Alexander Mattison LV vs. PIT
78.Justice Hill BAL vs. WAS
79.Roschon Johnson CHI vs. JAX
80.Rome Odunze CHI vs. JAX
81.Tank Dell HOU at NE
82.Mike Williams NYJ vs. BUF
83.Jerry Jeudy CLE at PHI
84.*Jauan Jennings SF at SEA
Note: Jennings had just three targets despite playing 57 percent of the snaps against the Cardinals.
85.Dallas Goedert PHI vs. CLE
86.Dalton Kincaid BUF at NYJ
87.*Pat Freiermuth PIT at LV
Note: Freiermuth (calf) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. ***Freiermuth has been cleared from the injury report.***
88.*Alec Pierce IND at TEN
Note: Michael Pittman (back) and Josh Downs (toe) both have missed the first two days of practice. It might be a volume day for Pierce this week. ***Downs and Pittman might play after all.***

Kickers

1.Brandon Aubrey DAL vs. DET
2.*Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at NE
Note: Yet another bullet point in the Kicker Revolution - Fairbairn drilled a game-winning 59-yarder as time expired last week.
3.*Justin Tucker BAL vs. WAS
Note: Tucker came up huge with a game-tying 56-yard field goal against the Bengals, breaking his long-distance slump.
4.Younghoe Koo ATL at CAR
5.Tyler Bass BUF at NYJ
6.Jake Elliott PHI vs. CLE
7.Chris Boswell PIT at LV
8.Cameron Dicker LAC at DEN
9.Evan McPherson CIN at NYG
10.*Matthew Wright SF at SEA
Note: Wright will replaced the injured Jake Moody (ankle) for the Niners.
11.Daniel Carlson LV vs. PIT
12.Jake Bates DET at DAL
13.Greg Zuerlein NYJ vs. BUF
14.Chase McLaughlin TB at NO
15.Austin Seibert WAS at BAL
16.Cairo Santos CHI vs. JAX
17.Jason Myers SEA vs. SF
18.Cam Little JAC at CHI
19.Brayden Narveson GB vs. ARI
20.Joey Slye NE vs. HOU
21.*Blake Grupe NO vs. TB
Note: Presumably the Saints' offense will grind to a slow down if not a halt, lowering Grupe's value.
22.Matt Gay IND at TEN
23.Dustin Hopkins CLE at PHI
24.Wil Lutz DEN vs. LAC
25.Nick Folk TEN vs. IND
26.Eddy Pineiro CAR vs. ATL
27.Greg Joseph NYG vs. CIN
28.*Matt Prater ARZ at GB
Note: Prater (knee) is TBD for Week 6 after sitting out last week's game against the Niners.
29.Chad Ryland ARZ at GB
30.*Jake Moody SF at SEA
Note: Moody could miss the next month due to a high-ankle sprain on his kicking leg.
31.Harrison Butker KC at
32.Joshua Karty LA at
33.Will Reichard MIN at
34.Jason Sanders MIA at

Defenses

1.*Pittsburgh Steelers at LV
Note: The Steelers will be without Nick Herbig (hamstring) and Alex Highsmith (groin).
2.Houston Texans at NE
3.*Philadelphia Eagles vs. CLE
Note: The Eagles have struggled to bring pressure this season, but this week they go against a Browns line that has yielded 26 sacks.
4.Los Angeles Chargers at DEN
5.*Chicago Bears vs. JAX
Note: ***Jaylon Jones will start in place of Tyrique Stevenson (calf) in the London game.***
6.Denver Broncos vs. LAC
7.*Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
Note: Sure, the Bucs were a pass-funnel last week, but they're going to get either Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler at QB against them this week.
8.*New York Jets vs. BUF
Note: The Jets' defects mostly were on the offensive side, so I don't think they'll get hurt too much defensively by the firing of Robert Saleh.
9.Atlanta Falcons at CAR
10.Buffalo Bills at NYJ
11.Baltimore Ravens vs. WAS
12.Green Bay Packers vs. ARI
13.Tennessee Titans vs. IND
14.Indianapolis Colts at TEN
15.*San Francisco 49ers at SEA
Note: Fred Warner (ankle) was limited on Monday. Talanoa Hufanga has a torn ligament in his wrist and will have an extended absence. Charvarius Ward (knee) won't play Thursday night.
16.New Orleans Saints vs. TB
17.Detroit Lions at DAL
18.New England Patriots vs. HOU
19.Washington Commanders at BAL
20.Dallas Cowboys vs. DET
21.Cleveland Browns at PHI
22.Las Vegas Raiders vs. PIT
23.*Jacksonville Jaguars at CHI
Note: ***Tyson Campbell ruled out again this week.***
24.*Cincinnati Bengals at NYG
Note: CB Dax Hill (torn ACL) is out for the season.
25.*Seattle Seahawks vs. SF
Note: LB Uchenna Nwosu (thigh) is on IR and CB Riq Woolen (ankle) is out, as is DT Byron Murphy (hamstring).
26.Carolina Panthers vs. ATL
27.New York Giants vs. CIN
28.Arizona Cardinals at GB
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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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