Weekly Rankings: Week 9 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 9 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Saturday evening update complete.

Chiefs vs. Dolphins is in Germany

Bye Weeks: DEN, DET, JAX, SF

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.

Saturday evening update complete.

Chiefs vs. Dolphins is in Germany

Bye Weeks: DEN, DET, JAX, SF

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.Jalen Hurts PHI vs. DAL
2.Tua Tagovailoa MIA at KC
3.*Patrick Mahomes KC vs. MIA
Note: Mahomes struggled in the cold against Denver while battling an illness to have one of his worst games in the NFL.
4.*Joe Burrow CIN vs. BUF
Note: Burrow was a boss against the Niners - I'm especially encouraged by his mobility in the game, including an audible to a QB draw on a 3rd-and-9 run converted for a first down.
5.*Josh Allen BUF at CIN
Note: Allen (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday, but was a full participant on Thursday. ***Allen was cleared from the injury list.***
6.Lamar Jackson BAL vs. SEA
7.*Justin Herbert LAC at NYJ
Note: Herbert was excellent against the Bears, but he'll step up in class this week at the Jets on Monday night.
8.Dak Prescott DAL at PHI
9.Derek Carr NO vs. CHI
10.Gardner Minshew IND at CAR
11.C.J. Stroud HOU vs. TB
12.*Baker Mayfield TB at HOU
Note: Mayfield (knee) had a full practice Wednesday.
13.Sam Howell WAS at NE
14.Geno Smith SEA at BAL
15.*Will Levis TEN at PIT
Note: Levis threw four touchdown passes in his debut and will start this week against the Steelers on Thursday night.
16.*Taylor Heinicke ATL vs. MIN
Note: Heinicke replaced Desmond Ridder against the Titans and was mostly more effective. Coach Arthur Smith hasn't decided yet who will start this week. Heinicke will get the start over Ridder this week.
17.Mac Jones NE vs. WAS
18.Bryce Young CAR vs. IND
19.*Daniel Jones NYG at LV
Note: Jones (neck) has been cleared for contact so I'm treating him as if he'll start this week, though that hasn't been announced yet by the Giants. Tyrod Taylor is week-to-week with a rib injury, Tommy DeVito has been added to the active roster and Matt Barkley is now on the practice squad. Full practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Jones has been cleared from the injury list and will start Sunday against the Raiders.***
20.*Deshaun Watson CLE vs. ARI
Note: Watson (rotator cuff) still has an uncertain timetable for his return. Watson had a limited practice Wednesday with positive results, but his availability for Week 9 will likely come down to the wire. ***Watson will return to the starting lineup against Arizona.***
21.Jordan Love GB vs. LAR
22.*Taysom Hill NO vs. CHI
Note: Hill would be my No. 8 tight end this week if listed there, ahead of Kyle Pitts. Hill (hip) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Hill had a full practice Friday and was removed from the injury list.***
23.*Aidan O'Connell LV vs. NYG
Note: I think I'd rather have O'Connell start than have an injured Garoppolo out there if I were a Raiders fan or a Davante Adams manager. With the late news of the Raiders' coaching change, it's also rumored that the Raiders agree and are leaning towards starting O'Connell. O'Connell was named the starter by interim coach Antonio Pierce.
24.Zach Wilson NYJ vs. LAC
25.*Kenny Pickett PIT vs. TEN
Note: Pickett left Sunday's loss to the Jaguars with a rib injury and was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, though he later told reporters he's '100 percent' going to be ready to start Thursday night. We'll see what the Steelers' coaching staff says before moving him back up ahead of Trubisky. Full practice Wednesday - it appears that he'll start Thursday night.
26.*Tyson Bagent CHI at NO
Note: Bagent will start against the Saints again this week with Justin Fields remaining week-to-week.
27.*Jaren Hall MIN at ATL
Note: Hall lost a fumble on a sack after relieving the injured Kirk Cousins last week. The Vikings are preparing him to start this week at Atlanta, with Joshua Dobbs potentially being ready to play as the backup. ***Confirmed as the starter for Sunday.***
28.*Brett Rypien LA at GB
Note: Rypien replaced an injured Matthew Stafford (thumb) last week and could possibly start this week. Stafford hasn't yet practiced this week. ***Stafford isn't expected to play, though he's officially listed as questionable. ***OFFICIALLY STARTING***
29.*Clayton Tune ARZ at CLE
Note: Tune is the likely Arizona starter this week, though coach Jonathan Gannon left open the possibility that Kyler Murray (knee) could come back one week ahead of the original Week 10 plan. ***Tune will get the start on Sunday - the Cardinals did not activate Kyler Murray from the PUP list.***
30.*Joshua Dobbs MIN at ATL
Note: Dobbs was traded to the Vikings before Tuesday's trade deadline. He's not expected to start this week but could be available to back up rookie Jaren Hall, who is currently projected to start. ***Dobbs officially will be the backup to Hall.***
31.*Matthew Stafford LA at GB
Note: Stafford is dealing with a UCL sprain in his right thumb and was replaced in the second half by Brett Rypien last week. Stafford is day-to-day with the injury - I'll move him back up once he starts practicing in full or is otherwise pointed towards starting. Sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Stafford didn't practice again on Friday, and while he's officially listed as questionable, it's noteworthy that the Rams elevated quarterback Dresser Winn from the practice squad to the active roster.*** OFFICIALLY OUT - RYPIEN WILL START.***
32.*Mitch Trubisky PIT vs. TEN
Note: Trubisky played in relief of the injured Kenny Pickett last week, but it's uncertain whether Pickett will be ready to play Thursday night. It looks like Pickett will start.
33.*PJ Walker CLE vs. ARI
Note: Walker is the likely starter for another week despite committing three turnovers in the loss to the Seahawks. ***Walker will return to the bench with Deshaun Watson starting.***
34.*Desmond Ridder ATL vs. MIN
Note: Ridder was removed from Sunday's loss to the Titans after getting checked for a concussion, though he apparently passed the concussion tests and could have simply been benched in favor of Taylor Heinecke. Coach Arthur Smith was non-committal whether Ridder would get the start this week. Medically cleared but benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke.
35.*Jimmy Garoppolo LV vs. NYG
Note: Garoppolo played as if his back was still hurting him on Monday night, frequently missing his targets and struggling to evade the pass rush. Benched in favor of Aidan O'Connell.
36.*Tommy DeVito NYG at LV
Note: DeVito was signed off the practice squad to the active roster after subbing in for the injured Tyrod Taylor (ribs) last week. It'll either be Daniel Jones or DeVito, with Taylor ruled out this week.
37.*Justin Fields CHI at NO
Note: Fields (thumb) remains week-to-week and Tyson Bagent will get another start. Fields has not yet been cleared to practice. ***Fields is officially listed as doubtful, not out.***
38.*Ryan Tannehill TEN at PIT
Note: Tannehill (ankle) hasn't yet been cleared to practice. Will Levis will get another start.
39.*Kyler Murray ARZ at CLE
Note: It's possible that Murray (knee) could start this week, but Week 10 was the original plan. Clayton Tune would be the other possibility. Full practice Wednesday, albeit with members of the Cardinals' practice squad. ***The Cardinals did not activate Murray from the PUP list for this week. Clayton Tune will start.***
40.*Tyrod Taylor NYG at LV
Note: Taylor was hospitalized by the rib injury suffered against the Jets and is week-to-week. Taylor has been ruled out. ***Taylor was placed on injured reserve on Saturday.***
41.*Kirk Cousins MIN at ATL
Note: Cousins suffered a torn Achilles' tendon and is out for the season. The Vikings used Jaren Hall to replace Cousins, traded for Joshua Dobbs and could also have Nick Mullens (back) come off IR next week.

Running Backs

1.Alvin Kamara NO vs. CHI
2.Breece Hall NYJ vs. LAC
3.*Jonathan Taylor IND at CAR
Note: The Colts weirdly only gave Taylor one carry in the second half.
4.Bijan Robinson ATL vs. MIN
5.D'Andre Swift PHI vs. DAL
6.*Derrick Henry TEN at PIT
Note: Henry (ankle) was listed as limited on Monday and Tuesday, but I think this is a pretty standard limiting of reps in a short week. Cleared from the injury report.
7.*Saquon Barkley NYG at LV
Note: Barkley (ankle) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Barkley was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
8.Isiah Pacheco KC vs. MIA
9.*Austin Ekeler LAC at NYJ
Note: Ekeler had a long touchdown reception, but he's still struggling to get it going on the ground, going 15-for-29 yards.
10.*Raheem Mostert MIA at KC
Note: Mostert has a 'hiccup' with his ankle and missed practice Wednesday and had a limited practice Thursday. ***Mostert was cleared from the injury list after a limited practice again on Friday.***
11.*Joe Mixon CIN vs. BUF
Note: Mixon (chest) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. ***Mixon is still listed as questionable despite fully practicing on Friday, but he's expected to play.***
12.*Kenneth Walker SEA at BAL
Note: The Seahawks limited Walker's snaps and touches, but he was effective when out there. This isn't a changing-of-the-guard situation.
13.James Cook BUF at CIN
14.*Tony Pollard DAL at PHI
Note: Pollard was left out of all the fun against the Rams, netting just 53 yards. That said, the Cowboys were so prohibitively ahead that they likely limited his workload, especially with the Eagles game in mind this week.
15.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. NYG
Note: Jacobs actually looked good on the Raiders' touchdown drive against the Lions, carrying six times for 38 yards and the TD. He still only ended up with 61 rushing yards, though that marked an improvement.
16.*Kareem Hunt CLE vs. ARI
Note: Hunt led the Browns in carries last week with 14, though it was a three-way split between Hunt, Pierre Strong Jr. and Jerome Ford.
17.*Gus Edwards BAL vs. SEA
Note: Edwards sat out practice Wednesday with a toe injury but returned on Thursday. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday.***
18.Najee Harris PIT vs. TEN
19.Rachaad White TB at HOU
20.*Aaron Jones GB vs. LAR
Note: Jones (hamstring) once again was limited Wednesday. ***Jones was cleared from the injury list, and coach Matt LaFleur said that Jones '... looked good, and had a good week....'***
21.Brian Robinson WAS at NE
22.Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. WAS
23.*Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. IND
Note: ***Hubbard has been confirmed as the starter again this week.***
24.Zack Moss IND at CAR
25.*Darrell Henderson LA at GB
Note: Henderson reverted to the practice squad again by rule, for the last time. He'll likely get the start again this week and then the Rams will have to decide whether to sign him to the active roster or not. Officially signed to the active roster from the practice squad.
26.*Devin Singletary HOU vs. TB
Note: Dameon Pierce (ankle) sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Singletary moves up a chair with Dameon Pierce (ankle) ruled out.***
27.*Zach Charbonnet SEA at BAL
Note: Charbonnet had more snaps but fewer carries than Kenneth Walker last week, with Walker managing his calf injury.
28.*D'Onta Foreman CHI at NO
Note: Foreman had to share the RB carries three ways between he, Roschon Johnson and Darrynton Evans, who of course scored the touchdown for no one. With the Bears trailing most of the game, there were also few carries to go around. That might be the same dynamic this week against the Saints.
29.*Jerome Ford CLE vs. ARI
Note: Ford defied expectations by playing despite his ankle injury, but he wasn't a Ferrari, carrying the ball nine times for 37 yards, but having to share the workload with both Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. I'm not confident that he'll go back to a starting role, at least not yet. Ford has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Ford fully practiced Friday and was removed from the injury list.***
30.Justice Hill BAL vs. SEA
31.Cam Akers MIN at ATL
32.Jaylen Warren PIT vs. TEN
33.AJ Dillon GB vs. LAR
34.Roschon Johnson CHI at NO
35.Royce Freeman LA at GB
36.Alexander Mattison MIN at ATL
37.Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. MIN
38.*Keaontay Ingram ARZ at CLE
Note: Ingram could get more work and might even start, depending on the status of Emari Demercado (toe). ***Demercado is out. Other options for the Cardinals include Tony Jones and Corey Clement.***
39.*Tyjae Spears TEN at PIT
Note: Spears (ankle) returned to a full practice estimate Tuesday after being limited Monday.
40.Ezekiel Elliott NE vs. WAS
41.*Miles Sanders CAR vs. IND
Note: Sanders netted only two carries on 12 offensive snaps in his return from a shoulder injury.
42.*Pierre Strong CLE vs. ARI
Note: Strong had a big reception for 41 yards to help set up a touchdown in the loss to the Seahawks, as the Browns used a three-headed monster at running back.
43.Jeff Wilson MIA at KC
44.*Kenneth Gainwell PHI vs. DAL
Note: Coughed up a fumble in the red zone, then responded to an angry DM about it at halftime. Not his best day.
45.*Mike Boone HOU vs. TB
Note: ***Boone will back up Devin Singletary with Dameon Pierce (ankle) out.***
46.Antonio Gibson WAS at NE
47.Darrynton Evans CHI at NO
48.Rico Dowdle DAL at PHI
49.Latavius Murray BUF at CIN
50.Trayveon Williams CIN vs. BUF
51.Joshua Kelley LAC at NYJ
52.*Leonard Fournette at
Note: Fournette was signed to the Bills' practice squad. He'll likely supplant Latavius Murray for the backup role and could steal goal line carries from James Cook.
53.Jamaal Williams NO vs. CHI
54.Salvon Ahmed MIA at KC
55.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. MIN
56.Chris Rodriguez WAS at NE
57.Michael Carter NYJ vs. LAC
58.*Jerick McKinnon KC vs. MIA
Note: ***McKinnon (groin) was cleared from the injury list. Teammate Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) will not play.***
59.Matt Breida NYG at LV
60.Zamir White LV vs. NYG
61.Raheem Blackshear CAR vs. IND
62.Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. MIA
63.Dalvin Cook NYJ vs. LAC
64.Ke'Shawn Vaughn TB at HOU
65.*Kendre Miller NO vs. CHI
Note: ***Miller is questionable this week with an illness.***
66.Myles Gaskin LA at GB
67.Keaton Mitchell BAL vs. SEA
68.*Dameon Pierce HOU vs. TB
Note: Pierce (ankle) sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Pierce has been ruled out this week.***
69.*Boston Scott PHI vs. DAL
Note: ***Scott has been ruled out for Sunday for personal reasons.***
70.*Emari Demercado ARZ at CLE
Note: Demercado went from three touches in the first post-Conner injury game to 20 carries last week. Demercado (toe) has sat out the first two practices of the week.

Wide Receivers

1.Tyreek Hill MIA at KC
2.A.J. Brown PHI vs. DAL
3.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. BUF
4.Stefon Diggs BUF at CIN
5.CeeDee Lamb DAL at PHI
6.*Davante Adams LV vs. NYG
Note: Adams was supremely frustrated after Monday night's loss to the Lions.
7.Mike Evans TB at HOU
8.Keenan Allen LAC at NYJ
9.Jaylen Waddle MIA at KC
10.*Adam Thielen CAR vs. IND
Note: Thielen is one of the big winners of the trade deadline, with the Panthers not adding a receiver.
11.Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. LAC
12.*Cooper Kupp LA at GB
Note: Kupp has had two bad games in a row - he netted just 21 yards on 10 targets against the Cowboys. ***RYPIEN STARTING.***
13.Terry McLaurin WAS at NE
14.Michael Pittman IND at CAR
15.Chris Godwin TB at HOU
16.*DK Metcalf SEA at BAL
Note: ***Metcalf (ribs) had a full practice Wednesday, was rested on Thursday, and cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
17.George Pickens PIT vs. TEN
18.*DeAndre Hopkins TEN at PIT
Note: Hopkins (toe) was limited in both Monday and Tuesday's practice. Still limited Wednesday and listed as questionable, though he has a history of missing practice and still being able to play.
19.Tee Higgins CIN vs. BUF
20.DeVonta Smith PHI vs. DAL
21.*Chris Olave NO vs. CHI
Note: Olave and Derek Carr still can't connect downfield.
22.Nico Collins HOU vs. TB
23.Amari Cooper CLE vs. ARI
24.Jordan Addison MIN at ATL
25.Zay Flowers BAL vs. SEA
26.DJ Moore CHI at NO
27.*Tyler Lockett SEA at BAL
Note: Lockett (hamstring) once again missed a Wednesday practice. ***Lockett was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
28.Romeo Doubs GB vs. LAR
29.Diontae Johnson PIT vs. TEN
30.*Rashid Shaheed NO vs. CHI
Note: Shaheed had three catches on three targets for 153 yards last week - he's Alvin Harper on steroids.
31.*Jakobi Meyers LV vs. NYG
Note: Meyers didn't get his first target until the fourth quarter.
32.*Jahan Dotson WAS at NE
Note: Dotson had the day that so many expected from him last week ... on everyone's bench or waiver wire. Curtis Samuel's toe injury could create more targets for Dotson.
33.Rashee Rice KC vs. MIA
34.Gabe Davis BUF at CIN
35.*Marquise Brown ARZ at CLE
Note: ***Getting his targets from Clayton Tune this week.***
36.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA at BAL
37.Christian Watson GB vs. LAR
38.*Josh Downs IND at CAR
Note: Downs (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday after a limited practice. ***Downs was limited again Friday and is listed as questionable.***
39.Tank Dell HOU vs. TB
40.Brandin Cooks DAL at PHI
41.*Demario Douglas NE vs. WAS
Note: Douglas might see double-digit targets this week.
42.*Michael Thomas NO vs. CHI
Note: Played well through an illness last week despite being a late addition to the injury report.
43.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. BUF
44.Elijah Moore CLE vs. ARI
45.*Jonathan Mingo CAR vs. IND
Note: Mingo hasn't scored yet, but he's starting to produce again after a concussion interrupted his progress.
46.*Puka Nacua LA at GB
Note: Nacua is dealing with knee swelling and probably will be limited in practice this week. He might also be getting passes from Brett Rypien. Nacua was limited Wednesday. ***Nacua was limited in all three practices this week and is listed as questionable.*** ACTIVE - WITH RYPIEN STARTING.***
47.Jayden Reed GB vs. LAR
48.*K.J. Osborn MIN at ATL
Note: Osborn (chest) had a limited practice Thursday. ***Osborn was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
49.*Quentin Johnston LAC at NYJ
Note: Johnston was pressed into more action while Joshua Palmer was having his knee tended to. ***Johnston could get more targets this week with Palmer ruled out, but this is a tough matchup.***
50.Nelson Agholor BAL vs. SEA
51.Noah Brown HOU vs. TB
52.*JuJu Smith-Schuster NE vs. WAS
Note: Smith-Schuster could get more targets with Kendrick Bourne definitely out and Devante Parker probably out.
53.Rondale Moore ARZ at CLE
54.Michael Gallup DAL at PHI
55.*KhaDarel Hodge ATL vs. MIN
Note: Hodge stepped up after Drake London got hurt, and London might not play this week.
56.*Allen Lazard NYJ vs. LAC
Note: ***Lazard was added to the injury report on Saturday with a knee injury. This after practicing all week.***
57.Tutu Atwell LA at GB
58.Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC vs. MIA
59.Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at PIT
60.Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at LV
61.Rashod Bateman BAL vs. SEA
62.Trey Palmer TB at HOU
63.Jamison Crowder WAS at NE
64.*Jake Bobo SEA at BAL
Note: Bobo caught another touchdown pass, but only played 17 snaps in the win over the Browns.
65.Brandon Powell MIN at ATL
66.Darnell Mooney CHI at NO
67.*DJ Chark CAR vs. IND
Note: Chark (elbow) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Listed as questionable this week.***
68.Khalil Shakir BUF at CIN
69.Kadarius Toney KC vs. MIA
70.Van Jefferson ATL vs. MIN
71.Julio Jones PHI vs. DAL
72.Skyy Moore KC vs. MIA
73.Mecole Hardman KC vs. MIA
74.*Odell Beckham BAL vs. SEA
Note: Beckham left last week with a stomach contusion. Returned to practice Thursday.
75.Cedric Tillman CLE vs. ARI
76.*Curtis Samuel WAS at NE
Note: Samuel left Sunday's loss to the Eagles early after aggravating his toe injury. Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Ruled out this week. Jamison Crowder will likely fill in Samuel's role.***
77.*Michael Wilson ARZ at CLE
Note: Wilson (shoulder) has sat out the first two practices of the week. ***Wilson didn't practice at all this week - still listed as questionable.*** INACTIVE***
78.*DeVante Parker NE vs. WAS
Note: Parker is in the concussion protocol. Hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Parker has been ruled out this week.***
79.*Drake London ATL vs. MIN
Note: London left Sunday's loss to the Titans in the third quarter with a groin injury. Two missed practices so far. ***London has been ruled out this week.***
80.*Joshua Palmer LAC at NYJ
Note: Palmer left for a while to aggravate his right knee injury. Did not practice Thursday. The Chargers play on Monday night. ***Palmer has been ruled out for Monday night.***
81.*Laviska Shenault CAR vs. IND
Note: ***Shenault (ankle) has been ruled out for this week.***
82.*Robert Woods HOU vs. TB
Note: ***Woods (foot) has officially been ruled out.***
83.*Kendrick Bourne NE vs. WAS
Note: Bourne tore his ACL in the loss to the Dolphins and is out for the season.

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC vs. MIA
2.Mark Andrews BAL vs. SEA
3.*Dalton Kincaid BUF at CIN
Note: The Bengals just allowed George Kittle 149 receiving yards last week - Kincaid won't likely soar that high, but he should be a great option.
4.T.J. Hockenson MIN at ATL
5.Dallas Goedert PHI vs. DAL
6.Jake Ferguson DAL at PHI
7.*Trey McBride ARZ at CLE
Note: McBride had a whopping 14 targets in the loss to the Ravens.
8.Kyle Pitts ATL vs. MIN
9.Dalton Schultz HOU vs. TB
10.*Logan Thomas WAS at NE
Note: Thomas (heel) fully practiced Thursday.
11.Cole Kmet CHI at NO
12.Michael Mayer LV vs. NYG
13.*David Njoku CLE vs. ARI
Note: Njoku (knee) sat out Wednesday but returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Full participant on Friday and cleared from the injury report.***
14.*Luke Musgrave GB vs. LAR
Note: Musgrave (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday. ***Musgrave was cleared from the injury report on Friday.***
15.Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. LAC
16.Noah Fant SEA at BAL
17.Hayden Hurst CAR vs. IND
18.Tyler Higbee LA at GB
19.*Gerald Everett LAC at NYJ
Note: Inactive (hip) last week despite a full practice on Friday. Full practice Thursday.
20.Juwan Johnson NO vs. CHI
21.*Connor Heyward PIT vs. TEN
Note: Hayward had six targets in the loss to the Jaguars - his ceiling is pretty low, but he's the preferred Pittsburgh option with Pat Freiermuth out.
22.Hunter Henry NE vs. WAS
23.*Kylen Granson IND at CAR
Note: ***Granson has cleared the concussion protocol.***
24.*Donald Parham LAC at NYJ
Note: Parham is up to four touchdowns on the season. He could be viable again this week if Gerald Everett (hip) is once again unavailable. Everett returned to a full practice Thursday.
25.Jonnu Smith ATL vs. MIN
26.Daniel Bellinger NYG at LV
27.Mike Gesicki NE vs. WAS
28.Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN at PIT
29.Mo Alie-Cox IND at CAR
30.Foster Moreau NO vs. CHI
31.Cade Otton TB at HOU
32.*Darren Waller NYG at LV
Note: Waller left early after aggravating his hamstring injury. Waller has been ruled out for this week and could have a multi-week absence. ***Waller has been placed on IR by the Giants.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Tyreek Hill MIA at KC
2.A.J. Brown PHI vs. DAL
3.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. BUF
4.Travis Kelce KC vs. MIA
5.Alvin Kamara NO vs. CHI
6.Stefon Diggs BUF at CIN
7.CeeDee Lamb DAL at PHI
8.*Saquon Barkley NYG at LV
Note: Barkley (ankle) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Barkley was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
9.Breece Hall NYJ vs. LAC
10.*Jonathan Taylor IND at CAR
Note: The Colts weirdly only gave Taylor one carry in the second half.
11.Bijan Robinson ATL vs. MIN
12.Mark Andrews BAL vs. SEA
13.*Davante Adams LV vs. NYG
Note: Adams was supremely frustrated after Monday night's loss to the Lions.
14.Mike Evans TB at HOU
15.Keenan Allen LAC at NYJ
16.Jaylen Waddle MIA at KC
17.*Derrick Henry TEN at PIT
Note: Henry (ankle) was listed as limited on Monday and Tuesday, but I think this is a pretty standard limiting of reps in a short week. Cleared from the injury report.
18.Isiah Pacheco KC vs. MIA
19.*Austin Ekeler LAC at NYJ
Note: Ekeler had a long touchdown reception, but he's still struggling to get it going on the ground, going 15-for-29 yards.
20.George Pickens PIT vs. TEN
21.*Adam Thielen CAR vs. IND
Note: Thielen is one of the big winners of the trade deadline, with the Panthers not adding a receiver.
22.Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. LAC
23.D'Andre Swift PHI vs. DAL
24.*Raheem Mostert MIA at KC
Note: Mostert has a 'hiccup' with his ankle and missed practice Wednesday and had a limited practice Thursday. ***Mostert was cleared from the injury list after a limited practice again on Friday.***
25.*Joe Mixon CIN vs. BUF
Note: Mixon (chest) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. ***Mixon is still listed as questionable despite fully practicing on Friday, but he's expected to play.***
26.*Kenneth Walker SEA at BAL
Note: The Seahawks limited Walker's snaps and touches, but he was effective when out there. This isn't a changing-of-the-guard situation.
27.*Cooper Kupp LA at GB
Note: Kupp has had two bad games in a row - he netted just 21 yards on 10 targets against the Cowboys. ***RYPIEN STARTING.***
28.Terry McLaurin WAS at NE
29.*DeAndre Hopkins TEN at PIT
Note: Hopkins (toe) was limited in both Monday and Tuesday's practice. Still limited Wednesday and listed as questionable, though he has a history of missing practice and still being able to play.
30.T.J. Hockenson MIN at ATL
31.*Dalton Kincaid BUF at CIN
Note: The Bengals just allowed George Kittle 149 receiving yards last week - Kincaid won't likely soar that high, but he should be a great option.
32.*Josh Jacobs LV vs. NYG
Note: Jacobs actually looked good on the Raiders' touchdown drive against the Lions, carrying six times for 38 yards and the TD. He still only ended up with 61 rushing yards, though that marked an improvement.
33.*Kareem Hunt CLE vs. ARI
Note: Hunt led the Browns in carries last week with 14, though it was a three-way split between Hunt, Pierre Strong Jr. and Jerome Ford.
34.Jordan Addison MIN at ATL
35.Michael Pittman IND at CAR
36.Chris Godwin TB at HOU
37.*DK Metcalf SEA at BAL
Note: ***Metcalf (ribs) had a full practice Wednesday, was rested on Thursday, and cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
38.*Chris Olave NO vs. CHI
Note: Olave and Derek Carr still can't connect downfield.
39.Dallas Goedert PHI vs. DAL
40.James Cook BUF at CIN
41.*Tony Pollard DAL at PHI
Note: Pollard was left out of all the fun against the Rams, netting just 53 yards. That said, the Cowboys were so prohibitively ahead that they likely limited his workload, especially with the Eagles game in mind this week.
42.*Gus Edwards BAL vs. SEA
Note: Edwards sat out practice Wednesday with a toe injury but returned on Thursday. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday.***
43.Tee Higgins CIN vs. BUF
44.DeVonta Smith PHI vs. DAL
45.Nico Collins HOU vs. TB
46.Amari Cooper CLE vs. ARI
47.Brian Robinson WAS at NE
48.Zay Flowers BAL vs. SEA
49.DJ Moore CHI at NO
50.*Tyler Lockett SEA at BAL
Note: Lockett (hamstring) once again missed a Wednesday practice. ***Lockett was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
51.Jake Ferguson DAL at PHI
52.Rachaad White TB at HOU
53.Najee Harris PIT vs. TEN
54.Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. WAS
55.*Aaron Jones GB vs. LAR
Note: Jones (hamstring) once again was limited Wednesday. ***Jones was cleared from the injury list, and coach Matt LaFleur said that Jones '... looked good, and had a good week....'***
56.Romeo Doubs GB vs. LAR
57.Diontae Johnson PIT vs. TEN
58.*Rashid Shaheed NO vs. CHI
Note: Shaheed had three catches on three targets for 153 yards last week - he's Alvin Harper on steroids.
59.*Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. IND
Note: ***Hubbard has been confirmed as the starter again this week.***
60.*Emari Demercado ARZ at CLE
Note: Demercado went from three touches in the first post-Conner injury game to 20 carries last week. Demercado (toe) has sat out the first two practices of the week.
61.Zack Moss IND at CAR
62.*Dameon Pierce HOU vs. TB
Note: Pierce (ankle) sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Pierce has been ruled out this week.***
63.*Jakobi Meyers LV vs. NYG
Note: Meyers didn't get his first target until the fourth quarter.
64.*Jahan Dotson WAS at NE
Note: Dotson had the day that so many expected from him last week ... on everyone's bench or waiver wire. Curtis Samuel's toe injury could create more targets for Dotson.
65.*Josh Downs IND at CAR
Note: Downs (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday after a limited practice. ***Downs was limited again Friday and is listed as questionable.***
66.*Trey McBride ARZ at CLE
Note: McBride had a whopping 14 targets in the loss to the Ravens.
67.*D'Onta Foreman CHI at NO
Note: Foreman had to share the RB carries three ways between he, Roschon Johnson and Darrynton Evans, who of course scored the touchdown for no one. With the Bears trailing most of the game, there were also few carries to go around. That might be the same dynamic this week against the Saints.
68.*Darrell Henderson LA at GB
Note: Henderson reverted to the practice squad again by rule, for the last time. He'll likely get the start again this week and then the Rams will have to decide whether to sign him to the active roster or not. Officially signed to the active roster from the practice squad.
69.Rashee Rice KC vs. MIA
70.Gabe Davis BUF at CIN
71.*Puka Nacua LA at GB
Note: Nacua is dealing with knee swelling and probably will be limited in practice this week. He might also be getting passes from Brett Rypien. Nacua was limited Wednesday. ***Nacua was limited in all three practices this week and is listed as questionable.*** ACTIVE - WITH RYPIEN STARTING.***
72.*Zach Charbonnet SEA at BAL
Note: Charbonnet had more snaps but fewer carries than Kenneth Walker last week, with Walker managing his calf injury.
73.*Jerome Ford CLE vs. ARI
Note: Ford defied expectations by playing despite his ankle injury, but he wasn't a Ferrari, carrying the ball nine times for 37 yards, but having to share the workload with both Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. I'm not confident that he'll go back to a starting role, at least not yet. Ford has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Ford fully practiced Friday and was removed from the injury list.***
74.*Marquise Brown ARZ at CLE
Note: ***Getting his targets from Clayton Tune this week.***
75.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA at BAL
76.Christian Watson GB vs. LAR
77.Tank Dell HOU vs. TB
78.Justice Hill BAL vs. SEA
79.Cam Akers MIN at ATL
80.Jaylen Warren PIT vs. TEN
81.AJ Dillon GB vs. LAR
82.Roschon Johnson CHI at NO
83.Brandin Cooks DAL at PHI
84.*Demario Douglas NE vs. WAS
Note: Douglas might see double-digit targets this week.
85.*Joshua Palmer LAC at NYJ
Note: Palmer left for a while to aggravate his right knee injury. Did not practice Thursday. The Chargers play on Monday night. ***Palmer has been ruled out for Monday night.***

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL vs. SEA
2.Harrison Butker KC vs. MIA
3.Jason Sanders MIA at KC
4.Younghoe Koo ATL vs. MIN
5.Evan McPherson CIN vs. BUF
6.Jake Elliott PHI vs. DAL
7.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. TB
8.Tyler Bass BUF at CIN
9.Brandon Aubrey DAL at PHI
10.Cameron Dicker LAC at NYJ
11.Dustin Hopkins CLE vs. ARI
12.Jason Myers SEA at BAL
13.*Daniel Carlson LV vs. NYG
Note: ***Carlson (groin) was limited in all three practices this week, but has been cleared to play.***
14.Blake Grupe NO vs. CHI
15.Anders Carlson GB vs. LAR
16.Matt Gay IND at CAR
17.Matt Prater ARZ at CLE
18.Chris Boswell PIT vs. TEN
19.Chase McLaughlin TB at HOU
20.Nick Folk TEN at PIT
21.*Greg Joseph MIN at ATL
Note: Joseph quietly has missed two kicks in each of the last three weeks.
22.Greg Zuerlein NYJ vs. LAC
23.Eddy Pineiro CAR vs. IND
24.Joey Slye WAS at NE
25.Chad Ryland NE vs. WAS
26.Lucas Havrisik LA at GB
27.Cairo Santos CHI at NO
28.Randy Bullock NYG at LV
29.Cade York NYG at LV
30.*Graham Gano NYG at LV
Note: ***Gano injured his left knee, needs surgery and was placed on IR. Either Randy Bullock or Cade York will replaced him -both have been called up to the active roster.***

Defenses

1.Cleveland Browns vs. ARI
2.New Orleans Saints vs. CHI
3.Baltimore Ravens vs. SEA
4.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. TEN
5.*New York Giants at LV
Note: Traded away Leonard Williams to the Seahawks.
6.Atlanta Falcons vs. MIN
7.*Washington Commanders at NE
Note: I love the matchup, but hate that they traded away both Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
8.*Indianapolis Colts at CAR
Note: Don't let Carolina's win fool you - their OL is still awful.
9.*New York Jets vs. LAC
Note: The Jets have made life miserable for all opposing QBs at Met Life so far - that might remain the same for Justin Herbert this week.
10.Carolina Panthers vs. IND
11.Los Angeles Chargers at NYJ
12.Tennessee Titans at PIT
13.Houston Texans vs. TB
14.New England Patriots vs. WAS
15.Philadelphia Eagles vs. DAL
16.Dallas Cowboys at PHI
17.Green Bay Packers vs. LAR
18.Las Vegas Raiders vs. NYG
19.Los Angeles Rams at GB
20.Minnesota Vikings at ATL
21.Seattle Seahawks at BAL
22.Kansas City Chiefs vs. MIA
23.Cincinnati Bengals vs. BUF
24.Arizona Cardinals at CLE
25.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at HOU
26.Miami Dolphins at KC
27.Buffalo Bills at CIN
28.Chicago Bears at NO
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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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