Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 5 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Saturday Night Update Complete

Vikings-Jets is the London game, beginning at 9:30a ET.

Week 5 Byes: Detroit, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia, Tennessee

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

Saturday Night Update Complete

Vikings-Jets is the London game, beginning at 9:30a ET.

Week 5 Byes: Detroit, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia, Tennessee

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 at CIN
2.*Josh Allen BUF at HOU
Note: After clear sailing through the first three games, Allen got stymied by the Ravens and briefly was looked at by the team trainers after taking a big hit. Allen was a full practice participant in Wednesday's practice.
3.*Jayden Daniels WAS vs. CLE
Note: Daniels finally threw his first interception against the Cardinals, but otherwise was remarkably accurate, going 26-30-233-1 along with 47 rush yards and another touchdown. He draws a tougher assignment this week at home against the Browns.
4.*Kyler Murray ARZ at SF
Note: I did not have Murray getting flummoxed by the Commanders on my dance card last week, to be sure.
5.*Justin Fields PIT vs. DAL
Note: Teammate Russell Wilson is upgrading to participating in team drills this week, but the Steelers are preparing Fields for another start against the Cowboys this week.
6.Brock Purdy SF vs. ARI
7.C.J. Stroud HOU vs. BUF
8.*Jordan Love GB at LAR
Note: Love looked a little hobbled at times against the Vikings last week. His matchup against the Rams might prove to be a little less challenging. Love (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice - look for that to be common for Wednesday practices in the near future. ***Love was upgraded to a full practice Thursday.***
9.Dak Prescott DAL at PIT
10.Joe Burrow CIN vs. BAL
11.*Patrick Mahomes KC vs. NO
Note: Mahomes just lost Rashee Rice (knee), making the roster very similar to last year's regular season mess.
12.*Baker Mayfield TB at ATL
Note: Big bounceback against the Eagles. Can Mayfield continue to operate with a clean pocket against the Falcons on Thursday night?
13.Geno Smith SEA vs. NYG
14.Kirk Cousins ATL vs. TB
15.*Joe Flacco IND at JAX
Note: Flacco might be in line to start against the Jaguars this week, with Anthony Richardson (oblique, abdomen) day-to-day. Flacco has been getting the first-team reps so far in practice, though Anthony Richardson has been getting limited reps as well. ***Richardson was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday.***
16.Sam Darnold MIN vs. NYJ
17.Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. IND
18.Andy Dalton CAR at CHI
19.Matthew Stafford LA vs. GB
20.*Aaron Rodgers NYJ at MIN
Note: Rodgers said his knee feels swollen in the aftermath of Sunday's loss to the Broncos. Rodgers was limited in Wednesday's practice, but the Jets are not concerned about his availability for Sunday's game in London against the Vikings. He practiced fully on Thursday.
21.Derek Carr NO at KC
22.*Deshaun Watson CLE at WAS
Note: Both of Watson's starting tackles have been out for all but 40 plays this season.
23.Daniel Jones NYG at SEA
24.*Caleb Williams CHI vs. CAR
Note: It appeared that the Bears dialed back some of the offense against the Rams, and focused more on the running game. That could continue this week against Carolina.
25.Bo Nix DEN vs. LV
26.*Tyler Huntley MIA at NE
Note: I was of the opinion that Huntley was at worst an upgrade over Skylar Thompson and maybe enough to salvage the values of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but I was wrong. Nevertheless, he'll start again this week at New England.
27.Gardner Minshew LV at DEN
28.*Jacoby Brissett NE vs. MIA
Note: The Patriots will start Brissett for another week over Drake Maye, though coach Jerod Mayo said that he '...reserves the right to do something else....'
29.*Anthony Richardson IND at JAX
Note: Richardson is day-to-day with oblique and abdominal strains. Joe Flacco could be in line to start this week at Jacksonville. Richardson was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's and Thursday's practice - there's a chance that he plays this week. ***Richardson was downgraded on Saturday to doubtful.***
30.*Russell Wilson PIT vs. DAL
Note: Wilson (calf) is upgrading to participating in team drills this week, and will have a 'strong work day' at practice. Still, Justin Fields will start again Sunday night. Limited practice Wednesday.
31.Jared Goff DET at
32.Jalen Hurts PHI at
33.Will Levis TEN at
34.Mason Rudolph TEN at

Running Backs

1.Derrick Henry BAL at CIN
2.*Jordan Mason SF vs. ARI
Note: Mason's day could have been even bigger, but for a marginal holding call on George Kittle that wiped out a touchdown.
3.Kyren Williams LA vs. GB
4.Kenneth Walker SEA vs. NYG
5.*Bijan Robinson ATL vs. TB
Note: Robinson (hamstring) has been limited in practice Monday and Tuesday after getting out-carried by Tyler Allgeier last week, with the Falcons playing Thursday against the Bucs. Robinson has been cleared from the injury list.
6.James Cook BUF at HOU
7.*Alvin Kamara NO at KC
Note: Similar to last week, Kamara (hip/ribs) was limited Thursday in the Saints' first practice of the week. ***Full practice Saturday and cleared from the injury list.***
8.*Breece Hall NYJ at MIN
Note: Nightmare game against the Broncos, netting just four yards on just 10 carries.
9.Aaron Jones MIN vs. NYJ
10.Josh Jacobs GB at LAR
11.James Conner ARZ at SF
12.*Chuba Hubbard CAR at CHI
Note: Teammate Jonathon Brooks (knee) won't have his practice window opened yet this week.
13.Najee Harris PIT vs. DAL
14.Rachaad White TB at ATL
15.*Travis Etienne JAC vs. IND
Note: Etienne was marginalized early due to a shoulder issue, though he later returned and managed 50 rushing yards and a catch for 10 yards. Both Etienne (shoulder) and Tank Bigsby (shoulder) were limited Wednesday and Thursday. ***Etienne had another limited practice Friday, but that was enough for him to get cleared from the injury report.***
16.*Kareem Hunt KC vs. NO
Note: Hunt (shoulder) was limited in the Chiefs' first practice of the week Thursday. ***Hunt has been cleared from the injury list.***
17.*De'Von Achane MIA at NE
Note: Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, a hole in the ship sinks every fantasy player aboard. Achane was held to 15 yards on 10 attempts on Monday night.
18.*Chase Brown CIN vs. BAL
Note: Brown's snap share increased last week and he produced, with 92 total yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals step up in class this week against the Ravens.
19.*Jerome Ford CLE at WAS
Note: Ford's role could get diminished soon, with Nick Chubb (knee) returning to practice likely this week. ***Ford will get another week as the starter with Nick Chubb ruled out.***
20.Javonte Williams DEN vs. LV
21.Zack Moss CIN vs. BAL
22.*Brian Robinson WAS vs. CLE
Note: Robinson (knee) has missed the first two practices of the week. Meanwhile, Austin Ekeler fully practiced Thursday. ***Robinson had a limited practice on Friday, and apparently that's enough for him to be good enough to play, though he's officially listed as questionable.***
23.*Trey Sermon IND at JAX
Note: Sermon could be in line for a start this week if Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is out. Tyler Goodson would be the backup behind him. ***Taylor has been ruled out. It'll be Sermon, Goodson and Evan Hull this week.***
24.D'Andre Swift CHI vs. CAR
25.*Alexander Mattison LV at DEN
Note: Mattison's play has 'earned him more work' over Zamir White in the future. ***Zamir White has now been ruled out. Ameer Abdullah and Dylan Laube are the backups.***
26.Rico Dowdle DAL at PIT
27.*Cam Akers HOU vs. BUF
Note: ***In line for another start with both Mixon and Pierce out.***
28.*Justice Hill BAL at CIN
Note: Hill is getting targets that on other teams might be saved for tight ends or wide receivers.
29.*Tyrone Tracy NYG at SEA
Note: Tracy could be in line to start, now that Devin Singletary (groin) has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Singletary is listed as doubtful, so Tracy and Eric Gray will likely handle the backfield duties.***
30.*Antonio Gibson NE vs. MIA
Note: ***Gibson will take over the starting role ahead of Rhamondre Stevenson due to Stevenson's fumbling issues.***
31.Bucky Irving TB at ATL
32.*Raheem Mostert MIA at NE
Note: Mostert once again was inactive Monday night. Mostert has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Mostert had a full practice Friday and was removed from the injury report.***
33.Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. TB
34.*Austin Ekeler WAS vs. CLE
Note: Ekeler (concussion) expects to return this week, but we'll wait until he actually practices before moving him up in the rankings. Ekeler fully practiced Thursday after being limited Wednesday. He still must get cleared by an independent neurologist but it looks like he'll play. Meanwhile, teammate Brian Robinson (knee) has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Officially cleared from the concussion protocol. Teammate Brian Robinson (knee) is expected to play.***
35.*Tank Bigsby JAC vs. IND
Note: Bigsby had two big runs and got early snaps, with teammate Travis Etienne managing a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Bigsby is managing a shoulder issue in his own right and was limited on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
36.Braelon Allen NYJ at MIN
37.Roschon Johnson CHI vs. CAR
38.*Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. NYG
Note: Charbonnet returned to a traditional backup role (two carries, five catches) with the return of Kenneth Walker.
39.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. MIA
Note: Stevenson lost a fumble for the second week in a row. ***Antonio Gibson will be the starter this week ahead of Stevenson, though Stevenson will remain a part of the gameplan.***
40.*Jeremy McNichols WAS vs. CLE
Note: McNichols scored twice in a backup role last week, but Austin Ekeler (concussion) is expected back this week. Brian Robinson (knee) hasn't yet practiced this week, but Austin Ekeler (concussion) fully practiced Thursday. ***Robinson is listed as questionable after a limited practice Friday, but appears to be 'good to go,' which obviously lowers McNichols' rank.***
41.D'Onta Foreman CLE at WAS
42.Ty Chandler MIN vs. NYJ
43.Jaleel McLaughlin DEN vs. LV
44.*Miles Sanders CAR at CHI
Note: Sanders sat out Thursday's practice with an illness. ***Not on the injury list.***
45.Samaje Perine KC vs. NO
46.Emanuel Wilson GB at LAR
47.*Carson Steele KC vs. NO
Note: Steele lost a fumble against the Chargers and ceded carries to Kareem Hunt, who might be in line to be the starter going forward.
48.*Jaylen Wright MIA at NE
Note: Wright had nine carries in the loss Monday night after Jeff Wilson (quad) and Raheem Mostert (chest) were held out.
49.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL at PIT
Note: Limited in Thursday's practice due to dehydration. ***Cleared from the injury report.***
50.Ray Davis BUF at HOU
51.Jamaal Williams NO at KC
52.Tyler Goodson IND at JAX
53.Dare Ogunbowale HOU vs. BUF
54.Khalil Herbert CHI vs. CAR
55.Emari Demercado ARZ at SF
56.*Trey Benson ARZ at SF
Note: Benson's nine carries weren't a harbinger of more to come - eight of them came in the fourth quarter to finish the game with the Cardinals trailing 42-14.
57.Isaac Guerendo SF vs. ARI
58.*Jeff Wilson MIA at NE
Note: Wilson suffered a knee injury in warmups and was scratched. Wilson (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
59.*Ronnie Rivers LA vs. GB
Note: Rivers is the clear backup behind Kyren Williams right now, ahead of Blake Corum.
60.*Kendre Miller NO at KC
Note: Miller (hamstring) has begun practicing, and the Saints have 21 days to decide whether to activate him from the PUP list.
61.*Devin Singletary NYG at SEA
Note: Singletary (groin) has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Singletary is listed as doubtful.***
62.*Joe Mixon HOU vs. BUF
Note: Mixon is day-to-day with the ankle injury that has kept him out of the last two games. Mixon sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
63.*Jonathan Taylor IND at JAX
Note: Taylor suffered a 'mild' high-ankle sprain against the Steelers. The Colts have said that they are not considering an IR move for Taylor, but it doesn't seem good for this week. Taylor has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Taylor has been ruled out for this week.***
64.*Cordarrelle Patterson PIT vs. DAL
Note: Patterson left Sunday's loss to the Colts with an ankle injury. Patterson did not practice on Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.***
65.*Jaylen Warren PIT vs. DAL
Note: Warren (knee) has missed consecutive practices so far this week. ***Ruled out this week.***
66.*Dameon Pierce HOU vs. BUF
Note: Pierce (hamstring) still hasn't resumed practice. ***Pierce isn't expected to play yet again this week.***
67.*Zamir White LV at DEN
Note: White was outplayed by Alexander Mattison, who it appears will play more than he did this past week. White (groin) was limited Wednesday and then sat out Thursday's practice entirely. ***Ruled out this week.***
68.*Nick Chubb CLE at WAS
Note: The Browns will start the 21-day practice window for Chubb (knee) this week. It's possible he could return from the PUP list at any point in that 21-day window. Chubbs (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice after first returning to practice the day before. ***Chubb will not return this week.***
69.*Tyler Badie DEN vs. LV
Note: Badie suffered a back injury against the Jets and is a candidate to go on IR. ***Officially placed on IR.***
70.*Christian McCaffrey SF vs. ARI
Note: McCaffrey has tendinitis in his Achilles tendons in both legs. The Niners are hoping that he can return in early November. ***McCaffrey did on-field work this week without a flareup, leaving the Niners mildly encouraged.***
71.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. NO
Note: CEH's 21-day practice window opened up on Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful for this week.***
72.Saquon Barkley PHI at
73.Jahmyr Gibbs DET at
74.Tony Pollard TEN at
75.David Montgomery DET at
76.Tyjae Spears TEN at
77.Kenneth Gainwell PHI at

Wide Receivers

1.CeeDee Lamb DAL at PIT
2.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. NYJ
3.Nico Collins HOU vs. BUF
4.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. BAL
5.Marvin Harrison ARZ at SF
6.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. NYG
Note: ***Metcalf (hand) was limited Thursday but then cleared from the injury report Friday.***
7.Chris Olave NO at KC
8.Chris Godwin TB at ATL
9.DJ Moore CHI vs. CAR
10.Drake London ATL vs. TB
11.*Mike Evans TB at ATL
Note: Evans (knee/calf) sat out Monday's walk-through and then upgraded to a limited practice Tuesday. Evans was cleared from the injury report on Wednesday.
12.Jayden Reed GB at LAR
13.Stefon Diggs HOU vs. BUF
14.Michael Pittman IND at JAX
15.Garrett Wilson NYJ at MIN
16.Tee Higgins CIN vs. BAL
17.*Diontae Johnson CAR at CHI
Note: Johnson appeared to aggravate his groin injury in the loss to the Bengals but later returned. Johnson sat out practice Wednesday and upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. ***Johnson had another limited practice Friday, but that was good enough for him to be cleared from the injury report.***
18.Deebo Samuel SF vs. ARI
19.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. CLE
20.George Pickens PIT vs. DAL
21.Brandon Aiyuk SF vs. ARI
22.Xavier Worthy KC vs. NO
23.*Keon Coleman BUF at HOU
Note: Small upgrade with Khalil Shakir nursing an ankle injury.
24.Jordan Addison MIN vs. NYJ
25.*Dontayvion Wicks GB at LAR
Note: Wicks garnered 13 targets in the loss to the Vikings - a good number of them after Christian Watson's ankle injury. Watson won't need a trip to the IR, but he'll probably be out for at least one week, giving Wicks a golden opportunity against the Rams this week. Not only is Watson out, but Romeo Doubs has been suspended for this week.***
26.Tyreek Hill MIA at NE
27.*Zay Flowers BAL at CIN
Note: The Ravens' heavy RB usage has also hurt Flowers, not just Mark Andrews.
28.Amari Cooper CLE at WAS
29.*Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at SEA
Note: Robinson (heel) has had two limited practices this week. Normally I'd give him a good bump up with Malik Nabers (concussion) unlikely to play this week, but I'm going to wait until he puts in a full practice. ***Robinson was cleared from the injury report, and Nabers has been ruled out.***
30.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LV
31.*Jakobi Meyers LV at DEN
Note: Meyers had 10 targets last week with Davante Adams out.
32.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. NYG
33.Christian Kirk JAC vs. IND
34.Brian Thomas JAC vs. IND
35.Rashid Shaheed NO at KC
36.Jaylen Waddle MIA at NE
37.*Josh Downs IND at JAX
Note: Downs was probably the biggest beneficiary of Joe Flacco coming in for the injured Anthony Richardson last week.
38.Jauan Jennings SF vs. ARI
39.*Jerry Jeudy CLE at WAS
Note: ***Jeudy (knee) was cleared from the injury list.***
40.Darnell Mooney ATL vs. TB
41.Allen Lazard NYJ at MIN
42.*Xavier Legette CAR at CHI
Note: Legette had 10 targets with Adam Thielen out, and had six catches, but also had a really bad drop.
43.*Jalen Tolbert DAL at PIT
Note: Tolbert could get a bump in targets with Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out this week. ***Cooks has been placed on IR.***
44.*Tyler Lockett SEA vs. NYG
Note: Lockett (thigh) was limited in Wednesday's walk-through practice. ***Lockett was cleared from the injury report on Friday.***
45.Keenan Allen CHI vs. CAR
46.Rome Odunze CHI vs. CAR
47.*Jordan Whittington LA vs. GB
Note: Whittington led the Rams in receptions and targets last week.
48.Mike Williams NYJ at MIN
49.Tre Tucker LV at DEN
50.Michael Wilson ARZ at SF
51.Tutu Atwell LA vs. GB
52.*Bo Melton GB at LAR
Note: Melton could have some value if Romeo Doubs (personal) can't play this weekend. ***Doubs has been suspended for a week.***
53.*Gabe Davis JAC vs. IND
Note: Davis (shoulder) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
54.Alec Pierce IND at JAX
55.Olamide Zaccheaus WAS vs. CLE
56.*Ray-Ray McCloud ATL vs. TB
Note: McCloud (ankle) has been limited for the first two practices of the week.
57.Jalen Nailor MIN vs. NYJ
58.Greg Dortch ARZ at SF
59.Rashod Bateman BAL at CIN
60.Andrei Iosivas CIN vs. BAL
61.Darius Slayton NYG at SEA
62.DeMario Douglas NE vs. MIA
63.Josh Reynolds DEN vs. LV
64.Ja'Lynn Polk NE vs. MIA
65.Curtis Samuel BUF at HOU
66.Justin Watson KC vs. NO
67.*Noah Brown WAS vs. CLE
Note: Brown sat out Thursday's practice with a groin injury after putting in a limited practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out this week.***
68.*Adonai Mitchell IND at JAX
Note: Fourth-string now that Josh Downs is back.
69.Jonathan Mingo CAR at CHI
70.JuJu Smith-Schuster KC vs. NO
71.Troy Franklin DEN vs. LV
72.*Malik Nabers NYG at SEA
Note: Suffered a concussion in the loss to the Cowboys on Thursday. If he's cleared from the protocol, I'll likely put him in the 10-15 range. Nabers hasn't practiced yet this week and doesn't appear to be making sufficient progress in the concussion protocol to be able to play this week. ***Officially ruled out.***
73.*Khalil Shakir BUF at HOU
Note: Shakir suffered an ankle injury in the loss to the Ravens. Shakir has sat out consecutive practices to begin the week. ***Ruled out this week.***
74.*Romeo Doubs GB at LAR
Note: Doubs didn't practice Thursday due to a personal reason, so his status for this weekend is in question. Coach Matt LaFleur said he hopes that Doubs can return to practice Friday. ***Doubs was suspended for Week 5 for conduct detrimental to the team.***
75.*Demarcus Robinson LA vs. GB
Note: Robinson suffered a groin injury and will be limited in practice this week. Robinson (hip) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
76.*Tank Dell HOU vs. BUF
Note: Dell (chest) is expected to return this week after sitting out Week 4. I'll move him up once he resumes practicing. Dell has had two limited practices so far this week after sitting out last week's game. ***Dell was cleared from the injury report Friday.***
77.*Davante Adams LV at DEN
Note: Adams (hamstring) has requested a trade, and the Raiders seem willing to trade him. Adams hasn't practiced this week and seems unlikely to play against the Broncos. ***Officially ruled out this week.***
78.*Christian Watson GB at LAR
Note: Watson, much like the Colts' Jonathan Taylor, suffered a 'mild' high-ankle sprain against the Vikings. The Packers don't think he needs an IR trip. Watson hasn't officially been ruled out yet - the Packers were slow to declare Jordan Love out too after his injury - but Watson also hasn't practiced yet. ***Officially listed as doubtful.***
79.*Brandin Cooks DAL at PIT
Note: Cooks had a procedure on his right knee and is dealing with an infection related to that procedure. He will not play Sunday night. ***Placed on IR by the Cowboys.***
80.*Cooper Kupp LA vs. GB
Note: Kupp (ankle) has already been ruled out for Week 5.
81.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at
82.A.J. Brown PHI at
83.DeVonta Smith PHI at
84.Jameson Williams DET at
85.Calvin Ridley TEN at
86.DeAndre Hopkins TEN at
87.Jahan Dotson PHI at
88.Tim Patrick DET at
89.*Rashee Rice KC vs. NO
Note: Rice suffered a knee injury in the win over the Chargers. It hasn't yet been confirmed that he has a torn ACL. Rice is definitely out for Week 5 but his long-term prognosis unclear. Rice will still undergo more tests once the swelling in his knee recedes, but he's been placed on IR.

Tight Ends

1.*Travis Kelce KC vs. NO
Note: Started to recover some of his value last week against the Chargers.
2.Jake Ferguson DAL at PIT
3.*Trey McBride ARZ at SF
Note: McBride remains in the concussion protocol, but his recovery is 'looking good,' according to coach Jonathan Gannon. McBride fully practiced Thursday and while he hasn't been officially cleared from an independent neurologist, he also didn't have to wear a non-contact jersey at practice. ***Cleared from the concussion protocol, but then added due to a rib issue. But he's expected to play.***
4.*George Kittle SF vs. ARI
Note: Kittle added a rib injury to his hamstring issues last week, and will be day-to-day in practice this week. Kittle (rib) officially was a DNP both Wednesday and Thursday, though he was spotting working out on the side on Thursday. ***Kittle was limited in practice Friday, and is listed as questionable.***
5.Brock Bowers LV at DEN
6.Dalton Kincaid BUF at HOU
7.Pat Freiermuth PIT vs. DAL
8.Dalton Schultz HOU vs. BUF
9.*Cole Kmet CHI vs. CAR
Note: Kmet (knee) fully practiced Thursday after being limited Wednesday.
10.Hunter Henry NE vs. MIA
11.Zach Ertz WAS vs. CLE
12.Tucker Kraft GB at LAR
13.*Cade Otton TB at ATL
Note: If you're looking for a replacement for Sam LaPorta or Dallas Goedert on bye this week, check to see if Otton is available - he had nine targets last week.
14.*Kyle Pitts ATL vs. TB
Note: I'm not yet willing to drop Pitts or Mark Andrews yet, but the list of tight ends I'm willing to start ahead of them is growing.
15.Isaiah Likely BAL at CIN
16.*David Njoku CLE at WAS
Note: Njoku (ankle) is expected to resume practicing this week. Njoku had a limited practice Wednesday before getting a planned rest day on Thursday. ***Njoku was limited again Friday, and is expected to play against the Commanders, though he might have limited snaps.***
17.Tyler Conklin NYJ at MIN
18.Mark Andrews BAL at CIN
19.Colby Parkinson LA vs. GB
20.Mike Gesicki CIN vs. BAL
21.Brenton Strange JAC vs. IND
22.*Noah Fant SEA vs. NYG
Note: As per usual, Fant (toe) was limited at Wednesday's practice.
23.Tommy Tremble CAR at CHI
24.Luke Schoonmaker DAL at PIT
25.Noah Gray KC vs. NO
26.Greg Dulcich DEN vs. LV
27.Foster Moreau NO at KC
28.Jonnu Smith MIA at NE
29.Dawson Knox BUF at HOU
30.*Taysom Hill NO at KC
Note: Hill scored two early touchdowns and then left with a rib injury. Given that the Saints play on Monday night, we might not know Hill's status until very late in the week. Hill has fractured ribs and sat out Thursday's practice. ***Ruled out this week.***
31.*Evan Engram JAC vs. IND
Note: Engram has had consecutive limited practices to begin the week - he might return this weekend. I'm going to wait until he gets in a full practice or we get official word from the Jaguars that he's playing before moving him up. If he does play, he'll probably come in around 7 or 8 this week. ***Engram is not expected to play once again.***
32.*Luke Musgrave GB at LAR
Note: Musgrave (ankle) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.
33.*T.J. Hockenson MIN vs. NYJ
Note: It's possible that Hockenson (knee) could begin his three-week practice window soon. Hockenson's practice window will open up on Friday. ***Hockenson was limited Friday and will not play this week.***
34.Sam LaPorta DET at
35.Dallas Goedert PHI at
36.Brock Wright DET at
37.Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN at

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Derrick Henry BAL at CIN
2.CeeDee Lamb DAL at PIT
3.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. NYJ
4.Nico Collins HOU vs. BUF
5.*Jordan Mason SF vs. ARI
Note: Mason's day could have been even bigger, but for a marginal holding call on George Kittle that wiped out a touchdown.
6.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. BAL
7.Kyren Williams LA vs. GB
8.Kenneth Walker SEA vs. NYG
9.*Breece Hall NYJ at MIN
Note: Nightmare game against the Broncos, netting just four yards on just 10 carries.
10.*Bijan Robinson ATL vs. TB
Note: Robinson (hamstring) has been limited in practice Monday and Tuesday after getting out-carried by Tyler Allgeier last week, with the Falcons playing Thursday against the Bucs. Robinson has been cleared from the injury list.
11.Marvin Harrison ARZ at SF
12.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. NYG
Note: ***Metcalf (hand) was limited Thursday but then cleared from the injury report Friday.***
13.James Cook BUF at HOU
14.*Alvin Kamara NO at KC
Note: Similar to last week, Kamara (hip/ribs) was limited Thursday in the Saints' first practice of the week. ***Full practice Saturday and cleared from the injury list.***
15.Chris Olave NO at KC
16.Chris Godwin TB at ATL
17.Aaron Jones MIN vs. NYJ
18.Josh Jacobs GB at LAR
19.James Conner ARZ at SF
20.*Travis Kelce KC vs. NO
Note: Started to recover some of his value last week against the Chargers.
21.DJ Moore CHI vs. CAR
22.Drake London ATL vs. TB
23.*Mike Evans TB at ATL
Note: Evans (knee/calf) sat out Monday's walk-through and then upgraded to a limited practice Tuesday. Evans was cleared from the injury report on Wednesday.
24.Jayden Reed GB at LAR
25.Stefon Diggs HOU vs. BUF
26.*Chuba Hubbard CAR at CHI
Note: Teammate Jonathon Brooks (knee) won't have his practice window opened yet this week.
27.Najee Harris PIT vs. DAL
28.Michael Pittman IND at JAX
29.Garrett Wilson NYJ at MIN
30.Tee Higgins CIN vs. BAL
31.*Diontae Johnson CAR at CHI
Note: Johnson appeared to aggravate his groin injury in the loss to the Bengals but later returned. Johnson sat out practice Wednesday and upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. ***Johnson had another limited practice Friday, but that was good enough for him to be cleared from the injury report.***
32.*Travis Etienne JAC vs. IND
Note: Etienne was marginalized early due to a shoulder issue, though he later returned and managed 50 rushing yards and a catch for 10 yards. Both Etienne (shoulder) and Tank Bigsby (shoulder) were limited Wednesday and Thursday. ***Etienne had another limited practice Friday, but that was enough for him to get cleared from the injury report.***
33.*Kareem Hunt KC vs. NO
Note: Hunt (shoulder) was limited in the Chiefs' first practice of the week Thursday. ***Hunt has been cleared from the injury list.***
34.*De'Von Achane MIA at NE
Note: Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, a hole in the ship sinks every fantasy player aboard. Achane was held to 15 yards on 10 attempts on Monday night.
35.Deebo Samuel SF vs. ARI
36.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. CLE
37.George Pickens PIT vs. DAL
38.Brandon Aiyuk SF vs. ARI
39.*George Kittle SF vs. ARI
Note: Kittle added a rib injury to his hamstring issues last week, and will be day-to-day in practice this week. Kittle (rib) officially was a DNP both Wednesday and Thursday, though he was spotting working out on the side on Thursday. ***Kittle was limited in practice Friday, and is listed as questionable.***
40.Rachaad White TB at ATL
41.*Chase Brown CIN vs. BAL
Note: Brown's snap share increased last week and he produced, with 92 total yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals step up in class this week against the Ravens.
42.*Jerome Ford CLE at WAS
Note: Ford's role could get diminished soon, with Nick Chubb (knee) returning to practice likely this week. ***Ford will get another week as the starter with Nick Chubb ruled out.***
43.*Zay Flowers BAL at CIN
Note: The Ravens' heavy RB usage has also hurt Flowers, not just Mark Andrews.
44.*Trey McBride ARZ at SF
Note: McBride remains in the concussion protocol, but his recovery is 'looking good,' according to coach Jonathan Gannon. McBride fully practiced Thursday and while he hasn't been officially cleared from an independent neurologist, he also didn't have to wear a non-contact jersey at practice. ***Cleared from the concussion protocol, but then added due to a rib issue. But he's expected to play.***
45.Xavier Worthy KC vs. NO
46.Jordan Addison MIN vs. NYJ
47.Tyreek Hill MIA at NE
48.Amari Cooper CLE at WAS
49.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LV
50.Javonte Williams DEN vs. LV
51.*Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at SEA
Note: Robinson (heel) has had two limited practices this week. Normally I'd give him a good bump up with Malik Nabers (concussion) unlikely to play this week, but I'm going to wait until he puts in a full practice. ***Robinson was cleared from the injury report, and Nabers has been ruled out.***
52.Zack Moss CIN vs. BAL
53.*Brian Robinson WAS vs. CLE
Note: Robinson (knee) has missed the first two practices of the week. Meanwhile, Austin Ekeler fully practiced Thursday. ***Robinson had a limited practice on Friday, and apparently that's enough for him to be good enough to play, though he's officially listed as questionable.***
54.*Trey Sermon IND at JAX
Note: Sermon could be in line for a start this week if Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is out. Tyler Goodson would be the backup behind him. ***Taylor has been ruled out. It'll be Sermon, Goodson and Evan Hull this week.***
55.Jake Ferguson DAL at PIT
56.Brock Bowers LV at DEN
57.*Keon Coleman BUF at HOU
Note: Small upgrade with Khalil Shakir nursing an ankle injury.
58.*Jakobi Meyers LV at DEN
Note: Meyers had 10 targets last week with Davante Adams out.
59.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. NYG
60.Christian Kirk JAC vs. IND
61.*Dontayvion Wicks GB at LAR
Note: Wicks garnered 13 targets in the loss to the Vikings - a good number of them after Christian Watson's ankle injury. Watson won't need a trip to the IR, but he'll probably be out for at least one week, giving Wicks a golden opportunity against the Rams this week. Not only is Watson out, but Romeo Doubs has been suspended for this week.***
62.D'Andre Swift CHI vs. CAR
63.*Alexander Mattison LV at DEN
Note: Mattison's play has 'earned him more work' over Zamir White in the future. ***Zamir White has now been ruled out. Ameer Abdullah and Dylan Laube are the backups.***
64.Rico Dowdle DAL at PIT
65.Brian Thomas JAC vs. IND
66.Rashid Shaheed NO at KC
67.Bucky Irving TB at ATL
68.Jaylen Waddle MIA at NE
69.*Josh Downs IND at JAX
Note: Downs was probably the biggest beneficiary of Joe Flacco coming in for the injured Anthony Richardson last week.
70.Jauan Jennings SF vs. ARI
71.*Jerry Jeudy CLE at WAS
Note: ***Jeudy (knee) was cleared from the injury list.***
72.*Justice Hill BAL at CIN
Note: Hill is getting targets that on other teams might be saved for tight ends or wide receivers.
73.*Antonio Gibson NE vs. MIA
Note: ***Gibson will take over the starting role ahead of Rhamondre Stevenson due to Stevenson's fumbling issues.***
74.Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. TB
75.*Tank Bigsby JAC vs. IND
Note: Bigsby had two big runs and got early snaps, with teammate Travis Etienne managing a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Bigsby is managing a shoulder issue in his own right and was limited on Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
76.Darnell Mooney ATL vs. TB
77.Allen Lazard NYJ at MIN
78.*Xavier Legette CAR at CHI
Note: Legette had 10 targets with Adam Thielen out, and had six catches, but also had a really bad drop.
79.*Bo Melton GB at LAR
Note: Melton could have some value if Romeo Doubs (personal) can't play this weekend. ***Doubs has been suspended for a week.***
80.Braelon Allen NYJ at MIN
81.Roschon Johnson CHI vs. CAR
82.*Tyler Lockett SEA vs. NYG
Note: Lockett (thigh) was limited in Wednesday's walk-through practice. ***Lockett was cleared from the injury report on Friday.***
83.Dalton Kincaid BUF at HOU
84.Pat Freiermuth PIT vs. DAL
85.Keenan Allen CHI vs. CAR
86.Rome Odunze CHI vs. CAR
87.*Jordan Whittington LA vs. GB
Note: Whittington led the Rams in receptions and targets last week.
88.Mike Williams NYJ at MIN
89.Tre Tucker LV at DEN
90.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. MIA
Note: Stevenson lost a fumble for the second week in a row. ***Antonio Gibson will be the starter this week ahead of Stevenson, though Stevenson will remain a part of the gameplan.***

Kickers

1.Brandon Aubrey DAL at PIT
2.Harrison Butker KC vs. NO
3.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. BUF
4.Jake Moody SF vs. ARI
5.Justin Tucker BAL at CIN
6.*Younghoe Koo ATL vs. TB
Note: Just a casual 58-yard game-winner.
7.*Joshua Karty LA vs. GB
Note: Karty had a wind-blown miss in the loss to the Bears, but made four other attempts.
8.Tyler Bass BUF at HOU
9.Chris Boswell PIT vs. DAL
10.Evan McPherson CIN vs. BAL
11.Will Reichard MIN vs. NYJ
12.Daniel Carlson LV at DEN
13.*Blake Grupe NO at KC
Note: ***Grupe (hip) fully practiced Friday.***
14.*Greg Zuerlein NYJ at MIN
Note: 50-yard kicks used to be near-miraculous, now a miss of one of that length seems massively disappointing, such as Zuerlein's against the Broncos last week.
15.Chase McLaughlin TB at ATL
16.Austin Seibert WAS vs. CLE
17.Cairo Santos CHI vs. CAR
18.Jason Myers SEA vs. NYG
19.Cam Little JAC vs. IND
20.*Brayden Narveson GB at LAR
Note: The whole league is nailing long-distance field goals each week, yet the Packers have a kicker problem for the second year in a row, with Narveson missing from 37 and 49 yards last week.
21.*Joey Slye NE vs. MIA
Note: In yet another crazy kicker week, Slye *easily* made field goals from 63 and 54 yards out.
22.Matt Gay IND at JAX
23.*Dustin Hopkins CLE at WAS
Note: Hopkins' missed extra point was costly in the loss to the Raiders.
24.Wil Lutz DEN vs. LV
25.Jason Sanders MIA at NE
26.Eddy Pineiro CAR at CHI
27.Greg Joseph NYG at SEA
28.*Matt Prater ARZ at SF
Note: ***Prater was added to the injury report with a knee injury and is questionable. The Cardinals elevated Chad Ryland from the practice squad in case Prater can't go.***
29.*Chad Ryland ARZ at SF
Note: ***Might fill in for Matt Prater (knee) this week.***
30.Jake Elliott PHI at
31.Jake Bates DET at
32.Nick Folk TEN at

Defenses

1.*Denver Broncos vs. LV
Note: Two awesome performances in a row, and now the Broncos get home and face the Raiders, without Davante Adams.
2.San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI
3.Chicago Bears vs. CAR
4.Minnesota Vikings vs. NYJ
5.New York Jets at MIN
6.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. DAL
7.Kansas City Chiefs vs. NO
8.New England Patriots vs. MIA
9.Seattle Seahawks vs. NYG
10.*Miami Dolphins at NE
Note: The Dolphins and Pats game is tied for the lowest under for the week.
11.Baltimore Ravens at CIN
12.Washington Commanders vs. CLE
13.Las Vegas Raiders at DEN
14.*Dallas Cowboys at PIT
Note: The Cowboys will be without DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and likely also Micah Parsons (ankle).
15.Green Bay Packers at LAR
16.Houston Texans vs. BUF
17.Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
18.Cleveland Browns at WAS
19.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL
20.Buffalo Bills at HOU
21.Indianapolis Colts at JAX
22.New Orleans Saints at KC
23.Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND
24.Cincinnati Bengals vs. BAL
25.Carolina Panthers at CHI
26.Los Angeles Rams vs. GB
27.New York Giants at SEA
28.Arizona Cardinals at SF
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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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