This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday update complete
Bye Week: Arizona, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New England, Washington
Thursday Game - Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 7:00 pm PT. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it. If there is no such note, that means it's my first pass at the rankings for this current week.
By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be
Sunday update complete
Bye Week: Arizona, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New England, Washington
Thursday Game - Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Flex Rankings are for PPR leagues.
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 7:00 pm PT. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***
I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it. If there is no such note, that means it's my first pass at the rankings for this current week.
By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?". And then refer to the rankings again before asking a generic starting decision question. If you really desire a response to a starting question that doesn't have added complexity, please use our Ask An Expert service - it comes with your subscription. My response will correspond with the rankings.
Quarterback
| 1. | Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Ind |
| 2. | Matt Ryan ATL at TB Note: Incredibly efficient game against the Packers - even before accounting that Julio Jones had such a small part of his production. |
| 3. | Drew Brees NO at SF |
| 4. | *Andrew Luck IND at GB Note: (Shoulder) Limited as usual on Thursday. |
| 5. | Philip Rivers SD vs. Ten |
| 6. | Cam Newton CAR at LA |
| 7. | Jameis Winston TB vs. Atl Note: Disappointing game against the Raiders - had difficulty finding time to throw. |
| 8. | Marcus Mariota TEN at SD |
| 9. | Dak Prescott DAL at Cle |
| 10. | Eli Manning NYG vs. Phi |
| 11. | Blake Bortles JAC at KC |
| 12. | Colin Kaepernick SF vs. NO |
| 13. | *Nick Foles KC vs. Jax Note: Played well in relief of Alex Smith, but it's Smith's job once he's cleared to play. Starting this week. |
| 14. | Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. NYJ |
| 15. | *Ben Roethlisberger PIT at Bal Note: Mike Tomlin said that Roethlisberger (knee) 'could' play this week - we'll have to see how he practices this week; he took some first-team reps on Monday. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday, on track to start. ***Still a game-time decision, and the Steelers haven't decided yet who to start. Even if he starts, I'm moving him down two spots because of the uncertainty.*** |
| 16. | Derek Carr OAK vs. Den Note: Carr threw for over 500 yards last week, but this week draws the Broncos. Even if Talib misses another game, it's still a bad matchup. |
| 17. | Matthew Stafford DET at Min |
| 18. | *Cody Kessler CLE vs. Dal Note: (Concussion) Listed as a co-starter alongside Josh McCown, has received clearance to practice. Full practice Wednesday - Hue Jackson hasn't yet named his starter for this week. |
| 19. | Joe Flacco BAL vs. Pit |
| 20. | Carson Wentz PHI at NYG Note: Averaged just 4.7 yards per attempt Sunday night and attempted just one pass beyond 15 yards. |
| 21. | Sam Bradford MIN vs. Det Note: Sacked five times by the Bears, couldn't get much going until very late. |
| 22. | Trevor Siemian DEN at Oak Note: Had his first two turnovers since Week 2. |
| 23. | Case Keenum LA vs. Car |
| 24. | Russell Wilson SEA vs. Buf Note: Hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week 4 - couldn't take advantage of a big opportunity against the Saints last week. |
| 25. | Ryan Fitzpatrick NYJ at Mia Note: Overcame an ugly first half (3-of-14 for 30 yards), will hold on to his job for another week. |
| 26. | Tyrod Taylor BUF at Sea Note: Get this man some help at WR. Is Percy Harvin going to help move the needle? |
| 27. | Landry Jones PIT at Bal |
| 28. | *Josh McCown CLE vs. Dal Note: Listed as a co-starter alongside Cody Kessler. |
| 29. | *Tony Romo DAL at Cle Note: Ready for games 'at some point near the end of the season.' |
| 30. | *Alex Smith KC vs. Jax Note: Officially did not suffer a concussion against the Colts, despite twice being examined for concussions and removed from the game. Will start once he's cleared to play. Ruled out this week, even though he didn't suffer a concussion. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Ezekiel Elliott DAL at Cle |
| 2. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at Bal |
| 3. | *DeMarco Murray TEN at SD Note: Hurt his toe in the Thursday night game, but came back after a brief rest at the start of the third quarter. He then left again late, but with the Titans winning big. Will be monitored closely in practice. Full practice Thursday. ***Full participant again on Friday.*** |
| 4. | Devonta Freeman ATL at TB |
| 5. | Todd Gurley LA vs. Car |
| 6. | Melvin Gordon SD vs. Ten |
| 7. | Jay Ajayi MIA vs. NYJ |
| 8. | Frank Gore IND at GB |
| 9. | *Matt Forte NYJ at Mia Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday. |
| 10. | *Charcandrick West KC vs. Jax Note: In line for a big role if Spencer Ware's concussion keeps him out. ***Ware officially out, West will start with Sankey backing him up.*** |
| 11. | Christine Michael SEA vs. Buf Note: The Seahawks' OL woes are hurting the running game too. |
| 12. | *Devontae Booker DEN at Oak Note: Left early with a shoulder injury, but later returned. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
| 13. | Jonathan Stewart CAR at LA Note: Got two short touchdown runs last week - if that continues (to protect Cam), suddenly he's got a much higher upside. |
| 14. | *Terrance West BAL vs. Pit Note: Was banged up before the bye - a week off isn't always a panacea. |
| 15. | Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. Dal |
| 16. | Latavius Murray OAK vs. Den |
| 17. | *Darren Sproles PHI at NYG Note: Sproles was used ahead of Ryan Mathews as the primary back last week, and now Doug Pederson is hinting that the change will be official. |
| 18. | *Tim Hightower NO at SF Note: Had 26 carries against Seattle after Ingram's fumble, and now faces a woeful Niners run defense. But, Ingram probably won't be completely benched like last week, and Cadet gets all the pass plays. |
| 19. | Duke Johnson CLE vs. Dal |
| 20. | *Peyton Barber TB vs. Atl Note: Could be sharing the carries with Antone Smith this week. Officially starting Thursday night. |
| 21. | *Mark Ingram NO at SF Note: Benched after an early fumble against the Seahawks, and there's no guarantee he'll get his job back. Tim Hightower will clearly be part of the mix. |
| 22. | *LeSean McCoy BUF at Sea Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday, Bills play on Monday night. ***Limited all week, but the Bills are 'confident' that he'll play.*** |
| 23. | *Theo Riddick DET at Min Note: Had virtually all of the running back touches last week. (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable, limited all week in practice.*** |
| 24. | Derrick Henry TEN at SD |
| 25. | Ryan Mathews PHI at NYG Note: Only had five touches compared to 20 for Darren Proles. Named the starter again this week, but I'm skeptical. |
| 26. | *DuJuan Harris SF vs. NO Note: Niners' offensive coordinator said that Harris has 'earned more opportunities'. That said, it's possible that Carlos Hyde could return this week. ***Hyde not expected to play, and Harris is expected to start ahead of Draughn and Davis.*** |
| 27. | Rashad Jennings NYG vs. Phi |
| 28. | Chris Ivory JAC at KC |
| 29. | *C.J. Prosise SEA vs. Buf Note: Has emerged as the third down and top receiving back for the Seahawks. |
| 30. | Bilal Powell NYJ at Mia |
| 31. | Matt Asiata MIN vs. Det Note: Demonstrated he's vulnerable when there are no goal line carries to be had. ***McKinnon expected to play.*** |
| 32. | T.J. Yeldon JAC at KC |
| 33. | *Jerick McKinnon MIN vs. Det Note: (Ankle) Said that he expects to play, but didn't practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday. ***Officially questionable, but expected to play.*** |
| 34. | Terron Ward ATL at TB Note: Looked great (six carries for 46 yards) in his first game off the practice squad. |
| 35. | *Paul Perkins NYG vs. Phi Note: If you can't get Hightower or West on waivers this week, dig a little deeper to see if you can get Prosise, Perkins or Dixon. |
| 36. | Mike Gillislee BUF at Sea Note: Ran great in the loss to the Patriots, but lost out on a garbage time TD to Jonathan Williams. ***The Bills are now 'confident' that McCoy plays.*** |
| 37. | *Bishop Sankey KC vs. Jax Note: Signed by the Chiefs, could ascend to second on the depth chart with Charles out, Ware coping with a concussion. ***Ware officially out.*** |
| 38. | *Antone Smith TB vs. Atl Note: Could be the starter with Jacquizz Rodgers nursing a foot sprain, but it appears to be a committee with Peyton Barber also factoring in. |
| 39. | Kapri Bibbs DEN at Oak |
| 40. | Travaris Cadet NO at SF |
| 41. | *Mike Davis SF vs. NO Note: ***DuJuan Harris will start over Davis and Draughn.*** |
| 42. | Shaun Draughn SF vs. NO |
| 43. | Fozzy Whittaker CAR at LA |
| 44. | DeAndre Washington OAK vs. Den |
| 45. | *Kenneth Dixon BAL vs. Pit Note: Watch Terrence West's practice status closely - Dixon would be next in line to get a lot of work coming out of the bye. |
| 46. | Zach Zenner DET at Min |
| 47. | Jalen Richard OAK vs. Den |
| 48. | Wendell Smallwood PHI at NYG Note: It was Smallwood's turn to lose a critical fumble on Sunday night, and he got fewer chances than Kenjon Barner. |
| 49. | Alfred Morris DAL at Cle |
| 50. | Jonathan Williams BUF at Sea |
| 51. | Josh Ferguson IND at GB |
| 52. | Don Jackson GB vs. Ind |
| 53. | Robert Turbin IND at GB |
| 54. | *Bobby Rainey NYG vs. Phi Note: (Calf) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Questionable to play.*** |
| 55. | Benny Cunningham LA vs. Car |
| 56. | Alex Collins SEA vs. Buf |
| 57. | Damien Williams MIA vs. NYJ |
| 58. | Stevan Ridley ATL at TB |
| 59. | *Knile Davis KC vs. Jax Note: Released by the Packers, claimed by the Jets. Then subsequently released by the Jets to make room for C.J. Spiller. ***Subsequently re-signed by the Chiefs.*** |
| 60. | *Dwayne Washington DET at Min Note: Inactive last week despite full practices. |
| 61. | *Lance Dunbar DAL at Cle Note: (Knee) Inactive last week. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 62. | *Cameron Artis-Payne CAR at LA Note: Inactive last week with Jonathan Stewart now back at full capacity. |
| 63. | *Justin Forsett DET at Min Note: No snaps last week. |
| 64. | *James Starks GB vs. Ind Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
| 65. | *Carlos Hyde SF vs. NO Note: (Shoulder) Wearing a non-contact jersey at Tuesday's practice. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Not expected to play after being limited in practice all week.*** |
| 66. | *Spencer Ware KC vs. Jax Note: Left last week with a concussion. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
| 67. | *Jacquizz Rodgers TB vs. Atl Note: Dealing with a sprained foot, hasn't practiced yet this week and the Bucs play Thursday. Ruled out for Thursday. |
| 68. | *DeAngelo Williams PIT at Bal Note: (Knee) 'Has a shot' to return this week after the bye. Limited practice Wednesday. |
| 69. | *Reggie Bush BUF at Sea Note: Suffered a groin injury in the loss to the Patriots. Did not practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable.*** |
| 70. | *Tevin Coleman ATL at TB Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Tuesday, and Falcons are playing Thursday. Ruled out. |
| 71. | *Dexter McCluster SD vs. Ten Note: ***Fractured his forearm in a household accident and is out for the season.*** |
| 72. | *Doug Martin TB vs. Atl Note: (Hamstring) Absent from practice Monday and Tuesday. Ruled out for Thursday. |
| 73. | *Thomas Rawls SEA vs. Buf Note: (Fibula) Running better but not close to returning. The emergence of C.J. Prosise might be contributing to that assessment. |
| 74. | *Jamaal Charles KC vs. Jax Note: Placed on IR by the Chiefs, will need a second knee surgery. |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | *Odell Beckham NYG vs. Phi Note: (Hip) Limited in Monday's practice, but was moving around well. Limited Wednesday, feels at 'about 85 percent.' ***Removed from the injury report Friday.*** |
| 2. | Mike Evans TB vs. Atl |
| 3. | *Julio Jones ATL at TB Note: (Knee) Looked gimpy against the Packers, but checked out 'fine' on Monday. Not listed on the Falcons' final injury report. |
| 4. | Brandin Cooks NO at SF |
| 5. | *Antonio Brown PIT at Bal Note: Coming back from a hip pointer suffered when the Steelers last played in Week 7. If Ben plays after a full week of practice, he goes up to first. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 6. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Oak |
| 7. | Brandon Marshall NYJ at Mia |
| 8. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at GB Note: Briefly left with a hamstring issue and clearly was hampered all game. Sat out Wednesday's practice, full practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 9. | *Dez Bryant DAL at Cle Note: (Knee/Back) Full practice Thursday. ***Full practice again Friday.*** |
| 10. | Jordy Nelson GB vs. Ind |
| 11. | *Terrelle Pryor CLE vs. Dal Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
| 12. | Allen Robinson JAC at KC |
| 13. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at Oak |
| 14. | *Tyrell Williams SD vs. Ten Note: (Knee) Had just one catch for four yards, but that was Denver. Health-permitting, should bounce back this week against Tennessee. Out Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Increased activity all week, expected to play.*** |
| 15. | Stefon Diggs MIN vs. Det Note: The bye week in this case actually was a perfect elixir for Diggs, who had a team-high 13 targets Monday night. |
| 16. | *Michael Thomas NO at SF Note: ***Limited practice Friday with a stomach illness, but does not have an injury designation.*** |
| 17. | Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Den |
| 18. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. NYJ |
| 19. | Donte Moncrief IND at GB |
| 20. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR at LA Note: Low target number can be in part attributed to Carolina jumping out to a big lead, lowering the need to throw at all. |
| 21. | Davante Adams GB vs. Ind |
| 22. | *Amari Cooper OAK vs. Den Note: (Back) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Remained limited all week, but expected to play.*** |
| 23. | Quincy Enunwa NYJ at Mia |
| 24. | Kenny Britt LA vs. Car |
| 25. | *Marvin Jones DET at Min Note: (Foot) Full practice Thursday. |
| 26. | Willie Snead NO at SF |
| 27. | *Travis Benjamin SD vs. Ten Note: Playing through a PCL sprain, getting a second opinion this week. Returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Increased practice activity all week, expected to play.*** |
| 28. | Mohamed Sanu ATL at TB |
| 29. | Mike Wallace BAL vs. Pit |
| 30. | Cole Beasley DAL at Cle |
| 31. | Golden Tate DET at Min |
| 32. | Jordan Matthews PHI at NYG Note: The good news? 14 targets and a score. The bad news? He had only 5.7 yards per target. |
| 33. | Doug Baldwin SEA vs. Buf |
| 34. | *Ty Montgomery GB vs. Ind Note: The illness that sidelined him were symptoms of a sickle-cell trait that he carries, related to his kidney. He expects to be able to play this week against the Colts. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week but removed from the injury list.*** |
| 35. | Allen Hurns JAC at KC |
| 36. | *Corey Coleman CLE vs. Dal Note: (Hand) Won't be required to wear protective gear in practice this week. Full practice Thursday, looks like he will return this week. |
| 37. | Jeremy Kerley SF vs. NO |
| 38. | Rishard Matthews TEN at SD |
| 39. | Kendall Wright TEN at SD |
| 40. | Dontrelle Inman SD vs. Ten |
| 41. | *Jeremy Maclin KC vs. Jax Note: Injuries in the Chiefs backfield might lead to more passes - Maclin had 10 targets against the Colts. (Groin) Added to the injury report after missing practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable but expected to play.*** |
| 42. | Marqise Lee JAC at KC |
| 43. | Sterling Shepard NYG vs. Phi |
| 44. | Tyreek Hill KC vs. Jax Note: Now has four touchdowns in seven games - he had five catches for 98 yards on six targets, albeit on only 21 snaps. |
| 45. | Adam Humphries TB vs. Atl |
| 46. | *DeVante Parker MIA vs. NYJ Note: ***Full practice all week, but listed as questionable with the hamstring that has bothered him since the preseason.*** |
| 47. | Jermaine Kearse SEA vs. Buf |
| 48. | *Steve Smith BAL vs. Pit Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Officially listed as questionable but expected to play.*** |
| 49. | Tavon Austin LA vs. Car |
| 50. | Andrew Hawkins CLE vs. Dal |
| 51. | Tyler Lockett SEA vs. Buf |
| 52. | Ted Ginn CAR at LA Note: Led the Panthers with six targets against the Cardinals. |
| 53. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. Det |
| 54. | Anquan Boldin DET at Min |
| 55. | Cordarrelle Patterson MIN vs. Det Note: Overcame concussion concerns, had three catches for 36 yards Monday night on three targets. |
| 56. | Chris Conley KC vs. Jax |
| 57. | Torrey Smith SF vs. NO |
| 58. | Terrance Williams DAL at Cle |
| 59. | *Marquise Goodwin BUF at Sea Note: Cleared from the concussion protocol, should be available Monday night against the Seahawks. ***Practiced all week, expected to play.*** |
| 60. | *Darrius Heyward-Bey PIT at Bal Note: Listed ahead of Wheaton on the depth chart. |
| 61. | Victor Cruz NYG vs. Phi |
| 62. | *Robert Woods BUF at Sea Note: (Foot) Was able to gut out the Patriots game, getting seven targets, netting four catches for 50 yards. Limited practice Thursday. ***Limited all week but expected to play.*** |
| 63. | *Phillip Dorsett IND at GB Note: Got hurt on the final play of the game - look for more status reports once the Colts start practicing. Not listed on the injury report, full practice Wednesday. |
| 64. | Nelson Agholor PHI at NYG |
| 65. | Dorial Green-Beckham PHI at NYG |
| 66. | Seth Roberts OAK vs. Den |
| 67. | Devin Funchess CAR at LA |
| 68. | Taylor Gabriel ATL at TB Note: Took advantage of the extra coverage on Julio Jones to catch three passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. |
| 69. | Brandon Coleman NO at SF |
| 70. | Tajae Sharpe TEN at SD |
| 71. | *Percy Harvin BUF at Sea Note: Coming out of retirement given all of the Bills' attrition at WR, and immediately gets a revenge game. Sort of. |
| 72. | *Eli Rogers PIT at Bal Note: 'Candidate to see considerable playing time' if Coates and/or Wheaton are limited. |
| 73. | Breshad Perriman BAL vs. Pit |
| 74. | Justin Hunter BUF at Sea |
| 75. | *Sammie Coates PIT at Bal Note: Hand injury remains a concern. Not listed on the injury report. ***Will not need to wear any protective gear on his hand.*** |
| 76. | Brice Butler DAL at Cle |
| 77. | Walter Powell BUF at Sea |
| 78. | Aldrick Robinson ATL at TB |
| 79. | Charles Johnson MIN vs. Det |
| 80. | Justin Hardy ATL at TB |
| 81. | Charone Peake NYJ at Mia |
| 82. | Robby Anderson NYJ at Mia |
| 83. | Paul Richardson SEA vs. Buf |
| 84. | Brian Quick LA vs. Car |
| 85. | Kenny Stills MIA vs. NYJ |
| 86. | Geronimo Allison GB vs. Ind Note: Came off the practice squad to score a touchdown - there was a lot of that all around in Week 8. |
| 87. | Trevor Davis GB vs. Ind Note: Really benefited from the absence of Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery. |
| 88. | *Kamar Aiken BAL vs. Pit |
| 89. | *Markus Wheaton PIT at Bal Note: (Shoulder) Behind Heyward-Bey on the depth chart. |
| 90. | *Ricardo Louis CLE vs. Dal Note: ***(Hamstring) Did not practice Friday.*** |
| 91. | *Russell Shepard TB vs. Atl Note: (Hip) Inactive for Monday's practice activity, limited on Tuesday. Inactive Thursday night. |
| 92. | *Chester Rogers IND at GB Note: (Hamstring) Returned to practice Thursday. |
| 93. | *Randall Cobb GB vs. Ind Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Isn't expected to play.*** |
Tight Ends
| 1. | Greg Olsen CAR at LA Note: Only three targets last week, but I don't think that this is a trend. Every non-Gronk tight end has a bad game like this. |
| 2. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Det |
| 3. | Travis Kelce KC vs. Jax |
| 4. | Jack Doyle IND at GB |
| 5. | Jason Witten DAL at Cle |
| 6. | Coby Fleener NO at SF |
| 7. | Dennis Pitta BAL vs. Pit |
| 8. | *Jimmy Graham SEA vs. Buf Note: ***(Knee) Full participant at Saturday's practice.*** |
| 9. | Gary Barnidge CLE vs. Dal |
| 10. | *Antonio Gates SD vs. Ten Note: ***Hunter Henry ruled out.*** |
| 11. | *Julius Thomas JAC at KC Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday. |
| 12. | Cameron Brate TB vs. Atl |
| 13. | Eric Ebron DET at Min |
| 14. | *Austin Hooper ATL at TB Note: Went 5-for-41 on five targets last week, and Jacob Tamme is unavailable on Thursday. Hooper also has good speed and draft pedigree - potential breakout here. |
| 15. | *Delanie Walker TEN at SD Note: (Groin) Added to the injury report Thursday. ***Did not practice Friday, listed as a game-time decision. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that he's expected to play.*** |
| 16. | Zach Ertz PHI at NYG |
| 17. | Lance Kendricks LA vs. Car |
| 18. | Vance McDonald SF vs. NO |
| 19. | *Charles Clay BUF at Sea Note: Left with a shoulder injury but later returned. Still, it's worth watching his practices this week. That is if you're in the business of worrying about Clay for your team to begin with. Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable for Monday night's game.*** |
| 20. | Richard Rodgers GB vs. Ind |
| 21. | Larry Donnell NYG vs. Phi |
| 22. | Virgil Green DEN at Oak |
| 23. | Clive Walford OAK vs. Den |
| 24. | Jesse James PIT at Bal |
| 25. | Brent Celek PHI at NYG |
| 26. | Mychal Rivera OAK vs. Den |
| 27. | MarQueis Gray MIA vs. NYJ |
| 28. | Will Tye NYG vs. Phi |
| 29. | *Dwayne Allen IND at GB Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday. ***Limited practice all week, should play but won't be 100 percent.*** |
| 30. | Garrett Celek SF vs. NO |
| 31. | *Hunter Henry SD vs. Ten Note: (Knee) Did not practice Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.*** |
| 32. | *Dion Sims MIA vs. NYJ Note: (Concussion) Returned to practice Tuesday. Despite that he's still in the concussion protocol. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 33. | *Ladarius Green PIT at Bal Note: (Ankle) Could make his Steelers debut this week. ***Not activated from the PUP list after all.*** |
| 34. | *Jacob Tamme ATL at TB Note: (Shoulder) Unavailable to play Thursday against the Bucs. |
| 35. | *Jordan Cameron MIA vs. NYJ Note: (Concussion) Still not practicing. ***Placed on IR.*** |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Ezekiel Elliott DAL at Cle |
| 2. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at Bal |
| 3. | *Odell Beckham NYG vs. Phi Note: (Hip) Limited in Monday's practice, but was moving around well. Limited Wednesday, feels at 'about 85 percent.' ***Removed from the injury report Friday.*** |
| 4. | Mike Evans TB vs. Atl |
| 5. | *Julio Jones ATL at TB Note: (Knee) Looked gimpy against the Packers, but checked out 'fine' on Monday. Not listed on the Falcons' final injury report. |
| 6. | *DeMarco Murray TEN at SD Note: Hurt his toe in the Thursday night game, but came back after a brief rest at the start of the third quarter. He then left again late, but with the Titans winning big. Will be monitored closely in practice. Full practice Thursday. ***Full participant again on Friday.*** |
| 7. | Devonta Freeman ATL at TB |
| 8. | Todd Gurley LA vs. Car |
| 9. | Melvin Gordon SD vs. Ten |
| 10. | Brandin Cooks NO at SF |
| 11. | *Antonio Brown PIT at Bal Note: Coming back from a hip pointer suffered when the Steelers last played in Week 7. If Ben plays after a full week of practice, he goes up to first. Full practice Wednesday. |
| 12. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN at Oak |
| 13. | Brandon Marshall NYJ at Mia |
| 14. | *Dez Bryant DAL at Cle Note: (Knee/Back) Full practice Thursday. ***Full practice again Friday.*** |
| 15. | Jordy Nelson GB vs. Ind |
| 16. | *Terrelle Pryor CLE vs. Dal Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
| 17. | Jay Ajayi MIA vs. NYJ |
| 18. | *T.Y. Hilton IND at GB Note: Briefly left with a hamstring issue and clearly was hampered all game. Sat out Wednesday's practice, full practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 19. | Christine Michael SEA vs. Buf Note: The Seahawks' OL woes are hurting the running game too. |
| 20. | Greg Olsen CAR at LA Note: Only three targets last week, but I don't think that this is a trend. Every non-Gronk tight end has a bad game like this. |
| 21. | *Devontae Booker DEN at Oak Note: Left early with a shoulder injury, but later returned. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
| 22. | *Tyrell Williams SD vs. Ten Note: (Knee) Had just one catch for four yards, but that was Denver. Health-permitting, should bounce back this week against Tennessee. Out Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Increased activity all week, expected to play.*** |
| 23. | Allen Robinson JAC at KC |
| 24. | Demaryius Thomas DEN at Oak |
| 25. | Stefon Diggs MIN vs. Det Note: The bye week in this case actually was a perfect elixir for Diggs, who had a team-high 13 targets Monday night. |
| 26. | *Michael Thomas NO at SF Note: ***Limited practice Friday with a stomach illness, but does not have an injury designation.*** |
| 27. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Det |
| 28. | Frank Gore IND at GB |
| 29. | *Matt Forte NYJ at Mia Note: (Knee) Full practice Thursday. |
| 30. | *Charcandrick West KC vs. Jax Note: In line for a big role if Spencer Ware's concussion keeps him out. ***Ware officially out, West will start with Sankey backing him up.*** |
| 31. | *Darren Sproles PHI at NYG Note: Sproles was used ahead of Ryan Mathews as the primary back last week, and now Doug Pederson is hinting that the change will be official. |
| 32. | Michael Crabtree OAK vs. Den |
| 33. | Jarvis Landry MIA vs. NYJ |
| 34. | Donte Moncrief IND at GB |
| 35. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR at LA Note: Low target number can be in part attributed to Carolina jumping out to a big lead, lowering the need to throw at all. |
| 36. | Davante Adams GB vs. Ind |
| 37. | *Amari Cooper OAK vs. Den Note: (Back) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Remained limited all week, but expected to play.*** |
| 38. | Quincy Enunwa NYJ at Mia |
| 39. | Kenny Britt LA vs. Car |
| 40. | Travis Kelce KC vs. Jax |
| 41. | *Theo Riddick DET at Min Note: Had virtually all of the running back touches last week. (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable, limited all week in practice.*** |
| 42. | Jonathan Stewart CAR at LA Note: Got two short touchdown runs last week - if that continues (to protect Cam), suddenly he's got a much higher upside. |
| 43. | *Marvin Jones DET at Min Note: (Foot) Full practice Thursday. |
| 44. | Willie Snead NO at SF |
| 45. | *Travis Benjamin SD vs. Ten Note: Playing through a PCL sprain, getting a second opinion this week. Returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Increased practice activity all week, expected to play.*** |
| 46. | Mohamed Sanu ATL at TB |
| 47. | Mike Wallace BAL vs. Pit |
| 48. | *Jeremy Maclin KC vs. Jax Note: Injuries in the Chiefs backfield might lead to more passes - Maclin had 10 targets against the Colts. (Groin) Added to the injury report after missing practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, listed as questionable but expected to play.*** |
| 49. | *Tim Hightower NO at SF Note: Had 26 carries against Seattle after Ingram's fumble, and now faces a woeful Niners run defense. But, Ingram probably won't be completely benched like last week, and Cadet gets all the pass plays. |
| 50. | Cole Beasley DAL at Cle |
| 51. | *Jimmy Graham SEA vs. Buf Note: ***(Knee) Full participant at Saturday's practice.*** |
| 52. | *Terrance West BAL vs. Pit Note: Was banged up before the bye - a week off isn't always a panacea. |
| 53. | Isaiah Crowell CLE vs. Dal |
| 54. | Latavius Murray OAK vs. Den |
| 55. | Golden Tate DET at Min |
| 56. | Jordan Matthews PHI at NYG Note: The good news? 14 targets and a score. The bad news? He had only 5.7 yards per target. |
| 57. | Doug Baldwin SEA vs. Buf |
| 58. | *Ty Montgomery GB vs. Ind Note: The illness that sidelined him were symptoms of a sickle-cell trait that he carries, related to his kidney. He expects to be able to play this week against the Colts. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week but removed from the injury list.*** |
| 59. | Allen Hurns JAC at KC |
| 60. | *Jerick McKinnon MIN vs. Det Note: (Ankle) Said that he expects to play, but didn't practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday. ***Officially questionable, but expected to play.*** |
| 61. | *Corey Coleman CLE vs. Dal Note: (Hand) Won't be required to wear protective gear in practice this week. Full practice Thursday, looks like he will return this week. |
| 62. | *Mark Ingram NO at SF Note: Benched after an early fumble against the Seahawks, and there's no guarantee he'll get his job back. Tim Hightower will clearly be part of the mix. |
| 63. | Matt Asiata MIN vs. Det Note: Demonstrated he's vulnerable when there are no goal line carries to be had. ***McKinnon expected to play.*** |
| 64. | Duke Johnson CLE vs. Dal |
| 65. | *C.J. Prosise SEA vs. Buf Note: Has emerged as the third down and top receiving back for the Seahawks. |
| 66. | Jeremy Kerley SF vs. NO |
| 67. | Rishard Matthews TEN at SD |
| 68. | *Delanie Walker TEN at SD Note: (Groin) Added to the injury report Thursday. ***Did not practice Friday, listed as a game-time decision. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that he's expected to play.*** |
| 69. | Kendall Wright TEN at SD |
| 70. | Dontrelle Inman SD vs. Ten |
| 71. | Marqise Lee JAC at KC |
| 72. | Sterling Shepard NYG vs. Phi |
| 73. | Derrick Henry TEN at SD |
| 74. | *DeVante Parker MIA vs. NYJ Note: ***Full practice all week, but listed as questionable with the hamstring that has bothered him since the preseason.*** |
| 75. | Ryan Mathews PHI at NYG Note: Only had five touches compared to 20 for Darren Proles. Named the starter again this week, but I'm skeptical. |
| 76. | *DuJuan Harris SF vs. NO Note: Niners' offensive coordinator said that Harris has 'earned more opportunities'. That said, it's possible that Carlos Hyde could return this week. ***Hyde not expected to play, and Harris is expected to start ahead of Draughn and Davis.*** |
| 77. | Chris Ivory JAC at KC |
| 78. | Jack Doyle IND at GB |
| 79. | Jason Witten DAL at Cle |
| 80. | Coby Fleener NO at SF |
| 81. | Dennis Pitta BAL vs. Pit |
| 82. | Gary Barnidge CLE vs. Dal |
| 83. | Tyreek Hill KC vs. Jax Note: Now has four touchdowns in seven games - he had five catches for 98 yards on six targets, albeit on only 21 snaps. |
| 84. | Adam Humphries TB vs. Atl |
| 85. | Jermaine Kearse SEA vs. Buf |
| 86. | Tavon Austin LA vs. Car |
| 87. | Andrew Hawkins CLE vs. Dal |
| 88. | *Peyton Barber TB vs. Atl Note: Could be sharing the carries with Antone Smith this week. Officially starting Thursday night. |
| 89. | Bilal Powell NYJ at Mia |
| 90. | T.J. Yeldon JAC at KC |
| 91. | *Antone Smith TB vs. Atl Note: Could be the starter with Jacquizz Rodgers nursing a foot sprain, but it appears to be a committee with Peyton Barber also factoring in. |
| 92. | Terron Ward ATL at TB Note: Looked great (six carries for 46 yards) in his first game off the practice squad. |
| 93. | Tyler Lockett SEA vs. Buf |
| 94. | Ted Ginn CAR at LA Note: Led the Panthers with six targets against the Cardinals. |
| 95. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. Det |
| 96. | *Julius Thomas JAC at KC Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday. |
| 97. | *Antonio Gates SD vs. Ten Note: ***Hunter Henry ruled out.*** |
| 98. | Cameron Brate TB vs. Atl |
| 99. | Rashad Jennings NYG vs. Phi |
| 100. | *Paul Perkins NYG vs. Phi Note: If you can't get Hightower or West on waivers this week, dig a little deeper to see if you can get Prosise, Perkins or Dixon. |
| 101. | Travaris Cadet NO at SF |
| 102. | Shaun Draughn SF vs. NO |
| 103. | Fozzy Whittaker CAR at LA |
| 104. | Anquan Boldin DET at Min |
| 105. | Cordarrelle Patterson MIN vs. Det Note: Overcame concussion concerns, had three catches for 36 yards Monday night on three targets. |
| 106. | *Mike Davis SF vs. NO Note: ***DuJuan Harris will start over Davis and Draughn.*** |
Kickers
| 1. | Mason Crosby GB vs. Ind |
| 2. | Matt Bryant ATL at TB |
| 3. | Adam Vinatieri IND at GB |
| 4. | Justin Tucker BAL vs. Pit |
| 5. | Josh Lambo SD vs. Ten Note: As soon as I sing his praises, Lambo misses a field goal and has an extra point blocked. So much for taking advantage of altitude. |
| 6. | Cairo Santos KC vs. Jax Note: Missed a 28-yard field goal attempt and has only attempted one 50+ field goal. |
| 7. | Dan Bailey DAL at Cle |
| 8. | Blair Walsh MIN vs. Det |
| 9. | Brandon McManus DEN at Oak |
| 10. | Steven Hauschka SEA vs. Buf |
| 11. | Wil Lutz NO at SF |
| 12. | Robbie Gould NYG vs. Phi |
| 13. | *Roberto Aguayo TB vs. Atl Note: Missed an extra-point attempt. If he weren't a 2nd round pick, his roster spot would be in jeopardy. |
| 14. | Graham Gano CAR at LA |
| 15. | Sebastian Janikowski OAK vs. Den Note: Missed twice with chances to win the game last week. Those misses were from 50 and 52 yards respectively. |
| 16. | Chris Boswell PIT at Bal |
| 17. | Andrew Franks MIA vs. NYJ |
| 18. | Greg Zuerlein LA vs. Car |
| 19. | Phil Dawson SF vs. NO |
| 20. | Ryan Succop TEN at SD |
| 21. | Nick Folk NYJ at Mia |
| 22. | Caleb Sturgis PHI at NYG |
| 23. | Dan Carpenter BUF at Sea |
| 24. | Cody Parkey CLE vs. Dal |
| 25. | Matt Prater DET at Min |
| 26. | Jason Myers JAC at KC |
Defenses
| 1. | Seattle Seahawks vs. Buf |
| 2. | *Dallas Cowboys at Cle Note: Morris Claiborne (sports hernia) out 4-to-6 weeks. Barry Church out with a broken arm. |
| 3. | Minnesota Vikings vs. Det |
| 4. | Denver Broncos at Oak |
| 5. | *Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jax Note: Dee Ford with 3.5 sacks against the Colts, and Justin Houston is coming back soon (though not this week). |
| 6. | *San Diego Chargers vs. Ten Note: Yet another LB out - Denzel Perryman out with a hamstring injury. |
| 7. | New York Giants vs. Phi |
| 8. | Carolina Panthers at LA |
| 9. | *Buffalo Bills at Sea Note: S Aaron Williams (neck) placed on IR. Lorenzo Alexander is hopeful his hamstring injury won't keep him out on Monday night. |
| 10. | *Baltimore Ravens vs. Pit Note: This ranking applies if Landry Jones starts at QB for the Steelers. I'll go much lower if it's Ben Roethlisberger after a full week of practice. |
| 11. | Miami Dolphins vs. NYJ |
| 12. | Green Bay Packers vs. Ind |
| 13. | Philadelphia Eagles at NYG |
| 14. | Atlanta Falcons at TB Note: The Bucs had a really hard time protecting Winston this week - it might be more of the same against the Falcons on Thursday. |
| 15. | *Oakland Raiders vs. Den Note: CB Sean Smith (shoulder) will miss Week 9. |
| 16. | Pittsburgh Steelers at Bal |
| 17. | Tennessee Titans at SD |
| 18. | *Detroit Lions at Min Note: Which factor will be more important - the Lions' secondary woes, or the Vikings' OL woes? |
| 19. | Los Angeles Rams vs. Car |
| 20. | New Orleans Saints at SF |
| 21. | New York Jets at Mia |
| 22. | Jacksonville Jaguars at KC |
| 23. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atl |
| 24. | Cleveland Browns vs. Dal |
| 25. | San Francisco 49ers vs. NO |
| 26. | Indianapolis Colts at GB |
