Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Rankings

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Updated on October 25, 2011 10:58PM EST

Quarterback

1.	Drew Brees NO at StL
2.	Tom Brady NE at Pit
3.	Michael Vick PHI vs. Dal
4.	Cam Newton CAR vs. Min Note: Dealing with a stomach virus.*
5.	Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. NE
6.	Eli Manning NYG vs. Mia
7.	Tim Tebow DEN vs. Det Note: 55 ugly minutes, but five minutes of fantasy salvation did the trick.
8.	Philip Rivers SD at KC Note: Two killer INTs against the Jets, then a logic-defying sequence of downs on the final drive. What's wrong with Rivers this year?
9.	Tony Romo DAL at Phi
10.	Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF vs. Was
11.	Matt Schaub HOU vs. Jac
12.	Matthew Stafford DET at Den Note: Day-to-day with an ankle sprain. Practiced with the first team Thursday after being limited Wednesday. I don't think Shaun Hill will start over him. Officially game-time decision, but widely expected to play. *
13.	Joe Flacco BAL vs. Ari Note: Put up one of the most inept performances of the season.
14.	Matt Cassel KC vs. SD
15.	Alex Smith SF vs. Cle
16.	Andy Dalton CIN at Sea
17.	Matt Hasselbeck TEN vs. Ind Note: Replaced very late by Jake Locker last week. He's not in immediate danger of getting replaced, but should the Titans' season spiral out of control, that becomes a bigger possibility. Dealing with a thumb injury, but practiced without problems Thursday.*
18.	Christian Ponder MIN at Car Note: Not a

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Quarterback

1.	Drew Brees NO at StL
2.	Tom Brady NE at Pit
3.	Michael Vick PHI vs. Dal
4.	Cam Newton CAR vs. Min Note: Dealing with a stomach virus.*
5.	Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. NE
6.	Eli Manning NYG vs. Mia
7.	Tim Tebow DEN vs. Det Note: 55 ugly minutes, but five minutes of fantasy salvation did the trick.
8.	Philip Rivers SD at KC Note: Two killer INTs against the Jets, then a logic-defying sequence of downs on the final drive. What's wrong with Rivers this year?
9.	Tony Romo DAL at Phi
10.	Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF vs. Was
11.	Matt Schaub HOU vs. Jac
12.	Matthew Stafford DET at Den Note: Day-to-day with an ankle sprain. Practiced with the first team Thursday after being limited Wednesday. I don't think Shaun Hill will start over him. Officially game-time decision, but widely expected to play. *
13.	Joe Flacco BAL vs. Ari Note: Put up one of the most inept performances of the season.
14.	Matt Cassel KC vs. SD
15.	Alex Smith SF vs. Cle
16.	Andy Dalton CIN at Sea
17.	Matt Hasselbeck TEN vs. Ind Note: Replaced very late by Jake Locker last week. He's not in immediate danger of getting replaced, but should the Titans' season spiral out of control, that becomes a bigger possibility. Dealing with a thumb injury, but practiced without problems Thursday.*
18.	Christian Ponder MIN at Car Note: Not a terrible performance in his debut as a starter, though his per-pass stats were boosted by a 72-yard completion on a blown coverage on the first play.
19.	Colt McCoy CLE at SF
20.	John Beck WAS at Buf Note: Now without Santana Moss as his top WR option. Meanwhile, Rex Grossman is dealing with pneumonia, so Beck's starting job isn't in danger.
21.	A.J. Feeley STL vs. NO Note: Decent in the loss to the Cowboys, might get one more start. Starting again this week.*
22.	Kevin Kolb ARZ at Bal Note: Another bad matchup this week, and won't have Beanie Wells available to run the ball.
23.	Curtis Painter IND at Ten Note: Had a severe regression Sunday night against the Saints.
24.	Tarvaris Jackson SEA vs. Cin Note: Sat out last week with a chest injury, but expected to start against the Bengals this week. Still limited in practice. Even though Whitehurst took most of the snaps Friday, Jackson is expected to start - officially a game-time decision. *
25.	Matt Moore MIA at NYG Note: Dealing with bruised ribs, plus J.P. Losman is now the backup with Sage Rosenfels on the Reserve List with an illness. Expected to play this week.*
26.	Blaine Gabbert JAC at Hou
27.	Sam Bradford STL vs. NO Note: (High Ankle Sprain) Remains in a walking boot. We could see another week of Feeley at the helm. Still not practicing, unlikely to play again this week.*
28.	*Charlie Whitehurst SEA vs. Cin Note: Just 97 yards passing against the Browns. It appears that Jackson will be back at the helm this week.

Running Backs

1.	Adrian Peterson MIN at Car Note: Twisted his ankle but only was out briefly while having a huge game against the Packers. Practiced Thursday.*
2.	Arian Foster HOU vs. Jac Note: 16 catches for 287 yards the last three games. Andre Johnson might return this week, however.
3.	Ray Rice BAL vs. Ari
4.	Fred Jackson BUF vs. Was
5.	LeSean McCoy PHI vs. Dal Note: Not the greatest matchup - I wouldn't call McCoy matchup-proof, but it would take a salary-cap league for me not to use him this week.
6.	Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at Hou
7.	Ahmad Bradshaw NYG vs. Mia
8.	Frank Gore SF vs. Cle
9.	DeMarco Murray DAL at Phi
10.	Darren Sproles NO at StL
11.	Ryan Mathews SD at KC Note: Returned after a brief absence with a thumb injury last week. Could get a lot more action with Tolbert doubtful.*
12.	Rashard Mendenhall PIT vs. NE Note: Very disappointing effort against the Cardinals, who appeared as if they sold out against the run.
13.	Steven Jackson STL vs. NO Note: Loss of his right tackle, Jason Smith, plus the frequent early deficits really hurt his value.
14.	Jackie Battle KC vs. SD Note: Had the most carries of the Chiefs' three backs, but still lost out on 19 combined carries between Jones and McCluster, not to mention touchdown runs by McClain and Javier Arenas, of all people.
15.	Chris Johnson TEN vs. Ind Note: Still struggling badly in the running game, but not a threat to get benched (yeah, no kidding).
16.	BenJarvus Green-Ellis NE at Pit Note: (Toe) Limited in Thursday's practice, still likely to play. Limited all three days of practice, listed as questionable.*
17.	Montario Hardesty CLE at SF Note: Averaged just 2.9 yards per carry despite getting 33 rushes.
18.	Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Min
19.	Maurice Morris DET at Den Note: Split the carries evenly with Keiland Williams last week.
20.	*Knowshon Moreno DEN vs. Det Note: Might start this week, but Lance Ball was also getting carries late last week after McGahee got hurt.
21.	*Bernard Scott CIN at Sea Note: Getting his chance at more carries with Cedric Benson serving a one-game suspension. The question is how with the Bengals split the carries between he and Brian Leonard?
22.	Ben Tate HOU vs. Jac
23.	Pierre Thomas NO at StL
24.	Reggie Bush MIA at NYG Note: (Neck) Limited again Thursday, as was Daniel Thomas. Daniel Thomas didn't make the trip. Bush will split carries with Lex Hilliard.*
25.	Chris Wells ARZ at Bal Note: Sprained knee - unlikely to play this week, and even if he does play, it's at Baltimore. Limited practice Thursday, insists he can play. I'm dubious. It looks as if he'll play. I still don't think he's a good start, but if you're desperate, he's there. *
26.	Keiland Williams DET at Den
27.	*Roy Helu Jr. WAS at Buf Note: Could get a lot more action with Hightower out for the season. Played more snaps than any other Washington back last week, even Hightower - he was on the field for every snap of their final four possessions.
28.	Delone Carter IND at Ten Note: Both Carter and Brown were reasonably effective after Addai's departure, albeit in a blowout loss. Likely the primary guy even with Addai getting back to practice Friday.
29.	*Ryan Torain WAS at Buf Note: Even with Tim Hightower out, I have no idea whether he'll start or not.
30.	C.J. Spiller BUF vs. Was
31.	DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Min Note: Once again, Stewart was the more effective of the two backs. The contract keeps looking worse.
32.	Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. Cin Note: Injured his back in warmups and was a late, in-uniform scratch. Participated in Wednesday's walk-through.*
33.	Lex Hilliard MIA at NYG Note: Much bigger role now that Daniel Thomas didn't make the trip.*
34.	*Donald Brown IND at Ten
35.	*Lance Ball DEN vs. Det Note: On the radar after McGahee's hand injury.
36.	Stevan Ridley NE at Pit Note: Not the worst desperation play given BGE's toe injury.*
37.	Ricky Williams BAL vs. Ari
38.	Kendall Hunter SF vs. Cle
39.	*Javon Ringer TEN vs. Ind Note: Better per-carry stats than Chris Johnson so far, but he's not currently a threat to tak over the starting spot over him.
40.	Isaac Redman PIT vs. NE
41.	Alfonso Smith ARZ at Bal Note: Smith will start for the Cardinals if Beanie Wells can't go. Yay, a road start against the Ravens. It now appears as if Wells will play. It might be one of those situations where Wells is dressed but doesn't get many carries, but nonetheless, we have to downgrade Smith.*
42.	*Justin Forsett SEA vs. Cin Note: Even with Lynch out last week, Forsett went 8-for-23 yards.
43.	Brandon Jacobs NYG vs. Mia Note: (Knee) Returned to practice Monday. Limited practice Thursday.*
44.	Dexter McCluster KC vs. SD
45.	Cadillac Williams STL vs. NO
46.	Dion Lewis PHI vs. Dal
47.	Phillip Tanner DAL at Phi Note: Bigger role now that the Cowboys cut Tashard Choice.*
48.	LaRod Stephens-Howling ARZ at Bal Note: Didn't get a carry even with Beanie Wells hurt last week, but did score on a long catch-and-run.
49.	Brian Leonard CIN at Sea
50.	Deji Karim JAC at Hou
51.	Chris Ogbonnaya CLE at SF
52.	Toby Gerhart MIN at Car
53.	Thomas Jones KC vs. SD
54.	Leon Washington SEA vs. Cin
55.	Danny Woodhead NE at Pit
56.	Ronnie Brown PHI vs. Dal
57.	Anthony Dixon SF vs. Cle
58.	Chris Ivory NO at StL Note: (Foot) Might come off the PUP list if Mark Ingram can't go this week. Not yet in game shape. Yet was activated off the PUP list once Ingram was declared out.*
59.	Danny Ware NYG vs. Mia
60.	Joseph Addai IND at Ten Note: Aggravated his hamstring injury after starting Sunday night. Still awaiting clearance from team doctors. Practiced Friday, but still could be very limited this week.*
61.	Jonathan Dwyer PIT vs. NE
62.	Daniel Thomas MIA at NYG Note: (Hamstring) Missed practiced Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. OUT - DIDN'T MAKE THE TRIP. *
63.	Mike Tolbert SD at KC Note: Dealt with both hand and hamstring injuries in the loss to the Jets. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, but with a Monday night game, we won't know for sure until Saturday. Didn't practice all week, doubtful.*
64.	Mark Ingram NO at StL Note: Suffered a bruised heel late in the romp over the Colts. Too bad, with the Saints facing the Rams this week. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.*
65.	Jahvid Best DET at Den Note: (Concussion) Likely out again this week.*
66.	Peyton Hillis CLE at SF Note: (Hamstring) Did some running Monday. No word yet on his likelihood of playing this week. Practiced Wednesday but was held out Thursday with soreness.*
67.	Felix Jones DAL at Phi Note: (High Ankle Sprain) Did not practice Thursday. Officially out.*
68.	*Willis McGahee DEN vs. Det Note: Broken hand, out at least this week.
69.	*Cedric Benson CIN at Sea Note: Serving a one-game suspension this week.
70.	*Tim Hightower WAS at Buf Note: Out for the year with a torn ACL.

Wide Receivers

1.	Steve Smith CAR vs. Min
2.	Mike Wallace PIT vs. NE Note: Put the worries about his hamstring to rest early after connecting on a long pass from Roethlisberger.
3.	Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Mia
4.	Calvin Johnson DET at Den Note: Stafford's health is potentially a big issue.
5.	Marques Colston NO at StL
6.	Dwayne Bowe KC vs. SD
7.	Wes Welker NE at Pit
8.	Jeremy Maclin PHI vs. Dal
9.	Steve Johnson BUF vs. Was
10.	Brandon Marshall MIA at NYG
11.	Dez Bryant DAL at Phi Note: Finally played a full game. He's also back to returning punts to go along with his receiving duties.
12.	A.J. Green CIN at Sea
13.	Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Bal
14.	DeSean Jackson PHI vs. Dal
15.	Anquan Boldin BAL vs. Ari
16.	Brandon Lloyd STL vs. NO Note: Targeted 12 times last week. It might not matter for him whether Feeley or Bradford will be the QB.
17.	Miles Austin DAL at Phi Note: Forgotten man last week, because of the blowout and the strength of the running game. That shouldn't be an issue this week.
18.	*Vincent Jackson SD at KC Note: (Hamstring) Had an off-day with Darrelle Revis covering him. He draws Brandon Flowers next.
19.	Steve Breaston KC vs. SD
20.	Mario Manningham NYG vs. Mia
21.	*Jabar Gaffney WAS at Buf Note: Becomes the top wideout and second primary target behind Fred Davis with Santana Moss out.
22.	Jerome Simpson CIN at Sea
23.	Deion Branch NE at Pit
24.	Pierre Garcon IND at Ten
25.	Nate Burleson DET at Den
26.	Reggie Wayne IND at Ten
27.	Sidney Rice SEA vs. Cin Note: The least bad of the Seattle receivers last week, but only 38 yards. Ugh.
28.	Greg Little CLE at SF
29.	Jason Hill JAC at Hou Note: Led the Jags in targets Monday night, again; for now, he's their primary receiver, not Thomas. (Wrist) Limited during Thursday's practice. Active for Sunday's game.*
30.	Antonio Brown PIT vs. NE Note: Had a team-high nine targets thanks in part to Ward's injury.
31.	Emmanuel Sanders PIT vs. NE Note: Stepped up his game when Ward was out. Actually will start ahead of Antonio Brown if Ward can't go - still, Brown got more targets last week. Tough call.*
32.	Michael Jenkins MIN at Car Note: Primary target if Harvin is out?
33.	Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. Det Note: Had 10 targets and a touchdown last week.
34.	Torrey Smith BAL vs. Ari
35.	Kevin Walter HOU vs. Jac
36.	Percy Harvin MIN at Car Note: Sat out the second half after aggravating a rib injury. Practiced Thursday, expects to play.*
37.	Lance Moore NO at StL Note: All the non-Colston receivers have been diminished, perhaps Moore less so than Meachem and Henderson.
38.	Michael Crabtree SF vs. Cle
39.	Jacoby Jones HOU vs. Jac
40.	Davone Bess MIA at NYG
41.	Nate Washington TEN vs. Ind
42.	Mike Thomas JAC at Hou Note: One measly target Monday night.
43.	Victor Cruz NYG vs. Mia
44.	Ben Obomanu SEA vs. Cin Note: Just two targets as the Seattle passing game was completely throttled.
45.	Brandon LaFell CAR vs. Min
46.	David Nelson BUF vs. Was
47.	Naaman Roosevelt BUF vs. Was
48.	Ted Ginn SF vs. Cle
49.	Jason Avant PHI vs. Dal
50.	Andre Caldwell CIN at Sea
51.	*Anthony Armstrong WAS at Buf Note: Should get more action with Santana Moss out.
52.	Doug Baldwin SEA vs. Cin Note: Shut out by the Browns - three targets.
53.	Eric Decker DEN vs. Det Note: Really hurt by the QB change.
54.	Early Doucet ARZ at Bal Note: (Quadriceps) Practiced Thursday. Full practice, but listed as questionable.*
55.	Robert Meachem NO at StL
56.	Josh Cribbs CLE at SF
57.	Devin Aromashodu MIN at Car
58.	Eddie Royal DEN vs. Det
59.	Greg Salas STL vs. NO
60.	Titus Young DET at Den
61.	Laurent Robinson DAL at Phi
62.	Austin Collie IND at Ten
63.	Brian Hartline MIA at NYG
64.	Mike Sims-Walker JAC at Hou Note: Just one catch Monday night in his first game back, but there wasn't much to go around to begin with.
65.	Derrick Mason HOU vs. Jac
66.	Lavelle Hawkins TEN vs. Ind
67.	Mike Williams SEA vs. Cin
68.	Damian Williams TEN vs. Ind Note: Sat out the second half against the Texans with headaches. Full practice Wednesday - not on the injury list.*
69.	Andre Roberts ARZ at Bal
70.	Patrick Crayton SD at KC
71.	Matt Willis DEN vs. Det
72.	Jon Baldwin KC vs. SD Note: Had one catch, the team's first of the day, in his debut. Five targets total.
73.	Braylon Edwards SF vs. Cle Note: (Knee) Returned to practice Tuesday. Practiced again Thursday, but availability remains in question. Officially questionable.*
74.	Malcom Floyd SD at KC Note: Missed the second half with a hip injury. Did not practice Thursday. Full practice Saturday, officially questionable for Monday night.*
75.	Austin Pettis STL vs. NO
76.	Kevin Ogletree DAL at Phi
77.	Devery Henderson NO at StL
78.	Legedu Naanee CAR vs. Min
79.	Cecil Shorts JAC at Hou Note: Inactive*
80.	Niles Paul WAS at Buf
81.	Steven Smith PHI vs. Dal
82.	Lee Evans BAL vs. Ari Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Thursday.*
83.	*Brandon Gibson STL vs. NO Note: Healthy scratch last week.
84.	Chad Ochocinco NE at Pit Note: At least he didn't get cut over the bye week.
85.	Mohamed Massaquoi CLE at SF Note: Suffered a concussion in the first half last week. Sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. Officially out.*
86.	Hines Ward PIT vs. NE Note: Left in the third quarter with an ankle injury last week. Did not practice Thursday. Officially out this week.*
87.	Danario Alexander STL vs. NO Note: Left last week's loss to Dallas with a hamstring strain. Did not practice Thursday. Doubtful*
88.	Andre Johnson HOU vs. Jac Note: (Hamstring) 'Definitely' a 'possibility' to play this week. Go ahead and parse that one out yourself - I'll keep him down here for now. Practiced Wednesday, but still feeling pulling and tugging. Game-time decision. DIDN'T PRACTICE FRIDAY, WON'T PLAY SUNDAY. *
89.	*Santana Moss WAS at Buf Note: Out 5-to-7 weeks with a broken hand.

Tight Ends

1.	Jimmy Graham NO at StL Note: (Ankle) Limited Wednesday - same drill as last week.*
2.	Fred Davis WAS at Buf Note: Will opposing teams roll more coverage to Davis now that Moss and Cooley are out?
3.	Aaron Hernandez NE at Pit
4.	Jason Witten DAL at Phi
5.	Antonio Gates SD at KC Note: Emerged from the game with no more than typical soreness. Practiced Thursday, seems no worse for the wear.*
6.	Vernon Davis SF vs. Cle Note: Early in the week on-air I answered I'd prefer Vernon over Fred Davis for the rest of the year. I've reversed course on this, as reflected in the change in this week's ranking.
7.	Brandon Pettigrew DET at Den
8.	Rob Gronkowski NE at Pit
9.	Owen Daniels HOU vs. Jac
10.	Jared Cook TEN vs. Ind
11.	Jermaine Gresham CIN at Sea
12.	Visanthe Shiancoe MIN at Car Note: Seemed to connect well with Christian Ponder. Foot injury, didn't practice Thursday. Active Sunday.*
13.	Greg Olsen CAR vs. Min
14.	Jake Ballard NYG vs. Mia
15.	Ed Dickson BAL vs. Ari
16.	Jeremy Shockey CAR vs. Min
17.	*Evan Moore CLE at SF Note: Could get more action if Ben Watson has to sit out this week.
18.	Brent Celek PHI vs. Dal
19.	Jeff King ARZ at Bal
20.	Marcedes Lewis JAC at Hou Note: Really bad drop in the end zone Monday night.
21.	Daniel Fells DEN vs. Det Note: Four targets and a touchdown catch last week.
22.	Joel Dreessen HOU vs. Jac
23.	Heath Miller PIT vs. NE
24.	Ben Watson CLE at SF Note: Suffered a concussion in the win over Seattle. Didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. Returned to practice Friday.*
25.	Dallas Clark IND at Ten Note: Back to obscurity - not even targeted once in the blowout loss to the Saints.
26.	Delanie Walker SF vs. Cle
27.	Scott Chandler BUF vs. Was
28.	Randy McMichael SD at KC
29.	Tony Scheffler DET at Den Note: Returned last week after missing the previous game with a concussion.
30.	Dennis Pitta BAL vs. Ari
31.	Anthony Fasano MIA at NYG
32.	*Lance Kendricks STL vs. NO Note: So much for the notion that he was on the rise - shut out last week, and often sat in favor of the other two TE's on the Rams roster.
33.	Leonard Pope KC vs. SD
34.	James Casey HOU vs. Jac Note: Pectoral strain - could return this week. Limited practice Thursday.*
35.	Craig Stevens TEN vs. Ind
36.	Todd Heap ARZ at Bal Note: Inactive last week with a hamstring injury. Limited practice early in the week. Inactive this week.*
37.	*Zach Miller SEA vs. Cin Note: Concussion - still not cleared to play.
38.	*Chris Cooley WAS at Buf Note: (Finger/knee) On IR, out for the season.

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.	Adrian Peterson MIN at Car Note: Twisted his ankle but only was out briefly while having a huge game against the Packers. Practiced Thursday.*
2.	Arian Foster HOU vs. Jac Note: 16 catches for 287 yards the last three games. Andre Johnson might return this week, however.
3.	Steve Smith CAR vs. Min
4.	Mike Wallace PIT vs. NE Note: Put the worries about his hamstring to rest early after connecting on a long pass from Roethlisberger.
5.	Hakeem Nicks NYG vs. Mia
6.	Calvin Johnson DET at Den Note: Stafford's health is potentially a big issue.
7.	Ray Rice BAL vs. Ari
8.	Fred Jackson BUF vs. Was
9.	LeSean McCoy PHI vs. Dal Note: Not the greatest matchup - I wouldn't call McCoy matchup-proof, but it would take a salary-cap league for me not to use him this week.
10.	Wes Welker NE at Pit
11.	Marques Colston NO at StL
12.	Dwayne Bowe KC vs. SD
13.	Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at Hou
14.	Ahmad Bradshaw NYG vs. Mia
15.	Frank Gore SF vs. Cle
16.	Darren Sproles NO at StL
17.	Jeremy Maclin PHI vs. Dal
18.	Steve Johnson BUF vs. Was
19.	Brandon Marshall MIA at NYG
20.	Jimmy Graham NO at StL Note: (Ankle) Limited Wednesday - same drill as last week.*
21.	DeMarco Murray DAL at Phi
22.	Ryan Mathews SD at KC Note: Returned after a brief absence with a thumb injury last week. Could get a lot more action with Tolbert doubtful.*
23.	Dez Bryant DAL at Phi Note: Finally played a full game. He's also back to returning punts to go along with his receiving duties.
24.	A.J. Green CIN at Sea
25.	Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Bal
26.	DeSean Jackson PHI vs. Dal
27.	Anquan Boldin BAL vs. Ari
28.	Brandon Lloyd STL vs. NO Note: Targeted 12 times last week. It might not matter for him whether Feeley or Bradford will be the QB.
29.	Vernon Davis SF vs. Cle Note: Early in the week on-air I answered I'd prefer Vernon over Fred Davis for the rest of the year. I've reversed course on this, as reflected in the change in this week's ranking.
30.	Fred Davis WAS at Buf Note: Will opposing teams roll more coverage to Davis now that Moss and Cooley are out?
31.	Aaron Hernandez NE at Pit
32.	Antonio Gates SD at KC Note: Emerged from the game with no more than typical soreness. Practiced Thursday, seems no worse for the wear.*
33.	BenJarvus Green-Ellis NE at Pit Note: (Toe) Limited in Thursday's practice, still likely to play. Limited all three days of practice, listed as questionable.*
34.	Rashard Mendenhall PIT vs. NE Note: Very disappointing effort against the Cardinals, who appeared as if they sold out against the run.
35.	Steven Jackson STL vs. NO Note: Loss of his right tackle, Jason Smith, plus the frequent early deficits really hurt his value.
36.	Jackie Battle KC vs. SD Note: Had the most carries of the Chiefs' three backs, but still lost out on 19 combined carries between Jones and McCluster, not to mention touchdown runs by McClain and Javier Arenas, of all people.
37.	Miles Austin DAL at Phi Note: Forgotten man last week, because of the blowout and the strength of the running game. That shouldn't be an issue this week.
38.	*Vincent Jackson SD at KC Note: (Hamstring) Had an off-day with Darrelle Revis covering him. He draws Brandon Flowers next.
39.	Steve Breaston KC vs. SD
40.	Mario Manningham NYG vs. Mia
41.	Brandon Pettigrew DET at Den
42.	Chris Johnson TEN vs. Ind Note: Still struggling badly in the running game, but not a threat to get benched (yeah, no kidding).
43.	Montario Hardesty CLE at SF Note: Averaged just 2.9 yards per carry despite getting 33 rushes.
44.	Daniel Thomas MIA at NYG Note: (Hamstring) Missed practiced Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. OUT - DIDN'T MAKE THE TRIP. *
45.	Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Min
46.	*Jabar Gaffney WAS at Buf Note: Becomes the top wideout and second primary target behind Fred Davis with Santana Moss out.
47.	Jerome Simpson CIN at Sea
48.	Deion Branch NE at Pit
49.	Pierre Garcon IND at Ten
50.	Nate Burleson DET at Den
51.	Reggie Wayne IND at Ten
52.	Rob Gronkowski NE at Pit
53.	Owen Daniels HOU vs. Jac
54.	Maurice Morris DET at Den Note: Split the carries evenly with Keiland Williams last week.
55.	*Knowshon Moreno DEN vs. Det Note: Might start this week, but Lance Ball was also getting carries late last week after McGahee got hurt.
56.	*Bernard Scott CIN at Sea Note: Getting his chance at more carries with Cedric Benson serving a one-game suspension. The question is how with the Bengals split the carries between he and Brian Leonard?
57.	Ben Tate HOU vs. Jac
58.	Sidney Rice SEA vs. Cin Note: The least bad of the Seattle receivers last week, but only 38 yards. Ugh.
59.	Greg Little CLE at SF
60.	Jason Hill JAC at Hou Note: Led the Jags in targets Monday night, again; for now, he's their primary receiver, not Thomas. (Wrist) Limited during Thursday's practice. Active for Sunday's game.*
61.	Antonio Brown PIT vs. NE Note: Had a team-high nine targets thanks in part to Ward's injury.
62.	Michael Jenkins MIN at Car Note: Primary target if Harvin is out?
63.	Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. Det Note: Had 10 targets and a touchdown last week.
64.	Torrey Smith BAL vs. Ari
65.	Jared Cook TEN vs. Ind
66.	Jermaine Gresham CIN at Sea
67.	Pierre Thomas NO at StL
68.	Keiland Williams DET at Den
69.	*Roy Helu Jr. WAS at Buf Note: Could get a lot more action with Hightower out for the season. Played more snaps than any other Washington back last week, even Hightower - he was on the field for every snap of their final four possessions.
70.	Delone Carter IND at Ten Note: Both Carter and Brown were reasonably effective after Addai's departure, albeit in a blowout loss. Likely the primary guy even with Addai getting back to practice Friday.
71.	Kevin Walter HOU vs. Jac
72.	Lance Moore NO at StL Note: All the non-Colston receivers have been diminished, perhaps Moore less so than Meachem and Henderson.
73.	Michael Crabtree SF vs. Cle
74.	Jacoby Jones HOU vs. Jac
75.	Davone Bess MIA at NYG
76.	Nate Washington TEN vs. Ind
77.	C.J. Spiller BUF vs. Was
78.	*Ryan Torain WAS at Buf Note: Even with Tim Hightower out, I have no idea whether he'll start or not.
79.	DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. Min Note: Once again, Stewart was the more effective of the two backs. The contract keeps looking worse.
80.	*Donald Brown IND at Ten
81.	Mike Tolbert SD at KC Note: Dealt with both hand and hamstring injuries in the loss to the Jets. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, but with a Monday night game, we won't know for sure until Saturday. Didn't practice all week, doubtful.*
82.	Reggie Bush MIA at NYG Note: (Neck) Limited again Thursday, as was Daniel Thomas. Daniel Thomas didn't make the trip. Bush will split carries with Lex Hilliard.*
83.	Mark Ingram NO at StL Note: Suffered a bruised heel late in the romp over the Colts. Too bad, with the Saints facing the Rams this week. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.*
84.	Visanthe Shiancoe MIN at Car Note: Seemed to connect well with Christian Ponder. Foot injury, didn't practice Thursday. Active Sunday.*
85.	*Evan Moore CLE at SF Note: Could get more action if Ben Watson has to sit out this week.
86.	Victor Cruz NYG vs. Mia
87.	Early Doucet ARZ at Bal Note: (Quadriceps) Practiced Thursday. Full practice, but listed as questionable.*
88.	Emmanuel Sanders PIT vs. NE Note: Stepped up his game when Ward was out. Actually will start ahead of Antonio Brown if Ward can't go - still, Brown got more targets last week. Tough call.*

Kickers

1.	Dan Bailey DAL at Phi
2.	Jason Hanson DET at Den Note: Altitude plus a team that has trouble running the ball in the red zone could = profit this week.
3.	John Kasay NO at StL
4.	Billy Cundiff BAL vs. Ari Note: Got dragged down with the rest of the team's offensive ineptitude Monday night, badly missing a 52-yarder.
5.	Neil Rackers HOU vs. Jac
6.	David Akers SF vs. Cle
7.	Matt Prater DEN vs. Det Note: Bombed in the 52-yard game-winner after missing two earlier - back at altitude this week.
8.	Alex Henery PHI vs. Dal
9.	Josh Scobee JAC at Hou Note: Made three kicks over 50 yards on Monday night.
10.	Nick Novak SD at KC
11.	Shaun Suisham PIT vs. NE
12.	Rian Lindell BUF vs. Was
13.	Mike Nugent CIN at Sea
14.	Stephen Gostkowski NE at Pit
15.	Graham Gano WAS at Buf Note: Has blocked out my constant mocking of his last name whenever he misses to make his last six attempts.
16.	Olindo Mare CAR vs. Min
17.	Rob Bironas TEN vs. Ind
18.	Dan Carpenter MIA at NYG
19.	*Phil Dawson CLE at SF Note: Had an active day - two 50+ makes, two blocked, and a thigh contusion to boot.
20.	Lawrence Tynes NYG vs. Mia
21.	Josh Brown STL vs. NO
22.	Ryan Longwell MIN at Car
23.	Adam Vinatieri IND at Ten
24.	Ryan Succop KC vs. SD
25.	Steven Hauschka SEA vs. Cin
26.	Jay Feely ARZ at Bal

Defenses

1.	Baltimore Ravens vs. Ari
2.	San Francisco 49ers vs. Cle
3.	New Orleans Saints at StL
4.	Detroit Lions at Den
5.	*New York Giants vs. Mia Note: Justin Tuck (neck) returned to practice Monday.
6.	Tennessee Titans vs. Ind
7.	Kansas City Chiefs vs. SD
8.	Dallas Cowboys at Phi
9.	Seattle Seahawks vs. Cin
10.	San Diego Chargers at KC
11.	*Houston Texans vs. Jac Note: Danieal Manning is out for four weeks.
12.	Cincinnati Bengals at Sea
13.	*Buffalo Bills vs. Was Note: Shawne Merriman is the latest to hit the IR.
14.	Pittsburgh Steelers vs. NE
15.	*Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dal Note: Trent Cole (calf) returned to practice Monday, albeit with the second team.
16.	*Denver Broncos vs. Det Note: Elvis Dumervil suffered a 'substantial' right ankle sprain.
17.	Cleveland Browns at SF
18.	Jacksonville Jaguars at Hou
19.	Arizona Cardinals at Bal
20.	*Washington Redskins at Buf Note: London Fletcher has a hamstring injury and is questionable for this week.
21.	Carolina Panthers vs. Min
22.	New England Patriots at Pit
23.	Minnesota Vikings at Car
24.	Miami Dolphins at NYG
25.	Indianapolis Colts at Ten
26.	St. Louis Rams vs. NO

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