This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.
Sunday update complete.
BYE WEEKS: Buffalo, Cincinnati, Dallas, Seattle
Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) 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.***
**** PLEASE READ: (On a quick aside - our research shows that even though PPR leagues are becoming more popular, standard scoring leagues still outpace them, and moreover there are more 1/2pt PPR leagues coming into play as leagues adjust to the higher passing environment in the NFL. Beyond that, it makes more sense to create PPR rankings for the Flex position, and extrapolate those across the individual positions than it does in reverse. You may choose to disagree, but my stance here is pretty inflexible.)****
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 5:00 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
Sunday update complete.
BYE WEEKS: Buffalo, Cincinnati, Dallas, Seattle
Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) 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.***
**** PLEASE READ: (On a quick aside - our research shows that even though PPR leagues are becoming more popular, standard scoring leagues still outpace them, and moreover there are more 1/2pt PPR leagues coming into play as leagues adjust to the higher passing environment in the NFL. Beyond that, it makes more sense to create PPR rankings for the Flex position, and extrapolate those across the individual positions than it does in reverse. You may choose to disagree, but my stance here is pretty inflexible.)****
Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 5:00 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. | Drew Brees NO vs. Det |
| 2. | *Tom Brady NE at NYJ Note: Missing from Tuesday's practice with what is reported to be a left AC joint sprain. Non-participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
| 3. | Aaron Rodgers GB at Min |
| 4. | Kirk Cousins WAS vs. SF |
| 5. | Deshaun Watson HOU vs. Cle |
| 6. | *Cam Newton CAR vs. Phi Note: (Shoulder) Limited at Tuesday's practice - the Panthers play Thursday against the Eagles. Removed from the injury list before Thursday's game. |
| 7. | Matt Ryan ATL vs. Mia |
| 8. | Alex Smith KC vs. Pit |
| 9. | Carson Palmer ARZ vs. TB Note: The trade for Adrian Peterson likely means fewer attempts for Palmer, after another 40+ attempt game against the Eagles. |
| 10. | Philip Rivers LAC at Oak |
| 11. | Carson Wentz PHI at Car |
| 12. | Jameis Winston TB at Ari |
| 13. | Jacoby Brissett IND at Ten |
| 14. | *Matthew Stafford DET at NO Note: 'Sore' after sustaining a right leg/ankle injury. He suffered the injury in the second half. Coach Jim Caldwell declined to elaborate more on Stafford's status. (Ankle) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Full participant in practice all week, though he's still listed as questionable.*** |
| 15. | Ben Roethlisberger PIT at KC Note: So much for Heinz Field curing whatever ails Big Ben. Averaged less than six yards per attempt over his 55 attempts. Look for the Steelers to do more to run early next week. |
| 16. | *Kevin Hogan CLE at Hou Note: Much better than Kizer both times that he has replaced him, going 16-for-19 for 194 yards with two touchdowns and an interception last week. Officially named the Browns' starter this week. I love the matchup this week, but I'm worried about the receiving corps. |
| 17. | Josh McCown NYJ vs. NE |
| 18. | *Derek Carr OAK vs. LAC Note: The Raiders expect that Carr (back) will be able to return this week. Limited practice Wednesday. I'm moving him down a few notches, with the thought being the Raiders will run more. ***Removed from the injury list on Friday.*** |
| 19. | Brian Hoyer SF at Was |
| 20. | *Case Keenum MIN vs. GB Note: ***Sam Bradford officially ruled out this week, and doesn't appear to be close to coming back. Teddy Bridgewater might loom as the bigger threat down the road. Meanwhile, he'll be without Stefon Diggs this week.*** |
| 21. | Trevor Siemian DEN vs. NYG |
| 22. | Joe Flacco BAL vs. Chi Note: Hit on three big throws, including a 54-yard connection with Mike Wallace on the first play from scrimmage, which was enough against the Raiders. |
| 23. | Jared Goff LA at Jax |
| 24. | *Eli Manning NYG at Den Note: Had x-rays taken on his neck, which were negative. But now he's down four wide receivers, three for the season, including Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall. |
| 25. | Mitchell Trubisky CHI at Bal |
| 26. | Jay Cutler MIA at Atl Note: Unlikely to be benched despite another putrid outing against the Titans. He just can't throw downfield because of the OL, and that's taking away his strongest attribute. |
| 27. | Blake Bortles JAC vs. LAR |
| 28. | *Matt Cassel TEN vs. Ind Note: We might be subjected to another Cassel outing. |
| 29. | *DeShone Kizer CLE at Hou Note: In danger of getting benched in favor of Kevin Hogan, who was considerably better against the Jets last week. |
| 30. | *Marcus Mariota TEN vs. Ind Note: Mariota (hamstring) 'wasn't close' to playing against Miami, but coach Mike Mularkey insisted that he was day-to-day, and not out 2-to-4 weeks. Expressed some confidence that he'll play Monday, but still taking it day-to-day. I'd only consider starting him if I also had Brissett to slot in his place if he's scratched. ***Limited practice all week, could be a real game-time decision.*** |
| 31. | *Sam Bradford MIN vs. GB Note: Appeared either to aggravate his left knee injury or not yet be fully healed. Either way, it was obvious that he had to be replaced by Case Keenum. Did not practice Wednesday - I think he'll be out for a while. ***Officially ruled out, going to New York for special treatment on his knee.*** |
| 32. | EJ Manuel OAK vs. LAC |
| 33. | *Andrew Luck IND at Ten Note: (Shoulder) Already ruled out for Week 6. Slated to work at practice Thursday and Saturday. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Kareem Hunt KC vs. Pit |
| 2. | Todd Gurley LA at Jax |
| 3. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at KC |
| 4. | Melvin Gordon LAC at Oak |
| 5. | *Leonard Fournette JAC vs. LAR Note: Limited at Wednesday's practice with a sore ankle - the same as last week. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 6. | Devonta Freeman ATL vs. Mia |
| 7. | C.J. Anderson DEN vs. NYG |
| 8. | Jordan Howard CHI at Bal |
| 9. | Doug Martin TB at Ari |
| 10. | Lamar Miller HOU vs. Cle |
| 11. | LeGarrette Blount PHI at Car |
| 12. | Marshawn Lynch OAK vs. LAC |
| 13. | DeMarco Murray TEN vs. Ind |
| 14. | Ameer Abdullah DET at NO Note: Only had 22 snaps last week, and making matters worse Zach Zenner vultured a goal line carry away. |
| 15. | Mark Ingram NO vs. Det Note: One less goal line threat to take carries away from Ingram now that Peterson has been traded. |
| 16. | *Jay Ajayi MIA at Atl Note: ***(Knee) Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 17. | Jerick McKinnon MIN vs. GB |
| 18. | *Samaje Perine WAS vs. SF Note: Rob Kelley is a 'long shot' to play this week. |
| 19. | *Aaron Jones GB at Min Note: Looked sensational against the Cowboys - now it's a matter of Ty Montgomery's health. Could start at RB even if Montgomery is ready to play, but cede third down to him. ***Montgomery appears to be playing this week, which will cut into his snap count.*** |
| 20. | Mike Gillislee NE at NYJ |
| 21. | Duke Johnson CLE at Hou |
| 22. | *Carlos Hyde SF at Was Note: Still the starter, but coach Kyle Shanahan went with the hot hand in Matt Breida last week and said he'd be willing to do the same going forward. |
| 23. | Alvin Kamara NO vs. Det |
| 24. | *Ty Montgomery GB at Min Note: (Ribs) Practiced Wednesday, awaiting results from Thursday's practice, which is the Packers' only full-pads practice. ***Expected to play, though he'll likely split snaps with Aaron Jones.*** |
| 25. | Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. Phi |
| 26. | Isaiah Crowell CLE at Hou |
| 27. | Andre Ellington ARZ vs. TB |
| 28. | *Wayne Gallman NYG at Den Note: Darkwa started (and ran well), but it was Gallman in there for the second half of the game. |
| 29. | Chris Thompson WAS vs. SF |
| 30. | Alex Collins BAL vs. Chi Note: Had 12 carries for 55 yards but didn't get any targets. Still, there's a decent window for more touches this week with Terrance West likely out. |
| 31. | Javorius Allen BAL vs. Chi |
| 32. | *Matt Forte NYJ vs. NE Note: (Toe) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. Forte says he feels a lot better, and with Bilal Powell looking less likely to play, it's more likely he'll play. ***Full practice Friday, will likely play.*** |
| 33. | Tevin Coleman ATL vs. Mia |
| 34. | *Marlon Mack IND at Ten Note: Hurt his elbow in the win, but also said he doesn't expect to miss Week 6 against the Titans. Removed from the Colts' injury report. |
| 35. | Latavius Murray MIN vs. GB |
| 36. | *Matt Breida SF at Was Note: Got more work than Hyde last week as the 'hot hand.' |
| 37. | Theo Riddick DET at NO |
| 38. | James White NE at NYJ |
| 39. | Frank Gore IND at Ten |
| 40. | *Elijah McGuire NYJ vs. NE Note: Could be in line to start this week against the Pats, unless Matt Forte is ready to return. ***Forte will play - and thus might get more work than McGuire.*** |
| 41. | Shane Vereen NYG at Den |
| 42. | *Orleans Darkwa NYG at Den Note: Darkwa was the surprise starter and ran well early, but then dealt with a calf injury late. Off the injury list by Wednesday. |
| 43. | Jalen Richard OAK vs. LAC |
| 44. | *Derrick Henry TEN vs. Ind Note: ***Offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie said that they want to get Henry more involved this week, after he got just four carries last week.*** |
| 45. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Phi Note: (Ankle) Limited participant in Tuesday's practice. Removed from the injury list. |
| 46. | Jamaal Charles DEN vs. NYG |
| 47. | *Adrian Peterson ARZ vs. TB Note: Traded to the Cardinals, where he might get more opportunities, albeit behind a bad offensive line. |
| 48. | Jacquizz Rodgers TB at Ari |
| 49. | Tarik Cohen CHI at Bal |
| 50. | *D'Onta Foreman HOU vs. Cle Note: Had a huge run against the Chiefs, but also lost a fumble. Limited Wednesday with a hip injury. ***Removed from the injury list Friday.*** |
| 51. | *Chris Ivory JAC vs. LAR Note: Limited Wednesday with a hip flexor injury. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 52. | Corey Clement PHI at Car |
| 53. | Charcandrick West KC vs. Pit |
| 54. | Robert Turbin IND at Ten |
| 55. | Damien Williams MIA at Atl |
| 56. | Austin Ekeler LAC at Oak |
| 57. | Dion Lewis NE at NYJ |
| 58. | Jamaal Williams GB at Min |
| 59. | Kenyan Drake MIA at Atl |
| 60. | Charles Sims TB at Ari |
| 61. | Zach Zenner DET at NO |
| 62. | James Conner PIT at KC |
| 63. | Benny Cunningham CHI at Bal |
| 64. | Corey Grant JAC vs. LAR |
| 65. | *De'Angelo Henderson DEN vs. NYG |
| 66. | *Devontae Booker DEN vs. NYG |
| 67. | *DeAndre Washington OAK vs. LAC Note: Inactive last week with his hamstring injury. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practice all week, listed as questionable.*** |
| 68. | *Wendell Smallwood PHI at Car Note: (Knee) Didn't practice Tuesday - not expected to play this week given the short turnaround. Coming down to a game-time decision. |
| 69. | *Rex Burkhead NE at NYJ Note: (Ribs) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 70. | *Paul Perkins NYG at Den Note: (Ribs) Still not practicing. ***Ruled out again this week.*** |
| 71. | *Rob Kelley WAS vs. SF Note: (Ankle) Limited to conditioning work during Monday's practice. Did not practice Thursday and is a long shot to play this week. ***Listed as doubtful.*** |
| 72. | *Bilal Powell NYJ vs. NE Note: Held out in the second half with a strained calf. Did not practice Thursday and isn't expected to play this week. ***Not expected to play.*** |
| 73. | *Terrance West BAL vs. Chi Note: Expected to sit out Week 6 with a calf injury. Did not practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.*** |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | Antonio Brown PIT at KC |
| 2. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Cle |
| 3. | Michael Thomas NO vs. Det |
| 4. | T.Y. Hilton IND at Ten |
| 5. | *Julio Jones ATL vs. Mia Note: Remember that he left before the bye with a hip injury. The good news is that he was practicing Monday. Limited practice Thursday - albeit with a positive spin. ***No longer on the injury report.*** |
| 6. | Brandin Cooks NE at NYJ |
| 7. | Keenan Allen LAC at Oak |
| 8. | Davante Adams GB at Min |
| 9. | Mike Evans TB at Ari Note: Could draw Patrick Peterson this week. |
| 10. | *Jordy Nelson GB at Min Note: Absent on the Packers' game-winning drive as he was 'being evaluated' - though the Packers never said what for. He could draw Xavier Rhodes this week. Late injury revealed to be a back injury, but Nelson had a full practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report. Not removed from the Rhodes Report.*** |
| 11. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. NYG |
| 12. | Chris Hogan NE at NYJ |
| 13. | Michael Crabtree OAK vs. LAC |
| 14. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR vs. Phi |
| 15. | *Tyreek Hill KC vs. Pit Note: Might get more targets with Chris Conley out for the season, but I'd also expect Albert Wilson to be more involved as well. ***Briefly added to the injury list with a hamstring, but then removed from the injury report.*** |
| 16. | Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. NYG |
| 17. | Golden Tate DET at NO |
| 18. | *Devin Funchess CAR vs. Phi Note: (Knee) Held out of practice Monday and Tuesday, but expected to play Thursday. Removed from the injury list. |
| 19. | Alshon Jeffery PHI at Car |
| 20. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. TB |
| 21. | Terrelle Pryor WAS vs. SF |
| 22. | DeSean Jackson TB at Ari |
| 23. | *Pierre Garcon SF at Was Note: (Wrist) Not on Wednesday's injury report. |
| 24. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. GB |
| 25. | Will Fuller HOU vs. Cle |
| 26. | *Amari Cooper OAK vs. LAC Note: Had but two targets in the loss to the Ravens, which is especially concerning given that the Ravens jumped out to a 21-3 lead over the Raiders early in the game. For what it's worth, EJ Manuel probably won't be at the helm again - he seemed to only look left or up the middle, and not to the right towards Cooper. (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice, not on the injury report.*** |
| 27. | Jaron Brown ARZ vs. TB |
| 28. | Jarvis Landry MIA at Atl |
| 29. | Randall Cobb GB at Min |
| 30. | Rishard Matthews TEN vs. Ind |
| 31. | Mike Wallace BAL vs. Chi |
| 32. | Jermaine Kearse NYJ vs. NE |
| 33. | Sammy Watkins LA at Jax Note: Another bad corner matchup this week. |
| 34. | Martavis Bryant PIT at KC |
| 35. | Allen Hurns JAC vs. LAR |
| 36. | *Josh Doctson WAS vs. SF Note: (Shoulder) Full participant at Wednesday's practice. |
| 37. | *Taylor Gabriel ATL vs. Mia Note: ***Could get more targets with Mohamed Sanu out.*** |
| 38. | *Jamison Crowder WAS vs. SF Note: Coach Jay Gruden stated that he wanted to get Crowder more involved in the offense going forward. |
| 39. | Danny Amendola NE at NYJ |
| 40. | Donte Moncrief IND at Ten |
| 41. | Cooper Kupp LA at Jax |
| 42. | Marvin Jones DET at NO |
| 43. | Robby Anderson NYJ vs. NE |
| 44. | Tyrell Williams LAC at Oak Note: Received only two targets despite being on the field for 66 snaps. ***Now Mike Williams is likely to make his debut this week. A lot of mouths to feed for this team.*** |
| 45. | Eric Decker TEN vs. Ind |
| 46. | *J.J. Nelson ARZ vs. TB Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full participant in Friday's practice, removed from the injury list.*** |
| 47. | Kendall Wright CHI at Bal |
| 48. | Marquise Goodwin SF at Was Note: Led the Niners in targets last week with 11, and connected on a deep ball with Hoyer. |
| 49. | *Michael Floyd MIN vs. GB Note: ***Bumped up with Stefon Diggs out.*** |
| 50. | Travis Benjamin LAC at Oak |
| 51. | Kenny Stills MIA at Atl |
| 52. | Nelson Agholor PHI at Car |
| 53. | Brandon Coleman NO vs. Det |
| 54. | Ryan Grant WAS vs. SF |
| 55. | Torrey Smith PHI at Car |
| 56. | *John Brown ARZ vs. TB Note: (Quad) Limited again at Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list.*** |
| 57. | *Roger Lewis NYG at Den Note: By default Lewis could be the top starting wide receiver for the Giants on Sunday, in Denver no less. |
| 58. | Juju Smith-Schuster PIT at KC |
| 59. | Ted Ginn NO vs. Det |
| 60. | *Ricardo Louis CLE at Hou Note: Had a team-leading five receptions and eight targets last week, if you want to go dumpster-diving. |
| 61. | Adam Humphries TB at Ari |
| 62. | Robert Woods LA at Jax |
| 63. | *Marqise Lee JAC vs. LAR Note: (Ribs) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 64. | De'Anthony Thomas KC vs. Pit |
| 65. | Tavon Austin LA at Jax |
| 66. | Seth Roberts OAK vs. LAC |
| 67. | Geronimo Allison GB at Min |
| 68. | *Mike Williams LAC at Oak Note: (Back) Too soon to tell if Williams will be ready for Week 6. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited all week, but on track to play.*** |
| 69. | Aldrick Robinson SF at Was |
| 70. | TJ Jones DET at NO |
| 71. | Trent Taylor SF at Was |
| 72. | Bruce Ellington HOU vs. Cle |
| 73. | Rashard Higgins CLE at Hou |
| 74. | *Breshad Perriman BAL vs. Chi Note: (Knee) Full participant in Thursday's practice. ***Listed as questionable, but expected to play.*** |
| 75. | Curtis Samuel CAR vs. Phi |
| 76. | *Albert Wilson KC vs. Pit Note: Should slide into the starting lineup with Chris Conley out for the season. Limited at Thursday's practice with a knee injury. ***Officially listed as questionable. The Chiefs might have to turn to DeAnthony Thomas more often.*** |
| 77. | *Bennie Fowler DEN vs. NYG |
| 78. | *Tavarres King NYG at Den Note: Cut by the Giants after Week 1, starting in Week 6? |
| 79. | *Willie Snead NO vs. Det Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Game-time decision after being limited in practice all week.*** |
| 80. | *Markus Wheaton CHI at Bal Note: Limited at Thursday's practice with a groin injury. ***Groin tear, out 4-to-6 weeks.*** |
| 81. | *DeVante Parker MIA at Atl Note: Left early in Week 5 with an ankle injury. Didn't practice Thursday. ***Not expected to play.*** |
| 82. | *Stefon Diggs MIN vs. GB Note: Struggled with a groin injury on Monday night. Didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.*** |
| 83. | *Kenny Britt CLE at Hou Note: (Groin) Practiced Thursday, but then had to shut it down halfway through. ***Game-time decision.*** |
| 84. | *Mohamed Sanu ATL vs. Mia Note: (Hamstring) Expected to miss at least one week after the bye. Did not practice Thursday. |
| 85. | *Sterling Shepard NYG at Den Note: (Ankle) Placed in a walking boot, listed as day-to-day but not expected back this week. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially out for this week.*** |
| 86. | *Jeremy Maclin BAL vs. Chi Note: (Shoulder) Limited participant in Thursday's practice. ***Limited practice all week, game-time decision, though he's projected to play.*** |
| 87. | *Kenny Golladay DET at NO Note: (Hamstring) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable but unlikely to play.*** |
| 88. | *Corey Davis TEN vs. Ind Note: (Hamstring) Ruled out again this week. |
| 89. | *Odell Beckham NYG at Den Note: Out for the season after breaking his ankle. |
| 90. | *Chris Conley KC vs. Pit Note: Torn Achilles' tendon, out for the season. |
| 91. | *Brandon Marshall NYG at Den Note: (Ankle) Out for the season, already placed on IR. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | *Rob Gronkowski NE at NYJ Note: (Thigh) Was on the field for the media portion of Tuesday's practice. Limited practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
| 2. | Zach Ertz PHI at Car |
| 3. | *Travis Kelce KC vs. Pit Note: Held out during the second half Sunday night with a concussion. Until he practices, I'm putting him at the bottom of the list. Did to practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list and will play.*** |
| 4. | Delanie Walker TEN vs. Ind |
| 5. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. GB Note: Had a season-high nine targets Monday night. |
| 6. | Evan Engram NYG at Den Note: Only four targets last week - may now end up lining up as a receiver more often given the WR injury carnage on the Giants. |
| 7. | Ed Dickson CAR vs. Phi |
| 8. | Cameron Brate TB at Ari |
| 9. | Ryan Griffin HOU vs. Cle Note: Draws a really friendly matchup against Cleveland this week. |
| 10. | *Jordan Reed WAS vs. SF Note: (Rib/sternum/shoulder) No longer on the injury list. ***Even though he's not on the injury list, Reed said that he's also not 100 percent healthy.*** |
| 11. | Hunter Henry LAC at Oak |
| 12. | Jared Cook OAK vs. LAC Note: Coughed up a fumble that the Ravens returned for a crushing touchdown early in the loss last week. |
| 13. | Martellus Bennett GB at Min |
| 14. | *Zach Miller CHI at Bal Note: Seven targets with new QB Mitchell Trubisky on Monday night. |
| 15. | *George Kittle SF at Was Note: Big breakout game against the Colts. Can he get regular targets? Limited Wednesday with a chest injury, but expected to play this weekend. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 16. | Coby Fleener NO vs. Det |
| 17. | Austin Seferian-Jenkins NYJ vs. NE |
| 18. | Ben Watson BAL vs. Chi |
| 19. | David Njoku CLE at Hou |
| 20. | *Jack Doyle IND at Ten Note: Still needs clearance from the concussion protocol from an independent physician, but is expected to be 'full-go' in practice in anticipation of playing. ***Full practice Friday, on target to play Monday night.*** |
| 21. | Jesse James PIT at KC |
| 22. | Eric Ebron DET at NO Note: Had a bad drop in the end zone against Carolina last week. |
| 23. | Seth DeValve CLE at Hou |
| 24. | *Demetrius Harris KC vs. Pit Note: Would start if Kelce can't go. |
| 25. | Antonio Gates LAC at Oak |
| 26. | Tyler Higbee LA at Jax |
| 27. | Vernon Davis WAS vs. SF |
| 28. | Austin Hooper ATL vs. Mia |
| 29. | Marcedes Lewis JAC vs. LAR |
| 30. | Julius Thomas MIA at Atl |
| 31. | A.J. Derby DEN vs. NYG |
| 32. | Jermaine Gresham ARZ vs. TB |
| 33. | Virgil Green DEN vs. NYG |
| 34. | Dwayne Allen NE at NYJ |
| 35. | Nick Boyle BAL vs. Chi |
| 36. | Gerald Everett LA at Jax |
| 37. | O.J. Howard TB at Ari Note: Just one target Thursday night - on a Hail Mary at the end of the game. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Kareem Hunt KC vs. Pit |
| 2. | Todd Gurley LA at Jax |
| 3. | Antonio Brown PIT at KC |
| 4. | DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Cle |
| 5. | Le'Veon Bell PIT at KC |
| 6. | Melvin Gordon LAC at Oak |
| 7. | *Leonard Fournette JAC vs. LAR Note: Limited at Wednesday's practice with a sore ankle - the same as last week. ***Full practice Friday.*** |
| 8. | Devonta Freeman ATL vs. Mia |
| 9. | Michael Thomas NO vs. Det |
| 10. | T.Y. Hilton IND at Ten |
| 11. | *Julio Jones ATL vs. Mia Note: Remember that he left before the bye with a hip injury. The good news is that he was practicing Monday. Limited practice Thursday - albeit with a positive spin. ***No longer on the injury report.*** |
| 12. | Keenan Allen LAC at Oak |
| 13. | Brandin Cooks NE at NYJ |
| 14. | C.J. Anderson DEN vs. NYG |
| 15. | DeMarco Murray TEN vs. Ind |
| 16. | *Rob Gronkowski NE at NYJ Note: (Thigh) Was on the field for the media portion of Tuesday's practice. Limited practice Thursday. ***Removed from the injury list.*** |
| 17. | Davante Adams GB at Min |
| 18. | Mike Evans TB at Ari Note: Could draw Patrick Peterson this week. |
| 19. | *Jordy Nelson GB at Min Note: Absent on the Packers' game-winning drive as he was 'being evaluated' - though the Packers never said what for. He could draw Xavier Rhodes this week. Late injury revealed to be a back injury, but Nelson had a full practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report. Not removed from the Rhodes Report.*** |
| 20. | Zach Ertz PHI at Car |
| 21. | Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. NYG |
| 22. | *Travis Kelce KC vs. Pit Note: Held out during the second half Sunday night with a concussion. Until he practices, I'm putting him at the bottom of the list. Did to practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, removed from the injury list and will play.*** |
| 23. | Ameer Abdullah DET at NO Note: Only had 22 snaps last week, and making matters worse Zach Zenner vultured a goal line carry away. |
| 24. | Jordan Howard CHI at Bal |
| 25. | Doug Martin TB at Ari |
| 26. | Jerick McKinnon MIN vs. GB |
| 27. | Lamar Miller HOU vs. Cle |
| 28. | Chris Hogan NE at NYJ |
| 29. | Michael Crabtree OAK vs. LAC |
| 30. | Kelvin Benjamin CAR vs. Phi |
| 31. | *Tyreek Hill KC vs. Pit Note: Might get more targets with Chris Conley out for the season, but I'd also expect Albert Wilson to be more involved as well. ***Briefly added to the injury list with a hamstring, but then removed from the injury report.*** |
| 32. | Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. NYG |
| 33. | Golden Tate DET at NO |
| 34. | *Devin Funchess CAR vs. Phi Note: (Knee) Held out of practice Monday and Tuesday, but expected to play Thursday. Removed from the injury list. |
| 35. | Duke Johnson CLE at Hou |
| 36. | Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. Phi |
| 37. | Alvin Kamara NO vs. Det |
| 38. | *Ty Montgomery GB at Min Note: (Ribs) Practiced Wednesday, awaiting results from Thursday's practice, which is the Packers' only full-pads practice. ***Expected to play, though he'll likely split snaps with Aaron Jones.*** |
| 39. | LeGarrette Blount PHI at Car |
| 40. | Alshon Jeffery PHI at Car |
| 41. | Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. TB |
| 42. | Terrelle Pryor WAS vs. SF |
| 43. | DeSean Jackson TB at Ari |
| 44. | *Pierre Garcon SF at Was Note: (Wrist) Not on Wednesday's injury report. |
| 45. | Will Fuller HOU vs. Cle |
| 46. | Mark Ingram NO vs. Det Note: One less goal line threat to take carries away from Ingram now that Peterson has been traded. |
| 47. | *Jay Ajayi MIA at Atl Note: ***(Knee) Full practice Friday, removed from the injury report.*** |
| 48. | Andre Ellington ARZ vs. TB |
| 49. | Delanie Walker TEN vs. Ind |
| 50. | *Carlos Hyde SF at Was Note: Still the starter, but coach Kyle Shanahan went with the hot hand in Matt Breida last week and said he'd be willing to do the same going forward. |
| 51. | *Amari Cooper OAK vs. LAC Note: Had but two targets in the loss to the Ravens, which is especially concerning given that the Ravens jumped out to a 21-3 lead over the Raiders early in the game. For what it's worth, EJ Manuel probably won't be at the helm again - he seemed to only look left or up the middle, and not to the right towards Cooper. (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice, not on the injury report.*** |
| 52. | Jarvis Landry MIA at Atl |
| 53. | Randall Cobb GB at Min |
| 54. | Rishard Matthews TEN vs. Ind |
| 55. | Adam Thielen MIN vs. GB |
| 56. | Marshawn Lynch OAK vs. LAC |
| 57. | Mike Gillislee NE at NYJ |
| 58. | James White NE at NYJ |
| 59. | Shane Vereen NYG at Den |
| 60. | Javorius Allen BAL vs. Chi |
| 61. | *Aaron Jones GB at Min Note: Looked sensational against the Cowboys - now it's a matter of Ty Montgomery's health. Could start at RB even if Montgomery is ready to play, but cede third down to him. ***Montgomery appears to be playing this week, which will cut into his snap count.*** |
| 62. | Jermaine Kearse NYJ vs. NE |
| 63. | Sammy Watkins LA at Jax Note: Another bad corner matchup this week. |
| 64. | Jaron Brown ARZ vs. TB |
| 65. | Martavis Bryant PIT at KC |
| 66. | Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. GB Note: Had a season-high nine targets Monday night. |
| 67. | Evan Engram NYG at Den Note: Only four targets last week - may now end up lining up as a receiver more often given the WR injury carnage on the Giants. |
| 68. | Allen Hurns JAC vs. LAR |
| 69. | *Josh Doctson WAS vs. SF Note: (Shoulder) Full participant at Wednesday's practice. |
| 70. | Chris Thompson WAS vs. SF |
| 71. | *Taylor Gabriel ATL vs. Mia Note: ***Could get more targets with Mohamed Sanu out.*** |
| 72. | Tevin Coleman ATL vs. Mia |
| 73. | *Matt Forte NYJ vs. NE Note: (Toe) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. Forte says he feels a lot better, and with Bilal Powell looking less likely to play, it's more likely he'll play. ***Full practice Friday, will likely play.*** |
| 74. | Theo Riddick DET at NO |
| 75. | Mike Wallace BAL vs. Chi |
| 76. | *Jamison Crowder WAS vs. SF Note: Coach Jay Gruden stated that he wanted to get Crowder more involved in the offense going forward. |
| 77. | Danny Amendola NE at NYJ |
| 78. | Donte Moncrief IND at Ten |
| 79. | Cooper Kupp LA at Jax |
| 80. | *Michael Floyd MIN vs. GB Note: ***Bumped up with Stefon Diggs out.*** |
| 81. | Marvin Jones DET at NO |
| 82. | Isaiah Crowell CLE at Hou |
| 83. | *Samaje Perine WAS vs. SF Note: Rob Kelley is a 'long shot' to play this week. |
| 84. | *Wayne Gallman NYG at Den Note: Darkwa started (and ran well), but it was Gallman in there for the second half of the game. |
| 85. | Alex Collins BAL vs. Chi Note: Had 12 carries for 55 yards but didn't get any targets. Still, there's a decent window for more touches this week with Terrance West likely out. |
| 86. | Tyrell Williams LAC at Oak Note: Received only two targets despite being on the field for 66 snaps. ***Now Mike Williams is likely to make his debut this week. A lot of mouths to feed for this team.*** |
| 87. | *Matt Breida SF at Was Note: Got more work than Hyde last week as the 'hot hand.' |
| 88. | Frank Gore IND at Ten |
| 89. | *Elijah McGuire NYJ vs. NE Note: Could be in line to start this week against the Pats, unless Matt Forte is ready to return. ***Forte will play - and thus might get more work than McGuire.*** |
| 90. | Latavius Murray MIN vs. GB |
| 91. | Ed Dickson CAR vs. Phi |
| 92. | Cameron Brate TB at Ari |
| 93. | Ryan Griffin HOU vs. Cle Note: Draws a really friendly matchup against Cleveland this week. |
| 94. | *Marlon Mack IND at Ten Note: Hurt his elbow in the win, but also said he doesn't expect to miss Week 6 against the Titans. Removed from the Colts' injury report. |
| 95. | *Jordan Reed WAS vs. SF Note: (Rib/sternum/shoulder) No longer on the injury list. ***Even though he's not on the injury list, Reed said that he's also not 100 percent healthy.*** |
| 96. | *Derrick Henry TEN vs. Ind Note: ***Offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie said that they want to get Henry more involved this week, after he got just four carries last week.*** |
| 97. | *Jonathan Stewart CAR vs. Phi Note: (Ankle) Limited participant in Tuesday's practice. Removed from the injury list. |
Kickers
| 1. | Stephen Gostkowski NE at NYJ |
| 2. | Justin Tucker BAL vs. Chi |
| 3. | Wil Lutz NO vs. Det |
| 4. | Mason Crosby GB at Min Note: The Packers are missing their long-snapper, and that was a problem on Crosby's two missed extra-points. |
| 5. | Harrison Butker KC vs. Pit |
| 6. | Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. SF |
| 7. | *Matt Bryant ATL vs. Mia Note: (Back) Held out of practice Thursday. ***Expected to play, though the Falcons added Mike Meyer as an insurance policy.*** |
| 8. | Greg Zuerlein LA at Jax Note: Had a rare and huge miss against the Seahawks - it forced the Rams to go for a touchdown late down six points. |
| 9. | Jake Elliott PHI at Car |
| 10. | Ryan Succop TEN vs. Ind |
| 11. | Brandon McManus DEN vs. NYG |
| 12. | Kai Forbath MIN vs. GB |
| 13. | Graham Gano CAR vs. Phi |
| 14. | Giorgio Tavecchio OAK vs. LAC |
| 15. | Matt Prater DET at NO |
| 16. | Chris Boswell PIT at KC |
| 17. | Adam Vinatieri IND at Ten |
| 18. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. Cle |
| 19. | Nick Novak LAC at Oak |
| 20. | Phil Dawson ARZ vs. TB |
| 21. | Robbie Gould SF at Was |
| 22. | Jason Myers JAC vs. LAR |
| 23. | Chandler Catanzaro NYJ vs. NE |
| 24. | Connor Barth CHI at Bal |
| 25. | Aldrick Rosas NYG at Den |
| 26. | Cody Parkey MIA at Atl |
| 27. | Zane Gonzalez CLE at Hou Note: Missed two field goal attempts - one from 39 yards - in a three-point loss. |
| 28. | Patrick Murray TB at Ari |
| 29. | *Nick Folk TB at Ari Note: Placed on IR with tendinitis in his left knee. The Bucs signed Patrick Murray to replace him. |
Defenses
| 1. | Denver Broncos vs. NYG |
| 2. | Atlanta Falcons vs. Mia |
| 3. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pit |
| 4. | Baltimore Ravens vs. Chi |
| 5. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. LAR |
| 6. | *Washington Redskins vs. SF Note: The Redskins will be without Josh Norman (ribs), ruining what might have been a decent streaming opportunity. |
| 7. | *Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ari Note: ***Lavonte David (ankle) expected to return this week.*** |
| 8. | *New England Patriots at NYJ Note: ***Stephon Gilmore (concussion) out this week.*** |
| 9. | Philadelphia Eagles at Car |
| 10. | *Arizona Cardinals vs. TB Note: ***Patrick Peterson (quad) added to the injury list and is questionable, though he's expected to play.*** |
| 11. | Carolina Panthers vs. Phi |
| 12. | Los Angeles Rams at Jax |
| 13. | Tennessee Titans vs. Ind |
| 14. | *Green Bay Packers at Min Note: ***Morgan Burnett (hamstring) out, Kevin King (concussion) doubtful.*** |
| 15. | *Houston Texans vs. Cle Note: Normally a slam-dunk start, but how good are they without Watt and Mercillus? |
| 16. | *New York Giants at Den Note: ***Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie suspended for this week's game, likely returning next week.*** |
| 17. | Miami Dolphins at Atl |
| 18. | *Minnesota Vikings vs. GB Note: ***Andrew Sendejo (groin) out.*** |
| 19. | Chicago Bears at Bal |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers at Oak |
| 21. | Indianapolis Colts at Ten |
| 22. | New Orleans Saints vs. Det |
| 23. | Pittsburgh Steelers at KC |
| 24. | Detroit Lions at NO |
| 25. | Oakland Raiders vs. LAC |
| 26. | New York Jets vs. NE |
| 27. | *San Francisco 49ers at Was Note: ***Released NaVorro Bowman, Reuben Foster (ankle) is listed as questionable but expected to play.*** |
| 28. | Cleveland Browns at Hou |
