Weekly Rankings: Week 9 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 9 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update complete

Bye Week: Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Philadelphia

No more early London games!!!!

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. Most importantly, the default rankings are now for PPR leagues.

**** PLEASE READ: Times change, and with them, so do I, even if I go kicking and screaming into the good night. The vast majority of the fantasy football universe plays with some form of PPR -whether it's a full point or 1/2 point. ESPN's default is full-point PPR, Yahoo's is .5 PPR. The DFS games for the vast majority are either half or full point PPR. I'm sympathetic to those of you who would prefer standard rankings, so please, feel free to ask your questions in the comments regarding how a player might change in a standard scoring league. ****

***PLEASE READ, PART II - The masses (ok, the not-so-silent minority) have spoken, and you really want more representation for standard leagues too, so the Flex Rankings are now Standard scoring.***

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings. ***These are not draft rankings.

Sunday Update complete

Bye Week: Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Philadelphia

No more early London games!!!!

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. Most importantly, the default rankings are now for PPR leagues.

**** PLEASE READ: Times change, and with them, so do I, even if I go kicking and screaming into the good night. The vast majority of the fantasy football universe plays with some form of PPR -whether it's a full point or 1/2 point. ESPN's default is full-point PPR, Yahoo's is .5 PPR. The DFS games for the vast majority are either half or full point PPR. I'm sympathetic to those of you who would prefer standard rankings, so please, feel free to ask your questions in the comments regarding how a player might change in a standard scoring league. ****

***PLEASE READ, PART II - The masses (ok, the not-so-silent minority) have spoken, and you really want more representation for standard leagues too, so the Flex Rankings are now Standard scoring.***

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings. ***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. This first week in particular, but in other weeks as well, I will change ranks according to injuries and sometimes even a change of heart. 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. Otherwise, my response will correspond with the rankings. If I rank one player before another, that's how I plan on making my starting decisions.

Quarterback

1.Patrick Mahomes KC at Cle
2.*Aaron Rodgers GB at NE
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday, full practice Thursday.
3.*Cam Newton CAR vs. TB
Note: (Shoulder) Limited Wednesday, full practice Thursday.
4.Tom Brady NE vs. GB
5.*Jared Goff LA at NO
Note: Might show up in the injury report after taking some hard hits last week, but not expected to miss time against the Saints this week.
6.Drew Brees NO vs. LAR
Note: Output suffered because of a defensive touchdown, a long fumble recovery and a strong running game. That likely won't be the case at home against the Rams.
7.Matt Ryan ATL at Was
8.*Ryan Fitzpatrick TB at Car
Note: Back in the saddle again.
9.*Deshaun Watson HOU at Den
Note: (Lung) Has been cleared to fly with the team to Denver.
10.*Kirk Cousins MIN vs. Det
Note: ***Probably will be without Stefon Diggs this week.***
11.Philip Rivers LAC at Sea
12.Case Keenum DEN vs. Hou
13.Russell Wilson SEA vs. LAC
Note: Three touchdowns against the Lions, but only 17 passing attempts.
14.Alex Smith WAS vs. Atl
15.*Ben Roethlisberger PIT at Bal
Note: Suffered a fracture of his *left* index finger in the win over the Browns - he's fully expected to play against the Ravens. Full practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Will likely play with a splint on his left hand.***
16.Baker Mayfield CLE vs. KC
17.Derek Carr OAK at SF
Note: Had a big day despite not having Amari Cooper, not connecting at all with Martavis Bryant and barely hooking up with Jordy Nelson.
18.Joe Flacco BAL vs. Pit
19.Dak Prescott DAL vs. Ten
20.*Matthew Stafford DET at Min
Note: Going into a road division game with his team having just traded his favorite receiver.
21.Mitchell Trubisky CHI at Buf
22.*Brock Osweiler MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Tannehill has been ruled out again.
23.Marcus Mariota TEN at Dal
24.*Sam Darnold NYJ at Mia
Note: The Jets receiving corps without Enunwa, Anderson and Pryor is just tragic.
25.*Nathan Peterman BUF vs. Chi
Note: In line to start this week with Derek Anderson in the concussion protocol. The Bills signed Matt Barkley to be the backup this week.
26.*Nick Mullens SF vs. Oak
Note: In line to start this week due to C.J. Beathard's wrist injury. Beathard has been upgraded to a 50-50 call for Thursday night.
27.*C.J. Beathard SF vs. Oak
Note: Sore right wrist - struggling to hold a football, which seems to be an important thing, as of Tuesday. The Niners host the Raiders on Thursday night. Nick Mullens could start. True 50-50 call whether Beathard will start. That the Niners released Tom Savage ensures that he'll at least be active.
28.*Jameis Winston TB at Car
Note: Benched in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick following his four-INT performance against the Bengals.
29.*Derek Anderson BUF vs. Chi
Note: Suffered a concussion late in the fourth quarter on Monday night and won't start this week - instead it'll be Nathan Peterman again. ***Still in the concussion protocol - downgraded to out.***
30.*Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. NYJ
Note: (Shoulder) Faces an 'uncertain' throwing schedule after throwing a tennis ball around last week. Ruled out again this week.
31.*Josh Allen BUF vs. Chi
Note: (Elbow) Already ruled out for Week 9 against the Bears.

Running Backs

1.Todd Gurley LA at NO
2.Kareem Hunt KC at Cle
3.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. LAR
Note: Did not practice Thursday. ***(Illness) Returned to practice Friday.***
4.Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. Ten
5.Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. TB
6.Nick Chubb CLE vs. KC
7.*Phillip Lindsay DEN vs. Hou
Note: ***Freeman expected to sit out another week.***
8.*James White NE vs. GB
Note: ***Sony Michel has been limited all week but felt good Friday. He will be a game-time decision following the Pats' pregame warmups for the Sunday night game. This might not affect White's ranking too much, however.***
9.*Melvin Gordon LAC at Sea
Note: (Hamstring) Gordon is a 'candidate' to return this week against the Seahawks. My initial read on him was more optimistic - we'll have to watch the practice reports carefully. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, expected to play.***
10.James Conner PIT at Bal
11.*Adrian Peterson WAS vs. Atl
Note: ***(Shoulder) Removed from the injury list.***
12.*Aaron Jones GB at NE
Note: Even before the Montgomery trade, Jones was trending upward - he got over 60 percent of the snaps against the Rams. Now that he's going to get more than a third of the snaps each week, he's viable.
13.Kenyan Drake MIA vs. NYJ
14.*Latavius Murray MIN vs. Det
Note: Some chance that Dalvin Cook returns in at least limited form this week. ***Cook is expected to play, albeit in limited fashion.***
15.Mark Ingram NO vs. LAR
16.Tarik Cohen CHI at Buf
17.*Kerryon Johnson DET at Min
Note: ***Could lose out on third down snaps again with Theo Riddick cleared to play.***
18.*Matt Breida SF vs. Oak
Note: (Ankle) Appears ready to tough it out again Thursday night.
19.Dion Lewis TEN at Dal
20.Lamar Miller HOU at Den
21.Tevin Coleman ATL at Was
22.Jordan Howard CHI at Buf
23.*Chris Carson SEA vs. LAC
Note: ***(Hip) Game-time decision after limited practices both Thursday and Friday. The Seahawks are optimistic that he can go.***
24.*Peyton Barber TB at Car
Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday.
25.*Isaiah Crowell NYJ at Mia
Note: ***Could lose carries to Elijah McGuire.***
26.*LeSean McCoy BUF vs. Chi
Note: No trades for McCoy, who had a decent receiving night against the Pats.
27.*Alex Collins BAL vs. Pit
Note: The addition of Ty Montgomery can't help, though it's more likely to hurt Allen than Collins. (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday, no practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, expected to play.***
28.Doug Martin OAK at SF
Note: Ran well against the Colts (13-for-72) but had a late, costly fumble.
29.*Austin Ekeler LAC at Sea
Note: ***Gordon is expected to return back to action.***
30.*Duke Johnson CLE vs. KC
Note: Got hurt on the first drive against the Steelers but returned to the game in short order. Still, he managed just 23 offensive snaps. Maybe a new head coach and OC will change that?
31.Jalen Richard OAK at SF
32.Derrick Henry TEN at Dal
33.Ito Smith ATL at Was
34.Devontae Booker DEN vs. Hou
35.Frank Gore MIA vs. NYJ
36.*Kapri Bibbs WAS vs. Atl
Note: Separated his left shoulder in the win over the Giants. Limited practice so far this week. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable, but Thompson is out.***
37.LeGarrette Blount DET at Min
38.*Mike Davis SEA vs. LAC
Note: ***Moved up a few slots to account for Chris Carson's hip injury - even if Carson plays, Davis could get more work.***
39.*Jamaal Williams GB at NE
Note: Had just four carries last week, though he scored on one of them. Should maintain about a third of the carries now that Montgomery is gone.
40.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. Det
Note: Cook said that his hamstring is 'feeling great' but that he's wary of a setback. The Vikes are off next week, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he sits once again. Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday - some chance he returns this week. ***Another practice Friday, and now he's expected to play, though in a limited fashion, around 15-20 snaps.***
41.Chris Ivory BUF vs. Chi
42.Malcolm Brown LA at NO
43.*Javorius Allen BAL vs. Pit
Note: Could eventually lose playing time to Ty Montgomery on passing downs.
44.Marcus Murphy BUF vs. Chi
45.Alfred Blue HOU at Den
46.*Jacquizz Rodgers TB at Car
Note: Had four receptions last week and should maintain that role with Jones out multiple weeks - Barber can't handle all of the snaps.
47.*Theo Riddick DET at Min
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, cleared to play.***
48.*Elijah McGuire NYJ at Mia
Note: ***Activated from injured reserve to return (foot) and will be active this week.***
49.Alfred Morris SF vs. Oak
50.C.J. Anderson CAR vs. TB
51.Spencer Ware KC at Cle
52.Kenjon Barner NE vs. GB
Note: Received just two carries on only seven snaps.
53.DeAndre Washington OAK at SF
54.Tyler Ervin HOU at Den
55.*Rashaad Penny SEA vs. LAC
Note: Ok, I was wrong - zero offensive snaps. Yuck.
56.Trenton Cannon NYJ at Mia
57.*Sony Michel NE vs. GB
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Another limited practice Friday, felt pretty good afterward, but will be a game-time decision Sunday night.***
58.*Ty Montgomery BAL vs. Pit
Note: Traded to the Ravens for a seventh-rounder at the deadline; something had to give after his fumble on the kickoff cost the Packers so dearly. ***Inactive this week.***
59.*Chris Thompson WAS vs. Atl
Note: Injured his ribs on the other side. Did not practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.***
60.*Royce Freeman DEN vs. Hou
Note: (Ankle) No practice Thursday. ***Not expected to play once again this week.***
61.*Ronald Jones II TB at Car
Note: Strained hamstring, out multiple weeks.
62.*D'Onta Foreman HOU at Den
63.*Le'Veon Bell PIT at Bal
Note: No reporting to the team, no trade, no clarity.
64.*Raheem Mostert SF vs. Oak
Note: Didn't practice Monday due to an ankle injury. Expected to play Thursday night. ***Fractured right forearm on Thursday night, out for the season.***

Wide Receivers

1.Davante Adams GB at NE
2.*Michael Thomas NO vs. LAR
Note: (Shoulder) Didn't practice Wednesday.
3.Adam Thielen MIN vs. Det
4.Antonio Brown PIT at Bal
5.*Mike Evans TB at Car
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.***
6.Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. Hou
7.Julio Jones ATL at Was
8.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at Den
9.*Tyreek Hill KC at Cle
Note: Strained groin late in the win over the Broncos. Full practice Wednesday. ***Full practice all week, removed from the injury list.***
10.JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at Bal
11.*Brandin Cooks LA at NO
Note: ***Could be the one to draw Lattimore this week.***
12.Jarvis Landry CLE vs. KC
13.Keenan Allen LAC at Sea
14.Robert Woods LA at NO
15.*Julian Edelman NE vs. GB
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.***
16.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAC
17.*Courtland Sutton DEN vs. Hou
Note: Big beneficiary of the Demaryius Thomas trade to the Texans, and both Tim Patrick plus DaeSean Hamilton (when healthy) should see the field more, too.
18.*Marvin Jones DET at Min
Note: More targets with the trade of Tate, though neither Jones nor Golladay frequently line up in the slot.
19.Devin Funchess CAR vs. TB
20.*Cooper Kupp LA at NO
Note: (Knee) Expected to play this week. Limited at Wednesday's walk-through. ***Officially cleared to return.***
21.John Brown BAL vs. Pit
22.*Kenny Golladay DET at Min
Note: Should get more targets after the Tate trade - hard to get fewer targets! But his target volume has been a casualty of the Lions running more often.
23.Calvin Ridley ATL at Was
24.Chris Godwin TB at Car
25.Sammy Watkins KC at Cle
26.*D.J. Moore CAR vs. TB
Note: ***Starting again with Torrey Smith ruled out.***
27.*Demaryius Thomas HOU at Den
Note: Traded to the Texans, just in time to play against his former team. Coach Bill O'Brien confirmed that Thomas will play this week.
28.*DeSean Jackson TB at Car
Note: The Bucs emphatically denied Jackson's trade request - though moving back to Fitzpatrick might have lessened his resolve to get traded anyhow.
29.*Mohamed Sanu ATL at Was
Note: (Hip) Should be close to full capacity after the bye week. (Hip) Still limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Cleared to play despite a limited practice Friday.***
30.*Doug Baldwin SEA vs. LAC
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday.
31.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at NE
Note: ***Bumped up due to the injury to Geronimo Allison.***
32.*Taylor Gabriel CHI at Buf
Note: (Knee) Limited at practice Wednesday, injury considered minor.
33.Michael Crabtree BAL vs. Pit
34.*Josh Gordon NE vs. GB
Note: So much for the report that Gordon would sit out multiple series - he played all but 12 snaps Monday night. (Hamstring) Continued limited practice. ***Listed as questionable, expected to play.***
35.Josh Doctson WAS vs. Atl
Note: Had a season-high five catches for 49 yards in the win over the Giants. The Redskins will probably need to open up the offense more this week to keep pace with Atlanta, so this could bode well for Doctson.
36.*Amari Cooper DAL vs. Ten
Note: Should make his Cowboys debut this week, but make sure to check his practice reports in his return from a concussion.
37.*DeVante Parker MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Had a huge night against the Texans on Thursday night with Wilson and Stills out - can he maintain a heavy target load going forward?
38.*Corey Davis TEN at Dal
Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Removed from the injury list.***
39.Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. LAR
Note: Clear No. 2 for the Saints, though that amounted to very little against the Vikes.
40.Tyrell Williams LAC at Sea
41.*Quincy Enunwa NYJ at Mia
Note: ***(Ankle) Game-time decision but expected to play.***
42.Marquise Goodwin SF vs. Oak
43.*Randall Cobb GB at NE
Note: ***(Hamstring) Listed as questionable but expected to play.***
44.Anthony Miller CHI at Buf
45.Cole Beasley DAL vs. Ten
46.*Laquon Treadwell MIN vs. Det
Note: ***Should get more targets with Diggs unlikely to play.***
47.Willie Snead BAL vs. Pit
48.David Moore SEA vs. LAC
49.Danny Amendola MIA vs. NYJ
50.Jordy Nelson OAK at SF
51.Chris Hogan NE vs. GB
52.Curtis Samuel CAR vs. TB
53.*Cordarrelle Patterson NE vs. GB
Note: Served as the backup in the backfield to James White, getting 10 carries. ***(Neck) Listed as questionable.***
54.Jakeem Grant MIA vs. NYJ
55.*Paul Richardson WAS vs. Atl
Note: (Shoulder/Knee) No practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable after having limited practices Thursday and Friday.***
56.*Aldrick Robinson MIN vs. Det
Note: ***Like Treadwell, should get more snaps/targets with Diggs unlikely to play.***
57.Jermaine Kearse NYJ at Mia
58.Seth Roberts OAK at SF
59.Deontay Burnett NYJ at Mia
60.Adam Humphries TB at Car
61.*Rashard Higgins CLE vs. KC
Note: (Knee) On the field for Thursday's practice. ***Limited practice again Friday, listed as questionable but expected to play.***
62.Kelvin Benjamin BUF vs. Chi
Note: Staying put in Buffalo.
63.*Antonio Callaway CLE vs. KC
Note: ***Injured his ankle in practice and sat out Friday, but pending a pregame workout he's still expected to play Sunday.***
64.*Terrelle Pryor BUF vs. Chi
Note: Signed with the Bills on Tuesday.
65.*Robby Anderson NYJ at Mia
Note: (Ankle) Not yet practicing this week. ***Game-time decision, and the team is optimistic that he'll be able to go.***
66.Josh Reynolds LA at NO
67.Zay Jones BUF vs. Chi
68.*Pierre Garcon SF vs. Oak
Note: (Shoulder/Knee) Listed as questionable.
69.*Kenny Stills MIA vs. NYJ
Note: (Groin) Not at practice Thursday. ***SURPRISINGLY RULED ACTIVE AFTER ALL.***
70.*Tim Patrick DEN vs. Hou
Note: ***Likely the third receiver this week with Hamilton ruled out.***
71.Maurice Harris WAS vs. Atl
72.Allen Hurns DAL vs. Ten
73.Damion Ratley CLE vs. KC
74.Taywan Taylor TEN at Dal
75.Mike Williams LAC at Sea
76.*Allen Robinson CHI at Buf
Note: (Groin) No practice Wednesday. ***Just one limited practice on Friday.***
77.*Equanimeous St. Brown GB at NE
Note: ***(Knee) Removed from the injury list.***
78.Travis Benjamin LAC at Sea
79.Justin Hardy ATL at Was
80.Tajae Sharpe TEN at Dal
81.*Martavis Bryant OAK at SF
Note: Played only seven snaps against the Colts. I do not like the Cone of Shame.
82.*Brandon Powell DET at Min
83.*TJ Jones DET at Min
84.*Torrey Smith CAR vs. TB
Note: (Knee) Non-participant Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
85.*DaeSean Hamilton DEN vs. Hou
Note: Missed last week with a knee injury, but he'll be part of the rotation in the near future thanks to the Thomas trade. ***Ruled out again this week.***
86.*Tavon Austin DAL vs. Ten
Note: (Groin) No practice Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.***
87.*Geronimo Allison GB at NE
Note: Had just one target last week despite playing 30 snaps - was essentially passed on the depth chart by Marquez Valdes-Scantling, though we'll see if that order is maintained upon his second week back. ***Ruled out this week (groin).***
88.*Jamison Crowder WAS vs. Atl
Note: (Ankle) Ruled out again this week.
89.*Stefon Diggs MIN vs. Det
Note: (Ribs) Sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday but worked out on the side. ***Listed as a non-participant Friday and now isn't expected to play.***
90.*Keke Coutee HOU at Den
Note: (Hamstring) Status still uncertain for this week. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out this week, didn't make the trip.***
91.*Will Fuller HOU at Den
Note: Torn ACL, out for the season.

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC at Cle
2.Trey Burton CHI at Buf
3.*Jimmy Graham GB at NE
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury list.***
4.George Kittle SF vs. Oak
5.Jared Cook OAK at SF
6.O.J. Howard TB at Car
Note: Should benefit from the return of Fitzpatrick.
7.*Jordan Reed WAS vs. Atl
Note: (Neck) Limited on Wednesday. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday.***
8.Vance McDonald PIT at Bal
9.*Greg Olsen CAR vs. TB
Note: (Foot) Full practice Thursday.
10.Austin Hooper ATL at Was
11.*David Njoku CLE vs. KC
Note: No official targets - was targeted in the end zone once where he drew a pass interference penalty against the Steelers. (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury list.***
12.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Det
13.*Rob Gronkowski NE vs. GB
Note: Targeted eight times, with only three catches - appeared to have trouble gaining separation. In fact, his biggest catch was in heavy traffic. Just doesn't appear to be the same to me. (Ankle/Back) No practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, game-time decision Sunday night.***
14.Chris Herndon NYJ at Mia
Note: Scored for the third week in a row, though that was his only catch.
15.Jeff Heuerman DEN vs. Hou
16.Mark Andrews BAL vs. Pit
Note: Had five targets in the loss to Carolina. Hurst is the first-rounder, but Andrews has some draft pedigree as well as a third-rounder.
17.Ben Watson NO vs. LAR
18.Hayden Hurst BAL vs. Pit
Note: Caught his first NFL touchdown, albeit in garbage time.
19.Cameron Brate TB at Car
20.Ed Dickson SEA vs. LAC
21.Vernon Davis WAS vs. Atl
22.Gerald Everett LA at NO
23.Michael Roberts DET at Min
24.Jesse James PIT at Bal
25.Charles Clay BUF vs. Chi
26.*Ryan Griffin HOU at Den
Note: (Illness) Should return this week.
27.Nick O'Leary MIA vs. NYJ
28.Jason Croom BUF vs. Chi
29.Antonio Gates LAC at Sea
30.Dwayne Allen NE vs. GB
31.Seth DeValve CLE vs. KC
32.Luke Willson DET at Min
33.Tyler Higbee LA at NO
34.Luke Stocker TEN at Dal
35.Virgil Green LAC at Sea
36.Mike Gesicki MIA vs. NYJ
37.*A.J. Derby MIA vs. NYJ
Note: ***(Foot) Full practice all week. listed as questionable.***
38.*Geoff Swaim DAL vs. Ten
Note: (Knee) No practice Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Todd Gurley LA at NO
2.Kareem Hunt KC at Cle
3.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. LAR
Note: Did not practice Thursday. ***(Illness) Returned to practice Friday.***
4.Davante Adams GB at NE
5.*Michael Thomas NO vs. LAR
Note: (Shoulder) Didn't practice Wednesday.
6.Adam Thielen MIN vs. Det
7.Antonio Brown PIT at Bal
8.Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. Ten
9.*Mike Evans TB at Car
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday.***
10.Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. Hou
11.Julio Jones ATL at Was
12.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at Den
13.*Tyreek Hill KC at Cle
Note: Strained groin late in the win over the Broncos. Full practice Wednesday. ***Full practice all week, removed from the injury list.***
14.Travis Kelce KC at Cle
15.Nick Chubb CLE vs. KC
16.*Phillip Lindsay DEN vs. Hou
Note: ***Freeman expected to sit out another week.***
17.JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at Bal
18.*Brandin Cooks LA at NO
Note: ***Could be the one to draw Lattimore this week.***
19.*Melvin Gordon LAC at Sea
Note: (Hamstring) Gordon is a 'candidate' to return this week against the Seahawks. My initial read on him was more optimistic - we'll have to watch the practice reports carefully. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, expected to play.***
20.Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. TB
21.*James White NE vs. GB
Note: ***Sony Michel has been limited all week but felt good Friday. He will be a game-time decision following the Pats' pregame warmups for the Sunday night game. This might not affect White's ranking too much, however.***
22.James Conner PIT at Bal
23.*Adrian Peterson WAS vs. Atl
Note: ***(Shoulder) Removed from the injury list.***
24.Keenan Allen LAC at Sea
25.Robert Woods LA at NO
26.Kenyan Drake MIA vs. NYJ
27.*Aaron Jones GB at NE
Note: Even before the Montgomery trade, Jones was trending upward - he got over 60 percent of the snaps against the Rams. Now that he's going to get more than a third of the snaps each week, he's viable.
28.*Latavius Murray MIN vs. Det
Note: Some chance that Dalvin Cook returns in at least limited form this week. ***Cook is expected to play, albeit in limited fashion.***
29.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. LAC
30.Jarvis Landry CLE vs. KC
31.*Cooper Kupp LA at NO
Note: (Knee) Expected to play this week. Limited at Wednesday's walk-through. ***Officially cleared to return.***
32.*Courtland Sutton DEN vs. Hou
Note: Big beneficiary of the Demaryius Thomas trade to the Texans, and both Tim Patrick plus DaeSean Hamilton (when healthy) should see the field more, too.
33.*Marvin Jones DET at Min
Note: More targets with the trade of Tate, though neither Jones nor Golladay frequently line up in the slot.
34.*Matt Breida SF vs. Oak
Note: (Ankle) Appears ready to tough it out again Thursday night.
35.Lamar Miller HOU at Den
36.Tarik Cohen CHI at Buf
37.Jordan Howard CHI at Buf
38.Mark Ingram NO vs. LAR
39.*Chris Carson SEA vs. LAC
Note: ***(Hip) Game-time decision after limited practices both Thursday and Friday. The Seahawks are optimistic that he can go.***
40.Devin Funchess CAR vs. TB
41.John Brown BAL vs. Pit
42.*Julian Edelman NE vs. GB
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.***
43.*Kenny Golladay DET at Min
Note: Should get more targets after the Tate trade - hard to get fewer targets! But his target volume has been a casualty of the Lions running more often.
44.Calvin Ridley ATL at Was
45.*DeSean Jackson TB at Car
Note: The Bucs emphatically denied Jackson's trade request - though moving back to Fitzpatrick might have lessened his resolve to get traded anyhow.
46.*Kerryon Johnson DET at Min
Note: ***Could lose out on third down snaps again with Theo Riddick cleared to play.***
47.Dion Lewis TEN at Dal
48.Trey Burton CHI at Buf
49.*Jimmy Graham GB at NE
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury list.***
50.Tevin Coleman ATL at Was
51.*Peyton Barber TB at Car
Note: (Ankle) Full practice Thursday.
52.*Isaiah Crowell NYJ at Mia
Note: ***Could lose carries to Elijah McGuire.***
53.*LeSean McCoy BUF vs. Chi
Note: No trades for McCoy, who had a decent receiving night against the Pats.
54.Doug Martin OAK at SF
Note: Ran well against the Colts (13-for-72) but had a late, costly fumble.
55.*Alex Collins BAL vs. Pit
Note: The addition of Ty Montgomery can't help, though it's more likely to hurt Allen than Collins. (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday, no practice Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, expected to play.***
56.Chris Godwin TB at Car
57.*Doug Baldwin SEA vs. LAC
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday.
58.Sammy Watkins KC at Cle
59.*D.J. Moore CAR vs. TB
Note: ***Starting again with Torrey Smith ruled out.***
60.George Kittle SF vs. Oak
61.Derrick Henry TEN at Dal
62.Ito Smith ATL at Was
63.*Demaryius Thomas HOU at Den
Note: Traded to the Texans, just in time to play against his former team. Coach Bill O'Brien confirmed that Thomas will play this week.
64.*Mohamed Sanu ATL at Was
Note: (Hip) Should be close to full capacity after the bye week. (Hip) Still limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Cleared to play despite a limited practice Friday.***
65.Michael Crabtree BAL vs. Pit
66.*Josh Gordon NE vs. GB
Note: So much for the report that Gordon would sit out multiple series - he played all but 12 snaps Monday night. (Hamstring) Continued limited practice. ***Listed as questionable, expected to play.***
67.Josh Doctson WAS vs. Atl
Note: Had a season-high five catches for 49 yards in the win over the Giants. The Redskins will probably need to open up the offense more this week to keep pace with Atlanta, so this could bode well for Doctson.
68.*Amari Cooper DAL vs. Ten
Note: Should make his Cowboys debut this week, but make sure to check his practice reports in his return from a concussion.
69.*Taylor Gabriel CHI at Buf
Note: (Knee) Limited at practice Wednesday, injury considered minor.
70.Marquise Goodwin SF vs. Oak
71.*Austin Ekeler LAC at Sea
Note: ***Gordon is expected to return back to action.***
72.*DeVante Parker MIA vs. NYJ
Note: Had a huge night against the Texans on Thursday night with Wilson and Stills out - can he maintain a heavy target load going forward?
73.*Corey Davis TEN at Dal
Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Removed from the injury list.***
74.Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. LAR
Note: Clear No. 2 for the Saints, though that amounted to very little against the Vikes.
75.Tyrell Williams LAC at Sea
76.*Duke Johnson CLE vs. KC
Note: Got hurt on the first drive against the Steelers but returned to the game in short order. Still, he managed just 23 offensive snaps. Maybe a new head coach and OC will change that?
77.Jalen Richard OAK at SF
78.Devontae Booker DEN vs. Hou
79.Frank Gore MIA vs. NYJ
80.LeGarrette Blount DET at Min
81.*Jamaal Williams GB at NE
Note: Had just four carries last week, though he scored on one of them. Should maintain about a third of the carries now that Montgomery is gone.
82.*David Njoku CLE vs. KC
Note: No official targets - was targeted in the end zone once where he drew a pass interference penalty against the Steelers. (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury list.***
83.Jared Cook OAK at SF
84.O.J. Howard TB at Car
Note: Should benefit from the return of Fitzpatrick.
85.Chris Ivory BUF vs. Chi
86.Jermaine Kearse NYJ at Mia
87.*Randall Cobb GB at NE
Note: ***(Hamstring) Listed as questionable but expected to play.***
88.Anthony Miller CHI at Buf
89.Cole Beasley DAL vs. Ten
90.*Rob Gronkowski NE vs. GB
Note: Targeted eight times, with only three catches - appeared to have trouble gaining separation. In fact, his biggest catch was in heavy traffic. Just doesn't appear to be the same to me. (Ankle/Back) No practice Thursday. ***Limited practice Friday, game-time decision Sunday night.***

Kickers

1.Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. GB
2.Harrison Butker KC at Cle
3.Greg Zuerlein LA at NO
4.Graham Gano CAR vs. TB
5.Wil Lutz NO vs. LAR
6.Justin Tucker BAL vs. Pit
7.Mason Crosby GB at NE
8.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at Den
9.Jason Myers NYJ at Mia
10.Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. Atl
Note: One bad miss (41) that went way wide right.
11.Dan Bailey MIN vs. Det
12.Brandon McManus DEN vs. Hou
Note: First miss of the season, albeit from 55 yards.
13.Chandler Catanzaro TB at Car
Note: Missed another extra point attempt against the Bengals.
14.*Giorgio Tavecchio ATL at Was
Note: I'm operating on the assumption that Bryant won't kick this week. ***Will kick again this week.***
15.Robbie Gould SF vs. Oak
16.Chris Boswell PIT at Bal
17.Matt Prater DET at Min
18.Sebastian Janikowski SEA vs. LAC
19.Brett Maher DAL vs. Ten
20.Jason Sanders MIA vs. NYJ
21.*Caleb Sturgis LAC at Sea
Note: (Quadriceps) Should return this week.
22.Daniel Carlson OAK at SF
23.Greg Joseph CLE vs. KC
Note: Missed both a field goal (41) and an extra point among his four kicks.
24.Ryan Succop TEN at Dal
25.Cody Parkey CHI at Buf
26.Stephen Hauschka BUF vs. Chi
27.*Matt Bryant ATL at Was
Note: Expected to test his injured hamstring on Thursday - don't be surprised if he sits out another week. Still has a chance to play this week - will know more after Friday. ***Ruled out for another week.***

Defenses

1.Chicago Bears at Buf
Note: A game against Nathan Peterman? Sure, sign me up!
2.*Dallas Cowboys vs. Ten
Note: Sean Lee is back - have the Titans fixed their OL woes?
3.Miami Dolphins vs. NYJ
Note: Torched last week, but facing a toothless Jets' offense.
4.Denver Broncos vs. Hou
5.Baltimore Ravens vs. Pit
6.Kansas City Chiefs at Cle
7.Carolina Panthers vs. TB
8.Houston Texans at Den
9.Minnesota Vikings vs. Det
10.New York Jets at Mia
11.Los Angeles Chargers at Sea
12.Tennessee Titans at Dal
13.Seattle Seahawks vs. LAC
14.Pittsburgh Steelers at Bal
15.New England Patriots vs. GB
16.Atlanta Falcons at Was
17.San Francisco 49ers vs. Oak
18.*Los Angeles Rams at NO
Note: The rich get richer with the acquisition of Dante Fowler Jr.
19.*Washington Redskins vs. Atl
Note: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix traded to the Redskins from the Packers right at the trade deadline.
20.*Oakland Raiders at SF
Note: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie retired following the Week 8 loss to the Colts. Meanwhile, the Raiders have the least number of QB pressures in the league by an order of magnitude - can they take advantage of playing against a QB taking his first NFL snap?
21.Detroit Lions at Min
22.Buffalo Bills vs. Chi
23.New Orleans Saints vs. LAR
24.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Car
25.Green Bay Packers at NE
26.Cleveland Browns vs. KC
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Erickson
Jeff Erickson is a co-founder of RotoWire and the only two-time winner of Baseball Writer of the Year from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. He's also in the FSWA Hall of Fame. He roots for the Reds, Bengals, Red Wings, Pacers and Northwestern University (the real NU).
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