Weekly Rankings: Week 3 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 3 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update Complete

Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Bryce Young?"

These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.

Each week, the first set of rankings will be posted on Tuesday night. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.

When setting your lineups, make sure to refer to the NFL inactives to ensure all of your players are set to receive snaps.

I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.

Sunday Update Complete

Welcome to the Weekly Value Meter Rankings. This is a guide to help you decide who to start and sit in a given week. It's is not a season-long ranking nor a draft guide, and it's also not really intended as a free agent guide. While I appreciate that you want my opinion on pickups, every league is different, and your decision on whether to add/drop a particular player might also be dictated by other factors than who is rated higher in a given week.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

- The RB/WR/TE position rankings are for PPR leagues.
- The Flex rankings are for Standard leagues.
- 1 point per 10 rushing/receiving yards.
- 1 point per 20 passing yards.
- 4 points per passing touchdowns.

These are the rankings I use when I make my start/sit decisions. Please consult the rankings first before asking "Should I start Patrick Mahomes or Bryce Young?"

These are my particular rankings. If you want a second opinion elsewhere on the site, you can see our Weekly Projections.

Each week, the first set of rankings will be posted on Tuesday night. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning.

When setting your lineups, make sure to refer to the NFL inactives to ensure all of your players are set to receive snaps.

I welcome debate on the rankings in the comments. Please keep it friendly.

Quarterbacks

1.Patrick Mahomes KC vs. CHI
2.Jalen Hurts PHI at TB
3.Josh Allen BUF at WAS
4.*Lamar Jackson BAL vs. IND
Note: Jackson suffered a stinger on his left hand last week against the Bengals but isn't on the injury list for this week.
5.*Justin Herbert LAC at MIN
Note: Two weeks in a row, the opposing pass rush has gotten to Herbert at key moments. That's not necessarily his fault, but it's led to the Chargers coming up short at the wrong time.
6.Jared Goff DET vs. ATL
7.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. LAC
8.Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. DEN
9.Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. HOU
10.Dak Prescott DAL at ARI
11.*Deshaun Watson CLE vs. TEN
Note: Watson had two costly fumbles, the latter being returned for the game-winning touchdown by the Steelers, but also displayed good mobility overall and some chemistry with Amari Cooper.
12.*Matthew Stafford LA at CIN
Note: Stafford looks healthy and mobile - he put up a 300+ game against the Niners, to boot. One of the two interceptions he threw clearly was not his fault, as it went off the hands of his intended target, Kyren Williams.
13.Geno Smith SEA vs. CAR
14.*Justin Fields CHI at KC
Note: The lack of designed runs for Fields is a concern - we drafted Fields where he did because of his legs. The other problem is that the pass rush is landing way too often, and frequently it's because he's holding the ball too long.
15.*Brock Purdy SF vs. NYG
Note: A scoring change hurt Purdy's fantasy line in Week 2, as a throw to Deebo Samuel that resulted in a touchdown was ultimately ruled a lateral and not a touchdown pass.
16.Baker Mayfield TB vs. PHI
17.Russell Wilson DEN at MIA
18.Sam Howell WAS vs. BUF
19.*Jordan Love GB vs. NO
Note: ***Still without Christian Watson and two OL are out.***
20.Desmond Ridder ATL at DET
21.*Kenny Pickett PIT at LV
Note: The schedule finally opens up this week against the Raiders, albeit on the road.
22.*C.J. Stroud HOU at JAX
Note: Stroud played through some shoulder pain in the loss to the Colts, after going through testing on the shoulder right before kickoff. Limited in Wednesday's practice but returned to a full practice Thursday. ***Fully practiced again on Friday.***
23.Daniel Jones NYG at SF
24.*Gardner Minshew IND at BAL
Note: Teammate Anthony Richardson (concussion) hasn't yet practiced this week. ***Minshew will start this week.***
25.Derek Carr NO at GB
26.*Andy Dalton CAR at SEA
Note: While we're still waiting for Bryce Young to be officially ruled out, he's unlikely to play, making Dalton the starter this week. ***Young has been ruled out.***
27.*Mac Jones NE at NYJ
Note: Jones turned 42 pass attempts into just 231 yards, and that's unlikely to improve the next weeks against the Jets and Cowboys.
28.Ryan Tannehill TEN at CLE
29.Jimmy Garoppolo LV vs. PIT
30.Zach Wilson NYJ vs. NE
31.*Joshua Dobbs ARZ vs. DAL
Note: ***Teammate Kyler Murray (knee) is doing well in his rehab but is unlikely to return when first eligible in Week 5, perhaps extending the time Dobbs will have as the Cardinals starter.***
32.*Taysom Hill NO at GB
Note: The Saints officially list Hill as a quarterback, so we're going to do that as well. With Jamaal Williams likely to miss time, Hill could continue to see decent volume this week. Hill (knee) was limited Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
33.*Jake Browning CIN vs. LAR
Note: Browning would get the start Monday night if Joe Burrow can't go.
34.*Anthony Richardson IND at BAL
Note: Richardson left in the second quarter of Sunday's win over the Texans with a concussion. It appeared that he suffered the concussion while scoring his second rushing touchdown of the day, but then played the next two series before getting removed from the game. Hasn't yet practiced this week. ***Richardson has been ruled out for this week, and the Colts are targeting a Week 4 return.***
35.*Joe Burrow CIN vs. LAR
Note: Burrow aggravated his calf injury late in the loss to the Ravens and his status for Monday night against the Rams is uncertain. Burrow was in pads and had a brace on his calf for Thursday's practice but did not participate in practice. My guess is that he's not playing - you'd better have one of the other three quarterbacks from Monday night as your pivot if you plan to wait it out. ***Burrow has had 'light work' at practice on Friday & Saturday and is listed as questionable. The Bengals added AJ McCarron to the practice squad to have a third quarterback available if needed. I don't know if Burrow will play, but my guess is leaning against, and even if he does play, I think he'll be compromised.***
36.*Bryce Young CAR at SEA
Note: Young (ankle) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and is unlikely to play this week. ***The Panthers don't expect Young to be out very long - he could return either next week or in Week 5.***

Running Backs

1.Christian McCaffrey SF vs. NYG
2.Tony Pollard DAL at ARI
3.Bijan Robinson ATL at DET
4.Kenneth Walker SEA vs. CAR
5.Kyren Williams LA at CIN
6.Travis Etienne JAC vs. HOU
7.*Derrick Henry TEN at CLE
Note: Henry (toe) was limited on Wednesday and held out of Thursday, though the Thursday absence was attributed to a combination of his toe and for rest purposes. ***Full practice Friday and off the injury list.***
8.Josh Jacobs LV vs. PIT
9.*Jahmyr Gibbs DET vs. ATL
Note: ***Teammate David Montgomery is doubtful, so it'll be Gibbs leading the show, though he'll probably share snaps with Craig Reynolds.***
10.Rhamondre Stevenson NE at NYJ
11.*Joshua Kelley LAC at MIN
Note: This should be a better matchup for Kelley, if he gets the chance to start again. ***Austin Ekeler has been ruled out again.***
12.*Gus Edwards BAL vs. IND
Note: Edwards could have a bigger share of the carries this week if Justice Hill's turf toe limits or sidelines him. ***Teammate Justice Hill won't play.***
13.*James Cook BUF at WAS
Note: Cook missed Thursday's practice due to the birth of his child. ***Returned to practice on Friday.***
14.Brian Robinson WAS vs. BUF
15.Joe Mixon CIN vs. LAR
16.Zack Moss IND at BAL
17.Raheem Mostert MIA vs. DEN
18.*D'Andre Swift PHI at TB
Note: Can the Eagles put the genie back in the bottle with Swift, or has he carved out a bigger role on the basis of his performance on Thursday night? ***Kenneth Gainwell looks like he'll be active, so we'll see what sort of workload Swift will have.***
19.Dameon Pierce HOU at JAX
20.*Alexander Mattison MIN vs. LAC
Note: The Vikings traded for Cam Akers on Wednesday. I view it as a small vote of no-confidence in Mattison, though I don't think that Akers is better than Mattison. ***It doesn't appear that Akers will play this week.***
21.*Miles Sanders CAR at SEA
Note: Sanders (pectoral injury) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Sanders has been cleared from the injury list.***
22.*Najee Harris PIT at LV
Note: ***Harris could be losing more snaps to Jaylen Warren, according to Mike Garolfo of the NFL Network.***
23.James Conner ARZ vs. DAL
24.Javonte Williams DEN at MIA
25.Rachaad White TB vs. PHI
26.*AJ Dillon GB vs. NO
Note: Dillon was disappointing despite a plus-matchup with Aaron Jones out. ***Jones is out again, but so are linemen David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins.***
27.*Matt Breida NYG at SF
Note: Breida is the next man up for the Giants, with Saquon Barkley presumably but not yet officially out for Thursday. Barkley has officially been ruled out.
28.*Jerome Ford CLE vs. TEN
Note: Ford will be the Browns' feature back with Nick Chubb out for the season. He draws a tough matchup right off the bat against the Titans. Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that Ford is still the lead back after the team signed Kareem Hunt.
29.*Breece Hall NYJ vs. NE
Note: Hall (knee) was limited both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Hall had a full practice Friday and is not on the injury list.***
30.Jaylen Warren PIT at LV
31.Khalil Herbert CHI at KC
32.Tyler Allgeier ATL at DET
33.*Kendre Miller NO at GB
Note: Miller (hamstring) was inactive on Monday night, but is expected to be a 'full-go' at practice this week. His status takes on some urgency with Jamaal Williams out. Miller was a full participant in Wednesday's walk-through practice. ***Miller will play and share carries with Tony Jones.***
34.Tyjae Spears TEN at CLE
35.Dalvin Cook NYJ vs. NE
36.Roschon Johnson CHI at KC
37.Antonio Gibson WAS vs. BUF
38.*Isiah Pacheco KC vs. CHI
Note: Pacheco (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice and was limited on Thursday. ***Pacheco at one point was considered a game-time decision and he's still listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.***
39.Samaje Perine DEN at MIA
40.*Kenneth Gainwell PHI at TB
Note: We'll see if the extra days off allows Gainwell enough time to return. Gainwell (ribs) was limited in Philly's first practice on Thursday. ***Full practice Friday - it looks like he'll play on Monday night.***
41.*Tony Jones NO at GB
Note: Jones made the most of his chances to score twice on Monday night after Jamaal Williams got hurt. Kendre Miller could be back this week, plus Taysom Hill got a lot of the work between the 20's. Jones was officially promoted to the full-time active roster.
42.*Jerick McKinnon KC vs. CHI
Note: ***McKinnon has carried a tiny workload so far, but he might get more work this week with Isiah Pacheco questionable this week.***
43.*Tank Bigsby JAC vs. HOU
Note: Bigsby had just 12 offensive snaps and no touches in the loss to the Chiefs. His role cold step up some this week with the Jags facing the Texans.
44.Chuba Hubbard CAR at SEA
45.*Elijah Mitchell SF vs. NYG
Note: The Niners didn't give any of their backup RBs offensive snaps last week against the Rams.
46.Ezekiel Elliott NE at NYJ
47.Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. CAR
48.*Craig Reynolds DET vs. ATL
Note: Reynolds was frequently on the field in the fourth quarter last week after David Montgomery got hurt.
49.Sean Tucker TB vs. PHI
50.Damien Harris BUF at WAS
51.Rashaad Penny PHI at TB
52.Devin Singletary HOU at JAX
53.*De'Von Achane MIA vs. DEN
Note: Teammate Salvon Ahmed is unlikely to play, making Achane the No. 2 for the Dolphins.
54.Rico Dowdle DAL at ARI
55.Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. CHI
56.*Pierre Strong CLE vs. TEN
Note: Strong was the backup to Jerome Ford on Monday night after Nick Chubb left the game.
57.Zamir White LV vs. PIT
58.Keaontay Ingram ARZ vs. DAL
59.Latavius Murray BUF at WAS
60.Gary Brightwell NYG at SF
61.*Kareem Hunt CLE vs. TEN
Note: Hunt was visiting with the Browns on Tuesday after they lost Nick Chubb for the season on Monday night. Hunt signed a one-year deal with the Browns on Wednesday morning. ***Hunt will play this week after signing on Wednesday.***
62.Deuce Vaughn DAL at ARI
63.Michael Carter NYJ vs. NE
64.Ty Chandler MIN vs. LAC
65.Melvin Gordon BAL vs. IND
66.Elijah Dotson LAC at MIN
67.Emanuel Wilson GB vs. NO
68.Isaiah Spiller LAC at MIN
69.Zonovan Knight DET vs. ATL
70.Ronnie Rivers LA at CIN
71.*Cordarrelle Patterson ATL at DET
Note: Patterson (thigh) did not practice Thursday after practicing without limitation on Wednesday.
72.*Cam Akers MIN vs. LAC
Note: Akers was a healthy scratch last week and the Rams are 'heading towards trading' him. Akers was traded to the Vikings and passed his physical. ***Akers is unlikely to play this week.***
73.*Salvon Ahmed MIA vs. DEN
Note: Ahmed suffered a groin injury in the win on Sunday night. Coach Mike McDaniel said that it's 'not an overly long situation' for Ahmed. Did not practice Wednesday nor Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.***
74.*Justice Hill BAL vs. IND
Note: Hill (turf toe) did not practice Thursday. ***Hill has been ruled out for this week.***
75.*Deon Jackson at
Note: ***Waived by the Cuts.***
76.*Saquon Barkley NYG at SF
Note: Barkley sprained his ankle late in the comeback win over the Cardinals. It's not a high ankle sprain, at least, and there's some uncertainty as to how long Barkley will be out. He's not officially ruled out for Thursday night, though I don't expect him to play. Officially ruled out.
77.*Austin Ekeler LAC at MIN
Note: Chargers coach Brandon Staley said that 'there's no timeline' for Ekeler's return from his ankle injury. That doesn't mean he can't return this week - I read it as more of a reluctance to put a timeframe on it. Ekeler sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ekeler has been ruled out.***
78.*Aaron Jones GB vs. NO
Note: (Hamstring) Jones had a limited practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. I'm going to wait until after Friday's practice to move him back up. ***Jones is listed as questionable but the general vibe around Jones isn't positive. ***INACTIVE***
79.*David Montgomery DET vs. ATL
Note: Montgomery is officially day-to-day with a thigh injury, though earlier he suggested that he'll miss a couple of weeks. Montgomery has missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices. ***Montgomery is listed as doubtful.***
80.*Boston Scott PHI at TB
Note: Scott was in the concussion protocol following Thursday night's game against the Vikings. Scott did not participate in Thursday's practice. ***Scott has been ruled out for Monday night.***
81.*Jamaal Williams NO at GB
Note: Williams (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Earlier in the week it was suggested that he could miss significant time with the injury. ***Placed on IR by the Saints.***
82.*Chase Edmonds TB vs. PHI
Note: Edmonds suffered an MCL injury in the win over the Bears and will need an MRI. Placed on IR by the Bucs.
83.*Nick Chubb CLE vs. TEN
Note: Chubb is out for the season and will undergo surgery on his left knee.

Wide Receivers

1.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. LAC
2.*Tyreek Hill MIA vs. DEN
Note: Hill (ankle) was limited on Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
3.CeeDee Lamb DAL at ARI
4.Stefon Diggs BUF at WAS
5.Keenan Allen LAC at MIN
6.*Chris Olave NO at GB
Note: Had a touchdown overturned when it was seen that he barely stepped out of bounds at the 7-yard line.
7.*Davante Adams LV vs. PIT
Note: Adams was checked for a concussion late in the loss to the Bills, but has received a clean bill of health.
8.*Amon-Ra St. Brown DET vs. ATL
Note: Brown briefly left Week 2's loss to the Seahawks with cramping. The Lions further clarified that St. Brown was dealing with a sore toe, and he sat out Wednesday while upgrading to a limited practice Thursday. ***St. Brown is listed as questionable but is expected to play.***
9.A.J. Brown PHI at TB
10.Mike Evans TB vs. PHI
11.Deebo Samuel SF vs. NYG
12.Calvin Ridley JAC vs. HOU
13.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. CAR
Note: Metcalf briefly sat out during the first half with sore ribs, suffered on a catch where he was stopped just short of the goal line. Metcalf sat out Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as questionable but is expected to play.***
14.*DeVonta Smith PHI at TB
Note: Smith sat out practice Thursday (the Eagles' first practice) with hamstring and thigh issues. ***Cleared from the injury list after a full practice Saturday.***
15.*Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. LAR
Note: It's not a matter of if we have to downgrade Chase with Burrow's woes, but how much?
16.*Puka Nacua LA at CIN
Note: 'They won't throw it to him another 15 times,' I said. Nope, they threw it to him 20 times! Nacua (oblique) sat out Thursday's practice, like he did last week. ***Listed as questionable but expected to play Monday night.***
17.*Amari Cooper CLE vs. TEN
Note: Cooper (groin) not only was able to play Monday night, but was very effective. Cooper did not practice Wednesday and upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
18.George Pickens PIT at LV
19.*Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. NE
Note: Wilson briefly left Week 2 after getting the wind knocked out of him, but he's been cleared of any injury. Unfortunately, he hasn't been cleared of having Zach Wilson as his quarterback.
20.Tee Higgins CIN vs. LAR
21.Chris Godwin TB vs. PHI
22.DJ Moore CHI at KC
23.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. BUF
24.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. CAR
25.Mike Williams LAC at MIN
26.Romeo Doubs GB vs. NO
27.Courtland Sutton DEN at MIA
28.Zay Flowers BAL vs. IND
29.Jordan Addison MIN vs. LAC
30.*Christian Kirk JAC vs. HOU
Note: ***Teammate Zay Jones has been ruled out.***
31.*Michael Pittman IND at BAL
Note: ***Moved down a bit due to the weather and because Richardson is out.***
32.*DeAndre Hopkins TEN at CLE
Note: Hopkins (ankle) played 37 of a possible 59 snaps, netting four catches for 40 yards on five targets. Hopkins (ankle) put in a limited practice Wednesday. ***Hopkins sat out practice Friday, but he's expected to play.***
33.Marquise Brown ARZ vs. DAL
34.*Skyy Moore KC vs. CHI
Note: Giving Moore an upgrade with injuries to Kadarius Toney and Richie James.
35.Michael Thomas NO at GB
36.Gabe Davis BUF at WAS
37.Nico Collins HOU at JAX
38.Jahan Dotson WAS vs. BUF
39.Tutu Atwell LA at CIN
40.Drake London ATL at DET
41.Jerry Jeudy DEN at MIA
42.*Kendrick Bourne NE at NYJ
Note: The results weren't great, but Bourne had nine more targets in Week 2.
43.*Josh Reynolds DET vs. ATL
Note: Reynolds (groin) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Reynolds is listed as questionable, but is 'good to go' according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.***
44.*Jauan Jennings SF vs. NYG
Note: Jennings should get more snaps and targets with Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) ruled out.
45.Elijah Moore CLE vs. TEN
46.Adam Thielen CAR at SEA
47.Rashid Shaheed NO at GB
48.Robert Woods HOU at JAX
49.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. CAR
50.Allen Lazard NYJ vs. NE
51.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. LAR
52.*Jayden Reed GB vs. NO
Note: I like how the Packers are finding ways to get Reed the ball.
53.*Jakobi Meyers LV vs. PIT
Note: Meyers (concussion) is 'trending in the right direction' in his recovery, but it's too soon to tell whether he'll be available this week. Meyers had a full practice on Thursday. ***Good to go this week.***
54.Rashee Rice KC vs. CHI
55.Treylon Burks TEN at CLE
56.Rashod Bateman BAL vs. IND
57.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE vs. TEN
58.Curtis Samuel WAS vs. BUF
59.*Marvin Mims DEN at MIA
Note: Mims hauled in two big plays for 113 yards, including a touchdown, but those were his only targets.
60.JuJu Smith-Schuster NE at NYJ
61.*Brandin Cooks DAL at ARI
Note: Cooks (knee) is expected to come back in Week 3. I'll move him back up once he starts practicing this week. Cooks had a full practice Thursday.
62.*Jalin Hyatt NYG at SF
Note: Hyatt made his mark with two big catches in the second half of the Giants' comeback win on Sunday.
63.*DeVante Parker NE at NYJ
Note: Parker (knee) had six catches on eight targets in Week 2 after being a game-time decision. Limited both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
64.Rondale Moore ARZ vs. DAL
65.*Tank Dell HOU at JAX
Note: Dell (thigh) had a full practice Thursday.
66.Isaiah Hodgins NYG at SF
67.Allen Robinson PIT at LV
68.Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at CLE
69.*Darnell Mooney CHI at KC
Note: Mooney (knee) left in the first half against the Bucs. Afterward, he and the Bears suggested that the injury was not too serious. Limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
70.Calvin Austin PIT at LV
71.Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC vs. CHI
72.*Jonathan Mingo CAR at SEA
Note: Though Mingo only netted 26 yards, we are encouraged that he got eight targets in the game Monday night.
73.*Quentin Johnston LAC at MIN
Note: Johnston caught the first pass of the game for the Chargers, but ultimately only played 10 snaps.
74.K.J. Osborn MIN vs. LAC
75.Josh Downs IND at BAL
76.DJ Chark CAR at SEA
77.Hunter Renfrow LV vs. PIT
78.Van Jefferson LA at CIN
79.Alec Pierce IND at BAL
80.Michael Gallup DAL at ARI
81.Mack Hollins ATL at DET
82.Nelson Agholor BAL vs. IND
83.Parris Campbell NYG at SF
84.Marvin Jones DET vs. ATL
85.Jalen Tolbert DAL at ARI
86.Joshua Palmer LAC at MIN
87.*Kadarius Toney KC vs. CHI
Note: Toney (toe) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Toney is considered a game-time decision.***
88.*Zay Jones JAC vs. HOU
Note: Jones twice barely missed connecting in the end zone with Trevor Lawrence and ultimately got shut out on six targets. He's now dealing with a knee injury. Did not practice Wednesday nor Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.***
89.*Odell Beckham BAL vs. IND
Note: Beckham (ankle) sat out the second half of Sunday's win over the Bengals, but isn't expected to miss any additional time. Beckham didn't practice Wednesday nor Thursday - maybe he does miss additional game time after all. ***Ruled out for this week.***
90.*Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. DEN
Note: Waddle is in the concussion protocol after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit late in the win over the Patriots. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Waddle is improving but has been ruled out for this week.***
91.*Christian Watson GB vs. NO
Note: Watson (hamstring) had a limited practice Wednesday and then sat out Thursday as part of a maintenance plan. ***Ruled out again this week.***
92.*Kayshon Boutte NE at NYJ
Note: Boutte (hamstring) was inactive after all last Sunday night, with Devante Parker playing.
93.*Brandon Aiyuk SF vs. NYG
Note: Aiyuk (shoulder) did not participate in Monday's estimated walk-through and was limited Tuesday. Aiyuk has been ruled out for Thursday night.
94.*Diontae Johnson PIT at LV
Note: Johnson (hamstring) has been placed on IR, which means he's out at least four game weeks (2-5), and then the Steelers have their bye in Week 6.

Tight Ends

1.*Travis Kelce KC vs. CHI
Note: Kelce had nine targets in his return from the knee injury. He probably should have had two touchdowns, though the second one was a difficult ball to catch.
2.T.J. Hockenson MIN vs. LAC
3.Mark Andrews BAL vs. IND
4.George Kittle SF vs. NYG
5.Darren Waller NYG at SF
6.Evan Engram JAC vs. HOU
7.Dallas Goedert PHI at TB
8.Hayden Hurst CAR at SEA
9.David Njoku CLE vs. TEN
10.Tyler Higbee LA at CIN
11.*Zach Ertz ARZ vs. DAL
Note: Ertz had another eight targets in Sunday's loss to the Giants, but Joshua Dobbs missed him on a potentially huge play on the Cardinals' first drive, where they ended up missing a field goal instead as a result.
12.Kyle Pitts ATL at DET
13.Hunter Henry NE at NYJ
14.*Sam LaPorta DET vs. ATL
Note: Five catches for 63 yards and looked good doing it.
15.Jake Ferguson DAL at ARI
16.Pat Freiermuth PIT at LV
17.Dalton Schultz HOU at JAX
18.Dalton Kincaid BUF at WAS
19.Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN at CLE
20.Juwan Johnson NO at GB
21.Cole Kmet CHI at KC
22.Luke Musgrave GB vs. NO
23.*Cade Otton TB vs. PHI
Note: If you're desperate, consider using Otton against the Eagles, who have been torched by Hunter Henry and T.J. Hockenson the last two weeks.
24.*Adam Trautman DEN at MIA
Note: Trautman only had one target despite Greg Dulcich's absence.
25.Donald Parham LAC at MIN
26.*Dawson Knox BUF at WAS
Note: Sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday with a back issue. ***Full practice Friday, good to go.***
27.Kylen Granson IND at BAL
28.Isaiah Likely BAL vs. IND
29.Gerald Everett LAC at MIN
30.Daniel Bellinger NYG at SF
31.*Noah Fant SEA vs. CAR
Note: ***Fant could get an extra target or two with Will Dissly out.***
32.John Bates WAS vs. BUF
33.Mike Gesicki NE at NYJ
34.Cole Turner WAS vs. BUF
35.Trey McBride ARZ vs. DAL
36.Drew Sample CIN vs. LAR
37.Michael Mayer LV vs. PIT
38.Noah Gray KC vs. CHI
39.Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. NE
40.*Irv Smith CIN vs. LAR
Note: ***Listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury.***
41.*Logan Thomas WAS vs. BUF
Note: I can't believe that Thomas held on the ball on the touchdown catch where he suffered the concussion. That was about as brutal a hit as I've seen. Held out of Wednesday and Thursday's practice.

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. LAC
2.Christian McCaffrey SF vs. NYG
3.Tony Pollard DAL at ARI
4.*Tyreek Hill MIA vs. DEN
Note: Hill (ankle) was limited on Wednesday but had a full practice Thursday.
5.CeeDee Lamb DAL at ARI
6.Bijan Robinson ATL at DET
7.*Derrick Henry TEN at CLE
Note: Henry (toe) was limited on Wednesday and held out of Thursday, though the Thursday absence was attributed to a combination of his toe and for rest purposes. ***Full practice Friday and off the injury list.***
8.Stefon Diggs BUF at WAS
9.Keenan Allen LAC at MIN
10.Kenneth Walker SEA vs. CAR
11.*Travis Kelce KC vs. CHI
Note: Kelce had nine targets in his return from the knee injury. He probably should have had two touchdowns, though the second one was a difficult ball to catch.
12.*Chris Olave NO at GB
Note: Had a touchdown overturned when it was seen that he barely stepped out of bounds at the 7-yard line.
13.*Davante Adams LV vs. PIT
Note: Adams was checked for a concussion late in the loss to the Bills, but has received a clean bill of health.
14.*Amon-Ra St. Brown DET vs. ATL
Note: Brown briefly left Week 2's loss to the Seahawks with cramping. The Lions further clarified that St. Brown was dealing with a sore toe, and he sat out Wednesday while upgrading to a limited practice Thursday. ***St. Brown is listed as questionable but is expected to play.***
15.A.J. Brown PHI at TB
16.Travis Etienne JAC vs. HOU
17.Mike Evans TB vs. PHI
18.Kyren Williams LA at CIN
19.Brian Robinson WAS vs. BUF
20.Josh Jacobs LV vs. PIT
21.T.J. Hockenson MIN vs. LAC
22.Deebo Samuel SF vs. NYG
23.Calvin Ridley JAC vs. HOU
24.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. CAR
Note: Metcalf briefly sat out during the first half with sore ribs, suffered on a catch where he was stopped just short of the goal line. Metcalf sat out Wednesday's practice. ***Listed as questionable but is expected to play.***
25.Rhamondre Stevenson NE at NYJ
26.*DeVonta Smith PHI at TB
Note: Smith sat out practice Thursday (the Eagles' first practice) with hamstring and thigh issues. ***Cleared from the injury list after a full practice Saturday.***
27.Joe Mixon CIN vs. LAR
28.Zack Moss IND at BAL
29.*Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. LAR
Note: It's not a matter of if we have to downgrade Chase with Burrow's woes, but how much?
30.*Puka Nacua LA at CIN
Note: 'They won't throw it to him another 15 times,' I said. Nope, they threw it to him 20 times! Nacua (oblique) sat out Thursday's practice, like he did last week. ***Listed as questionable but expected to play Monday night.***
31.Mark Andrews BAL vs. IND
32.Raheem Mostert MIA vs. DEN
33.*Amari Cooper CLE vs. TEN
Note: Cooper (groin) not only was able to play Monday night, but was very effective. Cooper did not practice Wednesday and upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
34.George Pickens PIT at LV
35.*Jahmyr Gibbs DET vs. ATL
Note: ***Teammate David Montgomery is doubtful, so it'll be Gibbs leading the show, though he'll probably share snaps with Craig Reynolds.***
36.*Joshua Kelley LAC at MIN
Note: This should be a better matchup for Kelley, if he gets the chance to start again. ***Austin Ekeler has been ruled out again.***
37.*D'Andre Swift PHI at TB
Note: Can the Eagles put the genie back in the bottle with Swift, or has he carved out a bigger role on the basis of his performance on Thursday night? ***Kenneth Gainwell looks like he'll be active, so we'll see what sort of workload Swift will have.***
38.*Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. NE
Note: Wilson briefly left Week 2 after getting the wind knocked out of him, but he's been cleared of any injury. Unfortunately, he hasn't been cleared of having Zach Wilson as his quarterback.
39.Tee Higgins CIN vs. LAR
40.George Kittle SF vs. NYG
41.*Michael Pittman IND at BAL
Note: ***Moved down a bit due to the weather and because Richardson is out.***
42.Chris Godwin TB vs. PHI
43.DJ Moore CHI at KC
44.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. BUF
45.Romeo Doubs GB vs. NO
46.*James Cook BUF at WAS
Note: Cook missed Thursday's practice due to the birth of his child. ***Returned to practice on Friday.***
47.Dameon Pierce HOU at JAX
48.*AJ Dillon GB vs. NO
Note: Dillon was disappointing despite a plus-matchup with Aaron Jones out. ***Jones is out again, but so are linemen David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins.***
49.Mike Williams LAC at MIN
50.Courtland Sutton DEN at MIA
51.Zay Flowers BAL vs. IND
52.Jordan Addison MIN vs. LAC
53.*DeAndre Hopkins TEN at CLE
Note: Hopkins (ankle) played 37 of a possible 59 snaps, netting four catches for 40 yards on five targets. Hopkins (ankle) put in a limited practice Wednesday. ***Hopkins sat out practice Friday, but he's expected to play.***
54.Darren Waller NYG at SF
55.*Kadarius Toney KC vs. CHI
Note: Toney (toe) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Toney is considered a game-time decision.***
56.Marquise Brown ARZ vs. DAL
57.*Najee Harris PIT at LV
Note: ***Harris could be losing more snaps to Jaylen Warren, according to Mike Garolfo of the NFL Network.***
58.James Conner ARZ vs. DAL
59.*Miles Sanders CAR at SEA
Note: Sanders (pectoral injury) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Sanders has been cleared from the injury list.***
60.*Breece Hall NYJ vs. NE
Note: Hall (knee) was limited both Wednesday and Thursday. ***Hall had a full practice Friday and is not on the injury list.***
61.*Gus Edwards BAL vs. IND
Note: Edwards could have a bigger share of the carries this week if Justice Hill's turf toe limits or sidelines him. ***Teammate Justice Hill won't play.***
62.Michael Thomas NO at GB
63.Gabe Davis BUF at WAS
64.*Christian Kirk JAC vs. HOU
Note: ***Teammate Zay Jones has been ruled out.***
65.Nico Collins HOU at JAX
66.Tutu Atwell LA at CIN
67.Jahan Dotson WAS vs. BUF
68.*Alexander Mattison MIN vs. LAC
Note: The Vikings traded for Cam Akers on Wednesday. I view it as a small vote of no-confidence in Mattison, though I don't think that Akers is better than Mattison. ***It doesn't appear that Akers will play this week.***
69.Javonte Williams DEN at MIA
70.Rachaad White TB vs. PHI
71.*Jerome Ford CLE vs. TEN
Note: Ford will be the Browns' feature back with Nick Chubb out for the season. He draws a tough matchup right off the bat against the Titans. Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that Ford is still the lead back after the team signed Kareem Hunt.
72.Evan Engram JAC vs. HOU
73.Drake London ATL at DET
74.Jerry Jeudy DEN at MIA
75.*Kendrick Bourne NE at NYJ
Note: The results weren't great, but Bourne had nine more targets in Week 2.
76.Khalil Herbert CHI at KC
77.*Isiah Pacheco KC vs. CHI
Note: Pacheco (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice and was limited on Thursday. ***Pacheco at one point was considered a game-time decision and he's still listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.***
78.Tyler Allgeier ATL at DET
79.*Matt Breida NYG at SF
Note: Breida is the next man up for the Giants, with Saquon Barkley presumably but not yet officially out for Thursday. Barkley has officially been ruled out.
80.Jaylen Warren PIT at LV
81.*Justice Hill BAL vs. IND
Note: Hill (turf toe) did not practice Thursday. ***Hill has been ruled out for this week.***
82.Tyjae Spears TEN at CLE

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL vs. IND
2.Harrison Butker KC vs. CHI
3.Daniel Carlson LV vs. PIT
4.Tyler Bass BUF at WAS
5.Brandon Aubrey DAL at ARI
6.Jason Sanders MIA vs. DEN
7.Jake Moody SF vs. NYG
8.Riley Patterson DET vs. ATL
9.Cameron Dicker LAC at MIN
10.Jake Elliott PHI at TB
11.Wil Lutz DEN at MIA
12.Younghoe Koo ATL at DET
13.Brandon McManus JAC vs. HOU
14.Chris Boswell PIT at LV
15.Jason Myers SEA vs. CAR
16.Evan McPherson CIN vs. LAR
17.Matt Gay IND at BAL
18.Greg Joseph MIN vs. LAC
19.Dustin Hopkins CLE vs. TEN
20.Matt Prater ARZ vs. DAL
21.Joey Slye WAS vs. BUF
22.*Eddy Pineiro CAR at SEA
Note: Pineiro hasn't missed a field goal attempt since Week 8 last year, and any kick at all since an extra-point in Week 10. He nailed two 50+ attempts on Monday night.
23.Blake Grupe NO at GB
24.Brett Maher LA at CIN
25.Nick Folk TEN at CLE
26.Anders Carlson GB vs. NO
27.Cairo Santos CHI at KC
28.Chad Ryland NE at NYJ
29.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at JAX
30.Chase McLaughlin TB vs. PHI
31.Graham Gano NYG at SF
32.*Austin Seibert at
Note: Seibert reverted back to the Jets' practice squad on Monday. We'll see if the Jets need to replace Greg Zuerlein (groin) again this week.
33.*Greg Zuerlein NYJ vs. NE
Note: Zuerlein (Groin) missed practice Wednesday before upgrading to a limited practice Thursday.

Defenses

1.Philadelphia Eagles at TB
2.San Francisco 49ers vs. NYG
3.*Dallas Cowboys at ARI
Note: Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in practice and is out for the season.
4.Kansas City Chiefs vs. CHI
5.Pittsburgh Steelers at LV
6.New England Patriots at NYJ
7.Cleveland Browns vs. TEN
8.Jacksonville Jaguars vs. HOU
9.*Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
Note: The Ravens could feast if Anthony Richardson (concussion) does not play.
10.Buffalo Bills at WAS
11.Seattle Seahawks vs. CAR
12.*Los Angeles Rams at CIN
Note: This ranking implies that Joe Burrow (calf) either will not play or will be severely compromised.
13.New Orleans Saints at GB
14.Miami Dolphins vs. DEN
15.New York Jets vs. NE
16.Cincinnati Bengals vs. LAR
17.Detroit Lions vs. ATL
18.Tennessee Titans at CLE
19.*Green Bay Packers vs. NO
Note: ***No Jaire Alexander this week.***
20.Indianapolis Colts at BAL
21.Denver Broncos at MIA
22.Washington Commanders vs. BUF
23.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. PHI
24.Atlanta Falcons at DET
25.Las Vegas Raiders vs. PIT
26.Los Angeles Chargers at MIN
27.Carolina Panthers at SEA
28.Houston Texans at JAX
29.Arizona Cardinals vs. DAL
30.*New York Giants at SF
Note: The Giants have zero sacks so far despite playing Arizona last week.
31.Chicago Bears at KC
32.Minnesota Vikings vs. LAC
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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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