Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update complete

Week 8 Notes: Baltimore and Las Vegas on bye.

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 "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.

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

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights. I will then do a set of

Sunday Update complete

Week 8 Notes: Baltimore and Las Vegas on bye.

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 "Player X vs. Player Y?" without any other mitigating factors. Of course, I welcome debate - if you think I'm wrong, let me know. But please check out the rankings first before asking your start/sit question. This truly reflects my opinion in my leagues.

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

Starting after Week 1, the rankings for the subsequent week will first post on Tuesday nights. I will then do a set of updates before kickoff on Thursday, and again before kickoff on Sunday morning. I will post at the top of the article in bold font when ranking updates are in progress and when they're complete.

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

Quarterbacks

1.Josh Allen BUF vs. MIA
2.*Patrick Mahomes KC vs. NYG
Note: Mahomes tested negative for a concussion after an ugly-looking hit ended his day in the loss to the Titans.
3.Justin Herbert LAC vs. NE
4.*Jalen Hurts PHI at DET
Note: The Eagles traded away Joe Flacco to the Jets, so Gardner Minshew will now be his backup. I don't think he's much of a threat to start in front of Hurts, though the questions about Hurts are getting louder.
5.Tom Brady TB at NO
6.*Kyler Murray ARZ vs. GB
Note: Murray still isn't running (6-10-0), but the Packers typically struggle against mobile QBs, so this will be a pretty good test of whether he's purposefully throttling his running game.
7.*Joe Burrow CIN at NYJ
Note: Coming off a career-best yardage day against the Ravens, will there be a hangover effect this week?
8.*Aaron Rodgers GB at ARI
Note: Rodgers could be without three of his top receivers (Davante Adams, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling) this week - Lazard for sure won't be available.
9.Matthew Stafford LA at HOU
10.Matt Ryan ATL vs. CAR
11.*Jameis Winston NO vs. TB
Note: Winston was disappointing on Monday night, rarely throwing successfully downfield.
12.Ryan Tannehill TEN at IND
13.*Dak Prescott DAL at MIN
Note: Prescott strained his right calf on the game-winning touchdown pass in Week 6 before the bye, and was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, working mostly in individual drills. ***Prescott is viewed as a 'true game-time decision,' and compounding matters is that the Cowboys play Sunday night. Cooper Rush is the backup.***
14.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. DAL
15.Daniel Jones NYG at KC
16.Tua Tagovailoa MIA at BUF
17.*Taylor Heinicke WAS at DEN
Note: Ryan Fitzpatrick will have another MRI on his hip in two weeks, meaning Heinicke is locked in to start again this week, and then the WFT has their bye.
18.*Carson Wentz IND vs. TEN
Note: Wentz was credited with a fumble instead of an interception on his ugly shovel pass turnover in the rain. Otherwise, he did well enough to protect the ball on a sloppy night. Now he draws Tennessee in a big divisional rematch.
19.Teddy Bridgewater DEN vs. WAS
20.*Ben Roethlisberger PIT at CLE
Note: Roethlisberger was limited on Wednesday with a hip and pectoral muscle issue, but he was a full go on Thursday.
21.Trevor Lawrence JAC at SEA
22.Jared Goff DET vs. PHI
23.Mac Jones NE at LAC
24.*Baker Mayfield CLE vs. PIT
Note: Mayfield (shoulder) has a complete labrum tear in his left shoulder, one that might require surgery in the offseason. He didn't practice Monday, and I'm treating him as if he won't play. Mayfield had a limited practice Wednesday and seemed like had considerable improvement over last week. I'm listing him as the starter now, but it's tenuous.
25.*Sam Darnold CAR at ATL
Note: Darnold was benched in favor of P.J. Walker for the entirety of the fourth quarter, but he'll return to the starting job this week. Luckily for him, Walker was pretty bad too (3-14-33) in relief.
26.*Geno Smith SEA vs. JAX
Note: Whew, that was rough - half of Smith's production came on one contested pass to DK Metcalf on Monday night. It wasn't just the weather, or the Saints defense, but also Smith's own limitations. At least the opponent will be better this week.
27.*Jimmy Garoppolo SF at CHI
Note: Garoppolo (calf) will start again this week.
28.*Justin Fields CHI vs. SF
Note: The returns have been diminishing for Fields. Does he need to be benched? Would a coaching/coordinating change be a panacea? It's hard to play him now, even in a superflex league.
29.*Mike White NYJ vs. CIN
Note: The Jets traded for Joe Flacco, who could start over White while Zach Wilson is out, but that hasn't been announced yet. Right now I'm listing White ahead of Flacco until I hear further word. White will get the start this week.
30.*Davis Mills HOU vs. LAR
Note: Mills started off decently enough, but has been a disaster on the road. At least this game is at home, but it's also against the Rams. Tyrod Taylor might also be back this week. ***Mills will start again this week, and Taylor will remain on the IR.***
31.*Trey Lance SF at CHI
Note: Lance (knee) is 'on pace' to practice Wednesday, but Garoppolo will start again this week. Limited practice on Wednesday. ***Lance has been cleared from the injury list, so it's possible that he could get some snaps Sunday or even replace Garoppolo if he's ineffective.***
32.Cooper Rush DAL at MIN
33.*Case Keenum CLE vs. PIT
Note: Keenum did a credible enough job as a replacement for Baker Mayfield last week, but I think that this game against Pittsburgh is a tougher test.
34.*Tyrod Taylor HOU vs. LAR
Note: Taylor (hamstring) will return to practice on Wednesday. He's still on IR, but as soon as he's deemed ready to play, he'll regain the starting job - there's a chance that happens this week. Eased into practice on Wednesday. ***Taylor will not be activated from the IR this week.***
35.*Joe Flacco NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Flacco was traded to the Jets for a conditional draft pick - a sixth-rounder that could become a fifth-rounder. It's uncertain who will start this week between he and Mike White. Flacco won't report to the Jets until Friday, so Mike White will start this week.
36.*Taysom Hill NO vs. TB
Note: (Concussion) Still not practicing as of Wednesday. ***Ruled out again this week, and is still not practicing.***
37.*Zach Wilson NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Wilson suffered a PCL injury and will be out 2-to-4 weeks. The team traded for Joe Flacco in part so that they would not rush Wilson's return. ***The Jets will not place Wilson on IR, thus holding out hope that he can return in Week 10, and the front end of the 2-to-4 week window.***

Running Backs

1.Derrick Henry TEN at IND
2.*Aaron Jones GB at ARI
Note: Jones's workload could go to the moon this week given all the Packers' wide receiver woes.
3.*Jonathan Taylor IND vs. TEN
Note: Taylor (ribs) was limited on Wednesday but practiced fully on Thursday.
4.Joe Mixon CIN at NYJ
5.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. TB
Note: Kamara caught 10 passes on 11 targets Monday night. Most of his contributions this week against the Bucs will likely also come in the passing game.
6.*D'Andre Swift DET vs. PHI
Note: ***Swift has been listed as questionable with a groin injury every single week this season.***
7.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at MIN
8.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. DAL
Note: Cleared from the injury list this week.
9.Najee Harris PIT at CLE
10.*Austin Ekeler LAC vs. NE
Note: Ekeler was added to the injury list with a hip issue and did not practice Thursday. ***Ekeler stated on Saturday that he'll be active on Sunday, though he's listed as questionable still.***
11.James Robinson JAC at SEA
12.*Nick Chubb CLE vs. PIT
Note: Chubb (calf) returned to practice Monday and is expected to play this week. Though Kareem Hunt (calf) is out, Chubb might not yet get a full workload, if the Browns want to keep D'Ernest Johnson in the mix. Another limited practice Wednesday. ***Chubb was a full participant Friday and removed from the injury list.***
13.*Darrell Henderson LA at HOU
Note: Henderson's output was disappointing against the Lions, who seemed to sell out to stop the run. Good news for Henderson this week is that he gets to face the Texans.
14.Damien Harris NE at LAC
15.*Elijah Mitchell SF at CHI
Note: Mitchell did most of his damage in the first half last week, but 107 yards and a touchdown pays the bills. The only concern is that he goes out in obvious passing downs.
16.*Leonard Fournette TB at NO
Note: ***Slight downgrade due to the matchup.***
17.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. CAR
18.*Khalil Herbert CHI vs. SF
Note: Herbert produced (18-100, 5-33) despite a horrible game script and opponent. I don't see how the Bears go back to starting Damien Williams over him.
19.*Antonio Gibson WAS at DEN
Note: Gibson (shin) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
20.Javonte Williams DEN vs. WAS
21.Chuba Hubbard CAR at ATL
22.*D'Ernest Johnson CLE vs. PIT
Note: Johnson was great last week and deserves a role going forward, but Nick Chubb (calf) could be back this week.
23.James Conner ARZ vs. GB
24.Chase Edmonds ARZ vs. GB
25.*Kenneth Gainwell PHI at DET
Note: Gainwell is likely to be the starter this week with Miles Sanders hurt, but as we saw last week, Boston Scott will also factor in.
26.Darrel Williams KC vs. NYG
27.Melvin Gordon DEN vs. WAS
28.J.D. McKissic WAS at DEN
29.Myles Gaskin MIA at BUF
30.Devontae Booker NYG at KC
31.*Michael Carter NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Carter had over 100 yards from scrimmage in the loss to the Pats. He should have a big role this week if Ty Johnson (concussion) sits out. Ty Johnson is not on the injury list, so I moved Carter down a bit.
32.AJ Dillon GB at ARI
33.*David Johnson HOU vs. LAR
Note: Johnson should get more playing time now that Mark Ingram has been dealt.
34.*Alex Collins SEA vs. JAX
Note: Collins (groin) had 17 touches but did very little with them. Fortunately for him, Rashaad Penny (6-9-0) also struggled. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Collins was limited during the week and listed as questionable, but he's still expected to play.***
35.Mike Davis ATL vs. CAR
36.Tony Pollard DAL at MIN
37.Zack Moss BUF vs. MIA
38.Boston Scott PHI at DET
39.*Salvon Ahmed MIA at BUF
Note: Ahmed should have a meaningful role this week with Malcolm Brown on the IR.
40.*Samaje Perine CIN at NYJ
Note: Perine got extra work on third down in this game, but ... it was a blowout in the fourth quarter, and Chris Evans was limited to special teams play.
41.Giovani Bernard TB at NO
42.Alexander Mattison MIN vs. DAL
43.*Jamaal Williams DET vs. PHI
Note: Williams was limited in practice Thursday by a thigh injury. ***Limited again on Friday and is listed as questionable.***
44.*Mark Ingram NO vs. TB
Note: Ingram was traded to the Saints on Wednesday - there's a 'good chance' that he could suit up and play this week.
45.*Nyheim Hines IND vs. TEN
Note: Hines (ribs) practiced fully on Thursday after dealing with the injury on Wednesday.
46.*JaMycal Hasty SF at CHI
Note: Hasty was in the game most of the time on third downs and in the two-minute drill. Mitchell is still the main guy on first and second down, and Trey Sermon is a special teams player now.
47.Brandon Bolden NE at LAC
48.Devin Singletary BUF vs. MIA
49.*Ty Johnson NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Not on the initial injury list, so apparently he tested negative for a concussion.
50.*Phillip Lindsay HOU vs. LAR
Note: Lindsay could get more involved in the Texans' offense now that Mark Ingram has been traded.
51.Damien Williams CHI vs. SF
52.Sony Michel LA at HOU
53.*Jeremy McNichols TEN at IND
Note: ***McNichols will be the primary backup again with Darrynton Evans ruled out for the season.***
54.Marlon Mack IND vs. TEN
55.Demetric Felton CLE vs. PIT
56.Travis Homer SEA vs. JAX
57.Ronald Jones TB at NO
58.Jaret Patterson WAS at DEN
59.Royce Freeman CAR at ATL
60.Justin Jackson LAC vs. NE
61.*Jordan Howard PHI at DET
Note: ***Elevated from the practice squad with Miles Sanders going on IR.***
62.Jerick McKinnon KC vs. NYG
63.J.J. Taylor NE at LAC
64.*Rashaad Penny SEA vs. JAX
Note: Penny was active Monday night and the Seahawks tried to get him going, but he carried six times for only nine yards.
65.Carlos Hyde JAC at SEA
66.*Rhamondre Stevenson NE at LAC
Note: A Patriots back looks really promising one week and then is a healthy scratch the next week? I just don't believe it!
67.*Chris Evans CIN at NYJ
Note: Evans is day-to-day with a hamstring injury that limited him to special teams snaps only last week. Sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.***
68.*Tevin Coleman NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Coleman was scratched last week after picking up a hamstring injury in practice on Friday. Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
69.*Saquon Barkley NYG at KC
Note: Barkley (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, though there's still a chance he could return to practice Friday and play Monday night. ***Ruled out again for Monday night.***
70.*David Montgomery CHI vs. SF
71.*Kareem Hunt CLE vs. PIT
72.*Jeff Wilson SF at CHI
Note: Wilson (knee) has a chance to return to practice next week.
73.*Malcolm Brown MIA at BUF
Note: Brown suffered a quadriceps injury early in the loss to the Falcons and is now on IR.
74.*Miles Sanders PHI at DET
Note: Sanders is 'week-to-week' with his low-ankle sprain. He's technically not ruled out yet this week, but it doesn't look very good at all. Missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Sanders went on IR on Saturday, so he'll miss at least three weeks.***
75.*Darrynton Evans TEN at IND
Note: Limited Thursday with a knee injury. ***Ruled out for the season.***
76.*Kylin Hill GB at ARI
Note: ***Suffered a season-ending knee injury Thursday night.***

Wide Receivers

1.Stefon Diggs BUF vs. MIA
2.Cooper Kupp LA at HOU
3.Tyreek Hill KC vs. NYG
4.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. DAL
5.Ja'Marr Chase CIN at NYJ
6.CeeDee Lamb DAL at MIN
7.Calvin Ridley ATL vs. CAR
8.*DeAndre Hopkins ARZ vs. GB
Note: Hopkins sat out practices Monday and Tuesday with a hamstring injury. Ultimately listed as questionable but is active for Thursday night.
9.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. JAX
Note: ***(Foot) Cleared from the injury list on Friday - similar progression from previous weeks.***
10.Diontae Johnson PIT at CLE
11.*Deebo Samuel SF at CHI
Note: Samuel was held out of practice with a calf injury but upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the final injury list.***
12.Mike Williams LAC vs. NE
13.*A.J. Brown TEN at IND
Note: Limited for rest reasons on Wednesday but not on the injury list. ***Cleared from the injury list, and teammate Julio Jones is out.***
14.*Terry McLaurin WAS at DEN
Note: McLaurin (hamstring) sat out practice Wednesday but returned to practice Thursday.
15.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. WAS
16.DJ Moore CAR at ATL
17.Keenan Allen LAC vs. NE
18.Amari Cooper DAL at MIN
19.Adam Thielen MIN vs. DAL
20.Chris Godwin TB at NO
21.*Chase Claypool PIT at CLE
Note: Claypool (hamstring) was limited Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday.
22.Tee Higgins CIN at NYJ
23.Robert Woods LA at HOU
24.*DeVonta Smith PHI at DET
Note: Smith sat out practice Wednesday with a headache but returned to practice Thursday.
25.*Jaylen Waddle MIA at BUF
Note: ***Teammate Preston Williams will not play.***
26.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: On one hand, Evans benefits a lot by Antonio Brown being out. On the other hand, his history against Marshon Lattimore is pretty poor. In most season-long formats, you're still starting him, but not happy about it.
27.*Michael Pittman IND vs. TEN
Note: ***I gave Pittman a slight downgrade under the premise that T.Y. Hilton might play. If Hilton is scratched, move Pittman back up five slots.***
28.Emmanuel Sanders BUF vs. MIA
29.Randall Cobb GB at ARI
30.*Sterling Shepard NYG at KC
Note: Held out with a hamstring injury last week. Shepard (hamstring) was able to log a limited practice Thursday. ***Practiced on Friday as well, expected to play but is officially questionable.***
31.*Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. WAS
Note: Jeudy (ankle) had a good practice Tuesday and will return to action this week. ***Jeudy was rested on Friday, but then was activated from IR on Saturday and is expected to play.***
32.Marquez Callaway NO vs. TB
33.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. JAX
34.Christian Kirk ARZ vs. GB
35.*Jarvis Landry CLE vs. PIT
Note: Landry's knee bothered him late in his first game back last Thursday, and he sat out practice Monday. Landry returned to a limited practice Thursday, and he's optimistic that he'll play. ***Limited practices Thursday and Friday, then cleared from the injury list.***
36.Brandin Cooks HOU vs. LAR
37.Marvin Jones JAC at SEA
38.Laviska Shenault JAC at SEA
39.*Kadarius Toney NYG at KC
Note: Toney (ankle) was unable to practice Thursday. ***Returned to a limited practice. He's listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision on Monday, though the vibe is positive that he'll play.***
40.Tyler Boyd CIN at NYJ
41.Cole Beasley BUF vs. MIA
42.*T.Y. Hilton IND vs. TEN
Note: The Colts are optimistic that Hilton (quadriceps) will be able to play Sunday despite missing last week's game against the Niners. Returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Hilton had a full practice session Friday and is optimistic about playing - he's still listed as questionable, just in case he doesn't feel right in warmups.***
43.Jamison Crowder NYJ vs. CIN
44.*Allen Robinson CHI vs. SF
Note: Robinson (ankle) was limited Wednesday but upgraded to a full practice Thursday.
45.Robby Anderson CAR at ATL
46.Jakobi Meyers NE at LAC
47.Russell Gage ATL vs. CAR
48.*DeVante Parker MIA at BUF
Note: Parker (shoulder, hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Limited all week and listed as questionable, but is expected to play.***
49.A.J. Green ARZ vs. GB
50.*Van Jefferson LA at HOU
Note: ***The Rams are looking to trade DeSean Jackson and will keep him out Sunday, opening the door for more snaps for Jefferson.***
51.Elijah Moore NYJ vs. CIN
52.*Odell Beckham CLE vs. PIT
Note: Beckham (shoulder) was limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Still listed as questionable, but is expected to play.***
53.Tim Patrick DEN vs. WAS
54.Darnell Mooney CHI vs. SF
55.Kalif Raymond DET vs. PHI
56.Rondale Moore ARZ vs. GB
57.Nico Collins HOU vs. LAR
58.Tyler Johnson TB at NO
59.Quez Watkins PHI at DET
60.Gabriel Davis BUF vs. MIA
61.Darius Slayton NYG at KC
62.*Kendrick Bourne NE at LAC
Note: Bourne (shoulder) was limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited practice all week, listed as questionable.***
63.*Chester Rogers TEN at IND
Note: Rogers (groin) had a limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list, and Julio Jones has been ruled out.***
64.Mecole Hardman KC vs. NYG
65.Jalen Reagor PHI at DET
66.Nelson Agholor NE at LAC
67.Equanimeous St. Brown GB at ARI
68.Dante Pettis NYG at KC
69.K.J. Osborn MIN vs. DAL
70.Byron Pringle KC vs. NYG
71.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET vs. PHI
72.Brandon Aiyuk SF at CHI
73.Zach Pascal IND vs. TEN
74.Cedrick Wilson DAL at MIN
75.Mack Hollins MIA at BUF
76.Olamide Zaccheaus ATL vs. CAR
77.John Ross NYG at KC
78.Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at IND
79.Demarcus Robinson KC vs. NYG
80.Chris Moore HOU vs. LAR
81.Tavon Austin JAC at SEA
82.Chris Conley HOU vs. LAR
83.James Washington PIT at CLE
84.Braxton Berrios NYJ vs. CIN
85.*Corey Davis NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Davis was added to the injury report Thursday with a hip issue. ***Listed as doubtful.***
86.*DeSean Jackson LA at HOU
Note: ***Seeking a trade and has been ruled out.***
87.*Julio Jones TEN at IND
Note: Jones (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.***
88.*Michael Gallup DAL at MIN
Note: Gallup (groin) has been designated to return from the IR and cleared to practice on Monday. Returned to practice on Wednesday. ***Won't be activated this week.***
89.*Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE vs. PIT
Note: Peoples-Jones (groin) sat out practice on Monday. Sat out practice Thursday.
90.*Terrace Marshall CAR at ATL
Note: Marshall (concussion) sat out practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
91.*Deonte Harris NO vs. TB
Note: Harris (hamstring) returned to a limited practice Thursday.
92.*Davante Adams GB at ARI
Note: Placed on the COVID-IR with a positive test despite being vaccinated. Officially out this week.
93.*Allen Lazard GB at ARI
Note: Lazard was placed on the COVID-IR as a close contact and has to sit out five days, thus will miss Thursday night's game.
94.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at ARI
Note: MVS (hamstring) has a chance to return on Thursday, and the need for him to return has intensified with Davante Adams likely out. Alas, MVS was unable to practice this week and remained on IR.
95.*Kenny Golladay NYG at KC
Note: Golladay (knee) was unable to practice Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
96.*Curtis Samuel WAS at DEN
Note: (Groin) Did not practice Thursday.
97.*Will Fuller MIA at BUF
Note: Fuller (finger) isn't expected to return this week.
98.*Antonio Brown TB at NO
Note: Brown's ankle sprain could keep him out multiple weeks. ***Officially ruled out.***

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC vs. NYG
2.Kyle Pitts ATL vs. CAR
3.Mike Gesicki MIA at BUF
4.Dallas Goedert PHI at DET
5.Dalton Schultz DAL at MIN
6.*Zach Ertz ARZ vs. GB
Note: The Cardinals made a point of involving Ertz, including on a jet sweep near the goal line that nearly ended disastrously with a fumble.
7.Tyler Higbee LA at HOU
8.*T.J. Hockenson DET vs. PHI
Note: Hockenson drew Jalen Ramsey's coverage on occasion, due to their lack of threats in the receiving corps. Hockenson (ankle/knee) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Cleared from the injury report.***
9.Noah Fant DEN vs. WAS
10.Hunter Henry NE at LAC
11.*Ricky Seals-Jones WAS at DEN
Note: Seals-Jones was limited in practice Wednesday with a quadriceps injury, but put in a full practice Thursday.
12.*C.J. Uzomah CIN at NYJ
Note: Two monster games already, and not invisible in other games.
13.*Evan Engram NYG at KC
Note: Engram was limited with a calf injury at practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury report.***
14.Jared Cook LAC vs. NE
15.*Mo Alie-Cox IND vs. TEN
Note: Scored on Sunday night for his fourth touchdown in the last four weeks.
16.Tyler Conklin MIN vs. DAL
17.*Pat Freiermuth PIT at CLE
Note: ***Teammate Eric Ebron has been ruled out.***
18.*Rob Gronkowski TB at NO
Note: Coach Bruce Arians is 'hopeful' that Gronkowski (ribs) can return this week. However, the Bucs are on bye after this week, so the likely result is another week out. Gronk had a limited practice Wednesday and upgraded to a full practice Thursday. ***Officially listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision before the Bucs' 4:25 pm ET kickoff.***
19.Cole Kmet CHI vs. SF
20.Dan Arnold JAC at SEA
21.*Tommy Sweeney BUF vs. MIA
Note: Sweeney is stepping in for the injured Dawson Knox. I'm hesitant to put him all the way up to where Knox would have ranked until I see more than a goal line look from him.
22.Hayden Hurst ATL vs. CAR
23.Gerald Everett SEA vs. JAX
24.Juwan Johnson NO vs. TB
25.David Njoku CLE vs. PIT
26.Cameron Brate TB at NO
27.Donald Parham LAC vs. NE
28.*Jonnu Smith NE at LAC
Note: Smith was active early against the Jets but the left with a shoulder injury. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Limited practices all week, listed as questionable.***
29.Tommy Tremble CAR at ATL
30.Jack Doyle IND vs. TEN
31.Austin Hooper CLE vs. PIT
32.*O.J. Howard TB at NO
Note: Howard (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday.
33.Blake Jarwin DAL at MIN
34.Anthony Firkser TEN at IND
35.Adam Trautman NO vs. TB
36.*Tyler Kroft NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Kroft (back) participated in a limited practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday and could return this week.***
37.*Dawson Knox BUF vs. MIA
Note: Knox (broken hand) has been ruled out this week.
38.*Logan Thomas WAS at DEN
Note: Thomas (hamstring) is eligible to return this week, but is still considered 'week-to-week,' with the WFT on bye next week.
39.*Eric Ebron PIT at CLE
Note: Ebron was limited in practice Thursday with a hamstring injury. ***Ruled out this week.***
40.*George Kittle SF at CHI
Note: Kittle (calf) should be able to return in Week 9.
41.*Robert Tonyan GB at ARI
Note: Tonyan should be busier with Adams and Lazard likely out, but it's not as if the Cardinals aren't aware of him. ***Tonyan suffered a torn ACL in Thursday's game against the Cardinals.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Derrick Henry TEN at IND
2.*Aaron Jones GB at ARI
Note: Jones's workload could go to the moon this week given all the Packers' wide receiver woes.
3.*Jonathan Taylor IND vs. TEN
Note: Taylor (ribs) was limited on Wednesday but practiced fully on Thursday.
4.Stefon Diggs BUF vs. MIA
5.Cooper Kupp LA at HOU
6.Tyreek Hill KC vs. NYG
7.Travis Kelce KC vs. NYG
8.Justin Jefferson MIN vs. DAL
9.Joe Mixon CIN at NYJ
10.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. TB
Note: Kamara caught 10 passes on 11 targets Monday night. Most of his contributions this week against the Bucs will likely also come in the passing game.
11.*Austin Ekeler LAC vs. NE
Note: Ekeler was added to the injury list with a hip issue and did not practice Thursday. ***Ekeler stated on Saturday that he'll be active on Sunday, though he's listed as questionable still.***
12.Ja'Marr Chase CIN at NYJ
13.CeeDee Lamb DAL at MIN
14.Calvin Ridley ATL vs. CAR
15.*D'Andre Swift DET vs. PHI
Note: ***Swift has been listed as questionable with a groin injury every single week this season.***
16.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at MIN
17.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. DAL
Note: Cleared from the injury list this week.
18.Najee Harris PIT at CLE
19.*DeAndre Hopkins ARZ vs. GB
Note: Hopkins sat out practices Monday and Tuesday with a hamstring injury. Ultimately listed as questionable but is active for Thursday night.
20.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. JAX
Note: ***(Foot) Cleared from the injury list on Friday - similar progression from previous weeks.***
21.*Terry McLaurin WAS at DEN
Note: McLaurin (hamstring) sat out practice Wednesday but returned to practice Thursday.
22.Kyle Pitts ATL vs. CAR
23.Diontae Johnson PIT at CLE
24.*Deebo Samuel SF at CHI
Note: Samuel was held out of practice with a calf injury but upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the final injury list.***
25.Mike Williams LAC vs. NE
26.*A.J. Brown TEN at IND
Note: Limited for rest reasons on Wednesday but not on the injury list. ***Cleared from the injury list, and teammate Julio Jones is out.***
27.James Robinson JAC at SEA
28.*Leonard Fournette TB at NO
Note: ***Slight downgrade due to the matchup.***
29.*Darrell Henderson LA at HOU
Note: Henderson's output was disappointing against the Lions, who seemed to sell out to stop the run. Good news for Henderson this week is that he gets to face the Texans.
30.*Nick Chubb CLE vs. PIT
Note: Chubb (calf) returned to practice Monday and is expected to play this week. Though Kareem Hunt (calf) is out, Chubb might not yet get a full workload, if the Browns want to keep D'Ernest Johnson in the mix. Another limited practice Wednesday. ***Chubb was a full participant Friday and removed from the injury list.***
31.Damien Harris NE at LAC
32.*Elijah Mitchell SF at CHI
Note: Mitchell did most of his damage in the first half last week, but 107 yards and a touchdown pays the bills. The only concern is that he goes out in obvious passing downs.
33.Cordarrelle Patterson ATL vs. CAR
34.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. WAS
35.DJ Moore CAR at ATL
36.Keenan Allen LAC vs. NE
37.Amari Cooper DAL at MIN
38.Adam Thielen MIN vs. DAL
39.Chris Godwin TB at NO
40.*Chase Claypool PIT at CLE
Note: Claypool (hamstring) was limited Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday.
41.*Michael Pittman IND vs. TEN
Note: ***I gave Pittman a slight downgrade under the premise that T.Y. Hilton might play. If Hilton is scratched, move Pittman back up five slots.***
42.*Antonio Gibson WAS at DEN
Note: Gibson (shin) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
43.*Khalil Herbert CHI vs. SF
Note: Herbert produced (18-100, 5-33) despite a horrible game script and opponent. I don't see how the Bears go back to starting Damien Williams over him.
44.Javonte Williams DEN vs. WAS
45.Robert Woods LA at HOU
46.*DeVonta Smith PHI at DET
Note: Smith sat out practice Wednesday with a headache but returned to practice Thursday.
47.Tee Higgins CIN at NYJ
48.*Jaylen Waddle MIA at BUF
Note: ***Teammate Preston Williams will not play.***
49.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: On one hand, Evans benefits a lot by Antonio Brown being out. On the other hand, his history against Marshon Lattimore is pretty poor. In most season-long formats, you're still starting him, but not happy about it.
50.Emmanuel Sanders BUF vs. MIA
51.Randall Cobb GB at ARI
52.*Michael Carter NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Carter had over 100 yards from scrimmage in the loss to the Pats. He should have a big role this week if Ty Johnson (concussion) sits out. Ty Johnson is not on the injury list, so I moved Carter down a bit.
53.Chuba Hubbard CAR at ATL
54.James Conner ARZ vs. GB
55.*D'Ernest Johnson CLE vs. PIT
Note: Johnson was great last week and deserves a role going forward, but Nick Chubb (calf) could be back this week.
56.Marquez Callaway NO vs. TB
57.Christian Kirk ARZ vs. GB
58.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. JAX
59.Mike Gesicki MIA at BUF
60.Dallas Goedert PHI at DET
61.Chase Edmonds ARZ vs. GB
62.*Kenneth Gainwell PHI at DET
Note: Gainwell is likely to be the starter this week with Miles Sanders hurt, but as we saw last week, Boston Scott will also factor in.
63.Darrel Williams KC vs. NYG
64.Melvin Gordon DEN vs. WAS
65.*Jarvis Landry CLE vs. PIT
Note: Landry's knee bothered him late in his first game back last Thursday, and he sat out practice Monday. Landry returned to a limited practice Thursday, and he's optimistic that he'll play. ***Limited practices Thursday and Friday, then cleared from the injury list.***
66.Brandin Cooks HOU vs. LAR
67.*Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. WAS
Note: Jeudy (ankle) had a good practice Tuesday and will return to action this week. ***Jeudy was rested on Friday, but then was activated from IR on Saturday and is expected to play.***
68.Marvin Jones JAC at SEA
69.*Corey Davis NYJ vs. CIN
Note: Davis was added to the injury report Thursday with a hip issue. ***Listed as doubtful.***
70.*Allen Robinson CHI vs. SF
Note: Robinson (ankle) was limited Wednesday but upgraded to a full practice Thursday.
71.Robby Anderson CAR at ATL
72.J.D. McKissic WAS at DEN
73.Myles Gaskin MIA at BUF
74.Devontae Booker NYG at KC
75.*Alex Collins SEA vs. JAX
Note: Collins (groin) had 17 touches but did very little with them. Fortunately for him, Rashaad Penny (6-9-0) also struggled. Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Collins was limited during the week and listed as questionable, but he's still expected to play.***
76.Jakobi Meyers NE at LAC
77.Tyler Boyd CIN at NYJ
78.Cole Beasley BUF vs. MIA
79.Laviska Shenault JAC at SEA
80.*Julio Jones TEN at IND
Note: Jones (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week.***
81.*T.J. Hockenson DET vs. PHI
Note: Hockenson drew Jalen Ramsey's coverage on occasion, due to their lack of threats in the receiving corps. Hockenson (ankle/knee) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Cleared from the injury report.***
82.Russell Gage ATL vs. CAR
83.Mike Davis ATL vs. CAR
84.AJ Dillon GB at ARI
85.Tony Pollard DAL at MIN
86.Zack Moss BUF vs. MIA
87.A.J. Green ARZ vs. GB

Kickers

1.Graham Gano NYG at KC
2.Matt Prater ARZ vs. GB
3.Tyler Bass BUF vs. MIA
4.Younghoe Koo ATL vs. CAR
5.Ryan Succop TB at NO
6.*Harrison Butker KC vs. NYG
Note: Nothing against Butker's performance, but the Chiefs' struggles are bring him down. His miss on Sunday was from 57 yards, with the Chiefs trailing 27-3 late in the third quarter.
7.Greg Zuerlein DAL at MIN
8.Evan McPherson CIN at NYJ
9.Greg Joseph MIN vs. DAL
10.*Nick Folk NE at LAC
Note: Folk (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday.
11.Matt Gay LA at HOU
12.*Jason Myers SEA vs. JAX
Note: Missed twice on MNF, albeit from 44 and 53 yards.
13.Chase McLaughlin CLE vs. PIT
14.Chris Boswell PIT at CLE
15.Randy Bullock TEN at IND
16.Brandon McManus DEN vs. WAS
17.*Dustin Hopkins LAC vs. NE
Note: Signed by the Chargers after getting cut by the WFT.
18.Mason Crosby GB at ARI
19.Michael Badgley IND vs. TEN
20.Jake Elliott PHI at DET
21.Jason Sanders MIA at BUF
22.Joey Slye SF at CHI
23.*Brian Johnson NO vs. TB
Note: Johnson will remain the Saints kicker following a setback to Lutz, who is now out for the season.
24.Austin Seibert DET vs. PHI
25.Zane Gonzalez CAR at ATL
26.Cairo Santos CHI vs. SF
27.Matthew Wright JAC at SEA
28.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. LAR
29.Matt Ammendola NYJ vs. CIN
30.Chris Blewitt WAS at DEN
31.*Tristan Vizcaino at
Note: Waived by the Chargers.

Defenses

1.Los Angeles Rams at HOU
2.Buffalo Bills vs. MIA
3.*Cincinnati Bengals at NYJ
Note: Is Joe Flacco really an improvement over Mike White or Zach Wilson? Either way, this seems like a great spot for the Bengals.
4.Pittsburgh Steelers at CLE
5.San Francisco 49ers at CHI
6.*Cleveland Browns vs. PIT
Note: Denzel Ward did not practice Monday due to a hamstring injury. If Ward has to sit, Greedy Williams will start and be picked upon relentlessly.
7.Seattle Seahawks vs. JAX
8.Los Angeles Chargers vs. NE
9.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
10.*Arizona Cardinals vs. GB
Note: J.J. Watt (shoulder) is out for the season.
11.*Denver Broncos vs. WAS
Note: Von Miller (ankle) didn't practice Tuesday and is day-to-day.
12.Philadelphia Eagles at DET
13.Dallas Cowboys at MIN
14.*Chicago Bears vs. SF
Note: Khalil Mack (foot) is doubtful for this week.
15.Indianapolis Colts vs. TEN
16.New Orleans Saints vs. TB
17.Tennessee Titans at IND
18.Atlanta Falcons vs. CAR
19.Washington Football Team at DEN
20.Green Bay Packers at ARI
21.Kansas City Chiefs vs. NYG
22.Jacksonville Jaguars at SEA
23.Carolina Panthers at ATL
24.New England Patriots at LAC
25.*New York Giants at KC
Note: The Giants just lost Jabrill Peppers for the season with a ruptured ACL.
26.Detroit Lions vs. PHI
27.Minnesota Vikings vs. DAL
28.Miami Dolphins at BUF
29.New York Jets vs. CIN
30.Houston Texans vs. LAR
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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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