Weekly Rankings: Week 16 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 16 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update Complete

Week 16 Schedule Quirks - two Saturday games (KC vs. HOU, BAL vs. PIT)

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 after Week 1, the first set of rankings will be posted late 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

Sunday Update Complete

Week 16 Schedule Quirks - two Saturday games (KC vs. HOU, BAL vs. PIT)

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 after Week 1, the first set of rankings will be posted late 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.*Josh Allen BUF vs. NE
Note: Allen reported some discomfort in his throwing shoulder following last week's game, but he is not listed on the Bills' initial injury report.
2.Lamar Jackson BAL vs. PIT
3.*Joe Burrow CIN vs. CLE
Note: Burrow (wrist/knee) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday. ***Burrow's limitations all week were precautionary, and he's been cleared from the injury list.***
4.*Jalen Hurts PHI at WAS
Note: Hurts put a lot of worries to bed with his excellent performance against the Steelers.
5.*Jared Goff DET at CHI
Note: Goff turned in a monster game in a shootout against the Bills that was more reminiscent of 2023 or 2022 in terms of the Lions defense. The Bears will be the ultimate litmus test of how far the Lions defense has fallen due to injury, but I wouldn't be surprised if Goff has to keep airing it out.
6.*Baker Mayfield TB at DAL
Note: Mayfield didn't practice Wednesday to rest his sore knee, but fully practiced Thursday.
7.*Jayden Daniels WAS vs. PHI
Note: Daniels was sacked a whopping eight times by the Saints. It doesn't get any easier this week against the Eagles.
8.*Jordan Love GB vs. NO
Note: Love took a hit to his thigh on Sunday night, but the Packers appear unconcerned about his status.
9.Brock Purdy SF at MIA
10.Matthew Stafford LA at NYJ
11.*Kyler Murray ARZ at CAR
Note: Murray was briefly checked out for a head injury in the win over the Pats.
12.Anthony Richardson IND vs. TEN
13.*Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. SF
Note: Tua's 300-yard streak came to a crashing halt against the Texans. Limited at Wednesday's practice with a hip injury. ***Tua had a full practice Friday after being limited again Thursday, and has been cleared from the injury list.***
14.*Bo Nix DEN at LAC
Note: Nix turned in his worst game by far since the early part of the season, throwing three interceptions and only 130 yards against the Colts.
15.Sam Darnold MIN at SEA
16.Cooper Rush DAL vs. TB
17.*Geno Smith SEA vs. MIN
Note: Smith left Sunday night's loss to the Packers with a knee injury in the third quarter. Initial tests were positive, and coach Mike Macdonald said that they hoped to see Smith at practice this week. I'll move him up accordingly once Smith starts practicing. Smith fully practiced Wednesday. ***Smith was cleared from the injury list.***
18.*Patrick Mahomes KC vs. HOU
Note: Mahomes suffered a 'mild' high-ankle sprain and but fully practiced Tuesday. The Chiefs play Houston on Saturday and then play again next Wednesday against the Steelers on Christmas Day. I'm still not quite sure if he'll play, but it's looking more likely now. Coach Andy Reid said on Thursday that Mahomes 'will most likely start' Saturday against the Texans.
19.*Caleb Williams CHI vs. DET
Note: For the fifth time this season, the Bears were shut out in the first half.
20.*Russell Wilson PIT at BAL
Note: Wilson going up against the Eagles without George Pickens (hamstring) went about as poorly as expected. There's a chance that Pickens might be back for this week's game against the Ravens. Teammate Justin Fields (abdomen) has been ruled out this week, so Wilson will get all the snaps.
21.*Justin Herbert LAC vs. DEN
Note: Herbert briefly left Sunday's loss to the Bucs after aggravating his ankle injury on a sack, and he was listed as limited. The Chargers play on Thursday. Herbert has been cleared from the injury list.
22.C.J. Stroud HOU at KC
23.Aaron Rodgers NYJ vs. LAR
24.*Bryce Young CAR vs. ARI
Note: Week 15 was a big regression week for both Young and the Panthers' offensive line. ***Panthers coach Dave Canales affirmed that Young will start the rest of the season.***
25.*Michael Penix ATL vs. NYG
Note: Penix has been named the starter ahead of Kirk Cousins.
26.Drake Maye NE at BUF
27.*Mason Rudolph TEN at IND
Note: Rudolph took over for Will Levis last week, and while his stat line looks good, it was a little deceptive in that the Titans scored on the last drive of the game, in fact the last play of the game, where the Bengals were clearly coasting. Rudolph has been confirmed as the starter.
28.Mac Jones JAC at LV
29.*Spencer Rattler NO at GB
Note: Rattler took over for Jake Haener in the second half and led a near comeback for the Saints. It looks like Derek Carr will need at least another week or two before he's ready to return, so Rattler will get the start(s). Rattler was confirmed as the starter for Monday night by interim coach Darren Rizzi. ***Officially named the starter and Carr has been ruled out.***
30.*Aidan O'Connell LV vs. JAX
Note: O'Connell (knee) is 'trending towards playing' this week, according to coach Antonio Pierce. O'Connell fully practiced Wednesday. ***Officially cleared from the injury list.***
31.*Dorian Thompson-Robinson CLE at CIN
Note: It's not yet official, but it looks like Thompson-Robinson will start this week. DTR has been confirmed as the starter.
32.*Drew Lock NYG at ATL
Note: Lock (heel/elbow) fully practiced Thursday. He will start if healthy enough this week. ***Lock has been cleared from the injury list and will start.***
33.*Carson Wentz KC vs. HOU
Note: If you have Mahomes in a superflex league, it's worth your while to snag Wentz just in case. I prefer him over the other fill-in QBs this week - Rattler, DTR, Howell, etc... I would now choose Penix over Wentz if Mahomes sat out, but it might be a moot point, with Andy Reid saying Thursday that Mahomes will most likely start.
34.*Sam Howell SEA vs. MIN
Note: Howell went 5-14-24 with a pick and four sacks after filling in for Geno Smith. It's possible that this Seattle offensive line is playing worse than the Commanders one that was in front of him before. Teammate Geno Smith fully practiced Wednesday.
35.*Tim Boyle NYG at ATL
Note: Boyle filled in for the concussed Tommy DeVito in the loss to the Ravens and did a decent job of forcing the ball to Malik Nabers, all things considered.
36.*Desmond Ridder LV vs. JAX
37.*Kirk Cousins ATL vs. NYG
Note: Cousins was pretty awful against the Raiders and the Falcons coaching staff went into a shell accordingly, playing not to lose and very nearly losing anyhow. And now he's been benched for Michael Penix. ***Likely to be cut before next March 17 to save the $10 million roster bonus.***
38.*Tommy DeVito NYG at ATL
Note: DeVito left Sunday's loss against the Ravens with a concussion. ***DeVito has been cleared from concussion protocol.***
39.*Jameis Winston CLE at CIN
Note: Winston got benched against the Chiefs last week and now it appears that he won't start this week against the Bengals, though that won't officially be confirmed until Wednesday.
40.*Will Levis TEN at IND
Note: Levis got benched in the third quarter against the Bengals and it was richly deserved, and it looks like he won't start this week. ***Levis is listed as questionable with a shoulder.***
41.*Jake Haener NO at GB
Note: Benched after a miserable first half.
42.*Derek Carr NO at GB
Note: Carr (hand) is at least a couple of weeks away from being able to take any contact and might not return this season. Carr hasn't officially been ruled out this week, but didn't practice Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.***

Running Backs

1.*Saquon Barkley PHI at WAS
Note: Barkley missed almost all of the second quarter while getting checked out for an undisclosed issue. We'll need to watch his status closely heading into the game against the Commanders.
2.*Jahmyr Gibbs DET at CHI
Note: David Montgomery's season-ending injury might portend more work for Gibbs, but in a way the Lions might want to go out of the way to protect one of their top remaining healthy players for the playoffs.
3.Kyren Williams LA at NYJ
4.Bijan Robinson ATL vs. NYG
5.Josh Jacobs GB vs. NO
6.Derrick Henry BAL vs. PIT
7.James Conner ARZ at CAR
8.Aaron Jones MIN at SEA
9.Chase Brown CIN vs. CLE
10.Rico Dowdle DAL vs. TB
11.Jonathan Taylor IND vs. TEN
12.James Cook BUF vs. NE
13.Brian Robinson WAS vs. PHI
14.Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. ARI
15.*Bucky Irving TB at DAL
Note: Irving (back) proved healthy enough to run for 117 yards against the Chargers despite just one limited practice all week. Irving has had two limited practices so far this week.
16.Breece Hall NYJ vs. LAR
17.Rachaad White TB at DAL
18.De'Von Achane MIA vs. SF
19.*Kenneth Walker SEA vs. MIN
Note: Walker (calf) had a good workout Monday, but his status for the week remains TBD. Did not practice Wednesday, but then returned to practice Thursday and was a full participant. ***Cleared to return.***
20.*Joe Mixon HOU at KC
Note: Mixon suffered an ankle injury Sunday against the Dolphins but checked out fine Monday. Mixon was limited all week but then cleared from the injury report on Thursday. Nonetheless I've downgraded him a little due to the matchup against the Chiefs.
21.*Najee Harris PIT at BAL
Note: Harris had a critical misplay in the loss to the Eagles, dropping a pitch from Russell Wilson that was recovered by the Eagles in the second half - the fumble was charged to Wilson even though Harris was at fault.
22.*Isiah Pacheco KC vs. HOU
Note: Split carries equally with Kareem Hunt last week, with the latter outproducing him, though neither ran especially well.
23.*Jerome Ford CLE at CIN
Note: Ford will revert back to the starting role, but will he get a full-time role or will he split carries as he did prior to Nick Chubb's return?
24.Rhamondre Stevenson NE at BUF
25.*Tony Pollard TEN at IND
Note: Pollard (ankle) was checked out on the sidelines multiple times during last week's loss to the Bengals, leading to more work than usual for Tyjae Spears. Pollard did not practice on Thursday. ***Pollard had a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, with the expectation that he'll play.***
26.*Kendre Miller NO at GB
Note: Miller is in line for more work this week with Alvin Kamara nursing a groin/adductor injury. Kamara is unlikely to play this week. This ranking already suggested that Kamara would be out. ***Kamara is officially out.***
27.*Patrick Taylor SF at MIA
Note: Big bump up with the news that Isaac Guerendo has a new hamstring injury. ***Guerendo has officially been ruled out.***
28.*Tyrone Tracy NYG at ATL
Note: Tracy appeared to lose snaps to Devin Singletary after dropping a pass in the second quarter. Tracy (ankle) has been limited in his first two practices of the week. ***Tracy had three limited practices this week, but he's expected to play.***
29.Gus Edwards LAC vs. DEN
30.*D'Andre Swift CHI vs. DET
Note: ***Roschon Johnson is finally back from his concussion, so Swift may lose out on goal line carries.***
31.*Travis Etienne JAC at LV
Note: Etienne was more active and more effective than teammate Tank Bigsby last week and now has a favorable matchup against the Raiders.
32.Jaylen Warren PIT at BAL
33.*Tyjae Spears TEN at IND
Note: Spears picked up more work than normal with Tony Pollard nursing an ankle injury multiple times during Sunday's loss to the Bengals. ***Pollard managed just one limited practice this week but is expected to play.***
34.*Javonte Williams DEN at LAC
Note: Teammate Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) has been ruled out.
35.*Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. MIN
Note: Charbonnet ran well and scored the Seahawks' lone touchdown against the Packers, but was limited to eight carries due to the game-flow. Teammate Kenneth Walker will be TBD again this week. Charbonnet sat out Wednesday's practice with an oblique injury. Teammate Kenneth Walker III (calf) fully practiced Thursday. ***Walker has been cleared to return.***
36.Tank Bigsby JAC at LV
37.Ray Davis BUF vs. NE
38.*Ameer Abdullah LV vs. JAX
Note: Abdullah was elevated back into a timeshare after Sincere McCormick hurt his ankle.
39.Jeremy McNichols WAS vs. PHI
40.Kareem Hunt KC vs. HOU
41.Devin Singletary NYG at ATL
42.*Audric Estime DEN at LAC
Note: Teammate Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) has been ruled out.
43.Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. NYG
44.Cam Akers MIN at SEA
45.*Isaiah Davis NYJ vs. LAR
Note: Davis (back) was limited at Thursday's practice, as was teammate Braelon Allen (also with a back injury).
46.Ty Johnson BUF vs. NE
47.Kimani Vidal LAC vs. DEN
48.Blake Corum LA at NYJ
49.Kenneth Gainwell PHI at WAS
50.*Craig Reynolds DET at CHI
Note: Reynolds is the next man up for the Lions with David Montgomery out, though he's unlikely to take on nearly as large of a role. Rookie Sione Vaki might also feature.
51.*Alexander Mattison LV vs. JAX
Note: Mattison held more of the rushing role once Sincere McCormick got hurt, but lost a fumble and got tackled for a safety. Ameer Abdullah was the pass-catching back.
52.*Kenny McIntosh SEA vs. MIN
Note: Neither Zach Charbonnet (oblique) nor Kenneth Walker III (calf) practiced Wednesday.
53.*Roschon Johnson CHI vs. DET
Note: Johnson (concussion) has had two full practices so far, and is just waiting full official clearance from the protocol. ***Cleared from the concussion protocol.***
54.Chris Rodriguez WAS vs. PHI
55.*Pierre Strong CLE at CIN
Note: ***Strong will be the No. 2 back over D'Onta Foreman this week.***
56.Sean Tucker TB at DAL
57.Jaylen Wright MIA vs. SF
58.Raheem Mostert MIA vs. SF
59.Dameon Pierce HOU at KC
60.Mike Boone CAR vs. ARI
61.Antonio Gibson NE at BUF
62.D'Onta Foreman CLE at CIN
63.Ke'Shawn Vaughn SF at MIA
64.Khalil Herbert CIN vs. CLE
65.Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. TB
66.Israel Abanikanda SF at MIA
67.*Braelon Allen NYJ vs. LAR
Note: Allen left last week's win over the Jaguars with a back injury. Allen was limited at Thursday's practice.
68.Travis Homer CHI vs. DET
69.*Isaac Guerendo SF at MIA
Note: Guerendo missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a new hamstring injury. ***Officially ruled out this week.***
70.*Trey Benson ARZ at CAR
Note: Benson suffered an ankle injury in the second half of the Cardinals' win over the Patriots. Benson missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices. ***Ruled out for this week. DeeJay Dallas will supplant Benson as James Conner's backup.***
71.*Alvin Kamara NO at GB
Note: Kamara was forced from last week's lost to the Commanders with a groin/adductor injury. He needed an MRI on Monday. The Saints play next Monday at Green Bay. Interim coach Darren Rizzi said that Kamara is unlikely to play Monday night, and a report from Adam Schefter suggested that he might not play the last three games. ***Officially ruled out for Monday night.***
72.*Jaleel McLaughlin DEN at LAC
Note: McLaughlin (quad) was a DNP on Monday and limited on Tuesday. McLaughlin won't play on Thursday night.
73.*Justice Hill BAL vs. PIT
Note: ***Hill suffered a concussion in the win over the Steelers on Saturday. He's unlikely to play in Week 17.***
74.*Nick Chubb CLE at CIN
Note: Chubb suffered a broken left foot in the loss to the Chiefs and is done for the season. Jerome Ford reverts back to the starting role.
75.*Sincere McCormick LV vs. JAX
Note: McCormick suffered what appears to be a serious ankle injury, with him self-reporting on Instagram that he'll 'be back next season.' And now it's official - McCormick has been placed on IR.
76.*David Montgomery DET at CHI
Note: Montgomery is out for the season due to an MCL sprain. Montgomery is hopeful he can avoid surgery and return for the playoffs.

Wide Receivers

1.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. CLE
2.Justin Jefferson MIN at SEA
3.Puka Nacua LA at NYJ
4.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at CHI
5.*CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. TB
Note: Lamb (shoulder) fully practiced Thursday.
6.*A.J. Brown PHI at WAS
Note: Brown (knee/rest) sat out Wednesday and then had a limited practice Thursday. ***Brown was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
7.Mike Evans TB at DAL
8.Nico Collins HOU at KC
9.*Cooper Kupp LA at NYJ
Note: Kupp's bagel on Thursday night bounced a lot of teams from the fantasy playoffs, but I think he rebounds this week.
10.Davante Adams NYJ vs. LAR
11.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. MIN
12.Courtland Sutton DEN at LAC
13.Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. LAR
14.Brian Thomas JAC at LV
15.Khalil Shakir BUF vs. NE
16.*Tee Higgins CIN vs. CLE
Note: Higgins (knee/rest) didn't practice Thursday, but is expected to practice Friday and play on Sunday. ***Higgins has been cleared from the injury list.***
17.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. PHI
18.*Tyreek Hill MIA vs. SF
Note: Hill was shut down by Derek Stingley last week, including one play where Stingley ripped the ball from Hill's hands for an interception that sealed the game. Hill (wrist/rest) sat out Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday. ***Hill's lingering wrist injury has him listed as questionable, but he is expected to play.***
19.DJ Moore CHI vs. DET
20.Jordan Addison MIN at SEA
21.Drake London ATL vs. NYG
22.*Malik Nabers NYG at ATL
Note: Nabers (knee/foot) fully practiced Thursday.
23.Romeo Doubs GB vs. NO
24.Jerry Jeudy CLE at CIN
25.Calvin Ridley TEN at IND
26.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. MIN
Note: Metcalf managed three targets despite the Seahawks trailing the entire game. Metcalf (shoulder) sat out Wednesday's practice, but was a full participant Thursday.
27.Darnell Mooney ATL vs. NYG
28.Jameson Williams DET at CHI
29.DeVonta Smith PHI at WAS
30.Jauan Jennings SF at MIA
31.*Jakobi Meyers LV vs. JAX
Note: Meyers (ankle) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. ***Full practice Friday and cleared from the injury list.***
32.Zay Flowers BAL vs. PIT
33.Marvin Harrison ARZ at CAR
34.Keenan Allen CHI vs. DET
35.Adam Thielen CAR vs. ARI
36.*Michael Pittman IND vs. TEN
Note: Pittman (back) fully practiced Thursday.
37.*Jalen Coker CAR vs. ARI
Note: Coker (quad) was limited in Thursday's practice. ***Coker is still listed as questionable but is expected to play.***
38.Jalen McMillan TB at DAL
39.DeAndre Hopkins KC vs. HOU
40.Ladd McConkey LAC vs. DEN
41.Christian Watson GB vs. NO
42.Rome Odunze CHI vs. DET
43.Josh Downs IND vs. TEN
44.Elijah Moore CLE at CIN
45.*Quentin Johnston LAC vs. DEN
Note: Johnston appeared to be briefly injured against the Bucs last week, but he wasn't on Tuesday's injury list and should be good to go for Thursday.
46.*Xavier Worthy KC vs. HOU
Note: Worthy led Chiefs receivers in snaps last week.
47.*Rashod Bateman BAL vs. PIT
Note: Bateman (foot) was limited Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday, there were reports of him wearing a walking boot in the locker room.
48.Deebo Samuel SF at MIA
49.Jayden Reed GB vs. NO
50.*Tylan Wallace BAL vs. PIT
Note: Nelson Agholor (concussion) is out, Diontae Johnson has been waived, and Rashod Bateman (foot) is questionable. This could be a sneaky spot for Wallace and Tez Walker.
51.Calvin Austin PIT at BAL
52.Michael Wilson ARZ at CAR
53.Amari Cooper BUF vs. NE
54.*Hollywood Brown KC vs. HOU
Note: Brown (shoulder) took every rep in Tuesday's practice - it's possible he could make his Chiefs debut on Saturday. Brown fully practiced Thursday and has no injury designation going into Thursday's game. ***Brown was officially activated from IR on Friday.***
55.*Devaughn Vele DEN at LAC
Note: Seemingly has been surpassed by Marvin Mims Jr. - shut out against the Colts.
56.Joshua Palmer LAC vs. DEN
57.Keon Coleman BUF vs. NE
58.Tre Tucker LV vs. JAX
59.*Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at ATL
Note: Robinson (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
60.*Malik Washington MIA vs. SF
Note: Washington stepped up in the absence of Jaylen Waddle last week.
61.Kayshon Boutte NE at BUF
62.Brandin Cooks DAL vs. TB
63.*Devontez Walker BAL vs. PIT
Note: Added to the list with Nelson Agholor out and Rashod Bateman (foot) questionable. If Bateman doesn't play, then Walker and Tylan Wallace could garner a decent number of targets.
64.*Adonai Mitchell IND vs. TEN
Note: ***Mitchell should get more reps with Alec Pierce (concussion) ruled out.***
65.Ray-Ray McCloud ATL vs. NYG
66.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling NO at GB
Note: Valdes-Scantling (chest) sat out the Saints' first practice of the week Thursday. He'll have Spencer Rattler throwing to him on Monday night. ***Sat out practice Friday with an illness.***
67.*Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at IND
Note: Westbrook-Ikhine (ankle) didn't practice Thursday with what appears to be a new injury. ***Cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
68.Parker Washington JAC at LV
69.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. MIN
70.KaVontae Turpin DAL vs. TB
71.Tutu Atwell LA at NYJ
72.Mack Hollins BUF vs. NE
73.JuJu Smith-Schuster KC vs. HOU
74.*Sterling Shepard TB at DAL
Note: Shepard (foot) was limited during Thursday's practice. ***Shepard has been cleared from the injury list.***
75.Jalen Nailor MIN at SEA
76.DeMario Douglas NE at BUF
77.Dontayvion Wicks GB vs. NO
78.Allen Lazard NYJ vs. LAR
79.Demarcus Robinson LA at NYJ
80.*Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. SF
Note: Waddle left last week with a knee injury. Coach Mike McDaniel on Monday said that the injury was 'not major, not surgery-related.' But that doesn't mean that Waddle will be able to play this week against the Niners. Waddle has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Waddle didn't practice at all this week and is listed as doubtful.***
81.*David Moore CAR vs. ARI
Note: Moore is in the concussion protocol and was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Listed as questionable but expected to play.***
82.*Xavier Legette CAR vs. ARI
Note: Legette suffered a groin injury against the Cowboys and is week-to-week, with this week looking doubtful. Legette hasn't practiced yet this week. ***Legette has been ruled out for this week.***
83.*Alec Pierce IND vs. TEN
Note: Pierce left last week's loss to Denver with a concussion. Pierce was officially listed as a non-participant Thursday, instead doing cone drills on the side. ***Officially ruled out.***
84.*Cedric Tillman CLE at CIN
Note: The Browns are 'hopeful' that Tillman could return from his concussion this week. Given the length of his absence I'm going to wait until he's cleared before moving him up. Tillman was still limited Thursday. ***Ruled out for this week again.***
85.*George Pickens PIT at BAL
Note: Pickens (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant Tuesday, though he was doing work on the side. There's a chance he returns Saturday. Pickens has officially been ruled out again this week.
86.*John Metchie HOU at KC
Note: Metchie (shoulder) was a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice. Metchie has been ruled out for Saturday.
87.*Chris Olave NO at GB
Note: Olave (concussion) was designated to return from the IR Thursday and was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Ruled out for this week.***
88.*Tank Dell HOU at KC
Note: ***Dell suffered a devastating dislocated kneecap in the loss to the Chiefs, an injury that left his teammates clearly shook up.***

Tight Ends

1.Brock Bowers LV vs. JAX
2.George Kittle SF at MIA
3.Trey McBride ARZ at CAR
4.Jonnu Smith MIA vs. SF
5.*Sam LaPorta DET at CHI
Note: LaPorta had seven catches for 111 yards in the loss to the Bills, and the rash of defensive injuries on the Lions may force them to be in shootout mode the rest of the season.
6.T.J. Hockenson MIN at SEA
7.Mark Andrews BAL vs. PIT
8.*David Njoku CLE at CIN
Note: Coach Kevin Stefanski is 'hopeful' that Njoku (hamstring) can return to action this week. Njoku has missed the first two practices of the week. ***Njoku returned to practice Friday and is listed as questionable, with the expectation that he'll play.***
9.Pat Freiermuth PIT at BAL
10.Travis Kelce KC vs. HOU
11.*Brenton Strange JAC at LV
Note: Strange (shoulder) has been limited in practice so far this week. ***Strange has been cleared from the injury list.***
12.Dalton Kincaid BUF vs. NE
13.Dalton Schultz HOU at KC
14.Tucker Kraft GB vs. NO
15.*Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN at IND
Note: Okonkwo had a career-high 10 targets in the loss to the Bengals last week.
16.Jake Ferguson DAL vs. TB
17.*Juwan Johnson NO at GB
Note: Johnson (foot) was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Johnson has been cleared from the injury list.***
18.*Zach Ertz WAS vs. PHI
Note: Ertz left the win over the Saints with a concussion. Ertz was limited at Thursday's practice. ***Ertz has been cleared from the concussion protocol and will play on Sunday.***
19.Hunter Henry NE at BUF
20.Grant Calcaterra PHI at WAS
21.Mike Gesicki CIN vs. CLE
22.Kyle Pitts ATL vs. NYG
23.*Tyler Higbee LA at NYJ
Note: The Rams reinstated Higbee (knee) from the PUP list Tuesday. Missed Thursday's practice with an illness. ***Will likely be limited to 20-25 snaps in his debut.***
24.Noah Gray KC vs. HOU
25.Isaiah Likely BAL vs. PIT
26.Cole Kmet CHI vs. DET
27.*Noah Fant SEA vs. MIN
Note: Fant (knee) fully practiced Thursday.
28.*Tyler Conklin NYJ vs. LAR
Note: Conklin (personal) has been cleared from the injury report.
29.Stone Smartt LAC vs. DEN
30.*Payne Durham TB at DAL
Note: ***Durham is your Bucs TE pivot with Cade Otton (knee) out.***
31.Dawson Knox BUF vs. NE
32.Jordan Akins CLE at CIN
33.Tommy Tremble CAR vs. ARI
34.AJ Barner SEA vs. MIN
35.Luke Schoonmaker DAL vs. TB
36.Foster Moreau NO at GB
37.Jeremy Ruckert NYJ vs. LAR
38.*Will Dissly LAC vs. DEN
Note: Dissly (shoulder) did not practice Monday or Tuesday. Ruled out for Thursday night.
39.*Cade Otton TB at DAL
Note: Otton has missed the first two practices of the week with a knee injury. ***Otton has been ruled out this week.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. CLE
2.*Saquon Barkley PHI at WAS
Note: Barkley missed almost all of the second quarter while getting checked out for an undisclosed issue. We'll need to watch his status closely heading into the game against the Commanders.
3.*Jahmyr Gibbs DET at CHI
Note: David Montgomery's season-ending injury might portend more work for Gibbs, but in a way the Lions might want to go out of the way to protect one of their top remaining healthy players for the playoffs.
4.Kyren Williams LA at NYJ
5.Bijan Robinson ATL vs. NYG
6.Justin Jefferson MIN at SEA
7.Puka Nacua LA at NYJ
8.Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at CHI
9.*CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. TB
Note: Lamb (shoulder) fully practiced Thursday.
10.*A.J. Brown PHI at WAS
Note: Brown (knee/rest) sat out Wednesday and then had a limited practice Thursday. ***Brown was cleared from the injury list on Friday.***
11.Mike Evans TB at DAL
12.Nico Collins HOU at KC
13.Josh Jacobs GB vs. NO
14.Derrick Henry BAL vs. PIT
15.James Conner ARZ at CAR
16.*Cooper Kupp LA at NYJ
Note: Kupp's bagel on Thursday night bounced a lot of teams from the fantasy playoffs, but I think he rebounds this week.
17.Jerry Jeudy CLE at CIN
18.Davante Adams NYJ vs. LAR
19.Aaron Jones MIN at SEA
20.Chase Brown CIN vs. CLE
21.Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. MIN
22.Courtland Sutton DEN at LAC
23.Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. LAR
24.Khalil Shakir BUF vs. NE
25.*Tee Higgins CIN vs. CLE
Note: Higgins (knee/rest) didn't practice Thursday, but is expected to practice Friday and play on Sunday. ***Higgins has been cleared from the injury list.***
26.Rico Dowdle DAL vs. TB
27.Jonathan Taylor IND vs. TEN
28.James Cook BUF vs. NE
29.Brock Bowers LV vs. JAX
30.George Kittle SF at MIA
31.Terry McLaurin WAS vs. PHI
32.*Tyreek Hill MIA vs. SF
Note: Hill was shut down by Derek Stingley last week, including one play where Stingley ripped the ball from Hill's hands for an interception that sealed the game. Hill (wrist/rest) sat out Wednesday but returned to a full practice Thursday. ***Hill's lingering wrist injury has him listed as questionable, but he is expected to play.***
33.*Joe Mixon HOU at KC
Note: Mixon suffered an ankle injury Sunday against the Dolphins but checked out fine Monday. Mixon was limited all week but then cleared from the injury report on Thursday. Nonetheless I've downgraded him a little due to the matchup against the Chiefs.
34.*Isaac Guerendo SF at MIA
Note: Guerendo missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a new hamstring injury. ***Officially ruled out this week.***
35.De'Von Achane MIA vs. SF
36.Brian Robinson WAS vs. PHI
37.Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. ARI
38.Breece Hall NYJ vs. LAR
39.Rachaad White TB at DAL
40.*Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. MIN
Note: Charbonnet ran well and scored the Seahawks' lone touchdown against the Packers, but was limited to eight carries due to the game-flow. Teammate Kenneth Walker will be TBD again this week. Charbonnet sat out Wednesday's practice with an oblique injury. Teammate Kenneth Walker III (calf) fully practiced Thursday. ***Walker has been cleared to return.***
41.Trey McBride ARZ at CAR
42.Jonnu Smith MIA vs. SF
43.DJ Moore CHI vs. DET
44.Jordan Addison MIN at SEA
45.Drake London ATL vs. NYG
46.*Malik Nabers NYG at ATL
Note: Nabers (knee/foot) fully practiced Thursday.
47.Brian Thomas JAC at LV
48.Romeo Doubs GB vs. NO
49.Calvin Ridley TEN at IND
50.*Bucky Irving TB at DAL
Note: Irving (back) proved healthy enough to run for 117 yards against the Chargers despite just one limited practice all week. Irving has had two limited practices so far this week.
51.*Isiah Pacheco KC vs. HOU
Note: Split carries equally with Kareem Hunt last week, with the latter outproducing him, though neither ran especially well.
52.*Najee Harris PIT at BAL
Note: Harris had a critical misplay in the loss to the Eagles, dropping a pitch from Russell Wilson that was recovered by the Eagles in the second half - the fumble was charged to Wilson even though Harris was at fault.
53.*Tony Pollard TEN at IND
Note: Pollard (ankle) was checked out on the sidelines multiple times during last week's loss to the Bengals, leading to more work than usual for Tyjae Spears. Pollard did not practice on Thursday. ***Pollard had a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, with the expectation that he'll play.***
54.*Jerome Ford CLE at CIN
Note: Ford will revert back to the starting role, but will he get a full-time role or will he split carries as he did prior to Nick Chubb's return?
55.*DK Metcalf SEA vs. MIN
Note: Metcalf managed three targets despite the Seahawks trailing the entire game. Metcalf (shoulder) sat out Wednesday's practice, but was a full participant Thursday.
56.Darnell Mooney ATL vs. NYG
57.Jameson Williams DET at CHI
58.DeVonta Smith PHI at WAS
59.Jauan Jennings SF at MIA
60.*Jakobi Meyers LV vs. JAX
Note: Meyers (ankle) was limited Wednesday and Thursday. ***Full practice Friday and cleared from the injury list.***
61.Rhamondre Stevenson NE at BUF
62.*Tyrone Tracy NYG at ATL
Note: Tracy appeared to lose snaps to Devin Singletary after dropping a pass in the second quarter. Tracy (ankle) has been limited in his first two practices of the week. ***Tracy had three limited practices this week, but he's expected to play.***
63.*Kendre Miller NO at GB
Note: Miller is in line for more work this week with Alvin Kamara nursing a groin/adductor injury. Kamara is unlikely to play this week. This ranking already suggested that Kamara would be out. ***Kamara is officially out.***
64.*D'Andre Swift CHI vs. DET
Note: ***Roschon Johnson is finally back from his concussion, so Swift may lose out on goal line carries.***
65.*Sam LaPorta DET at CHI
Note: LaPorta had seven catches for 111 yards in the loss to the Bills, and the rash of defensive injuries on the Lions may force them to be in shootout mode the rest of the season.
66.T.J. Hockenson MIN at SEA
67.Zay Flowers BAL vs. PIT
68.Marvin Harrison ARZ at CAR
69.Keenan Allen CHI vs. DET
70.Adam Thielen CAR vs. ARI
71.*Michael Pittman IND vs. TEN
Note: Pittman (back) fully practiced Thursday.
72.*Jalen Coker CAR vs. ARI
Note: Coker (quad) was limited in Thursday's practice. ***Coker is still listed as questionable but is expected to play.***
73.Gus Edwards LAC vs. DEN
74.*Travis Etienne JAC at LV
Note: Etienne was more active and more effective than teammate Tank Bigsby last week and now has a favorable matchup against the Raiders.
75.Jalen McMillan TB at DAL
76.DeAndre Hopkins KC vs. HOU
77.Ladd McConkey LAC vs. DEN
78.Christian Watson GB vs. NO
79.Rome Odunze CHI vs. DET
80.Josh Downs IND vs. TEN
81.Jaylen Warren PIT at BAL
82.Tank Bigsby JAC at LV
83.Mark Andrews BAL vs. PIT
84.Pat Freiermuth PIT at BAL
85.*Jaleel McLaughlin DEN at LAC
Note: McLaughlin (quad) was a DNP on Monday and limited on Tuesday. McLaughlin won't play on Thursday night.
86.Elijah Moore CLE at CIN
87.*Quentin Johnston LAC vs. DEN
Note: Johnston appeared to be briefly injured against the Bucs last week, but he wasn't on Tuesday's injury list and should be good to go for Thursday.
88.*Xavier Worthy KC vs. HOU
Note: Worthy led Chiefs receivers in snaps last week.
89.*Rashod Bateman BAL vs. PIT
Note: Bateman (foot) was limited Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday, there were reports of him wearing a walking boot in the locker room.

Kickers

1.Chris Boswell PIT at BAL
2.Chase McLaughlin TB at DAL
3.Jake Bates DET at CHI
4.Brandon Aubrey DAL vs. TB
5.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at KC
6.Cameron Dicker LAC vs. DEN
7.*Tyler Bass BUF vs. NE
Note: Bass had the ugliest miss of the weekend, from 24 yards out in a dome.
8.Brandon McManus GB vs. NO
9.Will Reichard MIN at SEA
10.Joshua Karty LA at NYJ
11.Justin Tucker BAL vs. PIT
12.Wil Lutz DEN at LAC
13.Jake Moody SF at MIA
14.Harrison Butker KC vs. HOU
15.Jason Myers SEA vs. MIN
16.Jake Elliott PHI at WAS
17.Jason Sanders MIA vs. SF
18.*Matt Gay IND vs. TEN
Note: ***Gay (neck) sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, but fully practiced Friday.***
19.Blake Grupe NO at GB
20.Daniel Carlson LV vs. JAX
21.Chad Ryland ARZ at CAR
22.*Cade York CIN vs. CLE
Note: York was signed full-time off the Bengals' practice squad.
23.*Zane Gonzalez WAS vs. PHI
Note: ***Gonzalez will kick for the Commanders this week ahead of Greg Joseph.***
24.Cam Little JAC at LV
25.*Dustin Hopkins CLE at CIN
Note: Hopkins will take back over this week.
26.Anders Carlson NYJ vs. LAR
27.*Riley Patterson ATL vs. NYG
Note: Patterson reverted back to the Browns' practice squad on Monday. ***Patterson will take over the kicking duties with Koo going on IR.***
28.*Brayden Narveson TEN at IND
Note: ***The Titans signed Narveson off their practice squad, rather than merely elevating him for the week.***
29.Graham Gano NYG at ATL
30.*Joey Slye NE at BUF
Note: Slye missed another field goal Sunday, albeit from 53 yards out this time.
31.Cairo Santos CHI vs. DET
32.Eddy Pineiro CAR vs. ARI
33.*Nick Folk TEN at IND
Note: ***Folk is nursing an abdomen injury.***
34.*Greg Joseph at
Note: Joseph reverted back to the Commanders' practice squad on Monday.
35.*Younghoe Koo ATL vs. NYG
Note: Koo was nursing an undisclosed injury following Monday night's win over the Raiders. ***Koo's injury is a hip injury, and he's been placed on IR by the Falcons.***

Defenses

1.Green Bay Packers vs. NO
2.Buffalo Bills vs. NE
3.Philadelphia Eagles at WAS
4.*Atlanta Falcons vs. NYG
Note: Tremendous matchup for the second week in a row.
5.*Denver Broncos at LAC
Note: Riley Moss (knee) was limited at Thursday's practice.
6.Indianapolis Colts vs. TEN
7.Minnesota Vikings at SEA
8.Kansas City Chiefs vs. HOU
9.*Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE
Note: Sam Hubbard suffered a torn PCL in the win over the Titans.
10.Baltimore Ravens vs. PIT
11.Jacksonville Jaguars at LV
12.Arizona Cardinals at CAR
13.*Pittsburgh Steelers at BAL
Note: ***T.J. Watt (ankle) fully practiced Thursday and has been cleared to play. But DeShon Elliott (hamstring) has been ruled out and Donte Jackson (back) is iffy.***
14.Los Angeles Chargers vs. DEN
15.Los Angeles Rams at NYJ
16.Seattle Seahawks vs. MIN
17.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at DAL
18.San Francisco 49ers at MIA
19.Dallas Cowboys vs. TB
20.*Houston Texans at KC
Note: Move Houston up at least five spots if Mahomes sits, probably more.
21.Washington Commanders vs. PHI
22.New York Jets vs. LAR
23.*Las Vegas Raiders vs. JAX
Note: Maxx Crosby is scheduled to undergo a tightrope procedure on his Grade 3 ankle sprain.
24.New Orleans Saints at GB
25.Miami Dolphins vs. SF
26.Tennessee Titans at IND
27.New England Patriots at BUF
28.Chicago Bears vs. DET
29.New York Giants at ATL
30.Cleveland Browns at CIN
31.*Detroit Lions at CHI
Note: The hits keep on coming - this week it's Alim McNeill (knee) and Carlton Davis (thumb) that suffered devastating injuries.
32.Carolina Panthers vs. ARI
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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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