Thursday 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 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.
Thursday 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 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. | *Jalen Hurts PHI vs. DAL Note: A great matchup for Hurts against Dallas just got better in the wake of the Micah Parsons trade. Meanwhile, the Eagles had to trade for Sam Howell to be the backup due to Tanner McKee's broken thumb. |
| 2. | Jayden Daniels WAS vs. NYG |
| 3. | *Lamar Jackson BAL at BUF Note: The Ravens had a brief scare when Jackson had his foot stepped on, but he practiced all last week. As expected, Jackson is off the injury report. |
| 4. | Josh Allen BUF vs. BAL |
| 5. | *Joe Burrow CIN at CLE Note: Burrow traditionally has started slowly, but he played more in the preseason than ever this year. How much will that help? |
| 6. | Patrick Mahomes KC at LAC |
| 7. | Baker Mayfield TB at ATL |
| 8. | Bo Nix DEN vs. TEN |
| 9. | Dak Prescott DAL at PHI |
| 10. | Jared Goff DET at GB |
| 11. | Kyler Murray ARZ at NO |
| 12. | Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. CAR |
| 13. | *Jordan Love GB vs. DET Note: Love suffered a ligament injury in his left (non-throwing) thumb in the first preseason game and was being managed carefully subsequently, but he returned to a full practice last Wednesday. Full practice Wednesday this week. |
| 14. | Drake Maye NE vs. LV |
| 15. | Michael Penix ATL vs. TB |
| 16. | *Justin Fields NYJ vs. PIT Note: After a solid preseason debut, Fields was shaky in a series of joint practices with the Giants and in the second preseason game. I downgraded Fields due to both him losing guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and after more contemplation. |
| 17. | *Brock Purdy SF at SEA Note: As much as I like Purdy, he's going to be without Brandon Aiyuk, DeMarcus Robinson and we'll see about Jauan Jennings, plus I suspect that Seattle's defense will have quite a bit of teeth in it. |
| 18. | Caleb Williams CHI vs. MIN |
| 19. | Tua Tagovailoa MIA at IND |
| 20. | Bryce Young CAR at JAX |
| 21. | Justin Herbert LAC vs. KC |
| 22. | *Matthew Stafford LA vs. HOU Note: Stafford (back) has fully practiced the last two weeks after not practicing at the onset of training camp. He's expected to be ready for the Rams' season-opener against the Texans. |
| 23. | *J.J. McCarthy MIN at CHI Note: Though I'm excited to see McCarthy's debut, he's going to be making it on the road, without Jordan Addison. |
| 24. | *C.J. Stroud HOU at LAR Note: Stroud was already in a tough spot, but now it looks like he'll be without one of his prime targets in Christian Kirk. |
| 25. | *Sam Darnold SEA vs. SF Note: The Seahawks will install a set of plays for rookie Jalen Milroe, though it's not guaranteed that Milroe will be Darnold's backup or even be active initially. |
| 26. | *Russell Wilson NYG at WAS Note: What's more controlling - a decent matchup, or Wilson's own limitations? |
| 27. | *Geno Smith LV at NE Note: The Raiders had to trade for Kenny Pickett to be Smith's backup after Adrian O'Connell suffered a fractured wrist in the preseason finale. |
| 28. | *Joe Flacco CLE vs. CIN Note: Flacco won the Browns' QB battle, such that it was. Dillon Gabriel will be the backup, and Shedeur Sanders will be the third QB. |
| 29. | *Aaron Rodgers PIT at NYJ Note: I know the preseason matters very little, at least in terms of results, but I would have liked to see Rodgers get more 'live' reps with his new team. |
| 30. | Cam Ward TEN at DEN |
| 31. | Daniel Jones IND vs. MIA |
| 32. | *Spencer Rattler NO vs. ARI Note: Rattler beat out rookie Tyler Shough for the Saints' starting QB job. He draws a revamped Arizona defense in Week 1. |
Running Backs
| 1. | Saquon Barkley PHI vs. DAL |
| 2. | Bijan Robinson ATL vs. TB |
| 3. | Jahmyr Gibbs DET at GB |
| 4. | Josh Jacobs GB vs. DET |
| 5. | Derrick Henry BAL at BUF |
| 6. | Christian McCaffrey SF at SEA |
| 7. | Bucky Irving TB at ATL |
| 8. | Chase Brown CIN at CLE |
| 9. | Ashton Jeanty LV at NE |
| 10. | Jonathan Taylor IND vs. MIA |
| 11. | Kyren Williams LA vs. HOU |
| 12. | *De'Von Achane MIA at IND Note: Achane (calf) is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Colts, even with him missing practice early last week. Achane has been limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, though later his cap on reps was described as a precaution against him aggravating the injury. |
| 13. | Chuba Hubbard CAR at JAX |
| 14. | James Cook BUF vs. BAL |
| 15. | Alvin Kamara NO vs. ARI |
| 16. | Kenneth Walker SEA vs. SF |
| 17. | *Omarion Hampton LAC vs. KC Note: Hampton was named the starter in a conversation between Jim Harbaugh and Rich Eisen, who will broadcast the game. But it's uncertain yet how the snaps will be split between Hampton and Najee Harris. |
| 18. | TreVeyon Henderson NE vs. LV |
| 19. | *Breece Hall NYJ vs. PIT Note: The Jets' run game took a hit with the injury to Alijah Vera-Tucker. |
| 20. | *Travis Etienne JAC vs. CAR Note: The Jacksonville RB room is tough to rank - I think Etienne is the play among the Jags backs, but my degree of certainty isn't terribly high. Moreover, while this was the best matchup in the NFL last year, Carolina did spend some money to try to shore up their run defense. On balance, it still should be a good matchup, just not historically good. |
| 21. | James Conner ARZ at NO |
| 22. | Tyrone Tracy NYG at WAS |
| 23. | David Montgomery DET at GB |
| 24. | Aaron Jones MIN at CHI |
| 25. | Isiah Pacheco KC at LAC |
| 26. | *Jaylen Warren PIT at NYJ Note: Warren signed a two-year extension on Monday. I don't think changes much of the analysis between Warren and Kaleb Johnson, but for what it's worth I think Warren is undewrdrafted vis-a-vis Johnson. |
| 27. | D'Andre Swift CHI vs. MIN |
| 28. | RJ Harvey DEN vs. TEN |
| 29. | Jordan Mason MIN at CHI |
| 30. | J.K. Dobbins DEN vs. TEN |
| 31. | *Tony Pollard TEN at DEN Note: Pollard will be a workhorse for at least the first four games, with Tyjae Spears (ankle) on IR to return. The backups are Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings. |
| 32. | *Jerome Ford CLE vs. CIN Note: Ford is likely to be the lead back for the Browns in Week 1, with Dylan Sampson serving as the 'change of pace' back. |
| 33. | Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. SF |
| 34. | Tank Bigsby JAC vs. CAR |
| 35. | *Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. LV Note: Stevenson (undisclosed) was not listed on the initial injury report for the Pats this week. |
| 36. | *Nick Chubb HOU at LAR Note: Chubb by default will likely start with Joe Mixon (foot) out, but whether he has much left in the tank is uncertain, as his usage, and the efficacy of the Texans' revamped offensive line. |
| 37. | Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS vs. NYG |
| 38. | Austin Ekeler WAS vs. NYG |
| 39. | *Javonte Williams DAL at PHI Note: Williams is the likely starter for the Cowboys on Thursday night. He didn't play a snap in the preseason, despite being fully healthy. |
| 40. | Kaleb Johnson PIT at NYJ |
| 41. | *Rachaad White TB at ATL Note: White dealt with a groin injury early in camp, but he was not on the injury report on Wednesday. |
| 42. | Trey Benson ARZ at NO |
| 43. | Ray Davis BUF vs. BAL |
| 44. | *Dylan Sampson CLE vs. CIN Note: Sampson is expected to be the 'change of pace' back behind Jerome Ford for the season opener against the Bengals. |
| 45. | *Ollie Gordon MIA at IND Note: Gordon might have beat out Jaylen Wright (leg) on merit, but the latter's leg injury just cements that role. |
| 46. | Tyler Allgeier ATL vs. TB |
| 47. | Cam Skattebo NYG at WAS |
| 48. | Rico Dowdle CAR at JAX |
| 49. | Bhayshul Tuten JAC vs. CAR |
| 50. | *Najee Harris LAC vs. KC Note: Harris (eye) is back to fully practicing, though he's not guaranteed to be ready for Week 1, though a full practice on Tuesday in advance of Friday's game suggests he'll be ready. Harris should play, but Omarion Hampton will start. |
| 51. | Braelon Allen NYJ vs. PIT |
| 52. | Chris Rodriguez WAS vs. NYG |
| 53. | Brian Robinson SF at SEA |
| 54. | Keaton Mitchell BAL at BUF |
| 55. | Kareem Hunt KC at LAC |
| 56. | Justice Hill BAL at BUF |
| 57. | *Woody Marks HOU at LAR Note: Marks should have a role in the Texans' offense early on, especially on third downs, with Joe Mixon out. |
| 58. | *Emanuel Wilson GB vs. DET Note: Wilson will be the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs due to Marshawn Lloyd's injury. |
| 59. | Ty Johnson BUF vs. BAL |
| 60. | *Kyle Monangai CHI vs. MIN Note: Monangai (hamstring) was listed as limited on Thursday's injury estimate. |
| 61. | *Miles Sanders DAL at PHI Note: Sanders (shoulder) missed the third preseason game with a shoulder injury, but he's not on this week's injury report. |
| 62. | Raheem Mostert LV at NE |
| 63. | Devin Singletary NYG at WAS |
| 64. | *Dameon Pierce HOU at LAR Note: Part of the Texans' timeshare with Joe Mixon (foot) out. |
| 65. | Julius Chestnut TEN at DEN |
| 66. | *Isaac Guerendo SF at SEA Note: Guerendo (shoulder) put in a full practice Wednesday. |
| 67. | Samaje Perine CIN at CLE |
| 68. | Will Shipley PHI vs. DAL |
| 69. | DJ Giddens IND vs. MIA |
| 70. | Devin Neal NO vs. ARI |
| 71. | Kenneth Gainwell PIT at NYJ |
| 72. | Tahj Brooks CIN at CLE |
| 73. | Jarquez Hunter LA vs. HOU |
| 74. | *Isaiah Davis NYJ vs. PIT Note: Davis (ankle) sat out the last two preseason games, but should be available for Week 1 if needed. Not listed on the initial injury report. |
| 75. | Trevor Etienne CAR at JAX |
| 76. | Brashard Smith KC at LAC |
| 77. | Jaleel McLaughlin DEN vs. TEN |
| 78. | Dare Ogunbowale HOU at LAR |
| 79. | Antonio Gibson NE vs. LV |
| 80. | Kendre Miller NO vs. ARI |
| 81. | Elijah Mitchell KC at LAC |
| 82. | Sean Tucker TB at ATL |
| 83. | Tyler Goodson IND vs. MIA |
| 84. | Chris Brooks GB vs. DET |
| 85. | AJ Dillon PHI vs. DAL |
| 86. | Blake Corum LA vs. HOU |
| 87. | Kalel Mullings TEN at DEN |
| 88. | Ty Chandler MIN at CHI |
| 89. | *Roschon Johnson CHI vs. MIN Note: Johnson (foot) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's estimated injury report. |
| 90. | *Jordan James SF at SEA Note: James dealt both with a knee injury and a broken finger, and thus missed the entire preseason. With the Niners trading for Brian Robinson, it's unlikely that James will see a significant role early in the season. |
| 91. | *Jaydon Blue DAL at PHI Note: Blue (ankle) missed time during training camp, but returned to practice last week. ***Blue was a healthy scratch for Thursday night's game.*** |
| 92. | *Quinshon Judkins CLE vs. CIN Note: Judkins remains unsigned after having his legal case dismissed - the Browns are still awaiting the results of the NFL's investigation. |
| 93. | *Jaylen Wright MIA at IND Note: Wright is likely to miss multiple weeks after undergoing surgery for a leg injury. |
| 94. | *Joe Mixon HOU at LAR Note: Mixon (foot) is on the Non-Football Injury list to begin the season, and the Texans have been noncommittal about his status after the first four weeks of the season. |
| 95. | *Tyjae Spears TEN at DEN Note: Spears (ankle) has been placed on IR to return and will miss at least the first four games. |
| 96. | *MarShawn Lloyd GB vs. DET Note: Lloyd (hamstring) has been placed on IR to return and thus will miss at least the first four weeks. |
Wide Receivers
| 1. | Ja'Marr Chase CIN at CLE |
| 2. | *Justin Jefferson MIN at CHI Note: Jefferson (hamstring) missed a good portion of training camp, but he's not listed on this week's injury report. |
| 3. | CeeDee Lamb DAL at PHI |
| 4. | Drake London ATL vs. TB |
| 5. | Brian Thomas JAC vs. CAR |
| 6. | Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at GB |
| 7. | *Malik Nabers NYG at WAS Note: Nabers dealt with toe, shoulder and back injuries in the preseason, and the toe injury will have to be managed throughout the season. |
| 8. | Nico Collins HOU at LAR |
| 9. | Puka Nacua LA vs. HOU |
| 10. | Mike Evans TB at ATL |
| 11. | *A.J. Brown PHI vs. DAL Note: Brown (hamstring) is off the injury list. He and DeVonta Smith (groin) should be good to go. |
| 12. | Tee Higgins CIN at CLE |
| 13. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. SF |
| 14. | Terry McLaurin WAS vs. NYG |
| 15. | *Tyreek Hill MIA at IND Note: Hill (oblique) returned to practice last Thursday and should be good to go for Week 1 against the Colts. Hill was limited in Thursday's practice. |
| 16. | Marvin Harrison ARZ at NO |
| 17. | Davante Adams LA vs. HOU |
| 18. | DJ Moore CHI vs. MIN |
| 19. | Ladd McConkey LAC vs. KC |
| 20. | Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. PIT |
| 21. | DK Metcalf PIT at NYJ |
| 22. | Jaylen Waddle MIA at IND |
| 23. | *Tetairoa McMillan CAR at JAX Note: McMillan (hamstring) is not listed on the Panthers' injury report after missing some practices during training camp. |
| 24. | Jerry Jeudy CLE vs. CIN |
| 25. | *Travis Hunter JAC vs. CAR Note: Hunter (upper body) will be good to go for Week 1. |
| 26. | *DeVonta Smith PHI vs. DAL Note: Smith (groin) is not on the Week 1 injury list after missing a couple of weeks of practice, with an injury that the Eagles were downplaying. |
| 27. | *Calvin Ridley TEN at DEN Note: I love Ridley this year, but hate the matchup against Surtain. |
| 28. | George Pickens DAL at PHI |
| 29. | Courtland Sutton DEN vs. TEN |
| 30. | Xavier Worthy KC at LAC |
| 31. | Zay Flowers BAL at BUF |
| 32. | Chris Olave NO vs. ARI |
| 33. | Emeka Egbuka TB at ATL |
| 34. | Jakobi Meyers LV at NE |
| 35. | Ricky Pearsall SF at SEA |
| 36. | Rome Odunze CHI vs. MIN |
| 37. | Jameson Williams DET at GB |
| 38. | Rashid Shaheed NO vs. ARI |
| 39. | Matthew Golden GB vs. DET |
| 40. | *Khalil Shakir BUF vs. BAL Note: Shakir suffered a high-ankle sprain on Aug. 1, finally returning to a form of practice last Wednesday. Shakir fully practiced to begin the week on Wednesday. |
| 41. | Cooper Kupp SEA vs. SF |
| 42. | Josh Downs IND vs. MIA |
| 43. | Deebo Samuel WAS vs. NYG |
| 44. | Michael Pittman IND vs. MIA |
| 45. | *Adam Thielen MIN at CHI Note: Thielen was traded to the Vikings late in the preseason, in reaction to Jordan Addison's suspension and Jalen Nailor's hand injury. |
| 46. | *Stefon Diggs NE vs. LV Note: Diggs (knee) didn't play in the preseason, but coach Mike Vrabel said that Diggs 'will be out there' for Week 1 against the Raiders. Diggs is not on the initial injury report. |
| 47. | Rashod Bateman BAL at BUF |
| 48. | Wan'Dale Robinson NYG at WAS |
| 49. | *Hollywood Brown KC at LAC Note: Brown missed time with an ankle injury in training camp, but he's fully practiced this week and is off the injury report for Friday. |
| 50. | Cedric Tillman CLE vs. CIN |
| 51. | DeMario Douglas NE vs. LV |
| 52. | Alec Pierce IND vs. MIA |
| 53. | Jayden Higgins HOU at LAR |
| 54. | *Jayden Reed GB vs. DET Note: Reed is going to play through a Jones fracture in his left foot. The odds are against him making through the full season unscathed - typically the injury requires surgery. Reed sat out practice Wednesday and was limited on Thursday, and that might be the typical weekly progression for him this season. |
| 55. | *Keon Coleman BUF vs. BAL Note: Coleman (groin) has been limited in the first two practices this week. |
| 56. | Luther Burden CHI vs. MIN |
| 57. | Michael Wilson ARZ at NO |
| 58. | Darius Slayton NYG at WAS |
| 59. | Joshua Palmer BUF vs. BAL |
| 60. | Xavier Legette CAR at JAX |
| 61. | Romeo Doubs GB vs. DET |
| 62. | *Darnell Mooney ATL vs. TB Note: Mooney (shoulder) got early in camp, but returned to practice last Thursday. He might be limited in Week 1. Mooney (shoulder) has been limited in the first two practices this week and told reporters he'll be a game-time decision on Sunday. |
| 63. | *Calvin Austin PIT at NYJ Note: Austin (abdomen) missed the preseason, but should be ready for Sunday's game against the Jets. |
| 64. | Dyami Brown JAC vs. CAR |
| 65. | *Quentin Johnston LAC vs. KC Note: Johnston suffered a concussion in the preseason but has cleared the concussion protocol for Week 1. |
| 66. | Tyler Lockett TEN at DEN |
| 67. | *Jauan Jennings SF at SEA Note: Jennings (calf) returned to practice on Monday after missing most everything since late July. Will he be on the field for Week 1 for more than a handful of plays? The Niners added $3 million in 'play-time incentives' to Jennings contract. |
| 68. | *Marvin Mims DEN vs. TEN Note: Mims (groin) left practice last Wednesday, but returned on Monday. |
| 69. | Keenan Allen LAC vs. KC |
| 70. | *Jalen Nailor MIN at CHI Note: Nailor (hand) is likely to play, barring any setbacks in practice this week. Nailor fully practiced on Thursday. |
| 71. | *Tre' Harris LAC vs. KC Note: Harris left practice with an undisclosed injury last week, but he's been practicing this week and isn't on the injury list. |
| 72. | Brandin Cooks NO vs. ARI |
| 73. | Jordan Whittington LA vs. HOU |
| 74. | Adonai Mitchell IND vs. MIA |
| 75. | *Jaylin Noel HOU at LAR Note: Both Noel and Jayden Higgins could start with Christian Kirk likely out with a hamstring injury. |
| 76. | Allen Lazard NYJ vs. PIT |
| 77. | DeAndre Hopkins BAL at BUF |
| 78. | *Dontayvion Wicks GB vs. DET Note: Wicks was dealing with a calf injury on-and-off throughout training camp, but should be able to play in Week 1. Wicks (calf) was limited in practice on Thursday. |
| 79. | Nick Westbrook-Ikhine MIA at IND |
| 80. | Malik Washington MIA at IND |
| 81. | Jalen Tolbert DAL at PHI |
| 82. | Troy Franklin DEN vs. TEN |
| 83. | *Dont'e Thornton LV at NE Note: The Raiders only have four receivers on their roster after Amari Cooper's abrupt retirement. |
| 84. | Tai Felton MIN at CHI |
| 85. | *Kayshon Boutte NE vs. LV Note: Boutte will start on the outside opposite Stefon Diggs, with Pop Douglas starting in the slot. |
| 86. | *Tory Horton SEA vs. SF Note: Horton (ankle) fully practiced on Wednesday. |
| 87. | Devaughn Vele NO vs. ARI |
| 88. | KaVontae Turpin DAL at PHI |
| 89. | Andrei Iosivas CIN at CLE |
| 90. | Roman Wilson PIT at NYJ |
| 91. | Tre Tucker LV at NE |
| 92. | Tutu Atwell LA vs. HOU |
| 93. | Elic Ayomanor TEN at DEN |
| 94. | *Marquez Valdes-Scantling SF at SEA Note: Cut by the Seahawks and signed by the Niners, first to the practice squad and now to the active roster. |
| 95. | *Isaac TeSlaa DET at GB Note: TeSlaa (illness) was limited in Thursday's practice. |
| 96. | Ray-Ray McCloud ATL vs. TB |
| 97. | *Noah Brown WAS vs. NYG Note: Brown (knee) missed most of training camp and has been limited in practice so far this week. |
| 98. | Pat Bryant DEN vs. TEN |
| 99. | Olamide Zaccheaus CHI vs. MIN |
| 100. | *Kyle Williams NE vs. LV Note: Beginning the season behind Kayshon Boutte on the depth chart. |
| 101. | *Jack Bech LV at NE Note: Listed as a backup behind fellow rookie Dont'e Thornton. |
| 102. | Mack Hollins NE vs. LV |
| 103. | Parker Washington JAC vs. CAR |
| 104. | Kalif Raymond DET at GB |
| 105. | JuJu Smith-Schuster KC at LAC |
| 106. | Jalin Hyatt NYG at WAS |
| 107. | Zay Jones ARZ at NO |
| 108. | John Metchie PHI vs. DAL |
| 109. | *Christian Kirk HOU at LAR Note: Kirk is unlikely to play this week due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the first two practices this week. |
| 110. | *Chris Godwin TB at ATL Note: Godwin (ankle) is no longer on the PUP list, but he's unlikely to play over the first couple of weeks. Godwin has missed the first two practices this week. |
| 111. | *Jalen Royals KC at LAC Note: Royals (knee) is unlikely to be available for Week 1. |
| 112. | *Jordan Addison MIN at CHI Note: Addison was suspended for the first three games of the season. |
| 113. | *Jalen Coker CAR at JAX Note: Coker suffered a quad injury late in camp and now will be out 4-to-6 games, after having a good camp prior to that. |
| 114. | *Rashee Rice KC at LAC Note: Suspended for the first six games of the season. |
Tight Ends
| 1. | George Kittle SF at SEA |
| 2. | Brock Bowers LV at NE |
| 3. | Trey McBride ARZ at NO |
| 4. | *David Njoku CLE vs. CIN Note: I love this matchup for Njoku, and his receiving prop of 48.5 yards. |
| 5. | T.J. Hockenson MIN at CHI |
| 6. | *Sam LaPorta DET at GB Note: LaPorta tended to an undisclosed injury in training camp but is not listed on the Week 1 injury report. |
| 7. | Travis Kelce KC at LAC |
| 8. | Evan Engram DEN vs. TEN |
| 9. | Mark Andrews BAL at BUF |
| 10. | Tucker Kraft GB vs. DET |
| 11. | Jake Ferguson DAL at PHI |
| 12. | *Dallas Goedert PHI vs. DAL Note: Goedert missed time in training camp with a groin injury, but he's no longer on the injury list. |
| 13. | Tyler Warren IND vs. MIA |
| 14. | Zach Ertz WAS vs. NYG |
| 15. | Brenton Strange JAC vs. CAR |
| 16. | Colston Loveland CHI vs. MIN |
| 17. | Kyle Pitts ATL vs. TB |
| 18. | *Mike Gesicki CIN at CLE Note: Gesicki dealt with a hamstring injury in training camp, but he's no longer on the injury report. |
| 19. | *Jonnu Smith PIT at NYJ Note: Smith (knee) is not listed on the Week 1 injury report. |
| 20. | Hunter Henry NE vs. LV |
| 21. | Chig Okonkwo TEN at DEN |
| 22. | Mason Taylor NYJ vs. PIT |
| 23. | *Theo Johnson NYG at WAS Note: Johnson had an offseason Lisfranc injury, but he made it through training camp without a setback and is not in the injury list. |
| 24. | Pat Freiermuth PIT at NYJ |
| 25. | Dalton Schultz HOU at LAR |
| 26. | Juwan Johnson NO vs. ARI |
| 27. | Tyler Higbee LA vs. HOU |
| 28. | *Dalton Kincaid BUF vs. BAL Note: For those expecting a leap forward this year with Kincaid, the early suggestions are that it won't happen, and that Kincaid will get about the same percentage of snaps due to his blocking limitations. |
| 29. | *Ja'Tavion Sanders CAR at JAX Note: Sanders is officially listed ahead of Tommy Tremble at tight end on the Panthers' depth chart. |
| 30. | *Cade Otton TB at ATL Note: Otton suffered a leg injury in the preseason after earlier dealing with a hamstring injury. Otton was limited in Wednesday's practice, but then fully practiced Thursday. |
| 31. | AJ Barner SEA vs. SF |
| 32. | Harold Fannin CLE vs. CIN |
| 33. | Elijah Arroyo SEA vs. SF |
| 34. | Cole Kmet CHI vs. MIN |
| 35. | Noah Gray KC at LAC |
| 36. | Tyler Conklin LAC vs. KC |
| 37. | Michael Mayer LV at NE |
| 38. | Noah Fant CIN at CLE |
| 39. | Will Dissly LAC vs. KC |
| 40. | Dawson Knox BUF vs. BAL |
| 41. | Luke Musgrave GB vs. DET |
| 42. | Terrance Ferguson LA vs. HOU |
| 43. | Oronde Gadsden LAC vs. KC |
| 44. | *Darren Waller MIA at IND Note: Waller just started participating in team activities last week, as he works his way back into playing shape after sitting out last season. Waller didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. |
| 45. | *Isaiah Likely BAL at BUF Note: Likely (foot) didn't participate in Monday's practice, and I don't think he'll play this week against the Bills. We'll know more later in the week. Likely didn't practice Thursday. |
Flex (RB/WR/TE)
| 1. | Ja'Marr Chase CIN at CLE |
| 2. | Saquon Barkley PHI vs. DAL |
| 3. | Bijan Robinson ATL vs. TB |
| 4. | Jahmyr Gibbs DET at GB |
| 5. | *Justin Jefferson MIN at CHI Note: Jefferson (hamstring) missed a good portion of training camp, but he's not listed on this week's injury report. |
| 6. | CeeDee Lamb DAL at PHI |
| 7. | Josh Jacobs GB vs. DET |
| 8. | Derrick Henry BAL at BUF |
| 9. | Christian McCaffrey SF at SEA |
| 10. | Drake London ATL vs. TB |
| 11. | Amon-Ra St. Brown DET at GB |
| 12. | Brian Thomas JAC vs. CAR |
| 13. | *Malik Nabers NYG at WAS Note: Nabers dealt with toe, shoulder and back injuries in the preseason, and the toe injury will have to be managed throughout the season. |
| 14. | Nico Collins HOU at LAR |
| 15. | Bucky Irving TB at ATL |
| 16. | Chase Brown CIN at CLE |
| 17. | Ashton Jeanty LV at NE |
| 18. | Puka Nacua LA vs. HOU |
| 19. | Jonathan Taylor IND vs. MIA |
| 20. | Kyren Williams LA vs. HOU |
| 21. | *De'Von Achane MIA at IND Note: Achane (calf) is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Colts, even with him missing practice early last week. Achane has been limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, though later his cap on reps was described as a precaution against him aggravating the injury. |
| 22. | Mike Evans TB at ATL |
| 23. | *A.J. Brown PHI vs. DAL Note: Brown (hamstring) is off the injury list. He and DeVonta Smith (groin) should be good to go. |
| 24. | George Kittle SF at SEA |
| 25. | Brock Bowers LV at NE |
| 26. | Tee Higgins CIN at CLE |
| 27. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA vs. SF |
| 28. | Chuba Hubbard CAR at JAX |
| 29. | James Cook BUF vs. BAL |
| 30. | Terry McLaurin WAS vs. NYG |
| 31. | *Tyreek Hill MIA at IND Note: Hill (oblique) returned to practice last Thursday and should be good to go for Week 1 against the Colts. Hill was limited in Thursday's practice. |
| 32. | Trey McBride ARZ at NO |
| 33. | Marvin Harrison ARZ at NO |
| 34. | *Breece Hall NYJ vs. PIT Note: The Jets' run game took a hit with the injury to Alijah Vera-Tucker. |
| 35. | Alvin Kamara NO vs. ARI |
| 36. | Kenneth Walker SEA vs. SF |
| 37. | Davante Adams LA vs. HOU |
| 38. | DJ Moore CHI vs. MIN |
| 39. | Ladd McConkey LAC vs. KC |
| 40. | Garrett Wilson NYJ vs. PIT |
| 41. | *David Njoku CLE vs. CIN Note: I love this matchup for Njoku, and his receiving prop of 48.5 yards. |
| 42. | *Omarion Hampton LAC vs. KC Note: Hampton was named the starter in a conversation between Jim Harbaugh and Rich Eisen, who will broadcast the game. But it's uncertain yet how the snaps will be split between Hampton and Najee Harris. |
| 43. | TreVeyon Henderson NE vs. LV |
| 44. | *Travis Etienne JAC vs. CAR Note: The Jacksonville RB room is tough to rank - I think Etienne is the play among the Jags backs, but my degree of certainty isn't terribly high. Moreover, while this was the best matchup in the NFL last year, Carolina did spend some money to try to shore up their run defense. On balance, it still should be a good matchup, just not historically good. |
| 45. | DK Metcalf PIT at NYJ |
| 46. | Jaylen Waddle MIA at IND |
| 47. | *Tetairoa McMillan CAR at JAX Note: McMillan (hamstring) is not listed on the Panthers' injury report after missing some practices during training camp. |
| 48. | Jerry Jeudy CLE vs. CIN |
| 49. | *Travis Hunter JAC vs. CAR Note: Hunter (upper body) will be good to go for Week 1. |
| 50. | *DeVonta Smith PHI vs. DAL Note: Smith (groin) is not on the Week 1 injury list after missing a couple of weeks of practice, with an injury that the Eagles were downplaying. |
| 51. | James Conner ARZ at NO |
| 52. | Tyrone Tracy NYG at WAS |
| 53. | David Montgomery DET at GB |
| 54. | *Calvin Ridley TEN at DEN Note: I love Ridley this year, but hate the matchup against Surtain. |
| 55. | George Pickens DAL at PHI |
| 56. | Courtland Sutton DEN vs. TEN |
| 57. | Xavier Worthy KC at LAC |
| 58. | Zay Flowers BAL at BUF |
| 59. | Chris Olave NO vs. ARI |
| 60. | Isiah Pacheco KC at LAC |
| 61. | Aaron Jones MIN at CHI |
| 62. | *Jaylen Warren PIT at NYJ Note: Warren signed a two-year extension on Monday. I don't think changes much of the analysis between Warren and Kaleb Johnson, but for what it's worth I think Warren is undewrdrafted vis-a-vis Johnson. |
| 63. | D'Andre Swift CHI vs. MIN |
| 64. | RJ Harvey DEN vs. TEN |
| 65. | T.J. Hockenson MIN at CHI |
| 66. | Emeka Egbuka TB at ATL |
| 67. | Jakobi Meyers LV at NE |
| 68. | Ricky Pearsall SF at SEA |
| 69. | Rome Odunze CHI vs. MIN |
| 70. | Jameson Williams DET at GB |
| 71. | Jordan Mason MIN at CHI |
| 72. | J.K. Dobbins DEN vs. TEN |
| 73. | *Tony Pollard TEN at DEN Note: Pollard will be a workhorse for at least the first four games, with Tyjae Spears (ankle) on IR to return. The backups are Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings. |
| 74. | *Jerome Ford CLE vs. CIN Note: Ford is likely to be the lead back for the Browns in Week 1, with Dylan Sampson serving as the 'change of pace' back. |
| 75. | Rashid Shaheed NO vs. ARI |
| 76. | Matthew Golden GB vs. DET |
| 77. | *Sam LaPorta DET at GB Note: LaPorta tended to an undisclosed injury in training camp but is not listed on the Week 1 injury report. |
| 78. | Travis Kelce KC at LAC |
| 79. | *Darnell Mooney ATL vs. TB Note: Mooney (shoulder) got early in camp, but returned to practice last Thursday. He might be limited in Week 1. Mooney (shoulder) has been limited in the first two practices this week and told reporters he'll be a game-time decision on Sunday. |
| 80. | Cooper Kupp SEA vs. SF |
| 81. | Josh Downs IND vs. MIA |
| 82. | Zach Charbonnet SEA vs. SF |
| 83. | Tank Bigsby JAC vs. CAR |
| 84. | Deebo Samuel WAS vs. NYG |
| 85. | Michael Pittman IND vs. MIA |
| 86. | *Jayden Reed GB vs. DET Note: Reed is going to play through a Jones fracture in his left foot. The odds are against him making through the full season unscathed - typically the injury requires surgery. Reed sat out practice Wednesday and was limited on Thursday, and that might be the typical weekly progression for him this season. |
| 87. | *Khalil Shakir BUF vs. BAL Note: Shakir suffered a high-ankle sprain on Aug. 1, finally returning to a form of practice last Wednesday. Shakir fully practiced to begin the week on Wednesday. |
| 88. | *Adam Thielen MIN at CHI Note: Thielen was traded to the Vikings late in the preseason, in reaction to Jordan Addison's suspension and Jalen Nailor's hand injury. |
| 89. | *Keon Coleman BUF vs. BAL Note: Coleman (groin) has been limited in the first two practices this week. |
| 90. | *Stefon Diggs NE vs. LV Note: Diggs (knee) didn't play in the preseason, but coach Mike Vrabel said that Diggs 'will be out there' for Week 1 against the Raiders. Diggs is not on the initial injury report. |
| 91. | *Rhamondre Stevenson NE vs. LV Note: Stevenson (undisclosed) was not listed on the initial injury report for the Pats this week. |
| 92. | *Nick Chubb HOU at LAR Note: Chubb by default will likely start with Joe Mixon (foot) out, but whether he has much left in the tank is uncertain, as his usage, and the efficacy of the Texans' revamped offensive line. |
| 93. | Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS vs. NYG |
| 94. | Rashod Bateman BAL at BUF |
| 95. | *Christian Kirk HOU at LAR Note: Kirk is unlikely to play this week due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the first two practices this week. |
| 96. | Mark Andrews BAL at BUF |
| 97. | Evan Engram DEN vs. TEN |
| 98. | *Javonte Williams DAL at PHI Note: Williams is the likely starter for the Cowboys on Thursday night. He didn't play a snap in the preseason, despite being fully healthy. |
| 99. | *Jauan Jennings SF at SEA Note: Jennings (calf) returned to practice on Monday after missing most everything since late July. Will he be on the field for Week 1 for more than a handful of plays? The Niners added $3 million in 'play-time incentives' to Jennings contract. |
| 100. | Kaleb Johnson PIT at NYJ |
Kickers
| 1. | Jake Bates DET at GB |
| 2. | Brandon Aubrey DAL at PHI |
| 3. | Cameron Dicker LAC vs. KC |
| 4. | Harrison Butker KC at LAC |
| 5. | Evan McPherson CIN at CLE |
| 6. | Jake Elliott PHI vs. DAL |
| 7. | Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at LAR |
| 8. | Matt Gay WAS vs. NYG |
| 9. | Chase McLaughlin TB at ATL |
| 10. | *Cam Little JAC vs. CAR Note: How many people thought about drafting Little for the first time after he nailed a 70-yard field goal in the preseason? (Raises hand) |
| 11. | Wil Lutz DEN vs. TEN |
| 12. | *Tyler Loop BAL at BUF Note: Loop replaces a legend in Justin Tucker, after the Ravens spent a sixth-round pick on him. |
| 13. | Brandon McManus GB vs. DET |
| 14. | Will Reichard MIN at CHI |
| 15. | *Tyler Bass BUF vs. BAL Note: Bass overcame a pelvis injury in the preseason and should be ready for Sunday night. Bass was not able to practice Thursday due to hip and groin injuries, and the Bills have added another kicker, Matt Prater, to their practice squad just in case. |
| 16. | Daniel Carlson LV at NE |
| 17. | Joshua Karty LA vs. HOU |
| 18. | Chris Boswell PIT at NYJ |
| 19. | Chad Ryland ARZ at NO |
| 20. | Younghoe Koo ATL vs. TB |
| 21. | *Jake Moody SF at SEA Note: Moody held off Greg Joseph for the Niners starting kicker job. |
| 22. | Spencer Shrader IND vs. MIA |
| 23. | Cairo Santos CHI vs. MIN |
| 24. | Jason Myers SEA vs. SF |
| 25. | Blake Grupe NO vs. ARI |
| 26. | Graham Gano NYG at WAS |
| 27. | Joey Slye TEN at DEN |
| 28. | Nick Folk NYJ vs. PIT |
| 29. | *Andres Borregales NE vs. LV Note: Borregales beat out John Parker Romo for the Pats' starting kicker job. |
| 30. | Ryan Fitzgerald CAR at JAX |
| 31. | *Andre Szmyt CLE vs. CIN Note: Szmyt won the Browns' starting kicker job over Dustin Hopkins. |
| 32. | *Riley Patterson MIA at IND Note: Patterson will be Miami's Week 1 kicker, after Jason Sanders (hip) was placed on IR. |
| 33. | *Matt Prater at Note: Prater was added to the Bills' practice squad in case Tyler Bass (hip/groin) can't go Sunday night. |
| 34. | *Jason Sanders MIA at IND Note: Sanders (hip) will miss at least the first four weeks of the season after being placed on IR. Riley Patterson will be the Week 1 starter in his place. |
Defenses
| 1. | *Denver Broncos vs. TEN Note: A great defense got better in the offseason, and they draw a rookie quarterback making his debut on the road. |
| 2. | *Arizona Cardinals at NO Note: The Cardinals spent their entire offseason capital investing in their defense, and they draw the Saints and Spencer Rattler in Week 1. Great streaming opportunity that could turn into a defense that you might keep anyhow. |
| 3. | *Pittsburgh Steelers at NYJ Note: On one hand, I love the matchup in the Double-Revenge Game for the Steelers' defense. On the other hand, I am concerned that Derrick Harmon (knee) is out, Cam Heyward had a training camp hold-in, and NT Keeanu Benton is questionable. |
| 4. | Philadelphia Eagles vs. DAL |
| 5. | *Seattle Seahawks vs. SF Note: Year 2 of a Mike MacDonald defense could be pretty sweet. I like the under in this game. |
| 6. | Minnesota Vikings at CHI |
| 7. | New York Jets vs. PIT |
| 8. | *Houston Texans at LAR Note: I could see the Texans' excellent pass rush teeing off against a gimpy Matthew Stafford. |
| 9. | San Francisco 49ers at SEA |
| 10. | Los Angeles Rams vs. HOU |
| 11. | *Chicago Bears vs. MIN Note: The Bears essentially get a home start against a rookie QB - it is McCarthy's debut, at least. |
| 12. | *Tampa Bay Buccaneers at ATL Note: I'm curious to see if Haason Reddick can regain his lost form, and if the Bucs move him around to take advantage of Kaleb McGary's season-ending injury. |
| 13. | *Green Bay Packers vs. DET Note: The Packers made a transformational decision to trade for Micah Parsons - how many snaps will he log this week? I'm also curious to see how they fare against the Lions' revamped OL. |
| 14. | *Washington Commanders vs. NYG Note: I don't really trust the Commanders' defense, but the matchup against the Giants is pretty sweet. |
| 15. | New England Patriots vs. LV |
| 16. | *Cincinnati Bengals at CLE Note: The Bengals couldn't stop anyone last year, and they looked terrible in the preseason. At least Trey Hendrickson is back? |
| 17. | Kansas City Chiefs at LAC |
| 18. | Baltimore Ravens at BUF |
| 19. | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. CAR |
| 20. | Los Angeles Chargers vs. KC |
| 21. | *Atlanta Falcons vs. TB Note: The Falcons tried to draft into a pass rush with James Pearce and Jalon Walker, but Walker was hurt in the preseason and is questionable for Week 1. |
| 22. | Buffalo Bills vs. BAL |
| 23. | New Orleans Saints vs. ARI |
| 24. | New York Giants at WAS |
| 25. | Las Vegas Raiders at NE |
| 26. | Detroit Lions at GB |
| 27. | Miami Dolphins at IND |
| 28. | Indianapolis Colts vs. MIA |
| 29. | Tennessee Titans at DEN |
| 30. | Cleveland Browns vs. CIN |
| 31. | Dallas Cowboys at PHI |
| 32. | Carolina Panthers at JAX |
