Weekly Rankings: Week 1 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 1 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update complete

Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Most importantly, the default rankings are now for PPR leagues.

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

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

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 5:00 pm PT. I'm posting Week 1's rankings early, so don't get accustomed to seeing these on Mondays, they

Sunday Update complete

Here are my rankings (if you want a second opinion, please see our formula-based projections - these are not tied into my rankings at all) for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: four points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards. Most importantly, the default rankings are now for PPR leagues.

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

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

Typically, this article will be posted on Tuesday evenings, roughly around 5:00 pm PT. I'm posting Week 1's rankings early, so don't get accustomed to seeing these on Mondays, they won't be there. ***These are not draft rankings. They are solely for the given week of the season.***

I will update these during the week, usually twice per week to account for injury or other news during practice. The timing of those updates will vary based on the news at hand and my schedule for the given week. But the first of those updates usually won't happen until Thursday. At any rate, I will post a "last updated" note at the top of the article, or an "update in progress" note if it's while I'm doing it. If there is no such note, that means it's my first pass at the rankings for this current week.

The first week is always the trickiest. I try not to rely too much on matchups early on - personnel changes, both on the field and in the coaching staffs, dictate so much change, as does a critical injury.

By all means, if you want to discuss a rank, or want me to add a player, chime in on the comments. I try to be receptive to your feedback and try to respond to most comments, though on occasion the volume can be quite thick. This first week in particular, but in other weeks as well, I will change ranks according to injuries and sometimes even a change of heart. Please refer to the rankings first when asking "should I start Player A vs. Player B?". And then refer to the rankings again before asking a generic starting decision question. If you really desire a response to a starting question that doesn't have added complexity, please use our Ask An Expert service - it comes with your subscription. Otherwise, my response will correspond with the rankings. If I rank one player before another, that's how I plan on making my starting decisions.

Quarterback

1.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Chi
2.*Deshaun Watson HOU at NE
Note: (Knee) Taking part in drills without a brace.
3.Drew Brees NO vs. TB
4.*Tom Brady NE vs. Hou
Note: Has been dealing with a sore back during training camp.
5.Cam Newton CAR vs. Dal
6.Jared Goff LA at Oak
7.Philip Rivers LAC vs. KC
8.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. SF
9.Matthew Stafford DET vs. NYJ
10.Russell Wilson SEA at Den
Note: Could be without Doug Baldwin in Week 1.
11.Andy Dalton CIN at Ind
12.Marcus Mariota TEN at Mia
13.Mitchell Trubisky CHI at GB
14.Patrick Mahomes KC at LAC
15.*Nick Foles PHI vs. Atl
Note: Sat out the first preseason game with muscle spasms in his neck. He then hurt his shoulder in the second preseason game, and turned it over thrice in the third preseason game. Starting in Week 1.
16.Blake Bortles JAC at NYG
17.Case Keenum DEN vs. Sea
Note: Chad Kelly has surpassed Paxton Lynch as Keenum's backup.
18.*Andrew Luck IND vs. Cin
Note: Suffered a minor foot injury in the third preseason game, but that hasn't impacted his availability for practice. *** Not on the injury report at all. ***
19.Alex Smith WAS at Ari
20.Dak Prescott DAL at Car
21.*Ben Roethlisberger PIT at Cle
Note: Suffered an injury in practice on Aug. 14, and moved into the concussion protocol, but later was diagnosed as not having a concussion. *** Moving down because of the weather. ***
22.Jimmy Garoppolo SF at Min
23.Matt Ryan ATL at Phi
24.*Ryan Fitzpatrick TB at NO
Note: Starting for the first three weeks of the season.
25.*Sam Bradford ARZ vs. Was
Note: Bradford will begin the season as the starter, though the Cardinals will be tempted to get Josh Rosen in there quickly.
26.*Tyrod Taylor CLE vs. Pit
Note: Briefly left the Browns' third preseason game with a left hand injury but later returned. *** Not on the injury report at all, but the weather has me moving him down this week. ***
27.Joe Flacco BAL vs. Buf
28.Derek Carr OAK vs. LAR
29.*Sam Darnold NYJ at Det
Note: Already getting first-team reps in practice and there's some chance he could start as early as Week 1. Officially named the starter.
30.Eli Manning NYG vs. Jax
31.*Ryan Tannehill MIA vs. Ten
Note: Finally shed his knee brace the week before the third preseason game.
32.*Nathan Peterman BUF at Bal
Note: Suffered a minor arm injury in practice, but was back on the field the next day. Starting ahead of Allen for Week 1.
33.*Josh Allen BUF at Bal
Note: No starter for Week 1 declared yet, but it's getting closer to Allen being named the starter. Or ... maybe not. Peterman will start after all.
34.*Baker Mayfield CLE vs. Pit
Note: Passed a concussion test following the Browns' third preseason game.
35.*Josh Rosen ARZ vs. Was
Note: Dealing with a sore thumb in practice.
36.*Teddy Bridgewater NO vs. TB
Note: Traded to the Saints to be Brees's backup.
37.*AJ McCarron OAK vs. LAR
Note: Suffered a shoulder injury in the second preseason game, limited in practice as a result. Traded to the Raiders to be Carr's backup.
38.*Carson Wentz PHI vs. Atl
Note: (Knee) Threw with more velocity at training camp this year than he did in 2016 and 2017, though I don't know how probative that is about his availability for Week 1. Wentz has admitted he's uncertain he'll be ready. Foles will start in Week 1. Wentz is still practicing this week, however. *** Weeks away from returning. I've heard as early as Week 3, as late as Week 6.***
39.*Jameis Winston TB at NO
Note: Suspended for the first three weeks of the season.

Running Backs

1.Todd Gurley LA at Oak
2.David Johnson ARZ vs. Was
3.Alvin Kamara NO vs. TB
4.Kareem Hunt KC at LAC
5.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at Car
6.Melvin Gordon LAC vs. KC
7.Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. Dal
8.*Alex Collins BAL vs. Buf
Note: Giving him a solid bump up. I like the matchup, especially the potential game flow where the Ravens would be protecting a lead by using a heavy dose of Collins.
9.*Saquon Barkley NYG vs. Jax
Note: Briefly dealt with a sore hamstring in training camp, but seems to be fine now.
10.Leonard Fournette JAC at NYG
11.Joe Mixon CIN at Ind
12.Jordan Howard CHI at GB
13.Devonta Freeman ATL at Phi
14.*Kenyan Drake MIA vs. Ten
Note: Splitting time with Frank Gore early on - I can't see this lasting.
15.*LeSean McCoy BUF at Bal
Note: Limited by a hip/groin injury. He also has the Sword of Damocles hanging over him, awaiting the results of the domestic violence investigation. *** Investigation into the allegations against him are still under 'active review' and nowhere near actionable right now. ***
16.*Jay Ajayi PHI vs. Atl
Note: Missing practice with a lower body issue. (Foot) Full practice Tuesday, on target to play Thursday night
17.*Royce Freeman DEN vs. Sea
Note: Booker technically looks to be the starter, but Freeman has been the better back and has the higher upside. Officially named the starter after a better preseason and training camp than Booker.
18.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. SF
Note: Upon further review, I think that there's a potential that Cook will be used less frequently early in the season. ***Coach Mike Zimmer said that Cook will not be on a 'pitch count' in Week 1, but that they will watch him closely. ***
19.Dion Lewis TEN at Mia
20.Lamar Miller HOU at NE
21.*Jamaal Williams GB vs. Chi
Note: Nursing a minor ankle injury, but Aaron Jones is suspended for the first two weeks of the season.
22.Derrick Henry TEN at Mia
23.Tarik Cohen CHI at GB
24.Carlos Hyde CLE vs. Pit
25.*Marshawn Lynch OAK vs. LAR
Note: ***(Groin) Limited on Saturday, though he's not listed on the injury report. I've moved him down a handful of slots. ***
26.*Isaiah Crowell NYJ at Det
Note: Suffered a concussion early in the preseason but was cleared from the protocol before the third preseason game.
27.Chris Thompson WAS at Ari
28.Peyton Barber TB at NO
29.*James White NE vs. Hou
Note: *** Could be the main guy among three Patriots backs with Sony Michel out this week.***
30.*James Conner PIT at Cle
Note: Right now is in line to start against the Browns, with Lev Bell not reporting yet. ***Bell still hasn't reported, so it will be Conner starting, Samuels backing him up.***
31.*Alfred Morris SF at Min
Note: Starting the third preseason game with McKinnon, Breida and Williams all hurt. Sharing the workload with Breida with McKinnon out. Like most, I expect Morris to be the 'between the tackles' back and for Breida to be in there on third down.
32.*Chris Carson SEA at Den
Note: Appears to be the starter for Week 1. *** Expected to start but share touches with Penny and Prosise. ***
33.*Adrian Peterson WAS at Ari
Note: Signed by the Redskins in the wake of Derrius Guice's season-ending injury, indicating that the team might be finding Perine and Kelley lacking. Peterson could start - he outplayed Kelley in the third preseason game.
34.*Rex Burkhead NE vs. Hou
Note: Dealing with a knee injury of his own in the preseason. *** Good to go for Week 1, with Michel out. I've been lower on Burkhead than most - probably because I talk with Liss everyday on the show. ***
35.*Jordan Wilkins IND vs. Cin
Note: Absent any pronouncements by the Colts, I have a hunch that Wilkins will be the best of the Mack replacements. Started the third preseason game.
36.*Duke Johnson CLE vs. Pit
Note: *** Only moving him down a couple of notches due to the weather - Cleveland will likely throw less, but many of those passes will be short, which should benefit Johnson. ***
37.Tevin Coleman ATL at Phi
38.Theo Riddick DET vs. NYJ
39.Giovani Bernard CIN at Ind
40.Kerryon Johnson DET vs. NYJ
41.*Matt Breida SF at Min
Note: Shoulder injury in the first preseason game, out for the remainder of the preseason. Expected to be fine for Week 1 and should take on a much bigger role with McKinnon out for the season.
42.Latavius Murray MIN vs. SF
43.Bilal Powell NYJ at Det
44.Doug Martin OAK vs. LAR
45.*Rashaad Penny SEA at Den
Note: Dealing with a hand injury and reported to camp heavier than expected.
46.Frank Gore MIA vs. Ten
47.*Devontae Booker DEN vs. Sea
Note: Freeman named the starter ahead of Booker - I'm not yet sure how this will play out on third down.
48.*Corey Clement PHI vs. Atl
Note: Dealing with a lower body issue, but was able to practice Sunday. He could be inline for more playing time if Jay Ajayi's injury lingers.
49.Nick Chubb CLE vs. Pit
50.*Ty Montgomery GB vs. Chi
Note: Injured his foot in the third preseason game.
51.C.J. Anderson CAR vs. Dal
52.Austin Ekeler LAC vs. KC
53.T.J. Yeldon JAC at NYG
54.LeGarrette Blount DET vs. NYJ
55.*Jaylen Samuels PIT at Cle
Note: Could be in a timeshare with James Conner in Week 1. Has TE-eligibliity in some formats.
56.*Jeremy Hill NE vs. Hou
Note: Suffered a leg injury in the third preseason game but later returned.
57.*Mike Gillislee NO vs. TB
Note: Listed as the Saints' #2, ahead of Boston Scott.
58.Chris Ivory BUF at Bal
59.*Spencer Ware KC at LAC
Note: (Knee) Still working his way back from multiple knee ligament tears, but the fact that the Chiefs cut Charcandrick West bodes well for him.
60.*Christine Michael IND vs. Cin
Note: Making a good impression in Colts camp. Haven't we heard this somewhere before?
61.Nyheim Hines IND vs. Cin
62.Darren Sproles PHI vs. Atl
63.Wayne Gallman NYG vs. Jax
64.*Kenneth Dixon BAL vs. Buf
Note: Briefly missed time in practice the week before the third preseason game.
65.*C.J. Prosise SEA at Den
Note: The Seahawks' third back - could be the passing down back eventually with J.D. McKissic out 4-to-6 weeks.
66.Rob Kelley WAS at Ari
67.Jalen Richard OAK vs. LAR
68.*Jacquizz Rodgers TB at NO
Note: Likely the third down back with Charles Sims going on IR.
69.Javorius Allen BAL vs. Buf
70.*Jonathan Williams NO vs. TB
Note: Might be relevant while Mark Ingram serves his suspension. Nope ... cut by the Saints. *** And then re-signed from the practice squad, though he's behind Gillislee.***
71.Ito Smith ATL at Phi
72.*Samaje Perine WAS at Ari
Note: Jockeying for position with Derrius Guice out for the season. The signing of Adrian Peterson suggests that the Redskins are not too sanguine on his prospects. He's also dealing with an ankle injury.
73.Corey Grant JAC at NYG
74.*Kalen Ballage MIA vs. Ten
Note: In the concussion protocol prior to the third preseason game.
75.*Jonathan Stewart NYG vs. Jax
Note: On track to be passed by Wayne Gallman on the depth chart - hard to provide veteran leadership when you're the third string player.
76.*Ameer Abdullah DET vs. NYJ
Note: Could be fourth string for the Lions.
77.*Marlon Mack IND vs. Cin
Note: Hamstring injury in the first preseason game, which has put his Week 1 status in peril. Won't practice Wednesday. ***Colts are making this a game-time decision whether he'll play. Even if he goes, I ca't see him handling a full workload.***
78.*Ronald Jones II TB at NO
Note: Has fallen behind Peyton Barber on the depth chart in part because of his struggles in the passing game. Listed as the third string - also behind Rodgers. ***INACTIVE***
79.*Sony Michel NE vs. Hou
Note: Suffered a knee injury in camp and has missed the preseason so far. *** Expected to sit out Week 1. ***
80.*Le'Veon Bell PIT at Cle
Note: Sitting out training camp and the preseason for the second year in a row. Still hadn't reported to the team and signed his franchise tender as of Tuesday night. Teammate Maurice Pouncey expects him to return Wednesday, but that report didn't source him saying that he talked to Bell about it. He wasn't at a team meeting on Wednesday morning, either. This could come down to Saturday for Week 1. ***Did not report to the team before Week 1. James Conner will start.***
81.*D'Onta Foreman HOU at NE
Note: Achilles' tendon - on the PUP list to begin the season.
82.*Mark Ingram NO vs. TB
83.*Aaron Jones GB vs. Chi
84.*Jerick McKinnon SF at Min
Note: Out with a calf injury, but expected to be ready for Week 1. Suffered a torn ACL on Saturday and is out for the season.

Wide Receivers

1.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at NE
2.Julio Jones ATL at Phi
3.Michael Thomas NO vs. TB
4.*Antonio Brown PIT at Cle
Note: Moving down a hair due to the inclement weather predicted.
5.Keenan Allen LAC vs. KC
6.Davante Adams GB vs. Chi
7.A.J. Green CIN at Ind
8.Stefon Diggs MIN vs. SF
9.Tyreek Hill KC at LAC
10.*Odell Beckham NYG vs. Jax
Note: (Ankle) Full participant in practice but not playing in preseason games. Moved down some because of the matchup.
11.*Adam Thielen MIN vs. SF
Note: Turned an ankle in practice last week, but cleared from the injury report for Week 1.
12.Jarvis Landry CLE vs. Pit
13.*T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Cin
Note: (Shoulder) Saw his first preseason action Saturday in the third week. I might move him down more if I think that he draws Jackson.
14.Amari Cooper OAK vs. LAR
15.Golden Tate DET vs. NYJ
16.*Chris Hogan NE vs. Hou
Note: With Edelman out the first four weeks, Hogan could be in line for a lot of targets.
17.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: Took a shot to the back in the third preseason game. *** Hate the matchup against Lattimore, especially with Fitzpatrick at the helm.***
18.Allen Robinson CHI at GB
19.*Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Atl
Note: Has a lower body injury, but returned to practice after the third preseason game.
20.Robert Woods LA at Oak
21.Marvin Jones DET vs. NYJ
22.Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. Sea
23.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Was
24.Robby Anderson NYJ at Det
25.*Doug Baldwin SEA at Den
Note: Coach Pete Carroll remains optimistic that Baldwin (knee) will be ready for Week 1. Full practice on Wednesday. Will play against the Broncos but draws a tough matchup against Chris Harris this week.
26.Marquise Goodwin SF at Min
27.Brandin Cooks LA at Oak
28.Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. Sea
29.Corey Davis TEN at Mia
30.*Jamison Crowder WAS at Ari
Note: (Groin) Cleared from the Week 1 injury report.
31.Michael Crabtree BAL vs. Buf
32.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at Cle
Note: ***Big move down because of the weather.***
33.*Kenny Stills MIA vs. Ten
Note: Appears to have overcome earlier ankle woes.
34.Cooper Kupp LA at Oak
35.*Keelan Cole JAC at NYG
Note: Even if Lee's injury isn't serious, Cole's status has only risen this preseason. But if Lee is out it'll be a combo of Cole and Dede Westbrook starting for the Jags. Donte Moncrief will also be a factor, perhaps even surpass Westbrook. It's confirmed, Lee is out for the season.
36.Devin Funchess CAR vs. Dal
37.Kelvin Benjamin BUF at Bal
38.Pierre Garcon SF at Min
39.*Tyler Lockett SEA at Den
Note: Has been bothered by a foot injury suffered in the first week of the preseason. Cleared from the injury report. He might get more targets if Doug Baldwin draws Chris Harris this week.
40.Sammy Watkins KC at LAC
41.*Josh Gordon CLE vs. Pit
Note: Missed training camp to attend to mental health concerns - reported before the third preseason game, but is also nursing a hamstring injury. Cleared from the hamstring injury, but will be on a 'pitch count' for Week 1.
42.*D.J. Moore CAR vs. Dal
Note: Teammate Curtis Samuel will miss Week 1 due to an irregular heartbeat.
43.Sterling Shepard NYG vs. Jax
44.John Ross CIN at Ind
45.Mike Williams LAC vs. KC
46.Randall Cobb GB vs. Chi
47.*Rishard Matthews TEN at Mia
Note: Just cleared from the PUP list - it was finally revealed this week that he was dealing with a torn meniscus in his knee, after weeks of silence from the team. Could be on a rep count early on.
48.Anthony Miller CHI at GB
49.Danny Amendola MIA vs. Ten
50.Trent Taylor SF at Min
51.Cole Beasley DAL at Car
52.Josh Doctson WAS at Ari
53.*Chris Godwin TB at NO
Note: Listed as the 'co-starter' alongside DeSean Jackson on the Bucs' depth chart.
54.Jordy Nelson OAK vs. LAR
55.Allen Hurns DAL at Car
56.Michael Gallup DAL at Car
57.Kenny Golladay DET vs. NYJ
58.*Bruce Ellington HOU at NE
Note: ***Starting for the Texans with Will Fuller out. ***
59.*Donte Moncrief JAC at NYG
Note: Listed as the starter opposite Keelan Cole in the wake of Marqise Lee's season-ending injury.
60.*Albert Wilson MIA vs. Ten
Note: ***Likely starting in place of the injured Parker this week.***
61.DeSean Jackson TB at NO
62.*Phillip Dorsett NE vs. Hou
Note: In line to be the Pats' #2 wide receiver to begin the season.
63.Mohamed Sanu ATL at Phi
64.Calvin Ridley ATL at Phi
65.*Dede Westbrook JAC at NYG
Note: Listed behind Moncrief on the Week 1 depth chart.
66.Paul Richardson WAS at Ari
67.Quincy Enunwa NYJ at Det
68.Tyrell Williams LAC vs. KC
69.*Antonio Callaway CLE vs. Pit
Note: Dealing with a groin injury. Cleared from the injury list and slated to start this weekend. Might still face discipline for his marijuana arrest during training camp.
70.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. Sea
71.Taywan Taylor TEN at Mia
72.Christian Kirk ARZ vs. Was
73.*Austin Carr NO vs. TB
Note: ***Surprise starter in the slot. ***
74.Mike Wallace PHI vs. Atl
75.*James Washington PIT at Cle
Note: Suffered a 'minor' abdominal injury in the third preseason game. Cleared from the injury report.
76.Brandon Marshall SEA at Den
77.Chad Williams ARZ vs. Was
78.Geronimo Allison GB vs. Chi
79.John Brown BAL vs. Buf
80.Ryan Grant IND vs. Cin
81.Ted Ginn NO vs. TB
82.Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. TB
83.*Cameron Meredith NO vs. TB
Note: *** Now unlikely to start, with Austin Carr getting the start in the slot. ***
84.Tyler Boyd CIN at Ind
85.*Dante Pettis SF at Min
Note: (Knee) Cleared from the injury report.
86.Zay Jones BUF at Bal
87.Equanimeous St. Brown GB vs. Chi
88.*Will Fuller HOU at NE
Note: Missed the third preseason game with a hamstring injury. Braxton Miller started in his place, if that injury lingers. Limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Game-time decision because of the hamstring injury, but unlikely to play. Meanwhile, Miller has been cut.***
89.*Jermaine Kearse NYJ at Det
Note: Suffered an abdominal injury in the third preseason game. Likely out following a surgical procedure on his abdominal injury.
90.*DeVante Parker MIA vs. Ten
Note: Suffered a broken finger and hasn't been able to practice or even catch passes since. Won't play in the season opener.
91.*Marqise Lee JAC at NYG
Note: Suffered a potentially serious knee injury in the Jags' third preseason game.
92.*Alshon Jeffery PHI vs. Atl
Note: Jeffery has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for all of the preseason. Week 1 might be a little in doubt. Ruled out for Week 1 and is on a 'week-to-week' basis.
93.*Julian Edelman NE vs. Hou
Note: Suspended for the first four games.

Tight Ends

1.Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Hou
2.Travis Kelce KC at LAC
3.Zach Ertz PHI vs. Atl
4.*Delanie Walker TEN at Mia
Note: Sidelined all week prior to the Titans' third preseason game. Removed from the injury report.
5.*Greg Olsen CAR vs. Dal
Note: *** Added to the injury report late for precautionary reasons after he suffered some back tightness, but he's expected to go in Week 1.***
6.Jimmy Graham GB vs. Chi
7.*Trey Burton CHI at GB
Note: No competition with Adam Shaheen (foot) going on IR.
8.*Evan Engram NYG vs. Jax
Note: Suffered a concussion in the third preseason game - for now I'm putting him at the bottom of the position until we get more updates on his status in practice. Cleared from the concussion protocol.
9.Jack Doyle IND vs. Cin
10.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. SF
11.*Jordan Reed WAS at Ari
Note: (Toe) Has sat out the preseason so far, but has been practicing. Healthy for Week 1.
12.O.J. Howard TB at NO
13.Austin Hooper ATL at Phi
14.David Njoku CLE vs. Pit
15.Ben Watson NO vs. TB
16.*Tyler Eifert CIN at Ind
Note: (Back) Saw his first action in the Bengals' third preseason game Sunday.
17.Eric Ebron IND vs. Cin
18.*George Kittle SF at Min
Note: (Shoulder) Injured in the first preseason game, out the remainder of the preseason. Removed from the injury list for Week 1, appears to be good to go for this week.
19.Mike Gesicki MIA vs. Ten
20.Cameron Brate TB at NO
21.Jared Cook OAK vs. LAR
22.*Dallas Goedert PHI vs. Atl
Note: Potential streaming option while Alshon Jeffery is out, maybe longer.
23.Charles Clay BUF at Bal
24.*Austin Seferian-Jenkins JAC at NYG
Note: Sat out practice Wednesday with a core muscle injury. ***Full practice Friday.***
25.*Jesse James PIT at Cle
Note: Suffered a back contusion in the third preseason game. Off the injury report.
26.*Vernon Davis WAS at Ari
Note: Moved down with Reed healthy for Week 1.
27.Tyler Kroft CIN at Ind
28.Nick Vannett SEA at Den
Note: Would start at tight end if Ed Dickson can't go in Week 1.
29.*Mark Andrews BAL vs. Buf
Note: Third-round rookie could step up while Hurst is out, or the Ravens could instead turn to Nick Boyle or Maxx Williams.
30.Garrett Celek SF at Min
31.Antonio Gates LAC vs. KC
32.Ricky Seals-Jones ARZ vs. Was
33.Tyler Higbee LA at Oak
34.Nick Boyle BAL vs. Buf
35.Virgil Green LAC vs. KC
36.*Seth DeValve CLE vs. Pit
Note: (Quad) Sat out the third preseason game.
37.*Luke Willson DET vs. NYJ
Note: Injured his knee in the Lions' preseason game against the Bucs.
38.*Vance McDonald PIT at Cle
Note: (Foot) In danger of missing the start of the season. Limited practice Wednesday. ***Not expected to play.***
39.*Ed Dickson SEA at Den
Note: (Quad) Has been on the NFI list all preseason, but has a shot to be ready for Week 1. Not ready to answer the opening bell. He's a cut for me.
40.*Hayden Hurst BAL vs. Buf
Note: Stress fracture in his foot, out 3-to-4 weeks.

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Todd Gurley LA at Oak
2.David Johnson ARZ vs. Was
3.Ezekiel Elliott DAL at Car
4.Kareem Hunt KC at LAC
5.*Antonio Brown PIT at Cle
Note: Moving down a hair due to the inclement weather predicted.
6.Alvin Kamara NO vs. TB
7.*Odell Beckham NYG vs. Jax
Note: (Ankle) Full participant in practice but not playing in preseason games. Moved down some because of the matchup.
8.DeAndre Hopkins HOU at NE
9.Melvin Gordon LAC vs. KC
10.*Dalvin Cook MIN vs. SF
Note: Upon further review, I think that there's a potential that Cook will be used less frequently early in the season. ***Coach Mike Zimmer said that Cook will not be on a 'pitch count' in Week 1, but that they will watch him closely. ***
11.Julio Jones ATL at Phi
12.Michael Thomas NO vs. TB
13.Davante Adams GB vs. Chi
14.A.J. Green CIN at Ind
15.Leonard Fournette JAC at NYG
16.Keenan Allen LAC vs. KC
17.*Saquon Barkley NYG vs. Jax
Note: Briefly dealt with a sore hamstring in training camp, but seems to be fine now.
18.*Adam Thielen MIN vs. SF
Note: Turned an ankle in practice last week, but cleared from the injury report for Week 1.
19.Rob Gronkowski NE vs. Hou
20.*Mike Evans TB at NO
Note: Took a shot to the back in the third preseason game. *** Hate the matchup against Lattimore, especially with Fitzpatrick at the helm.***
21.Joe Mixon CIN at Ind
22.Jordan Howard CHI at GB
23.Devonta Freeman ATL at Phi
24.Travis Kelce KC at LAC
25.Stefon Diggs MIN vs. SF
26.*Alex Collins BAL vs. Buf
Note: Giving him a solid bump up. I like the matchup, especially the potential game flow where the Ravens would be protecting a lead by using a heavy dose of Collins.
27.Tyreek Hill KC at LAC
28.Jarvis Landry CLE vs. Pit
29.Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. Dal
30.*T.Y. Hilton IND vs. Cin
Note: (Shoulder) Saw his first preseason action Saturday in the third week. I might move him down more if I think that he draws Jackson.
31.*Kenyan Drake MIA vs. Ten
Note: Splitting time with Frank Gore early on - I can't see this lasting.
32.*LeSean McCoy BUF at Bal
Note: Limited by a hip/groin injury. He also has the Sword of Damocles hanging over him, awaiting the results of the domestic violence investigation. *** Investigation into the allegations against him are still under 'active review' and nowhere near actionable right now. ***
33.*Royce Freeman DEN vs. Sea
Note: Booker technically looks to be the starter, but Freeman has been the better back and has the higher upside. Officially named the starter after a better preseason and training camp than Booker.
34.Zach Ertz PHI vs. Atl
35.Amari Cooper OAK vs. LAR
36.*Chris Hogan NE vs. Hou
Note: With Edelman out the first four weeks, Hogan could be in line for a lot of targets.
37.Demaryius Thomas DEN vs. Sea
38.*Marshawn Lynch OAK vs. LAR
Note: ***(Groin) Limited on Saturday, though he's not listed on the injury report. I've moved him down a handful of slots. ***
39.Golden Tate DET vs. NYJ
40.*Doug Baldwin SEA at Den
Note: Coach Pete Carroll remains optimistic that Baldwin (knee) will be ready for Week 1. Full practice on Wednesday. Will play against the Broncos but draws a tough matchup against Chris Harris this week.
41.Allen Robinson CHI at GB
42.Robert Woods LA at Oak
43.Marvin Jones DET vs. NYJ
44.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ vs. Was
45.Robby Anderson NYJ at Det
46.Derrick Henry TEN at Mia
47.*Nelson Agholor PHI vs. Atl
Note: Has a lower body injury, but returned to practice after the third preseason game.
48.*Jay Ajayi PHI vs. Atl
Note: Missing practice with a lower body issue. (Foot) Full practice Tuesday, on target to play Thursday night
49.Lamar Miller HOU at NE
50.Marquise Goodwin SF at Min
51.Brandin Cooks LA at Oak
52.Corey Davis TEN at Mia
53.*Isaiah Crowell NYJ at Det
Note: Suffered a concussion early in the preseason but was cleared from the protocol before the third preseason game.
54.Michael Crabtree BAL vs. Buf
55.Emmanuel Sanders DEN vs. Sea
56.*Kenny Stills MIA vs. Ten
Note: Appears to have overcome earlier ankle woes.
57.*Jamaal Williams GB vs. Chi
Note: Nursing a minor ankle injury, but Aaron Jones is suspended for the first two weeks of the season.
58.*Jamison Crowder WAS at Ari
Note: (Groin) Cleared from the Week 1 injury report.
59.Cooper Kupp LA at Oak
60.*Alfred Morris SF at Min
Note: Starting the third preseason game with McKinnon, Breida and Williams all hurt. Sharing the workload with Breida with McKinnon out. Like most, I expect Morris to be the 'between the tackles' back and for Breida to be in there on third down.
61.*Keelan Cole JAC at NYG
Note: Even if Lee's injury isn't serious, Cole's status has only risen this preseason. But if Lee is out it'll be a combo of Cole and Dede Westbrook starting for the Jags. Donte Moncrief will also be a factor, perhaps even surpass Westbrook. It's confirmed, Lee is out for the season.
62.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at Cle
Note: ***Big move down because of the weather.***
63.*Greg Olsen CAR vs. Dal
Note: *** Added to the injury report late for precautionary reasons after he suffered some back tightness, but he's expected to go in Week 1.***
64.Peyton Barber TB at NO
65.*Jordan Wilkins IND vs. Cin
Note: Absent any pronouncements by the Colts, I have a hunch that Wilkins will be the best of the Mack replacements. Started the third preseason game.
66.*Chris Carson SEA at Den
Note: Appears to be the starter for Week 1. *** Expected to start but share touches with Penny and Prosise. ***
67.Devin Funchess CAR vs. Dal
68.Jack Doyle IND vs. Cin
69.Carlos Hyde CLE vs. Pit
70.Pierre Garcon SF at Min
71.Kelvin Benjamin BUF at Bal
72.Tarik Cohen CHI at GB
73.*Duke Johnson CLE vs. Pit
Note: *** Only moving him down a couple of notches due to the weather - Cleveland will likely throw less, but many of those passes will be short, which should benefit Johnson. ***
74.Tevin Coleman ATL at Phi
75.Dion Lewis TEN at Mia
76.*Josh Gordon CLE vs. Pit
Note: Missed training camp to attend to mental health concerns - reported before the third preseason game, but is also nursing a hamstring injury. Cleared from the hamstring injury, but will be on a 'pitch count' for Week 1.
77.Kerryon Johnson DET vs. NYJ
78.*James Conner PIT at Cle
Note: Right now is in line to start against the Browns, with Lev Bell not reporting yet. ***Bell still hasn't reported, so it will be Conner starting, Samuels backing him up.***
79.Chris Thompson WAS at Ari
80.*Delanie Walker TEN at Mia
Note: Sidelined all week prior to the Titans' third preseason game. Removed from the injury report.
81.Jimmy Graham GB vs. Chi
82.Sammy Watkins KC at LAC
83.*Adrian Peterson WAS at Ari
Note: Signed by the Redskins in the wake of Derrius Guice's season-ending injury, indicating that the team might be finding Perine and Kelley lacking. Peterson could start - he outplayed Kelley in the third preseason game.
84.*Rex Burkhead NE vs. Hou
Note: Dealing with a knee injury of his own in the preseason. *** Good to go for Week 1, with Michel out. I've been lower on Burkhead than most - probably because I talk with Liss everyday on the show. ***
85.*D.J. Moore CAR vs. Dal
Note: Teammate Curtis Samuel will miss Week 1 due to an irregular heartbeat.
86.Sterling Shepard NYG vs. Jax
87.John Ross CIN at Ind
88.*Cameron Meredith NO vs. TB
Note: *** Now unlikely to start, with Austin Carr getting the start in the slot. ***
89.*Trey Burton CHI at GB
Note: No competition with Adam Shaheen (foot) going on IR.
90.Theo Riddick DET vs. NYJ
91.Giovani Bernard CIN at Ind
92.*Sony Michel NE vs. Hou
Note: Suffered a knee injury in camp and has missed the preseason so far. *** Expected to sit out Week 1. ***
93.*Tyler Lockett SEA at Den
Note: Has been bothered by a foot injury suffered in the first week of the preseason. Cleared from the injury report. He might get more targets if Doug Baldwin draws Chris Harris this week.
94.*Will Fuller HOU at NE
Note: Missed the third preseason game with a hamstring injury. Braxton Miller started in his place, if that injury lingers. Limited participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Game-time decision because of the hamstring injury, but unlikely to play. Meanwhile, Miller has been cut.***
95.Bilal Powell NYJ at Det
96.*Rashaad Penny SEA at Den
Note: Dealing with a hand injury and reported to camp heavier than expected.
97.*Ty Montgomery GB vs. Chi
Note: Injured his foot in the third preseason game.
98.Mike Williams LAC vs. KC
99.Trent Taylor SF at Min
100.*Devontae Booker DEN vs. Sea
Note: Freeman named the starter ahead of Booker - I'm not yet sure how this will play out on third down.
101.Anthony Miller CHI at GB
102.Danny Amendola MIA vs. Ten
103.O.J. Howard TB at NO
104.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. SF
105.Austin Hooper ATL at Phi
106.C.J. Anderson CAR vs. Dal
107.Latavius Murray MIN vs. SF
108.Nick Chubb CLE vs. Pit
109.Austin Ekeler LAC vs. KC
110.David Njoku CLE vs. Pit
111.*Le'Veon Bell PIT at Cle
Note: Sitting out training camp and the preseason for the second year in a row. Still hadn't reported to the team and signed his franchise tender as of Tuesday night. Teammate Maurice Pouncey expects him to return Wednesday, but that report didn't source him saying that he talked to Bell about it. He wasn't at a team meeting on Wednesday morning, either. This could come down to Saturday for Week 1. ***Did not report to the team before Week 1. James Conner will start.***

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL vs. Buf
2.Greg Zuerlein LA at Oak
3.Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. Hou
4.Harrison Butker KC at LAC
5.Jake Elliott PHI vs. Atl
6.Wil Lutz NO vs. TB
7.Matt Prater DET vs. NYJ
8.Matt Bryant ATL at Phi
9.Chris Boswell PIT at Cle
10.Mason Crosby GB vs. Chi
11.Robbie Gould SF at Min
12.Brandon McManus DEN vs. Sea
13.Josh Lambo JAC at NYG
14.Ryan Succop TEN at Mia
15.*Sebastian Janikowski SEA at Den
Note: Won the starting job over Jason Myers.
16.*Caleb Sturgis LAC vs. KC
Note: Beat out Aguayo for the Chargers' job.
17.Graham Gano CAR vs. Dal
18.Adam Vinatieri IND vs. Cin
19.*Daniel Carlson MIN vs. SF
Note: Won the Vikings job, then subsequently missed two kicks in the Vikings' third preseason game.
20.*Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at NE
Note: Dealing with a 'soft tissue' injury - Nick Rose is the competition in Texans camp. Full participant in Wednesday's practice.
21.Randy Bullock CIN at Ind
22.Chandler Catanzaro TB at NO
23.Stephen Hauschka BUF at Bal
24.Dustin Hopkins WAS at Ari
25.Cody Parkey CHI at GB
26.Phil Dawson ARZ vs. Was
27.Jason Sanders MIA vs. Ten
28.*Zane Gonzalez CLE vs. Pit
Note: Competing with Ross Martin for the starting job. Won the Browns' job.
29.*Brett Maher DAL at Car
Note: Won the Cowboys' starting job ahead of Bailey.
30.*Aldrick Rosas NYG vs. Jax
Note: Beat out Marshall Koehn for the Giants' gig.
31.*Jason Myers NYJ at Det
Note: Signed by the Jets, who released Cairo Santos. Won the Jets' starting job ... for now. They are now working out Dan Bailey.
32.*Mike Nugent OAK vs. LAR
Note: Won the Raiders' starting job.
33.*Eddy Pineiro OAK vs. LAR
Note: Dealing with a groin injury in his attempt to win the Raiders' job. Placed on IR. Mike Nugent has won the job.

Defenses

1.*Jacksonville Jaguars at NYG
Note: Marcell Dareus suffered a pectoral injury in the preseason. Dareus has been cleared from the injury report.
2.*Baltimore Ravens vs. Buf
Note: Gets to face Buffalo's woeful OL in Week 1. They will be without Jimmy Smith (suspension) for the first four games.
3.New Orleans Saints vs. TB
Note: Facing Ryan Fitzpatrick, not Jameis Winston in Week 1.
4.*Los Angeles Rams at Oak
Note: Able to come to terms with Aaron Donald, which they had to do given how much they're invested in winning now.
5.Denver Broncos vs. Sea
6.*Minnesota Vikings vs. SF
Note: Xavier Rhodes (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday - watch this one carefully, as an absence Sunday would change a lot of rankings - the Vikes' team defense, plus a number of the Niners' offensive players. ***Rhodes is good to go for Week 1 - had a full practice Friday. ***
7.Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atl
8.*Pittsburgh Steelers at Cle
Note: Steelers are optimistic that T.J. Watt (hamstring) will be able to play in Week 1.
9.*Arizona Cardinals vs. Was
Note: LB Deone Bucannon made his preseason debut Sunday night after missing the first two games with a hyperextended knee, and should be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.
10.*Cincinnati Bengals at Ind
Note: Vontaze Burfict will be suspended for the first four games. Love the pass rush, though, plus the shutdown abilities of William Jackson III.
11.Detroit Lions vs. NYJ
12.Carolina Panthers vs. Dal
13.New England Patriots vs. Hou
14.Tennessee Titans at Mia
15.Cleveland Browns vs. Pit
16.*Atlanta Falcons at Phi
Note: ***Keanu Neal suffered a torn ACL on Thursday night and is out for the season.***
17.*Chicago Bears at GB
Note: I still hate the matchup against the Packers, but you have to love them for the season after adding Mack.
18.*Seattle Seahawks at Den
Note: K.J. Wright (knee) won't play in Week 1. Earl Thomas begrudgingly ended his holdout Wednesday, though a trade is still possible.
19.*Los Angeles Chargers vs. KC
Note: Snakebit franchise has already lost Jason Verrett for the season, and Corey Liuget will be suspended for the first four games of the season. Joey Bosa (foot) was limited on Wednesday but should play in Week 1. *** Bosa is out, and perhaps for multiple weeks - he's gone to see a foot specialist, might have a fracture. ***
20.*Houston Texans at NE
Note: J.J. Watt appears to be all the way back from last year's tibial fracture.
21.Green Bay Packers vs. Chi
22.Washington Redskins at Ari
23.Dallas Cowboys at Car
24.Miami Dolphins vs. Ten
25.New York Jets at Det
26.*New York Giants vs. Jax
Note: Olivier Vernon injured his ankle in practice - status for Week 1 is still up in the air. Vernon still didn't practice on Wednesday.
27.*Kansas City Chiefs at LAC
Note: Eric Berry (heel) didn't practice Wednesday.
28.Buffalo Bills at Bal
29.*San Francisco 49ers at Min
Note: Reuben Foster will be suspended for the first two games. Solomon Thomas suffered a concussion in the first preseason game but has since returned to action. *** Malcolm Smith (hamstring) is out. ***
30.*Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO
Note: *** Brent Grimes (groin) is out for Week 1. ***
31.*Indianapolis Colts vs. Cin
Note: John Simon was a surprise cut by the Colts, but he didn't fit the new d-coordinator's 3-4 scheme.
32.*Oakland Raiders vs. LAR
Note: Couldn't/wouldn't afford Khalil Mack. Dumpster fire potential is high.
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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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