Weekly Rankings: Week 9 Value Meter

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Updated on November 9, 2021 10:03PM EST

Sunday Update complete

Week 9 Notes: Detroit, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington on bye.

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

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

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

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

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

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

Sunday Update complete

Week 9 Notes: Detroit, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington on bye.

Here are my operating assumptions for the rankings:

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

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

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

Quarterbacks

1.	Josh Allen BUF at JAX Note: Teammate Mitchell Trubisky was added to the COVID-IR.*
2.	Lamar Jackson BAL vs. MIN
3.	Patrick Mahomes KC vs. GB
4.	Jalen Hurts PHI vs. LAC
5.	Matthew Stafford LA vs. TEN Note: Stafford was held out of practice Wednesday to rest a sore back. Limited practice on Friday, but does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game.*
6.	Joe Burrow CIN vs. CLE
7.	Dak Prescott DAL vs. DEN Note: Prescott is likely to return this week after being a game-time scratch on Sunday night. Prescott was full participant in practice Thursday and appears to be a full go. However, it looks like T Tyron Smith will be out, and CeeDee Lamb sprained an ankle in practice Wednesday.*
8.	Justin Herbert LAC at PHI Note: Has Herbert been 'solved'? This marks two bad games in a row, sandwiching the bye week. Herbert was limited in practice Wednesday with a right hand injury initially suffered in Week 3. Returned to a full practice on Thursday.*
9.	Carson Wentz IND vs. NYJ
10.	Derek Carr LV at NYG
11.	Kirk Cousins MIN at BAL
12.	*Ryan Tannehill TEN at LAR Note: On one hand, Tannehill will likely be asked to throw more with Derrick Henry out. On the other hand, play-action will probably be less effective with Henry missing, which at the very least could cut into Tannehill's ability to provide rushing help.
13.	Teddy Bridgewater DEN at DAL
14.	Jordan Love GB at KC Note: Love will get the start Sunday with Aaron Rodgers going on the COVID-IR. The Packers are expected to sign Blake Bortles to be the backup this week.*
15.	Justin Fields CHI at PIT
16.	*Daniel Jones NYG vs. LV Note: Jones had an underwhelming performance given the opponent, but the metric ton of injuries suffered by his receiving corps needs to be accounted for in that evaluation.
17.	Jimmy Garoppolo SF vs. ARI
18.	*Matt Ryan ATL at NO Note: Ryan threw for only 146 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Panthers, without having Calvin Ridley available as a target.
19.	Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. CHI Note: Roethlisberger (pectoral/hip) was limited at the Steelers' first practice Monday. Full participant at Saturday's practice and cleared from the injury list.*
20.	Mac Jones NE at CAR
21.	*Baker Mayfield CLE at CIN Note: Mayfield didn't have any setbacks with his shoulder on Sunday, but also didn't throw for any touchdowns and got trolled on social media by OBJ's dad on Tuesday, so there's that.
22.	*Mike White NYJ at IND Note: White will start again Thursday night after a strong performance against the Bengals.
23.	Tyrod Taylor HOU at MIA Note: Taylor (hamstring) has been cleared to play and will start against the Dolphins. Taylor was officially activated from IR on Saturday.*
24.	Jacoby Brissett MIA vs. HOU Note: Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out with a broken finger, so Brissett will start.*
25.	Trevor Lawrence JAC vs. BUF
26.	Colt McCoy ARZ at SF Note: If Kyler Murray (ankle) can't go, McCoy would get the start. Murray has missed the first two practices of the week. Murray didn't practice at all this week and will be a game-time decision. If McCoy starts, I'd put him at 26th, ahead of Lawrence, Siemian and whoever the Carolina QB is.*
27.	Trevor Siemian NO vs. ATL Note: Siemian went 16-29-155-1 in the win over the Bucs after Winston got hurt. Taysom Hill's status for this week remains up in the air. Siemian will get the start even though Hill has been cleared from the concussion protocol. I suspect we'll still see Hill in certain packages.*
28.	Sam Darnold CAR vs. NE Note: Darnold left with a head injury last week and is currently in the concussion protocol. Darnold (concussion, right shoulder) was limited both Wednesday and Thursday. Darnold has cleared the concussion protocol, but still was limited on Friday due to his sore throwing shoulder. Pending pregame warmups, Darnold is expected to start.*
29.	Kyler Murray ARZ at SF Note: Murray injured his left ankle in the loss to the Packers - so far the team has been non-committal about his status for Week 9. Murray hasn't yet practiced this week, despite the longer rest week. Didn't practice at all this week, and will be a game-time decision for a 4:25 ET game. Make sure you have a pivot available.*
30.	Taysom Hill NO vs. ATL Note: Hill (concussion) is 'on schedule in his recovery process,' whatever that means. He sat out last week and had the bye week before that and hasn't yet practiced, so it's not a forgone conclusion that he can play this week with Jameis Winston out. Hill practiced in full Thursday after a limited practice Wednesday - we're still awaiting official word that he's been cleared from the concussion protocol, let alone been named the starter, but it's moving in the right direction. Hill was cleared from the concussion protocol and is available to play, but Trevor Siemian will start.*
31.	*Trey Lance SF vs. ARI Note: Lance (knee) was only available in an emergency situation last week and never entered the game.
32.	P.J. Walker CAR vs. NE Note: Walker struggled in relief of Sam Darnold again this week, this time because Darnold suffered a concussion. Walker has taken all the first-team reps in practice so far this week. Darnold is expected to start.*
33.	*Cooper Rush DAL vs. DEN Note: Dak Prescott (calf) is expected back this week, but Rush can be proud of his 24-40-325-2 line in the win over the Vikings.
34.	Davis Mills HOU at MIA Note: Reverting back to clipboard duties.*
35.	Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. HOU Note: The Dolphins were unable to work out a trade for Deshaun Watson, so Tagovailoa won't have to look over his shoulder for the rest of the season. Practice reps have been capped because of ribs and a finger issue, but neither should keep him out Sunday. Officially listed as questionable - has swelling on a finger on his throwing hand, but he should be able to play through it. But he also won't have DeVante Parker available. BROKEN FINGER ON THROWING HAND, WILL NOT PLAY.*
36.	Aaron Rodgers GB at KC Note: Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss this week's game.*
37.	*Zach Wilson NYJ at IND
38.	*Jameis Winston NO vs. ATL Note: Winston suffered a torn ACL and had some MCL damage in the win over the Bucs and is out for the season.

Running Backs

1.	Alvin Kamara NO vs. ATL
2.	Jonathan Taylor IND vs. NYJ
3.	*Austin Ekeler LAC at PHI Note: At least twice now Ekeler has been a late threat on the injury report only to play and play well for the Chargers.
4.	Aaron Jones GB at KC
5.	Najee Harris PIT vs. CHI
6.	*Dalvin Cook MIN at BAL Note: Cook didn't look hampered by the ankle, but only by the Cowboys' defense.
7.	Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. DEN
8.	Nick Chubb CLE at CIN
9.	Joe Mixon CIN vs. CLE
10.	Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. NE Note: The Panthers are hoping McCaffrey practices Wednesday and could possibly return this week. McCaffrey was designated to return Wednesday and began with a limited practice. McCaffrey has been activated from IR, but it's not yet official that he'll play. If he does play, I think you have to start him, even on a snap count.*
11.	Damien Harris NE at CAR
12.	Darrell Henderson LA vs. TEN
13.	Elijah Mitchell SF vs. ARI Note: Mitchell is tending to a rib injury and will be limited in Wednesday's practice. He looked awesome last week against the Bears. Mitchell missed Wednesday's practice but upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. I think he'll play, and start. Mitchell practiced again on Friday and is listed as questionable. Jeff Wilson is coming off of the PUP list and will likely cut into Mitchell's carries.*
14.	Cordarrelle Patterson ATL at NO
15.	*Michael Carter NYJ at IND Note: Now that the genie is out of the bottle, why would the Jets not feature Carter going forward?
16.	Darrel Williams KC vs. GB
17.	Josh Jacobs LV at NYG Note: Jacobs (chest contusion) is not on the injured list this week.*
18.	James Conner ARZ at SF
19.	*Melvin Gordon DEN at DAL Note: Much to the chagrin of Javonte Williams' managers, Gordon was not dealt and the Broncos remain steadfast in giving him equal if not more time, and Gordon insists on getting some value from those touches.
20.	Chase Edmonds ARZ at SF Note: Edmonds was limited Wednesday with a shoulder injury. Cleared from the injury list.*
21.	Devontae Booker NYG vs. LV Note: Saquon Barkley is sidelined again this week.*
22.	Zack Moss BUF at JAX
23.	Khalil Herbert CHI at PIT Note: Herbert briefly appeared to be shaken up, giving way to Ryan Nall, but later returned. Herbert's status is cloudy because of the return of David Montgomery. My guess is that Herbert will still have a decent role this week, even with Montgomery back.*
24.	Javonte Williams DEN at DAL
25.	Myles Gaskin MIA vs. HOU
26.	Carlos Hyde JAC vs. BUF Note: Hyde had nine carries and six catches with James Robinson missing most of the game last week. Jamal Agnew also factored in, especially in the passing game. Both struggled with pass protection duties. Hyde (calf) was limited Wednesday but upgraded to a full practice Thursday. Meanwhile, James Robinson has missed practice twice so far. Full particpant Friday and removed from the injury list.*
27.	Devonta Freeman BAL vs. MIN
28.	AJ Dillon GB at KC
29.	Boston Scott PHI vs. LAC
30.	*Jeremy McNichols TEN at LAR Note: Even if Adrian Peterson is active this week, I expect McNichols to get at least a plurality of the snaps and most of the RB targets.
31.	David Montgomery CHI at PIT Note: Montgomery (knee) has been designated to return from the IR and resumed practice. The Bears are on bye next week, so a Week 11 return seems most likely. There's a good chance Montgomery (knee) will be activated from IR and play on Monday night.*
32.	D'Ernest Johnson CLE at CIN
33.	Mike Davis ATL at NO
34.	Tony Pollard DAL vs. DEN
35.	Mark Ingram NO vs. ATL
36.	Kenyan Drake LV at NYG
37.	Adrian Peterson TEN at LAR Note: Peterson signed to the Titans' practice squad, where he'll eventually be activated. Peterson remains on the Titans' practice squad, but was taking part in full-team drills Thursday. Peterson was promoted to the active roster on Saturday, as was D'Onta Foreman.*
38.	Salvon Ahmed MIA vs. HOU
39.	Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. NE Note: Hubbard benefited from Carolina's insistence on grinding out the running game, netting 25 touches, despite not being all that efficient. CMC has been activated from the IR, so my ranking implies that he'll play and Hubbard will be in a backup role, albeit one with more than his average share of touches as a backup.*
40.	Devin Singletary BUF at JAX Note: Singletary technically is the starter, but he's trailing in snap share and touches to Zack Moss.*
41.	*Kenneth Gainwell PHI vs. LAC Note: The Eagles started Boston Scott ahead of Gainwell, and even gave Jordan Howard more important carries ahead of him.
42.	Nyheim Hines IND vs. NYJ
43.	Ty Johnson NYJ at IND
44.	Jordan Howard PHI vs. LAC Note: Howard has officially been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.*
45.	Jeff Wilson SF vs. ARI Note: The Niners are expected to open the practice window for Wilson (knee) this week. Wilson was designated to return from IR on Wednesday and has begun limited practices. Wilson was activated from the PUP list Saturday and will be able to play.*
46.	Samaje Perine CIN vs. CLE
47.	*Alexander Mattison MIN at BAL Note: Mattison had only four touches with Dalvin Cook healthy.
48.	*David Johnson HOU at MIA Note: Johnson managed only 11 snaps last week despite the Mark Ingram trade.
49.	Brandon Bolden NE at CAR
50.	Phillip Lindsay HOU at MIA
51.	Sony Michel LA vs. TEN
52.	JaMycal Hasty SF vs. ARI
53.	Le'Veon Bell BAL vs. MIN
54.	Ameer Abdullah CAR vs. NE
55.	Derrick Gore KC vs. GB
56.	D'Onta Foreman TEN at LAR
57.	Marlon Mack IND vs. NYJ
58.	Chris Evans CIN vs. CLE Note: Evans (hamstring) was limited to begin practices on Wednesday. Officially listed as questionable.*
59.	Demetric Felton CLE at CIN
60.	Royce Freeman CAR vs. NE
61.	Jerick McKinnon KC vs. GB
62.	Rex Burkhead HOU at MIA Note: Burkhead (hip) was a full participant at Thursday's practice.*
63.	Ty'Son Williams BAL vs. MIN
64.	*Rhamondre Stevenson NE at CAR Note: Stevenson had eight carries this week after being a healthy scratch the previous week.
65.	J.J. Taylor NE at CAR
66.	James Robinson JAC vs. BUF Note: Robinson left Week 8's loss to the Seahawks with a bruised heel after only four carries. He's expected to be day-to-day. Robinson has a chance to play still, but he's missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday. Robinson only had one limited practice Friday, and the team seems pessimistic about his chances of playing. They will test him out in pregame warmups.*
67.	Latavius Murray BAL vs. MIN Note: Murray (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday despite coming off the bye week. Didn't practice all week, listed as doubtful.*
68.	Justin Jackson LAC at PHI Note: Jackson ripped off a 75-yard run early against the Pats, but then left with a quad injury. Jackson has missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday. Ruled out this week.*
69.	Damien Williams CHI at PIT Note: Williams injuries his knee early in the loss to the Niners. Williams wasn't present at the Bears' first practice Thursday. Did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Monday night.*
70.	Tevin Coleman NYJ at IND Note: Coleman (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant both Monday and Tuesday after sitting out last week. Ruled out again this week.*
71.	Saquon Barkley NYG vs. LV Note: Barkley was held out due to swelling and soreness in his ankle Monday night, but is holding out hope for this week. The Giants have a Week 10 bye. Barkley doesn't seem likely to be available - even though it looks as if his COVID test was a false positive. But he hasn't been practicing, and hasn't yet been cleared for his ankle injury. Out again this week.*
72.	*Kareem Hunt CLE at CIN
73.	*Miles Sanders PHI vs. LAC
74.	*Derrick Henry TEN at LAR Note: Henry has a broken foot and was slated for surgery Tuesday, with the expectation he'll be out for the season.

Wide Receivers

1.	Cooper Kupp LA vs. TEN
2.	Tyreek Hill KC vs. GB
3.	Stefon Diggs BUF at JAX
4.	Diontae Johnson PIT vs. CHI
5.	Deebo Samuel SF vs. ARI Note: Samuel ripped it up despite dealing with a calf injury and will be limited in practice this week. Limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. Limited practice Friday - Samuel is expected to play but there's some concern that he won't get through the whole game.*
6.	Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. CLE
7.	Justin Jefferson MIN at BAL
8.	Davante Adams GB at KC Note: Adams (COVID-IR) is expected to return to practice Thursday. Officially activated from the COVID-IR on Thursday.*
9.	Adam Thielen MIN at BAL
10.	Keenan Allen LAC at PHI
11.	A.J. Brown TEN at LAR Note: Brown will almost certainly draw Jalen Ramsey on Sunday. Brown (knee) sat out practice Friday but is expected to play Sunday.*
12.	Michael Pittman IND vs. NYJ
13.	Amari Cooper DAL vs. DEN Note: Cooper (hamstring) has been limited in practice this week. It looks as if Dak Prescott will be back at QB. Limited practice on Friday and listed as questionable, but is expected to play.*
14.	Tee Higgins CIN vs. CLE
15.	Courtland Sutton DEN at DAL
16.	Marquise Brown BAL vs. MIN
17.	Brandin Cooks HOU at MIA
18.	CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. DEN Note: Lamb sprained his ankle in practice Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday. Lamb upgraded to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.*
19.	Robert Woods LA vs. TEN Note: Woods sat out practice Wednesday with a foot injury. Woods returned to a limited practice Friday, but while he's listed as questionable he's still expected to play.*
20.	Mike Williams LAC at PHI
21.	Chase Claypool PIT vs. CHI
22.	DeVonta Smith PHI vs. LAC
23.	DJ Moore CAR vs. NE
24.	Christian Kirk ARZ at SF Note: Kirk might be very busy Sunday - A.J. Green tested positive for COVID-19, and DeAndre Hopkins has missed the first two practices this week with his hamstring injury.*
25.	Hunter Renfrow LV at NYG
26.	Jerry Jeudy DEN at DAL
27.	Jamison Crowder NYJ at IND
28.	Jarvis Landry CLE at CIN Note: Landry (knee) sat out Wednesday and upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. Cleared from the injury list.*
29.	Julio Jones TEN at LAR Note: Jones (hamstring) has had two limited practices so far this week, which is an advancement over last week. Cleared from the injury list on Friday.*
30.	Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. HOU Note: Downgraded with the QB change.*
31.	Emmanuel Sanders BUF at JAX
32.	Tyler Boyd CIN vs. CLE
33.	Elijah Moore NYJ at IND
34.	Van Jefferson LA vs. TEN
35.	Bryan Edwards LV at NYG
36.	Kadarius Toney NYG vs. LV Note: Toney left Monday night's game with a lacerated hand, described as a 'pretty serious gash' by coach Joe Judge. Toney had a limited practice both Wednesday and Thursday. Toney had another limited practice Friday, but was cleared to play.*
37.	Marquez Callaway NO vs. ATL
38.	Rondale Moore ARZ at SF Note: Bumping Moore up now, with A.J. Green testing positive for COVID-19 and Hopkins nursing a hamstring injury.*
39.	Jakobi Meyers NE at CAR
40.	Kenny Golladay NYG vs. LV Note: Golladay (knee) had a limited return to practice Thursday. Golladay remains questionable but the Giants believe he'll be able to play.*
41.	Marvin Jones JAC vs. BUF
42.	Rashod Bateman BAL vs. MIN Note: Bateman (groin) was held out of practice on Friday, but he's expected to be able to play Sunday.*
43.	Cole Beasley BUF at JAX Note: Beasley sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday with a rib injury.*
44.	Randall Cobb GB at KC
45.	*Allen Robinson CHI at PIT Note: Robinson received four targets against the Niners, and did not get dealt at the trade deadline.
46.	Cedrick Wilson DAL vs. DEN Note: Wilson could be very busy this week - CeeDee Lamb sprained his ankle Wednesday, Amari Cooper has been limited and Michael Gallup might need another week before he returns.*
47.	Tim Patrick DEN at DAL
48.	Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. ATL
49.	*Laviska Shenault JAC vs. BUF Note: Shenault garnered a mere four targets in the loss to the Seahawks.
50.	Darnell Mooney CHI at PIT Note: Listed as questionable with a groin injury.*
51.	Tajae Sharpe ATL at NO
52.	Nico Collins HOU at MIA
53.	Robby Anderson CAR vs. NE
54.	Quez Watkins PHI vs. LAC
55.	Gabriel Davis BUF at JAX
56.	Brandon Aiyuk SF vs. ARI
57.	Mack Hollins MIA vs. HOU
58.	Darius Slayton NYG vs. LV
59.	Mecole Hardman KC vs. GB
60.	Jalen Reagor PHI vs. LAC Note: Reagor (ankle) was out Wednesday and limited Thursday. Full practice Friday and cleared from the injury list.*
61.	Nelson Agholor NE at CAR
62.	Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE at CIN Note: Peoples-Jones (groin) returned to limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. The Browns' need for him to return might be more acute if OBJ is gone. OBJ is indeed gone, so DPJ will start.*
63.	K.J. Osborn MIN at BAL
64.	Sammy Watkins BAL vs. MIN Note: Returned to a limited practice Thursday - his first practice since Week 5. Watkins (thigh) is a game-time decision, but has a good chance to suit up.*
65.	Chester Rogers TEN at LAR
66.	Kendrick Bourne NE at CAR
67.	Rashard Higgins CLE at CIN
68.	Byron Pringle KC vs. GB
69.	Preston Williams MIA vs. HOU
70.	Terrace Marshall CAR vs. NE Note: Marshall cleared the concussion protocol on Thursday.*
71.	Zach Pascal IND vs. NYJ
72.	Jamal Agnew JAC vs. BUF
73.	*Allen Lazard GB at KC Note: Reinstated from the COVID list - he never tested positive.
74.	Zay Jones LV at NYG
75.	Russell Gage ATL at NO Note: Gage wasn't even targeted in the loss to the Panthers despite the absence of Calvin Ridley. Limited by a groin injury Wednesday, but had a full practice Thursday.*
76.	Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB at KC Note: Designated to return from the IR with his hamstring injury on Monday and returned to practice. Officially activated from the IR.*
77.	*Deonte Harris NO vs. ATL
78.	Olamide Zaccheaus ATL at NO
79.	Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN at LAR
80.	Demarcus Robinson KC vs. GB
81.	Tavon Austin JAC vs. BUF
82.	James Washington PIT vs. CHI
83.	Chris Conley HOU at MIA
84.	Braxton Berrios NYJ at IND
85.	DeAndre Hopkins ARZ at SF Note: Hopkins missed portions of Thursday's loss to the Packers tending to his hamstring injury. Hopkins had no practice activity either Wednesday or Thursday. Hopkins did not practice all week, and while he traveled with the team, he's not expected to play.*
86.	John Ross NYG vs. LV Note: Ross was limited in practice Thursday with a quadriceps injury that might be a new injury. Ross is listed as questionable after having limited practices Thursday and Friday.*
87.	DeVante Parker MIA vs. HOU Note: Parker (shoulder/hamstring) was limited in practice Thursday. Parker went on IR on Friday.*
88.	A.J. Green ARZ at SF Note: Tested positive for COVID-19. Will not play this week.*
89.	Dante Pettis NYG vs. LV Note: Pettis injured his shoulder Monday night while trying to recover his own muffed punt. Did not practice Thursday. Placed on IR by the Giants.*
90.	Michael Gallup DAL vs. DEN Note: Gallup (calf) was not activated off the IR.*
91.	Odell Beckham CLE at CIN Note: OBJ netted only one official target (and had another incomplete pass negated by a penalty against the Steelers). 'Excused from practice' by the Browns - he may not play for Cleveland again. Will be waived by the Browns on Monday and won't play Sunday.*
92.	Sterling Shepard NYG vs. LV Note: Shepard left Monday night's game with a quadriceps injury. Shepard is expected to miss this week's game.*
93.	Corey Davis NYJ at IND Note: Davis (hip) did not practice Monday or Tuesday. Officially INACTIVE this week.*
94.	Calvin Ridley ATL at NO Note: Out indefinitely on personal leave to address a mental health issue. Ridley was placed on the reserve/NFI list Friday, meaning that he'll miss at least the next three games.*
95.	*Will Fuller MIA vs. HOU Note: Fuller (broken finger) won't return to practice this week.
96.	*T.Y. Hilton IND vs. NYJ Note: Hilton has been ruled out for Thursday's game with a concussion.
97.	*Henry Ruggs at Note: Ruggs was charged with DUI resulting in death early Tuesday morning.

Tight Ends

1.	Travis Kelce KC vs. GB
2.	Kyle Pitts ATL at NO
3.	Mark Andrews BAL vs. MIN
4.	Darren Waller LV at NYG Note: I'm guessing that Waller (ankle) will be good to go this week. Obviously there's a lot of moving parts right now with the Raiders. Waller was not listed on the Raiders' initial injury list Wednesday.*
5.	Zach Ertz ARZ at SF
6.	Dallas Goedert PHI vs. LAC
7.	Dalton Schultz DAL vs. DEN
8.	Tyler Higbee LA vs. TEN
9.	Mike Gesicki MIA vs. HOU Note: Downgraded with the QB change.*
10.	George Kittle SF vs. ARI Note: Kittle (calf) should be designated to return with the practice window opening this week. Kittle was designated to return and had a limited practice Wednesday, but the Niners are 'not counting 100 percent' on Kittle returning this week. Kittle was activated from the IR on Sunday and will be on a snap-count. However, my guess is that those snaps will mostly be on passing downs, so it might not cut into his production that much.*
11.	Hunter Henry NE at CAR
12.	Pat Freiermuth PIT vs. CHI
13.	C.J. Uzomah CIN vs. CLE
14.	*Evan Engram NYG vs. LV Note: Like every other fantasy position player, Engram was not traded at the deadline.
15.	Cole Kmet CHI at PIT
16.	Jared Cook LAC at PHI
17.	Dan Arnold JAC vs. BUF
18.	Mo Alie-Cox IND vs. NYJ
19.	Tyler Conklin MIN at BAL
20.	Foster Moreau LV at NYG
21.	Tommy Sweeney BUF at JAX Note: Sweeney will start again with Dawson Knox still out.*
22.	Albert Okwuegbunam DEN at DAL Note: Okwuegbunam was limited in practice all week but still could return from his knee injury, especially if Noah Fant (illness) is out.*
23.	Hayden Hurst ATL at NO
24.	Juwan Johnson NO vs. ATL
25.	David Njoku CLE at CIN
26.	Jonnu Smith NE at CAR Note: Smith (shoulder) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday. Limited practice all week, listed as questionable.*
27.	Donald Parham LAC at PHI
28.	Jack Doyle IND vs. NYJ
29.	*Josiah Deguara GB at KC Note: The Packers will likely use a timeshare at TE with Robert Tonyan out for the season, but I like Deguara the most of the bunch.
30.	Tommy Tremble CAR vs. NE
31.	Austin Hooper CLE at CIN
32.	Anthony Firkser TEN at LAR
33.	Adam Trautman NO vs. ATL
34.	Tyler Kroft NYJ at IND Note: Nobody sees the Tyler Kroft Revenge Game coming. Kroft suffered a lung laceration in the loss to the Colts.*
35.	Dawson Knox BUF at JAX Note: Knox's broken hand is improving and he is viewed as day-to-day by the Bills' coaching staff. Did not practice yet this week. Ruled out again this week.*
36.	Eric Ebron PIT vs. CHI Note: Ebron (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday. Ruled out again this week.*
37.	Noah Fant DEN at DAL Note: Fant tested positive for COVID-19 and has been placed on the COVID-IR. Not yet ruled out this week - he had a positive test, but he's also vaccinated. Fant is not expected to play.*
38.	Blake Jarwin DAL vs. DEN Note: Jarwin has a hip injury and is unlikely to play this week. Placed on IR by the Cowboys.*

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.	Alvin Kamara NO vs. ATL
2.	Jonathan Taylor IND vs. NYJ
3.	*Austin Ekeler LAC at PHI Note: At least twice now Ekeler has been a late threat on the injury report only to play and play well for the Chargers.
4.	Cooper Kupp LA vs. TEN
5.	Davante Adams GB at KC Note: Adams (COVID-IR) is expected to return to practice Thursday. Officially activated from the COVID-IR on Thursday.*
6.	Tyreek Hill KC vs. GB
7.	Aaron Jones GB at KC
8.	Najee Harris PIT vs. CHI
9.	Ezekiel Elliott DAL vs. DEN
10.	Stefon Diggs BUF at JAX
11.	Diontae Johnson PIT vs. CHI
12.	Deebo Samuel SF vs. ARI Note: Samuel ripped it up despite dealing with a calf injury and will be limited in practice this week. Limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. Limited practice Friday - Samuel is expected to play but there's some concern that he won't get through the whole game.*
13.	Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. CLE
14.	Justin Jefferson MIN at BAL
15.	Darrell Henderson LA vs. TEN
16.	Joe Mixon CIN vs. CLE
17.	*Dalvin Cook MIN at BAL Note: Cook didn't look hampered by the ankle, but only by the Cowboys' defense.
18.	Travis Kelce KC vs. GB
19.	Adam Thielen MIN at BAL
20.	Keenan Allen LAC at PHI
21.	A.J. Brown TEN at LAR Note: Brown will almost certainly draw Jalen Ramsey on Sunday. Brown (knee) sat out practice Friday but is expected to play Sunday.*
22.	Damien Harris NE at CAR
23.	Nick Chubb CLE at CIN
24.	Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. NE Note: The Panthers are hoping McCaffrey practices Wednesday and could possibly return this week. McCaffrey was designated to return Wednesday and began with a limited practice. McCaffrey has been activated from IR, but it's not yet official that he'll play. If he does play, I think you have to start him, even on a snap count.*
25.	Michael Pittman IND vs. NYJ
26.	Amari Cooper DAL vs. DEN Note: Cooper (hamstring) has been limited in practice this week. It looks as if Dak Prescott will be back at QB. Limited practice on Friday and listed as questionable, but is expected to play.*
27.	Kyle Pitts ATL at NO
28.	Elijah Mitchell SF vs. ARI Note: Mitchell is tending to a rib injury and will be limited in Wednesday's practice. He looked awesome last week against the Bears. Mitchell missed Wednesday's practice but upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. I think he'll play, and start. Mitchell practiced again on Friday and is listed as questionable. Jeff Wilson is coming off of the PUP list and will likely cut into Mitchell's carries.*
29.	Cordarrelle Patterson ATL at NO
30.	*Michael Carter NYJ at IND Note: Now that the genie is out of the bottle, why would the Jets not feature Carter going forward?
31.	Tee Higgins CIN vs. CLE
32.	Mike Williams LAC at PHI
33.	Courtland Sutton DEN at DAL
34.	CeeDee Lamb DAL vs. DEN Note: Lamb sprained his ankle in practice Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday. Lamb upgraded to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play.*
35.	Brandin Cooks HOU at MIA
36.	Darrel Williams KC vs. GB
37.	Josh Jacobs LV at NYG Note: Jacobs (chest contusion) is not on the injured list this week.*
38.	Khalil Herbert CHI at PIT Note: Herbert briefly appeared to be shaken up, giving way to Ryan Nall, but later returned. Herbert's status is cloudy because of the return of David Montgomery. My guess is that Herbert will still have a decent role this week, even with Montgomery back.*
39.	James Conner ARZ at SF
40.	Robert Woods LA vs. TEN Note: Woods sat out practice Wednesday with a foot injury. Woods returned to a limited practice Friday, but while he's listed as questionable he's still expected to play.*
41.	Chase Claypool PIT vs. CHI
42.	DeVonta Smith PHI vs. LAC
43.	DJ Moore CAR vs. NE
44.	Marquise Brown BAL vs. MIN
45.	Hunter Renfrow LV at NYG
46.	*Melvin Gordon DEN at DAL Note: Much to the chagrin of Javonte Williams' managers, Gordon was not dealt and the Broncos remain steadfast in giving him equal if not more time, and Gordon insists on getting some value from those touches.
47.	Chase Edmonds ARZ at SF Note: Edmonds was limited Wednesday with a shoulder injury. Cleared from the injury list.*
48.	Devontae Booker NYG vs. LV Note: Saquon Barkley is sidelined again this week.*
49.	Zack Moss BUF at JAX
50.	Jerry Jeudy DEN at DAL
51.	Mark Andrews BAL vs. MIN
52.	Darren Waller LV at NYG Note: I'm guessing that Waller (ankle) will be good to go this week. Obviously there's a lot of moving parts right now with the Raiders. Waller was not listed on the Raiders' initial injury list Wednesday.*
53.	Mike Gesicki MIA vs. HOU Note: Downgraded with the QB change.*
54.	Devonta Freeman BAL vs. MIN
55.	Boston Scott PHI vs. LAC
56.	Jarvis Landry CLE at CIN Note: Landry (knee) sat out Wednesday and upgraded to a limited practice Thursday. Cleared from the injury list.*
57.	Jaylen Waddle MIA vs. HOU Note: Downgraded with the QB change.*
58.	Emmanuel Sanders BUF at JAX
59.	Mike Davis ATL at NO
60.	Adrian Peterson TEN at LAR Note: Peterson signed to the Titans' practice squad, where he'll eventually be activated. Peterson remains on the Titans' practice squad, but was taking part in full-team drills Thursday. Peterson was promoted to the active roster on Saturday, as was D'Onta Foreman.*
61.	Marvin Jones JAC vs. BUF
62.	Cole Beasley BUF at JAX Note: Beasley sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday with a rib injury.*
63.	Christian Kirk ARZ at SF Note: Kirk might be very busy Sunday - A.J. Green tested positive for COVID-19, and DeAndre Hopkins has missed the first two practices this week with his hamstring injury.*
64.	Kadarius Toney NYG vs. LV Note: Toney left Monday night's game with a lacerated hand, described as a 'pretty serious gash' by coach Joe Judge. Toney had a limited practice both Wednesday and Thursday. Toney had another limited practice Friday, but was cleared to play.*
65.	Javonte Williams DEN at DAL
66.	Myles Gaskin MIA vs. HOU
67.	Zach Ertz ARZ at SF
68.	AJ Dillon GB at KC
69.	*Jeremy McNichols TEN at LAR Note: Even if Adrian Peterson is active this week, I expect McNichols to get at least a plurality of the snaps and most of the RB targets.
70.	D'Ernest Johnson CLE at CIN
71.	Marquez Callaway NO vs. ATL
72.	Tyler Boyd CIN vs. CLE
73.	Jamison Crowder NYJ at IND
74.	Bryan Edwards LV at NYG
75.	Van Jefferson LA vs. TEN
76.	Tony Pollard DAL vs. DEN
77.	Kenyan Drake LV at NYG
78.	Salvon Ahmed MIA vs. HOU
79.	Chuba Hubbard CAR vs. NE Note: Hubbard benefited from Carolina's insistence on grinding out the running game, netting 25 touches, despite not being all that efficient. CMC has been activated from the IR, so my ranking implies that he'll play and Hubbard will be in a backup role, albeit one with more than his average share of touches as a backup.*
80.	Randall Cobb GB at KC

Kickers

1.	Justin Tucker BAL vs. MIN
2.	Graham Gano NYG vs. LV
3.	Matt Prater ARZ at SF
4.	Tyler Bass BUF at JAX
5.	Nick Folk NE at CAR Note: Folk (knee) was limited as usual on Wednesday.*
6.	Harrison Butker KC vs. GB
7.	Greg Zuerlein DAL vs. DEN
8.	Evan McPherson CIN vs. CLE
9.	Greg Joseph MIN at BAL
10.	*Randy Bullock TEN at LAR Note: One side-effect of the Derrick Henry injury is that the Titans may have to settle for more field goal attempts in the red zone.
11.	Matt Gay LA vs. TEN
12.	Brian Johnson NO vs. ATL
13.	Younghoe Koo ATL at NO
14.	Mason Crosby GB at KC Note: Moving down with Aaron Rodgers out.*
15.	Chase McLaughlin CLE at CIN
16.	Daniel Carlson LV at NYG
17.	*Robbie Gould SF vs. ARI Note: Due back from the IR this week - the Niners waived Joey Slye in anticipation.
18.	Dustin Hopkins LAC at PHI
19.	Brandon McManus DEN at DAL
20.	Michael Badgley IND vs. NYJ
21.	Chris Boswell PIT vs. CHI Note: Boswell suffered a concussion on a fake field goal attempt. So far the Steelers haven't signed a temporary replacement. Limited in practice Thursday. The Steelers signed Josh Lambo to the practice squad in case Boswell can't go. Boswell was a full practice participant on Friday, I suspect that he'll be cleared from the protocol before Monday night.*
22.	Jake Elliott PHI vs. LAC
23.	*Jason Sanders MIA vs. HOU Note: Sanders hasn't been as solid this year, missing a 36-yard kick in the loss to the Bills early on.
24.	*Zane Gonzalez CAR vs. NE Note: Drilled four field goals, including a 57-yarder, in the win.
25.	Cairo Santos CHI at PIT
26.	Matthew Wright JAC vs. BUF
27.	Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU at MIA
28.	Matt Ammendola NYJ at IND
29.	Josh Lambo at
30.	*Joey Slye at Note: Waived by the Niners with Robbie Gould returning.

Defenses

1.	*New England Patriots at CAR Note: The Pats just made Justin Herbert's life miserable and now they'll face either Sam Darnold or P.J. Walker.
2.	Buffalo Bills at JAX
3.	New Orleans Saints vs. ATL
4.	Miami Dolphins vs. HOU
5.	Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CHI
6.	Dallas Cowboys vs. DEN
7.	Los Angeles Rams vs. TEN
8.	*Indianapolis Colts vs. NYJ Note: Tyquan Lewis is out for the season with a patellar tendon injury.
9.	Baltimore Ravens vs. MIN
10.	*San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI Note: The Niners might get to face Colt McCoy instead of Kyler Murray (ankle).
11.	Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE
12.	Arizona Cardinals at SF
13.	Cleveland Browns at CIN
14.	Los Angeles Chargers at PHI
15.	Las Vegas Raiders at NYG
16.	Chicago Bears at PIT
17.	Green Bay Packers at KC
18.	New York Giants vs. LV
19.	Denver Broncos at DAL
20.	Philadelphia Eagles vs. LAC
21.	Carolina Panthers vs. NE
22.	New York Jets at IND
23.	Tennessee Titans at LAR
24.	Atlanta Falcons at NO
25.	Kansas City Chiefs vs. GB
26.	Jacksonville Jaguars vs. BUF
27.	*Minnesota Vikings at BAL Note: Danielle Hunter is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
28.	Houston Texans at MIA