Weekly Rankings: Week 17 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 17 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update complete

All Games on Sunday this week

I'm operating under the assumption that Brees won't play, and Kamara/Ingram/Thomas will play but be limited. I'm also assuming that Dak/Zeke/Cooper at best will be limited.

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

Sunday Update complete

All Games on Sunday this week

I'm operating under the assumption that Brees won't play, and Kamara/Ingram/Thomas will play but be limited. I'm also assuming that Dak/Zeke/Cooper at best will be limited.

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. ***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.

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.Patrick Mahomes KC vs. Oak
2.Andrew Luck IND at Ten
3.*Nick Foles PHI at Was
Note: (Ribs) Left for a play but then returned, and is fine. He'll start again in Week 17.
4.Deshaun Watson HOU vs. Jax
5.*Ben Roethlisberger PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Moved down a few slots because of Antonio Brown's knee injury.***
6.*Tom Brady NE vs. NYJ
Note: Dismissed talk about a potential MCL injury in his knee.
7.Matt Ryan ATL at TB
8.Philip Rivers LAC at Den
9.*Aaron Rodgers GB vs. Det
Note: ***Downgraded with Davante Adams out.***
10.Jared Goff LA vs. SF
11.Lamar Jackson BAL vs. Cle
12.Josh Allen BUF vs. Mia
Note: Really struggled with his accuracy against the Pats, plus they schemed well to not allow much room for him to run. He also was hurt badly by a few drops.
13.*Russell Wilson SEA vs. Ari
Note: I'm curious to see how much getting the 5-seed vs. the 6-seed matters to Seattle - might we see Wilson sit out, or play just a portion of the game?
14.Sam Darnold NYJ at NE
15.*Jameis Winston TB vs. Atl
Note: Winston might lose some snaps to Ryan Griffin, but it doesn't appear to be more than a token series or two.
16.*Teddy Bridgewater NO vs. Car
Note: Expected to play heavily if not all the game. Officially named the starter.
17.*Josh Johnson WAS vs. Phi
Note: Colt McCoy remains out this week.
18.Case Keenum DEN vs. LAC
19.Mitchell Trubisky CHI at Min
20.Kirk Cousins MIN vs. Chi
21.Nick Mullens SF at LAR
22.Derek Carr OAK at KC
23.*Eli Manning NYG vs. Dal
Note: Getting the start again in Week 17. Also in Week 17 of 2019, 2020, and 2021. Who loses his job first? Marvin Lewis or Eli?
24.Matthew Stafford DET at GB
Note: Another miserable game - sat out part of the fourth quarter for Matt Cassel.
25.*Blake Bortles JAC at Hou
Note: Starting again in Week 17.
26.Baker Mayfield CLE at Bal
27.*Dak Prescott DAL at NYG
Note: The Cowboys players are still pushing the party line that they plan to start and play most of the game, but I just don't see it - I would be stunned if Prescott plays into the second half. Cooper Rush is the backup.
28.Jeff Driskel CIN at Pit
29.*Kyle Allen CAR at NO
Note: Expected to start this week, with Taylor Heinicke on IR.
30.*Cooper Rush DAL at NYG
Note: Should get a significant chunk of playing time.
31.*Blaine Gabbert TEN vs. Ind
Note: Finished up for the injured Marcus Mariota again last week, could once again start this week. Mariota is likely to play, though that's still pending a pre-game warmup. ***A report from ESPN's Chris Mortensen now suggests that Mariota won't play, and Gabbert will start.***
32.*Ryan Tannehill MIA at Buf
Note: Will get another start in Week 17.
33.*Josh Rosen ARZ at Sea
Note: For the second game in a row, sat out part of the fourth quarter in favor of Mike Glennon.
34.*Marcus Mariota TEN vs. Ind
Note: Status for Week 17 remains uncertain after another stinger left his body numb-and-tingly in Week 16 - we probably won't know until Sunday whether it's he or Blaine Gabbert that starts. Didn't practice Wednesday. Limited practices Thursday and Friday - will warm up prior to the game Sunday night with the intent to play, but will officially be a game-time decision. ***A report from ESPN's Chris Mortensen now suggests that Mariota won't play.***
35.*Drew Brees NO vs. Car
Note: Clinched the first seed in the NFC - expected to sit this week. It's official - Teddy Bridgewater will start this week.
36.*Cody Kessler JAC at Hou
Note: Lost the starting job back to Blake Bortles.
37.*Taylor Heinicke CAR at NO
Note: Sent to IR with a left elbow injury.

Running Backs

1.Saquon Barkley NYG vs. Dal
2.Melvin Gordon LAC at Den
3.Chris Carson SEA vs. Ari
4.*Christian McCaffrey CAR at NO
Note: Played 83 snaps last week, but coach Ron Rivera suggested that they'd consider easing up on him in Week 16.
5.Derrick Henry TEN vs. Ind
6.Jamaal Williams GB vs. Det
7.Marlon Mack IND at Ten
8.Sony Michel NE vs. NYJ
9.*Damien Williams KC vs. Oak
Note: ***Could be hurt by the return of Spencer Ware, but given his contract extension received this week, I expect he'll be the lead back between the two.***
10.Joe Mixon CIN at Pit
11.David Johnson ARZ at Sea
12.*C.J. Anderson LA vs. SF
Note: Monster game in relief of Gurley - and it's possible that Gurley could sit this week as well. ***Starting again this week with Gurley declared out.***
13.Peyton Barber TB vs. Atl
14.Nick Chubb CLE at Bal
15.Dalvin Cook MIN vs. Chi
16.Gus Edwards BAL vs. Cle
17.Elijah McGuire NYJ at NE
18.*James Conner PIT vs. Cin
Note: (Ankle) Full practice Wednesday. ***Practiced all three days this week, and is expected to play, though official confirmation of that won't happen until after pre-game warmups.***
19.*Lamar Miller HOU vs. Jax
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Cleared to play after a full practice Thursday.***
20.Doug Martin OAK at KC
21.*Jeff Wilson SF at LAR
Note: Getting the start with Matt Breida out.
22.*Adrian Peterson WAS vs. Phi
Note: (Shoulder) Limited at Wednesday's practice.
23.Tarik Cohen CHI at Min
24.James White NE vs. NYJ
25.Jordan Howard CHI at Min
26.*LeSean McCoy BUF vs. Mia
Note: Came off the bench due to a 'situation' with coach Sean McDermott, but it appears fences are mended between the two.
27.Josh Adams PHI at Was
28.*Dwayne Washington NO vs. Car
Note: ***The only RB on the roster behind Kamara and Ingram, so he could get a heavy workload this week.***
29.*Tevin Coleman ATL at TB
Note: (Groin) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Only a limited practice Friday, yet cleared from the injury list. I think this will be a time share similar to how it was with Coleman and Ito Smith earlier this season.***
30.T.J. Yeldon JAC at Hou
31.*Jaylen Samuels PIT vs. Cin
Note: Possible that James Conner returns this week. ***It looks as if Conner will return, but I wouldn't expect Conner to resume the same 'bell-cow' role he had prior to his injury. I would guess that Samuels will remain involved, at least in the passing game.***
32.*Rod Smith DAL at NYG
Note: Could get a significant workload if Zeke doesn't play or is limited. ***Now seems more likely to start, sharing reps with Darius Jackson.***
33.*Royce Freeman DEN vs. LAC
Note: Should get a lot more work this week with Phillip Lindsay out, though Booker will assume much of the third-down duties. ***Confirmed as the lead back this week with Lindsay out.***
34.*Spencer Ware KC vs. Oak
Note: (Hamstring) Full practice Wednesday. ***Full practice all week, listed as questionable but should play - but it's difficult to envision him getting more than a split of the carries given the emergence of (and contract extension given to) Damien Williams.***
35.*Alfred Blue HOU vs. Jax
Note: ***Should revert to a backup role, albeit a highly-active backup role, with Lamar Miller returning to action this week.***
36.Kenyan Drake MIA at Buf
37.*Brian Hill ATL at TB
Note: Would start if Tevin Coleman can't go. ***Coleman was cleared from the injury list after a limited practice Friday.***
38.Zach Zenner DET at GB
39.Nyheim Hines IND at Ten
40.Darren Sproles PHI at Was
41.Kenneth Dixon BAL vs. Cle
42.Kalen Ballage MIA at Buf
43.Theo Riddick DET at GB
44.*Jalen Richard OAK at KC
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Full participation in Thursday's practice.***
45.*John Kelly LA vs. SF
Note: ***Will back up C.J. Anderson again this week, with Gurley declared out.***
46.*Mark Ingram NO vs. Car
Note: We could see both Kamara and Ingram extremely limited, with Bridgewater starting over Brees already.
47.Mike Davis SEA vs. Ari
48.Dion Lewis TEN vs. Ind
49.*Devontae Booker DEN vs. LAC
Note: Likely to get more playing time this week.
50.Keith Ford BUF vs. Mia
51.Chris Thompson WAS vs. Phi
52.*Carlos Hyde JAC at Hou
Note: ***(Knee) Listed as questionable but is expected to play, but it's debatable just how much work he'll get even with Fournette doubtful.***
53.*Austin Ekeler LAC at Den
Note: (Neck/concussion) Full practice Wednesday.
54.Trenton Cannon NYJ at NE
55.*Darius Jackson DAL at NYG
Note: ***Sharing reps with Rod Smith this week.***
56.Latavius Murray MIN vs. Chi
57.Duke Johnson CLE at Bal
58.Wendell Smallwood PHI at Was
59.Justin Jackson LAC at Den
60.*Rashaad Penny SEA vs. Ari
Note: (Knee) Expected to return to practice Wednesday. ***Game-time decision, though he's expected to play.***
61.D'Onta Foreman HOU vs. Jax
62.Giovani Bernard CIN at Pit
63.Charcandrick West KC vs. Oak
64.Stevan Ridley PIT vs. Cin
65.*LeGarrette Blount DET at GB
Note: (Knee) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable.***
66.Chase Edmonds ARZ at Sea
67.Rex Burkhead NE vs. NYJ
68.Wayne Gallman NYG vs. Dal
69.Dave Williams JAC at Hou
70.*Leonard Fournette JAC at Hou
Note: (Foot/ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Listed as doubtful.***
71.*Alvin Kamara NO vs. Car
Note: We could see both Kamara and Ingram extremely limited, with Bridgewater starting over Brees already. ***OFFICIALLY INACTIVE***
72.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL at NYG
Note: Wants to play this week, but Dallas's spot is locked in as the 4-seed. ***Now expected to sit out the regular season finale.***
73.*Justin Davis LA vs. SF
Note: (Shoulder) Limited at Wednesday's walk-through. ***Listed as questionable.***
74.*Todd Gurley LA vs. SF
Note: (Knee) No activity at Wednesday's walk-through and is a good bet to sit out again this week. ***Declared out this week.***
75.*Matt Breida SF at LAR
Note: (Ankle) Ruled out for Week 17.
76.*Phillip Lindsay DEN vs. LAC
Note: (Wrist surgery) Out this week, will need 3-4 months to recover.

Wide Receivers

1.JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. Cin
2.*T.Y. Hilton IND at Ten
Note: (Ankle) Didn't practice Wednesday - his lack of practice time recently hasn't stopped him. ***Expected to play despite not practicing all week again.***
3.Tyreek Hill KC vs. Oak
4.*Julio Jones ATL at TB
Note: (Hip/Ribs) Sat out practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.***
5.Robby Anderson NYJ at NE
6.*DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Jax
Note: (Ankle) Limited at practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury list.***
7.Mike Evans TB vs. Atl
8.Keenan Allen LAC at Den
9.Julian Edelman NE vs. NYJ
10.Robert Woods LA vs. SF
11.*Sterling Shepard NYG vs. Dal
Note: (Hip) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday.***
12.Alshon Jeffery PHI at Was
13.Adam Thielen MIN vs. Chi
14.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. Ari
15.Stefon Diggs MIN vs. Chi
16.Brandin Cooks LA vs. SF
17.Calvin Ridley ATL at TB
18.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LAC
19.Jarvis Landry CLE at Bal
20.*Doug Baldwin SEA vs. Ari
Note: Showed how important he is to the Seahawks in the win over the Chiefs. However, he sat out Wednesday with a sore shoulder and is a prime candidate to best rested this week if the Seahawks go that route. This is his rank if he plays. ***Cleared to play on Friday after a full practice.***
21.Dede Westbrook JAC at Hou
22.*Kendrick Bourne SF at LAR
Note: Should get more targets with Pettis out, and with Goodwin hurting.
23.Robert Foster BUF vs. Mia
24.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Sea
25.*Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. Car
Note: ***Could be Teddy Bridgewater's lead target.***
26.*Corey Davis TEN vs. Ind
Note: ***Cleared from the injury report, but will have Gabbert throwing him the ball, most likely.***
27.Golden Tate PHI at Was
28.Antonio Callaway CLE at Bal
29.Mike Williams LAC at Den
30.Mohamed Sanu ATL at TB
31.John Ross CIN at Pit
32.Jordy Nelson OAK at KC
33.Rashard Higgins CLE at Bal
34.*Jake Kumerow GB vs. Det
Note: ***Should get a ton of targets with Davante Adams out.***
35.Nelson Agholor PHI at Was
36.Curtis Samuel CAR at NO
37.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB vs. Det
Note: ***Bumped up with Adams out.***
38.*Randall Cobb GB vs. Det
Note: (Concussion) Still not practicing. ***Cleared from the concussion protocol and injury list.***
39.*Jamison Crowder WAS vs. Phi
Note: (Wrist) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice Thursday.***
40.*James Washington PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Could get a lot more work this week if Antonio Brown can't go.***
41.DaeSean Hamilton DEN vs. LAC
42.Adam Humphries TB vs. Atl
43.Chris Conley KC vs. Oak
44.*Ryan Switzer PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Could get a lot of work in the slot if Brown doesn't play.***
45.Taywan Taylor TEN vs. Ind
46.D.J. Moore CAR at NO
47.Zay Jones BUF vs. Mia
48.Josh Reynolds LA vs. SF
49.*John Brown BAL vs. Cle
Note: (Hamstring) Held out of Wednesday's practice. ***Expected to play.***
50.Kenny Stills MIA at Buf
51.Michael Crabtree BAL vs. Cle
52.Chris Godwin TB vs. Atl
53.Isaiah McKenzie BUF vs. Mia
54.David Moore SEA vs. Ari
55.Cody Core CIN at Pit
56.Michael Gallup DAL at NYG
57.Tim Patrick DEN vs. LAC
58.Keith Kirkwood NO vs. Car
59.Seth Roberts OAK at KC
60.Chris Hogan NE vs. NYJ
Note: Not targeted despite getting 62 snaps and despite the departure of Josh Gordon.
61.Devin Funchess CAR at NO
62.Travis Benjamin LAC at Den
63.Jordan Matthews PHI at Was
64.Donte Moncrief JAC at Hou
65.Breshad Perriman CLE at Bal
66.Anthony Miller CHI at Min
67.DeAndre Carter HOU vs. Jax
68.*Dontrelle Inman IND at Ten
Note: (Shoulder) Did not practice Wednesday.
69.Tyrell Williams LAC at Den
70.Willie Snead BAL vs. Cle
71.Justin Hardy ATL at TB
72.Kelvin Benjamin KC vs. Oak
Note: Dropped a potential touchdown pass on Sunday, so he's already up to full speed with the Chiefs.
73.*Antonio Brown PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Unable to practice all week because of a knee injury and is now a game-time decision, with the Steelers not very optimistic that he'll be able to play.***
74.*Josh Doctson WAS vs. Phi
Note: ***(Illness) Listed as questionable.***
75.*D.J. Chark JAC at Hou
Note: (Quad) Full participant in Wednesday's practice.
76.Amari Cooper DAL at NYG
77.*Michael Thomas NO vs. Car
Note: ***I don't think Thomas will play at all.***
78.*Ted Ginn NO vs. Car
Note: Got eight targets in his first game back. ***Some suggestion that Ginn won't play this week as the Saints bench their regulars.***
79.*Danny Amendola MIA at Buf
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday.
80.*Keke Coutee HOU vs. Jax
Note: (Hamstring) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.***
81.*Cole Beasley DAL at NYG
82.*DeSean Jackson TB vs. Atl
Note: (Achilles' injury) Sat out practice Wednesday. ***Did not practice all week.***
83.*Davante Adams GB vs. Det
Note: (Knee) Sat out practice Wednesday, expects to play. ***Officially INACTIVE.***
84.*Kenny Golladay DET at GB
Note: (Chest) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Limited on Thursday and Friday. Listed as questionable. OFFICIALLY INACTIVE***
85.*Equanimeous St. Brown GB vs. Det
Note: Missed practice Wednesday with a concussion. ***Not expected to play.***
86.*Cordarrelle Patterson NE vs. NYJ
Note: (Knee) Limited at practice Wednesday. ***Listed as questionable. OFFICIALLY INACTIVE***
87.*Allen Robinson CHI at Min
Note: (Ribs) Held out of practice Wednesday. ***(Ribs) Listed as doubtful.***
88.*Marquise Goodwin SF at LAR
Note: (Calf/Achilles' tendon) Held out of practice Wednesday. ***Won't play this week.***
89.*Jermaine Kearse NYJ at NE
Note: (Achilles') Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out this week.***
90.*Quincy Enunwa NYJ at NE
Note: (Ankle) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out, placed on IR.***
91.*Tyler Boyd CIN at Pit
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again.***
92.*Sammy Watkins KC vs. Oak
Note: (Foot) Still not practicing. ***Ruled out again.***
93.*Odell Beckham NYG vs. Dal
Note: (Quad) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Ruled out again.***
94.*Demaryius Thomas HOU vs. Jax
Note: Torn Achilles' tendon, out for the year, placed on IR.
95.*Dante Pettis SF at LAR
Note: Ruled out with a sprained MCL.

Tight Ends

1.Travis Kelce KC vs. Oak
2.Zach Ertz PHI at Was
3.George Kittle SF at LAR
4.Evan Engram NYG vs. Dal
5.*David Njoku CLE at Bal
Note: (Knee) Limited on Wednesday.
6.Rob Gronkowski NE vs. NYJ
7.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Chi
8.*Eric Ebron IND at Ten
Note: (Concussion/knee) Did not practice Wednesday - feels 'very optimistic' about playing this week. ***Full practice Friday, expects to play.***
9.*Jared Cook OAK at KC
Note: (Ribs) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Cleared from the injury report.***
10.Mark Andrews BAL vs. Cle
11.Trey Burton CHI at Min
12.Vance McDonald PIT vs. Cin
13.*Jimmy Graham GB vs. Det
Note: (Thumb/Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury report.***
14.Gerald Everett LA vs. SF
Note: Running jet sweeps on occasion.
15.Ian Thomas CAR at NO
16.Chris Herndon NYJ at NE
17.Cameron Brate TB vs. Atl
18.Austin Hooper ATL at TB
19.Blake Jarwin DAL at NYG
20.C.J. Uzomah CIN at Pit
21.*Jeremy Sprinkle WAS vs. Phi
Note: ***Getting another start.***
22.Levine Toilolo DET at GB
23.Nick Vannett SEA vs. Ari
24.Ben Watson NO vs. Car
25.Lee Smith OAK at KC
26.Jason Croom BUF vs. Mia
27.*Matt LaCosse DEN vs. LAC
Note: (Foot) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.***
28.Darren Waller OAK at KC
29.Hayden Hurst BAL vs. Cle
30.Antonio Gates LAC at Den
31.Dallas Goedert PHI at Was
32.Mo Alie-Cox IND at Ten
33.Luke Stocker TEN vs. Ind
34.Jordan Akins HOU vs. Jax
35.Jesse James PIT vs. Cin
36.Charles Clay BUF vs. Mia
37.Tyler Higbee LA vs. SF
38.Hunter Henry LAC at Den
39.Virgil Green LAC at Den
40.*Rhett Ellison NYG vs. Dal
Note: ***(Concussion) Ruled out this week.***
41.*Garrett Celek SF at LAR
Note: (Concussion) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Will sit out this week.***
42.*Ricky Seals-Jones ARZ at Sea
Note: (Shoulder) Sidelined at Wednesday's practice. ***Ruled out this week.***
43.*Vernon Davis WAS vs. Phi
Note: (Concussion) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Doubtful again this week.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT vs. Cin
2.*T.Y. Hilton IND at Ten
Note: (Ankle) Didn't practice Wednesday - his lack of practice time recently hasn't stopped him. ***Expected to play despite not practicing all week again.***
3.Tyreek Hill KC vs. Oak
4.Saquon Barkley NYG vs. Dal
5.Melvin Gordon LAC at Den
6.Travis Kelce KC vs. Oak
7.Zach Ertz PHI at Was
8.Chris Carson SEA vs. Ari
9.*Julio Jones ATL at TB
Note: (Hip/Ribs) Sat out practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury report.***
10.Robby Anderson NYJ at NE
11.*Christian McCaffrey CAR at NO
Note: Played 83 snaps last week, but coach Ron Rivera suggested that they'd consider easing up on him in Week 16.
12.Derrick Henry TEN vs. Ind
13.Jamaal Williams GB vs. Det
14.Marlon Mack IND at Ten
15.*DeAndre Hopkins HOU vs. Jax
Note: (Ankle) Limited at practice Wednesday. ***Removed from the injury list.***
16.Mike Evans TB vs. Atl
17.Keenan Allen LAC at Den
18.Julian Edelman NE vs. NYJ
19.Robert Woods LA vs. SF
20.Sony Michel NE vs. NYJ
21.*Damien Williams KC vs. Oak
Note: ***Could be hurt by the return of Spencer Ware, but given his contract extension received this week, I expect he'll be the lead back between the two.***
22.Joe Mixon CIN at Pit
23.David Johnson ARZ at Sea
24.*C.J. Anderson LA vs. SF
Note: Monster game in relief of Gurley - and it's possible that Gurley could sit this week as well. ***Starting again this week with Gurley declared out.***
25.Peyton Barber TB vs. Atl
26.Nick Chubb CLE at Bal
27.George Kittle SF at LAR
28.Dalvin Cook MIN vs. Chi
29.Gus Edwards BAL vs. Cle
30.*Sterling Shepard NYG vs. Dal
Note: (Hip) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice Thursday and Friday.***
31.Alshon Jeffery PHI at Was
32.Adam Thielen MIN vs. Chi
33.Elijah McGuire NYJ at NE
34.*James Conner PIT vs. Cin
Note: (Ankle) Full practice Wednesday. ***Practiced all three days this week, and is expected to play, though official confirmation of that won't happen until after pre-game warmups.***
35.*Lamar Miller HOU vs. Jax
Note: (Ankle) Limited practice Wednesday. ***Cleared to play after a full practice Thursday.***
36.Evan Engram NYG vs. Dal
37.Doug Martin OAK at KC
38.*Jeff Wilson SF at LAR
Note: Getting the start with Matt Breida out.
39.*Adrian Peterson WAS vs. Phi
Note: (Shoulder) Limited at Wednesday's practice.
40.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. Ari
41.Stefon Diggs MIN vs. Chi
42.Brandin Cooks LA vs. SF
43.Calvin Ridley ATL at TB
44.Courtland Sutton DEN vs. LAC
45.Jarvis Landry CLE at Bal
46.*Doug Baldwin SEA vs. Ari
Note: Showed how important he is to the Seahawks in the win over the Chiefs. However, he sat out Wednesday with a sore shoulder and is a prime candidate to best rested this week if the Seahawks go that route. This is his rank if he plays. ***Cleared to play on Friday after a full practice.***
47.Jordan Howard CHI at Min
48.Josh Adams PHI at Was
49.*Dwayne Washington NO vs. Car
Note: ***The only RB on the roster behind Kamara and Ingram, so he could get a heavy workload this week.***
50.*Tevin Coleman ATL at TB
Note: (Groin) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Only a limited practice Friday, yet cleared from the injury list. I think this will be a time share similar to how it was with Coleman and Ito Smith earlier this season.***
51.T.J. Yeldon JAC at Hou
52.*Royce Freeman DEN vs. LAC
Note: Should get a lot more work this week with Phillip Lindsay out, though Booker will assume much of the third-down duties. ***Confirmed as the lead back this week with Lindsay out.***
53.*Jaylen Samuels PIT vs. Cin
Note: Possible that James Conner returns this week. ***It looks as if Conner will return, but I wouldn't expect Conner to resume the same 'bell-cow' role he had prior to his injury. I would guess that Samuels will remain involved, at least in the passing game.***
54.*Alfred Blue HOU vs. Jax
Note: ***Should revert to a backup role, albeit a highly-active backup role, with Lamar Miller returning to action this week.***
55.*David Njoku CLE at Bal
Note: (Knee) Limited on Wednesday.
56.*Rod Smith DAL at NYG
Note: Could get a significant workload if Zeke doesn't play or is limited. ***Now seems more likely to start, sharing reps with Darius Jackson.***
57.*Kendrick Bourne SF at LAR
Note: Should get more targets with Pettis out, and with Goodwin hurting.
58.Dede Westbrook JAC at Hou
59.Robert Foster BUF vs. Mia
60.Larry Fitzgerald ARZ at Sea
61.*Tre'Quan Smith NO vs. Car
Note: ***Could be Teddy Bridgewater's lead target.***
62.Tarik Cohen CHI at Min
63.James White NE vs. NYJ
64.*LeSean McCoy BUF vs. Mia
Note: Came off the bench due to a 'situation' with coach Sean McDermott, but it appears fences are mended between the two.
65.Kenyan Drake MIA at Buf
66.Zach Zenner DET at GB
67.*Corey Davis TEN vs. Ind
Note: ***Cleared from the injury report, but will have Gabbert throwing him the ball, most likely.***
68.*Spencer Ware KC vs. Oak
Note: (Hamstring) Full practice Wednesday. ***Full practice all week, listed as questionable but should play - but it's difficult to envision him getting more than a split of the carries given the emergence of (and contract extension given to) Damien Williams.***
69.Golden Tate PHI at Was
70.Antonio Callaway CLE at Bal
71.Mike Williams LAC at Den
72.Mohamed Sanu ATL at TB
73.John Ross CIN at Pit
74.Jordy Nelson OAK at KC
75.Rashard Higgins CLE at Bal
76.Rob Gronkowski NE vs. NYJ
77.Kyle Rudolph MIN vs. Chi
78.*Jake Kumerow GB vs. Det
Note: ***Should get a ton of targets with Davante Adams out.***
79.*Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB vs. Det
Note: ***Bumped up with Adams out.***
80.*Randall Cobb GB vs. Det
Note: (Concussion) Still not practicing. ***Cleared from the concussion protocol and injury list.***
81.*James Washington PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Could get a lot more work this week if Antonio Brown can't go.***
82.*Eric Ebron IND at Ten
Note: (Concussion/knee) Did not practice Wednesday - feels 'very optimistic' about playing this week. ***Full practice Friday, expects to play.***
83.*Brian Hill ATL at TB
Note: Would start if Tevin Coleman can't go. ***Coleman was cleared from the injury list after a limited practice Friday.***
84.Nyheim Hines IND at Ten
85.Darren Sproles PHI at Was
86.Kenneth Dixon BAL vs. Cle
87.Kalen Ballage MIA at Buf
88.Theo Riddick DET at GB
89.Nelson Agholor PHI at Was
90.Curtis Samuel CAR at NO
91.*Jamison Crowder WAS vs. Phi
Note: (Wrist) Limited at Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice Thursday.***
92.*Ryan Switzer PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Could get a lot of work in the slot if Brown doesn't play.***
93.*Mark Ingram NO vs. Car
Note: We could see both Kamara and Ingram extremely limited, with Bridgewater starting over Brees already.
94.*Michael Thomas NO vs. Car
Note: ***I don't think Thomas will play at all.***
95.Amari Cooper DAL at NYG
96.*Antonio Brown PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Unable to practice all week because of a knee injury and is now a game-time decision, with the Steelers not very optimistic that he'll be able to play.***

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL vs. Cle
2.Greg Zuerlein LA vs. SF
3.Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. NYJ
4.Robbie Gould SF at LAR
5.Harrison Butker KC vs. Oak
6.Ka'imi Fairbairn HOU vs. Jax
7.Michael Badgley LAC at Den
8.Sebastian Janikowski SEA vs. Ari
9.Aldrick Rosas NYG vs. Dal
10.Adam Vinatieri IND at Ten
11.Jake Elliott PHI at Was
12.Matt Bryant ATL at TB
13.Brandon McManus DEN vs. LAC
14.*Jason Myers NYJ at NE
Note: (Hip) Did not practice Wednesday. ***Cleared from the injury list.***
15.Cody Parkey CHI at Min
Note: Missed his sixth attempt in his last 11 games.
16.Cairo Santos TB vs. Atl
17.Daniel Carlson OAK at KC
18.*Matt McCrane PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Replacing Chris Boswell.***
19.Mason Crosby GB vs. Det
20.Stephen Hauschka BUF vs. Mia
21.Wil Lutz NO vs. Car
22.Brett Maher DAL at NYG
23.Dan Bailey MIN vs. Chi
24.Kai Forbath JAC at Hou
25.Chandler Catanzaro CAR at NO
26.Matt Prater DET at GB
27.Randy Bullock CIN at Pit
28.Jason Sanders MIA at Buf
29.Ryan Succop TEN vs. Ind
30.Greg Joseph CLE at Bal
31.Dustin Hopkins WAS vs. Phi
32.Zane Gonzalez ARZ at Sea
33.*Chris Boswell PIT vs. Cin
Note: ***Placed on IR by the Steelers.***
34.*Josh Lambo JAC at Hou
Note: (Groin) Still not practicing. ***Ruled out this week.***

Defenses

1.Houston Texans vs. Jax
Note: Gets to feast on Bortles.
2.Seattle Seahawks vs. Ari
Note: They don't need Arizona's offense to make them valuable, but it sure is nice.
3.Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cin
4.Baltimore Ravens vs. Cle
5.Los Angeles Rams vs. SF
6.Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oak
7.Buffalo Bills vs. Mia
8.Chicago Bears at Min
9.Green Bay Packers vs. Det
10.*Indianapolis Colts at Ten
Note: Only ranked this high if Gabbert starts.
11.Minnesota Vikings vs. Chi
12.Los Angeles Chargers at Den
13.New England Patriots vs. NYJ
14.New York Giants vs. Dal
15.Jacksonville Jaguars at Hou
16.New Orleans Saints vs. Car
17.Philadelphia Eagles at Was
18.Atlanta Falcons at TB
19.Dallas Cowboys at NYG
20.Carolina Panthers at NO
21.Denver Broncos vs. LAC
22.Miami Dolphins at Buf
23.Tennessee Titans vs. Ind
24.Cleveland Browns at Bal
25.Washington Redskins vs. Phi
26.New York Jets at NE
27.San Francisco 49ers at LAR
28.Cincinnati Bengals at Pit
29.Oakland Raiders at KC
30.Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atl
31.Detroit Lions at GB
32.Arizona Cardinals at Sea
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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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