Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Value Meter

Weekly Rankings: Week 8 Value Meter

This article is part of our Weekly Rankings series.

Sunday Update Complete

The Chargers have had a positive COVID test and will not have practice on Thursday. Both the Chargers and the Broncos have already had their bye week. ***All games are being played as scheduled this week.***

Bye Weeks: Arizona, Houston, Jacksonville, Washington

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

Sunday Update Complete

The Chargers have had a positive COVID test and will not have practice on Thursday. Both the Chargers and the Broncos have already had their bye week. ***All games are being played as scheduled this week.***

Bye Weeks: Arizona, Houston, Jacksonville, Washington

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, roughly around 10:00 pm PT. 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.Russell Wilson SEA vs. SF
2.Patrick Mahomes KC vs. NYJ
3.*Ryan Tannehill TEN at CIN
Note: Gets to face a Bengals secondary that has been torn apart by Philip Rivers and Baker Mayfield the last two weeks.
4.Matt Ryan ATL at CAR
5.*Justin Herbert LAC at DEN
Note: One of the more impressive aspects of Herbert's breakout is that he has involved a wide variety of receivers, including Jalen Guyton, Donald Parham and Virgil Green, in addition to the Chargers' primary targets.
6.Aaron Rodgers GB vs. MIN
7.Tom Brady TB at NYG
8.*Josh Allen BUF vs. NE
Note: Allen piled up the yards (307 passing, 61 rushing) but failed to convert any of his drives into touchdowns. He's in a bit of a funk right now, and the matchup against the Pats isn't great.
9.Carson Wentz PHI vs. DAL
10.*Lamar Jackson BAL vs. PIT
Note: Lower than usual for two concerns - the opponent and his knee, which has limited him at times. The bye week will help address both issues, however.
11.Jimmy Garoppolo SF at SEA
12.Joe Burrow CIN vs. TEN
13.Teddy Bridgewater CAR vs. ATL
14.Philip Rivers IND at DET
15.Matthew Stafford DET vs. IND
16.Derek Carr LV at CLE
17.*Ben Roethlisberger PIT at BAL
Note: Promising start but then threw three interceptions on the Steelers final six drives. This could be a pretty difficult matchup at Baltimore this week.
18.Jared Goff LA at MIA
19.Drew Brees NO at CHI
20.Kirk Cousins MIN at GB
21.*Baker Mayfield CLE vs. LV
Note: Not on the injury report this week. High winds could be an issue this week, however.
22.*Cam Newton NE at BUF
Note: Awful day for Cam against the Niners - three INT's, only 98 passing yards. Not even the running game could save his fantasy day last week.
23.Tua Tagovailoa MIA vs. LAR
24.*Drew Lock DEN vs. LAC
Note: Struggled against the Chiefs in the snow, throwing two more interceptions without a touchdown and hurting himself a little with a bad slide.
25.Daniel Jones NYG vs. TB
26.*Sam Darnold NYJ at KC
Note: Darnold and the Jets were decent early, but completely shut down (four offensive yards) in the second half. ***Full participant in Thursday's practice.***
27.*Nick Foles CHI vs. NO
Note: It's hard to imagine the Bears' offense being much worse than it was on Monday night, but it could be if Allen Robinson can't play.
28.*Ben DiNucci DAL at PHI
Note: Came on for the injured Andy Dalton and wasn't able to accomplish much, getting sacked three times. Either he or Garrett Gilbert will start if Dalton can't go. Took all the first-team reps Wednesday and Thursday. ***Will start with Dalton doubtful.***
29.*Andy Dalton DAL at PHI
Note: Dalton suffered the first concussion of his NFL career Sunday against Washington and his availability this week is in question. If Dalton can't go, the choice for Dallas would come down to Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert. Did not practice either Wednesday or Thursday, though he did participate in the QB meetings Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful for Sunday night.***
30.*Jarrett Stidham NE at BUF
Note: Replaced Cam Newton in the fourth quarter and threw for 64 yards on 10 attempts, throwing one interception.

Running Backs

1.Derrick Henry TEN at CIN
2.Alvin Kamara NO at CHI
3.*Kareem Hunt CLE vs. LV
Note: (Ribs) Limited to begin the week. ***Not on the final injury list.***
4.*Boston Scott PHI vs. DAL
Note: So far no practice this week for Miles Sanders. ***Sanders is officially out.***
5.*Mike Davis CAR vs. ATL
Note: This ranking obviously presumes that CMC sits out one more week. If McCaffrey does play, Davis drops somewhere around 30. McCaffrey has officially been ruled out.
6.*Dalvin Cook MIN at GB
Note: Because the Vikings are coming off the bye week, I'm guessing that Cook returns this week, and I realize that's a bit of a double-standard compared to Mark Ingram. Though Cook has had limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, head coach Mike Zimmer said he expects Cook to play, and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said that Cook won't be on a pitch count. ***Officially cleared to play.***
7.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL at PHI
Note: The Cowboys' OL and QB implosion is also hurting Elliott - he had 3.8 yards per carry last week, with fewer offensive plays to go around, and only two targets last week.
8.*Jamaal Williams GB vs. MIN
Note: Right now I'm presuming Aaron Jones isn't playing - I'll downgrade Williams by 20 or so slots if it looks like Jones will play. ***Jones is officially out.***
9.*James Conner PIT at BAL
Note: Conner should have had a much bigger day against the Titans - he had one touchdown called back, got tackled at the one-yard line on another play and dropped a pass in the end zone on the subsequent play, only to get vultured by Benny Snell on the play after that for the touchdown.
10.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. NYJ
Note: Edwards-Helaire scored early and looked great doing so, and it looked like it was going to be a huge night, but with the rout on early, he only netted three carries.
11.Todd Gurley ATL at CAR
12.Myles Gaskin MIA vs. LAR
13.Jonathan Taylor IND at DET
14.*Josh Jacobs LV at CLE
Note: (Knee) Back-to-back limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Off the final injury report.***
15.*D'Andre Swift DET vs. IND
Note: Swift had a 45 percent snap share, which is higher than he's been getting but was still disappointing considering he's been more productive than Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson. That percentage could increase in future weeks as he continues to produce.
16.*Giovani Bernard CIN vs. TEN
Note: ***Mixon is officially out.***
17.*Ronald Jones TB at NYG
Note: Dropped another pass and lost a ton of playing time to Leonard Fournette as a result, including a goal line series.
18.Darrell Henderson LA at MIA
19.David Montgomery CHI vs. NO
20.*Melvin Gordon DEN vs. LAC
Note: Lost two fumbles, one of which was a comically bad lateral on a flea-flicker play, but also scored a touchdown, plus Phillip Lindsay suffered a concussion in the loss to the Chiefs. ***It looks as if Lindsay will be active, barring a setback on Sunday morning.***
21.*Leonard Fournette TB at NYG
Note: Taking over the targets after yet another RoJo drop, and full series as well. At least until his next injury. ***Bruce Arians described Fournette as his 'nickel back' - which isn't as promising as I'd want with him.***
22.Devin Singletary BUF vs. NE
23.*Justin Jackson LAC at DEN
Note: Jackson's workload might have been limited because of the knee injury that inhibited him in practice during the week - he had seven fewer touches than Joshua Kelley, but still tallied two more yards.
24.*Jerick McKinnon SF at SEA
Note: Could be in line to start this week with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson now out, but he was given a non-disclosed ahead of time 'rest game' last week. There's a chance that Tevin Coleman could be activated from the IR this week, though, which will muddle things up appropriately. Coleman has been activated from IR and will share in the carries along with McKinnon and Hasty. There have also been some reports of McKinnon dealing with a 'tired leg.'
25.*J.K. Dobbins BAL vs. PIT
Note: I'm operating under the presumption that Mark Ingram won't play this week. But even if he does, I have a gut feeling that the Ravens will employ Dobbins more frequently after their bye. ***Ingram is listed as doubtful.***
26.Le'Veon Bell KC vs. NYJ
27.*Tevin Coleman SF at SEA
Note: Coleman (knee) could return from the IR this week, and could have a significant role with both Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson on the IR. Officially designated to return from the IR on Wednesday - that doesn't mean yet he'll be activated, as we saw with Christian McCaffrey. ***Officially activated on Saturday.***
28.*Rex Burkhead NE at BUF
Note: Appears to be the lead guy in the backfield committee, at least for now.
29.*Wayne Gallman NYG vs. TB
Note: Gallman should get more opportunities if Devonta Freeman's ankle injury keeps him out, but those opportunities will come against the Bucs' defense. ***Will start with Freeman ruled out.***
30.Joshua Kelley LAC at DEN
31.*Phillip Lindsay DEN vs. LAC
Note: Lindsay was running great in the first half and got the Broncos' first carry of the game, but then suffered a concussion which will make his status uncertain this week. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but did non-contact individual drills on the side Thursday. ***Listed as a full participant in Saturday's practice - he has one more protocol to clear on Sunday but is expected to play barring a late setback.***
32.*DeeJay Dallas SEA vs. SF
Note: It took an epic Odyssey of injuries to Carson, Hyde and Homer to get Dallas on the field, but he may be the starter this week for the Seahawks. Rashaad Penny is unlikely to return. The Seahawks downplayed Hyde's hamstring injury, even though he didn't practice Wednesday. My guess is that Hyde starts and that Dallas will be the passing downs back - but that's just an early guess. ***Only back to practice Wednesday or Thursday. Hyde is now doubtful, Carson and Homer are questionable and game-time decisions.***
33.Latavius Murray NO at CHI
34.La'Mical Perine NYJ at KC
35.*Gus Edwards BAL vs. PIT
Note: Mark Ingram could be out this week. The matchup isn't great, but Edwards could get more opportunities this week. ***Ingram is listed as doubtful.***
36.*Alexander Mattison MIN at GB
Note: This ranking obviously presumes that Dalvin Cook will play. If Cook is out, Mattison will probably go somewhere between 15-20. It still looks as if Cook will play, but I wouldn't be surprised if Mattison gets closer to 20-25 snaps instead of the 15 or so he got before Cook's injury.
37.*James White NE at BUF
Note: Only one target and no carries last week.
38.*Adrian Peterson DET vs. IND
Note: Added to the injury report Thursday with an abdomen injury.
39.Zack Moss BUF vs. NE
40.*Chris Carson SEA vs. SF
Note: Carson is considered week-to-week with a mid-foot sprain suffered in the second quarter on Sunday night. Likely won't practice this week and will be a game-time decision. ***Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, and will be a game-time decision. Hyde is doubtful. Carson is a 'true game-time decision.'***
41.*Damien Harris NE at BUF
Note: (Ankle) Back-to-back limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.***
42.*JaMycal Hasty SF at SEA
Note: Most of Hasty's 10 touches for 73 yards came after Jeff Wilson left with an ankle injury. ***Tevin Coleman has been activated, which makes me lower Hasty in the rankings.***
43.*D'Ernest Johnson CLE vs. LV
Note: Had only one carry for three yards in the win over the Bengals, but I still don't mind holding onto him in the event that Kareem Hunt gets hurt. Nick Chubb could be back in Week 10, but it's not a certainty.
44.Benny Snell PIT at BAL
45.Nyheim Hines IND at DET
46.Jeremy McNichols TEN at CIN
47.Tony Pollard DAL at PHI
48.Jalen Richard LV at CLE
49.Brian Hill ATL at CAR
50.*Royce Freeman DEN vs. LAC
Note: Could get a little more work than usual if Phillip Lindsay's concussion keeps him out.
51.AJ Dillon GB vs. MIN
52.Corey Clement PHI vs. DAL
53.*Frank Gore NYJ at KC
Note: (Hand) Limited Wednesday, did not practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable.***
54.*Dion Lewis NYG vs. TB
Note: ***Devonta Freeman has been ruled out.***
55.Malcolm Brown LA at MIA
56.*Travis Homer SEA vs. SF
Note: Homer suffered a knee contusion in the loss to Arizona. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Game-time decision, as is Carson. Hyde is doubtful.***
57.Matt Breida MIA vs. LAR
58.*Cam Akers LA at MIA
Note: Only played three offensive snaps on Monday night.
59.Mike Boone MIN at GB
60.Jordan Wilkins IND at DET
61.Devontae Booker LV at CLE
62.*Darrel Williams KC vs. NYJ
Note: Only one offensive snap thanks to the addition of Le'Veon Bell.
63.Samaje Perine CIN vs. TEN
64.Ke'Shawn Vaughn TB at NYG
65.*Kerryon Johnson DET vs. IND
Note: Johnson was on the field against Atlanta but didn't have a carry or even a target.
66.*Mark Ingram BAL vs. PIT
Note: Ingram suffered an ankle injury prior to the bye week and his status for the game against the Steelers this week is uncertain. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful.***
67.*Carlos Hyde SEA vs. SF
Note: Hyde suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to the Cardinals. Even though he did not practice Wednesday, the Seahawks downplayed Hyde's injury so I'm provisionally moving Hyde up in the rankings with the assumption that he'll start. ***Now listed as doubtful.***
68.*Christian McCaffrey CAR vs. ATL
Note: I can't yet tell whether McCaffrey will return on Thursday or not - he's been designated to return from the IR, but that doesn't mean he'll be activated. He showed up to practice Tuesday with a red non-contact jersey, but then had a regular jersey later at practice. My guess is that he still doesn't play for one more week, but if it's clear he'll play, he'll be in the top 10 and Mike Davis drops to around 30 or so. Officially ruled out for Friday night.
69.*Miles Sanders PHI vs. DAL
Note: (Knee) Termed 'day-to-day' but hasn't yet practiced this week.
70.*Aaron Jones GB vs. MIN
Note: (Calf) Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, and coach Matt LaFleur said that the Packers would be 'very careful' with Jones this week. ***Ruled out this week.***
71.*Joe Mixon CIN vs. TEN
Note: (Foot) Remains 'day-to-day' after missing Week 7 against the Browns. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.***
72.*Devonta Freeman NYG vs. TB
Note: Freeman (ankle) was a non-participant in Tuesday's practice. The Giants play on Monday night. Did not practice Thursday. ***Ruled out for Monday night.***
73.*Jeff Wilson SF at SEA
Note: Wilson (ankle) is expected to land on IR this week. ***Officially placed on IR by the Niners on Saturday.***
74.*Raheem Mostert SF at SEA
Note: Week 2 of being on the IR for a high-ankle sprain.

Wide Receivers

1.Davante Adams GB vs. MIN
2.*Julio Jones ATL at CAR
Note: (Hip) Limited on Monday and Tuesday, but removed from the injury list Wednesday.
3.DK Metcalf SEA vs. SF
4.Kenny Golladay DET vs. IND
5.Adam Thielen MIN at GB
6.*A.J. Brown TEN at CIN
Note: (Knee) Full practice Wednesday, rest day on Thursday.
7.Tyreek Hill KC vs. NYJ
8.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. SF
9.Calvin Ridley ATL at CAR
10.Keenan Allen LAC at DEN
11.Justin Jefferson MIN at GB
12.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. TEN
13.*Stefon Diggs BUF vs. NE
Note: ***Stephon Gilmore has been ruled out.***
14.Travis Fulgham PHI vs. DAL
15.DJ Moore CAR vs. ATL
16.Cooper Kupp LA at MIA
17.*Diontae Johnson PIT at BAL
Note: (Toe) Did not practice Wednesday - also dealt with an ankle injury late in the win over Tennessee. Full practice on Thursday.
18.Amari Cooper DAL at PHI
19.Robby Anderson CAR vs. ATL
20.Robert Woods LA at MIA
21.Tee Higgins CIN vs. TEN
22.*Brandon Aiyuk SF at SEA
Note: Aiyuk led the 49ers with six catches for 115 yards last week and now Deebo Samuel (hamstring) is out for multiple weeks.
23.*Mike Evans TB at NYG
Note: ***Will likely draw James Bradberry.***
24.*Allen Robinson CHI vs. NO
Note: Shaken up late with an 'upper-body' hit late in the loss Monday night and is in the concussion protocol. Did not participate in Thursday's practice. ***Once listed as doubtful, Robinson has now been cleared from the concussion protocol and is expected to play.***
25.Marquise Brown BAL vs. PIT
26.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at BAL
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. Full go on Thursday.
27.A.J. Green CIN vs. TEN
28.*Jalen Reagor PHI vs. DAL
Note: (Thumb) Returned to practice Wednesday and possibly could return this week. Medically cleared to play and is expected to go on Sunday night. ***Officially activated from the IR and will play.***
29.Kendrick Bourne SF at SEA
30.Preston Williams MIA vs. LAR
31.*Sterling Shepard NYG vs. TB
Note: (Shoulder/Toe) Limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list after a full practice Saturday.***
32.*Jarvis Landry CLE vs. LV
Note: (Ribs/Hip) Limited in practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, cleared from the injury list.***
33.Nelson Agholor LV at CLE
34.Greg Ward PHI vs. DAL
35.T.Y. Hilton IND at DET
36.*DeVante Parker MIA vs. LAR
Note: (Groin) Limited in practice Wednesday. He could be facing Jalen Ramsey on Sunday with a rookie QB making his debut. Limited in practice again Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, cleared from the injury list.***
37.Mike Williams LAC at DEN
38.Chase Claypool PIT at BAL
39.Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. LAC
40.Tre'Quan Smith NO at CHI
41.Corey Davis TEN at CIN
42.Darius Slayton NYG vs. TB
43.Rashard Higgins CLE vs. LV
44.Cole Beasley BUF vs. NE
45.*CeeDee Lamb DAL at PHI
Note: Getting crushed by the Cowboys' offensive woes - Lamb was shut out on five targets last week.
46.Henry Ruggs LV at CLE
47.*Deonte Harris NO at CHI
Note: ***Should see a lot of targets this week with Thomas, Sanders and Callaway all out.***
48.*Scotty Miller TB at NYG
Note: Could have an expanded role on Monday with Chris Godwin ruled out and Antonio Brown not yet eligible to play. Limited at Thursday's practice. ***Full practice Saturday, cleared to play.***
49.Curtis Samuel CAR vs. ATL
50.*Russell Gage ATL at CAR
Note: (Knee) Does not have an injury designation for Thursday night's game.
51.Marvin Jones DET vs. IND
52.*John Brown BUF vs. NE
Note: (Knee) Full participant in Wednesday's practice. ***Full practice all week, cleared from the injury list.***
53.*Tyler Johnson TB at NYG
Note: Could have an expanded role with Chris Godwin out.
54.Demarcus Robinson KC vs. NYJ
55.Michael Gallup DAL at PHI
56.John Hightower PHI vs. DAL
57.*Darnell Mooney CHI vs. NO
Note: Led the team in targets Monday night ... albeit with seven, for 40 yards.
58.KJ Hamler DEN vs. LAC
59.Denzel Mims NYJ at KC
60.Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB vs. MIN
61.Adam Humphries TEN at CIN
62.Jalen Guyton LAC at DEN
63.*Damiere Byrd NE at BUF
Note: Likely the top active WR option this week if both Edelman and Harry are out.
64.Zach Pascal IND at DET
65.James Washington PIT at BAL
66.*Jakobi Meyers NE at BUF
Note: Could be the Pats' second starting wide receiver this week if both Edelman and Harry are out.
67.*Michael Pittman IND at DET
Note: (Lower Leg) Began his 21-day window to return from the IR on Wednesday. ***Officially activated from the IR.***
68.Mecole Hardman KC vs. NYJ
69.Anthony Miller CHI vs. NO
70.Golden Tate NYG vs. TB
71.Marcus Johnson IND at DET
72.Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE vs. LV
73.*Cordarrelle Patterson CHI vs. NO
Note: (Quadriceps) Did no practice Wednesday. ***Only one limited practice this week, but while he's listed as questionable, he's expected to play.***
74.Kalif Raymond TEN at CIN
75.Hunter Renfrow LV at CLE
76.Jeff Smith NYJ at KC
77.David Moore SEA vs. SF
78.Gabriel Davis BUF vs. NE
79.Cedrick Wilson DAL at PHI
80.*Jamison Crowder NYJ at KC
Note: (Groin) Held out last week and did not practice Wednesday. Returned to a limited practice Thursday. ***Downgraded to doubtful.***
81.*Bryan Edwards LV at CLE
Note: (Ankle/Foot) Practiced Wednesday for the first time since Week 3. ***Limited practices all week, listed as questionable.***
82.*Tim Patrick DEN vs. LAC
Note: (Hamstring) Day-to-day, but didn't practice Wednesday. Sat out practice Thursday. ***Remains a true game-time decision.***
83.*Breshad Perriman NYJ at KC
Note: (Concussion) Did not practice Wednesday. Held out again Thursday.
84.*Michael Thomas NO at CHI
Note: (Hamstring) Ruled out last week on Friday, could be dicey this week. He did not practice Wednesday. Limited practice Thursday - after last week, I'm going to wait until he gets in a full practice before moving him back up. ***Ruled out again this week.***
85.*N'Keal Harry NE at BUF
Note: Left with a concussion on Sunday and did not practice Wednesday. Sat out practice again on Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.***
86.*Allen Lazard GB vs. MIN
Note: (Abdomen) Returned to practice on Wednesday, beginning his 21-day window to come off the IR. ***Not coming off the IR this week.***
87.*Sammy Watkins KC vs. NYJ
Note: (Hamstring) Did not practice Wednesday. Still out on Thursday. ***Ruled out again this week.***
88.*Marquez Callaway NO at CHI
Note: (Ankle) Held out of practice Wednesday. Increased activity to a limited practice Thursday. ***Ruled out this week.***
89.*Julian Edelman NE at BUF
Note: (Knee) Still getting limited reps in practice. Underwent a surgical procedure to address his chronic knee issues is expected to miss 'some period of time.' ***Placed on IR - out a minimum of three weeks.***
90.*Emmanuel Sanders NO at CHI
Note: COVID-Reserve - ineligible to play this week. ***On schedule to return in Week 9.***
91.*Alshon Jeffery PHI vs. DAL
Note: (Calf) Didn't practice Wednesday. Hasn't yet played this season. ***Ruled out again this week.***
92.*Deebo Samuel SF at SEA
Note: Samuel will miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring pull.
93.*Chris Godwin TB at NYG
Note: Godwin will miss at least this week after having surgery on his finger.
94.*DeSean Jackson PHI vs. DAL
Note: Out 4-6 weeks with torn ankle ligaments.
95.*Odell Beckham CLE vs. LV
Note: Torn ACL - out for the season.

Tight Ends

1.George Kittle SF at SEA
2.Travis Kelce KC vs. NYJ
3.Mark Andrews BAL vs. PIT
4.Darren Waller LV at CLE
5.*Jonnu Smith TEN at CIN
Note: The Bengals just gave up three touchdowns to tight ends against the Browns.
6.T.J. Hockenson DET vs. IND
7.*Rob Gronkowski TB at NYG
Note: Gronk is coming off a very productive game, Chris Godwin is out, and the Giants really struggle against tight ends. (Shoulder) Limited Thursday, in the Bucs' first practice of the week. ***Cleared to play after a full practice Saturday.***
8.Hayden Hurst ATL at CAR
9.Hunter Henry LAC at DEN
10.Jared Cook NO at CHI
11.*Noah Fant DEN vs. LAC
Note: (Ankle) Limited on Wednesday, full practice on Thursday.
12.*Robert Tonyan GB vs. MIN
Note: (Ankle) Full participant in Thursday's practice.
13.*Mike Gesicki MIA vs. LAR
Note: Gesicki is tough to rank, as he was shut out before the bye, but the Jets paid particularly close attention to him. Plus, he has a new QB to adjust to.
14.*Harrison Bryant CLE vs. LV
Note: ***Austin Hooper has been ruled out again.***
15.*Richard Rodgers PHI vs. DAL
Note: ***Dallas Goedert has been activated from the IR, which will likely cut into Rodgers' targets.***
16.*Gerald Everett LA at MIA
Note: (Illness) Everett had a full practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday.
17.Trey Burton IND at DET
18.*Dallas Goedert PHI vs. DAL
Note: (Tibia/Ankle) Returned to practice this week and hasn't yet been ruled out for Week 8. My guess is that he'll still wait until after the Eagles' bye week, which is Week 9. ***Activated from the IR on Saturday, and it looks like he'll play.***
19.Dalton Schultz DAL at PHI
20.Jimmy Graham CHI vs. NO
21.*Eric Ebron PIT at BAL
Note: (Elbow) Full practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday.
22.Drew Sample CIN vs. TEN
23.*Cole Kmet CHI vs. NO
Note: (Back) Full practice Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.
24.Evan Engram NYG vs. TB
25.Irv Smith MIN at GB
26.Anthony Firkser TEN at CIN
27.Tyler Kroft BUF vs. NE
28.David Njoku CLE vs. LV
29.Kyle Rudolph MIN at GB
30.Greg Olsen SEA vs. SF
31.Albert Okwuegbunam DEN vs. LAC
32.Jack Doyle IND at DET
33.Chris Herndon NYJ at KC
34.Ian Thomas CAR vs. ATL
35.Johnny Mundt LA at MIA
36.*Adam Shaheen MIA vs. LAR
Note: ***(Shoulder) Listed as questionable.***
37.Will Dissly SEA vs. SF
38.*Mo Alie-Cox IND at DET
Note: Was out before the bye. (Knee) Sat out Wednesday, limited on Thursday. ***Game-time decision.***
39.*Tyler Higbee LA at MIA
Note: (Hand) Inactive on Monday night. Limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as questionable but pushing to play.***
40.*Dawson Knox BUF vs. NE
Note: COVID-IR.
41.*Austin Hooper CLE vs. LV
Note: Coming off an appendectomy - his status for Week 8 is uncertain, but that the Browns have the bye in Week 9 would support the idea of giving him another week off. Not yet practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. ***Officially ruled out.***

Flex (RB/WR/TE)

1.Derrick Henry TEN at CIN
2.Alvin Kamara NO at CHI
3.Davante Adams GB vs. MIN
4.*Julio Jones ATL at CAR
Note: (Hip) Limited on Monday and Tuesday, but removed from the injury list Wednesday.
5.DK Metcalf SEA vs. SF
6.Kenny Golladay DET vs. IND
7.Adam Thielen MIN at GB
8.*A.J. Brown TEN at CIN
Note: (Knee) Full practice Wednesday, rest day on Thursday.
9.*Kareem Hunt CLE vs. LV
Note: (Ribs) Limited to begin the week. ***Not on the final injury list.***
10.*Boston Scott PHI vs. DAL
Note: So far no practice this week for Miles Sanders. ***Sanders is officially out.***
11.George Kittle SF at SEA
12.Travis Kelce KC vs. NYJ
13.Tyreek Hill KC vs. NYJ
14.Tyler Lockett SEA vs. SF
15.Calvin Ridley ATL at CAR
16.Keenan Allen LAC at DEN
17.*Mike Davis CAR vs. ATL
Note: This ranking obviously presumes that CMC sits out one more week. If McCaffrey does play, Davis drops somewhere around 30. McCaffrey has officially been ruled out.
18.*Ezekiel Elliott DAL at PHI
Note: The Cowboys' OL and QB implosion is also hurting Elliott - he had 3.8 yards per carry last week, with fewer offensive plays to go around, and only two targets last week.
19.*Dalvin Cook MIN at GB
Note: Because the Vikings are coming off the bye week, I'm guessing that Cook returns this week, and I realize that's a bit of a double-standard compared to Mark Ingram. Though Cook has had limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, head coach Mike Zimmer said he expects Cook to play, and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said that Cook won't be on a pitch count. ***Officially cleared to play.***
20.*Jamaal Williams GB vs. MIN
Note: Right now I'm presuming Aaron Jones isn't playing - I'll downgrade Williams by 20 or so slots if it looks like Jones will play. ***Jones is officially out.***
21.Justin Jefferson MIN at GB
22.Tyler Boyd CIN vs. TEN
23.Travis Fulgham PHI vs. DAL
24.*James Conner PIT at BAL
Note: Conner should have had a much bigger day against the Titans - he had one touchdown called back, got tackled at the one-yard line on another play and dropped a pass in the end zone on the subsequent play, only to get vultured by Benny Snell on the play after that for the touchdown.
25.*Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC vs. NYJ
Note: Edwards-Helaire scored early and looked great doing so, and it looked like it was going to be a huge night, but with the rout on early, he only netted three carries.
26.Todd Gurley ATL at CAR
27.Myles Gaskin MIA vs. LAR
28.Jonathan Taylor IND at DET
29.*Josh Jacobs LV at CLE
Note: (Knee) Back-to-back limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. ***Off the final injury report.***
30.*D'Andre Swift DET vs. IND
Note: Swift had a 45 percent snap share, which is higher than he's been getting but was still disappointing considering he's been more productive than Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson. That percentage could increase in future weeks as he continues to produce.
31.DJ Moore CAR vs. ATL
32.Cooper Kupp LA at MIA
33.*Diontae Johnson PIT at BAL
Note: (Toe) Did not practice Wednesday - also dealt with an ankle injury late in the win over Tennessee. Full practice on Thursday.
34.*Stefon Diggs BUF vs. NE
Note: ***Stephon Gilmore has been ruled out.***
35.Amari Cooper DAL at PHI
36.Robby Anderson CAR vs. ATL
37.Mark Andrews BAL vs. PIT
38.*Giovani Bernard CIN vs. TEN
Note: ***Mixon is officially out.***
39.*Melvin Gordon DEN vs. LAC
Note: Lost two fumbles, one of which was a comically bad lateral on a flea-flicker play, but also scored a touchdown, plus Phillip Lindsay suffered a concussion in the loss to the Chiefs. ***It looks as if Lindsay will be active, barring a setback on Sunday morning.***
40.Robert Woods LA at MIA
41.*Mike Evans TB at NYG
Note: ***Will likely draw James Bradberry.***
42.Tee Higgins CIN vs. TEN
43.*Brandon Aiyuk SF at SEA
Note: Aiyuk led the 49ers with six catches for 115 yards last week and now Deebo Samuel (hamstring) is out for multiple weeks.
44.*DeVante Parker MIA vs. LAR
Note: (Groin) Limited in practice Wednesday. He could be facing Jalen Ramsey on Sunday with a rookie QB making his debut. Limited in practice again Thursday. ***Full practice Friday, cleared from the injury list.***
45.Darren Waller LV at CLE
46.*Jonnu Smith TEN at CIN
Note: The Bengals just gave up three touchdowns to tight ends against the Browns.
47.*Leonard Fournette TB at NYG
Note: Taking over the targets after yet another RoJo drop, and full series as well. At least until his next injury. ***Bruce Arians described Fournette as his 'nickel back' - which isn't as promising as I'd want with him.***
48.David Montgomery CHI vs. NO
49.*Ronald Jones TB at NYG
Note: Dropped another pass and lost a ton of playing time to Leonard Fournette as a result, including a goal line series.
50.Marquise Brown BAL vs. PIT
51.Greg Ward PHI vs. DAL
52.*JuJu Smith-Schuster PIT at BAL
Note: (Knee) Did not practice Wednesday. Full go on Thursday.
53.A.J. Green CIN vs. TEN
54.T.Y. Hilton IND at DET
55.Darrell Henderson LA at MIA
56.*Jerick McKinnon SF at SEA
Note: Could be in line to start this week with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson now out, but he was given a non-disclosed ahead of time 'rest game' last week. There's a chance that Tevin Coleman could be activated from the IR this week, though, which will muddle things up appropriately. Coleman has been activated from IR and will share in the carries along with McKinnon and Hasty. There have also been some reports of McKinnon dealing with a 'tired leg.'
57.T.J. Hockenson DET vs. IND
58.*Rob Gronkowski TB at NYG
Note: Gronk is coming off a very productive game, Chris Godwin is out, and the Giants really struggle against tight ends. (Shoulder) Limited Thursday, in the Bucs' first practice of the week. ***Cleared to play after a full practice Saturday.***
59.Devin Singletary BUF vs. NE
60.*Justin Jackson LAC at DEN
Note: Jackson's workload might have been limited because of the knee injury that inhibited him in practice during the week - he had seven fewer touches than Joshua Kelley, but still tallied two more yards.
61.*Gus Edwards BAL vs. PIT
Note: Mark Ingram could be out this week. The matchup isn't great, but Edwards could get more opportunities this week. ***Ingram is listed as doubtful.***
62.*CeeDee Lamb DAL at PHI
Note: Getting crushed by the Cowboys' offensive woes - Lamb was shut out on five targets last week.
63.*Sterling Shepard NYG vs. TB
Note: (Shoulder/Toe) Limited practice Thursday. ***Cleared from the injury list after a full practice Saturday.***
64.*Julian Edelman NE at BUF
Note: (Knee) Still getting limited reps in practice. Underwent a surgical procedure to address his chronic knee issues is expected to miss 'some period of time.' ***Placed on IR - out a minimum of three weeks.***
65.Preston Williams MIA vs. LAR
66.*Tim Patrick DEN vs. LAC
Note: (Hamstring) Day-to-day, but didn't practice Wednesday. Sat out practice Thursday. ***Remains a true game-time decision.***
67.*DeeJay Dallas SEA vs. SF
Note: It took an epic Odyssey of injuries to Carson, Hyde and Homer to get Dallas on the field, but he may be the starter this week for the Seahawks. Rashaad Penny is unlikely to return. The Seahawks downplayed Hyde's hamstring injury, even though he didn't practice Wednesday. My guess is that Hyde starts and that Dallas will be the passing downs back - but that's just an early guess. ***Only back to practice Wednesday or Thursday. Hyde is now doubtful, Carson and Homer are questionable and game-time decisions.***
68.*Rex Burkhead NE at BUF
Note: Appears to be the lead guy in the backfield committee, at least for now.
69.Le'Veon Bell KC vs. NYJ
70.La'Mical Perine NYJ at KC
71.Joshua Kelley LAC at DEN
72.*Jarvis Landry CLE vs. LV
Note: (Ribs/Hip) Limited in practice Wednesday. ***Full practice Friday, cleared from the injury list.***
73.Nelson Agholor LV at CLE
74.Mike Williams LAC at DEN
75.Chase Claypool PIT at BAL
76.Tre'Quan Smith NO at CHI
77.Jerry Jeudy DEN vs. LAC
78.Corey Davis TEN at CIN
79.*J.K. Dobbins BAL vs. PIT
Note: I'm operating under the presumption that Mark Ingram won't play this week. But even if he does, I have a gut feeling that the Ravens will employ Dobbins more frequently after their bye. ***Ingram is listed as doubtful.***
80.Latavius Murray NO at CHI
81.*Wayne Gallman NYG vs. TB
Note: Gallman should get more opportunities if Devonta Freeman's ankle injury keeps him out, but those opportunities will come against the Bucs' defense. ***Will start with Freeman ruled out.***
82.Darius Slayton NYG vs. TB
83.Cole Beasley BUF vs. NE
84.Hayden Hurst ATL at CAR
85.Hunter Henry LAC at DEN
86.Jared Cook NO at CHI
87.*JaMycal Hasty SF at SEA
Note: Most of Hasty's 10 touches for 73 yards came after Jeff Wilson left with an ankle injury. ***Tevin Coleman has been activated, which makes me lower Hasty in the rankings.***
88.*Adrian Peterson DET vs. IND
Note: Added to the injury report Thursday with an abdomen injury.
89.*Damien Harris NE at BUF
Note: (Ankle) Back-to-back limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. ***Limited all week, listed as questionable.***
90.Kendrick Bourne SF at SEA
91.Henry Ruggs LV at CLE

Kickers

1.Justin Tucker BAL vs. PIT
2.Harrison Butker KC vs. NYJ
3.Wil Lutz NO at CHI
4.Rodrigo Blankenship IND at DET
5.Robbie Gould SF at SEA
6.Younghoe Koo ATL at CAR
7.Jason Myers SEA vs. SF
8.Matt Prater DET vs. IND
9.Chris Boswell PIT at BAL
10.Brandon McManus DEN vs. LAC
11.Ryan Succop TB at NYG
12.Michael Badgley LAC at DEN
13.Jake Elliott PHI vs. DAL
14.Joey Slye CAR vs. ATL
15.Stephen Gostkowski TEN at CIN
16.Daniel Carlson LV at CLE
17.Jason Sanders MIA vs. LAR
18.Cody Parkey CLE vs. LV
19.Tyler Bass BUF vs. NE
20.Randy Bullock CIN vs. TEN
21.*Mason Crosby GB vs. MIN
Note: (Calf/Back) Non-participant in practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Free agent Nick Vogel is the most likely replacement if Crosby isn't ready by Sunday. ***Packers decided not to bring in another active kicker.***
22.*Kai Forbath LA at MIA
Note: Taking over as the Rams' kicker.
23.*Graham Gano NYG vs. TB
Note: ***(Leg) Not listed on the Giants' final injury report.***
24.Dan Bailey MIN at GB
25.Cairo Santos CHI vs. NO
26.Nick Folk NE at BUF
27.Greg Zuerlein DAL at PHI
28.*Sergio Castillo NYJ at KC
Note: Reverting back to the practice squad, which is an automatic move as the replacement for Sam Ficken (groin). ***Ficken is doubtful.***
29.*Sam Ficken NYJ at KC
Note: Sat out last week with a groin injury - we're awaiting the Jets' announcement of his exam on Monday. Sat out practice Wednesday, limited practice Thursday. ***Listed as doubtful - Sergio Castillo will kick again.***
30.*Samuel Sloman at
Note: Cut by the Rams.

Defenses

1.Philadelphia Eagles vs. DAL
2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NYG
3.Kansas City Chiefs vs. NYJ
4.Buffalo Bills vs. NE
5.Los Angeles Chargers at DEN
6.New Orleans Saints at CHI
7.Los Angeles Rams at MIA
8.Chicago Bears vs. NO
9.Green Bay Packers vs. MIN
10.Indianapolis Colts at DET
11.Baltimore Ravens vs. PIT
12.Pittsburgh Steelers at BAL
13.Tennessee Titans at CIN
14.Miami Dolphins vs. LAR
15.*Detroit Lions vs. IND
Note: Traded for Everson Griffen on Tuesday.
16.*New England Patriots at BUF
Note: ***Stephon Gilmore has been ruled out.***
17.Cleveland Browns vs. LV
18.Carolina Panthers vs. ATL
19.Las Vegas Raiders at CLE
20.Seattle Seahawks vs. SF
21.San Francisco 49ers at SEA
22.New York Giants vs. TB
23.Atlanta Falcons at CAR
24.Dallas Cowboys at PHI
25.Minnesota Vikings at GB
26.Cincinnati Bengals vs. TEN
27.Denver Broncos vs. LAC
28.New York Jets at KC
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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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