Rest of season rankings: 2019 finale

Check out the final installment of our 2019 of fantasy football season-long rankings.

(Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports)

NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR.

There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work. Defensive teams have been added but will not have analysis.

This is the final installment of 2019.

QUARTERBACKS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Patrick Mahomes
KC
12
2
Lamar Jackson
BAL
8
3
Russell Wilson
SEA
11
4
Dak Prescott
DAL
8
5
4
Deshaun Watson
HOU
10
6
Aaron Rodgers
GB
11
7
Kyler Murray
ARI
12
8
9
Drew Brees
NO
9
9
Matt Ryan
ATL
9
10
Kirk Cousins
MIN
12
11
Jameis Winston
TB
7
12
11
Tom Brady
NE
10
13
18
Baker Mayfield
CLE
7
14
Carson Wentz
PHI
10
15
Josh Allen
BUF
6
16
23
Jimmy Garoppolo
SF
4
17
25
Ryan Tannehill
TEN
11
18
Derek Carr
OAK
6
19
Daniel Jones
NYG
11
20
19
Ryan Fitzpatrick
MIA
5
21
16
Jacoby Brissett
IND
6
22
Philip Rivers
LAC
12
23
17
Jared Goff
LAR
9
24
Sam Darnold
NYJ
4
25
39
Andy Dalton
CIN
9
26
Kyle Allen
CAR
7
27
Nick Foles
JAC
10
28
21
M. Stafford
DET
5
29
30
Mitchell Trubisky
CHI
6
30
Jeff Driskel
DET
5
31
Brandon Allen
DEN
10
32
Dwayne Haskins
WAS
10
33
NR
Devlin Hodges
PIT
7
34
35
Gardner Minshew
JAC
10
35
29
Mason Rudolph
PIT
7
36
40
Drew Lock
DEN
10
37
Chase Daniel
CHI
6
38
Marcus Mariota
TEN
11
39
Josh Rosen
MIA
5
40
Case Keenum
WAS
10

QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

This is the final re-ranking column for the year, so expect more tweaks and projections than usual since future adjustments won’t be happening. Let’s start with Stafford (back), who missed a third consecutive game. The loss to the Redskins makes the rest of the year academic — and quite honestly it’s better for Detroit to lose and improve their draft slot. I don’t care how “maniacal” Stafford is about returning this season, the team needs to step in and tell him to get healthy for 2020. I’m guessing that’s what happens and moving him down. Jeff Driskel has been all right, but Sunday was brutal.

Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

I’ve seen enough of Goff and the 2019 Rams offense. The former No. 1 pick finished November with ZERO touchdown passes and five interceptions. Yes, he faced three tough defenses, but he had Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley out there Monday night and looked lost. It would not surprise me if an “injured” Goff gives way to Blake Bortles at some point.

Others of note

Everyone in my top five has, on paper, a very tough closing schedule except Russell Wilson. There are no adjustments coming from that, but I thought it was worth pointing out … Baker Mayfield has looked much better recently and still has two games with the Bengals and one with Arizona on the schedule. He could have some nice QB1 numbers down the stretch … Same deal with Ryan Tannehill, who has played better than expected and faces some struggling secondaries in December … Ryan Finley has been pulled for Andy Dalton; I don’t think the Red Rifle is playable, but he should help guys like Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd carry more value … One other switch of note is Mason Rudolph giving way to Devlin Hodges. That’s not a great situation for anyone involved in the Steelers passing game.

RUNNING BACKS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Christian McCaffrey
CAR
7
2
Dalvin Cook
MIN
12
3
5
Alvin Kamara
NO
9
4
Ezekiel Elliott
DAL
8
5
8
Nick Chubb
CLE
7
6
Saquon Barkley
NYG
11
7
4
Aaron Jones
GB
11
8
Josh Jacobs
OAK
6
9
Leonard Fournette
JAC
10
10
13
Derrick Henry
TEN
11
11
Le’Veon Bell
NYJ
4
12
Melvin Gordon III
LAC
12
13
9
Chris Carson
SEA
11
14
Mark Ingram II
BAL
8
15
11
Todd Gurley II
LAR
9
16
Phillip Lindsay
DEN
10
17
Carlos Hyde
HOU
10
18
Joe Mixon
CIN
9
19
Austin Ekeler
LAC
12
20
28
Devonta Freeman
ATL
9
21
27
Devin Singletary
BUF
6
22
Kenyan Drake
ARI
12
23
17
James Conner
PIT
7
24
Damien Williams
KC
12
25
Sony Michel
NE
10
26
30
Miles Sanders
PHI
10
27
19
Jordan Howard
PHI
10
28
22
James White
NE
10
29
23
Tevin Coleman
SF
4
30
NR
Jonathan Williams
IND
6
31
34
Matt Breida
SF
4
32
29
David Montgomery
CHI
6
33
Ronald Jones II
TB
7
34
46
Bo Scarbrough
DET
5
35
Latavius Murray
NO
9
36
Kareem Hunt
CLE
7
37
Jamaal Williams
GB
11
38
Duke Johnson
HOU
10
39
44
Tarik Cohen
CHI
6
40
Chase Edmonds
ARI
12
41
45
Frank Gore
BUF
6
42
51
Rashaad Penny
SEA
11
43
Derrius Guice
WAS
10
44
NR
Benny Snell
PIT
7
45
41
Kalen Ballage
MIA
5
46
Peyton Barber
TB
7
47
40
Royce Freeman
DEN
10
48
47
Adrian Peterson
WAS
10
49
Alexander Mattison
MIN
12
50
32
David Johnson
ARI
12
51
Nyheim Hines
IND
6
52
LeSean McCoy
KC
12
53
NR
Gus Edwards
BAL
8
54
Tony Pollard
DAL
8
55
Raheem Mostert
SF
4
56
38
Jaylen Samuels
PIT
7
57
Giovani Bernard
CIN
9
58
Malcolm Brown
LAR
9
59
53
Brian Hill
ATL
9
60
NR
Ty Johnson
DET
5
61
Marlon Mack
IND
6
62
NR
Jay Ajayi
PHI
10
63
Ryquell Armstead
JAC
10
64
56
Darrell Henderson
LAR
9
65
Darrel Williams
KC
12
66
Jalen Richard
OAK
6
67
Chris Thompson
WAS
10
68
Reggie Bonnafon
CAR
7
69
Justin Jackson
LAC
12
70
Dion Lewis
TEN
11

RUNNING BACK MOVEMENT

Arizona Cardinals

Chase Edmonds (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 13, but all signs point to this being Kenyan Drake’s job with Edmonds and perhaps David Johnson sprinkled in. We’ll know more after Sunday, but I’m left to speculate without ever seeing the Cardinals take the field with all three backs healthy. My final read is Drake as an RB2, Edmonds as a flex and Johnson as someone to hold in reserve just in case there are injuries or the Cardinals change course.

Indianapolis Colts

A week ago I thought Jordan Wilkins (ankle) would be the back to own with Marlon Mack (hand) out. No more. Jonathan Williams broke off a second consecutive 100-plus-yard performance, and I’d be shocked if the Colts didn’t keep feeding him the ball. As such, Williams is in as an RB3 with Wilkins departing the rankings — I don’t see him getting more than a few touches. There’s still no timeline on Mack, who I’ve dropped toward the bottom, though I wouldn’t get rid of him just yet.

Pittsburgh Steelers

There isn’t much news relating to James Conner (shoulder) and his injury, but one thing was made clear in Week 12: Benny Snell is the preferred backup over Jaylen Samuels. The only caveat to that is Samuels’ best game came in Hodges’ lone start, and he’s taking the reins going forward.

[lawrence-related id=447172]

Others of note

It sounds like Devonta Freeman (foot) could play on Thanksgiving, and after getting nothing out of Brian Hill as a starter I’m sure the Falcons are anxious to have Freeman back on the field … Anyone else mildly concerned about Chris Carson’s fumbling problems? I wonder if that’ll crack open the door for Rashaad Penny, who was good against the Eagles … Kareem Hunt’s return hasn’t impacted Nick Chubb at all, and better play from Mayfield should open things up for Chubb, who has earned a top-five slot … Bo Scarborough has looked decent, and the Lions don’t want to throw a million times if it’s Driskel instead of Stafford.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Michael Thomas
NO
9
2
DeAndre Hopkins
HOU
10
3
Julio Jones
ATL
9
4
Mike Evans
TB
7
5
Tyreek Hill
KC
12
6
Chris Godwin
TB
7
7
6
Davante Adams
GB
11
8
9
Julian Edelman
NE
10
9
Amari Cooper
DAL
8
10
Stefon Diggs
MIN
12
11
16
D.J. Moore
CAR
7
12
Adam Thielen
MIN
12
13
13
Tyler Lockett
SEA
11
14
11
Kenny Golladay
DET
5
15
Keenan Allen
LAC
12
16
John Brown
BUF
6
17
10
Cooper Kupp
LAR
9
18
14
Odell Beckham Jr.
CLE
7
19
32
Tyler Boyd
CIN
9
20
DJ Chark Jr.
JAC
10
21
29
T.Y. Hilton
IND
6
22
Calvin Ridley
ATL
9
23
18
Courtland Sutton
DEN
10
24
Christian Kirk
ARI
12
25
30
Jarvis Landry
CLE
7
26
Robert Woods
LAR
9
27
Michael Gallup
DAL
8
28
22
Golden Tate
NYG
11
29
26
Marvin Jones Jr.
DET
5
30
51
Will Fuller V
HOU
10
31
20
JuJu Smith-Schuster
PIT
7
32
DeVante Parker
MIA
5
33
35
Allen Robinson II
CHI
6
34
Terry McLaurin
WAS
10
35
Mike Williams
LAC
12
36
31
Brandin Cooks
LAR
9
37
33
Alshon Jeffery
PHI
10
38
Tyrell Williams
OAK
6
39
Sammy Watkins
KC
12
40
Emmanuel Sanders
SF
4
41
DK Metcalf
SEA
11
42
47
Deebo Samuel
SF
4
43
49
Randall Cobb
DAL
8
44
Jamison Crowder
NYJ
4
45
53
Dede Westbrook
JAC
10
46
Larry Fitzgerald
ARI
12
47
50
Cole Beasley
BUF
6
48
Marquise Brown
BAL
8
49
43
Curtis Samuel
CAR
7
50
56
Darius Slayton
NYG
11
51
59
A.J. Brown
TEN
11
52
Nelson Agholor
PHI
10
53
48
Josh Gordon
SEA
11
54
60
Chris Conley
JAC
10
55
64
James Washington
PIT
7
56
44
Mohamed Sanu
NE
10
57
69
Allen Hurns
MIA
5
58
68
Robby Anderson
NYJ
4
59
54
Corey Davis
TEN
11
60
Allen Lazard
GB
11
61
71
Auden Tate
CIN
9
62
Demaryius Thomas
NYJ
10
63
72
Sterling Shepard
NYG
11
64
Mecole Hardman
KC
12
65
73
Anthony Miller
CHI
6
66
80
N’Keal Harry
NE
10
67
Danny Amendola
DET
5
68
46
Hunter Renfrow
OAK
6
69
Phillip Dorsett II
NE
10
70
58
Taylor Gabriel
CHI
6
71
Tim Patrick
DEN
10
72
Adam Humphries
TEN
11
73
Andy Isabella
ARI
12
74
67
Kenny Stills
HOU
10
75
Willie Snead IV
BAL
8
76
Diontae Johnson
PIT
7
77
M. Valdes-Scantling
GB
11
78
55
Zach Pascal
IND
6
79
Tre’Quan Smith
NO
9
80
88
Trey Quinn
WAS
10
81
Pharoh Cooper
ARI
12
82
Chester Rogers
IND
6
83
Russell Gage
ATL
9
84
Ted Ginn Jr.
NO
9
85
Geronimo Allison
GB
11
86
Zay Jones
OAK
6
87
DeSean Jackson
PHI
10
88
Alex Erickson
CIN
9
89
Miles Boykin
BAL
8
90
79
Paul Richardson Jr.
WAS
10
91
81
Keke Coutee
HOU
10
92
Devin Funchess
IND
6
93
62
A.J. Green
CIN
9
94
John Ross
CIN
9
95
Antonio Brown
FA

WIDE RECEIVER MOVEMENT

New York Giants

There’s a lot of moving parts with the G-Men. Sterling Shepard finally returned in Week 12, just in time for Golden Tate (concussion) to suffer a head injury of his own. Darius Slayton remained involved even with Shepard back, but would a healthy Evan Engram (foot) affect the overall dynamic? I still like Tate as the top wideout and Slayton as a matchup play.

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Jones (shoulder) has a shoulder injury, but he’s one of those guys that’ll miss practice all week, check out of the game a half-dozen times doubled over in pain and still catch 10 passes for 170 yards and two scores. I think he’ll fight through it.

Others of note

It sounds like Tyreek Hill (hamstring) may not miss a single game with his hamstring injury … Speaking of hamstrings, Adam Thielen should return this week as well … Will Fuller is an every-week play when he’s healthy. His presence down the field opens up so much offensively for Deshaun Watson… As noted, Dalton’s return should be a positive for Boyd as well as Auden Tate and Alex Erickson; of those two, I’m rolling with Tate. As for A.J. Green (ankle), something tells me he’ll still be day-to-day in mid January … Denver’s passing game is just brutal right now, so I feel obligated to bump Courtland Sutton out of the top 20 … Hunter Renfrow (ribs) is set to miss time with a rib injury. That’s not enough to make me bump up Tyrell Williams, though.

TIGHT ENDS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Travis Kelce
KC
12
2
Zach Ertz
PHI
10
3
4
George Kittle
SF
4
4
Hunter Henry
LAC
12
5
Darren Waller
OAK
11
6
Jared Cook
NO
9
7
Mark Andrews
BAL
8
8
6
Evan Engram
NYG
7
9
Jacob Hollister
SEA
11
10
Austin Hooper
ATL
5
11
Greg Olsen
CAR
6
12
22
Jack Doyle
IND
6
13
Dallas Goedert
PHI
10
14
11
Noah Fant
DEN
10
15
16
Ryan Griffin
NYJ
4
16
Jimmy Graham
GB
11
17
Tyler Eifert
CIN
12
18
Kyle Rudolph
MIN
12
19
Gerald Everett
LAR
9
20
Mike Gesicki
MIA
7
21
18
Vance McDonald
PIT
6
22
O.J. Howard
TB
7
23
Cameron Brate
TB
7
24
T.J. Hockenson
DET
9
25
Delanie Walker
TEN
11
26
Jason Witten
DAL
8
27
Irv Smith
MIN
12
28
Jonnu Smith
TEN
11
29
David Njoku
CLE
7
30
28
Darren Fells
HOU
10

TIGHT END MOVEMENT

Others of note

George Kittle (ankle) is officially back, whereas Austin Hooper (knee) is unlikely to play on Thanksgiving but could return the following week … Eric Ebron (ankle) is done for the year, which should mean more targets for Jack Doyle; he’s someone I’d pluck off waivers immediately … Engram (foot) missed another game, and with the Giants eyeing up on a high pick I wonder how aggressive they’ll be in trying to get him back on the field … Does anyone hate fantasy football more than Bruce Arians? Rather than call a play for O.J. Howard or Cameron Brate at the goal line, Arians called Vita Vea’s number. Great. Thanks, Bruce. Awesome job.

DEFENSE

Rk
Mv
Team
Team
Bye
1
Patriots
NE
10
2
49ers
SF
4
3
Steelers
PIT
6
4
Ravens
BAL
8
5
Bills
BUF
9
6
9
Vikings
MIN
12
7
Saints
NO
9
8
7
Bears
CHI
6
9
6
Rams
LAR
9
10
15
Eagles
PHI
10
11
Seahawks
SEA
11
12
Colts
IND
6
13
Titans
TEN
11
14
21
Browns
CLE
7
15
Falcons
ATL
5
16
19
Packers
GB
11
17
Cowboys
DAL
8
18
12
Chargers
LAC
12
19
Texans
HOU
10
20
Panthers
CAR
6
21
28
Jets
NYJ
4
22
Broncos
DEN
10
23
Chiefs
KC
12
24
14
Jaguars
JAC
10
25
Raiders
OAK
11
26
Lions
DET
9
27
Giants
NYG
7
28
24
Cardinals
ARI
5
29
Buccaneers
TB
7
30
Dolphins
MIA
7
31
Redskins
WAS
10
32
Bengals
CIN
12

Rest of season rankings: Week 12

With the fantasy football playoffs fast approaching, it never hurts to look ahead if your spot has been secured

(Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY Sports)

NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR.

There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work. Defensive teams have been added but will not have analysis.

QUARTERBACKS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Patrick Mahomes
KC
12
2
3
Lamar Jackson
BAL
8
3
Russell Wilson
SEA
11
4
Deshaun Watson
HOU
10
5
6
Dak Prescott
DAL
8
6
Aaron Rodgers
GB
11
7
8
Kyler Murray
ARI
12
8
Matt Ryan
ATL
9
9
Drew Brees
NO
9
10
17
Kirk Cousins
MIN
12
11
9
Tom Brady
NE
10
12
Jameis Winston
TB
7
13
Carson Wentz
PHI
10
14
Josh Allen
BUF
6
15
Derek Carr
OAK
6
16
Jacoby Brissett
IND
6
17
15
Jared Goff
LAR
9
18
Baker Mayfield
CLE
7
19
22
Ryan Fitzpatrick
MIA
5
20
Daniel Jones
NYG
11
21
13
M. Stafford
DET
5
22
Philip Rivers
LAC
12
23
Jimmy Garoppolo
SF
4
24
27
Sam Darnold
NYJ
4
25
Ryan Tannehill
TEN
11
26
23
Kyle Allen
CAR
7
27
Nick Foles
JAC
10
28
36
Jeff Driskel
DET
5
29
Mason Rudolph
PIT
7
30
Mitchell Trubisky
CHI
6
31
Brandon Allen
DEN
10
32
Dwayne Haskins
WAS
10
33
Ryan Finley
CIN
9
34
NR
Chase Daniel
CHI
6
35
Gardner Minshew
JAC
10
36
Marcus Mariota
TEN
11
37
Josh Rosen
MIA
5
38
Case Keenum
WAS
10
39
Andy Dalton
CIN
9
40
Drew Lock
DEN
10

QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT

QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Stafford (back) missed his second straight game amid reports he was told it’s a six-week injury. While he could push to return earlier — that time frame would put him back in Week 16 — you have to wonder if he’ll be eventually be shut down. At 3-6-1, Detroit is done with the meaningful part of its schedule, and reinserting Stafford to play out the string seems a dubious approach. Even still, I’m not closing the door on Stafford, moving him down into the 20s and bumping up Jeff Driskel, who has played fairly well.

Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

I’m not sure what we saw Sunday night: was it a head coach completely losing confidence in his QB or a head coach recognizing a depleted selection of weapons, an opponent that couldn’t score and one that gave his QB fits a year ago? A Week 12 matchup with Baltimore should offer more clarity.

Others of note

It feels like sacrilege, but Kirk Cousins is playing markedly better than higher-profile arms like Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield. As such, I’ve moved him into my top 10 (insert obligatory YOU LIKE THAT reference here) … Four more picks from Jameis Winston this week, giving him 18 for the year. If they had anyone else to plug in I’d be worried. They don’t, though, so he stays put … I like what Josh Allen is doing, but I hate his closing schedule … Miami really doesn’t care if they win or lose, and I get the feeling Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to throw the ball over the place … In two games against the Cardinals, Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown for 741 yards, 8 TDs and 2 INTs; in his other eight games, 1,737 yards, 10 TDs and 8 INTs … Mitchell Trubisky (hip) was pulled late in Week 11 with an apparent hip pointer, though skepticism is running rampant about the severity/validity of the injury. We’ll see if this serves as an excuse to start Chase Daniel, who re-enters the rankings.

RUNNING BACKS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Christian McCaffrey
CAR
7
2
Dalvin Cook
MIN
12
3
Ezekiel Elliott
DAL
8
4
Aaron Jones
GB
11
5
Alvin Kamara
NO
9
6
Saquon Barkley
NYG
11
7
Josh Jacobs
OAK
6
8
Nick Chubb
CLE
7
9
12
Chris Carson
SEA
11
10
Leonard Fournette
JAC
10
11
16
Todd Gurley II
LAR
9
12
Le’Veon Bell
NYJ
4
13
Derrick Henry
TEN
11
14
Melvin Gordon III
LAC
12
15
Mark Ingram II
BAL
8
16
Phillip Lindsay
DEN
10
17
11
James Conner
PIT
7
18
Carlos Hyde
HOU
10
19
Jordan Howard
PHI
10
20
23
Joe Mixon
CIN
9
21
Austin Ekeler
LAC
12
22
James White
NE
10
23
Tevin Coleman
SF
4
24
37
Kenyan Drake
ARI
12
25
Damien Williams
KC
12
26
Sony Michel
NE
10
27
32
Devin Singletary
BUF
6
28
Devonta Freeman
ATL
9
29
24
David Montgomery
CHI
6
30
Miles Sanders
PHI
10
31
29
Ronald Jones II
TB
7
32
27
David Johnson
ARI
12
33
Latavius Murray
NO
9
34
Matt Breida
SF
4
35
Kareem Hunt
CLE
7
36
Jamaal Williams
GB
11
37
Duke Johnson
HOU
10
38
47
Jaylen Samuels
PIT
7
39
Chase Edmonds
ARI
12
40
39
Royce Freeman
DEN
10
41
Kalen Ballage
MIA
5
42
NR
Jordan Wilkins
IND
6
43
56
Derrius Guice
WAS
10
44
Tarik Cohen
CHI
6
45
Frank Gore
BUF
6
46
NR
Bo Scarbrough
DET
5
47
47
Adrian Peterson
WAS
10
48
Peyton Barber
TB
7
49
44
Alexander Mattison
MIN
12
50
52
Nyheim Hines
IND
6
51
Rashaad Penny
SEA
11
52
LeSean McCoy
KC
12
53
Brian Hill
ATL
9
54
Justice Hill
BAL
8
55
Tony Pollard
DAL
8
56
Darrell Henderson
LAR
9
57
Raheem Mostert
SF
4
58
Giovani Bernard
CIN
9
59
Malcolm Brown
LAR
9
60
48
J.D. McKissic
DET
5
61
13
Marlon Mack
IND
6
62
Mark Walton*
MIA
5
63
Ryquell Armstead
JAC
10
64
Darrel Williams
KC
12
65
Jalen Richard
OAK
6
66
Chris Thompson
WAS
10
67
Reggie Bonnafon
CAR
7
68
Justin Jackson
LAC
12
69
Dion Lewis
TEN
11
70
Kerryon Johnson
DET
5

RUNNING BACK MOVEMENT

*Walton was released Tuesday and will be removed from the rankings after another alleged legal incident has his future in doubt.

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts

Mack suffered a fractured hand Sunday and underwent surgery on it the following day. He won’t play Thursday and is out indefinitely following the procedure. Jordan Wilkins (ankle), who was inactive in Week 11 due to injury, should return this week. He’s set to share carries with Jonathan Williams, who had 147 yards in relief of Mack. Despite that, I’m adding Wilkins to the rankings for now as he was the backup prior to going down. Nyheim Hines’ value shouldn’t change much as his role is defined and doesn’t lend itself to increased touches.

Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals

With Chase Edmonds (hamstring) still out, Drake got 22 touches in Week 11 to zero for David Johnson, who was active but did not play. Is Johnson still injured? Has he fallen out of favor? We’ll know a lot more in Week 13 when the Cardinals return from their bye, presumably with all three backs healthy, but for now I’m moving Drake up and dropping Johnson.

Derrius Guice, Washington Redskins

Guice returned from injury to post 69 yards and a touchdown against the Jets on Sunday. I don’t think the team will overwork Guice down the stretch, but I’d expect him to carry more value than Adrian Peterson as it makes no sense to favor the veteran over the second-year back that’s barely been seen due to injury. Washington needs to at least get some idea of what they have.

Others of note

Did Sean McVay finally punt on the notion of limiting Todd Gurley’s touches!? Sure, the move is roughly six weeks late, but I’m moving Gurley to borderline top-10 status … James Conner (shoulder) aggravated his shoulder injury Thursday night, and it’s unclear how much time he’ll miss. Jaylen Samuels should be the biggest beneficiary … Fifty-five drop backs, six runs. That was Bruce Arians’ game plan in Week 11. I believe Ronald Jones has RB2 talent, but he’s not being given a chance … The Lions clearly don’t think Ty Johnson is ready to play meaningful NFL snaps. For the second time in a month, they brought someone from the practice squad and inserted them as their top back. Bo Scarbrough is now the top RB to own in Motown; J.D. McKissic drops a bit in the rankings and Johnson falls out … Damien Williams (ribs) hurt his ribs Monday night. In his absence, both Darrel Williams and LeSean McCoy scored. With no details about the severity, I won’t be adjusting the Chiefs backs.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Michael Thomas
NO
9
2
DeAndre Hopkins
HOU
10
3
Julio Jones
ATL
9
4
Mike Evans
TB
7
5
Tyreek Hill
KC
12
6
Davante Adams
GB
11
7
Chris Godwin
TB
7
8
7
Amari Cooper
DAL
8
9
Julian Edelman
NE
10
10
8
Cooper Kupp
LAR
9
11
Kenny Golladay
DET
5
12
Stefon Diggs
MIN
12
13
Tyler Lockett
SEA
11
14
Odell Beckham Jr.
CLE
7
15
13
Adam Thielen
MIN
12
16
18
D.J. Moore
CAR
7
17
Keenan Allen
LAC
12
18
Courtland Sutton
DEN
10
19
26
John Brown
BUF
6
20
17
JuJu Smith-Schuster
PIT
7
21
25
DJ Chark Jr.
JAC
10
22
Golden Tate
NYG
11
23
Calvin Ridley
ATL
9
24
Christian Kirk
ARI
12
25
19
Robert Woods
LAR
9
26
Marvin Jones Jr.
DET
5
27
Michael Gallup
DAL
8
28
32
T.Y. Hilton
IND
6
29
DeVante Parker
MIA
5
30
36
Jarvis Landry
CLE
7
31
Brandin Cooks
LAR
9
32
21
Tyler Boyd
CIN
9
33
Alshon Jeffery
PHI
10
34
Terry McLaurin
WAS
10
35
Allen Robinson II
CHI
6
36
Mike Williams
LAC
12
37
42
Tyrell Williams
OAK
6
38
Sammy Watkins
KC
12
39
35
Emmanuel Sanders
SF
4
40
DK Metcalf
SEA
11
41
46
Jamison Crowder
NYJ
4
42
Larry Fitzgerald
ARI
12
43
Curtis Samuel
CAR
7
44
Mohamed Sanu
NE
10
45
40
Marquise Brown
BAL
8
46
Hunter Renfrow
OAK
6
47
58
Deebo Samuel
SF
4
48
Josh Gordon
SEA
11
49
60
Randall Cobb
DAL
8
50
Cole Beasley
BUF
6
51
57
Will Fuller V
HOU
10
52
64
Nelson Agholor
PHI
10
53
45
Dede Westbrook
JAC
10
54
Corey Davis
TEN
11
55
47
Zach Pascal
IND
6
56
Darius Slayton
NYG
11
57
Allen Lazard
GB
11
58
66
Taylor Gabriel
CHI
6
59
A.J. Brown
TEN
11
60
76
Chris Conley
JAC
10
61
Demaryius Thomas
NYJ
10
62
63
A.J. Green
CIN
9
63
Mecole Hardman
KC
12
64
65
James Washington
PIT
7
65
Danny Amendola
DET
5
66
67
Phillip Dorsett II
NE
10
67
52
Kenny Stills
HOU
10
68
Robby Anderson
NYJ
4
69
80
Allen Hurns
MIA
5
70
NR
Tim Patrick
DEN
10
71
Auden Tate
CIN
9
72
Sterling Shepard
NYG
11
73
75
Anthony Miller
CHI
6
74
Adam Humphries
TEN
11
75
Andy Isabella
ARI
12
76
Willie Snead IV
BAL
8
77
69
Diontae Johnson
PIT
7
78
M. Valdes-Scantling
GB
11
79
Paul Richardson Jr.
WAS
10
80
84
N’Keal Harry
NE
10
81
Keke Coutee
HOU
10
82
Tre’Quan Smith
NO
9
83
NR
Pharoh Cooper
ARI
12
84
Chester Rogers
IND
6
85
Russell Gage
ATL
9
86
Ted Ginn Jr.
NO
9
87
Geronimo Allison
GB
11
88
Trey Quinn
WAS
10
89
Zay Jones
OAK
6
90
DeSean Jackson
PHI
10
91
86
Alex Erickson
CIN
9
92
Miles Boykin
BAL
8
93
Devin Funchess
IND
6
94
John Ross
CIN
9
95
Antonio Brown
FA

WIDE RECEIVER MOVEMENT

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers

Smith-Schuster (head, knee) sustained a concussion last Thursday, and now there’s word that his knee was injured as well, calling his Week 12 status into question. His numbers had already been mostly poor in recent weeks, and this is enough to push him to low-end WR2 status going forward. Even that might be generous. Diontae Johnson (head) suffered a concussion of his own in Week 11. Those injuries make James Washington a potentially interesting option.

Cincinnati Bengals

There’s a lot going on in Cincy right now. Tyler Boyd is unhappy with his lack of involvement. A.J. Green (ankle) felt “good” after a pregame workout in Oakland. Auden Tate (neck) was carted off the field with a cervical strain. John Ross (shoulder) is back at practice and could return from IR. It’s a mess. The one thing they have in common is Ryan Finley, who has played like the team plucked him out of the stands in two starts. Minus a competent triggerman it’s hard to trust anyone in the Bengals passing game.

Minnesota Vikings

Adam Thielen (hamstring) is set to return in Week 13 against the Seahawks. I’ve always viewed him as the superior fantasy option in Minnesota, but Stefon Diggs has played extremely well in his absence. I’m more comfortable viewing Thielen as a WR2 for now.

Others of note

T.Y. Hilton (calf) could return as early as this Thursday, and it’s clear the passing game desperately needs him — Zach Pascal has crashed back to Earth after a couple of nice games … Emmanuel Sanders (ribs) gutted through Week 11 and is still the top WR in San Francisco, but Deebo Samuel needs to be owned in all leagues … Marquise Brown has topped 50 yards receiving once in his last six games. I like his talent, but that passing game flows through the tight ends and backs … Randall Cobb just posted back-to-back games of 100-plus yards for the first time since 2014! Dallas seems to be leaning into more Dak, less Zeke, and Cobb is suddenly a viable fantasy option again … Will Fuller (hamstring) is a game-time decision for Thursday night so he’s getting very close to returning, and once he does he should be owned in all formats … Tyreek Hill (hamstring) limped off the field in Mexico City with a hamstring injury and didn’t return. There’s not enough info to warrant any changes right now ahead of KC’s Week 12 bye, but if Hill misses time it’d bump up Mecole Hardman and Sammy Watkins.

TIGHT ENDS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Travis Kelce
KC
12
2
4
Zach Ertz
PHI
10
3
Hunter Henry
LAC
12
4
2
George Kittle
SF
4
5
Darren Waller
OAK
11
6
Evan Engram
NYG
7
7
Jared Cook
NO
9
8
Mark Andrews
BAL
8
9
11
Jacob Hollister
SEA
11
10
Austin Hooper
ATL
5
11
19
Noah Fant
DEN
10
12
Eric Ebron
IND
6
13
Greg Olsen
CAR
6
14
10
Dallas Goedert
PHI
10
15
Jimmy Graham
GB
11
16
NR
Ryan Griffin
NYJ
4
17
Tyler Eifert
CIN
12
18
Vance McDonald
PIT
6
19
29
Kyle Rudolph
MIN
12
20
Gerald Everett
LAR
9
21
17
Mike Gesicki
MIA
7
22
Jack Doyle
IND
6
23
18
O.J. Howard
TB
7
24
30
Cameron Brate
TB
7
25
T.J. Hockenson
DET
9
26
Delanie Walker
TEN
11
27
Jason Witten
DAL
8
28
Darren Fells
HOU
10
29
Irv Smith
MIN
12
30
Jonnu Smith
TEN
11
31
Foster Moreau
OAK
11
32
NR
Jeremy Sprinkle
WAS
10
33
Trey Burton
CHI
6
34
Hayden Hurst
BAL
8
35
David Njoku
CLE
7

TIGHT END MOVEMENT

Others of note

George Kittle (knee) missed his second straight game with a knee injury, and it’s unclear how close he is to returning so he drops a couple spots. If you need a fill-in until he returns consider Ross Dwelley … Dan Quinn disputed reports that Austin Hooper (knee) would miss a month with a knee injury, so we’re taking the coach’s word for it for now and keeping Hooper in the top 10 … Noah Fant has seen 17 targets since Brandon Allen took over, catching seven for 175 yards and TD … In Sunday’s pass fest, Cameron Brate was targeted 14 times to O.J. Howard’s one. I have no idea what’s going on in Tampa … With Chris Herndon (ribs) done for the year, Ryan Griffin should garner some attention. Over the last month, he’s caught 16 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns.

DEFENSE

Rk
Mv
Team
Team
Bye
1
Patriots
NE
10
2
49ers
SF
4
3
Steelers
PIT
6
4
9
Ravens
BAL
8
5
Bills
BUF
9
6
8
Rams
LAR
9
7
Bears
CHI
6
8
Saints
NO
9
9
Vikings
MIN
12
10
Seahawks
SEA
11
11
Colts
IND
6
12
Chargers
LAC
12
13
17
Titans
TEN
11
14
Jaguars
JAC
10
15
Eagles
PHI
10
16
30
Falcons
ATL
5
17
Cowboys
DAL
8
18
Texans
HOU
10
19
Packers
GB
11
20
20
Panthers
CAR
6
21
Browns
CLE
7
22
Broncos
DEN
10
23
Chiefs
KC
12
24
Cardinals
ARI
5
25
Raiders
OAK
11
26
23
Lions
DET
9
27
Giants
NYG
7
28
Jets
NYJ
4
29
27
Buccaneers
TB
7
30
Dolphins
MIA
7
31
Redskins
WAS
10
32
Bengals
CIN
12

 

Rest of season rankings: Week 11

We’re getting into the home stretch, and fantasy football player valuation is as critical as ever.

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR.

There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work. Defensive teams have been added but will not have analysis.

QUARTERBACKS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
12
Patrick Mahomes
KC
12
2
Russell Wilson
SEA
11
3
Lamar Jackson
BAL
8
4
Deshaun Watson
HOU
10
5
Aaron Rodgers
GB
11
6
Dak Prescott
DAL
8
7
5
Matt Ryan
ATL
9
8
14
Kyler Murray
ARI
12
9
Tom Brady
NE
10
10
Drew Brees
NO
9
11
Jameis Winston
TB
7
12
Carson Wentz
PHI
10
13
10
M. Stafford
DET
5
14
Josh Allen
BUF
6
15
8
Jared Goff
LAR
9
16
Jacoby Brissett
IND
6
17
Kirk Cousins
MIN
12
18
Derek Carr
OAK
6
19
Baker Mayfield
CLE
7
20
23
Daniel Jones
NYG
11
21
Philip Rivers
LAC
12
22
Ryan Fitzpatrick
MIA
5
23
29
Kyle Allen
CAR
7
24
21
Jimmy Garoppolo
SF
4
25
Ryan Tannehill
TEN
11
26
31
Nick Foles
JAC
10
27
Sam Darnold
NYJ
4
28
Mason Rudolph
PIT
7
29
Mitchell Trubisky
CHI
6
30
34
Dwayne Haskins
WAS
10
31
Brandon Allen
DEN
10
32
35
Ryan Finley
CIN
9
33
22
Gardner Minshew
JAC
10
34
Marcus Mariota
TEN
11
35
Josh Rosen
MIA
5
36
NR
Jeff Driskel
DET
5
37
32
Case Keenum
WAS
10
38
Andy Dalton
CIN
9
39
Eli Manning
NYG
11
40
NR
Drew Lock
DEN
10

QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Stafford was a surprise inactive Sunday with a back injury that the team has classified as “day to day, week to week,” with the veteran saying afterwards that shutting it down for the season was “not his thinking at the moment.” That wasn’t exactly the most forceful denial I’ve heard. For now I’m sliding him down a little and not making any meaningful adjustments to Kenny Golladay or Marvin Jones. I won’t be adding Jeff Driskel to the rankings just yet, either.

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons & Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

A week ago, I chalked up the Packers-Chargers game as an anomaly. I’m doing the same thing this week with Saints-Falcons, so don’t expect big changes based on Atlanta running the ball a ton or Brees tossing 45 passes compared to 11 runs.

Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

I’ve been hesitant to drop Goff out of my top 10, but I can’t justify him being there any longer. He looks spooked in the pocket, and I don’t feel Sean McVay is doing him any favors right now regarding Todd Gurley’s involvement (what’s the point of saving Gurley for the playoffs if you don’t make the playoffs?!? ).

Others of note

Patrick Mahomes returned to action Sunday and promptly threw for 446 yards and three TDs with me at left guard. He’s back in my No. 1 spot … Kyler Murray has been putting up better numbers recently and is back in my top 10 … Daniel Jones has quietly been playing the role of Ryan Fitzpatrick Jr. in fantasy of late with some wildly volatile production. He’s a feast-or-famine option for risk takers … In case you missed it, Dwayne Haskins and Nick Foles have been announced as the starter for their respective clubs and adjusted accordingly … With Cam Newton going to IR, Kyle Allen gets a bump. Outside of a couple turnovers, he played well in Lambeau on Sunday … Jacoby Brissett sat Week 10 with a knee injury, but I think the Colts will do everything possible to get him back on the field before they find themselves buried in the playoff race.

RUNNING BACKS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Christian McCaffrey
CAR
7
2
Dalvin Cook
MIN
12
3
Ezekiel Elliott
DAL
8
4
7
Aaron Jones
GB
11
5
Alvin Kamara
NO
9
6
4
Saquon Barkley
NYG
11
7
Josh Jacobs
OAK
6
8
5
Nick Chubb
CLE
7
9
Leonard Fournette
JAC
10
10
Le’Veon Bell
NYJ
4
11
James Conner
PIT
7
12
Chris Carson
SEA
11
13
Marlon Mack
IND
6
14
16
Derrick Henry
TEN
11
15
Mark Ingram II
BAL
8
16
Todd Gurley II
LAR
9
17
20
Melvin Gordon III
LAC
12
18
Phillip Lindsay
DEN
10
19
Carlos Hyde
HOU
10
20
Jordan Howard
PHI
10
21
19
Austin Ekeler
LAC
12
22
James White
NE
10
23
26
Joe Mixon
CIN
9
24
David Montgomery
CHI
6
25
23
Tevin Coleman
SF
4
26
Damien Williams
KC
12
27
18
David Johnson
ARI
12
28
Sony Michel
NE
10
29
Ronald Jones II
TB
7
30
21
Devonta Freeman
ATL
9
31
Miles Sanders
PHI
10
32
Devin Singletary
BUF
6
33
Latavius Murray
NO
9
34
29
Matt Breida
SF
4
35
45
Kareem Hunt
CLE
7
36
Jamaal Williams
GB
11
37
40
Kenyan Drake
ARI
12
38
Duke Johnson
HOU
10
39
Royce Freeman
DEN
10
40
Adrian Peterson
WAS
10
41
Chase Edmonds
ARI
12
42
49
Kalen Ballage
MIA
5
43
44
Tarik Cohen
CHI
6
44
Alexander Mattison
MIN
12
45
Frank Gore
BUF
6
46
50
Peyton Barber
TB
7
47
Jaylen Samuels
PIT
7
48
J.D. McKissic
DET
5
49
Rashaad Penny
SEA
11
50
42
LeSean McCoy
KC
12
51
NR
Brian Hill
ATL
9
52
Nyheim Hines
IND
6
53
Ty Johnson
DET
5
54
Justice Hill
BAL
8
55
Tony Pollard
DAL
8
56
Derrius Guice
WAS
10
57
51
Darrell Henderson
LAR
9
58
Raheem Mostert
SF
4
59
Giovani Bernard
CIN
9
60
Malcolm Brown
LAR
9
61
Mark Walton
MIA
5
62
Ryquell Armstead
JAC
10
63
Darrel Williams
KC
12
64
Jalen Richard
OAK
6
65
Chris Thompson
WAS
10
66
Reggie Bonnafon
CAR
7
67
Justin Jackson
LAC
12
68
Dion Lewis
TEN
11
69
Wayne Gallman
NYG
11
70
Kerryon Johnson
DET
5

RUNNING BACK MOVEMENT

Nick Chubb/Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns

We got our first taste of the backfield split in Week 10. The result: 22 touches and 121 yards for Chubb, and 11 touches and 74 yards for Hunt. I think the latter brought a missing element to the offense, and we’ll see more opportunities for Hunt as the season wears on. As such, Chubb drops out of my top five as Hunt jumps into low-end RB3 territory.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Another back leaving my top five is Barkley, who has averaged just 41 yards rushing per game since returning in Week 7. He’s managed to salvage his fantasy value with some nice receiving numbers, but those are usually based on a big play or two and not sustained effectiveness. Barkley’s offensive line has been ravaged by injuries of late, so keep an eye on their statuses, as well. He’s also reportedly dealing with another ankle problem, which is concerning based on his earlier injury. Keep an eye out for any updates on the severity of the injury.

David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

Johnson’s return from injury consisted of six touches and 10 yards. Afterwards head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the team wanted to keep Kenyan Drake “rolling.” Yes, the same Drake that finished that game with 41 total yards on 16 combined rushes and receptions. I’m officially very concerned about what Johnson’s future value will be, and all of this is happening without Chase Edmonds, who will further muddy the waters when he returns.

Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals

Mixon ran for a season-high 114 yards in Week 10, and if Cincinnati is going to hand him the ball 30 times in a game they lost by 36 points, his workload appears like it’ll be steady.

Others of note

After missing two games, James Conner looks to be on track to return this Thursday … I haven’t moved Gurley down much because I think sometime soon McVay is going to be forced to abandon this idea of keeping his top back fresh for the playoffs … Melvin Gordon has 242 total yards and three TDs over the past two games. I’m moving him back to solid RB2 status post-haste … Devonta Freeman is set to miss a couple games with a foot injury. He goes down a bit, and Brian Hill enters the rankings with Ito Smith hitting IR … If you’re inactive for being old, you drop in the rankings. That’s the rule. Sorry, LeSean McCoy … Kalen Ballage ran 20 times in Week 10. The yards weren’t there, but the opportunity bumps him up.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Michael Thomas
NO
9
2
DeAndre Hopkins
HOU
10
3
Julio Jones
ATL
9
4
Mike Evans
TB
7
5
8
Tyreek Hill
KC
12
6
Davante Adams
GB
11
7
Amari Cooper
DAL
8
8
4
Cooper Kupp
LAR
9
9
Chris Godwin
TB
7
10
Julian Edelman
NE
10
11
Kenny Golladay
DET
5
12
Stefon Diggs
MIN
12
13
Adam Thielen
MIN
12
14
Tyler Lockett
SEA
11
15
12
Odell Beckham Jr.
CLE
7
16
Keenan Allen
LAC
12
17
13
JuJu Smith-Schuster
PIT
7
18
21
D.J. Moore
CAR
7
19
Robert Woods
LAR
9
20
Courtland Sutton
DEN
10
21
Tyler Boyd
CIN
9
22
25
Golden Tate
NYG
11
23
Calvin Ridley
ATL
9
24
41
Christian Kirk
ARI
12
25
DJ Chark Jr.
JAC
10
26
John Brown
BUF
6
27
Marvin Jones Jr.
DET
5
28
34
Michael Gallup
DAL
8
29
DeVante Parker
MIA
5
30
22
Brandin Cooks
LAR
9
31
Alshon Jeffery
PHI
10
32
T.Y. Hilton
IND
6
33
Terry McLaurin
WAS
10
34
Allen Robinson II
CHI
6
35
Emmanuel Sanders
SF
4
36
40
Jarvis Landry
CLE
7
37
31
Mike Williams
LAC
12
38
42
Sammy Watkins
KC
12
39
DK Metcalf
SEA
11
40
Marquise Brown
BAL
8
41
Larry Fitzgerald
ARI
12
42
36
Tyrell Williams
OAK
6
43
Curtis Samuel
CAR
7
44
Mohamed Sanu
NE
10
45
Dede Westbrook
JAC
10
46
54
Jamison Crowder
NYJ
4
47
Zach Pascal
IND
6
48
53
Hunter Renfrow
OAK
6
49
Josh Gordon
SEA
11
50
64
Cole Beasley
BUF
6
51
49
Corey Davis
TEN
11
52
Kenny Stills
HOU
10
53
84
Darius Slayton
NYG
11
54
60
Allen Lazard
GB
11
55
A.J. Brown
TEN
11
56
Demaryius Thomas
NYJ
10
57
Will Fuller V
HOU
10
58
62
Deebo Samuel
SF
4
59
Mecole Hardman
KC
12
60
70
Randall Cobb
DAL
8
61
Danny Amendola
DET
5
62
51
Robby Anderson
NYJ
4
63
7
A.J. Green
CIN
9
64
Nelson Agholor
PHI
10
65
80
James Washington
PIT
7
66
71
Taylor Gabriel
CHI
6
67
Phillip Dorsett II
NE
10
68
78
Auden Tate
CIN
9
69
Diontae Johnson
PIT
7
70
48
Sterling Shepard
NYG
11
71
Adam Humphries
TEN
11
72
90
Andy Isabella
ARI
12
73
Willie Snead IV
BAL
8
74
63
M. Valdes-Scantling
GB
11
75
66
Anthony Miller
CHI
6
76
Chris Conley
JAC
10
77
Paul Richardson Jr.
WAS
10
78
Keke Coutee
HOU
10
79
Tre’Quan Smith
NO
9
80
Allen Hurns
MIA
81
Chester Rogers
IND
6
82
Antonio Callaway
CLE
7
83
Russell Gage
ATL
9
84
N’Keal Harry
NE
10
85
Ted Ginn Jr.
NO
9
86
76
Alex Erickson
CIN
9
87
Geronimo Allison
GB
11
88
Trey Quinn
WAS
10
89
DaeSean Hamilton
DEN
10
90
Zay Jones
OAK
6
91
DeSean Jackson
PHI
10
92
Miles Boykin
BAL
8
93
Devin Funchess
IND
6
94
John Ross
CIN
9
95
Antonio Brown
FA

WIDE RECEIVER MOVEMENT

Cooper Kupp/Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles Rams

Kupp inexplicably went without a reception against the Steelers, and I’d imagine the team will make it a point of emphasis to get him involved in Week 11, but with so many others in the same area rolling along with 100-yard games I had to drop Kupp out of the top five. Cooks, meanwhile, has already been ruled out for another week. I have concerns that by the time he heals up the Rams might be in a spot where bringing him back doesn’t make sense. We’re not there yet, but I’m moving him down.

Pittsburgh Steelers

JuJu Smith-Schuster is spending too much time opening up coverage for other receivers and not enough catching the ball. He’s a midrange WR2 for me now, and that might be optimistic. Rookie Diontae Johnson has shown off his athleticism, while second-year WR James Washington appears to have chemistry with QB Mason Rudolph. Keep an eye on their development.

Others of note

A.J. Green suffered a “setback” during the bye, and at this point I’m wondering if we’ll see him at all this season … I’m feeling the same way about Sterling Shepard, who suffered a pair of concussions within roughly a month’s time. With Shepard dropping down, Darius Slayton gets a big boost … Marquez Valdes-Scantling has really disappeared with the return of Davante Adams and emergence of Allen Lazard, who seems like the second-best receiver to own in Green Bay … Christian Kirk shoots up the ranking this week. I’ve felt all season he was the top receiver in Arizona — the only viable mix of experience and explosiveness — and it looks like he’s finally producing … Both Emmanuel Sanders and Tyler Lockett left the Monday night game with injuries. It’s a rib injury for Sanders and leg injury of some kind for Lockett. There’s no word on severity at this point so I won’t be making any adjustments.

TIGHT ENDS

Rk
Mv
Player
Team
Bye
1
Travis Kelce
KC
12
2
George Kittle
SF
4
3
Hunter Henry
LAC
12
4
6
Zach Ertz
PHI
10
5
4
Darren Waller
OAK
11
6
Evan Engram
NYG
7
7
Jared Cook
NO
9
8
11
Mark Andrews
BAL
8
9
5
Austin Hooper
ATL
5
10
Dallas Goedert
PHI
10
11
21
Jacob Hollister
SEA
11
12
Eric Ebron
IND
6
13
15
Greg Olsen
CAR
6
14
Jimmy Graham
GB
11
15
Tyler Eifert
CIN
12
16
10
Vance McDonald
PIT
6
17
Mike Gesicki
MIA
7
18
24
O.J. Howard
TB
7
19
Noah Fant
DEN
10
20
Gerald Everett
LAR
9
21
Jack Doyle
IND
6
22
T.J. Hockenson
DET
9
23
Delanie Walker
TEN
11
24
17
Jason Witten
DAL
8
25
Darren Fells
HOU
10
26
Chris Herndon
NYJ
4
27
NR
Irv Smith
MIN
12
28
Jonnu Smith
TEN
11
29
Kyle Rudolph
MIN
12
30
Cameron Brate
TB
7
31
Foster Moreau
OAK
11
32
Trey Burton
CHI
6
33
Hayden Hurst
BAL
8
34
Vernon Davis
WAS
10
35
David Njoku
CLE
7

TIGHT END MOVEMENT

Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons

Hooper injured his knee late in Atlanta’s win over New Orleans, and the word is it’s a sprained MCL with the tight end seeking a second opinion to determine how long he’ll be out. Without that timeline, I’m just preemptively moving him down a few slots and will revisit once more is known.

Darren Waller, Oakland Raiders

Ever since a huge Week 7, Waller has caught just seven passes in three games. Were it not for injury issues to Hooper and Evan Engram, I would’ve dropped him further. I just can’t put him below Jared Cook, whose first big-usage game of 2019 came in a lopsided loss.

Others of note

Evan Engram was inactive Sunday with a foot injury, but it’s not believed to be a long-term issue, so he stays put … It’s amazing that Seattle continues to find tight ends that make plays. With Will Dissly out, Jacob Hollister has stepped in and caught 12 passes (including three TDs) in last two weeks … Vance McDonald hasn’t topped 40 yards receiving in a game this season. I can’t continue to rate him as a TE1 … Believe it or not, there was an O.J. Howard sighting on Sunday. If you’re feeling optimistic, he has the talent to warrant stashing him on your bench now.

DEFENSE

Rk
Mv
Team
Team
Bye
1
Patriots
NE
10
2
49ers
SF
4
3
6
Steelers
PIT
6
4
Bills
BUF
9
5
Bears
CHI
6
6
Saints
NO
9
7
10
Vikings
MIN
12
8
Rams
LAR
9
9
Ravens
BAL
8
10
Panthers
CAR
6
11
Seahawks
SEA
11
12
18
Colts
IND
6
13
Chargers
LAC
12
14
Jaguars
JAC
10
15
Eagles
PHI
10
16
Cowboys
DAL
8
17
Titans
TEN
11
18
Texans
HOU
10
19
Packers
GB
11
20
Browns
CLE
7
21
Broncos
DEN
10
22
Chiefs
KC
12
23
20
Lions
DET
9
24
Cardinals
ARI
5
25
Raiders
OAK
11
26
23
Giants
NYG
7
27
Buccaneers
TB
7
28
Jets
NYJ
4
29
Dolphins
MIA
7
30
Falcons
ATL
5
31
30
Redskins
WAS
10
32
28
Bengals
CIN
12