Tag: fantasy football rankings

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

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

 

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