| RB11 | Bijan RobinsonATL • RB1 | vs. CAR | RB1 | Atlanta will start Cooper Rush again, and I find it difficult to imagine him leaning much less heavily on Robinson after Bijan caught eight passes against Pittsburgh. Add the 21 carries, then consider how poorly Carolina defended Chicago’s backs. He’s my first choice here. |
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| RB22 | Christian McCaffreySF • RB2 | vs. MIA | RB1 | For all the attention Kaelon Black has drawn, McCaffrey still caught a substantial share of San Francisco’s throws in the opener. I’m happy to start him against Miami, with Black taking some early-down carries and Purdy continuing to find CMC through the air. |
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| WR13 | Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSEA • WR1 | @ ARI | WR1 | Drew Lock takes over for the injured Sam Darnold, but Smith-Njigba has already made himself rather difficult for either quarterback to overlook: 11 targets, eight catches, 122 yards against New England. Arizona has its own secondary injuries to negotiate, and Seattle has little reason to spread those throws around indiscriminately. |
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| WR24 | Ja’Marr ChaseCIN • WR2 | @ HOU | WR1 | Houston leaned heavily on Cover 3 in its opener, a coverage Chase has handled considerably better than his two catches against Tampa might suggest (2.93 yards per route since last season). If Burrow plays, I’m keeping Chase near the top. One miserable afternoon hasn’t undone that partnership. |
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| WR35 | Justin JeffersonMIN • WR3 | @ CHI | WR1 | Jefferson averaged 10 targets and 95.4 receiving yards in Wentz’s five starts last season, so we’ve seen this partnership function beyond last Sunday’s touchdowns. Against Chicago’s vulnerable secondary, I’d let the Vikings keep returning to the receiver they already trust most. |
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| RB36 | Kenneth Walker IIIKC • RB3 | vs. IND | RB1 | Kansas City has changed how it runs the ball, using heavier formations and putting Mahomes under center more often, and Walker has looked thoroughly suited to the arrangement. He also drew six targets in the opener. I have him third among the remaining backs, even after reducing that extravagant rushing total. |
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| RB47 | Derrick HenryBAL • RB4 | vs. NO | RB1 | Henry has cleared 100 rushing yards in five straight games, and Baltimore may ask even more of him with Zay Flowers doubtful. I’d keep him firmly among the first backs off this list, though the Ravens’ injured linemen matter rather more than the temptation to chase another three touchdowns. |
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| RB58 | Jonathan TaylorIND • RB5 | @ KC | RB1 | Indianapolis spent much of its opener trailing Baltimore, yet Taylor continued running routes and caught three passes alongside his 19 carries. I trust him to keep getting the ball as the Colts try to answer Kansas City, whose front has injury problems of its own. |
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| RB69 | Ashton JeantyLV • RB6 | @ LAC | RB1 | Jeanty handled 23 carries and caught six passes against Miami, looking every bit like the back Las Vegas intends to build around. The Chargers should test him more seriously, but I’m starting him with the same enthusiasm. He has earned a substantial part of just about everything the Raiders do. |
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| WR410 | CeeDee LambDAL • WR4 | vs. WAS | WR1 | Washington arrives without Frankie Luvu among other defenders, and I’m eager to see Lamb work against that depleted unit. Pickens will get his throws, too. If Daniels keeps Dallas defending a competitive game, Prescott should have plenty of reason to return to both receivers. |
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| RB711 | Saquon BarkleyPHI • RB7 | @ TEN | RB1 | Philadelphia hasn’t yet run its new offense as smoothly as I’d like, though Tennessee offers Barkley a sensible place to improve matters. He should keep getting carries if the Eagles establish a lead. I’m starting him readily, a little behind the backs catching passes more regularly. |
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| RB812 | Javonte WilliamsDAL • RB8 | vs. WAS | RB1 | With Lamb and Pickens keeping Washington occupied downfield, Williams should have room to work against a defense already missing Frankie Luvu. I like Javonte’s chances of finishing scoring drives here, especially if Dallas sustains possessions more consistently than it did through the opener’s mistakes. |
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| RB913 | De’Von AchaneMIA • RB9 | @ SF | RB1 | Miami could spend much of Sunday trying to catch San Francisco, which makes Achane’s four opening receptions worth remembering alongside his disappointing rushing. I’m still starting him as an RB1, with the expectation that he’ll need those catches again. |
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| RB1014 | Chase BrownCIN • RB10 | @ HOU | RB1 | Brown caught five passes and ran a route on 57% of Cincinnati’s dropbacks against Tampa. With Houston more difficult to dislodge up front, I’d welcome the Bengals returning to him through the air; he already has a substantial part in both halves of this offense. |
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| RB1115 | Breece HallNYJ • RB11 | vs. GB | RB1 | Hall carried 22 times against Tennessee, and Green Bay now visits without interior defenders Javon Hargrave and Warren Brinson. I’d be inclined to test those replacements repeatedly. Braelon Allen will take his share of snaps, though Hall has done little to invite a demotion from the lead job. |
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| WR516 | George PickensDAL • WR5 | vs. WAS | WR1 | I have Pickens just behind Lamb among the receivers, Washington’s defensive absences making both Dallas starters awfully appealing. Daniels can keep the Cowboys defending a competitive game, too, and Prescott shouldn’t run short of reasons to throw. |
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| WR617 | Garrett WilsonNYJ • WR6 | vs. GB | WR1 | Geno Smith directed seven of his 24 opening attempts toward Wilson, who caught six for 79 yards. I’ll gladly go back to that connection against Green Bay, especially with rookie receiver Omar Cooper now missing from the Jets’ rotation. |
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| TE118 | Trey McBrideARI • TE1 | vs. SEA | TE1 | Brissett threw toward McBride 12 times against the Chargers, and McBride caught nine. Seattle should make Arizona work harder, but I’m quite content to have Brissett keep looking for the same receiver. McBride stands alone atop my remaining tight ends. |
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| WR719 | DeVonta SmithPHI • WR7 | @ TEN | WR1 | I’m still waiting for Philadelphia to make fuller use of Smith, whom it sent into routes on 88% of its opening dropbacks. Hurts found him only three times. Tennessee’s vulnerable perimeter makes this a sensible place to expect more, even if the Eagles eventually settle into running with a lead. |
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| WR820 | Chris OlaveNO • WR8Q · Hamstring | @ BAL | WR1 | I’d hate to sit Olave after three consecutive games above 119 receiving yards with Shough. He’s questionable with a hamstring injury, though, and this placement assumes he can play his usual role. Choose an alternative before the early inactive list arrives. |
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| RB1221 | Kyren WilliamsLAR • RB12 | vs. NYG | RB1 | The Rams can lean on Williams against the Giants, particularly while Puka’s hip keeps the passing plans unsettled. I’ll take the healthy lead back here, with Corum receiving some carries and Los Angeles still needing to sustain the drives that make either runner useful. |
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| RB1322 | D’Andre SwiftCHI • RB13 | vs. MIN | RB2 | Swift ran wonderfully against Carolina, with Monangai doing plenty of damage beside him. Minnesota should make both backs work harder. I’m still starting Swift, but I’ll allow for the Bears sharing carries and for Monangai continuing to run more routes than his nominal backup status implies. |
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| WR923 | Malik NabersNYG • WR9 | @ LAR | WR1 | Nabers reports no setback, and Los Angeles will defend him with important contributors missing elsewhere on that side of the ball. I have him in my WR1 group even after tempering the Giants’ extraordinary opening third-down success. |
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| WR1024 | Christian WatsonGB • WR10 | @ NYJ | WR1 | Watson ran 37 routes against Minnesota, more than he ran in any game last season, while catching six passes for 147 yards and two scores. I’d expect the spectacular gains to come less often; I’m much less inclined to discount how consistently Green Bay kept him on the field. |
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| WR1125 | Mike EvansSF • WR11 | vs. MIA | WR1 | Purdy has a healthy Evans to throw to against Miami, and I like that prospect quite a bit. San Francisco can distribute passes among several accomplished receivers; Evans has nevertheless earned enough work for me to take him over the more speculative WR2 rebounds. |
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| RB1426 | Bucky IrvingTB • RB14 | vs. CLE | RB2 | Irving caught seven passes against Cincinnati, which rather changes how I feel about his mere eight carries. Sean Tucker returns to share the backfield against Cleveland; Bucky, meanwhile, has already established himself as somebody Mayfield keeps finding in the passing game. I’m starting him. |
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| RB1527 | David MontgomeryHOU • RB15 | vs. CIN | RB2 | Montgomery handled 20 carries against Buffalo and scored three times, settling quickly into the larger job he sought in Houston. Cincinnati is a welcome opponent for another busy afternoon. Marks will take some work, and I’m projecting fewer touchdowns, but Montgomery has a job I want in my lineup. |
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| RB1628 | Chuba HubbardCAR • RB16 | @ ATL | RB2 | Carolina favored Hubbard over Brooks by 42 competitive snaps to 13, and by 25 routes to five. The Panthers trusted him near the goal line, too. I have him firmly in RB2 territory against Atlanta, well ahead of several backs whose coaches are still dividing the job. |
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| WR1229 | Parker WashingtonJAX • WR12 | @ DEN | WR1 | Jacksonville shortened Washington’s afternoon once it had the opener under control, so I’d hesitate to read the final route percentage as a demotion. He has already produced against Denver’s man coverage. I still want him starting, even with the Broncos offering a more serious test than Cleveland did. |
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| WR1330 | Tetairoa McMillanCAR • WR13 | @ ATL | WR2 | McMillan caught five passes for 75 yards while Coker enjoyed the bigger afternoon, and Carolina kept him running routes on nearly every dropback. I’m comfortable starting both against Atlanta. Young targeted McMillan eight times; Coker’s success hasn’t pushed his teammate out of the offense. |
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| WR1431 | Tee HigginsCIN • WR14 | @ HOU | WR2 | Higgins has finished between 53 and 67 receiving yards in four straight games, contributing even when Cincinnati hasn’t produced a passing eruption. Houston defends the perimeter well enough to restrain my enthusiasm, but I have Higgins in the WR2 mix if Burrow plays. |
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| RB1732 | Cam SkatteboNYG • RB17 | @ LAR | RB2 | The Giants can move the ball against a Rams defense missing important contributors, and Skattebo is the back I want as they try. I’m budgeting fewer possessions than New York sustained through its extraordinary opening third-down conversions, which keeps him in the RB2 group. |
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| WR1533 | Emeka EgbukaTB • WR15 | vs. CLE | WR2 | Cleveland used Cover 3 and Cover 4 extensively in its opener, and Egbuka has averaged 2.37 yards per route against those looks since last season. I’d expect Mayfield to keep seeking him after Egbuka led Tampa’s receivers in targets, even if the Buccaneers spend more time running with a lead. |
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| RB1834 | Omarion HamptonLAC • RB18 | vs. LV | RB2 | Hampton still leads the Chargers’ rushing attack, but after he went an entire opener without a target, I can’t quite give him the PPR ranking his draft price suggested. Keaton Mitchell ran slightly more routes, too. I’d start Hampton as an RB2 while Los Angeles sorts out its blocking. |
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| RB1935 | Aaron Jones Sr.MIN • RB19 | @ CHI | RB2 | Minnesota has placed Jordan Mason on injured reserve, and Jones should inherit more carries than he received in their opening split. I’m happy to move him up. The Vikings have also discussed managing his workload, so I’d leave room for the replacement backs to spell him. |
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| WR1636 | Jaylen WaddleDEN • WR16 | vs. JAX | WR2 | Waddle managed a two-yard catch in his Denver debut. Miserable, yes, but he still led the receivers in route participation, and he’s handled Jacksonville’s preferred coverage looks well over a much larger sample. I’ll give him another start, with Nix’s uneven passing keeping me from getting carried away. |
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| WR1737 | Davante AdamsLAR • WR17 | vs. NYG | WR2 | Adams carries no final injury designation, making him the considerably easier Rams receiver to plan around. I’m starting him now; if Puka misses Monday, Stafford will have even more reason to look his way. |
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| WR1838 | Puka NacuaLAR • WR18Q · Monday | vs. NYG | WR2 | If Puka reaches Monday healthy enough for his usual work, I’ll want him considerably higher than this. Until then, I’d take a healthy Sunday WR2 over waiting with nobody left to substitute; anyone holding out for Nacua needs an eligible Giants or Rams player ready. |
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| WR1939 | Luther Burden IIICHI • WR19 | vs. MIN | WR2 | Burden caught all five passes Caleb sent his way and led Chicago’s wide receivers in route participation. Minnesota has defended the slot much better than Carolina did, though I still have Burden among the starters. Chicago needs to keep him running routes as this offense develops. |
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| WR2040 | Terry McLaurinWAS • WR20 | @ DAL | WR2 | Dallas will play without safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, a more inviting assignment for Daniels than Philadelphia’s defense. I’m bringing McLaurin back into the lineup, with Diggs prominent enough that Terry will have to share the throws. |
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| WR2141 | Jalen CokerCAR • WR21 | @ ATL | WR2 | Coker caught eight of his nine targets against Chicago, and Carolina kept him running routes on 81% of its dropbacks. I’m happy to start him alongside McMillan against Atlanta. Even after reducing the opener’s two touchdowns, I can find plenty to like about how often Young looked his way. |
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| RB2042 | Jeremiyah LoveARI • RB20 | vs. SEA | RB2 | Love scored in his return from an ankle injury, but Arizona gave Allgeier 17 carries to his 11 and kept the veteran on the field longer. I still prefer Love of the two. Against Seattle, though, I’d want a clearer share before ranking him alongside the dependable RB2s. |
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| WR2243 | Matthew GoldenGB • WR22 | @ NYJ | WR2 | Green Bay threw toward Golden 11 times against Minnesota and sent him into routes on 87% of its dropbacks. Watson supplied the spectacular touchdowns; Golden kept earning attempts of his own. With the Jets now missing more defenders, I’d happily use him as a WR3. |
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| WR2344 | DK MetcalfPIT • WR23 | @ NE | WR2 | Rodgers targeted Metcalf 10 times against Atlanta, though DK converted only four into catches. With Pittman out, I’d expect Rodgers to keep trying him. New England also loses Carlton Davis, so I’m willing to start Metcalf despite Pittsburgh’s rather limited passing ceiling. |
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| RB2145 | Jadarian PriceSEA • RB21 | @ ARI | RB2 | Price ran for 52 yards on 10 carries against New England, looking more promising than his modest fantasy total. I have him ahead of Holani against Arizona, though Seattle split their snaps almost evenly and hasn’t yet entrusted Price with the entire backfield. |
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| RB2246 | Rhamondre StevensonNE • RB22 | vs. PIT | RB2 | Stevenson led this backfield during the postseason, too, so his heavy opening workload didn’t emerge entirely from Henderson’s absence. With Henderson returning, though, I’d expect New England to share the work again. Stevenson remains my first choice of the two, down in the RB2 group. |
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| WR2447 | Stefon DiggsWAS • WR24 | @ DAL | WR2 | Diggs separated well against both man and zone in the opener, and I’m happy to start him against a Dallas defense missing Hooker and Overshown. McLaurin remains prominent, too; Washington has enough receiving ability to test those absences through both players. |
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| TE248 | Colston LovelandCHI • TE2 | vs. MIN | TE1 | Chicago scored 59 points, and Loveland didn’t catch a pass. I’d be more alarmed if the Bears had stopped sending him out: he ran routes on a team-high 85% of their dropbacks. Minnesota is difficult, but I’m still starting the tight end Chicago kept putting into its passing game. |
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| WR2549 | Chris Godwin Jr.TB • WR25 | vs. CLE | WR3 | Godwin led Tampa’s receivers in route participation against Cincinnati and caught all four targets for 40 yards. I can use him for modest PPR production against Cleveland, though McMillan may return and Godwin has rarely cleared that yardage total lately. |
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| WR2650 | Rashee RiceKC • WR26 | vs. IND | WR3 | Mahomes barely found Rice against Denver, though Kansas City kept sending him into routes. I’d allow for a rebound, particularly if Indianapolis keeps the game close, but the Chiefs have good reason to keep feeding Walker. Rice lands nearer my WR3 decisions than his preseason reputation would suggest. |
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| TE351 | Tyler WarrenIND • TE3 | @ KC | TE1 | Indianapolis will need somebody besides Taylor to keep its offense moving in Kansas City. Warren is one of Daniel Jones’ more useful options, and I trust him ahead of the speculative replacement tight ends, even after Baltimore limited him to three opening catches. |
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| WR2752 | Rome OdunzeCHI • WR27 | vs. MIN | WR3 | After another two-catch afternoon, Odunze has made it difficult for me to expect a sudden flood of receptions. Chicago sent him into routes on only 55% of its dropbacks. Minnesota isn’t the opponent against whom I want to assume that changes; he’s a WR3 here. |
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| WR2853 | Quentin JohnstonLAC • WR28 | vs. LV | WR3 | With McConkey questionable, Johnston could see more of Herbert’s throws against Las Vegas. I’d temper that enthusiasm with Johnston’s own opener: five targets, two catches, another drop. He remains usable in a deeper lineup, but the Chargers need him to finish more of the chances he already receives. |
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| WR2954 | Drake LondonATL • WR29 | vs. CAR | WR3 | London ran a route on 92% of Atlanta’s dropbacks and still finished with two catches. Cooper Rush starts again, so I can’t project a full passing recovery simply because Carolina defended poorly last week. I’d use London as a WR3, with Bijan likely to occupy much of Rush’s attention. |
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| RB2355 | Jaylen WarrenPIT • RB23 | @ NE | RB2 | Warren caught five passes against Atlanta and ran more effectively than Dowdle, whom Pittsburgh nevertheless kept on the field for more snaps and routes. I’ll start Warren first against New England, allowing for Dowdle to take passing-down work if the Steelers fall behind. |
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| TE456 | Isaiah LikelyNYG • TE4 | @ LAR | TE1 | Likely has earned a substantial part in New York’s passing game, and the Rams have defensive absences the Giants can exploit. I’m enthusiastic enough to rank him fourth among the remaining tight ends, a little shy of the most aggressive forecasts placing him directly behind McBride. |
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| TE557 | Dallas GoedertPHI • TE5 | @ TEN | TE1 | Philadelphia sent Goedert into routes on 79% of its dropbacks, and he caught four passes for 77 yards. Hurts also found him for two touchdowns. I have him comfortably among the starters against Tennessee, with enough receiving work to like even after moderating the scoring expectations. |
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| RB2458 | Quinshon JudkinsCLE • RB24 | @ TB | RB2 | Cleveland has lost Dylan Sampson to injured reserve, so Judkins should continue handling most of the backfield’s carries. I’d still be wary of the Browns’ blocking against Tampa. He’ll need help from the passing game if Cleveland falls behind as badly as it did against Jacksonville. |
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| RB2559 | Bhayshul TutenJAX • RB25 | @ DEN | FLEX | Tuten carried 15 times against Cleveland while Rodriguez handled six, establishing Jacksonville’s preference within its committee. I have Tuten as a FLEX against Denver, whose longer defensive record deserves more weight than the miserable opener against Walker. |
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| TE660 | Mark AndrewsBAL • TE6Flowers doubtful | vs. NO | TE1 | Andrews caught four of his six targets against Indianapolis before we started debating where Flowers’ throws might go. With Flowers doubtful, I have Andrews among my first six tight ends. Lamar has already shown how often he’s willing to return to him. |
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| TE761 | Travis KelceKC • TE7 | vs. IND | TE1 | Kelce caught three passes for 71 yards against Denver, still doing plenty with the throws Mahomes sent his way. I’m starting him against Indianapolis, though Kansas City has begun asking Walker to do much more of the work and may not return to its old passing volume. |
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| WR3062 | Deebo Samuel Sr.SF • WR30 | vs. MIA | WR3 | I’d enjoy seeing Deebo test Miami with the ball in his hands, especially in an offense that should sustain drives against this defense. Purdy also has Evans, Kittle, and McCaffrey to find. I have Samuel in the FLEX group, accounting for those competing throws. |
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| WR3163 | Michael WilsonARI • WR31 | vs. SEA | WR3 | Brissett targeted Wilson seven times against the Chargers, and Arizona kept him running routes on 92% of its dropbacks. I’ll take him over Harrison again, with Seattle’s strong outside coverage keeping my yardage expectations modest. |
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| TE864 | Tucker KraftGB • TE8 | @ NYJ | TE1 | Kraft looked healthy against Minnesota, catching three passes for 65 yards, but Green Bay sent him into routes on only 48% of its dropbacks. Jonnu Smith took a substantial share. I’d start Kraft against the Jets while keeping those shared snaps in mind. |
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| TE965 | Juwan JohnsonNO • TE9 | @ BAL | TE1 | Johnson caught at least four passes 12 times last season, so I don’t need to lean entirely on the Saints’ overtime opener to like him in PPR. Baltimore covers tight ends well. I’d still start him, with Shough likely to spend another afternoon throwing regularly. |
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| TE1066 | Dalton SchultzHOU • TE10 | vs. CIN | TE1 | Stroud already targeted Schultz eight times against Buffalo, and now Houston must play without Collins. I’d start with Schultz when replacing those missing receptions, especially against a Cincinnati defense that has conceded substantial production to tight ends. |
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| TE1167 | George KittleSF • TE11 | vs. MIA | TE1 | Kittle has no final injury designation, and I’m comfortable starting him against Miami. San Francisco didn’t send him into routes as consistently as anticipated in the opener, though, with Purdy also looking for Evans and McCaffrey. I’ve left Kittle below the tight ends running routes more regularly. |
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| WR3268 | Courtland SuttonDEN • WR32 | vs. JAX | WR3 | Sutton caught only two passes against Kansas City, although Nix looked uncomfortable throwing to just about everybody. Jacksonville has conceded more to receivers outside than inside. I’d give Sutton some room to recover, while keeping him below Waddle and the receivers with steadier quarterback play. |
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| RB2669 | Travis Etienne Jr.NO • RB26 | @ BAL | FLEX | Etienne caught seven passes in an opener that lasted into overtime, with New Orleans already rotating Kendre Miller into substantial work. Now Kamara returns. I’d use Etienne as a FLEX if needed, but I’d be careful about projecting the same afternoon with another accomplished receiver back in the backfield. |
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| WR3370 | Josh DownsIND • WR33 | @ KC | WR3 | Indianapolis sent Downs into routes on 85.3% of its dropbacks, a much more encouraging development than his opening target total. I’d keep him in the FLEX conversation against Kansas City. Jones still has to find him more often, but the Colts have already committed the playing time. |
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| TE1271 | Michael MayerLV • TE12If Bowers sits | @ LAC | TE1 | Mayer caught six passes on seven targets in the opener, and Cousins should keep looking for him if doubtful Brock Bowers sits again. I’d start Mayer as a low-end TE1 under that condition. Check the late inactive list; Bowers’ return would change how much work I’d assign him. |
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| RB2772 | MarShawn LloydGB • RB27 | @ NYJ | FLEX | Green Bay gave Lloyd 13 carries against Minnesota, though Chris Brooks actually played more snaps. I’d use Lloyd as a FLEX against the Jets and resist the temptation to rank him as a newly appointed workhorse. The Packers have already shown us a more complicated division of labor. |
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| RB2873 | Jacory Croskey-MerrittWAS • RB28 | @ DAL | FLEX | Dallas has defensive absences Washington can attack, and Croskey-Merritt should have chances to finish drives in a competitive game. Rachaad White will take some receiving work. I have Croskey-Merritt among the FLEX backs, below those catching passes more regularly. |
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| WR3474 | Jakobi MeyersJAX • WR34 | @ DEN | WR3 | Meyers has reached 40 receiving yards in all 10 of his regular-season games with Jacksonville, an appealing bit of consistency at this point in the list. Denver can challenge him outside, and Lawrence targeted him only twice in the opener. I’d use him in PPR before chasing a secondary receiver’s touchdown. |
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| WR3575 | Romeo DoubsNE • WR35 | vs. PIT | WR3 | Doubs failed to catch any of his three opening targets, including a drop on a potentially substantial gain. New England now needs him to replace some of A.J. Brown’s work. I can entertain another start against Pittsburgh’s depleted secondary, though I’d appreciate considerably surer hands this time. |
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| RB2976 | J.K. DobbinsDEN • RB29 | vs. JAX | FLEX | Dobbins carried eight times and didn’t draw a target against Kansas City. Harvey’s questionable hamstring could leave him with more work Sunday, but while both backs remain available, I have trouble placing Dobbins ahead of the stronger receivers at the position. |
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| WR3677 | Marvin Harrison Jr.ARI • WR36 | vs. SEA | WR3 | Harrison ran plenty of routes against the Chargers and still watched Brissett throw more often to McBride, Wilson, and Bourne. Seattle is a demanding opponent for a speculative rebound; I need Arizona to involve Harrison more consistently before moving him ahead of the safer FLEX receivers. |
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| WR3778 | Jordan AddisonMIN • WR37 | @ CHI | Deep FLEX | Addison averaged 77.3 receiving yards across his four games with Wentz last season, and Jennings’ absence should keep him running routes against Chicago. That is enough for a deeper FLEX consideration, I think, even after Addison’s recent succession of quiet afternoons. |
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| TE1379 | Hunter HenryNE • TE13 | vs. PIT | Streamer | Maye loses A.J. Brown, and Henry has already handled Pittsburgh’s preferred coverages well (2.21 yards per route against Cover 3 and Cover 4 since last season). I’d look his way if I needed a tight end. New England should ask more of him than the opener’s three targets. |
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| WR3880 | Jayden ReedGB • WR38 | @ NYJ | Deep FLEX | Love targeted Reed seven times against Minnesota, so I can forgive the 20 receiving yards more readily than I could forgive disappearing from the offense. Watson and Golden still ran more routes. I’ll keep Reed in the FLEX discussion against the depleted Jets, a little behind the more dependable starters. |
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| RB3081 | Rico DowdlePIT • RB30 | @ NE | FLEX | Dowdle played 59% of Pittsburgh’s snaps against Warren’s 37% and ran more routes. I prefer Warren with the ball, but Dowdle’s actual participation makes him a more useful deep FLEX than a reserve waiting for the starter to leave. |
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| TE1482 | Harold Fannin Jr.CLE • TE14 | @ TB | Streamer | Fannin kept running routes against Jacksonville, even as Cleveland struggled to complete much of consequence. Against Tampa’s frequent pressure, Watson may look for him on shorter throws. I’m keeping Fannin just outside the starting tier until the Browns protect and pass more consistently. |
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| RB3183 | Kyle MonangaiCHI • RB31 | vs. MIN | FLEX | Chicago gave Monangai 10 carries and sent him into more routes than Swift against Carolina. Minnesota should make him earn his yards more grudgingly, especially after the 61-yard touchdown distorted his opening total. I still have him among the secondary backs usable in PPR. |
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| TE1584 | Jake FergusonDAL • TE15 | vs. WAS | Streamer | Ferguson has Lamb and Pickens taking most of Prescott’s attention in an offense I like against Washington. He’s a streaming tight end here; I trust Dallas to move the ball more than I trust Ferguson to collect a large share of the completions. |
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| WR3985 | Carnell TateTEN • WR39 | vs. PHI | Deep FLEX | Tate caught four passes for 38 yards in his debut, with Tennessee struggling to move the ball around him. Until Ward and his blockers improve, I can’t make much of a rookie’s upside against Philadelphia. Save him for the deeper lineups. |
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| WR4086 | Devaughn VeleNO • WR40 | @ BAL | Deep FLEX | Vele caught seven passes against Detroit after finishing last season with a useful stretch alongside Shough. Baltimore is tougher, and the Saints won’t always need overtime, but I’m keeping Vele in the deep PPR conversation, particularly with Olave’s hamstring requiring an early inactive check. |
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| WR4187 | KC Concepcion Jr.CLE • WR41 | @ TB | Deep FLEX | Cleveland gave Concepcion three carries alongside his five targets against Jacksonville, already making an effort to get the rookie the ball. I’d consider him in a deeper PPR lineup against Tampa. Watson’s passing and the Browns’ protection remain troublesome, so those additional touches have particular value here. |
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| RB3288 | Tony PollardTEN • RB32 | vs. PHI | FLEX | Pollard has to share carries with Spears while Tennessee tries to block Philadelphia. I can foresee a modest rushing afternoon much more readily than a scoring eruption, and I’d exhaust the more useful receiving backs before turning to him. |
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| WR4289 | Wan’Dale RobinsonTEN • WR42 | vs. PHI | Deep FLEX | Ward completed five passes to Robinson against the Jets and may have to keep returning to shorter throws against Philadelphia. In a deep PPR lineup, I can use those catches. Tennessee still needs to turn them into something more than an occasional completion during a stalled drive. |
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| WR4390 | Alec PierceIND • WR43 | @ KC | Deep FLEX | Pierce carries no game designation after the heel concern. I prefer Downs for receptions, but if a deep lineup needs a downfield gain, I’m happy to consider Pierce against a Kansas City defense with injuries of its own. |
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| RB3391 | Kenny GainwellTB • RB33 | vs. CLE | FLEX | Gainwell struggled behind Irving in the opener, and Sean Tucker now returns to compete for carries as well. I’m keeping Gainwell on the bench in conventional leagues while Tampa settles how much receiving work he’ll retain. |
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| TE1692 | Pat FreiermuthPIT • TE16 | @ NE | Streamer | Pittsburgh loses Pittman for Sunday, and I’d be happy to replace a missing tight end with Freiermuth after he caught five passes against Atlanta. He played 73% of the snaps, more than in any game last season. Rodgers has already begun treating him like somebody worth returning to. |
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| TE1793 | Kyle Pitts Sr.ATL • TE17 | vs. CAR | Streamer | Atlanta sent Pitts into routes on 81% of its dropbacks; Rush threw toward him once. I can’t recommend expecting much from Pitts against Carolina while Rush starts again. Several lower-profile tight ends have quarterbacks looking for them more regularly. |
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| WR4494 | Brian Thomas Jr.JAX • WR44 | @ DEN | Deep FLEX | Thomas carries no final designation after aggravating his shoulder against Cleveland, but I still have him behind Washington in Jacksonville’s receiving order. Denver’s outside coverage makes this a difficult Sunday to project a rebound based largely on what we’ve come to expect from Thomas. |
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| WR4595 | Xavier HutchinsonHOU • WR45 | vs. CIN | Deep FLEX | Hutchinson ran routes on 69% of Houston’s dropbacks and drew six targets in the opener, considerably more established work than Boutte received. With Collins out, I’d take Hutchinson first in a PPR emergency. Stroud may spread those missing throws around, so I’m stopping well short of promoting him into Collins’ old ranking. |
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| WR4696 | Xavier WorthyKC • WR46 | vs. IND | Deep FLEX | I’d have to need a considerable scoring swing to choose Worthy over the steadier receivers around him. Kansas City can continue running effectively with Walker while Mahomes throws selectively, and Worthy caught three passes for only 18 yards in the opener. He needs a larger part of that passing afternoon. |
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| WR4797 | Caleb DouglasMIA • WR47 | @ SF | Deep FLEX | Douglas caught five passes for 94 yards against Las Vegas, doing considerably more than most of Miami’s receivers. I have him available for a deep FLEX against San Francisco, where Willis may throw frequently and struggle to complete those attempts just as often. |
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| WR4898 | Ladd McConkeyLAC • WR48Q · Rib | vs. LV | Deep FLEX | McConkey missed two practices before returning for limited work Friday, and his rib injury makes a normal Sunday workload difficult to assume. I’d move him up with convincing news that he’ll play freely. For now, have a late-game substitute ready if you intend to wait on him. |
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| TE1899 | Brenton StrangeJAX • TE18 | @ DEN | Streamer | Denver uses plenty of man coverage, against which Strange has produced well. I’m keeping him among the possible tight-end streams, though Lawrence found him only twice against Cleveland. Jacksonville still distributes much of its passing through Washington and the other receivers. |
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| RB34100 | Blake CorumLAR • RB34 | vs. NYG | FLEX | Corum should take some carries behind Williams against the Giants. At this point in a PPR list, I prefer a back catching passes more regularly; Corum needs an expanded share or a touchdown to justify the start. |
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| WR49101 | Dontayvion WicksPHI • WR49 | @ TEN | Deep FLEX | Philadelphia kept Wicks on the field for 91% of its offensive snaps against Washington, and he caught two passes for 73 yards and a score. I’d consider him in a deep FLEX against Tennessee. Hurts attempted only 25 passes, though, with Smith and Goedert taking their portions as well. |
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| RB35102 | TreVeyon HendersonNE • RB35 | vs. PIT | FLEX | Henderson practiced fully all week and returns with no game designation. I’d welcome him back into a deeper lineup, allowing for New England to keep using Stevenson extensively after his strong postseason role. Henderson has to reclaim the work; I wouldn’t simply divide last week’s Stevenson touches in half. |
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| TE19103 | T.J. HockensonMIN • TE19 | @ CHI | Streamer | Wentz found Hockenson for four catches and a touchdown against Green Bay, renewing a partnership that produced useful reception totals last season. Jefferson remains the first receiver I want against Chicago, but I can use Hockenson as a streaming tight end. |
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| WR50104 | Denzel BostonCLE • WR50 | @ TB | Deep FLEX | Boston played 92% of Cleveland’s snaps in his debut, considerably more encouragement than I’d normally get from a rookie’s four-target afternoon. He turned one into a 46-yard touchdown. Tampa can concede completions outside, although I’d keep the Browns’ inconsistent passing in mind before asking him to repeat that gain. |
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| RB36105 | Tyler AllgeierARI • RB36 | vs. SEA | FLEX | Allgeier carried 17 times against the Chargers, six more than Love, as Arizona worked its rookie back from an ankle injury. I can use that participation in a deep lineup, though Seattle is difficult and Love should gradually reclaim more carries. |
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| TE20106 | Mike GesickiCIN • TE20 | @ HOU | Streamer | Gesicki led Cincinnati with seven targets against Tampa, catching five for 78 yards and a touchdown. I’d consider him for a tight-end emergency against Houston. Burrow should throw toward Chase considerably more often this week, so Gesicki may have to contribute from a smaller share of the passing game. |
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| WR51107 | Tre TuckerLV • WR51 | @ LAC | Deep FLEX | Tucker led the Raiders’ wideouts in snaps but drew only four targets against Miami, with Cousins frequently finding Mayer and Jeanty instead. He’s a deep FLEX against the Chargers. Even if Bowers sits again, Cousins already has two receivers he used more often. |
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| RB37108 | Rachaad WhiteWAS • RB37 | @ DAL | Deep FLEX | If Washington spends Sunday throwing to keep up with Dallas, White belongs among the deeper PPR choices. I’m counting on his receiving work here, with Croskey-Merritt competing for the carries and neither back guaranteed a long afternoon near the goal line. |
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| WR52109 | Malik WashingtonMIA • WR52 | @ SF | Deep FLEX | Washington caught three passes for 53 yards against Las Vegas, and Willis may need those shorter completions when San Francisco makes him hurry. I have him among the deep PPR options, with Miami still needing to keep its drives going. |
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| RB38110 | Kaelon BlackSF • RB38Q · Groin | vs. MIA | Deep FLEX | Black shared early-down carries with McCaffrey from the start of the opener, so I’d take his job seriously if he can play through the groin injury. He’s questionable. With McCaffrey still catching passes more regularly, I have Black among the deeper FLEX choices. |
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| RB39111 | RJ HarveyDEN • RB39Q · Hamstring | vs. JAX | Deep FLEX | Harvey caught four passes against Kansas City and played more snaps than Dobbins while Denver trailed. I’d like that involvement considerably more with a healthy hamstring. He’s questionable after limited practices, so keep a late replacement available if your deeper PPR lineup requires him. |
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| WR53112 | Keenan AllenIND • WR53 | @ KC | Deep FLEX | Allen shares Jones’ attention with Downs and Warren, both of whom I trust for more regular receiving work against Kansas City. I can keep the veteran available for a deeper PPR lineup, but the Colts have several receivers to accommodate. |
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| WR54113 | Adonai MitchellNYJ • WR54 | vs. GB | Deep FLEX | Mitchell caught all three targets for 60 yards against Tennessee, and the Jets now lose rookie Omar Cooper from their rotation. With Wilson still the first receiver Smith seeks most often, I have Mitchell among the deeper FLEX options against Green Bay. |
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| RB40114 | Woody MarksHOU • RB40 | vs. CIN | Deep FLEX | Montgomery took the touchdowns against Buffalo, but Houston continued using Marks for substantial snaps, routes, and two-minute work. I’m keeping him among the deeper FLEX backs against Cincinnati, especially if Stroud turns to his backs more often with Collins out. |
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| WR55115 | Tre’ HarrisLAC • WR55 | vs. LV | Deep FLEX | Herbert targeted Harris six times against Arizona, with Harris running routes on 75% of the Chargers’ dropbacks. I’d consider him in a deep PPR lineup even if McConkey plays. Should the rib injury limit McConkey, Los Angeles already has a receiver here whom it used regularly in the opener. |
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| WR56116 | Rashod BatemanBAL • WR56 | vs. NO | Depth | Flowers is doubtful, and Baltimore has placed rookie Ja’Kobi Lane on injured reserve. Bateman should keep running plenty of routes, though he caught nothing on his lone opening target. I’d use him only in a deeper lineup; Andrews and Henry remain much easier places to invest in this offense. |
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| RB41117 | Jonathon BrooksCAR • RB41 | @ ATL | Deep FLEX | Brooks broke off a 48-yard reception against Chicago, and I’d certainly keep him around for more chances like it. Carolina still favored Hubbard overwhelmingly in competitive snaps and near the goal line. Brooks remains on my bench while that division holds. |
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| WR57118 | Kayshon BoutteHOU • WR57 | vs. CIN | Depth | Houston needs help replacing Collins, and Boutte can threaten a defense downfield more than his two opening targets suggest. I’d still take Hutchinson first in PPR. Boutte’s late-August arrival allows for an expanding job, but the Texans haven’t yet established how much of Collins’ work he’ll inherit. |
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| RB42119 | Tyjae SpearsTEN • RB42 | vs. PHI | Deep FLEX | Spears shares the backfield with Pollard and has to face Philadelphia alongside him. In PPR, I can entertain a few receiving points if Tennessee falls behind, but I’d still take a receiver with steadier targets over either back at this stage of the list. |
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| WR58120 | DeMario DouglasNE • WR58 | vs. PIT | Depth | Douglas caught five of seven targets against Seattle while running more routes than New England’s other receivers. With Brown out, I’m interested in those catches against Pittsburgh, even if Maye and Douglas continue settling for modest gains. |
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| WR59121 | Makai LemonPHI • WR59 | @ TEN | Depth | Philadelphia already has Smith, Goedert, and Wicks running substantial routes, while Hurts doesn’t always need to attempt many passes. Lemon stays on my bench against Tennessee until he claims a larger share of that crowded passing game. |
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| WR60122 | Pat BryantDEN • WR60 | vs. JAX | Depth | Bryant led Denver’s receivers with six targets against Kansas City, catching four for 42 yards while the more celebrated options struggled. With Marvin Mims out, I’d keep him on the deep PPR list against Jacksonville. Nix has already shown some willingness to look beyond Waddle and Sutton. |
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| RB43123 | Alvin KamaraNO • RB43 | @ BAL | Deep FLEX | Kamara returns without a game designation, and I’d be glad to have him available again. New Orleans has already given Etienne and Miller meaningful work, though. I’m keeping the first-week expectations modest until the Saints show how they’ll divide the carries and routes among all three. |
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| WR61124 | Rashid ShaheedSEA • WR61 | @ ARI | Depth | Lock has Smith-Njigba to find on almost every important passing possession. Shaheed is a deep-league choice for somebody who needs the possibility of a long gain; I can’t project enough ordinary catches to recommend him more broadly. |
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| WR62125 | Jalen NailorLV • WR62 | @ LAC | Depth | Cousins targeted Nailor five times against Miami, one more than Tucker, although neither receiver cleared 27 yards. Mayer and Jeanty already occupy much of the receiving work. I have Nailor available only for deep PPR lineups against the Chargers. |
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| RB44126 | Chris Rodriguez Jr.JAX • RB44 | @ DEN | Deep FLEX | Jacksonville kept Rodriguez on the field for 41% of its snaps but gave him only six carries, with Tuten handling the bulk of the rushing. Against Denver, I can’t find enough receiving or scoring work to recommend the secondary back in a conventional lineup. |
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| RB45127 | George HolaniSEA • RB45 | @ ARI | Deep FLEX | Holani played nearly as many snaps as Price against New England but caught no passes. I’m keeping him above reserves unlikely to touch the ball, with Arizona an agreeable rushing opponent. Price remains the Seattle back I want first. |
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| WR63128 | Antonio WilliamsWAS • WR63 | @ DAL | Depth | Daniels can attack a depleted Dallas defense, though McLaurin and Diggs should receive most of the useful throws. Williams stays among the deep reserves until Washington establishes a larger place for him in that distribution. |
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| TE21129 | Cade OttonTB • TE21 | vs. CLE | Depth | Mayfield found Otton three times against Cincinnati while continuing to distribute passes among Egbuka, Godwin, and Irving. I’m keeping Otton behind the preferred tight-end streams against Cleveland, especially if Tampa spends the second half protecting a lead. |
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| TE22130 | AJ BarnerSEA • TE22 | @ ARI | Depth | Seattle keeps feeding Smith-Njigba, while Barner caught two passes for 13 yards against New England. With Lock starting again, I need to see the Seahawks involve Barner more often before making him a preferred stream. |
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| RB46131 | Keaton MitchellLAC • RB46 | vs. LV | Deep FLEX | Mitchell ran slightly more routes than Hampton against Arizona, though Herbert didn’t target either back. I’d keep him around in deeper leagues while that distribution develops. For this Sunday, I need the Chargers actually throwing to their backs before treating those routes as dependable PPR production. |
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| WR64132 | Malachi FieldsNYG • WR64 | @ LAR | Depth | The Giants have improved enough on offense for me to consider Fields in a very deep league. Nabers and Likely still come first against the Rams; New York hasn’t established enough regular work for Fields to displace the safer FLEX choices. |
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| TE23133 | Evan EngramDEN • TE23 | vs. JAX | Depth | Engram caught four of five targets against Kansas City, already contributing more than his quiet 2025 season had encouraged us to expect. I’d consider him if the preferred tight-end streams are gone. Denver has plenty to repair around him, and one touchdown doesn’t establish an entirely different job. |
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| RB47134 | Braelon AllenNYJ • RB47 | vs. GB | Depth | Allen played 38% of the Jets’ snaps against Tennessee and ran slightly more routes than Hall, so I can take him seriously as a complementary back. Hall still carried 22 times. I’d reserve Allen for a deep lineup, even with Green Bay missing important interior defenders. |
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| WR65135 | Ryan FlournoyDAL • WR65 | vs. WAS | Depth | I like Dallas against Washington, but Lamb and Pickens should collect most of the passes that sustain those scoring drives. Flournoy belongs among the very deep reserves until Prescott starts distributing more throws in his direction. |
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| WR66136 | Jerry JeudyCLE • WR66 | @ TB | Depth | Jeudy carries no injury designation and ran routes on 80% of Cleveland’s dropbacks against Jacksonville. Watson and the Browns’ blockers have made me reluctant to project much from those routes. Jeudy remains depth until Cleveland completes more of the passes it attempts. |
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| WR67137 | Jaylin NoelHOU • WR67 | vs. CIN | Depth | Houston needs to replace Collins, and Noel could take additional slot work as the receivers reshuffle. Schultz and Hutchinson have already established more involvement with Stroud. I prefer both in PPR while the Texans determine how Noel fits. |
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| RB48138 | Chris BrooksGB • RB48 | @ NYJ | Depth | Brooks played 56% of Green Bay’s opening snaps to Lloyd’s 44%, a useful corrective if we’ve already assigned Lloyd every meaningful backfield touch. I’d keep Brooks available in deeper leagues against the Jets. The Packers trust him on passing downs, though he still needs to turn those snaps into catches. |
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| WR68139 | Mack HollinsNE • WR68 | vs. PIT | Depth | Hollins caught four passes for 51 yards after taking a larger part in New England’s offense when Brown left. I’m keeping him available for a deep PPR lineup against Pittsburgh; Maye has already sought him out while adapting to the thinner receiving group. |
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| TE24140 | Kenyon SadiqNYJ • TE24 | vs. GB | Depth | The Jets gave Sadiq a rushing touchdown in his debut, an enjoyable introduction for anyone who started him. He also caught three passes for 21 yards. I have him as tight-end depth while finding out how often Smith intends to look his way. |
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| TE25141 | Greg DulcichMIA • TE25 | @ SF | Depth | Miami fell behind Las Vegas, yet Dulcich drew only two targets. I’d hesitate to promise a receiving rebound just because San Francisco should force the Dolphins to throw again. Willis has to find him, and Miami has to keep enough possessions alive for the attempts to accumulate. |
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| WR69142 | Kalif RaymondCHI • WR69 | vs. MIN | Depth | Raymond led Chicago with nine targets against Carolina, catching eight passes in an afternoon when several more celebrated teammates did little. I’d keep an eye on whether Caleb returns to him against Minnesota. With Burden, Odunze, and Loveland still out there, I’m reluctant to expect another team-leading share. |
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| WR70143 | Cooper KuppSEA • WR70 | @ ARI | Depth | Smith-Njigba has monopolized Seattle’s important throws, with Lock now replacing Darnold. Familiar as Kupp’s name may be, I’m leaving him out of a normal-sized lineup against Arizona until the Seahawks send more passes his way. |
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| RB49144 | Mike Washington Jr.LV • RB49 | @ LAC | Depth | Las Vegas gave Jeanty 23 carries and threw him six completions against Miami. I have Washington as a reserve behind him, with little independent work to recommend for Sunday. |
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| RB50145 | Emmett JohnsonKC • RB50 | vs. IND | Depth | Walker did the substantial work while Kansas City built its opening lead; Johnson received some later touches. I’m keeping Johnson as depth rather than forecasting the Chiefs turning a successful arrangement into an even split against Indianapolis. |
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| WR71146 | Roman WilsonPIT • WR71 | @ NE | Depth | Pittman’s absence should let Wilson run more routes against New England. Rodgers still has Metcalf and Freiermuth to find, though, in a passing game that rarely looks expansive. I have Wilson available only for very deep lineups. |
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| WR72147 | Kendrick BourneARI • WR72 | vs. SEA | Depth | Bourne caught all eight targets against the Chargers, more than enough to make me reconsider how Arizona will divide its passes. Seattle should be less accommodating. I still prefer McBride and Wilson, but I’d keep Bourne available in deep PPR leagues rather than dismiss the involvement entirely. |
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| RB51148 | Justice HillBAL • RB51 | vs. NO | Depth | Baltimore may send some of Flowers’ shorter targets toward Hill if the doubtful receiver sits. Henry will still take most of the carries, with Lamar adding his own rushing. I have Hill among the emergency reserves, not the dependable standalone starts. |
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| TE26149 | Darren WallerCAR • TE26 | @ ATL | Depth | Young has McMillan and Coker to find against Atlanta. Until Carolina commits more regular receiving work to Waller, I can recommend him only as an emergency tight end. |
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| RB52150 | Brian Robinson Jr.ATL • RB52 | vs. CAR | Depth | Bijan carried 21 times and caught eight passes against Pittsburgh, handling almost everything Atlanta could get going. With Cooper Rush starting again, I’m keeping Brian Robinson on the bench behind him. |
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| TE27151 | Gunnar HelmTEN • TE27 | vs. PHI | Depth | Helm caught four passes against the Jets, enough to keep him among the emergency PPR tight ends. Philadelphia should make Ward work harder for completions, and I can’t confidently project much beyond a few short gains. |
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| WR73152 | Chris BellMIA • WR73 | @ SF | Depth | Willis may throw frequently against San Francisco, but Miami hasn’t yet established how often Bell will receive those attempts. I have the rookie on the deepest benches while the Dolphins sort through their receiving rotation. |
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| TE28153 | Terrance FergusonLAR • TE28 | vs. NYG | Depth | With Puka questionable for Monday, I’d keep Ferguson in mind as emergency insurance where the roster slot permits a tight end. Stafford could throw more often to his secondary receivers if Nacua sits. I would still prefer a healthy Sunday starter over counting on that redistribution. |
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| RB53154 | Samaje PerineCIN • RB53 | @ HOU | Depth | Cincinnati continues to favor Brown for carries and receptions. Perine took enough opening touches to remain useful as depth, but against Houston I’d rather avoid needing a secondary back to score a touchdown. |
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| TE29155 | Colby ParkinsonLAR • TE29 | vs. NYG | Depth | Parkinson could receive a few additional throws if Puka misses Monday, but the Rams still share their tight-end work. I’d keep him available only for an emergency substitution. Stafford’s need for another receiver doesn’t tell us which of these secondary options he’ll actually find. |
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| WR74156 | Jack BechLV • WR74 | @ LAC | Depth | Bech caught three of four targets and scored against Miami, though Las Vegas played him on only 40% of its snaps. I’d keep the rookie on a deep bench and see whether Cousins begins looking for him more consistently. Mayer, Jeanty, Tucker, and Nailor already occupy substantial parts of the passing game. |
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| RB54157 | Devin SingletaryNYG • RB54 | @ LAR | Depth | New York has several backs competing behind Skattebo. I like the Giants’ chances of moving the ball against Los Angeles more than I trust Singletary to collect the useful reserve touches; he stays on the bench. |
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| WR75158 | Ted Hurst IIITB • WR75 | vs. CLE | Depth | Tampa may bring McMillan back into the receiving rotation, further complicating Hurst’s secondary place in it. I have the rookie outside ordinary starting consideration against Cleveland while the Buccaneers settle those snaps. |
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| TE30159 | Oronde Gadsden IILAC • TE30 | vs. LV | Depth | Herbert may need secondary receivers if McConkey can’t handle his normal routes, but I can’t confidently assign those passes to Gadsden. He’s a deeper hold until the Chargers establish a regular job for him. |
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| WR76160 | Calvin RidleyTEN • WR76 | vs. PHI | Depth | Ward has Tate and Robinson to find while Philadelphia tries to hurry him. Until Tennessee completes downfield passes more consistently, I’m keeping Ridley on the bench despite the occasional larger gain he might supply. |
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| QB1 | Lamar JacksonBAL | vs. NO | QB1 | Lamar ran for 40 yards against Indianapolis, something he managed only three times all of last season, while throwing for 324. Flowers’ doubtful hamstring complicates the passing forecast. I’d still take Jackson first among the remaining quarterbacks, with Henry and Andrews doing plenty to keep Baltimore’s offense functioning around him. |
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| QB2 | Jalen HurtsPHI | @ TEN | QB1 | Hurts ran for 46 yards and threw three touchdowns against Washington while Philadelphia still looked uncomfortable in parts of Sean Mannion’s offense. Tennessee should be more forgiving. I can start Hurts confidently and still leave the Eagles time to make their passing game as fluent as the personnel suggests. |
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| QB3 | Dak PrescottDAL | vs. WAS | QB1 | Washington will ask a depleted defense to cover Lamb and Pickens, and Prescott has enough accomplished receivers to keep testing it. Daniels can make Dallas keep throwing, too. I have Dak among the first quarterbacks I want, with a more ordinary scoring pace than the Giants opener already accounted for. |
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| QB4 | Jayden DanielsWAS | @ DAL | QB1 | Daniels should find Dallas more accommodating than Philadelphia, particularly with the Cowboys missing Hooker and Overshown. I’m starting him comfortably, though Washington needs to improve its early-down passing. Daniels can keep contributing with his legs while the offense works through those shortcomings. |
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| QB5 | Caleb WilliamsCHI | vs. MIN | QB1 | Caleb has thrown at least two touchdowns in eight straight games, playoffs included, and he ran for 65 yards against Carolina. Minnesota can make him hesitate with pressure and split-safety coverage. I’ll keep him among the stronger starts, while allowing considerably less scoring than Chicago enjoyed in the opener. |
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| QB6 | Brock PurdySF | vs. MIA | QB1 | San Francisco has Evans, Kittle, and McCaffrey healthy against Miami, and I trust Purdy to distribute the ball productively among them. The 49ers may eventually decide they’ve thrown enough if they establish a comfortable lead. I still prefer Purdy to the quarterbacks struggling to sustain drives at all. |
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| QB7 | Drake MayeNE | vs. PIT | QB1 | Maye has averaged 8.89 yards per attempt across 293 dropbacks against Cover 3 and Cover 4 since last season, the coverages Pittsburgh leaned on extensively in its opener. With Porter out, I’d give Maye room to recover from Seattle, even while New England works around A.J. Brown’s absence. |
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| QB8 | Jaxson DartNYG | @ LAR | QB1 | The Rams will try to contain Dart with important defensive contributors missing, and the Giants have already shown more offensive imagination than their old reputation suggests. I have him near the back of the QB1 group, crediting his rushing while reducing New York’s extraordinary opening third-down success. |
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| QB9 | Jordan LoveGB | @ NYJ | QB1 | Love has Watson and Golden earning substantial receiving work against a Jets defense missing Fitzpatrick and Ossai. I’m moving him into the QB1 discussion, with his protection and uneven accuracy keeping me short of an unqualified endorsement. |
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| QB10 | Joe BurrowCINQ · Back | @ HOU | QB1 | Burrow practiced fully Friday, and Zac Taylor expects him to play, though Cincinnati still lists him as questionable with a back injury. I’d use him near the QB1 boundary if he goes. Houston’s established defensive ability makes me less eager to project a spectacular rebound than its opening loss might invite. |
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| QB11 | Trevor LawrenceJAX | @ DEN | QB1 | Lawrence has Washington, Meyers, and Thomas available, with Jacksonville looking more deliberate about distributing the ball. Denver should make him work harder than Cleveland did. I’m keeping Lawrence near the QB1 boundary and giving the Jaguars’ balanced offense credit for more than the opener’s four passing touchdowns. |
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| QB12 | Patrick MahomesKC | vs. IND | QB1 | Kansas City has begun winning through Walker and a more varied running game. I’m less certain Mahomes will throw as often as his fantasy managers would like, particularly with starting tackle Josh Simmons out. He sits near the edge of the QB1 group against Indianapolis. |
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| QB13 | Justin HerbertLAC | vs. LV | Streamer | Herbert has to work behind an unsettled line while McConkey nurses a rib injury, and I’m reluctant to rank him as if both problems have disappeared. I’d reconsider a few places with credible news of unrestricted work for McConkey. Until then, Love and Dart appeal more to me. |
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| QB14 | Baker MayfieldTB | vs. CLE | Streamer | Mayfield lost three fumbles against Cincinnati despite completing 23 of 28 throws, a maddening way to spoil otherwise useful passing. Cleveland can still pressure him, though Tampa has receivers capable of finding space. I’d use him as a replacement starter, allowing for fewer attempts if the Buccaneers take control. |
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| QB15 | Matthew StaffordLAR | vs. NYG | Streamer | Stafford has Adams healthy for Monday, but I need Puka’s status resolved before projecting a full Rams passing recovery. If I had a comparable healthy Sunday option and no late substitute, I’d take it. Waiting on both a quarterback and his questionable favorite receiver can leave very few useful choices. |
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| QB16 | Tyler ShoughNO | @ BAL | Streamer | Shough eventually threw for 410 yards against Detroit, with overtime extending an afternoon that began much less impressively. Baltimore should make the completions harder to find, particularly if Olave’s hamstring limits him. I’d reserve Shough for a second-quarterback slot while keeping Olave’s early status close at hand. |
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| QB17 | Bryce YoungCAR | @ ATL | Streamer | Young threw for 361 yards against Chicago and now has McMillan and Coker playing substantial receiving roles. I’m encouraged by how Carolina has brought both into the offense, though Atlanta may not force another prolonged passing chase. I have Young among the second quarterbacks this week. |
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| QB18 | Bo NixDEN | vs. JAX | Streamer | Nix has thrown one touchdown or fewer in eight of his last nine regular-season games. Jacksonville may permit a rebound through Waddle and Sutton, but I’m reluctant to dismiss the Kansas City opener as an isolated failure. I prefer a more dependable passer in a one-QB league. |
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| QB19 | C.J. StroudHOU | vs. CIN | QB2 | Houston will play without Collins and starting guard Ed Ingram, and I expect Stroud to look toward Schultz and the backs more often against Cincinnati. The Bengals have allowed production. I’m nevertheless keeping Stroud among the second quarterbacks with his best receiver unavailable. |
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| QB20 | Malik WillisMIA | @ SF | QB2 | Willis can help a fantasy lineup with his legs, though Miami hasn’t used him on enough designed runs for me to assume a substantial rushing total. Against San Francisco’s pressure, I’d need a deep quarterback lineup to start him. Achane and the receivers still need time for their routes to develop. |
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| QB21 | Carson WentzMIN | @ CHI | QB2 | Wentz has Jefferson to throw to against a Chicago secondary that conceded plenty to Carolina, and their previous starts together offer genuine encouragement. I’d still hesitate to chase his three-touchdown relief appearance against Green Bay. Minnesota enjoyed short fields that I can’t simply assign it again. |
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| QB22 | Daniel JonesIND | @ KC | QB2 | Taylor kept Indianapolis competitive on the ground against Baltimore while Jones struggled through the air. Pierce is healthier, and Downs is running more routes, so Jones has receivers capable of helping him improve. I’m still waiting for more consistent passing before recommending him in a one-QB league. |
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| QB23 | Jacoby BrissettARI | vs. SEA | QB2 | Brissett completed 27 passes against the Chargers, repeatedly finding McBride and Arizona’s supporting receivers. Seattle should make him work harder, especially with injuries complicating the Cardinals’ protection. I’d keep him available as a second quarterback, with much less enthusiasm for projecting another comfortable afternoon from the pocket. |
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| QB24 | Geno SmithNYJ | vs. GB | QB2 | Smith completed 19 of 24 passes against Tennessee, yet threw no touchdowns and contributed little rushing. I credit him with a useful Jets debut all the same. Wilson and Hall can keep the offense moving against Green Bay; Smith belongs in lineups requiring two quarterbacks. |
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| D/ST1 | Philadelphia EaglesPHI | @ TEN | D/ST1 | Tennessee struggled to protect Ward and sustain drives against the Jets. Even with Jonathan Greenard missing from Philadelphia’s rush, I prefer the Eagles against a quarterback who has yet to settle this offense. They should have plenty of chances to make him hurry. |
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| D/ST2 | Tampa Bay BuccaneersTB | vs. CLE | D/ST1 | Tampa can pressure Watson behind a Cleveland line that already struggled against Jacksonville. I’m starting the Buccaneers readily, with sacks central to the expectation. They still have to finish those rushes; blitzing frequently doesn’t award the fantasy points by itself. |
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| D/ST3 | San Francisco 49ersSF | vs. MIA | D/ST1 | San Francisco has pressured the quarterback more convincingly, and Miami hasn’t yet shown that it can protect Willis or sustain many possessions. I’d happily start the 49ers. Achane and the receivers can produce isolated gains, but I expect Willis to spend plenty of this afternoon dealing with the rush. |
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| D/ST4 | Seattle SeahawksSEA | @ ARI | D/ST1 | Seattle can make Brissett hurry behind Arizona’s injured line, though McBride remains a thoroughly credible answer when the Cardinals need a completion. I’d start the Seahawks with that resistance included. Drew Lock changes the offense’s outlook; he hasn’t suddenly made Seattle’s defenders less capable of winning their assignments. |
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| D/ST5 | Baltimore RavensBAL | vs. NO | D/ST1 | Baltimore has injuries along its front, and Shough can make the Ravens defend through Olave if the receiver’s hamstring permits it. I still have Baltimore among the stronger starts. New Orleans needed an unusually long afternoon to produce its opening total, and the Ravens should make sustaining drives harder. |
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| D/ST6 | New England PatriotsNE | vs. PIT | D/ST1 | Pittsburgh loses Pittman while Rodgers has already struggled to generate passing explosiveness. I have New England among the stronger starters, though the Patriots’ own coverage injuries leave Metcalf and Freiermuth some room. |
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| D/ST7 | Houston TexansHOU | vs. CIN | D/ST1 | Buffalo made Houston defend a much broader offense than the Texans managed comfortably in the opener. I’d still trust their longer defensive record enough to start them against Cincinnati. Burrow, Chase, and Higgins make a real counterargument, so this belongs below the defenses facing more compromised quarterbacks. |
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| D/ST8 | Los Angeles ChargersLAC | vs. LV | D/ST1 | Cousins threw two interceptions against Miami, but also found Jeanty and Mayer frequently enough to keep the Raiders moving. I’m considering the Chargers for the possibility of more mistakes. They’ll have to tackle those receivers better than they handled Arizona’s passing game in the opener. |
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| D/ST9 | Kansas City ChiefsKC | vs. IND | Streamer | Kansas City must account for Taylor while Chris Jones carries a questionable designation. I can’t comfortably forecast repeated long passing downs for Indianapolis, though Daniel Jones hasn’t thrown consistently enough to make the Chiefs a defense I’d avoid. They’re a secondary starting choice. |
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| D/ST10 | Denver BroncosDEN | vs. JAX | Streamer | Denver should defend more effectively than it did against Walker, though Jacksonville has already shown a functional way to distribute its offense. Washington, Meyers, and Thomas make this a demanding place to forecast an immediate recovery. I have the Broncos among the secondary starts. |
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| D/ST11 | Green Bay PackersGB | @ NYJ | Streamer | Green Bay will defend Hall without Hargrave and Brinson inside, while Smith has Wilson to find when the Jets throw. The Packers can still pressure him. I prefer another defense when available, with New York capable of sustaining possessions against this depleted front. |
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| D/ST12 | Carolina PanthersCAR | @ ATL | Streamer | Cooper Rush threw two interceptions against Pittsburgh, and I’d consider Carolina if the better streams have disappeared. Bijan is the substantial objection: the Panthers just allowed Chicago’s backs to run through them repeatedly. I can chase Rush’s mistakes only while accepting that Atlanta may keep scoring through its best player. |
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| D/ST13 | Los Angeles RamsLAR | vs. NYG | Streamer | The Rams have lost Garrett, and the Giants can sustain offense through Dart, Nabers, and Skattebo. I’ve moved Los Angeles below the preferred streams. Puka’s questionable status matters, too, if the Rams struggle to hold the ball and repeatedly send their defense back out. |
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| D/ST14 | Pittsburgh SteelersPIT | @ NE | Streamer | Pittsburgh can still pressure Maye, though Porter will miss the game and New England has receivers who can test the replacements. I have the Steelers behind the stronger streams, with no repeat of their opening defensive touchdown built into the expectation. |
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| D/ST15 | Arizona CardinalsARI | vs. SEA | Streamer | Arizona gets Drew Lock instead of Sam Darnold, which makes a speculative defensive start easier to entertain. I’d remain cautious with several Cardinals defensive backs injured and Smith-Njigba still separating. Lock has somebody dependable to throw to, however much his presence changes Seattle’s broader offensive outlook. |
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| D/ST16 | Jacksonville JaguarsJAX | @ DEN | Streamer | Denver has struggled to throw efficiently over considerably more than one game, which keeps Jacksonville among my deeper streaming choices. Waddle and Sutton can improve on their opening performances, but Nix still has to deliver the ball consistently. |
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