Fantasy Index

24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

Packers-Rams and Saints-Vikings...and junk

Every Saturday morning, I'll take a quick look at all the week's games, offering my own brief take on what I think will happen, as well as touching on significant injury news since our Weekly came out. I'll check in every so often over the course of the day to answer questions, too.

What follows is a brief look at all the games with how I'd react in my own lineups to injury developments or other news. The official rankings are the ones in the Weekly. Those are the ones that subscribers are paying for. Sometimes players are very close in the rankings, and if I get questions like that, I'll offer opinions. Sometimes I like certain players more or less than Ian, and sometimes I have different risk tolerance with injuries/weather issues, etc.

Eagles and Jaguars in Merry Olde England: Game starts at 9:30, make sure you get your running back committee guys in and out of lineups before then. Eagles should continue Jacksonville's tough season here. Saw an observation online that it's funny the Jaguars acquired Carlos Hyde from Cleveland and not the capable veteran quarterback they're not using, Tyrod Taylor. No Leonard Fournette, and no A.J. Bouye for Jacksonville, helping the Eagles passing game. I don't mind these early starts, although I also won't miss them when they're gone.

Ravens at Panthers: Biggest injury note is that Torrey Smith won't play, so Carolina will need to give more chances to rookie D.J. Moore, and perhaps Jarius Wright and Curtis Samuel (though Moore should be the main beneficiary). John Brown and Joe Flacco look good with Baltimore unlikely to do much on the ground in this one. Tough matchup especially for the Carolina offense.

Jets at Bears: Went back and forth on my Survivor choice (Bears? Steelers? Kansas City?) before sticking with my first thought, the Bears. Chicago has lost two tough games in a row, and can't see them dropping a third, at home, against a banged-up Jets offense led by a rookie. New York has Isaiah Crowell and Jermaine Kearse as its main offensive players. Chicago should be able to move the ball and score on the Jets. Traded away Jordan Howard in dynasty this offseason, no regrets yet. Tarik Cohen better in this offense. Allen Robinson questionable, make sure he's active if you're hoping to use him.

Bucs at Bengals: So which defense is worse? It's an important question for those of us debating whether to start DeSean Jackson or C.J. Uzomah in a flex spot. Made the wrong decision last week and wound up losing by .20 -- that's 2 yards. A tough loss. For now I'm going with Uzomah, with the idea being that Cincinnati seems to have fewer viable targets, just him and the main two wideouts, while Tampa Bay has three wideouts, two tight ends, etc. Joe Mixon looks good, I'm steering clear of what should be a Tampa Bay committee at running back.

Seahawks at Lions: Both teams 3-3 after rough starts. Should be a good, close game with two gritty quarterbacks. Love the Lions' acquisition of Damon Harrison to help their run defense. Giants building for the future by trading away their best run defender for...a fifth-round pick? Yeesh. Kerryon Johnson looks great with Theo Riddick out. Seattle might use three running backs, not particularly useful in fantasy.

Broncos at Kansas City: No Royce Freeman, so Phillip Lindsay looks great. No reason to shy away from usual Kansas City stars, Denver's defense not quite as tough this year (blowing out Arizona doesn't count). Was kind of interested in Chad Kelly as a future Broncos quarterback, but that's all over with after his arrest and release last week. So guess it will be Case Keenum all year. And Broncos say they aren't trading Demaryius Thomas...I'm not sure why.

Washington at Giants: A week to avoid using Giants; I mean, not Barkley or Beckham, but I'm sitting down Shepard and Engram where I can. Washington defense has been mostly solid and their offense tends to play conservative and keepaway...unlikely we'll see lots of garbage-time Giants production again. With every Eli Manning game there are fewer stories about Manning possibly being traded to Jacksonville. Though I suppose you never know. Nice game coming for Adrian Peterson with the Giants shipping off defensive starters (Alec Ogletree also hurt). Chris Thompson playing, but he's more appealing in games Washington should fall behind in.

Browns at Steelers: Pittsburgh looks pretty good in this game against a Browns defense that puts up some nice fantasy production but also gives up plenty of yards and points. Roethlisberger, Conner, Brown, Smith-Schuster, perhaps even McDonald, sign me up. For the Browns, well, Landry and Njoku, and I'm starting Nick Chubb even with the Steelers being generally solid against the run. Just have a good feeling about the youngster. These teams tied back in Week 1 but I'd be surprised if Pittsburgh didn't win big this time. Every once in a while I see questions about trading for LeVeon Bell. I wouldn't do it. Barring injury to Conner, whenever Bell shows up he's not going to be LeVeon Bell.

Colts at Raiders: I'm starting Derek Carr with Philip Rivers on a bye. Picked up Carr two weeks ago for this week and seemed like a good idea at the time. Not a better option available. But Colts should win this game 'cause they're a lot better and are actually trying to win games. For the Raiders, Jordy Nelson-Jared Cook and probably Martavis Bryant. I don't really want to use Doug Martin, starter or no. Marlon Mack should be very good for the Colts. Jack Doyle returns if you're desperate for a PPR TE who catches some short passes. Could have had Andrew Luck for a song in dynasty last offseason, alas.

49ers at Cardinals: Sad thing about divisional schedules is you have to have two teams play twice sometimes when just one game between them is way more than enough. San Francisco will apparently have Matt Breida (ankle) trying to play. This one messed me up big-time in the Friday Update, and here's why. The injury report at the team web site said Breida got in a full practice on Friday after not practicing at all Wednesday or Thursday. But the official injury report released by the league said he got in a limited practice on Friday. Now, both places get their info from the team. So who screwed up? My guess is the team website screwed up, and Breida was in fact limited. But can't be 100 percent sure. Anyway, Breida might play. I wouldn't use him, Raheem Mostert, who's healthy, looks like the better bet. No Pierre Garcon, but Dante Pettis returns to take those chances. Two teams playing out the string in Week 8.

Packers at Rams: Randall Cobb is questionable and Cooper Kupp is doubtful. Those are the key skill guys NOT to use in what should be a high-scoring shootout. And Green Bay running backs, all three of whom will likely play around a third of the time. Moving on.

Saints at Vikings: Vikings are banged-up on defense and don't have Dalvin Cook on offense. Their passing game should be very good, as should all of New Orleans offense. I mean, not a great matchup, but no betting against Drew Brees these days, really. Entertaining Sunday night game, though it will be hard to top the playoff meeting.

Patriots at Bills: Lots of streaming appeal in the New England defense. I guess I'd use Kelvin Benjamin for garbage production, although obviously I don't have him in any leagues. Hopefully we'll have some idea after the injury reports comes out whether the Bills will have LeSean McCoy available or not. Right now he's still in the concussion protocol, so who knows. Pats should have a lot of James White and a little of Kenjon Barner. Kind of a dog for Monday night, but that would be true whenever the Bills play anyone. Be a nice night to carve a pumpkin or two.

Enjoy the games.

40 Reader Comments:

L.B. GRAHAM

Ballwin, MO
2018-10-27T12:59:48Z
The rankings have Burton & Cook next to each other, so what is your gut, Andy? Which would you play?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T13:10:34Z
After last week I’m not sitting down Burton any more.

SCOTT MACDONIELS

Chesterfield, MO
2018-10-27T13:22:55Z
PPR Andy, you think Sanders or Chubb?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T13:36:15Z
I think Sanders has been pretty reliable, probably a safer PPR bet

zach simon

Amsterdam
2018-10-27T13:42:05Z
Playing against D. Watson so need a strong flex player. Trying to choose between Brown (Baltimore) Baldwin and Tate. Already starting Sanders and Diggs.

Pasquale DiGiulio

Philadelphia, PA
2018-10-27T14:01:35Z
Brady,Dalton, or Winston?

Lance Reiss

Tarzana, CA
2018-10-27T14:12:11Z
I have winston, goff and roethls. 6 ot tds and Bonus for 300 yd passing. Opponent has Ant Brown. Who should I start?

MATT SHEDOR

Algonquin, IL
2018-10-27T14:17:49Z
If i’m making decisions for the Bills, regardless of whether or not Shady is out of concussion protocol, he sits Monday night.

Bills ARE exploring trade offers and the last thing they can afford in this season that is already lost is to have their best trade chip get injured.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T14:42:29Z
Zach, I’m starting Brown. Pasquale, definitely a week when I’m very comfortable using Dalton. James, yes that’s how I’d go. Lance, Winston or Roethlisberger for me. TB TDs most likely through air of those guys.

JASON CHAN

Federal Way, WA
2018-10-27T15:01:05Z
Hi Andy...great stuff as always. Bit of a quandary here...which is usually mulling over crap options. I have no idea how this happened, but I have to choose 2 out of: Mixon, Conner, White and Mack (standard league). Good problem to have I guess. Thanks again for your insight and good luck!

Johnny Bazzano

Santa Rosa, CA
2018-10-27T15:02:17Z
Morning Andy,

Got two Broncos and trying to figure out who has the most upside. E. Sanders or Lindsay in the PPR flex?

James Crawford

Atlanta, GA
2018-10-27T15:21:26Z
Hey Andy. Got a favorite between Sanders or Cohen in a flex spot for a PPR league? I have Cohen in there now, but I keep second guessing it.

David Kennedy

Steamburg, NY
2018-10-27T15:22:39Z
I have a embarrassing wealth at WR and need to decide between Jeffrey, Boyd, and John Brown. Normally I'd just go ahead and start Jeffrey but might Ramsey shadow him? My other starters are Adams, Hilton, and Landry. Life is good!

Ian MacEwen

Akron, OH
2018-10-27T15:26:05Z
Hey Andy - same scoring as last week, basically td only with distance bonuses. Ingram or Chubb? Ingram tough run matchup and in committee. Chubb is starter but if browns fall behind (local fan, I’m skeptical), then Chubb could not see the field often.

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2018-10-27T15:34:18Z
Morning Andy, who do u like as a ppr flex? Allison or Carson? Rankings seem really into allison this week, think his role secure after injury?

Scott Anderson

Lakewood, CO
2018-10-27T15:36:36Z
Well damn, Andy, reading your thoughts on Seattle's RB situation, I probably would've started Drake over Carson. Now I have my doubts about Carson...with Brieda limited, would you start Mostert or Carson (non ppr)? Also in a 6 pt passing TD lg, Rodgers or Goff? Thanks!

Jeffrey Martin

Ellington, CT
2018-10-27T15:52:35Z
Tough call - but a good one to have to make, I guess.
Rodgers or Winston.
They are back to back in the rankings.
Thanks!

Dennis Thomas

Royal Oaks, CA
2018-10-27T15:56:39Z
Long term - Mack or Ingram. I know the Tedrafter has Ingram higher, but I’m intrigued by Mack being #1 in Indy vs. Ingram #2 in NO.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T15:59:37Z
Jason, I'm always going to favor the guys who will be on the field most (I mean, unless they're Doug Martin). For me Conner is a definite, and I'd probably go Mixon 2nd. Hard to sit down White, but for me he's 3rd. Mack is easier to sit given the injury concern and the possibility Hines and Wilkins will play some. Johnny, Lindsay has the most upside with Freeman sidelined. James, Cohen for me this week. David, I'd be using Brown, but I'd also be using Boyd, over Landry, with no misgivings. Bengals No. 2 better than Cleveland's No. 1 right now. Ian, I like Chubb, as noted. Ed, Allison will be on the field every play in a shootout. Scott, definitely Rodgers. If Breida inactive, Mostert, otherwise Carson. Good luck all.

Dennis Thomas

Royal Oaks, CA
2018-10-27T16:16:03Z
You almost got to me. Darn.

Mark Dresser

Arcadia, CA
2018-10-27T16:27:57Z
Hey Andy, got my day started later than usual today. I have 2 questions. Would you play Mostert or Chris Thompson, and would you play DJax or John Brown? I am already playing Winston over Brees. Thanks for you input Andy! Hope your teams do well this weekend.

ROBERT JOHNSON

Pearland, TX
2018-10-27T16:36:30Z
Please add a choice to the current poll: "None of the above."

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T16:36:57Z
Sorry, was probably writing my post while you posted and didn’t see you. I’m with you on Mack, I think, but it’s close. Note Mack hasn’t had his bye yet, one factor in ReDrafter. And more of an injury risk. Mark, I might go Mostert over Thompson even if Breida active. And I am in fact using Brown over DJax in my own lineup.

Andrew Napoli

Alexandria, VA
2018-10-27T16:42:10Z
Is Gronk good to go for Monday? My backup bus Hooper but he's on bye.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T16:59:31Z
We’ll have a better idea when injury report comes out but I’ve seen no indication that Gronkowski is at all in doubt for Monday.

Scott Branum

Kennett, MO
2018-10-27T17:14:11Z
Alright never thought I'd be asking this but Jordan Howard or Doug Martin in PPR??

John Evans

Rochester, MN
2018-10-27T17:33:49Z
Hi Andy. I was able to add Cannon in dynasty this week. Is DeVante Parker a good waiver wire pick up at the expense of dropping Cannon? In all likelihood I wouldn’t start either player this season and I would likely try to trade either player at years end.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T17:51:07Z
John I actually picked up Cannon myself in dynasty, but I don’t know that he’ll ever be more than the second part of a committee. He will probably be No. 3 for the Jets a week from now, when McGuire activated. Howard over Martin I think.

MATT SHEDOR

Algonquin, IL
2018-10-27T17:54:21Z
Sony is practicing and looks good, according to reports. Wow.. what an ugly looking tackle last week, now it looks like he’ll be back for the Packers game next week.

BEN HOGEVOLL

Siletz, OR
2018-10-27T17:56:49Z
Andy,About 90% of the above questions are already answered on the Weekly rankings and right in line of your answers.Here is a question that is not and I doubt you will answer it.Dodgers or Red Sox tonight?

Cash Mitchell

Guilford, CT
2018-10-27T18:18:44Z
Hello Andy, Got a couple of really tough calls in a PPR league. At flex, T Cohen or E Sanders, and TE D Njoku or G Kittle. Thanks.

Jeffrey Martin

Ellington, CT
2018-10-27T18:30:53Z
Perfectly understandable, but you skipped over my question.
Rodgers or Winston???
They're back to back in the rankings.
Thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T18:31:32Z
Why would I not answer it? That said I probably can’t name more than 5 players on either team. I grew up a Red Sox fan. I hope they win. But, I have no experience or knowledge predicting outcomes of baseball games. Cash, I keep answering against Sanders even though I like him this week. But I like the Bears to have a really good game so I’d take Cohen. Both TEs look great, I have nothing to add to the rankings. Use them or your gut. Jeffrey, Rodgers.

Jim Backstrom

Henderson, NV
2018-10-27T20:09:30Z
930 east coast is 630 west coast. No fun getting up that early

Jeffrey Spencer

Clearwater, FL
2018-10-27T20:17:16Z
It is tough to sit Mcaffrey but i do have Kerryon...what do you think?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-27T21:09:45Z
If it's PPR, I think you have to use McCaffrey, who's always a possibility to catch 8-10 passes. In Standard, they're back to back in the rankings and I'd probably take my chances with Johnson.

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2018-10-27T23:43:18Z
What r ur thoughts on Carson? Matchup is cherry, no?

William Hansen

Georgetown, DE
2018-10-27T23:48:57Z
Andy your thoughts on 2 decisions . Winston v Dalton and for flex do u prefer Edelman or Allison rankings say Edelman

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-10-28T02:28:25Z
Matchup good for Carson, but he’s not the only back they use. Lions improved by adding Damon Harrison, although change might not be immediate. Team’s devotion to Penny worries me more. Hate to contradict myself if I already answered Dalton-Winston. They’re close. Probably Dalton. I won’t argue Edelman.
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