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24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

Is anybody healthy anymore?

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 lineup 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 take precedence. But sometimes players are very close, and in those cases I'm glad to offer opinions on how I'd approach those situations. Sometimes I like certain players more or less than Ian, and sometimes I have different risk tolerance with injuries etc.

Steelers at Titans: Game postponed from earlier in the season. Steelers have stormed through a pretty easy schedule, Titans have pulled off a couple of thrilling victories. Most players are pretty healthy for this one, an anomaly in the league right now. Nobody is sitting down Derrick Henry but definitely a tough matchup for the Titans offense. Jonnu Smith good to go. I think you use regular stars on both sides, I'm not sure if that includes JuJu these days. Everyone wants him to be traded to Green Bay or something, we'll see if there's any team interest, or if the Packers prefer to blow picks on guys like Jace Sternberger.

Cowboys at Football Team: I'm in a league with best-ball lineups where I can't bring myself to drop Kyle Allen just because of this matchup. The Dallas Defense, so bad you don't want to drop Kyle Allen. Dallas line in shambles making things tough on Andy Dalton. I expect people still using Cooper and probably Lamb, Elliott of course hope he doesn't get benched. I did say back when the team hired Mike McCarthy that I had a bad feeling about it, for whatever that's worth. The guy rode the coattails of elite quarterbacks for most of his coaching career, plain and simple.

Bills at Jets: Made the Bills my Survivor Pool pick, seems to be good business betting against the Jets. Was going to go with the Eagles, which would have been 3 hours of stress but would have worked out. Bills are kind of banged up (no John Brown, Dawson Knox), Jets might get Sam Darnold back. But they're still the Jets and Jamison Crowder is questionable, so his status needs to be confirmed Sunday morning.

Panthers at Saints: I also thought about the Saints as a Survivor pick. But then they are going into this one without Michael Thomas (man that pick isn't working out well this year) and Emmanuel Sanders. Yes, I would chance TreQuan Smith, just as he's ranked. Carolina passing game should be decent, Mike Davis should play full-time, etc. Carolina springing the upset would not be stunning, they've exceeded expectations all year. DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, sure.

Packers at Texans: So Aaron Jones is questionable, in a choice matchup. If he's active, I think he needs to be used, unless we get more really negative info. If he's inactive, I think Jamaal Williams is very appealing and AJ Dillon is somewhat appealing. For Houston I'm using pretty much everyone, there should be some points put up in this one.

Browns at Bengals: Joe Mixon is out so I went running around to all my leagues yesterday looking for Giovani Bernard. Found him in one. He should play close to full-time, so there's plenty of value there. First matchup was higher-scoring, you can't guarantee that will always be the case, but a nice precedent for using players from this game. Baker Mayfield not passing a ton and the Bengals' current three-man mix at wideout are the drag on these players' value. No Austin Hooper, appendectomy, that's different.

Lions at Falcons: Should be a higher-scoring game. Not knowing exactly how healthy guys like Julio Jones are each week makes fantasy football difficult this year. Last week you got burned for sitting him, this week maybe you get burned for starting him. Some luck involved when we really don't know how much their injuries bother them on a given Sunday. If you have Marvin Jones on your roster still, I guess this is the week and matchup to use him in. Love Golladay and Ridley, would use Todd Gurley this week and D'Andre Swift, too (but Adrian Peterson will still get as many carries if not more). I'll sign off on both tight ends.

Bucs at Raiders: Formerly a primetime game (don't worry, they'll still talk a ton about Antonio Brown in the primetime broadcast), this was moved to afternoon since this is the game which may potentially be postponed if the Raiders keep having positive COVID tests. If it's played, key Bucs offensive players are good to go. Raiders will have Waller and Josh Jacobs and the hit or miss wideouts. Bucs defense has looked very good to me and was still pretty surprising the way they shut down Aaron Rodgers last week. Be ready to switch off players in this game just in case, but seems like it will probably happen, even if it needs to be moved to Monday or Tuesday. I don't really have a take on the AB signing, at least not one that will surprise anyone. I don't know why good teams who are strong at receiver like the Seahawks and Bucs are interested in bringing in time bomb wideouts, but I guess injuries are a factor.

Jaguars at Chargers: My second survivor entry went to the Chargers. My son's pick, and he's been doing better than me all along so I can't argue. Jaguars look like a bad team right now, so sure. Their defense is definitely bad and I'm high on healthy Chargers. And the LA defense is healthier now, so maybe. Chargers do have some offensive line issue, but Jacksonville seems unlikely to take advantage. Justin Jackson practiced fully on Friday, should be fine.

49ers at Patriots: Interesting game between Super Bowl hopefuls with mediocre records. Was holding Hasty in my dynasty league since August before dropping him last Sunday and not being able to get him back, sigh. I'd start him, but committee against a good run defense. Tough investing in New England offense at all, even with San Fran defense seemingly a lesser group now. Starting Cam Newton for his running potential, and Deebo and Kittle for the Niners, that's about it.

Kansas City at Broncos: Not sure how to evaluate the Denver defense. They've been good lately, but mostly against bad offenses. I'm still using Mahomes, Tyreek, CEH. Sounds like LeVeon might not play much if at all, saving him to go for 200 against the Jets next week perhaps. For Denver I like Gordon, Fant, maybe Tim Patrick. Kansas City defense against Drew Lock.

Seahawks at Cardinals: Very tough putting together a daily lineup for just this game. So hard to decide which quarterback, wide receiver and running back will be best, and prices make it impossible to use both quarterbacks. Anyhoo, Seahawks are the more seasoned, experienced team, Cardinals the upstarts in the NFC West. Should be a great one to watch, and I think generally you're using key starters from both.

Bears at Rams: This one has 19-16 battle of field goals written all over it. There are some injury worries for the Rams, with both Robert Woods and Darrell Henderson missing practice time. Need to see what they do today before considering either one. Either way, tough matchup for Rams passing game and Bears offense, period. I'd like to use Henderson and will be using Montgomery and probably Kupp and Robinson, but definitely a matchup that's not so good. Lower-scoring I think, which can be used to break ties.

Enjoy the games.

35 Reader Comments:

L.B. Graham

Ballwin, MO
2020-10-24T13:25:07Z
Hey Andy, I have Ronald Jones, Montgomery and Gibson, and all are ranked higher in my half-point PPR rankings than Josh Jacobs. Would you really sit Jacobs, even as good as TB is, to play Montgomery & Gibson?

Also, if the Raiders & Bucs are pushed, I'll need to flex Amari Cooper or AJ Brown - which would you play? The one with the terrible line/back-up QB or the one with the bad matchup? (Currently Ridley & Lockett are the starters at WR.)

Pasquale DiGiulio

Philadelphia, PA
2020-10-24T13:44:02Z
Hey Andy. Ppr. Starting golladay and metcalf. I also have Godwin,, claypool and Tyreek ( highest ranked). They are seriously my 5 wrs. Lol. Love Godwins matchup. Would u consider starting him over Tyreek?

Lance Reiss

Calabasas, CA
2020-10-24T13:52:52Z
Need 2 Swift Gibson J jackson, d henderson

Mark Dresser

Arcadia, CA
2020-10-24T13:55:22Z
Good Morning Andy--Most of my lineup is pretty set, but I have questions about RB and WR. My custom rankings have Gibson and Henderson as my starters, even with Henderson's iffy status and the lower scoring game potential. David Johnson is ranked third. Would you sit DJ and play Henderson/Gibson? At WR I am starting Golladay and Ridley (Duh). But I also have Mike Williams from the Chargers, and he is projected to have a few more points than David Johnson. Do I sit David Johnson and play 3 WRs, using Williams? Or do I go 3 RBs since Henderson is dinged up somewhat? Or do I just go 3 WR and sit Henderson, playing DJ and Gibson? Your opinion would be greatly valued here. I have been making the wrong choice of who to sit the last two weeks, and it has cost me. Thanks!

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2020-10-24T14:23:11Z
Jacobs: Start or sit. Raiders OL minus Trent Brown. TB defense really good
Tonyan: my backup to Andrews; does he play? Or search for replacement And drop Tonyan or Landry?
Pick 3 PPR: Claypool, Lockett, Cooper, D. Samuel, J. Landry

Thanks for the intel.

David Kennedy

Steamburg, NY
2020-10-24T14:28:38Z
With Mixon out I have to start Randall Cobb in the flex. He has been solid and this looks like a nice revenge game for him. 7 for 65 and a TD is my prediction. Just thought I'd throw that out there. I think Brown is going to hurt Godwin the most. I think Brady might feed Antonio in the slot quite a bit.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T14:35:37Z
Dang lots of Bucs questions. Yes I have no problem sitting Jacobs this week. Look at Aaron Jones a week ago...lucky to score and save his day:

I don’t know if Tonysn will play. I don’t have a problem dropping him or Landry if need be.

Ray Landry def 5th. 4th either Deebo given matchup or Claypool. But in general I’m cool on the Niners offense.

Mark I can’t promise the right choices. If Henderson doesn’t practice fully today he’s an easy sit for me. If he DOES practice fully I’d probably start 3 RBs and sit Williams.

Lance Swift and Gibson healthiest and probably best choices regardless. Why take on Rams committee and maybe hurt Henderson if you can avoid it.

P, I would not start Godwin over Hill.

LB I’d use AJ over Amari.

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2020-10-24T14:37:21Z
Morning Andy, James White or McKinnon as a ppr flex? McKinnon making me nervous, look bad last game and buying the Hasty hype, looked better and played more last week. What say you? Appreciate your take!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T14:40:27Z
I’m not willing to buy into Brown at 32 years old and after sitting out for a year being a big producer in Tampa. It’s funny to me that Brady seems smart in some things and stupid in others, but easy for me to say I guess. Just hard to understand why he has a positive memory of working with Brown last season.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T15:36:03Z
Ed it’s White for me yes

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2020-10-24T15:53:54Z
No new positive cases for Raiders and Saints Friday.The Games remains on schedule.

Russ Neis

Eagan, MN
2020-10-24T15:58:13Z
D.Henderson or Lamb in flex .5 ppr

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T16:01:26Z
The Rams are practicing today. Nobody should be making Henderson decisions until their final injury report comes out. If he only gets in a limited practice and is listed as questionable, which might happen, any Henderson question is moot - use the other guy.

Mark Dresser

Arcadia, CA
2020-10-24T16:07:00Z
Hey Andy, just wanted to say I expect no promises from you in regards to start/sit decisions! I just appreciate your opinion and take on who you would play given my team. I make my own decision based on what I feel and taking into account what you say--but I will never throw blame your way for what is my choice on my team. You offer great analysis and gut- feel thoughts as you always have, and I am grateful that you have always answered my questions. I hope all your teams do well this week, and thanks again!

GARY BAUER

Marinette, WI
2020-10-24T16:12:27Z
Non ppr, flex position, Deebo or McKinnon, thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T16:16:20Z
Deebo by a country mile. I wouldn’t even roster McKinnon in non-PPR

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2020-10-24T16:27:58Z
Andy,I realize it's a little confusing keeping the schedules correct with postponedEct in your resources but that said,would it be possible to correct them once in a while?I for one like to look ahead a week or two to do some strategizing.Examples this week,you have Miami playing Chargers,Tenn on a bye,Steelers vs Ravens and JV on a bye,

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T17:24:54Z
I’ll pass it along, That’s something I couldn’t change if I wanted to.

Scott Branum

Kennett, MO
2020-10-24T18:10:22Z
Josh Jacobs or TreQuan Smith in the FLEX??? thanks for the help Andy

KW Song

Pittsburgh, PA
2020-10-24T18:25:56Z
Andy, PPR: Amari vs. Claypool? Thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T18:45:53Z
Projections quite similar. I’d go Jacobs and Claypool but not a strong preference

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2020-10-24T19:19:30Z
thanks for the article, as always, Andy.
Nobody's sitting Henry. But I might. What you have to say might tip the scales.

In dynasty, along with Henry, I have Aaron Jones, Hunt, and Gurley, all of whom have way easier battles. Would you sit Henry for these guys? Keeping an eye on Jones' status, of course.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T20:18:50Z
Nope

Mark Simon

Spring, TX
2020-10-24T20:39:51Z
JuJu hit the waiver wire. Should I drop Jamison Crowder and pick him up in a full PPR. Thanks.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2020-10-24T21:44:59Z
(Grimacing) If Taylor Lewin was out there at LT, I'd roll Henry out. But I see Ty Sambrallo out there and immediately think 'strip/sack'. Just can't pull the Henry trigger on this one. But thanks - this is the craziest column there is to try to cover all the bases, and I'm sure the loss of Lewan was buried for the moment.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T22:54:27Z
Henry has scored 2 TDs three games in a row. He’s averaging 118 rushing yards. I get that it’s a tough matchup but the other guys aren’t such sure things that I’d sit Henry down. Maybe I’d start Hunt over him, but not all three.

Mark, ReDrafter says no

Darrell Sooy

West Chester, PA
2020-10-24T23:27:03Z
Michael Gallup, demarcus Robinson, or Gabriel Davis, half point PPR. Feel like there are all dart throws and hard to trust any of them.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-24T23:39:06Z
Trust the rankings man

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2020-10-24T23:50:39Z
I'll sit Jones. I don't really buy what they're selling ("yeah, you know, it just seemed to start tightening up a little"), but I'll always go with a clean health slate over a 'Q'. Thanks for talking some sense into me, Andy.

MATT JACKSON

Norwalk, CT
2020-10-25T13:58:37Z
2" of snow expected in Denver..10-11mph winds..(not too bad, 17 degrees though) dont think i can bring myself to bench Mahomes for J Hebert..but maybe should..
Would u Andy?

James Simpson

2020-10-25T14:10:19Z
Andy, or anybody. Need to pick of the four RBs: Lindsay, Gibson, Peterson, Edmonds

James Simpson

2020-10-25T14:11:43Z
opps...pick 2 of 4...basic scoring

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-25T14:32:43Z
Matt those aren’t terrible conditions. I’d stick with Mahomes.

James, Gibson a definite. The other guys are all second fiddle types, you’re gambling no matter who. Mebbe Edmonds but not a strong preference

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2020-10-26T01:16:23Z
Matt, hope you won anyway

Kevin Henriksen

2020-11-01T17:11:25Z
Andy: The NFL may flex games starting in Week 5. However, FOX & CBS have the right to save a few games each from being flexed.

The assumption is CBS saved Pittsburgh vs Baltimore. How about Week 11?? Do you think Vikings vs Cowboys stays on Sunday night?

I have my doubts.
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