Fantasy Index

24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

Another 9:30 a.m. Eastern start time

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 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 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.

Bills vs. Jaguars across the pond: A reminder, this game starts at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday. Not sure why they have the Jaguars playing here in back to back weeks. Team preference (get the international travel over with)? Anyway, one theory is they'll have an advantage over Buffalo, another is they'll be pretty wiped out from two England games in a week. I feel like in general scoring might be down a little here, certainly it's a tough matchup for Jacksonville's offense, and they've been a little off anyway. For Buffalo I like the big names but don't think it will be like last week.

Texans at Falcons: The Falcons have been more vulnerable to the pass than the run to this point. So we're a little higher on Dameon Pierce than the passing game components. But I think if you've been enjoying Nico Collins and perhaps C.J. Stroud, depending on who else you have, you're taking your chances. For Atlanta, Bijan Robinson seems to be the only sure option.

Panthers at Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown is doubtful, and those guys almost never play. Jahmyr Gibbs is questionable, and he'd be an iffy choice even if he were fully healthy. That leaves us with David Montgomery and Sam LaPorta as sure starters. Carolina doesn't have any of those types of players, but I suppose you consider Miles Sanders and Adam Thielen. Detroit was the most popular Survivor pick in my pool this week (not my choice, and the St. Brown absence is a negative).

Titans at Colts: Anthony Richardson has moved into my starting lineup in the league I drafted him as a backup to Joe Burrow. Jonathan Taylor will probably return for this game. There are a range of possibilities for what could occur -- featured Taylor, featured Zack Moss, even committee -- and I think the latter is most likely, and against a very good run defense, so I'm avoiding both. Michael Pittman, Derrick Henry and perhaps D'Andre Hopkins are the players I'd consider.

Giants at Dolphins: This was my Survivor pick; if you can't count on the league's top scoring offense at home against the league's softest defense (leaving out the team Miami scored 70 against), what can you count on. I'll sign off on all of Miami's key starters. New York will presumably put up some points in a loss, but they've actually defied that in most games so far. Kind of need to see them do something before counting on it. Saquon Barkley is questionable. If I'd drafted him and he's active, I'd use him as ranked.

Saints at Patriots: Game should be very low-scoring. The only offensive players I'd feel particularly good about are Alvin Kamara (PPR), Hunter Henry (New England's leading receiver) and maybe Michael Thomas (because those are the throws injured Derek Carr seems comfortable making. Chris Olave is a talented guy and I realize everyone drafted him in the second round, but it's hard to feel good about using him. The defenses look promising.

Ravens at Steelers: Oh joy, another low-scoring game. Every week we get Ravens-Steelers, Ravens-Browns, Steelers-Browns or one of those teams against the current version of the Bengals. I hate the AFC North these days. Viable players...er. Gus Edwards. Lamar Jackson. Mark Andrews. Zay Flowers I suppose. Justin Tucker. Have I missed any points bonanza-type player? I doubt it. Even George Pickens is on my bench these days. Najee Harris (who again I'll note did look good last week) is iffy. It's just difficult to invest in an offense that seems likely to score only 13-17 points.

Bengals at Cardinals: I like the running backs. Marquise Brown, JaMarr Chase, and I'd consider Zach Ertz and Michael Wilson. Arizona's offense has exceeded expectations, in the same way that Cincinnati's has painfully underachieved. If you start Tee Higgins, you run the risk of taking a zero. We laid out how his game went when he played hurt a year ago. I understand your alternative might also be bad. But I'm not using Higgins.

Eagles at Rams: Should be a good, higher-scoring game. I agree with the rankings of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Kupp isn't ranked higher because there is some risk in him playing full-time, I think. He's ranked where he is because his upside is greater than the guys ranked behind him, and his risk is greater than those ranked ahead of him. Hope that's helpful. With his return. I'm less inclined to use Tutu Atwell or even Tyler Higbee. But I'm not sure how anyone could sit Nacua down. For the Eagles, start the usual guys and I think Dallas Goedert should have one of his better games.

Jets at Broncos: The Nathaniel Hackett angle doesn't mean much to me. Sean Payton was out of line, sure, he's said and done plenty of out of line things over the years. Hackett actually was memorably, distinctly bad as a head coach last year -- I've never seen an offense so incapable of merely getting the ball snapped before the playclock expired, 5-6 weeks into the season. In this one, it's a tough matchup for Denver's offense, and the fact that Javonte Williams might be active cools me on Jaleel McLaughlin (if Javonte is inactive with his hip/quad issue, I'm using McLauhglin). Jeudy and Sutton are possibilities. For the Jets, I like Breece Hall and would probably use Garrett Wilson, considering the matchup. But let's not get too high on Zach Wilson simply because he wasn't godawful last week.

Kansas City at Vikings: Should be a lot of yards and points in this one. Something funny about Taylor Swift. Start your key players on both teams (this doesn't include any Kansas City wideouts, too uncertain who might be the No. 1 or 2 or 3 in a given week).

Cowboys at 49ers: Game of the Week and it's the Sunday night game, very seldom does that actually work out, so yay. I'm a little nervous about using banged-up Deebo Samuel, but otherwise I'd start key Niners against Dallas's strong defense that it must be said hasn't faced a good or perhaps even mediocre offense yet. The best offense San Francisco faced, the Rams, did fine against it too. So I guess the point is don't be scared to use players in this game.

Packers at Raiders: Better offenses than defenses. I'm assuming Aaron Jones is good to go. I'm further assuming that Davante Adams will not miss this matchup. But just in case, I'd try to be lining up an alternative in this Monday game (either Meyers, or Doubs, or perhaps a player at another position in the flex) just in case. But you know Davante will do everything he can to be out there. Jimmy Garoppolo returns so at least the Raiders shouldn't take 7 sacks and fumble it a bajillion times. Josh Jacobs looked good last week and should be the clearest start here.

Enjoy the games.

56 Reader Comments:

William Hansen

Georgetown, DE
2023-10-07T13:04:56Z
Have all my Chargers on bye and need 3 of these 4 full ppr Kirk Meyers Doubs Watson . I have Watson on bench as of now for the usage and injury concerns. It just doesn’t seem Watson is a full go.

Mike Conway

Nanuet, NY
2023-10-07T13:05:11Z
Unfortunately have Pickens Harrris ans Warren. Need 1 to play.

Fred Wright

New Palestine, IN
2023-10-07T13:08:56Z
Andy, in a o.5 PPR league, I need to pick between Nixon (10.6) and Achane (10.4). Who do you prefer?

JON CASASENT

Barker, TX
2023-10-07T13:16:10Z
1 pt ppr
Need 2 Rb (all close) - Harris, warren, sanders, spears, McLaughlin, bredia
Or play 3 and leave Ridley on bench

Fred Wright

New Palestine, IN
2023-10-07T13:34:12Z
Mixon, not Nixon. Sorry. Mixon or Achane

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2023-10-07T14:36:59Z
WR dilemma (pick one): C Watson, R Doubs, C Ridley, J Williams, G Pickens
Also LaPorta over Kittle?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T14:48:46Z
William I'd bench Watson. I'm not sure why so many people are reluctant to commit to Doubs. He's the best start among Green Bay receivers. That doesn't change until Watson has a week where he (at a bare minimum) is practicing fully.

Mike in your case in this matchup I'd use Pickens.

Fred, they're both top-10 guys in our rankings. Objectively Mixon (playing full-time is "safer", but Achane has been pretty hot and he definitely has the best matchup. I think I would have an easier time benching Mixon, but both should be good.

Jon I'd use Harris and Mclaughlin if you can wait to see if Javonte is active or inactive. (And that's the only way I'll use McLaughlin - if Javonte doesn't play.) Otherwise Sanders my other choice.

Ray I'll go Doubs or Ridley. Certainly Jameson is intriguing, especially with St. Brown out. There's just so little to go on. Yes I'll take LaPorta over Kittle, I know LaPorta's getting 5-6 targets minimum, I don't know that with Kittle.

Mike Conway

Nanuet, NY
2023-10-07T14:50:22Z
Thanks

MICHAEL HAMER

Springfield, PA
2023-10-07T15:00:29Z
Andy, exactly. When will we know if Devante is out? Thank you.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T15:07:58Z
We won't know officially until the Broncos release their inactives at 3 p.m. Eastern. So if deciding between McLaughlin and a 1 p.m. Eastern player, we won't know for sure. But, Adam Schefter is usually pretty good Sunday morning about saying if players in his situation will be active or not. So we might have a pretty good idea by noon tomorrow, if not 100 percent certain.

Mark Rapley

Rosemount, MN
2023-10-07T15:09:16Z
Greetings Andy!

In standard, 2 out of Jonathan Taylor, Pollard, Kyren, or James COok? I'm leaning Pollard and Kyren. Also, Lamar Jackson or Tua?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T15:20:32Z
I’m definitely not benching Tua versus the Giants for anyone in a Steelers-Ravens game. Not sure I’m benching Tua period these days.

I agree with your running back leans.

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2023-10-07T15:23:54Z
Morning Andy, due to bye's I'm forced to play one of Najee and Jaylen Warren as a ppr flex...almost back 2 back in rankings this week. Who would u go with? Thank you!

Chris Clay

Santa Monica, CA
2023-10-07T15:27:05Z
Down by 30 points because of the DJ Moore game. Need someone that has the chance for a big day, who do you pick?

Nico Collins, Garrett Wilson, Christian Watson, Jameson Williams

Daniel Ford

Rochester, NY
2023-10-07T15:50:04Z
For Texans - Falcons, I assume you mean that Falcons are better vs. pass than run.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T15:55:29Z
Daniel yes correct. Ed I’ll go Najee. Chris, I think Nico first and either Jameson or Wilson. Jameson has the better QB (easier to see Goff throw multiple touchdowns than Zach).

Eric Pryne

Vashon, WA
2023-10-07T15:57:11Z
Pick two: Thielen, Engram, Laporta. TD-heaving scoring.
Also, just FYI — I know Mostert still is highly ranked, but it’s clear Achane is cutting into his touches, especially around the goal line. I’m benching him for D Henry, D Swift and Pacheco.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T16:07:56Z
Engram and LaPorta. We’ve got Henry, Swift and Pacheco ranked higher than Mostert, so I agree. Mostert is as high as he is because Miami is projected for more total yards from the running backs, so even if it’s 50-50, he will end up outperforming some full-time guys on teams that won’t do as much as the Dolphins versus the Giants.

Aaron Vander Vorst

West Fargo, ND
2023-10-07T16:09:30Z
Managed to grab Ferguson off the wires this week. Love the looks he is getting, but perplexed by the cowboys inability to convert effectively. Between matchup and Eagles coaches giving him a nod, I’m leaning toward giving Goedert one more chance before I move Ferguson into active roster. What are your thoughts?

Bill Rehor

Culver City, CA
2023-10-07T16:17:39Z
Andy, don't know if you have time for a dynasty question this morning, but I have a trade offer I'd love your opinion on. Was offered Nacua for Goedert and my 2024 1st. I'm currently in 1st place so I expect it to be a late 1st (although you never know, do you). 1.5 TE premium, I also have Andrews so Goedert is starting in my flex. Every "trade analyzer" says I'm overpaying but I kinda think it's a trade I should take. What say you? Thanks and good luck tomorrow.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T16:17:48Z
Pretty much where I’m at with those guys. Goedert got talked up this week and Colts TEs were big last week. Ferguson might be safer for 4ish catches.

David Kasch

Melbourne, FL
2023-10-07T16:27:38Z
Standard Scoring… bench 1
Deebo, DHop, Pittman, Flowers

Pasquale DiGiulio

Philadelphia, PA
2023-10-07T16:34:30Z
Ppr who would u bench out of
Mixon
Kamara
G Wilson
Pacheco

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T16:37:35Z
Bill, in general I’m reluctant to trade first-round picks in Dynasty. I’m a believer in Nacua though and not sure that Goedert hasn’t already had his best seasons. He’s 28. To me the trade seems reasonable, I don’t feel strongly about it either way.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T16:40:45Z
David I’d bench Hopkins. Pasquale Pacheco is lowest, and I agree.

Bill Rehor

Culver City, CA
2023-10-07T16:44:20Z
Thanks Andy!

Louis Koutsky

S Pasadena, CA
2023-10-07T17:06:44Z
Andy, would you drop CEH or Jaleel?

My other RBs are Pacheco, Montgomery, Hubbard, and Taylor.

Standard Scoring, 14 teams 60+ RBs rostered.

CEH is 10 spots lower than Jaleel in Redrafter.

Thanks, Andy. I don't think I've ever asked a question before.

Louis Koutsky

S Pasadena, CA
2023-10-07T17:07:43Z
Also no flex spots start 2 rbs every game

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T17:20:13Z
CEH would be very valuable if Pacheco got hurt. As is, he’s a backup. McLaughlin is too, but he’s looked impressive with his chances. Whereas CEH has looked like CEH. I’d rather hang onto Jaleel.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2023-10-07T17:25:41Z
G'mornin' Andy.
I'm going to roll with the rankings, but I always feel a little better starting somebody who's been on a milk carton for ages when I read why he's as highly ranked this week as he is. In this case, Marquis Brown. And thanks!

Louis Koutsky

S Pasadena, CA
2023-10-07T17:34:24Z
Thanks Andy!

Dwight Dummer

Warren, OR
2023-10-07T18:27:57Z
Suspect that J. Taylor may get the bulk of the rushes now that he's agreed to a three year extension right Andy?

Chris Kepler

Makawao, HI
2023-10-07T18:44:06Z
Thanks for years of subscriber service and league-winning advice. Because of Fantasy Index, I drafted Montgomery, Fergusen, and picked up Nacua on waivers just before Week 1. Also got K.Walker, who you were higher on than other sites. In PPR, starting D.Adams, Lamb, and Nacua. In the flex, either N.Collins or Pittman. Match-up says Pittman. Hot-hand says Collins. Fairly close in the rankings. Your opinion?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T19:08:52Z
Dwight yeah now I wouldn’t use Moss. Kind of cold. Still think maybe 60-40 Taylor in his debut.

Paul, Brown not ranked much higher than his performance, given the WRs on bye. I have nothing to add to text there.

Chris I think Pittman, but obvs we like both.

Scott Behiel

Angels Camp, CA
2023-10-07T19:55:51Z
It looks like Adams will play, but considering starting Pickens over Doubs just in case Adams is hurt. I really like Doubs so wondering if it's worth the risk.

Also starting Stafford over Burrow?

Thanks for your insight over the last 20+ years!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T20:59:59Z
Stafford yes. I’d just start Doubs and Adams unless there is really negative scuttlebutt tomorrow on Adams.

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2023-10-07T21:35:21Z
hey Andy - if I may be so bold to ask a 2nd question....bye week desperation ppr flex play....Michael Wilson or Jaylen Warren? thanks in advance!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-07T22:39:50Z
I like Wilson. Legit No. 2 WR. Warren sharing time in struggling offense against strong D.

Ernest Freund

Burke, VA
2023-10-07T23:38:42Z
Scraping the barrel for RB with Walker and Ford on bye.
My dilemma: Start Z Moss in unknown committees (passing game upside?) Vs questionable MNF Aaron Jones. Deep dynasty, so I also have AJ Dillon who I have binned in the droppable category after this week.

Aaron Vander Vorst

West Fargo, ND
2023-10-08T00:13:16Z
Hey Andy, thanks for your earlier response. With C Watson being cleared of injury status already, does that change your thinking at all on his ranking? I like him against a softer D, especially compared to Kirk against a stingy Buffalo D. Curious for your thoughts.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-08T01:42:25Z
Ernest …tough call. I think Moss will play enough that he will be decent. I personally would chance Jones. It’s hard to feel great about either.

Watson being cleared is encouraging. It’s a nice matchup. Kirk has caught 23 passes the last three weeks, I think he will be decent even against Buffalo, hard to take those short throws away.

Dean Stewart

Seagoville, TX
2023-10-08T03:43:38Z
Down 40 pts after DJ explosion my opps has ASB as wr2 but no other wr on bench.Should I try to block that position by picking up Michael Wilson I would have to drop either London,Dallas or Detroit Defense?

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-08T10:54:45Z
Andy, your Survivor pool displays the pool wide picks that early? I also chose the Fins- but looking at next week, the Fins are the only obvious choice for Week 6. Looking ahead though often results on disaster. Regardless, I might risk it and switch to the Lions and save Miami.

Ted Friesen

Bigfork, MT
2023-10-08T10:59:22Z
Andy, Mostert or Pierce?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-08T11:21:15Z
Jack picks due in this pool before the Thursday game kicks off. I don’t really want to be responsible for anybody changing their pick because survivor pool aren’t my forte and I liked Detroit more before I heard how shorthanded they were going to be.

Mostert slightly

Dean I probably wouldn’t.. I would be worried about dropping somebody who he picks up and helps his team more than mine. That said, we have Wilson higher than London in the latest ReDrafter anyway.

JON CASASENT

Barker, TX
2023-10-08T11:39:51Z
Sanders over Breida still with Barkley out?
Also need to drop 2 - what do u think:
McKinnon or Ronnie rivers?

JON CASASENT

Barker, TX
2023-10-08T11:56:21Z
Sorry drop 1

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-08T12:00:42Z
To Chris Clay- report this morning of limited snaps for Jameson. So scratch my earlier endorsement

Jon I’ll take Breida if PPR, Sanders in Standard. I’d drop Rivers who only has value if Kyren hurt

John Ruppe

Fort Myers, FL
2023-10-08T13:41:50Z
Hi Andy. With Deebo not having an injury designation do you like him more than Meyers and Doubs who have better matchups?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-08T13:51:45Z
Deebo practiced fully on Friday, so yeah I'm fine with him as ranked. Pretty similar to Meyers. Dallas hasn't shut down any good passing games and lost Diggs, so the matchup isn't terrible.

Ted Friesen

Bigfork, MT
2023-10-08T14:03:34Z
Andy, great!

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2023-10-08T15:37:51Z
PPR. Jakobi Meyers or Thielen.

Steven Schipper

Brampton, ON
2023-10-08T15:38:39Z
Now have to sit Barkley in Guillotine, and have to pick up a "better than zero" point sub....Based on FI rankings, choices are: CEH, Dowdle, C.Patterson....Given Barkley out, do you think NYG Brightwell or Gray?
Andy, please pick 1..Thanks.

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2023-10-08T15:42:09Z
PPR, Need two of Thielen, Doubs, Garrett Wilson, C. Watson, Michael Wislon. Leaning towards Garrett and Doubs. I am down a lot in this one since I faced D. Moore, so looking at highest upside...

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-08T15:48:37Z
Steven, rankings pretty clear on Meyers vs Thielen. Garrett and a GB wideout, I’d probably use Doubs but ranked really similarly.

Other Steven, I wouldn’t touch Brightwell or Gray. I guess CEH

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-08T19:39:41Z
Zack Moss. Thanks Colts.
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