Fantasy Index

24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

Early kickoff for Ravens-Titans

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.

Note: I've got some stuff going on today and will not be able to answer lineup questions for most of the day. But I will get to them this evening at some point.

Ravens vs. Titans across the pond: Another 9:30 a.m. start time. I'm expecting a lower-scoring game, not only because of who's playing in it but because I expect that of these England games. Falcons-Jags was low=scoring. Bills-Jags ended up 25-20, but it was much lower than that until a late points flurry. Lamar Jackson and DeAndre Hopkins and to a lesser extent Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers are to me the usable aspects of this game. And the defenses and Justin Tucker.

Commanders at Falcons: Hard to get a read on this one. Washington's defense has been bad so a better than average week to use Falcons, but if Atlanta is running well they won't pass a ton. I guess in general I'm using regular starters in this game, with both teams seeming healthy.

Vikings at Bears: D'Onta Foreman starts, and I'd use him as ranked. Vikings defense isn't too good (neither is the Bears, so I'd use Alexander Mattison, and also Jordan Addison and yes K.J. Osborn, as ranked. Just not much to recommend either defense. Not sure how you'd sit down DJ Moore coming off his game against Washington. Cole Kmet also seems viable right now.

Seahawks at Bengals: Seahawks defense has been bad, so thumbs up on Burrow, Chase and Mixon. I think I'm using Tee Higgins somewhere, while assuming a little risk. Seattle, wideouts and Kenneth Walker fine to use.

49ers at Browns: I have no inside info on what's going on with Deshaun Watson (shoulder). Medically cleared to play, but not playing. Kind of weird. P.J. Walker's presence makes me unwilling to use any key Browns, that and the tough matchup. Maybe Amari Cooper, just because someone has to catch some passes, but most likely we're looking at 1 TD and 13 points, tops, from Cleveland. San Fran's key starters or healthy and despite the tough matchup, I'm using them where I have them.

Saints at Texans: I've given up expecting the Texans passing game to cool off. Tough matchup, good Saints secondary, but I still think C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins should be OK. For the Saints I'm in on Kamara and to a lesser extent Olave and Michael Thomas. People might have to use Dameon Pierce, but it's hard to feel good about it.

Colts at Jaguars: Hey, revenge game for Gardner Minshew! Seems like potentially a good, higher-scoring game. I think I'd use Jonathan Taylor before Zack Moss, but that's what I said a week ago and we know how that turned out. Realistically it's a committee, and hard to say who will be better. Thumbs up on Travis Etienne and each team's top wide receivers, Evan Engram too. Important game in a seemingly wide-open AFC South. (I have a fantasy league similar to the AFC South, where all four teams are 3-2 or 2-3. In it, one team is 4-1 and 11 teams are either 3-2 or 2-3. Crazy to me.)

Panthers at Dolphins: No Miles Sanders, so Chuba Hubbard is your intriguing fill-in of the week. Even if the Panthers get blown out, and they probably will, he should catch some passes. For Miami's backfield, well, I figure Mostert gets 60-70 percent and Salvon Ahmed gets the rest. (Dolphins not activating Wilson this week.) Miami should rush for 150 and 1-2 TDs in this game, so a second back could be usable. Miami's passing game for sure. Adam Thielen the Panther I'd consider.

Patriots at Raiders: As I noted somewhere else, these teams are scoring under 28 points a game combined this season. So it might be a game with just 2-3 touchdowns total, and hard to be overly interested in anyone beyond a featured running back (Jacobs) and a pair of wideouts seeing all the targets (Adams and Meyers). Defenses have value, but presumably Mac Jones won't be throwing Pick Sixes every week.

Lions at Buccaneers: This game should give a test as to how good the Bucs defense, which has played well, actually is. I'm using key Lions. Sam LaPorta is officially questionable, but sounds like he's playing, he was reportedly moving fine at practice, and I'm using him. Riskier to sit him down. David Montgomery obviously, maybe Rachaad White for his featured workload, and both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (Lions give up more production via the pass than run).

Cardinals at Rams: Cardinals will probably start Keontay Ingram, but Emari Demercado might play just as much. Tough to say, so tread cautiously with these guys. Hopefully Schefter or the Cardinals themselves will have some info Sunday morning. Apparently Sean McVay's wife might go into labor this weekend, not ideal timing but hey these things happen. Good luck McVays. I'm using Kyren and the Rams' top wideouts. Hollywood yes, Ertz maybe, Wilson less likely but mebbe.

Eagles at Jets: Eagles have some defensive injuries. Good enough to make the Jets offense look good, probably not. I might chance a couple of guys and cross my fingers, that's about it. Hoping DeVonta Smith gets a turn in the offense. I was gonna bench him but Justin Jefferson is on IR so I'm a little thinner this week. D'Andre Swift should be good and would be tough to bench Breece Hall, tough matchup though.

Giants at Bills: It's Week 6. This is the Giants' FOURTH primetime showcase game. I legitimately do not understand how or why this happened. Even if the Giants were going to be a playoff contender again, and they're obviously not, this wasn't going to be a team with much star power or high entertainment value. I understand they like to put New York teams on, large media market, yada yada. But this is insane. Tyrod Taylor facing his former team, that's the desperation angle here. The Bills should win this game easily and it probably won't be a lot of fun to watch. Bills have some TE health questions, best avoided I think if possible.

Cowboys at Chargers: Should be a good, higher-scoring Monday night game. Austin Ekeler returns and you bet I'll be using him. Cowboys offense gets a softer matchup. Nothing else to add, I expect more offense than defense. I'm using Josh Palmer somewhere and hoping he steps up more than in the last game.

Enjoy the games.

39 Reader Comments:

PERRY ROSE

Clarks Green, PA
2023-10-14T13:42:44Z
Andy when you can help help me with two decisions: QB Herbert or Stafford, not sure about Herbert because opponent starting Ekeler and I'm starting Dallas Def. (am I over thinking it?) Lastly, 1/2 pt.PPR, need two WR's--Godwin, Collins, DeVonta Smith or Osborn (opponent starting Cousins and Mike Evans). Thanks as always!

Gary Bauer

Marinette, WI
2023-10-14T13:50:26Z
Good morning Andy, non ppr, need 2, A Mattison, B Aiyuk, A Thielen, thanks

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2023-10-14T13:54:03Z
Morning Andy, who would do you prefer at RB in a PPR? Rachaad White or Chubba Hubbard? both ranked very similarly in the weekly....who do u prefer this week?

Chase Grainger

Weston, FL
2023-10-14T13:56:06Z
0.5 PPR - Hubbard or Ahmed?

Jeff Gregory

Saint Louis, MO
2023-10-14T14:15:34Z
Hi Andy, two questions that I need help with this week. Cousins or Burrow and need two of three in standard scoring from Nico Collins, Garrett Wilson, and Josh Downs. Thanks for the help.

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2023-10-14T14:31:57Z
PPR: LaPorta or Kittle

L.B. Graham

Chesterfield, MO
2023-10-14T14:57:44Z
Rankings have Ahmed over Rhamondre in 0.5 pt PPR. I know Stevenson has started slow, but would you really bench him for Ahmed?

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-14T15:31:04Z
You didn't mention Survivor at all. I chose the Rams since I (stupidly) didn't switch my pick last week from the Dolphins to the Lions. I have already used the Bills, and the Niners too.

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-14T15:32:23Z
And I had already used the Chiefs - so I couldn't pick them vs. pathetic Denver either

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-14T15:33:52Z
My only decision to make is Burrow or Cousins at QB. I am leaning toward Burrow, despite Cousins' slightly higher ranking, due to Higgins likely being active and Cousins not having JJ.

James Costello

Portland, ME
2023-10-14T15:48:36Z
I need a flex with standard scoring. Jahan Dotson or Jake Ferguson?

Craig Larimer

Portland, OR
2023-10-14T16:06:00Z
I’m using eagles in my survivor pool. I prefer home teams. But this feels like a 24-10 eagles win

TOM RICHARDS

Clarkston, MI
2023-10-14T16:25:27Z
Which defense would you prefer: falcons, raider or patriots?
Thank you!

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2023-10-14T16:29:12Z
I like Rams over Cardials survivor this week.Still saved 49rs,Bills.

William Hansen

Georgetown, DE
2023-10-14T16:33:58Z
Kirk Meyers or Mixon full ppr need 2 of the 3 my lean is to play the 2 WR Mixon has been very pedestrian but featured

Peter KULP

Solvang, CA
2023-10-14T16:40:19Z
Hi Andy, Rhamondre Stevenson or Zay Flowers as flex in half-point PPR? Leaning Zay, experts say Rhamondre. What day you?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T16:43:16Z
A few quick answers: Perry, Herbert Godwin and Smith. I just want the most points, I don’t think about who opponent has. Gary I’ll take Mattison and Aiyuk, like Thielen more in PPR. Ed I like Hubbard.

Jack - I took the Rams in Survivor

More answers later sorry

Jake Frack

Tuckahoe, NY
2023-10-14T16:54:46Z
Hi Andy, who would you flex in PPR between Osborn, Foreman, and Downs? Also need one from Collins, Foreman or White in standard scoring. Thanks

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T17:07:11Z
Hubbard over Ahmed too. More certain role

Burrow, Nico, Wilson just barely

Ray, I can’t sit LaPorta

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T17:10:06Z
LB I would start Rhamondre guys that close in the rankings it’s basically the same projection.

More answers later

Eric Goetz

Shoreline, WA
2023-10-14T17:17:47Z
PPR, need a WR and a Flex: Brian Robinson, Thielen, Ridley, McLaurin, Higgins.

Mark Rapley

Rosemount, MN
2023-10-14T18:39:28Z
Thanks, Andy! For standard, 2 of Nico, Devonta, and Pittman. Devonta's stink bomb last week has me concerned.

Also, automatically starting Kyren, so need one of Pollard, Jonathan Taylor, or James Cook. Pollard has not been performing since week 1...maybe this is the week he finally wakes up.

John Heim

Sacramento, CA
2023-10-14T18:48:14Z
I am in a standard Yahoo league, should I use Theilen or DK Metcalf?

Matt Shedor

Algonquin, IL
2023-10-14T19:40:59Z
Andy, thanks to you guys for doing the full rankings each week.. they help me decide who to play when there are tough decisions to make.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T21:33:34Z
Jack I like Burrow. James, Ferguson for me. Dotson just hasn’t done enough for me to use

Rich Nadler

Aurora, IL
2023-10-14T21:43:21Z
Just saw both Jets starting CBs are out for tomorrow. How much do you think this help Devonta Smith?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T21:56:37Z
Tom it’s Raiders or Falcons. Raiders best if points allowed a consideration

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T21:58:44Z
William I would prob use Mixon and Meyers. I like all three

Peter I’ll take Zay

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T22:02:03Z
Rich and I think someone else asked about DeVonta… his dud last week cost me, but I think he gets some looks this week. His turn

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T22:06:02Z
Eric I think Ridley and Thielen. Would consider Brian over Ridley

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T22:48:54Z
Marc DeVonta and Pittman. I like Pollard this week. I like Cook too against the reeling Giants

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-14T22:51:10Z
John I like Metcalf more in Standard

Matt you’re welcome. Always hope to help people if possible. Good luck all

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-15T01:24:18Z
Jake think I missed you. Osborn or Foreman. Close. I think I’d do Osborn, and then Foreman in Standard

Matt Funke

Olathe, KS
2023-10-15T04:24:45Z
Andy, 1 PPR. Need 1 receiver and 1 flex out of: Waddle, Osborn, Downs, Higgins and Foreman. All 5 are within 1.8 projected points of each other. Thanks.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-15T11:11:54Z
Waddle is a guy who I just start without thinking about it too much, given his offense and quarterback and role, despite a relatively quiet start. Higgins I just remove if I have a comparable option given injury concern. Foreman or Osborn would be the others I'm looking at. Not sure which one of those two, Foreman perhaps.

Robert McKinlay

Belews Creek, NC
2023-10-15T13:22:11Z
Bears running good. I like Foreman. Andy got Ahmed, hoping he stays number 2 in Miami next week. Need him in flex. How many catches for him this week?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-15T13:31:51Z
As the No. 2 against New England, Ahmed caught 3 passes for 28 yards. I think that's a reasonable target area.

Matt Morse

Glennallen, AK
2023-10-15T15:46:14Z
Amon Ra or G. Wilson? Standard.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-15T15:52:48Z
Not close in rankings. Or in terms of quarterback competency.
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