Fantasy Index

24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

Lots of running back mysteries

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.

Lions at Ravens: Jahmyr Gibbs returns and should get most of the work in this one, with Craig Reynolds (assuming he plays) the other part of the committee in a tough matchup with a really good defense. If I had Gibbs I would probably use him, but expectations should be modest (which applies to Reynolds, who’s questionable with a hamstring injury). Amon-Ra, Zay Flowers and the tight ends are the compelling players in this matchup. Lamar Jackson too. And that's about it. Jared Goff will need to lead the offense, but unlikely he posts big numbers. Six teams on bye and a bunch of backups starting, though, you could do worse than Goff.

Raiders at Bears: Speaking of worse than Goff. Or at least lesser-known. Las Vegas will reportedly go with Brian Hoyer in hopes of game-managing a win over the Tyson Balent-led Bears. I'm comfortable using the Raiders' various top players. For Chicago, I'll sign off on DJ Moore and maybe Cole Kmet (Balent looked capable in August), and D'Onta Foreman (starting again with Roschon Johnson still out two and a half weeks after suffering a concussion, which is obviously not a good thing to hear). I will make mention of my Survivor Pool here. I'm not using the Raiders, but with them starting a veteran and playing better defense than expected, they're an intriguing possibility in a rough week.

Browns at Colts: Deshaun Watson will apparently return, which is a plus for Cleveland's offense. Kareem Hunt is banged-up and iffy, so Jerome Ford gets a boost, ranked appropriately in the Friday update. I don't have any good answers for the Colts backfield but I'll continue to leave Zack Moss on the bench. They're paying Jonathan Taylor good money, presumably not to be a committee back for much longer. Gardner Minshew is fine for the prospects of Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.

Bills at Patriots: The Patriots have been blown out a couple of times, so some might scoff at the idea they still have a good defense. But some of the scoring against them has been other teams' defenses, and short fields and whatnot. Whatever, no one should be thinking about benching Josh Allen or Stefon Diggs, but I also wouldn't go crazy using Gabe Davis and either tight end. James Cook will get most of the carries and has a pass catching role, most will be starting him. For the Patriots, well, it's a tough defense they're facing, and their offense isn't doing much. Rhamondre is the closest there is to a highlight, but it's a low bar.

Commanders at Giants: Neither defense has been great. But the Giants have been worse against the run and I'm using Brian Robinson (while conceding they haven't always committed to him, so I'm not calling him a must-start or anything). Washington worse versus the pass than the run, but Saquon Barkley is far and away New York's best player, so he's the one I'd start. Darren Waller and maybe Wan'Dale Robinson too.

Falcons at Bucs: Battle for supremacy in the NFC South? Somebody has to win the division, and the Bucs have exceeded expectations. I considered them as a Survivor pick, but hard to get on board with Baker Mayfield. Bucs have played well defensively, but I'd use the key Falcons starters. Key Bucs (Godwin, Evans, mebbe Rachaad White for volume) too.

Steelers at Rams: If I were using a Rams running back, it would be Zach Evans. But in general, given the uncertainty and 3-4 reasonable candidates, best to be careful using a Rams running back. I like their passing game more. For the Steelers, both wideouts and to a lesser extent both running backs make sense, with 6 teams on bye. No Pat Freiermuth.

Cardinals at Seahawks: I went with the Seahawks as my Survivor pick. Don't feel great about it but they're home, they're better, the Cardinals don't have a running back. But not a pick I'll sign off on dramatically more than the other candidates. DK Metcalf a gametime decision, best avoided if you have a comparably ranked option. Maybe Joshua Dobbs' last game as a starter in Arizona, though we'll see.

Packers at Broncos: For a team that reportedly is open for business the Broncos are kind of dragging their feet. They've still got Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton around, they'll be using a committee at running back. Packers have the nicer matchup, but Aaron Jones is apparently still not 10o percent from his hamstring injury, perhaps another setback, making him a little risky (and needs to be confirmed he's active). I like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs here.

Chargers at Kansas City: So the Kansas City defense seems to be legit. Not to overrate them shutting down the Broncos in their last game, but they've been playing well all along. I think the game will be higher scoring but can't assume a 34-28 type of game, either. But am definitely using key Kansas City starters, and Herbert-Ekeler-Allen and maybe Palmer for the Chargers.

Dolphins at Eagles: Game of the Week, and I think a start-em-if-you-got-em type of game. Sometimes there are surprises with defenses rising up and all, but two talent-laden offenses and I think it's a week to use all 4 wide receivers, and presumably you're using both starting quarterbacks and running backs anyway. Sunday night has had some duds (quick thought, maybe don't put the Giants and Jets there every week), but this should be a lot more fun to watch.

49ers at Vikings: It feels like the Viking are catching the 49ers on the wrong week, and I'd be using key starters for San Francisco. The big question is at running back, where Christian McCaffrey's availability can't be taken for granted, and since it's a Monday night game you need to make a decision on him before knowing for sure. Ideally you also have Jordan Mason, and can use him if necessary, or can put McCaffrey in a flex spot and sub in some Vikings wideout or something if need me. Or we'll have full clarity by tomorrow afternoon. Decent Monday game at least.

Enjoy the games.

53 Reader Comments:

Lance Reiss

Calabasas, CA
2023-10-21T13:27:45Z
Jalen Hurts vs Tua

Non PPR
Flex: Jaylen Warren, Diontae Johnson or KJ Osborn

Donald Montgomery

Covington, LA
2023-10-21T13:31:07Z
So if McCaffrey dosen't play you would take Mason over Mitchell ?

KW Song

Pittsburgh, PA
2023-10-21T13:34:11Z
Andy, in an injury and bye week bind. Need two RB PPR: Hunt, Wilson, Reynolds, Foreman, Evans. Need one QB: Howell, Dobbs, Stafford. Thanks.

Cash Mitchell

Guilford, CT
2023-10-21T13:49:56Z
Lookin for a WR feel pick Andy and these guys are rated pretty close.
A Cooper, J Palmer, KJ Osborn, C Godwin, R Rice.
Thank you.

JON CASASENT

Barker, TX
2023-10-21T13:53:37Z
Howell or Watson (if plays)

1ppr te
Mayer - heyward?

Scott Kopischke

Brookfield, WI
2023-10-21T14:01:52Z
Need 1 RB - Gainwell, Henderson or Gaskin. Help!

Scott Kopischke

Brookfield, WI
2023-10-21T14:03:25Z
Sorry, PPR.

Chase Grainger

Weston, FL
2023-10-21T14:13:37Z
0.5 PPR - Palmer, Pickens, or D. Johnson?

Mike Erickson

Bluffdale, UT
2023-10-21T14:14:43Z
Moss, Kmet, or Jeff Wilson at flex?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T14:21:36Z
Lance I'll take Hurts for the running/Tush Push floor. I'd never use Warren in non-PPR (unless Harris isn't playing). I guess Osborn, close with Diontae for me.

Yes Mason over Mitchell. Doesn't matter who was No. 2 at the start of the year.

Foreman for sure, and a tossup between Wilson and Evans for the other spot. I guess Evans slightly. At QB I'll take the guy who's good.

Cooper the legit No. 1

I'll take Howell, don't really trust Watson until he gets through a game

Heyward just a desperation or best-ball option for me, Mayer a lot better

Scott no one can say with confidence how much those guy are playing. But I'd use Henderson myself. If you just want to get *something*, Gainwell (no one can promise which one of Henderson or Gaskin even steps on the field, while Gainwell is definitely the No. 2)

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T14:25:07Z
Chase, Palmer. Mike, Moss highest, they're all kind of risky.

Adam Bjork

Waunakee, WI
2023-10-21T14:32:39Z
Hey Andy, this is more of a mailbag question but looking for some options before kickoff tomorrow. I can stash David Montgomery on IR for the week. Who would be your top flyers to pick up that no one is thinking of that could become a thing?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T14:37:18Z
Shots in the dark that come to mind would be Darrell Henderson and Connor Heyward (I'm assuming Zach Evans, Jeff Wilson and Jordan Mason are rostered). Thinking that in both cases the starter might/will miss multiple weeks, and perhaps they'll be featured tomorrow -- or not do anything at all. But I think it's mostly running backs you're considering, in hopes a team decides to feature a guy who at present seems to be in a three- or four-man backfield.

Adam Bjork

Waunakee, WI
2023-10-21T14:38:56Z
Would you drop Cam Akers or Rodriguez in 0.5 PPR for Elijah Mitchell? I already got Jordan Mason and someone dropped Mitchell.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T14:42:28Z
I don't know. Maybe Akers, but he's just an injury away from starting, while Mitchell is probably two injuries away. Rodriguez has more upside but is less likely to reach it.

John Mortensen

Garden City, NY
2023-10-21T14:49:27Z
What TE would you pick off the scrap heap in a ppr league this week. Talking players ranked outside the top 15 in the circular.

John Ruppe

Fort Myers, FL
2023-10-21T15:09:27Z
Hi Andy. Brian Robinson or Puca as a flex? Both ranked exactly the same in my custom rankings.

Chris Clay

Santa Monica, CA
2023-10-21T15:14:08Z
Davante Adams or Jerome Ford? 1/2 pt ppr

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T15:16:45Z
Heyward or Otton

I’ll take Puka

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T15:25:41Z
I’ll take the franchise WR

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2023-10-21T15:47:06Z
1/2 PPR: Lockett v Doubs
PPR: CMC/Mason v Pickens or Doubs or LaPorta. This is a flex spot.

TOM RICHARDS

Clarkston, MI
2023-10-21T15:47:59Z
Andy which def has most upside raiders, packers,giants thank you for your playing against seahawks def

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T15:54:54Z
I’ll take Lockett. If I have cmac and Mason I’m waiting in case Cmac plays.

Raiders D most upside facing the most unknown QB

Jeffrey Traczewski

Nashville, TN
2023-10-21T15:58:31Z
1/2 PPR. I need 2 of these 3 WRs (I stashed D. Johnson on IR and now he’s off. Should anyone ever start both Pittsburgh WRs???):
2 of Pickens, D. Johnson, or Gabe Davis?
Thanks!

Scott Anderson

Las Vegas, NV
2023-10-21T15:58:38Z
6 pt passing TDs. Benched Lawrence due to knee concerns and now with Hoyer starting (I have O'Connell) I'm stuck starting Minshew, or could drop him & pick up Ridder or Hoyer. No other drop candidates. What say you, Andy?

ERIC INGERICK

Penfield, NY
2023-10-21T16:20:44Z
Regarding your survivor pool. Seattle at 75% > Tampa at 65%, however, the better play is Tampa for the game because nearly two-thirds of the remaining entries will be on Seattle.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T16:30:10Z
I don’t have the option of changing the pick. Some people haven’t used Buffalo or San Fran yet and are probably taking them.

Scott I would and am using Ridder. I want no part of Minshew vs Cleveland. Hoyer also fine but Ridder a little better.

I’d use both Steelers this week

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2023-10-21T17:06:37Z
G'mornin' Andy.
Got both Aiyuk and Mason. I subscribe to the weekly, so I don't blow off the rankings. And Aiyuk appears to be ranked significantly higher than Mason if CMC's out. Still, my gut tells me if it's a dial-it-back- pound-'em game with just Aiyuk and a cast of nobodies out wide. If you disagree, let me know.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2023-10-21T17:18:53Z
Aiyuk the call regardless? Sorry, fading vision + need to proofread esta no bueno.

David Hogshire

Plymouth, MN
2023-10-21T17:33:06Z
Thin at WR. I've got K. Raymond, or I could take a flyer on Hardman. The Giants are using Hyatt a little more so maybe he's a possibility.

Mitchell Ross

Westport, CT
2023-10-21T17:49:06Z
Heard some 49er fans murmur that Mason missed a few blocking assignments - is this something you noticed last game? If true I’d be concerned it could vault Mitchell back into 2 spot in Shanahans offense.

In half PPR, would you just flex Watson on Sunday or roll the dice on CMC if I have Mason, Mitchell, and Osborn to plug in Monday? Sounds like lean would be Mason if you think I should roll the CMC dice. Matchup of likely top 2 teams RoS but I am at 3-3 so big week with opposition already having Kamara at a 20 piece FWIW.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T18:08:50Z
I really like Watson this week, but I’d hate to not have the option to start McCaffrey if he’s active. I had not noticed that with Mason, but I’ve seen no indication he would be behind Mitchell again. I will concede there’s some risk.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T18:10:38Z
David,,, they’re all fliers. But Hyatt seems like the 3, the rest aren’t as certain.

Paul I’d go Aiyuk

Darren Castillo

Placentia, CA
2023-10-21T18:30:12Z
Flex PPR: Jaleel McLaughlin or George Pickens? Within a point in my rankings. Appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-21T19:08:06Z
I don’t trust McLaughlin’s usage. I’m starting Pickens with the same choice

Brian Boyd

Maple Grove, MN
2023-10-21T20:37:58Z
I have Evans for the Rams. Williams just went on IR for the Rams and my team. What other RB would you pickup of the Rams other RB's in case Evans isn't the guy?

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2023-10-21T20:47:33Z
Andy, please pick 2 in a ppr? Najee, Jalen Warren, and Rachaad White....what say you? Thanks in advance!

Dave Cohen

Brooklyn, NY
2023-10-21T21:54:51Z
Sounds crazy, but any thoughts on Fournette as a stash? He tweeted that he's signing with a team next week. Cincy and Dallas might be good fits.

Donald DeKeyser

Green Bay, WI
2023-10-21T21:56:33Z
I have McCaffrey and Mason in all 3 leagues. Problem is in one PPR league rosters lock at noon Sunday so I'm going crazy trying to decide. Do I gamble on McCaffrey, who is listed as questionable? My other option would be to pick up Warren or Javonte Williams to start instead.

Donald DeKeyser

Green Bay, WI
2023-10-21T22:09:52Z
Another factor concerning McCaffrey is that if the Niners have a substantial lead they will bench him to avoid further injury

Eric B

Seattle, WA
2023-10-21T22:15:27Z
CMC practiced today. I’m rolling with him.

David Kennedy

Steamburg, NY
2023-10-21T22:24:01Z
Which ZACH? Zach Evans, Zach Moss, or Zach Morris? Just kidding lol.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-22T00:55:32Z
Brian - I hate to say your guess is as good as mine but... Freeman is the guy who has been on the roster longest. Henderson was in the offense a year ago. Gaskin has some nice pass catching experience and I believe there is a coaching connection. I vote Henderson, but it's really just a guess.

Ed I'll take Rachaad because he's not a 50-50 guy. Warren in PPR gets slight edge.

Fournette is a decent stash. No idea where he might sign. Lots of candidates right now.

Donald, if the Niners build a big lead it will probably be with McCaffrey scoring. I think they might care about getting him the scoring record. If he plays, I think he's scoring. I'm not worried about him getting pulled early.

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2023-10-22T03:29:25Z
Full PPR, 6 point Pass TDs

Full PPR

D. Smith, Jakobi Meyers, Addison. Need 2. Was thinking the first two, but with Hoyer playing, maybe Addison? Though not liking Addison vs SF.

6 Point pass TDs. I had Fields.... Looking at the top QBs available and FFI Rankings, choices are Purdy , Goff, Stafford, Howell. Purdy is the highest ranked, but worried he'd be out with 2 main weapons. Leaning towards Stafford.

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2023-10-22T03:50:18Z
Full PPR

Have to pick 2... Watson, Doubs, Osborn or pick up Pickens in FA. (2 WR on bye this week). I was thinking Watson and Pickens.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-22T11:11:44Z
I think Meyer should be OK with Hoyer I would use Stafford at quarterback

I like watson and Pickens, although the rankings might say Osborn

Brian Boyd

Maple Grove, MN
2023-10-22T12:21:48Z
I'm sure most here have seen this, but if not, ESPN's Adam Schefter is saying Royce Freeman will start at RB with Henderson backing him up and then Evans getting sprinkled in. It sounds like an Arizona Cardinals kind of situation with no one amounting to much. I'm starting Freeman because I have Mixon on a bye, but I'm not expecting much from him. I picked up Henderson too.

Monte McDonald

Las Vegas, NV
2023-10-22T12:57:55Z
Injury and Byes have me scrambling- pick 2- Hoyer, Minshew or an Bagent!
Pick one -chance Royce Freeman or Salvon Ahmad - ppr?
Thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-22T13:33:38Z
I don’t consider Ahmed viable with Jeff Wilson, active

The Rams situation seems best avoided, but in your case I’d use Freeman over Ahmed

Eric B

Seattle, WA
2023-10-22T13:39:32Z
Bagent or Hoyer? Don’t laugh. Superflex league and I have Burrow and Dak on bye. I could also start neither and go with Jaleel McLaughlin or Jameson Williams, but QB always seems like the better play when you have a chance.

One more - need a backup option in case DK is out. Michael Wilson or Royce Freeman?

Andrew Napoli

Alexandria, VA
2023-10-22T13:48:34Z
B. Robinson or J. Gibbs. No ppr.

JOE WILLIAMS

San Ramon, CA
2023-10-22T14:16:45Z
Harris or Lockett. Non-ppr

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-22T14:51:01Z
Lockett over Harris. I'm not sure which B.Robinson, but I'd probably start either over Gibbs, especially in Standard.

Michael Wilson

Couple of Hoyer-Bagent questions. Hoyer isn't great but he's got nice skill guys, facing a bad defense, and Bagent is really a complete unknown. So I'll take Hoyer. (Also over Minshew, facing a really good defense.)

good luck all
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