Fantasy Index

24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

No byes, I'm working extra hard today

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.

Texans at Panthers: Eventually the Panthers are going to win a game, probably. Home against a young team, maybe. But Carolina can't stop the run, opposing rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud isn't playing like a newbie, and Houston just seems better. But Carolina does have Adam Thielen playing out of his mind, and Miles Sanders is back healthy, so maybe. Wary of the Houston backfield, how they'll divide things between Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary, but the matchup is favorable.

Rams at Cowboys: Cowboys defense has sometimes been lights out and sometimes looked vulnerable. I think Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are sure starts, the running back committee (likely Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman) a little dicier. The Cowboys offense should be pretty good. Teams are mostly healthy (other than Kyren Williams being on IR, natch).

Vikings at Packers: Aaron Jones isn't on the final injury report, suggesting he might finally be healthy. But the Vikings have played the run pretty well, so for the most part you're starting Jones, if you are, for his all-around rushing and receiving potential. But the way Green Bay's offense has struggled, hard to get too high on these players. For the Vikings, Hockenson and Addison and even Kirk Cousins -- leading the NFL in touchdown passes entering Week 8, no joke -- look good.

Saints at Colts: Zack Moss (elbow/heel, that's an unusual injury designation) didn't practice on Friday. He's questionable, but doesn't sound like he can be used. If he sits, big boost for Jonathan Taylor. For the Saints, they're getting Juwan Johnson back, increasing the chance that those who start Taysom Hill will get burned, like everyone else who's started Hill off a good week or two in the past. Saints can play pretty good defense at times, but I'd be starting Pittman and probably Josh Downs too. Chris Olave, maybe.

Patriots at Dolphins: I'm a little surprised by the point spread on this game, with Miami favored by somewhere from 8-10 points depending where you look. New England has played credible defense in most games, Miami is a little banged-up. I'm still starting their starters, but spread seems high. Not enough to get really excited about investing in a Mac Jones offense, but Kendrick Bourne and Rhamondre have some appeal. And of course regular Dolphins starters. Not chancing whoever the No. 2 running back ends up being, though.

Jets at Giants: I'm sure some clueless executive somewhere was lobbying to get this game into primetime. "We'll get DOUBLE the ratings with two New York teams!" What there probably won't be are lots of points. The running backs, the defenses, the top players (Darren Waller and Garrett Wilson) in each passing game, those are the interesting ones.

Jaguars at Steelers: Steelers have been doing it with mirrors, it's hard to figure how they've won a couple of games they've won. Jaguars are tough on the run and soft against the pass, so I'm interested in George Pickens and Diontae Johnson and steering clear of the running backs. Jacksonville's main players look fine, with the Steelers defense better in terms of opportunism than limiting offensive production.

Falcons at Titans: This game is intriguing just to see how the Titans use their young quarterbacks -- apparently they're planning to use both Will Levis and Malik Willis. As they say, when you have 2 quarterbacks, you have none (not true of the Joe Montana-Steve Young 49ers, though), but I'm interested in seeing Levis certainly, might be the team's next quarterback. Prefer not to use DeAndre Hopkins in what should be a run-heavy game plan. Falcons also risky in some respects (if they run a ton, London/Pitts et al might not do much), but I think we can at least assume they'll use Bijan as normal this week after last week's frustration.

Eagles at Commanders: This is not my Survivor pick, but I considered it. Yes the Eagles were taken to overtime by Washington in Week 4, and were upset by Washington last year. But to me that means they won't make the mistake of looking past a team they're a lot better than this time. I like the Eagles key offensive starters. I like Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas and perhaps Curtis Samuel for the Commanders. That's about it. Cost myself a win benching Trevor Lawrence for Sam Howell last week, a mistake I won't be making again.

Browns at Seahawks: Probably lower-scoring, though I said that a week ago about Colts-Browns. I'll avoid injured Tyler Lockett, start now-healthy DK Metcalf, and consider Kareem Hunt (but would be nice if Jerome Ford was inactive, if he's playing through what's been termed a high ankle sprain, both backs iffy). Browns making the intelligent decision this week not to play a quarterback with an injured throwing shoulder, stay tuned to see how they handle their franchise passer with the fully guaranteed contract a week from now.

Ravens at Cardinals: We went the Ravens in our Survivor Pool this week. I don't love the choice, because I hate picking road teams and the Cardinals do have some talent. But in general their offense hasn't done much lately and the Ravens defense is great, so if Baltimore just shows up and takes care of the football they should be fine. (Lions at home on Monday Night football against the Raiders, coming off a one-sided loss to these Ravens, were my other choice.) Again, I'm not a professional gambler and your Survivor guesses are as good as mine, just passing along my choices. As for the game, Baltimore's starters look good, Cardinals have Hollywood Brown against his former team and Emari Demercado as their starting running back, plus Trey McBride getting all the work at tight end with Zach Ertz on IR. No Kyler Murray, btw.

Kansas City at Broncos: I was so wrong about the Broncos offense in their nightmare loss at Kansas City two weeks ago I'm not really keen to be too bold about them here. I think they'll do more (they could hardly do less) but I won't be recommending them. Kansas City's offense, use as normal, your regular starters should be in lineups.

Bengals at 49ers: Brock Purdy has to clear the concussion protocol to play. We should find out today, otherwise it will be Sam Darnold. I don't love the Bengals offense in this matchup, but I'm starting Burrow-Mixon-Chase-Higgins where I have them anyway, because my other choices are much lesser players, better matchup or no. And San Francisco hasn't been lights out defensively the last two weeks anyway. Thumbs up on Aiyuk and Kittle with Deebo out. I'll mention McCaffrey just for the jokers who might say "Hey you didn't mention McCaffrey, are you avoiding him?"

Bears at Chargers: No offense to the Chargers, but shouldn't it have been possible to flex this game out of primetime? Or maybe not even schedule it on Sunday night in the first place, what with the Bears being 3-14 a year ago and it not being surprising that they're bad? Last week I guess I was complaining about the Giants always being in primetime, at least it's not them. But seriously, Chargers-Bears? Might have been a good game in 1984. Anyhoo, supposedly Justin Fields will return next week. We'll see. As for this one, the Chargers offense should have a better game than Chicago's. Joshua Palmer is iffy, and the late start means you need to have a backup option to switch to, or just don't use him.

Raiders at Lions: As noted, Lions seem like a good Survivor choice. They're going to bounce back from last week's debacle in Baltimore. But the Raiders should get Jimmy Garoppolo back, and limited though he may be he's way, way better than Brian Hoyer, who's clearly cooked. Lions are tough to run on, so you're starting Josh Jacobs for his passing game role, not for rushing numbers. And I'll sign off on Davante, Jakobi and to a lesser extent Michael Mayer too. I like Jahmyr Gibbs here, will pass on Craig Reynolds.

Enjoy the games.

58 Reader Comments:

John Ruppe

Fort Myers, FL
2023-10-28T13:43:47Z
Hi Andy. Need 3 of these 4. Pickens, D. Adams, J. Meyers and Puka. Puka ranked lowest in my custom rankings. Hard to beleive Jakobi has been more productive than Adams lately, so I'm wondering if this is the game Adams goes off. I hate playing 2 WR's from the same team but I absolutely can't stand picking the wrong one on a weekly basis.

JON CASASENT

Barker, TX
2023-10-28T13:45:36Z
1 ppr
London or Ridley

Lance Reiss

Calabasas, CA
2023-10-28T13:59:14Z
Flex std
Tank dell, Lockett, jaylen Warren

TOM RICHARDS

Clarkston, MI
2023-10-28T14:08:31Z
seahawks or k c def

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T14:14:13Z
John I'd bench Meyers and take my chances. You could hedge by playing both but I don't really want to bench either of the others.

London, Dell, and there's some variance based on scoring system, but I'm pretty comfortable Kansas City will be sacking Wilson 3-4 times, so edge to KC in most.

Mike Conway

Nanuet, NY
2023-10-28T14:27:08Z
Hi Andy. I guess my boggiest choice is K. Walker or Aiyuk?
Ferguson over T Hill at tight end? Thanks for the weekly advice.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T14:33:09Z
Mike I am grudgingly benching Walker this week. He missed some practice time with a calf injury (though he practiced fully on Friday, so it's probably minor), and facing a tough defense. I have other good options, and I think Aiyuk is one too. Risky benching a feature back scoring as often as Walker has to this point, but that's what I'm doing and would do in your case.

I prefer Ferguson to the unreliable gadget Hill. If Taysom scores he'll be better, but he could just as easily finish with 15 total yards and get you almost nothing.

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2023-10-28T14:34:54Z
PPR Flex Spot: Kittle, Ridley, Watson, Downs, Robinson Jr
Pick one.

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-28T14:40:34Z
Andy, I'm still alive in Survivor. 200 eliminated out of 250-so I'm in the Top 50 and it would've been way less if not for pathetic Colts/Browns officials. I usually like to mesh my picks with yours but I also hate changing at the last minute. I'm concerned this week because my pick is not even in your Top 2. I'm more concerned I may change it to mesh with yours. I can choose either the Lions OR your pick of the Ravens. Instead, I went with the Chargers.

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-28T14:41:54Z
...To make it clear, I always get burned when I move away from my top choice. But the Chargers are the team that eliminated me last year when they got killed by Jacksonville at home.

Eric Pryne

Vashon, WA
2023-10-28T14:44:51Z
C Watson, Hollywood Brown or Jauan Jennings? Custom rankings say Watson is the clear choice, but the GB offense (and Watson) haven’t done much, and I’m getting tired of waiting. No good options, I know. Thanks.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T14:46:52Z
Jack the four teams I thought were worthy of consideration (who I had available to me) were the Ravens, Eagles, Lions and Chargers. For me the Chargers were fourth strictly because they are and have long been an unreliable team. They check a couple of boxes for me (home, good offense against a bad defense), so they were in consideration. I just decided I liked the other ones a little more.

Ray I'd probably use Kittle, but he's hit or miss. Deebo being out makes me like him a little more.

Ed Gallagher

Lancaster, PA
2023-10-28T15:01:33Z
Morning Andy - please tell me who of this group you like in a PPR, just need 1 of Najee, Jaylen Warren, Chubba Hubbard, Roschon? thanks in advance for your take!

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2023-10-28T15:15:43Z
Andy, need help here in league 1/2 pt PPR with TD bonus at >25yds & >50yds
RB: I’m using Foreman over Harris and Ford (I like Ford;thought he was out)
WR: need 1 out of Watson, Lockett, and Thomas
TE: Waller v Ferguson (Waller did good last week, but always Q & Jets Def)
Def: Jets or Ravens
Thanks for the help.
PS. Pacheco is living up to bill. LOL. Nice call as always.

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2023-10-28T15:32:19Z
Mike Conway above and many other leagues including our's and even RT Sports ranks T Hill as a TE.It would be nice to see where T Hill would be ranked as a TE on this sight.

Deric Treon

Orangevale, CA
2023-10-28T15:45:42Z
Hey Andy. Any weather concerns this week? Snow in Denver? Rain in Pitt?

Kyle Kintner

Carlsbad, CA
2023-10-28T15:46:35Z
Any gut feel on if Baltimore would opt to trade for Dalvin Cook? He’s likely a cheaper draft capital trade candidate than Henry

Chase Grainger

Weston, FL
2023-10-28T15:55:22Z
0.5 PPR - Hunt or D. Johnson?

I’m already starting Pickens, so I was leaning starting Hunt if Ford doesn’t play, D. Johnson if Ford does play

Aaron Vander Vorst

West Fargo, ND
2023-10-28T16:02:35Z
Andy, struggling with a bunch of guys for my PPR flex spot who are similarly ranked. ESPN singing praise for London due to the soft secondary (especially anfter the Titans trade) and Downs since NO is softer against the slot than they are outside. Also have C Watson and Josh J. Of these 4, who would you target for floor and who would you target for ceiling?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T16:11:16Z
Ben, the PDF that gets emailed out to subscribers is basically a copy and paste picture of the Excel file which provides exact point total projections for every player, including Taysom Hill. So if you look at the Excel file, under Your Stuff, you can see that Taysom is projected for 5.2 points in PPR (a decline from Wednesday, because Juwan Johnson is back healthy), which slots him 27th on the PDF. Everyone is ranked, just everyone doesn't fit on PDF.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T16:22:52Z
Aaron, for floor I'll always pick the featured running back, who is Jacobs. We can say with confidence he'll be touching the ball 12-15 times at a minimum. Ceiling is either Jacobs or maybe London I guess. I like Downs fine, he's similar to London I think. It's not hard to avoid Watson with his quarterback struggling.

Chase I agree with your approach. Would be nice if Ford is inactive.

Kyle I don't see anyone giving up much of anything for Cook. He makes too much money and he hasn't looked great. Henry still has the outside potential to take over a game, Cook doesn't move the needle much for Baltimore I don't think.

Deric with weather I usually take a gander on Sunday morning (although we do discuss it on Friday as bad weather becomes more common). Looking at it right now it looks like snow should/will stop before gametime in Denver. Pittsburgh, rain, wind doesn't look bad, I think the offenses will be able to do their normal stuff. But if it looks bad tomorrow I might consider changing for similar guys.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T16:31:00Z
Eric it's Watson or Brown for me. I'd probably use Brown.

Ed, ugh. In PPR I guess I'd use Warren over Harris because he's the one actually being used in the passing game. Roschon, I just don't know how much he'll be used now, riskier than I like. But almost identical projections.

Ray I'll take Foreman, Watson, Waller and Baltimore

Jeff Zwiers

Bellingham, WA
2023-10-28T16:37:30Z
I have Burrow and am starting him right now. I can pick up Pickett or Ridder... who to start this week. And it is a keeper league so which of Pickett or Ridder might develop into something down the road? Thanks as always.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T16:42:53Z
Jeff I have the same Burrow-Ridder choice. I'm going with Burrow. My expectations for either youngster being a future difference maker in fantasy leagues is low. Pickett seems like the more likely NFL starter, Ridder more fantasy upside because he runs. I don't love either.

Jeff Zwiers

Bellingham, WA
2023-10-28T16:57:25Z
Just saw that Mac Jones is available too - I like the prospects of NE having to throw a lot against a poss. higher scoring Miami team. So Burrow or Mac?

Jack Sandler

Oldsmar, FL
2023-10-28T16:58:21Z
The fact that I’m only asking about Survivor and only a few lineup questions this year (so far) is a strong testament to you and Ian’s always amazing rankings - I’m #1 in league with a 2 game lead over current 2nd seed that should be at least 3 or more if not for 2 high scoring shootout losses in which the strong bench players did better (also testament to strong depth thanks to you and Ian) plus your very early recommendation of unknown Puka. Only complaint is the new staff STILL hasn’t fixed the layout issues. I’m still sticking with the Chargers although may switch at last minute once I review upcoming schedules for Lions and Ravens and 2nd and 3rd and 4th outguess myself. Lions were scary bad last week and Ravens are on road and may be sleepwalking into overconfidence.in my mind. We’ll see what happens as, unlike you, I have til noon tomorrow to switch.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T17:05:40Z
Mac is below those others

Eric Goetz

Shoreline, WA
2023-10-28T17:13:58Z
PPR, need 1 RB, 1 flex:
RB: Brian Robinson or Gus Edwards
WR: Doubs, McLaurin, Higgins, Ridley

I am leaning Robinson, Doubs

Standard:
Need a 3rd WR from Waddle, Pickens, Sutton.
I was initially inclined towards Pickens because of Waddle back injury but I now see he has no injury designation.
BTW, would you sit either Allen or Lamb for Waddle or Pickens?

KW Song

Pittsburgh, PA
2023-10-28T17:21:42Z
Andy - two lineup decisions that are really close in the custom PPR rankings: Foreman vs. Mixon and Puka vs. Rice. You have any thoughts? Thanks.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T17:22:26Z
Robinson slight and McLaurin for me

I like Pickens a little more in Standard

Would not sit Allen or Lamb

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T17:44:10Z
Kw I’ll take Mixon (on the field full-time, Foreman a ?) and Puka

James Costello

Portland, ME
2023-10-28T17:54:04Z
For anyone considering Mac Jones, he just arguably had the game of his career, and threw for 272 yards and 2 TDS. That’s pretty much his ceiling until we see otherwise

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2023-10-28T17:56:32Z
Love the interaction Andy! I have two “first world” problems. Burrow or Cousins is really bugging me, and Addison or Nico Collins is my other toss up. I’m overthinking as usual and would appreciate some perspective.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T18:04:42Z
I’ll take Cousins, better matchup and playing well.

Addison has scored in three straight and caught 16 passes in those games, I can’t sit that down. But we have both in our top 15 WRs.

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2023-10-28T18:18:02Z
Thank you! I don’t know why I have the hesitation with Cousins. He’s been saving my arse all season, but I drafted Burrow to start and I guess I’m wanting him to show up. I realize that the 49ers are really playing this one with their backs to the wall, and it may get ugly for Burrow. At the same time, I don’t want it too easy for Cousins (this being the week they finally get to run on somebody and coast)…

You and Ian have both been right for me in the past, and my gut is telling me you’re right about this, so we’ll see!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T18:24:11Z
The points are close. Cousins 12th, Burrow 16th. Probably in the 4th quarter one guy will throw his 2nd touchdown and the other will complete a pass down to the 3-yard line and somebody will run it in. In general, I think we're going with the slightly better matchup for Cousins, and the fact that he and the offense have been playing better than Cincinnati. But it's not a mandate, as I said I'm playing Burrow over Ridder (who's ranked a little higher) in one league. Good luck.

Jose Montana

Rosemead, CA
2023-10-28T18:41:08Z
Question about PPR Scoring for DST: Is this correct? If DST gives up 23 or more points, that is zero points for DST. If DST gives up 22 points, that is 0.5 point for DST. 11 points for a shutout.

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2023-10-28T18:43:17Z
Thanks. To me the Ridder thing is much easier because of the “coach who hates fantasy” factor. With that guy, nothing is guaranteed. Just when we think he’s finally figured it out, he’ll pull a Papa Shanahan move on us. I’m scared of all Atlanta players.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T18:50:39Z
Jose, that’s correct. I don’t think there’s an industry standard for points allowed for defenses, but we wanted to give a boost to those projected to allow fewer points versus others.

Timothy Leonard

Sparta, WI
2023-10-28T19:34:28Z
Hey Andy - hope all is well! Quick one here: 1/2 pt. PPR
Flex - T. Spears or T. Dell (Note: I already have Pierce and Houston,s DEF
in my lineup

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T19:58:10Z
Spears is a good player but I’d have to be a lot higher on the offense to use a No. 2 running back over Houston’s No. 2 wide receiver

Cliff Neville

Somerset, TX
2023-10-28T20:52:24Z
1/2 ppr Rhamondre or DJ Moore?

thanks, Andy

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T21:00:01Z
Cliff we have DJ pretty high. Can’t really argue against him

Chris Clay

Santa Monica, CA
2023-10-28T21:55:35Z
Cleveland or Atlanta D? Also Fairbairn or Moody?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-28T22:04:20Z
I usually don’t answer Kicker questions because Ian is way more tuned into the position. I trust his rankings.

On defense, I think Atlanta against whatever the Titans are planning to do at quarterback is pretty attractive. I’m streaming them myself.

Eric B

Seattle, WA
2023-10-29T00:20:04Z
Andy, how confident are you that Hunt is the guy in Cleveland if Ford is inactive? Didn’t Pierre Strong out touch Hunt last week?

Robert McKinlay

Belews Creek, NC
2023-10-29T00:45:35Z
Intrigued by Demarion Douglas ranked over Hopkins and Douglas. What say you. Who would you drop Mason or Rodriguez to get him? Thank you.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-29T01:02:22Z
Hunt had 10 carries and 1 target, Strong 8 carries and no targets. Hunt scored both TDs. I’m reasonably confident he’ll play more and get more work. No guarantees. Even 50-50, Hunt seems more likely to get the work near the end zone…proven in the offense.

Hopkins is ranked really low because of how low expectations are for Tenn’s passing game. As discussed in the Weekly, Malik Willis started 3 games last year without throwing for 100 yards in any of them. This week maybe it’s mostly Levis. Still an unknown. It’s not an indictment of DeAndre, it’s a concern that the offense won’t throw much or well. I think starting Demario is risky too. I suppose I’d consider dropping Mason, whose value only comes if CMac gets hurt.

Robert McKinlay

Belews Creek, NC
2023-10-29T03:08:14Z
Gotcha but Davis still over Doubs for PPR flex.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-29T03:35:30Z
We liked Doubs a lot more when it seemed like Love might be good. Doubts about that now

Eric B

Seattle, WA
2023-10-29T05:24:01Z
I guess I should have clarified. After Ford’s injury, Strong out-snapped (almost 2 to 1) and out-touched Hunt. Could have been because Hunt was a little banged up last week. It will be interesting to see.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-29T12:05:43Z
Gotcha. I look at it as, they had Strong on the team before Hunt, but once Chubb got hurt they signed Hunt and started using him rather than expanding Strong’s role. Maybe they like Strong more in obvious passing situations

Mike Erickson

Bluffdale, UT
2023-10-29T15:16:41Z
WHY? So high on Pickens this week?

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2023-10-29T15:29:17Z
I thought I was set, but realized I have Stafford as QB.

6pt Passing Tds.

Lawrence and Purdy are in Free Agency. They are within .6 points of each other.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2023-10-29T15:38:38Z
Yeah I don't know. I'd use Lawrence who will run a little, but we've got both ranked in the top 7-8. Weird that Lawrence is available.

Pickens is ranked high because the Jaguars are 4th against the run and 31st against the pass. In order to move the ball, it's a lot more likely the Steelers will pass the ball a ton than run it. This is part of how we rank players, assigning them a reasonable percentage of the team offense. If the Jaguars were terrible against the run and great against the pass, he'd be a lot lower.

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2023-10-29T15:57:50Z
Is this league, I originally drafted him and dropped him. Went with Anthony Richards, then Justin Fields, Stafford. Back to Lawrence this week. Picked up Purdy since Lawrence is on bye next week.... and so is Purdy. Sigh.

Only 8 teams, 14 Qbs taken as we only start one.

Monte McDonald

Las Vegas, NV
2023-10-29T19:22:42Z
Late game question - An active Ford or P Strong ppr?

Graham Ginn

Ocean View, NJ
2023-10-30T11:06:29Z
Can’t wait for the day of football write up after some of the names mentioned in the article above lol
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