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.
If I miss your question, either I didn't see it (it happens), or the rankings are very clear. I also occasionally have other commitments, but I will try to get to everything by the end of day Saturday. OK, let's go!
Cardinals at Bills: I am using the top players on both sides of this game -- QBs, RBs, TEs, and Harrison and Shakir. Cards defense isn't good and Bills defense isn't so good, I don't think, that you would consider sitting down Conner or McBride. Like Kyler fine too, though not a great matchup. Shakir, along with Rashee Rice, Zay Flowers and Jayden Reed, is one of the key Index wideouts, hope he fares as those guys have so far (Flowers arguable but I'll take 10 targets anyday).
Steelers at Falcons: Arthur Smith returns to Atlanta, and it sounds like his quarterback is going to be Justin Fields. This is a negative, I think, for George Pickens and the Steelers offense in general -- I don't think Russell Wilson is good anymore, but Fields isn't either. And there are now four potential candidates for a rushing touchdown, with Fields and three different Pittsburgh running backs. Kyle Pitts apparently not 100 percent but if you drafted him you believe in him, so use him. Drake London too. Incidentally, when I don't mention top stars like Bijan Robinson, it's because there's no need to recommend a guy drafted in the top 5 overall in every league.
Titans at Bears: Often I talk about my Survivor Pool here. I picked the Bears, one because I think they'll win and two because you can buy back in if you're knocked out in Week 1 in this pool, so I didn't want to waste a team like the Bills or Bengals, who are bigger favorites and I'm more confident will win. But I like the Bears offense and defense to play well in this game. Titans, Pollard the running back to consider, Ridley the wide receiver (apparently DeAndre Hopkins might play through a knee injury but not in my lineup). DJ Moore and DeAndre Swift, yes.
Patriots at Bengals: Tee Higgins doubtful. Presumably the main wideouts will be Ja'Marr Chase (if he deigns to suit up) and Andrei Iosivas. Mike Gesicki not a bad dice roll in deeper leagues I think. Staying away from the backfield until I see how it's used. One Patriot worth considering: Rhamondre Stevenson. That be it.
Texans at Colts: Probably higher-scoring. Anthony Richardson a guy we're lower on than most. Talented guy who should have some spike games but not a player we drafted or recommended. Love C.J. Stroud and his receivers though. A game I'll be interested to watch and start key skill guys in. Colts probably won't have kicker Matt Gay, find another option.
Jaguars at Dolphins: Another game that might feature more offense than defense. Everyone expected a big leap from Trevor Lawrence last year that didn't happen, so maybe it will be this year. DeVon Achane another guy we're way lower on than everyone else. Worth mentioning: this isn't us trying to be different or unique or whatever. I legitimately do not understand why many/most believe that Achane will be featured. Maybe it happens and he's a league-winner, but I'm expecting a three-back committee. Now if Raheem Mostert gets hurt early, well, we'll be wrong I guess.
Panthers at Saints: Saints were my other Survivor pick. Bryce Young could hardly be worse than last year, but I'll need to see Carolina score more than 20 points in a game before expecting it. Both starting running backs look good, and the No. 1 wideouts are fine. I think an anytime touchdown bet for Taysom Hill is reasonable (that said, I lost my parlay featuring an anytime touchdown from Jalen Hurts last night, so...).
Vikings at Giants: Kind of rooting for Sam Darnold, and heck Daniel Jones seems nice enough. I think I heard he was dating Kay Adams? That's this week's gossip corner segment. As for the game, I don't think either defense will be very good, Giants should be improved, but pass-happy Kevin O'Connell's offense should produce some points. Justin Jefferson and Malik Nabers, sure I'll start both. Aaron Jones and Devin Singletary will be featured. None of the tight ends should be used. A pair of sleeper defenses, at least in this particular matchup.
Raiders at Chargers: Should be a lot of running in this game. Zamir White looks fine. Davante Adams, sure. If I drafted Brock Bowers I guess maybe. For the Chargers I have Dobbins in a couple of leagues and Vidal in a couple others, but they're benched until we see how the team uses its running backs. Josh Palmer the likely No. 1 wideout, but doesn't mean I really want to use him.
Broncos at Seahawks: Seahawks 6-point favorites, which seems weird but whatever. Certainly they're better right now at the skill positions, but I think Bo Nix will be OK and I have Javonte Williams in a couple of leagues. Intriguing game to see how Denver uses its backfield and receiving corps. Seattle main starters, yes I'd use them. Not banged-up Tyler Lockett; Jaxon Smith-Njigba looks better.
Cowboys at Browns: I expect the Browns to win this game. Their offense coupled with a lesser (now) Cowboys offensive line seems like a poor situation for Dallas. I expect a Zeke-Dowdle committee, making neither a great option. CeeDee Lamb (obviously) and Jake Ferguson; those are the players I want to use from Dallas. For the Browns, Cooper and Njoku and that be it.
Commanders at Bucs: Jayden Daniels debut. I think this game might feature more offense than defense, so I'm a fan of starters from both teams. Like Brian Robinson more than Austin Ekeler. Need Rachaad White to do well (though I did protect that pick with Bucky Irving everywhere, at least). Terry McLaurin should be good, and I'm mulling using Zach Ertz who will probably manage a 5-6 catch for 30 yards stat line, which is fine in PPR and even better in TE-premium.
Rams at Lions: Good Sunday night battle. I actually started Matthew Stafford, who I drafted as a backup, over my starter in a couple of leagues. Should be lots of offense from both teams in this game. I think QBs, RBs, and top 2 pass catchers on both teams will be viable. Hope for good points and good health.
Jets at 49ers: A year after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles while facing Leonard Floyd's Bills on the opening Monday night of the year, Rodgers will be facing Floyd's 49ers on the opening Monday night of the year. Do with that what you will. Key starters will be playing for both teams, I'm aware Christian McCaffrey had a calf injury in August, nobody should be asking me whether they should start McCaffrey. If he's active he's starting, obviously. (Breece too.) Garrett Wilson, Tyler Conklin, and all three of San Francisco's main receivers are starting options. I'm not expecting a slugfest though, both defenses really good.
Hey, enjoy the games! (And on the off-chance you're inclined to make some wagers of chance on players, teams or games, check out our Index Bets newsletter, available at the Fantasy Index Store.) And feel free to post questions below, I'll answer them as best I can.
