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.

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.

Bears versus Jaguars across the pond: Game starts at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, make sure to get your players in or out of lineups before then. Teams are relatively healthy, at the skill positions anyway. Bears secondary a little banged-up, while Jaguars are just weak against the pass. Theoretically game should be higher scoring. I think Jaguars will be using a tandem backfield, and both have value.

Commanders at Ravens: Game of the Week, potentially, I'm sure they're very upset they have it buried in the early window. Brian Robinson (knee) being called a gametime decision. Between that and the tough matchup, I'm not using him. Commanders defense has struggled against both the run and the pass (Cleveland's offense doesn't count), so I'm in on Zay Flowers and would consider Likely, indeed I'm using him somewhere due to byes and whatnot. But with the Ravens putting 3 different tight ends on the field, there's some risk. Game most interesting for the QB battle.

Cardinals at Packers: Seems likely to be higher-scoring. Thumbs up on the main receivers and running backs for both. Cardinals have been surprisingly plucky in most games, but I don't think their defense will fare well against Jordan Love et al. Reed and Doubs (yes, actually) are the wide receivers I'd trust in this one from Green Bay.

Texans at Patriots: No Nico Collins, so I'm in on Diggs and Dell. Patriots defense has a rep but it's banged-up and I don't think it will limit Houston too much. Houston running backs, though, are complicated, with Dameon Pierce returning; could be him or Akers or even Dare Ogunbowale who's best. Unless Joe Mixon returns. So yeah, complicated. If Mixon is active, he's the only one I'd use. Patriots won't have Rhamondre Stevenson, so Antonio Gibson should play close to full-time, him I'd use. Drake Maye starts, some rushing potential, but passing probably won't go well.

Bucs at Saints: My son goes to South Carolina, so I watched a lot of Spencer Rattler last year. I'm hopeful for him, but not optimistic. Not keen on the Saints' passing game (but in fairness, I wasn't with Derek Carr either). Bucs are calling Rachaad White doubtful, last I knew anyway, so thumbs up on Bucky Irving as a likely full-time player; I'm using him. And typical Bucs pass catchers. I even have to use Mayfield and cross my fingers, bye week issues.

Browns at Eagles: Eagles a popular Survivor pick (for those few still alive in such pools). Doesn't seem like much hope for the Browns until they pull the plug on Deshaun. Philly defense not good so I'm sure some will be trying (by choice or probably lack thereof) Amari Cooper and/or Jerome Ford, but hard to feel good about the offense. Am using all Eagles starters, for sure, and their defense.

Colts at Titans: Very complicated situation with the Colts. Apparently Anthony Richardson returns at quarterback. But officially he's questionable. Same for Michael Pittman (back) and Josh Downs (toe). Not sure how I can recommend any of these guys on Saturday, so I won't be. No Jonathan Taylor, shocker; he has a high-ankle sprain, I don't know why they couldn't just say initially he's going to miss several weeks. Competitive advantage or whatever I guess. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson backfield. Tennessee, Tony Pollard yet, but hard to recommend wide receivers with DeAndre Hopkins playing sparingly to this point. Presumably the bye helped him get healthy, but you'd like to see it. Matchup makes him somewhat appealing, quarterback doesn't.

Chargers at Broncos: Low-scoring affair. No Gus Edwards, helping J.K. Dobbins and getting people excited about Kimani Vidal (too bad I dropped him already in the league I drafted him in and won't get him back). Regardless, Dobbins is the only Charger I'd recommend. For the Broncos, Javonte Williams and Courtland Sutton are the possibilities.

Steelers at Raiders: Russell Wilson will apparently be active for this game. Justin Fields apparently starts. Kind of a tricky situation; Mike Tomlin doesn't strike me as in-game switcher of QBs, but you never know. Offered up George Pickens for Nico Collins in dynasty. Probably not, but a win-now guy might think about it. Matchup good for Steelers, but the actual offense isn't. Najee Harris viable but unexciting, especially since Jaylen Warren will apparently return. For the Raiders, they're starting Aidan O'Connell at quarterback and probably Alexander Mattison at running back, and their current No. 1 wideout (Jakobi Meyers) is banged-up. Er, Brock Bowers seems like the lone good choice here .

Falcons at Panthers: Should not be much defense in this game, so I like the top running backs and receivers for both sides. And Kirk Cousins, sure. Not sure that Kyle Pitts will build on his good game, but I guess he's a starting option.

Lions at Cowboys: Game should be high-scoring with lots of good starters for both sides. Teams relatively healthy, with Detroit coming out of its bye, although Dallas defense banged-up (which again, is good for scoring potential). Start 'em if you got 'em, including Jalen Tolbert and even Rico Dowdle (Lions tough on the run, but Rico should get most of the work).

Bengals at Giants: Sad they couldn't flex this game out of primetime. Bengals have lots of stars but the Giants won't have their main one, Malik Nabers. New York may not have Devin Singletary, but they might, and with this being the night game, hard to know what to do with Tyrone Tracy. I'd like to use him if Singletary sits. Am using Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale, with the Bengals defense not playing well. And key Bengals offensive players, including both running backs, who are reportedly good to go despite being on injury report. Bengals are 1-4 and could/should be at least 3-2, we all have fantasy teams like that.

Bills at Jets: Important game, will be interesting to see if Saleh being fired gives the Jets a boost. Seemingly not a well-liked coach. Both defenses have struggled at times against the run. Bills won't have Khalil Shakir (I'm pretty sure) and might not have James Cook. That's a tough one, you want to use him if he plays I think, but we might not know until Monday. Ty Johnson seems like the best bet as a fill-in, although Ray Davis will also play. Dalton Kincaid my favorite Bill to use if both those guys are out.

Enjoy the games.

52 Reader Comments:

Mike Conway

Nanuet, NY
2024-10-12T13:32:50Z
Rough week ahead with byes. Mike Williams or Q. Johnson for last WR spot . Thanks

Tyson Traveller

Twin Falls, ID
2024-10-12T13:34:59Z
Need to start 3 of Tank Dell, Zay Flowers, Terry McLaurin, Darnell Mooney. All pretty close with good matchups. Standard scoring.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T13:37:51Z
Don't love either wideout but I'll take Johnston.

We've got Flowers 4th. I love the matchup but if one team opts not to pass much it would be Baltimore.

JON CASASENT

Katy, TX
2024-10-12T13:43:01Z
1 ppr - super flex
Slayton or jakobi meyers
Trevor Lawerence or levis
Someone dropped meyers so will be using my #1 waiver wire to add him.
Would have to drop Lawerence (probably will not get back) to add Levi’s so may have to use him next week also
Other qbs - Sam Donald & Caleb Williams

Joey Brown

Prestonsburg , KY
2024-10-12T13:44:06Z
Caleb Williams or Daniel Jones this week. NFFC scoring 6 points passing

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T13:55:17Z
Jon I don't love the matchup for Lawrence but there's no part of me that would consider dropping him for Will Levis. I don't know if Levis will get through all of Week 6 without being benched, let alone Week 7.

Slayton over Meyers this week. Meyers long-term, but he's dealing with an injury and Slayton looks promising with Nabers out again.

Caleb versus Jaguars

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2024-10-12T15:02:28Z
Good morning Andy. Trying to choose between Jameson Williams, Cooper, and Daubs in PPR. I love Williams, but lots of mouths to feed, and like I said PPR, which was good for him at the beginning of the season, but not recently. Thanks!

Alex Konop

Northport, NY
2024-10-12T15:12:56Z
Hi Andy,

I have Shakir, Coleman and Wicks for my third WR slot. In my position, would you hope Shakir plays and then pivot to Coleman if he doesn't or just go with Wicks on Sunday?

JOHN CAMP

Canton, MI
2024-10-12T15:25:40Z
Andy - Pacheco on IR and Brian Robinson seems likely to miss, so forced to play either A. Gibson or J. Ford at RB2 this week. No great options, but what are your thoughts? Should I even consider rolling the dice with Robinson over those two?

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T15:27:08Z
I'm pretty sure Shakir isn't playing. We'll know for sure when the Bills release their final injury report later today, but he hasn't practiced at all and isn't expected to. So I would plan to go with Wicks (hoping Watson isn't active, which is the expectation).

I'll go with Jameson over using any Brown or Doubs I think too

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T15:38:32Z
John…we like Gibson just fine. Probably close to a full-time back. Good player. I might use him over Brian Robinson this week even if BRob were healthy.

Aaron Vander Vorst

West Fargo, ND
2024-10-12T15:54:46Z
Who do you like better between Tolbert and Juju to hit it big rest of season? Tolbert seems like he could steal the two job and benefit from defenses trying to take away CeeDee in a strong passing offense, while Juju did an awfully good Rashee impression last week and benefits from defenses focusing on Kelce and taking away the deep ball.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T16:00:25Z
Aaron…I think I like JuJu more, but it’s close. My concern with Tolbert, aside from Cooks returning at some point, is it’s not as if Dallas No. 2 was outstanding last year. Cooks 54-657-8…pretty solid but not an automatic start. Juju will have some quiet games but feels like kind of a No. 1 guy for them.

Jon Schrempp

Coon Rapids, MN
2024-10-12T16:14:43Z
Who is the lowest in your redrafter:
D. London / J. Reed / DJ. Moore / G. Wilson

Greg Resin

Palos Verdes Estates, CA
2024-10-12T16:23:20Z
Think Jalen Coker could pop again for Car this week? Looked really good last game. Thinking of sitting Wicks for him.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T16:38:17Z
I think Legette leaving early with a shoulder injury was a big factor in Coker’s game

Wally Ming

Chippewa Fls, WI
2024-10-12T17:14:10Z
Hey Andy:
Happ Saturday!!!
Still in search of running back help (drafted Mostert)... Picked up Antonio Gibson for this week...
Going by the "sheet", but would one flex him over Etienne or Chris Godwin ??? Have James Conner in at RB---he has been pretty solid... Other options would be Brian Robinson (RB) or Tank Dell...

Thanks and have a great weekend!!!

-Wally-

William Hansen

Georgetown, DE
2024-10-12T17:22:29Z
Need either B Thomas or Diontae for flex full ppr. Is Diontae banged up pretty good where he is legitimately Q to play?

David Kennedy

Steamburg, NY
2024-10-12T18:21:24Z
James Cook is likely to play I hear.

Timothy Leonard

Sparta, WI
2024-10-12T18:35:40Z
Hey Andy - hope you are doing well! My lineup is set...except for RB2.
I have 3 options (and all have a question mark...or 2)
1. T. Etienne ("Tank" problem, under achieving so far, and facing the Bears across the pond)
2. B. Irving (at New Orleans whose run defense at home has been quite good...so far)
3. T. Tracy (not sure about Singletary's status and really good chance of rain)
Your thoughts? Thanks!

Jake Frack

Tuckahoe, NY
2024-10-12T18:44:16Z
Hi Andy, which two would you start in standard scoring between Meyers, Shaheed, Wicks, and Cooper?

Darren Castillo

Placentia, CA
2024-10-12T18:57:58Z
PPR both.
JK Dobbins or Jerome Ford (0-5) desperate for a win.
Austin Ekeler or Jerome Ford (1-4) desperate for a win.
Appreciate your time

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T19:02:05Z
Jake, Meyers assuming he's active

Tim, if it's up in the air tomorrow whether Singletary is playing or not, Irving. If we know Singletary will be inactive (and we probably won't), Tracy.

Don't know about Diontae but I'll start Thomas anyway.

I have only good stuff to say about Antonio Gibson. Starting a capable back in an offense that wants to run the ball when he should play close to full-time over a guy in a timeshare (with a shoulder injury to boot) like Etienne is not a tough choice for me. Or over Brian Robinson, who has a knee injury, is in a committee, and facing the Ravens. (And I generally like Robinson, btw, but why mess with it with a strong alternative.)

Yeah, sounds like Cook will play.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T19:06:46Z
Darren - Dobbins over Ford with Edwards out for LAC, definitely

Ford-Ekeler is tougher. If Robinson inactive, I'd be happy to use Ekeler over Ford. If Robinson active, it's still close but I'd probably lean Ford.

Jeff Zwiers

Bellingham, WA
2024-10-12T19:17:17Z
2 of in a PPR: Dowdle, Ford, Moss and Olave. Kinda funny your trepidation for having to start the #7 ranked QB for the week: Mayfield. (I "have" to use him too in a league) prediction: J. Warren has a good week.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T20:12:04Z
The other quarterback I have with Mayfield is Mahomes… if I’d been using Mayfield all year, I would have two more wins. I guess I haven’t bought in yet. I’m also worried about Bucs defense just controlling the game.

I probably say Dowdle and Olave… in general I want the guys who I know will get the most field time. But will defer to the rankings if they’re much different

DONALD VANDENBORD

Saint Augustine, FL
2024-10-12T20:45:11Z
Daniels or Burrow? Thanks.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T21:11:11Z
Burrow has been great but there is just too much rushing upside with Daniels. Lamar the only guy I’d start over him this week (and even then it’s debatable because Lamar has Henry).

Darren Castillo

Placentia, CA
2024-10-12T21:25:29Z
Thanks Andy

John Heim

Sacramento, CA
2024-10-12T21:29:35Z
I’m in a yahoo standard league. Should I start slayton over flowers ?

L.B. Graham

Chesterfield, MO
2024-10-12T21:44:34Z
Andy, which of these RBs do you sit? Dobbins, Javonte Williams, Irving or Chase Brown?

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T22:06:39Z
Few key updates:

Brian Robinson out, Jakobi Meyers doubtful, Devin Singletary out

Lb I’m sitting Chase

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-12T22:07:57Z
John, yes

Scott Anderson

Las Vegas, NV
2024-10-12T23:06:55Z
Andy, how many spots does Tucker move on up if Meyers is out? Full ppr

Dee Peppers

Garden City, NY
2024-10-12T23:08:48Z
Hi Andy - Pick two in PPR Ekeler, Connor, Sermon, Etienne. Personally I'm leaning Connor and Ekeler but curious your thoughts. Rankings didn't have a "If Robinson out" designation for Austin.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-13T00:10:16Z
Scott- I have Tucker too. He’s probably in the low 30s I don’t think he’s as high as a healthy Meyers.

Dee - definitely Conner. Not sure Ekeler will be a workhorse, could be him and McNichols. I think Ekeler and Etienne are close. They’ll both be the main pass catchers. Guessing a little but I think Ekeler would be higher than Etienne, but not by much

Brian Boyd

Maple Grove, MN
2024-10-13T00:35:22Z
In 14 games vs Lattimore, Evans is averaging 3 reception and 52 yards per game. I get you start your studs, but I also don't want to blindly start a player against a top corner like Surtain given the long history here with the game in New Orleans. Based on this, would you start Kraft or Wicks over Evans? I've already had Metcalf play with a subpar game. It's a 12 team PPR with 2 WR's and 2 Flex. Thanks for your insight.

GREG GRIMES

Plymouth, WI
2024-10-13T00:47:06Z
Andy, with Taylor out in a PPR League, I'm starting Gibson. Need three of the following wrs: Dell, Mooney, D Johnson, Cooper and Z Flowers.Thank you

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-13T00:48:28Z
Wicks is not a guy I want to start this week. Has dropped some balls lately. Might be just the No. 3 or 4 target in GB. Would not consider him. Kraft is closer but I’d still use Evans myself.

Bob Heaps

Portage, MI
2024-10-13T01:27:32Z
Hi Andy, Jakobi Meyers looking like he’s not going to play, Darius Slayton and Tre Tucker look like the best next two options and am leaning towards Darius Slayton but wanted to see your thoughts on Tucker? Half point PPR league

Thanks!

Steven Hecker

Powell, OH
2024-10-13T01:30:28Z
Full PPR. Have to start 2 as all my drafted starters are out. Dobbins, Sermon and I just picked up Gibson.

Starting Garett Wilson, Dell, and McClaurin as WR. So flex is Kirk or the 3rd RB (Sermon ?).

Thanks!

Scott Meltzer

Waterford, MI
2024-10-13T01:33:09Z
Interesting decisions due to injury elevations. Need best 4 of Ekeler, Pollard, Jamo, Irving, Flowers, Slayton?

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2024-10-13T03:35:13Z
One more if you’re still listening Andy. Starting Tank Dell and Godwin, need to choose between Tolbert and Jameson for flex - PPR. Appreciate your thoughts…

Danny Weisberg

Thousand Oaks, CA
2024-10-13T05:52:45Z
You can say "Bye-Bye" to my bench. So, I need help with RB2 between Conner and Dobbins. Thanks for your help.

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-13T11:32:43Z
Bob - Slayton over tucker

Steven - not a big Sermon fan. The guaranteed touches do help. I think he's ranked a little higher but I don't have a strong preference versus Kirk, who's facing a banged up Chicago secondary.

Scott top 3 are clear from rankings. Fourth would probably be Ekeler

tolbert jameson a true tossup. Kind of depends if you want the safer floor of Tolbert or the higher ceiling of Jameson.

Rankings say Dobbins over Conner, but not huge separation. I trust Conner a little more personally.

Good luck all

Robert Cummings

Los Angeles, CA
2024-10-13T12:02:11Z
Thanks Andy - good luck!

GREG GRIMES

Plymouth, WI
2024-10-13T13:00:35Z
Andy, injuries taking a toll. 2-3 in a league I often dominate. Need three of the following five wrs: Dell, Cooper, D Johnson, Mooney or Z Flowers. Thank you

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-13T13:05:50Z
Sorry I missed you. Top 2 clear from rankings. Other three a tossup. Probably Diontae

Don McCown

Port Washington, WI
2024-10-13T13:12:14Z
Andy, can start 3 from this RB group:

Jacobs, Gibbs, Bucky Irving. Who's your 2 you'd go with? Thank you.

Don McCown

Port Washington, WI
2024-10-13T13:15:16Z
Also, do you think Doubs return would take enough targets from Kraft today and enough, to start McBride over Kraft in a one TE start, league?

Andy Richardson (Fantasy Index)

Port Chester, NY
2024-10-13T13:57:59Z
Irving ranked highest but least proven, think you need to decide your risk tolerance. TEs are good as ranked

Scott Meltzer

Waterford, MI
2024-10-13T16:07:49Z
Thanks, Andy, appreciate your work!
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