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. If I don't answer your question, either I missed it (it happens) or the rankings are very clear.
Broncos versus Jets across the pond: Not a big fan of these 9:30 a.m. games (and worse for those on the West Coast). NFL and fantasy-wise, it also throws a wrinkle into predictions. If the game were in Denver or New York, I'd be expecting Denver to do a nice job of containment of New York's offense. The travel and stuff adds uncertainty. But in general I would use Justin Fields, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and Mason Taylor. And with the Jets defense being simply godawful, thumbs up on the Broncos too.
Rams at Ravens: No Lamar Jackson and a banged-up and crummy Ravens defense, so I'll steer clear of most Ravens (Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers the main considerations) and start key Rams. Even Flowers is questionable so we can't be 100 percent sure he's playing, so probably best to go with a comparable choice if possible.
Cowboys at Panthers: No CeeDee Lamb, but most expected that. No Chuba Hubbard, making it safe to start Rico Dowdle against his former team. No reason to think Carolina is the defense to slow down Dallas, and we also know that Dallas' defense is bad, giving some appeal to the passing game (some, but only Tetairoa looks safe).
Cardinals at Colts: Kyler Murray might not be playing. That's a downer for the entire offense, with Jacoby Brissett a game manager type. Wading into the Cardinals offense iffy anyway (I'll pass on the running backs), but I'd still use Trey McBride and part of me wants to use Marvin Harrison Jr. against his dad's team. But I'd like to more with Murray at quarterback.
Seahawks at Jaguars: Some injuries in Seattle's secondary, and their offense is playing well, so game could be higher scoring. Both seem like playoff teams, at least based on their play so far, so should be a good game.
Chargers at Dolphins: Which Chargers running back? In my leagues, seemed about 50-50 picking up Hassan Haskins or Kimani Vidal as the preferred back. My two cents: people have been trying to make Vial a thing since he was drafted. He's a sixth-round pick and he was on the practice squad not too long ago, i.e. firmly behind Haskins (who also was just a midround pick of the Titans himself), and he also didn't touch the ball on offense until after both Najee and Hampton were hurt. So: expectations low, OK? The only thing they have going for them besides maybe being a starter is that Miami's defense is really, really bad. Quentin Johnston iffy for Chargers, so that's one we need to watch the morning updates.
Browns at Steelers: Cleveland defense good, especially against the run. Steelers won't have Calvin Austin. Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith the options. I guess some will need to use a Steeler running back, but I wouldn't recommend it. For the Browns, Quinshon Judkins has been impressive enough to be viable. And both tight ends in PPR, because they'll be the receivers that Dillon Gabriel is throwing to.
Patriots at Saints: Writing about the Patriots this week, was scary to me looking at their upcoming schedule and realizing this team might actually be a playoff team. Good defense, capable young quarterback, easy schedule. Not that this road game is a gimme, but they seem a little better. Maye and Diggs and Henry can be started. The running back tandem is trickier. For the Saints, it's a defense playing well that they're facing, and Alvin Kamara isn't 100 percent but probably playing. I'd also use Chris Olave who's catching a lot of passes.
Titans at Raiders: Still not over the Cardinals blowing a win against the Titans. With a favorable matchup, I'd use Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. Raiders there's Ashton Jeanty for sure and the main wide receivers have some potential. No Brock Bowers, again.
49ers at Bucs: The M.A.S.H. unit that is San Francisco rolls onward. It should be Mac Jones throwing to Kendrick Bourne and maybe Jauan Jennings, but I wouldn't use the guy. And Jake Tonges, him I'd use. For Tampa Bay, Rachaad White and Egbuka and Shepard, maybe Cade Otton, somebody has to catch some passes. Baker Mayfield saying a best-ball team of mine with his weekly excellence.
Bengals at Packers: Packers were my Survivor pick, and that of most people. Joe Flacco might be better for Cincinnati's passing game, he can hardly be worse, but Green Bay's offense should be very good and their defense is tough. But Ja'Marr Chase for sure and at least a maybe for Chase Brown and Tee Higgins. Green Bay wide receivers a frustrating bunch to count on but the matchup couldn't be better. Golden and Doubs considerations, Love and Kraft yes.
Lions at Kansas City: Both defenses have some ability, but the Lions are ridiculously banged-up in the secondary, and their offense has been excellent, so I'm expecting a higher scoring game with lots of good starters from both teams. Tight ends, quarterbacks, Lions running backs, I think we know the flaws with Kansas City's backfield committee, but the wideouts have some potential.
Bills at Falcons: Two Monday night games. I complain about these every week so there's nothing new to say. I just don't know what the point is. As for this game, well, both starting running backs look great. Josh Allen and both tight ends. A little wary of the various wideouts, but I'd use Drake London for sure.
Bears at Commanders: Chicago healthy, would certainly be using Rome Odunze. Caleb Williams should be OK for those in a need of a quarterback. Jayden Daniels obviously, Jacory-Croskey Merritt and Deebo Samuel too. Bears defense has been poor. Zach Ertz seems like an option, but not a great one these days, just not catching enough passes. Game could be higher-scoring, so there's that.
Enjoy the games.