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.
Rams at Panthers: L.A. looking like the NFC favorites right now, while the Panthers look more like pretenders than contenders. I think you're starting Rico Dowdle and Tetairoa McMillan if you have them and hoping for the best. Rams, well, the key passing game components and Kyren Williams, and I think I'm stuck starting Blake Corum somewhere because I forgot to move Josh Jacobs back into the lineup before Thursday.
49ers at Browns: Wind and a really good Browns defense are both working against the Niners offense in this game. Brock Purdy and his wide receivers, I will pass. CMC and Kittle are about it. For the Browns, fair play to them for winning in Las Vegas last week, but Quinshon Judkins is probably the only player I'd even think about starting in this one. Bet the under.
Texans at Colts: Because the game's indoors and the Colts defense isn't great, there's a chance for some points here. But Houston's defense is really good and it sounds like Daniel Jones is playing through a broken leg of some sort, which doesn't seem good. I'll start the running backs, No. 1 wideouts and tight ends, but that's about where things end. Defenses and kickers. Important game in the intriguing AFC South.
Saints at Dolphins: Whatever the opposite of an important game is, is this one. Achane and Waddle are easy starts. Juwan Johnson, just maybe Darren Waller if active. Devin Neal is the tricky choice; I'd consider him on the off-chance he's featured, and he did catch 5 passes last week. But a big game would be great expectations, we don't have a ton to go on. He's ranked low and scanning the guys ahead of him I'm not sure who I'd start him over. Maybe a couple of the possible committee guys.
Falcons at Jets: Should be raining throughout this one, if you needed more reason not to use the passing games. Darnell Mooney and John Metchie at least look like No. 1 type wideouts, which counts for something. But Bijan and Breece are the main guys to be using and expecting workhorse roles and production.
Cardinals at Bucs: I expect a lot of Bucky Irving questions. I think I'm a little more nervous starting him than Ian. Bucs coaches have talked about a hot-hand backfield, and the coordinator also hinted at easing him back. That's countered by the fact he practiced fully all week and if healthy is better than their other options. I'll give advice as I can but people also need to decide how much uncertainty they're comfortable with. Is he better than a couple of the guys ranked a few spots behind him, for sure. But he's definitely riskier, as well. Baker Mayfield is fine to use, just hope he doesn't land on that damaged shoulder at any point. Cardinals passing game better than running game and still no Trey Benson. I assume Marvin Harrison is playing, and both he and Michael Wilson viable.
Jaguars at Titans: Jaguars offense has some potential, but three similar seeming wide receivers and a possible one-two punch at running back hurt things. For the Titans, the lone exception I will make to my general lack of optimism is possibly Gunnar Helm if Chig Okonkwo is inactive. Chimere Dike has earned consideration but the guy won't be taking a punt back every week. Probably. Seems lower scoring.
Vikings at Seahawks: The popular consensus about the Vikings passing game with Max Brosmer in for J.J. McCarthy is "well, could he be any worse." Like most who have Justin Jefferson I'm taking my chances and starting him, but Minnesota's offense could also be completely shut down here. For Seattle, the usual couple of starters, and Sam Darnold merits some revenge game appeal.
Raiders at Chargers: Should be a tap-in game for the not so great Chargers, with the Raiders in the not so good range. I think Ashton Jeanty is the end-all and be-all for Raiders options. The Chargers will again lead with Kimani Vidal, and their crowded group of receivers, making the passing game less appealing.
Bills at Steelers: Big game in the AFC, with neither team even a playoff lock at this point. Jaylen Warren gets a choice matchup so I like him more than normal. DK Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers tougher sells, but maybe they hit on something if the game winds up being higher scoring, which is possible. For Buffalo, Josh Allen and James Cook, and we've got Shakir as a viable option. Kincaid if active, but I think that's pretty iffy. Steeler tight ends, well, you'd be bolder than me.
Broncos at Commanders: Terry McLaurin returns. Apparently; he practiced fully on Thursday and the team said he's playing, but was then a DNP on Friday. I don't get it, but Dan Quinn said he's playing and I guess we have to take the guy's word for it. Personally I don't think he's untrustworthy, just unreliable because I'm not sure he knows what he's doing. Might just be me. Deebo Samuel is the lone Washington player I'd consider. For Denver, that Washington defense is bad and the Broncos should rip it up, but I worry a little about a letdown game after a lot of higher-pressure ones and the win over Kansas City, followed by a bye. I'm using Harvey and would use Nix, the Franklin-Sutton thing is tricky, one should definitely be good and both could be, but not a clear No. 1.
Giants at Patriots: Couple good young quarterbacks in this game. Not interested in much from the Giants but Wan'Dale and Theo seem safe as the top receivers. Giants D bad making TreVeyon, Henry and Diggs look like solid choices. A little uncertainty over how players will be used or targeted but they're the ones I'd favor.
Enjoy the games.