Early games kick off in a couple of hours, and there have been a few developments/confirmations of what was expected. Some of the more significant ones are as follows.
Saquon Barkley (ankle) is expected to be inactive for the Giants. Just in case things didn't seem bad enough for New York at Miami. Matt Breida has a conditional ranking in the Friday update for if Barkley didn't play.
Sadly not much clarity on Javonte Williams (hip). He's going to work out pregame and see if he can play. My guess is he's not playing, but I don't actually want to start Jaleel McLaughlin unless or until I know Williams is inactive.
Jameson Williams will make his debut for the Lions today, but will reportedly only play about 20 snaps. I don't think we should subscribe fully to such usage -- sometimes things change. If Williams catches 3 passes and a touchdown on his first 10 snaps, I think perhaps he'll play a little more. But it's something to keep in mind if you were debating using Williams (one of several reasons to debate using Williams, who hasn't done much in the NFL to this point).
Indications are that Jonathan Taylor will split time with Zack Moss today. It makes sense. To me it makes Moss an undesirable option; if the ball winds up on the 1-yard line, I think it will be Taylor carrying it for sure, making the Colts looks smart for paying the man. The fact that Taylor won't get a full workload, though, makes him a little less desirable. They're ranked appropriately in the Friday update.
Odell Beckham (ankle) is expected to play for the Ravens. I don't think anyone should start him, but if you were torn between starting some other Ravens wideout and a comparable choice, it's a point in favor of the non-Raven wideout.
Tee Higgins, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyrr Gibbs all expected to be inactive, I think everyone knew that though.
Aaron Jones (hamstring) looks a little risky. Will probably play, but might get limited snaps. If you have a comparable option, take it.
- Chase Claypool won't play for Miami, helpful to people in 30-team leagues or Claypool family members.
--Andy Richardson