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.
Indianapolis versus New England in Germany: Early start time, so get Rhamondre and Jonathan Taylor into lineups early (I like both), Michael Pittman for sure and Demario Davis too. Josh Downs hasn't practiced all week and I wouldn't use him even if he's active.
Browns at Ravens: Both defenses are really good, especially the Ravens. Just when you thought it was safe to use Deshaun Watson, he comes out with a quote this week saying his shoulder is still a work in progress or something. I wouldn't want to use him against the Ravens anyway, but especially with the threat of an occurrence like a few weeks ago, where he attempted 5 awful passes before getting a seat. Running back committee for both teams. The Baltimore injury concern is to Keaton Mitchell, questionable with a hamstring injury after his breakout game. He practiced fully on Friday, so I'm considering him OK to use, but some risk (even if he were healthy, the uncertain snaps and tough matchups would be negatives).
Texans at Bengals: The matchup we wish had been flexed to Sunday night, with a couple of young quarterbacks playing very well. Injury concerns for both, with Tee Higgins and Nico Collins both out, unfortunate. JaMarr Chase is questionable with a back injury, but I am using him and taking my chances (seems just as risky to sit him down). Like Tyler Boyd and Tank Dell, a lot. Some will consider Noah Brown, and I picked him up somewhere too, but it's not as clear he'll be the No. 2 with Robert Woods returning. No Dameon Pierce, giving Devin Singletary some value as a lead back, but not a good ground game these days.
49ers at Jaguars: Teams are relatively healthy, and neither defense has been scary of late. I'm using Trevor Lawrence and key Jacksonville receivers, and would also use Deebo Samuel (particularly with Jacksonville tough on the run but not on the pass). Obviously both running backs -- a note, if I don't mention certain big-name players, it's usually because starting them is obvious. No one needs to help to put McCaffrey or Etienne into a fantasy lineup.
Saints at Vikings: Interesting game with a couple of modest playoff contenders. Saw something this morning about Michael Thomas getting in an altercation that involved the police and I don't know if it's something that we need to be concerned about or not, but should be monitored if you need to start Thomas. Justin Jefferson is questionable but unlikely to play; hopefully next game. Running backs fine to use, given byes I think I have to use Rashid Shaheed and hope he hits on something. I believe Taysom Hill has been productive of late, guess you can use their QB/RB/TE if eligibility allows. T.J. Hockenson (ribs) questionable but says he's playing.
Packers at Steelers: After saying last week I wouldn't use George Pickens anymore, I need to use him where I have him, bye week issues. He and Diontae Johnson and both running backs viable against a Packers defense that hasn't been great and also has some injuries. For the Packers, Aaron Jones for sure and I'll consider Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Luke Musgrave, just hard to get excited about this passing offense.
Titans at Bucs: The Bucs have lost a couple of close ones lately, but I still think they have a decent chance to win the NFC South. This is another game that could go either way, though, with Will Levis in the lineup and playing well. DeAndre Hopkins and Derrick Henry and the key starters for the Bucs, I believe that's everyone to consider. I suppose Baker Mayfield is viable for those in need due to byes or whatnot.
Falcons at Cardinals: OK to cut Desmond Ridder in dynasty? Opinions welcome, but I'm leaning yes (I need a kicker with Jake Elliott on bye). Drake London good to go, and so is Kyler Murray. I'd really rather see Murray in a game before using him, but in a world where people are considering starting guys like Mayfield and other lesser lights, I suppose some will be taking the chance on Murray. At the very least he should be rusty. But certainly a plus for Marquise Brown and Trey McBride compared to Clayton Tune. Cards defense not great so both Falcons running backs and tight ends merit consideration.
Lions at Chargers: Another game that would have been OK to be flexed into primetime. What are the distinguishing factors of the games I've mentioned as possibilities? Right, they have quarterbacks. I'd use both Lions running backs in what should be a committee, granted the Chargers are better against the run than the pass. Both teams soft against the pass, so the quarterback and No. 1 wide receivers are of interest, I'd at least consider Quentin Johnston, though he's been pretty quiet thus far. LaPorta duh, Everett maybe.
Giants at Cowboys: We've reached the portion of the column where I discuss my Survivor Pool. Still alive, and I haven't used the Cowboys yet, so giddy up. If I had already used Dallas, I'd probably be looking at Seattle or Buffalo, but it's a tough week. (2nd-most picked team in my pool is Cincinnati, but that's not a pick I would have wanted to make.) As for this game. Saquon Barkley is the only Giant I would consider. Everything connected with Dallas looks fine, just keeping in mind it could be a quieter game for Dak what with New York probably not scoring more than 10 points. Which is how the initial meeting played out.
Commanders at Seahawks: Couple of more teams in the crowded NFC playoff picture. Seattle in better shape, and Washington seems to have given up having traded some starters, but the players on the field don't know that. I didn't think much of Washington's defense beforehand so thumbs up on Seattle starters. I like Kenneth Walker and don't want to overrate Zach Charbonnet's recent usage (Seattle playing from behind a lot in the last two games). Curtis Samuel probably returns but I like Jahan Dotson more (and Terry McLaurin, obvs). Brian Robinson doesn't look great, but starting running back.
Jets at Raiders: Everyone is tired of me complaining about the networks' foolish primetime schedule, so I'll move on. This should be a defensive and run game oriented contest with little in the way of great passing. I like both running backs, main wide receivers too good to sit down for just anyone but would look better if either the quarterbacks were better or the passing defenses were worse. It's the last time the Jets are scheduled in a showcase game for 12 whole days, so there's that. Aidan O'Connell might have an NFL future, but a tough matchup.
Broncos at Bills: Decent enough matchup. Denver has been playing better, Bills haven't been quite as good as expected. Buffalo should win, but I think Denver's offense has some potential, both Javonte Williams and the main wideouts. Regular Buffalo starters for sure, with Dalton Kincaid one of those guys right now. I see that weather (wind) might be a factor, though I'm not sitting anyone I'd regularly use based on that.
Enjoy the games.
