Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
These are my early PPR ranks, so keep in mind I post these on Thursday. Make sure you check the injury report for players that have missed practice. If it doesn't look like a player will play early in the week, I typically won't rank him. Finally, remember there are 3 games on Saturday, so don't forget to set your lineup!
If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter. Be sure to check out my show MoneyLine with Jerry Bo on ESPN 97.5 FM. We're on every Sunday morning from 10-noon, and we'll talk a lot of fantasy football and NFL gambling getting you ready for kickoff every Sunday.
QB
Tannehill is in the Top 10 again this week. Photo by Getty Images.
1 Lamar Jackson
2 Deshaun Watson
3 Russell Wilson
4 Patrick Mahomes
5 Drew Brees
6 Jameis Winston
7 Matt Ryan ATL
8 Ryan Tannehill
9 Aaron Rodgers
10 Dak Prescott
11 Ryan Fitzpatrick
12 Carson Wentz
RB
Zeke Elliot keeps rolling. Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images1 Christian McCaffrey
2 Ezekiel Elliott
3 Chris Carson
4 Saquon Barkley
5 Joe Mixon
6 Leonard Fournette
7 Derrick Henry
8 Austin Ekeler
9 Alvin Kamara
10 Mark Ingram
11 Miles Sanders
12 Melvin Gordon
13 Devonta Freeman
14 Todd Gurley
15 Aaron Jones
16 Kenyan Drake
17 Marlon Mack
18 Nick Chubb
19 Raheem Mostert
20 James Conner
21 Phillip Lindsay
22 DeAndre Washington
23 James White
24 Devin Singletary
25 Mike Boone
26 Le'Veon Bell
27 Adrian Peterson
28 Tarik Cohen
29 Kareem Hunt
30 Ronald Jones
WR
Hopkins should help catch you a championship. Composite photo by Jack Brame
1 Michael Thomas
2 DeAndre Hopkins
3 Julio Jones
4 Davante Adams
5 Tyreek Hill
6 Robert Woods
7 Keenan Allen
8 Allen Robinson
9 Devante Parker
10 D.J. Moore
11 Courtland Sutton
12 Amari Cooper
13 Stefon Diggs
14 Tyler Lockett
15 Breshad Perriman
16 A.J. Brown
17 Tyler Boyd
18 Julian Edelman
19 Kenny Golladay
20 Jarvis Landry
21 Mike Williams
22 Will Fuller
23 Terry McLaurin
24 Cooper Kupp
25 D.K. Metcalf
26 Darius Slayton
27 Anthony Miller
28 Michael Gallup
29 Adam Thielen
30 John Brown
31 Odell Beckham Jr
32 Danny Amendola
33 Jamison Crowder
34 James Washington
35 Sterling Shepard
36 Emmanuel Sanders
TE
Catching up with Kelce. Photo via:Chiefs/Facebook
1 George Kittle
2 Travis Kelce
3 Zach Ertz
4 Tyler Higbee
5 Darren Waller
6 Hunter Henry
7 Austin Hooper
8 Mark Andrews
9 OJ Howard
10 Jacob Hollister
11 Jared Cook
12 Dallas Goedert
DEF
1 Steelers
2 Ravens
3 Patriots
4 Broncos
5 49ers
6 Bills
7 Seahawks
8 Chiefs
9 Chargers
10 Colts
11 Cowboys
12 Saints
KICKER
1 Justin Tucker
2 Wil Lutz
3 Harrison Butker
4 Robbie Gould
5 Younghoe Koo
6 Jason Myers
7 Michael Badgley
8 Ka'imi Fairbairn
9 Jake Elliott
10 Chase McLaughlin
11 Josh Lambo
12 Dan Bailey
That will do it. Good luck this week and when in doubt, start your studs.
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Are Awesome
The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills both enter Week 5 with identical records, looking to continue their strong early-season performances. The Texans, led by breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud, come off a thrilling 24-20 win over Jacksonville, while the Bills are seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 35-10 loss to Baltimore.
Bet MGM NFL Odds: Bills favored by 1
Against the Spread: Buffalo 2-2, Houston 0-3-1
Series Record: Texans lead 6-5
Last Meeting: Bills defeated Texans 40-0 (Oct. 3, 2021)
Key matchups and players to watch
Texans WR Nico Collins:
Collins has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season, leading the league with 489 receiving yards. Coming off a career-best performance with 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville, Collins will be a key target for Stroud against Buffalo’s strong secondary.
Bills DE A.J. Epenesa:
With Von Miller suspended, Epenesa will be expected to step up as Buffalo’s primary pass rusher. Epenesa has one sack through four starts and needs to take on a larger role with the absence of Miller, who leads the NFL's active players in sacks.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs vs. Former Team:
Diggs, who was traded to the Texans in the offseason, will face his former team for the first time. He has been productive for Houston, logging 233 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season, as well as his first career rushing touchdown last week.
Key injuries
The Bills face multiple injury concerns, including linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Taron Johnson, and safety Taylor Rapp, all of whom are questionable. Buffalo's leading receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out. The Texans could see the return of WR Tank Dell after he missed last week, though RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play. LT Laremy Tunsil is questionable, which could impact their offensive game plan.
Update: Aaron Wilson has the latest on which Texans players are practicing on Friday.
#Texans Joe Mixon remains out of practice and not expected to play Sunday against #Bills Dameon Pierce returns, Tytus Howard sidelined @KPRC2 https://t.co/DR0IKzAC7C
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 4, 2024
Team stats and trends
Bills Offense:
Buffalo’s offense ranks second in scoring but has been inconsistent, as seen in their 10-point showing against the Ravens last week. Josh Allen, while turnover-prone in the past, is on a four-game streak without throwing an interception.
Texans Defense:
Houston’s defense has been a standout, ranking fifth overall and excelling against the pass, which could be key against the Bills' passing attack. However, their 40 penalties this season have been a major issue, and they'll need more discipline to keep pace with Buffalo.
Texans Offense:
Houston's passing game has been stellar, with Stroud leading the Texans to the 8th-best offense overall and the 3rd-ranked passing attack. This will be a critical factor against Buffalo’s defense, which ranks 6th against the pass.
Fantasy tip
Look for Nico Collins to continue his dominant streak as Stroud’s top target. Collins has over 80 receiving yards in six straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Final thoughts
This matchup pits a strong Texans passing game against a resilient Bills defense. Buffalo holds the slight edge in the spread, and with both teams vying for a crucial win, this should be a hard-fought contest.
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ChatGPT contributed to this content.