Fantasy Football Ranking Changes After Week 3 of Preseason Action

Sean Mannion has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Mannion will start on Sunday night in place of Kirk Cousins, and he should at least get a practice in today after being out all week. Especially considering the frigid temperatures, we wouldn’t recommended Mannion as a strong Superflex option.

Antonio Gibson has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Gibson will miss Sunday’s game against the Eagles as Washington tries to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, so rookie Jaret Patterson could be set to start in the backfield. Patterson is a definite plug-and-play option for those in need of help at running back, but he’s more of a FLEX than RB2, and the floor is low versus a Philly defense that held Gibson in check a couple of weeks ago.

Kirk Cousins has tested positive for COVID-19.

Cousins is out on Sunday night, which obviously is a huge blow to Minnesota’s playoff chances ahead of a matchup versus Green Bay. Backup Sean Mannion is already on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so the Vikings could start either third-round pick Kellen Moore or Kyle Sloter this week if he’s not cleared. This news is an obvious downgrade to the entire offense, though perhaps the team going with Mond and his playmaking ability would lead to them finding a way to put up enough points for a game with temperatures forecasted in the single digits.

Jared Goff (knee) is doubtful for Week 17.

Goff was thought to be returning following a week on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but Tim Boyle will likely start again in his place. Hopefully Detroit is able to get Goff back for the season finale, as the offense has played much better down the stretch and is set to get D’Andre Swift (shoulder) back for the final two games.

The Jaguars activated Laviska Shenault Jr. from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Jacksonville still has a bunch of players on the COVID list ahead of Week 17 against the Patriots, but at least Shenault and several others were cleared today. The second-year receiver is not a highly recommended fantasy option in championship matchups.