Depth Chart

Read a depth chart as a ranking, not a roster. The order is the information: who plays if everyone is healthy, and who steps in when someone isn't.

The most valuable thing a depth chart tells you is second-order. When a starter is ruled out, the chart names their replacement — and that replacement's minutes, touches or usage jump in a way that markets and fantasy rankings are often slow to reflect.

Charts move most in preseason and training camp, when jobs are genuinely open, and after injuries or trades during the season. They are projections maintained from reporting and practice observation, not official team documents, so treat them as strong evidence rather than fact.