Overvalued Players - Week 15

  Posted 12/12 by Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

This article will take a weekly look at players who could be overvalued in a given week. An overvalued player is one that offers more long-term value than he does for this week. The basis for this value will be the difference between the Top 250 forward, a look at the top 250 players with the whole season in mind, and the weekly rankings. Both of these are from the Footballguys.com subscriber content. An emphasis will be on the players with the largest differences between the season outlook and this week only. Also, a preference will be given to differences for the higher ranked players. Some of these differences will be due to injury, matchup of the week, or short-term situation. Now, let's take a look at this week's negative value players.

Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning

• Top 250: 3
• Weekly Ranking: 8
• Difference: - 5

Peyton Manning has missed his reliable receiver, Marvin Harrison. This week, he faces the underrated Oakland Raiders secondary. The Raiders are soft against the run, but tough versus the pass. Manning is still a must start, but with less upside this week.

David Garrard

• Top 250: 9
• Weekly Ranking: 15
• Difference: - 6

In what looks to be a tough battle for the Jaguars, Garrard and company face a mad Steeler team after getting blown out by the Patriots. David Garrard is an underrated passer, but has a tough matchup this week. This could be a low-scoring, defensive game.

Ben Roethlisberger

• Top 250: 15
• Weekly Ranking: 19
• Difference: - 4

Big Ben plays the tough Jaguar defense this week. Jacksonville will be looking to shut down the prolific Steeler offense. With Santonio Holmes still gimpy, Roethlisberger is not a great start this week.

Vince Young

• Top 250: 16
• Weekly Ranking: 18
• Difference: - 2

Vince Young has disappointed this season. This week, he faces the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have a pair of good cornerbacks, but are weak against the run. This game has the feel of the Titans dominating on the ground with Young disappointing fantasy owners once again.

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson (Min)

• Top 250: 5
• Weekly Ranking: 9
• Difference: - 4

Adrian Peterson had a rough game last week in what was supposed to be a great matchup against San Francisco. This week, he faces the Chicago Bears. The Bears are beat up across the defensive line, but will be fired up to knock off the Vikings. Also, the rookie from Oklahoma might split the carries Chester Taylor.

Willie Parker

• Top 250: 13
• Weekly Ranking: 20
• Difference: - 7

Parker has experienced difficulty finding the endzone this year. This week, the league's leading rusher faces the stout Jacksonville Jaguar defense. This should be a hard-fought game with two good defenses.

Edgerrin James

• Top 250: 18
• Weekly Ranking: 23
• Difference: - 5

James is playing well this season. He faces the underrated New Orleans Saints in week fifteen. The game should be a shoot-out. Also, James is losing touches to Arrington and Shipp. He is a low-end fantasy RB2 this week.

Adrian Peterson (Chi)

• Top 250: 23
• Weekly Ranking: 32
• Difference: - 9

Adrian Peterson is the lone running threat for the Chicago Bears. But, Adrian Peterson faces the "other" Adrian Peterson's Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings sport the top rush defense. This is a bad matchup for Chicago's Peterson.

Steven Jackson

• Top 250: 6
• Weekly Ranking: 8
• Difference: - 2

Jackson has played well since coming back from injury. This week, he faces the tough Green Bay Packer defense. The Packers will look to contain the young ball carrier. He is still a must start for fantasy owners, but expectations should be tempered.

Wide Receivers

Greg Jennings

• Top 250: 11
• Weekly Ranking: 18
• Difference: - 7

Greg Jennings has been on fire of late. He is scoring touchdowns almost every game. This week, he faces the Saint Louis Rams. The Ram defense will look to contain Jennings' big plays in week fifteen.

Dwayne Bowe

• Top 250: 24
• Weekly Ranking: 34
• Difference: - 10

The rookie from LSU has been quiet recently. In week fifteen, Bowe and the Chiefs face the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are fighting for a playoff spot. Bowe is one of just a few playmakers for the Chiefs and the Titans will look to keep him n check.

Hines Ward

• Top 250: 19
• Weekly Ranking: 25
• Difference: - 6

Hines Ward and the Steelers are coming off of an embarrassing game against the New England Patriots. This week, they have another tough game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Santonio Holmes back, and facing a top defense, Ward is not the must start like many weeks.

Santonio Holmes

• Top 250: 30
• Weekly Ranking: 41
• Difference: - 11

Holmes was very sore after last week's game against the Patriots. He will be limited if he plays this week. Plus, this week's game is a tough matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Holmes should only be started if there are few other options.

Reggie Williams

• Top 250: 29
• Weekly Ranking: 39
• Difference: - 10

Reggie Williams has been inconsistent this season. This week, he faces the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams is a tough player to start this week. Taylor and the Pittsburgh secondary will be fired up after getting blown out last week.

Tight Ends

Vernon Davis

• Top 250: 8
• Weekly Ranking: 11
• Difference: - 2

Vernon Davis gets another downgrade at quarterback. This week, Shaun Hill replaces Trent Dilfer. This week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals has the look of possibly a blow out. Can the San Francisco offense keep up with the prolific Bengals?

Greg Olsen

• Top 250: 15
• Weekly Ranking: 21
• Difference: - 6

Olsen played well this season with Brian Griese under center. Now, the Bears are starting Kyle Orton this week against the Minnesota Vikings. This is a tough week to start the rookie tight end.

Kickers

Jeff Reed

• Top 250: 4
• Weekly Ranking: 19
• Difference: - 15

Jeff Reed might have fewer opportunities to score this week as the Steelers face the Jaguars. This could be a low scoring affair. There are better kicker options this week.

Josh Scobee

• Top 250: 8
• Weekly Ranking: 22
• Difference: - 14

Scobee has returned from a nasty leg injury. This week, he and the Jaguars face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jaguars will have a tough time scoring against the Pittsburgh defense. There are better kicker options this week.

Team Defense

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Top 250: 5
• Weekly Ranking: 15
• Difference: - 10

The Pittsburgh offense does not turn the ball over much or give up touchdowns on special teams. Opposing fantasy defenses rarely score well against the Steelers. Fantasy Owners are encouraged to find another defense this week.