Overvalued Players - Week 16

  Posted 12/18 by Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

This article will take a weekly look at players who are overvalued in a given week. Negative value is when a player 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.

Quarterback

Peyton Manning

• Top 250 ranking: 3
• Weekly ranking: 16
• Difference: -13

Peyton Manning has struggled against the Jacksonville Jaguars of late. In four of the last five matchups against the Jaguars, Manning has tossed zero or one touchdown passes. The Jaguars may be looking to knock off their rival, and the Colts' momentum.

Tony Romo

• Top 250 ranking: 4
• Weekly ranking: 8
• Difference: -4

Tony Romo has played very well at home. He was courageous against the Giants last week. The Cowboys host the Ravens this week. This is a tough matchup for the Cowboy passer. The Ravens intercept a ton of passes.

Jake Delhomme

• Top 250 ranking: 13
• Weekly ranking: 22
• Difference: -9

The Panthers have ridden the strong running game led by Williams and Stewart. This week, the Panthers meet the New York Giants. The Giants have a good defense and are hungry for a win. This is a huge game for both teams. It should be a run-dominated contest.

Running Back

DeAngelo Williams

• Top 250 ranking: 7
• Weekly ranking: 15
• Difference: - 8

The Giants have a strong defense, and very stout defensive line. DeAngelo Williams has been hot of late and this game will poss a stiff test for the Panther running game. DeAngelo Williams is still a must start, but expectations should be tempered.

Brian Westbrook

• Top 250 ranking: 4
• Weekly ranking: 10
• Difference: - 6

Westbrook is coming off a down game against the Browns on Monday night. He, and the Eagles, face a division rival in the Washington Redskins. Washington will want to upset the Eagles' chances for the playoffs. The Redskin defense will be up for the contest.

Michael Turner

• Top 250 ranking: 3
• Weekly ranking: 13
• Difference: - 10

Michael Turner has been impressive this season. This week, he faces the top rush defense in the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings will be without Pat Williams, but Kevin Williams will still be in uniform. With the game in Minnesota, the matchup is not a strong one ... but fantasy owners are still encouraged to start the ex-Charger.

Chris Johnson

• Top 250 ranking: 5
• Weekly ranking: 21
• Difference: - 16

Chris Johnson and the Titan offense have been a little out of sync the last couple of weeks. Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, Johnson and company face a stiff matchup. This is a tough week for Johnson owners in the fantasy title game. It will be a tough decision whether to start him.

Wide Receiver

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

• Top 250 ranking: 14
• Weekly ranking: 25
• Difference: -11

Houshmandzadeh has quietly had a good season. He has suffered the past two weeks with a hand injury. Last week, the veteran receiver caught three passes for 19 yards. Even against the Browns, he is not a must start this week.

Anquan Boldin

• Top 250 ranking: 1
• Weekly ranking: 8
• Difference: -7

After being on a tear for the first half of the season, Boldin has cooled off of late. He and the Cardinals travel to New England to meet the Patriots. The weather could be bad, especially for those who are accustomed to playing in the desert. Boldin is still a must start, but do not expect a great game.

Hines Ward

• Top 250 ranking: 21
• Weekly ranking: 42
• Difference: - 21

Hines Ward broke out of a slump with a big game last week against the Baltimore Ravens. The schedule does not get any easier this week as the Steelers meet the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have a very good defense. This may be the week to rest Ward and look for other options.

Eddie Royal

• Top 250 ranking: 17
• Weekly ranking: 26
• Difference: - 9

Eddie Royal has had a great rookie season. He and the Bronco passing game have played well. The Buffalo Bills own a good pass defense, only yielding one passing touchdown a game. The rookie is slowing down of late.

Tight End

Dustin Keller

• Top 250 ranking: 6
• Weekly ranking: 11
• Difference: - 5

Keller has been missing in action the last few weeks as Brett Favre has slumped. Keller is a good receiver, but has suffered through the last few games. He is a tough player to gauge this week.

Bo Scaife

• Top 250 ranking: 14
• Weekly ranking: 24
• Difference: - 10

Bo Scaife has been quiet of late as the Titan offense has struggled. This week will offer no respite as the Titans meet the Pittsburgh Steelers. Scaife will be matched up against some of the best linebackers and safeties in the NFL. This is a tough matchup for Bo Scaife.

Kicker

Jeff Reed

• Top 250 ranking: 11
• Weekly ranking: 30
• Difference: -19

In a low scoring, grind it out game, Jeff Reed is not expected to have many scoring chances. The Steelers play the Tennessee Titans in a tough game that could decide the home field advantage for the playoffs. There are better options on most waiver wires.

Ryan Longwell

• Top 250 ranking: 2
• Weekly ranking: 10
• Difference: - 8

Longwell will suffer if the Vikings start Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback this week. They face the Atlanta Falcons and the game should not be high scoring. Longwell is a very good kicker that may not get as many field goal opportunities as some weeks.

Defense

Baltimore Ravens

• Top 250 ranking: 3
• Weekly ranking: 12
• Difference: -9

The Baltimore Raven defense is very tough. They cause turnovers and are difficult to run on. This week, they play the Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo and company will be able to move the ball some, and score. This should be an interesting game as a great defense faces a great offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Top 250 ranking: 1
• Weekly ranking: 15
• Difference: - 14

The Pittsburgh Steeler defense has played great of late. They face the conservative Tennessee Titan offense. Kerry Collins does not throw many picks. The Steelers wills struggle to create the turnovers that they are accustomed.