Value Plays - Week 9

  Posted 10/30 by Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

This article will take a weekly look at players who could provide value in a given 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 value players.

Quarterback

Kyle Orton

• Top 250 ranking: 18
• Weekly ranking: 3
• Difference: +15

Orton has played very well this season. One reason is that the Bears have not had a consistent running attack. This week, the Bears face the Lions in what could be the best matchup of the day. The Lions have yielded an average of 272 passing yards a game. Orton makes a great fantasy starter this week. The Lions defense has made opposing quarterbacks look like superstars.

Chad Pennington

• Top 250 ranking: 16
• Weekly ranking: 7
• Difference: +9

Pennington had a good game last week and threw for over 300 yards. He has quietly had a good season, especially considering the Dolphins' lack of receivers. This week, Miami meets Denver. The Broncos have been giving up huge yardage of late. Keep an eye on the groin injury to Champ Bailey. He is supposed to miss the game. This only make the matchup better.

Marc Bulger

• Top 250 ranking: 21
• Weekly ranking: 8
• Difference: +13

Marc Bulger had a surprisingly good game last week versus New England. Against the Patriots, he threw for over 300 yards without much help from Torry Holt. This week, the Rams host the Cardinals in what could be a shoot-out. Bulger could be a decent spot start for owners needing a bye week fill in for Brees or Rivers.

Running Back

Kevin Faulk

• Top 250 ranking: 44
• Weekly ranking: 12
• Difference: +32

Faulk is so reliable. He was able to tally 100 total yards and a receiving touchdown in week eight. Sammy Morris is still out. The rookie, Green-Ellis, is still raw and not a threat to get a ton of carries. Only LaMont Jordan, if healthy, stands in the way of Faulk having another big game. The Patriots play the Colts in a game that is a must win for both squads. The veteran rusher makes a good start this week.

Earnest Graham

• Top 250 ranking: 18
• Weekly ranking: 4
• Difference: +14

Graham gets the matchup of all matchups this week. He and the Buccaneers should run all over the Chiefs this week. Kansas City is yielding an average of 197 rushing yards per game. Warrick Dunn was limited last week with a pinched nerve in his back and an ankle injury. It is doubtful Dunn plays this week. This could open the door for a huge game for Graham.

Mewelde Moore

• Top 250 ranking: 33
• Weekly ranking: 14
• Difference: +19

Moore has played well in place of Willie Parker. It is not yet known if Parker will be available this week as the Steelers play the Redskins. This is a game the Steelers need to win after the loss on Sunday to the Giants. Even if Parker does play, Moore will still see a lot of action as a receiver. His versatility will keep him on the field more than before.

Justin Fargas

• Top 250 ranking: 37
• Weekly ranking: 21
• Difference: +16

Fargas has been productive since returning from injury. The Raiders will continue to try to establish the run this week. Oakland gets Atlanta at home in what is a good matchup Fargas. The Falcons yield a lot on the ground and this could be a slugfest as each team runs the ball a lot.

Wide Receiver

Lee Evans

• Top 250 ranking: 13
• Weekly ranking: 2
• Difference: +11

Trent Edwards has frequently been able to find Evans for the big gain. Evans has played well since getting the big contract extension. The Bills face division foe, New York, in what could be a big game for both teams. The Jets allowed Tyler Thigpen, of all people, to have a career day. Evans is a great play this week.

DeSean Jackson

• Top 250 ranking: 27
• Weekly ranking: 11
• Difference: +16

Jackson has played very well as a rookie. He and Donovan McNabb have been able to hookup on some big plays. The Eagles meet the beat up Seahawk defense in what looks to be an ideal game for the Philadelphia offense. Jackson is a fantasy WR1 this week.

Donnie Avery

• Top 250 ranking: 26
• Weekly ranking: 13
• Difference: +13

Avery has impressed the last few weeks. He has been able to get deep almost every week. Facing the Cardinals this Sunday should give the rookie receiver even more chances to get free for the big play. He has asserted himself as the team's WR1 while Torry Holt has been unimpressive.

Kevin Walter

• Top 250 ranking: 29
• Weekly ranking: 21
• Difference: +8

Walter has had a few very good games. Many fans know about Andre Johnson, but few realize how well Walter is playing. He and the Texans face the weak Viking pass defense in what could be a shoot-out. game. The veteran receiver benefits from all of the attention given to Johnson and Owen Daniels.

Tight End

Desmond Clark

• Top 250 ranking: unranked
• Weekly ranking: 8
• Difference: N/A

Desmond Clark had a pair of good games before the Bears' bye week. He gets a soft Lion defense this week. Detroit is really suffering on defense. Clark is on many waiver wires and could be a viable option to cover a Gates or Shockey bye, or even Witten's injury.

Visanthe Shiancoe

• Top 250 ranking: 20
• Weekly ranking: 13
• Difference: +7

Shiancoe has benefited from the quarterback switch to Gus Frerotte. The veteran passer has frequently targeted the former Giant in the endzone. The Texan defense is not formidable against tight ends, making Shiancoe a decent spot starter.

Kicker

Robbie Gould

• Top 250 ranking: 13
• Weekly ranking: 1
• Difference: 12

Robbie Gould should get ample scoring opportunities as the Bears pummel the Lions. The Bear offense should be able to move the ball with ease. He is the top fantasy kicker this week.

Neil Rackers

• Top 250 ranking: 14
• Weekly ranking: 2
• Difference: 12

Arizona will likely be in a high scoring affair against division rival, Saint Louis Rams. Kurt Warner has been hot of late and is able to put up points each and every week. With Anquan Boldin back in the lineup, the Cardinal passing game is on fire.

Defense

Arizona Cardinals

• Top 250 ranking: unranked
• Weekly ranking: 3
• Difference: n/a

The Cardinal defense will get pressure on Marc Bulger. Bulger has taken a lot of hits and this should continue. Expect Coach Whisenhunt to devise a plan to keep constant pressure on the Ram passer. This will be a pass-happy game, giving the Cardinals many opportunities for sacks and interceptions.

Indianapolis Colts

• Top 250 ranking: 17
• Weekly ranking: 5
• Difference: 12

The Colts face the Patriots in a game that looked much better before the season began. Indianapolis may get Bob Sanders back this week. Matt Cassel does not take care of the ball like he should, and is not adept at avoiding the sack. The lack of a Patriot running game helps the situation. The Colts are a good start this week.