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 200 forward, a look at the top 200 players with the whole season in mind, and the weekly rankings. Both of these are from the Footballguys.com Insider 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
- Top 200 ranking: 9
- Weekly ranking: 5
- Difference: +4
Manning and the Giants are coming off a much-needed bye. This week, New York travels to division rival Washington. This is a great matchup for Manning and the Giants passing game. Just last week rookie Jameis Winston torched the Washington secondary for five touchdowns. We can be sure that New York took notes on how the Buccaneers excelled.
- Top 200 ranking: 17
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +10
Hoyer should be healthy enough to face the Saints Sunday. The Texans are in a tie with the Colts atop the division and desperately need a win to stay in the race. New Orleans has the worst pass defense in the NFL, and the changes in the coaching staff will not be enough to contain Hoyer. Without much of a running game, Houston will be forced to throw often in order to keep pace with the pass-happy New Orleans offense.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 15
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +7
With Marshawn Lynch undergoing surgery this week – and miss most of the remainder of the regular season – the rookie is now thrust into the spotlight. Seattle is a running team, looking to assert dominance over their opponent. The game against Pittsburgh should give Rawls at least 20 touches and ample opportunity to amass 125 total yards and a touchdown. He looked great last week and expectations are high.
- Top 200 ranking: 7
- Weekly ranking: 2
- Difference: +5
Peterson has shown he still has plenty left in the proverbial tank. This week, he and the Vikings travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons pitiful run defense. This is the 25th best run defense in yielding fantasy points to opposing ball carriers. Peterson and Minnesota will be looking to rebound from the loss against Green Bay and stay on track for the playoffs. This begins and ends with running the ball and playing good defense.
- Top 200 ranking: 19
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +12
The Jaguars host the Chargers this week. This is the same San Diego defense which has seemed to pack it in the past few weeks as the Chargers have lost six consecutive games. Add in the difficulty of traveling from the West coast to the East for the early game Sunday. Historically, teams struggle with the time differential on under similar circumstances. We like Jacksonville's chances of pounding the rock with Yeldon after gaining a comfortable lead.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 44
- Weekly ranking: 11
- Difference: +33
Aiken has not been able to fully step into the big shoes left by the injury to Steve Smith. With Justin Forsett and Joe Flacco also lost for the season, the pressure will be on Aiken to make plays. The Browns secondary is vastly overrated, giving Aiken a chance to produce fantasy-starter numbers even with Matt Schaub under center.
- Top 200 ranking: 17
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +9
Johnson has not been as dominant this season as in years gone by. Many are left asking whether it is the offense, the poor quarterback play of Matthew Stafford, or Johnson is slowing down. The good news is the Philadelphia Eagles, and their horrid pass defense against WR1 receivers, come to town for Thanksgiving. We expect Johnson to feast in the contest.
Stephon Diggs
- Top 200 ranking: 34
- Weekly ranking: 19
- Difference: +15
Diggs has been a pleasant surprise for the Vikings offense with the disappointing contributions from Mike Wallace, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Charles Johnson. The rookie is the top receiver for Minnesota. He should see plenty of pass targets in Atlanta this week. Even though we expect the Vikings to run the ball often, the Falcons pass defense could help the game become high scoring.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 23
- Weekly ranking: 13
- Difference: +10
Celek gets an opportunity to start on Thanksgiving in Detroit with Zach Ertz expected to miss the game. Even though the Lions defense has been much improved of late, Celek is a low-end fantasy starter this week. The Eagles offense will throw the ball often and Mark Sanchez likes to check the ball down to his outlet receivers.
- Top 200 ranking: 5
- Weekly ranking: 3
- Difference: +2
Barnidge has burst onto the fantasy scene and has been able to produce solid statistics even with the mess at quarterback. We like his chances of a big fantasy day with Josh McCown back under center. McCown boosted Barnidge's numbers earlier in the season an we expect more of the same against Baltimore.
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