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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: 17
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +9
Opposing quarterbacks have taken advantage of the Bears secondary. The game in Chicago might be the best chance all season for Carr to post big fantasy numbers. The Oakland wide receivers have played very well to begin the season. Drafting Amari Cooper boosted Carr's confidence, and so will the Chicago defense. Yes, the Bears defend the run well. Just not the pass.
- Top 200 ranking: 13
- Weekly ranking: 9
- Difference: +4
Dalton is on pace to finish as a top fantasy quarterback. His weapons are now healthy. Getting Tyler Eifert and Marvin Jones in the lineup was huge. The Bengals play the Chiefs in a big game for both teams. Cincinnati is looking to go 4-0 for the first time in ages. Further, with Baltimore in trouble (0-3 record) and Ben Roethlisberger out for several weeks, the Bengals should be considered the favorite for the AFC North title. Kansas City is looking to stay near Denver in the AFC West.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 41
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +33
Williams has looked outstanding so far in this short season. The rookie has easily outplayed the gimpy LeSean McCoy. The Bills are hoping to give McCoy the week off against the New York Giants Sunday, which would give Williams an ample opportunity for a huge outing. If Buffalo can get a lead, Williams might see 30 carries and coach Rex Ryan likes to control the game with a strong running game a stout defense.
- Top 200 ranking: 24
- Weekly ranking: 13
- Difference: +11
Gore finally had a moderate fantasy outing last week after two stinkers to begin the season. Many are still hesitant to fully embrace the veteran tailback in the struggling Indianapolis offense. However, the home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars should create a positive game flow for the running game to be emphasized, especially if Andrew Luck is suffering from a shoulder injury as rumored. We like Gore as a high-end RB2 this week, with hopes of another touchdown and increased carries in a lopsided outing.
- Top 200 ranking: 36
- Weekly ranking: 20
- Difference: +16
Stewart has been limited by a knee injury the past two weeks. It could be an issue against the Buccaneers Sunday. The good news is that the Tampa Bay run defense is not strong and could allow Stewart to run wild. The game flow should favor the Carolina running game as the Panthers should jump out to an early lead and run often the rest of the game.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 31
- Weekly ranking: 23
- Difference: +8
James Jones has picked up where he left off in his first stint as a Packer. Jones has caught at least one touchdown pass in his first three games this season. The game in San Francisco looks to be high scoring, increasing the odds of Jones catching a' scoring pass in four straight. The loss of Davante Adams to a high ankle sprain only increases the chances of Jones finding paydirt.
- Top 200 ranking: 13
- Weekly ranking: 6
- Difference: +7
Smith is making his last NFL season a memorable one. With the Ravens having no other viable pass catchers, the ageless pass catcher could have a field night on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a weak secondary and could allow Smith to catch ten balls …. or more. The Ravens are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Breshad Perriman. The rookie is needed to keep opposing defenses honest, especially with a struggling running game.
- Top 200 ranking: 14
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +7
Few could have predicted Fitzgerald would have started the season as a Top 5 player at the position. To put his first three games of the season into perspective, the veteran is on pace for 123 receptions for 1,776 yards and 27 touchdowns. There is no way he keeps up the pace, but Fitzgerald is on a tear. The leaky secondary of the St Louis Rams could allow Fitzgerald to have another big game. He is a definite fantasy starter this week.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 9
- Weekly ranking: 2
- Difference: +7
Bennett is an elite option this week against the Oakland Raiders. He has a trio of things working in his favor. First and foremost, getting quarterback Jay Cutler back under center will be huge. Jimmy Clausen is not a NFL-caliber passer. Secondly, Alshon Jeffery is still gimpy. Even if the star receiver plays, he will be limited. This should leave more pass targets for the athletic tight end. But, the last reason is the largest. The Raiders have yielded monster outings to the first three teams on the schedule, making Tyler Eifert, Crockett Gillmore, and Gary Barnidge look like All Pro players.
- Top 200 ranking: 21
- Weekly ranking: 11
- Difference: +10
Cameron is still trying to get healthy from a groin injury which has plagued him for a couple of weeks. He will likely play against the Jets early Sunday, but may not be at full strength. Cameron was limited in Wednesday's practice. But, if you need a one-week, desperation play at tight end, then Cameron is your guy. The Jets struggle versus opposing tight ends (though not to the degree of the Raiders above) and could allow the athletic Cameron room to run down the seam.
Feel free to email me (Tefertiller@Footballguys.com) with feedback. Also, I am on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller), LinkedIn, and Google+, so you can ask me questions on one of these as well.