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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: 11
- Weekly ranking: 3
- Difference: +8
The Cardinals travel to Detroit. While the Lions played very well on defense Monday night versus the Seahawks, we see this as a great matchup for the high-powered Arizona pass offense. Detroit does not have the pass rush to make the aging, relatively immobile gunslinger fidget in the pocket. Palmer could easily be the top quarterback fantasy option in Week 5.
- Top 200 ranking: 22
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +14
Even though Brees looked a little limited Sunday night against the Cowboys, his shoulder should only get stronger. The game versus the Eagles this week could be a high scoring affair, giving both quarterbacks good fantasy numbers. What more could you ask for in addition to facing the defense who made Kirk Cousins look good a week ago.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 16
- Weekly ranking: 4
- Difference: +12
The Ravens will need to rely on the running game against the Browns this week with Steve Smith out. Baltimore has no weapons at the receiver position. The offense has to go through the talented tailback. Cleveland does not boast a strong rush defense so this could be the perfect storm for frustrated Forsett owners. We only hope he can find the the endzone this week.
- Top 200 ranking: 44
- Weekly ranking: 21
- Difference: +23
Hillman and the undefeated Broncos travel to Oakland to face the Raiders. Oakland is much improved, especially on offense. This has the makings of a very high scoring contest, which would benefit Hillman’s role in the passing game. In addition, the Raiders have not been strong defending the run this year. Slowly but surely, Hillman has gained an every-week role in the Denver offense. This is a great week to insert Hillman as a FLEX in your fantasy lineup.
- Top 200 ranking: 30
- Weekly ranking: 18
- Difference: +12
Johnson had his coming out party last week and will get another opportunity to shine this week against the Ravens. With Isaiah Crowell struggling, Johnson could have a larger than expected role, especially carrying the rock. He already has assumed the passing-down back role. For those not keeping up with the Cleveland offense – and why would you unless required – Johnson is one of the lone play-makers and will begin to see more touches as the season progresses.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 14
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +6
Edelman and the Patriots should have a gameplan as to how best to exploit the banged up Dallas secondary this week. Coming off a week to rest and prepare, we like the chances of the prolific pass offense to be efficient and focused. Edelman makes a solid fantasy starter in PPR leagues. He has played very well to begin the season and has a great matchup.
- Top 200 ranking: 19
- Weekly ranking: 13
- Difference: +6
Matthews and the Eagles pass offense should be in a shootout against the Saints this week. Sam Bradford and company have disappointed while struggling to find their collective groove. The game is in Philadelphia so there is hope for a turnaround. Getting New Orleans out of the dome will help. We like Philadelphia's chances of having a big offensive output.
- Top 200 ranking: 9
- Weekly ranking: 2
- Difference: +7
Fitzgerald is having a great year and the game against the Lions pass defense could give fantasy owners glee. He has moved up five slots in the Top 200 wide receiver rankings, which is a big leap into fantasy WR1 expectations. Look for Fitzgerald to have a big game versus a middling pass defense. The Detroit rush defense is strong and should force the Arizona passing game to throw often.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 8
- Weekly ranking: 4
- Difference: +4
The Bills travel to Tennessee to face the rested Titans coming off a bye week. With LeSean McCoy definitely out and Sammy Watkins looking iffy, Clay should have a large role in the game. He is very athletic and is a threat with the ball in his hands. Buffalo paid Clay a lot of money to come north so we are hoping the active role in the offense continues. We expect Tyrod Taylor to lock in on Clay in mismatches against a linebacker as often as possible.
- Top 200 ranking: 20
- Weekly ranking: 12
- Difference: +8
Rodgers had a big role in the offense last week. With Davante Adams missing the game, the Packers offense will look to the athletic tight end a little more against the St. Louis Rams this week. Rodgers' fantasy appeal might be more touchdown-dependent than many would like, but good thing quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws plenty of scores.
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.
