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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: 6
- Weekly ranking: 1
- Difference: +5
The Colts host the Saints in what should be a high-scoring affair. Indianapolis should have open receivers all game as New Orleans struggles to defend the pass. Luck finally looks healthy and this is the ideal matchup coming off the tough game last week versus New England.
- Top 200 ranking: 30
- Weekly ranking: 14
- Difference: +16
The Texans travel to Miami to face the Dolphins. Hoyer has moved the Houston offense the past two weeks. With Hopkins producing at such a high level, and Foster back in the lineup, Hoyer could have another Top 5 fantasy output. For those with an injured quarterback – or one on bye – the Texas passer makes a decent replacement.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 23
- Weekly ranking: 9
- Difference: +14
McCoy looked to be his 2013 self last week. The game against Jacksonville could allow the veteran runner to amass rushing attempts with Tyrod Taylor nicked up and Sammy Watkins likely out of action. Also, with Karlos Williams still not cleared from his concussion suffered over two weeks ago, McCoy could see the lion's share of the running back touches in a ground-dominated attack.
- Top 200 ranking: 14
- Weekly ranking: 6
- Difference: +8
Lynch and company travel to San Francisco to face their arch rival 49ers. San Francisco is not near as good as many would think given the victory over Baltimore last Sunday. Even in that game, Justin Forsett was able to put up stellar fantasy numbers. Seattle is 2-4 and needs a victory in the worst way. This should translate into running the ball early and often. The middling play of quarterback Russell Wilson should also lead to an increased emphasis on the running game.
- Top 200 ranking: 21
- Weekly ranking: 10
- Difference: +11
Gore has been running hard and still looks strong between the tackles. The Colts have not given him many scoring opportunities this year. The game in New Orleans may allow Gore to jump-start his season and get into a groove. Let's take a moment and reflect on the monster outing Devonta Freeman had last Thursday night. Our one concern is the recent signing of Ahmad Bradshaw limiting the touches of Gore, especially if Indianapolis is up big in the second half.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 14
- Weekly ranking: 5
- Difference: +9
Smith looked reasonably healthy last week against the 49ers. This is the second contest of back-to-back West coast road trip for the Ravens. We expect the Baltimore defense to be a sieve like usual and Joe Flacco to throw often to keep pace. This has the makings of an ugly game for viewers. Even with the reputation as a great defense, the Cardinals yield plenty of yards through the air. They are a middle of the road opponent for your fantasy wide receivers.
- Top 200 ranking: 15
- Weekly ranking: 9
- Difference: +6
We expect the Chargers to have their collective way with the Raiders this weekend. Allen was unstoppable last week until sidelined by the hip injury. He looks good to go for this AFC West tilt. Allen is leading the league in receptions and could be the beneficiary of another great Philip Rivers performance.
- Top 200 ranking: 25
- Weekly ranking: 11
- Difference: +14
Miami is coming off a bye week and hosts Houston. The Texans are not strong in the secondary. In fact, even the lesser passing teams have lit up the Houston pass defense. The Jacksonville pass offense was able to throw at will last week. The revamped Dolphins offense could produce solid numbers for fantasy owners.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 8
- Weekly ranking: 4
- Difference: +4
Coming off the encouraging game against the Panthers last Sunday, Graham looks like a strong play in San Francisco this Thursday evening. This contest will give the Seattle coaching staff an opportunity to show that the increased targets last week were not a fluke.
- Top 200 ranking: 7
- Weekly ranking: 1
- Difference: +6
Gates has come back from suspension with two very strong outings. The game against the Raiders should allow the All Pro tight end a chance for three consecutive elite fantasy games. Oakland is by far the worst defense in defending the tight end position. Much lesser players have had big games versus the Raiders. In fact, when looking at the points yielded to opposing tight ends, Oakland is 10% more than the second worst team, Seattle. The one concern is the knee injury suffered on the last drive of last week's game against Green Bay.
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.