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This article will take a weekly look at players who are overvalued in a given week. Negative value is when a player offers more long-term value than he does for this 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 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 negative value players.
Quarterback
Top 200 ranking: 8
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: -2
Ryan has not enjoyed the best of seasons, and yet the Falcons are in the thick of the playoff chase … due to the poor play of the NFC South division. The game against the Cleveland Browns is a huge one for both teams. We are expecting a lower scoring game. The Browns are better at defending the pass than the run and have the secondary to contain the two talented Atlanta receivers.
Top 200 ranking: 7
Weekly ranking: 9
Difference: -2
Wilson has been able to put up solid fantasy numbers even without throwing for many yards. He has been able to accumulate big rushing totals. Wilson has been a Top 10 rusher this season. The matchup against the Arizona Cardinals is a very difficult one. Arizona was able to take Matthew Stafford and the Detroit offense completely out of their game and will look to do the the same to Seattle.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 22
Weekly ranking: 28
Difference: -6
Miller has assumed the lead back role since the season-ending injury to Knowshon Moreno. While he has been productive some weeks, we do not like Miller's chances in Denver this week. The Dolphins should be trailing the Broncos early and be forced into throwing the ball more frequently than they wish.
Top 200 ranking: 15
Weekly ranking: 19
Difference: -4
Morris has suffered through a disappointing season in 2014. The quarterback play has been atrocious which has allowed Washington to play from behind most weeks. Given Morris' lack of involvement in the passing game, his role has been reduced. The very stiff matchup in San Francisco this week should be enough to keep Morris on most fantasy benches.
Top 200 ranking: 20
Weekly ranking: 25
Difference: -5
Vereen was not used much in last Sunday night's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. It was the Jonas Gray show against the soft run defense. This week will be a different story as the Detroit Lions have a strong run defense. We do not think there will be much opportunity for a big game from either New England tailback.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 5
Weekly ranking: 17
Difference: -12
The rookie has burst on to the scene and become a top fantasy contributor. The matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is not as rosy as it may first seem. We expect Dallas to give the rookie plenty of attention, making quarterback Eli Manning throw the ball elsewhere. Beckham is still a solid fantasy WR2 this week, just not the WR1 like some weeks.
Top 200 ranking: 6
Weekly ranking: 34
Difference: -28
Sanders suffered a concussion in the Week 11 loss to the St. Louis Rams. There is a chance he gains clearance to play this week against the Miami Dolphins. But, even then, the matchup is a difficult one as the Dolphins have been successful of late shutting down opposing passing games. We would not advise sitting Sanders (if he plays), but temper expectations of a huge outing.
Top 200 ranking: 17
Weekly ranking: 20
Difference: -3
Watkins has played incredibly well in his first season as a professional. We expect the Buffalo Bills to be in a low-scoring game against the New York Jets this week. Considering that the city of Buffalo had seven feet (yes feet) of snow dropped on it just this week. The potential for bad weather should give fantasy owners pause if expecting big fantasy numbers from either passing game.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 7
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: -3
Walker has missed time due to a concussion but is expected to be back for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. We do not like his chances to put up big fantasy points. Walker has not received the pass targets since Zach Mettenberger took over the starting quarterback job.
Top 200 ranking: 4
Weekly ranking: 8
Difference: -4
Thomas injured his ankle against the Rams last week and is iffy to play this week. Even if he does play, there is a good chance that the talented tight end does not play many snaps or run many routes.
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