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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: 10
Weekly ranking: 5
Difference: +5
Cutler and the Bears get a cream puff matchup against the Buccaneers this week. For a defense with talented players, Tampa Bay has allowed big games to opposing quarterbacks. This is the game that we expect Cutler to regain his lost confidence and throw for big numbers. The Week 12 contest might be his best matchup remaining on the schedule. It is now or never against the lowly Buccaneers.
Top 200 ranking: 16
Weekly ranking: 11
Difference: +5
Opposing quarterbacks have been lighting up the Giants this season. We expect Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing game to have a big contest. Dallas is coming off a bye week and should be ready for the division rival. The off week has allowed the injured Cowboys to get healthy. In addition, we expect this to be a high scoring affair, which only adds to Romo's appeal.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 11
Weekly ranking: 4
Difference: +7
Anderson benefits from the injuries to Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball, and will start against the Miami Dolphins this week. The Dolphins are very strong against the pass but give up yardage to opposing tailbacks. Add in the injuries to Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas and you can see why we are so high on Anderson this week. He has a chance for a big outing.
Mark Ingram
Top 200 ranking: 7
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +4
Ingram has run with authority this season after a slow start to his career. The Saints host the Ravens in a huge game for the playoff chances of both teams. We expect New Orleans to run the ball more than expected against Baltimore. The Ravens have given up yardage on the ground and Ingram could be in store for a huge game.
Top 200 ranking: 18
Weekly ranking: 13
Difference: +5
Trent Richardson should see his workload increase after the nasty ankle/leg injury to Ahmad Bradshaw. The game against the Jacksonville Jaguars could allow Richardson to rack up the yardage in garbage time. We expect the Colts to be in control early and run often in the second half of the contest. For a back who is often questioned, this is his time to shine.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 14
Weekly ranking: 9
Difference: +5
Hilton has been able to put up some monster games this season. The matchup against the Jaguars this week could offer him an opportunity to make some huge plays. The injury to Dwayne Allen last week should give Hilton even more pass targets.
Top 200 ranking: 40
Weekly ranking: 12
Difference: +28
This high ranking is all about the anticipated garbage time statistics expected from the Jacksonville passing game. Shorts is expected to be the primary receiver with Allen Robinson now sidelined for the year with injury. Shorts could see massing targets as the Jaguars pass often to keep pace with Andrew Luck and company.
Top 200 ranking: 15
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +8
Marshall has suffered through two ankle injuries and sporadic quarterback play, but is still an elite pass catcher. He has the chance to post 100 yards and at least one score against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Tampa Bay has given up big yardage through the air and the veteran receiver looks to be the primary beneficiary.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 9
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +6
Fleener posted huge numbers against the Patriots last week after Dwayne Allen left the game with an ankle injury. Allen is not expected to play in the contest versus the Jaguars this week, which will open the door for Andrew Luck's college roommate to have another strong game for fantasy owners.
Top 200 ranking: 13
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +6
Opposing teams target the tight end position against the Denver Broncos, and we expect Miami to continue the trend this week. Clay has the athletic ability to have a big game against the Broncos linebackers. If needing a bye week replacement for Greg Olsen or Heath Miller, Clay makes for an intriguing prospect.
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.
