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: 13
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +6
Cutler was unable to get things going against the stiff Detroit Lions defense on Thanksgiving. We have hopes that he will be able to put up points against the same Dallas Cowboys defense that Mark Sanchez exposed later Thanksgiving afternoon. This is a make or break game for the Chicago passing game. We have high hopes that Cutler and company will be able to put it all together this week against a weak defense.
Top 200 ranking: 4
Weekly ranking: 2
Difference: +2
Brees looks to put up huge numbers against the Carolina Panthers sieve-like defense this week. The game is in New Orleans and the Saints passer usually plays well at home. We like his chances for topping 325 passing yards and throwing two or three touchdowns … possibly as his floor. This situation leads us to rank Brees very highly this week.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 31
Weekly ranking: 6
Difference: +7
Jackson looks to be healthy and will get a full workload in Denver this week. We expect the Bills to be behind on the scoreboard and forced to throw the ball to catch up. The veteran could catch five or six passes, in addition to rushing for 75 yards or more, and possibly scoring. This could possibly be his last week with C.J. Spiller sidelined.
Top 200 ranking: 21
Weekly ranking: 16
Difference: +5
Bell was able to get things going on Thanksgiving as Detroit took command of the contest. We expect more of the same this weekend as the Lions host the Buccaneers. Bell will be used to pound on the Tampa Bay defense once Detroit has the lead. Opposing running backs have been able to rack up the yardage versus the Buccaneers.
Daniel Herron
Top 200 ranking: 16
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: +6
Herron has been able to pass Trent Richardson on the depth chart and is rewarded with a great matchup this week against the Cleveland Browns. We like the chances of the previously unknown Herron to score and possibly top 100 total yards in the game. Herron is available on many waiver wires and could finish the week as a fantasy RB1.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 12
Weekly ranking: 2
Difference: +10
Johnson dominated the Chicago Bears defense last Thursday and has a great chance to do the same to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Tampa Bay does not have the secondary to keep the dominant Johnson in check. Now healthy, the superstar should be able to top 100 yards receiving once again.
Top 200 ranking: 9
Weekly ranking: 5
Difference: +4
Nelson was held in check for most of the game by the Patriots last week. He should have plenty of room to roam against the Falcons this week. Atlanta does not have a strong defense, especially versus the pass, and the Green Bay star will look to get back on track this week. We expect Nelson to be heavily involved in the game plan as this game could be very high scoring.
Top 200 ranking: 22
Weekly ranking: 16
Difference: +6
Marshall has been slowed by the ankle injury (twice this season) but we are expecting him to have a big game against the Dallas Cowboys porous secondary. If the Eagles receivers can shred the Cowboys (like they did last week), then Marshall has a good chance at a great game.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 15
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: +5
Donnell has received ample targets most game from quarterback Eli Manning. With the matchup against the soft Tennessee Titans pass defense this week, Donnell could have a big fantasy outburst. As a boom or bust player, we like Donnell to convert his targets to receptions.
Top 200 ranking: 6
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +3
This is the week fantasy owners need Julius Thomas back for the fantasy playoffs. He is on track to start against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are weak defending the tight end position and Thomas could have a big game. In addition, there is a chance that the Broncos toy with a two-tight end set (with Thomas and Virgil Green) which will open up things for the athletic tight end in the passing game.
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