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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: 28
Weekly ranking: 12
Difference: +16
Cousins entered last week's game against Jacksonville and played very well. It helped that the Jaguars defense is horrific. Cousins gets another great matchup this week as Washington travels to Philadelphia. The Eagles pass defense has given up big plays and could allow the reserve quarterback a strong game in his first start. He will look better than reality after this weekend.
Top 200 ranking: 11
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +4
Cutler had an impressive comeback on Sunday Night Football. He gets a New York Jets defense this week that is tough against the run but soft versus the pass. Neither Alshon Jeffery nor Brandon Marshall looked healthy Sunday, but another week of rest might help each. If you did not watch the game, do not be fooled, Marshall was still gimpy no matter what his box scores relates. Still, Cutler is poised to have a big outing.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 25
Weekly ranking: 15
Difference: +10
Thomas should see an uptick in his touches with the hand injury to Mark Ingram. The Saints have begun the season 0-2 and desperately need a victory. Good thing the Peterson-less Vikings come to the dome. New Orleans should be able to score at will against Minnesota. We expect a high scoring game where the running backs – especially Thomas – are used extensively in the second half.
Top 200 ranking: 43
Weekly ranking: 4
Difference: +39
Davis looked very strong against last week after Jamaal Charles left with the ankle injury. He will take on Charles' workhorse role until the starter returns from his high ankle sprain. The game against the Miami Dolphins this week is not the best of matchups but is still good enough for us to recommend Davis as a “must start” in all leagues, especially those rewarding PPR. Kansas City does not have a strong passing game and will rely on the young tailback to carry the offense.
Top 200 ranking: 36
Weekly ranking: 26
Difference: +10
Martin has been gimpy so we are uncertain as to his health, but the game Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons might be his best matchup of the season. Martin has practiced all week, and taken reps ahead of Bobby Rainey. If needing a fantasy running back this week, consider the upside of Martin as the Buccaneers hope to break the two-game losing streak.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 20
Weekly ranking: 12
Difference: +8
Jackson has been relatively quiet so far this season. Poor quarterback play has led to some disappointing fantasy games. The Thursday night game against the Atlanta Falcons will give the Tampa Bay pass offense, especially Jackson, to turn things around. The Falcons have one of the worst defenses – especially against the pass – in the entire NFL. The big stage of the national audience could lead this game into a high scoring affair.
Top 200 ranking: 14
Weekly ranking: 8
Difference: +6
Edelman has emerged as the top receiver in New England. The Patriots host the Raiders in a game that looks like a great matchup for the shift possession receiver. Oakland has given up plenty of big plays to opposing receivers so far this young season and Edelman has a great chance to add to that number. In PPR leagues, Edelman should be considered a WR1 with a chance to finish the week in the Top5 at the position.
Top 200 ranking: 17
Weekly ranking: 11
Difference: +6
Allen is a player who has endured two difficult matchups to begin the season and is seriously undervalued. Yes, he was limited against the Cardinals and Seahawks in the first two games. However, the game in Buffalo this Sunday will give the emerging talent a great opportunity for a breakout game. We like his chances to reward fantasy owners who started him the past two weeks.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 14
Weekly ranking: 5
Difference: +9
Walker was on this list last week and came through for fantasy owners. Quarterback Jake Locker has locked onto his athletic tight end often. The game in Cincinnati should offer another opportunity for the ex-49er tight end to shine. He is underappreciated in the fantasy ranks, but Walker is extremely athletic and able to break off big plays for the underwhelming Titans pass offense.
Top 200 ranking: 36
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: +26
Paul had a great game last week while filling in for the injured Jordan Reed. He should get another start this week as Washington meets arch-rival Philadelphia. The Eagles yield big yardage through the air – as evidenced Monday night – and Paul could have a monster outing while sitting on many waiver wires.
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.