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: 14
Weekly ranking: 6
Difference: +8
Coming off the defeat to Tampa Bay last week, the Steelers quarterback gets a a great matchup as the team travels to Jacksonville. Fantasy owners want all of their starters to play the Jaguars. This game will offer Roethlisberger a golden opportunity to rebound. We are expecting a great fantasy outing for the veteran passer.
Top 200 ranking: 21
Weekly ranking: 14
Difference: +7
Romo is coming off a big outing against the Saints last Sunday night and now Dallas hosts the Houston Texans. The Texans defense is able to get pressure on the passer but are lacking in the secondary. We like Romo's chances of having another strong fantasy performance this week. He will need to play well in order for the Cowboys to win the game. The roster is not good enough to win without Romo excelling.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 31
Weekly ranking: 17
Difference: +14
Martin finally looks healthy and is able to move the chains. He played decently against the Steelers in last week's win. The matchup in New Orleans should provide Martin an opportunity to build upon last week and finally put his doubters to rest. This is the same Saints defense that allowed DeMarco Murray to gain yards with ease a week ago.
Top 200 ranking: 53
Weekly ranking: 18
Difference: +35
Robinson has filled the role vacated by the injured Mark Ingram. This week, New Orleans host Tampa Bay in a game both teams desperately need to win if there is any hope for a playoff run. We like Robinson's chances of topping the 100-yard mark as the Buccaneers defense has not been strong versus the run this season.
Top 200 ranking: 27
Weekly ranking: 15
Difference: +12
Gore had his first big game of the year last week against Philadelphia. The contest against Kansas City should provide another shot for the 49ers ground game to get going. Even though he is aging, Gore is able to have big games and this could be a monster outing for the veteran. This could be his best fantasy performance this season.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 23
Weekly ranking: 8
Difference: +15
There is much to say about the aging receiver's strong play this year. He put up big numbers a week ago against his former team. This week, Baltimore travels to Indianapolis in what looks like a plus matchup, and one in which the diminutive pass catcher should physically dominate the Colts secondary. He could possibly top the 150-yard mark again this Sunday.
Top 200 ranking: 29
Weekly ranking: 13
Difference: +16
Cruz showed signs of life last Thursday against Washington. This week, he gets an awesome matchup against Atlanta. The Falcons have a poor defense and hope to outscore their opponents. The game might be Cruz's best matchup of the season. Atlanta's defense is “that” bad. We expect a high scoring affair, one in which both teams' receivers will have big games.
Top 200 ranking: 20
Weekly ranking: 14
Difference: +6
Jeremy Maclin has surprised many with his ability to get open deep this season. He should be able to break off big plays against St. Louis this week. The Rams defense has been a weak spot, especially versus the pass. We expect the Eagles passing game to rebound well this week.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 8
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +5
Gronkowski needed late receptions to have a fantasy-viable game last week against Kansas City. The game against Cincinnati should avail more opportunities for Gronkowski to catch passes, and likely score a touchdown … or two. He is getting healthier each week and will continue to find more targets each successive week.
Top 200 ranking: 17
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: +7
Fantasy owners could finally see Jordan Reed this week after missing a few games with a hamstring injury. With Niles Paul likely out with a concussion, it is either Reed or Logan Paulsen. Washington is hosting Seattle in what looks like a low-scoring game. Reed could hit the ground running as he returns to the lineup. If he plays, Reed could lead the team in targets once again.
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