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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: 24
- Weekly ranking: 11
- Difference: +13
The Chiefs are coming off a huge upset of division rival Broncos. A let down could be a concern. Smith and company now travel in consecutive weeks, this time to San Diego. This high ranking speaks to the quality matchup the Chargers have become with the rash of injuries on both sides of the ball. With the fantasy starters on bye this week, Smith makes a solid one-week replacement.
- Top 200 ranking: 30
- Weekly ranking: 15
- Difference: +15
Hasselbeck had the bye week to prepare for his second stint as a starter this year. Andrew Luck is expected to miss at least one month of action so the pressure will be on the veteran to keep the Colts in the division lead. The game in Atlanta should be high scoring and a decent one for owners starting Hasselbeck. One caution, though. The Falcons have been one of the better teams in yielding fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, with only the Broncos better.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 19
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +12
Langford played very well last week. He has become an asset as a runner and receiver. Even with the seemingly difficult matchup against the Broncos this week, we like Langford as a fantasy RB1 as long as Matt Forte is still sidelined. Denver does not stifle the run (as evidenced by the game against Kansas City last week) like the pass. This may be the last week Chicago will be without Forte so fantasy owners better start Langford if he starts.
- Top 200 ranking: 11
- Weekly ranking: 2
- Difference: +9
McFadden is the unquestioned primary ball carrier for the Cowboys. This week's game gives the veteran a couple of reasons to be optimistic for a huge fantasy performance. First, getting quarterback Tony Romo back under center will help keep the defense honest. In addition, the opponent is Miami. The Dolphins give up the fourth most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing running backs with almost 29 points per game average. McFadden does not share many carries so he has a high ceiling in this matchup.
- Top 200 ranking: 22
- Weekly ranking: 12
- Difference: +10
Lynch is still a little gimpy but is expect to start against the 49ers. This is a great matchup for the Seattle running game as the Seahawks try to shake off the loss to the Cardinals. If he starts, we like Lynch as a low-end fantasy RB1. If he does sit the game out, look for Thomas Rawls to have the big outing. The running game will get Seattle back on level footing. San Francisco is the fifth worst rush defense in giving up PPR fantasy points.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 17
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +10
Johnson has not been able to assert himself this season. The Lions offense has been a mess and quarterback Matthew Stafford has not played well. The game in Oakland should be high scoring, and give plenty of opportunity for the superstar pass catcher to have a monster outing. The Raiders are poor in defending the pass.
- Top 200 ranking: 22
- Weekly ranking: 12
- Difference: +10
Watkins was ecstatic to get quarterback Tyrod Taylor back in the lineup. The young duo has a solid connection. We like Watkins' chances of putting up fantasy points this week in New England. The Patriots give up the fifth most PPR fantasy points (41 per game). As Buffalo could be playing from behind, and throwing the ball often, Watkins is poised for a strong showing.
- Top 200 ranking: 13
- Weekly ranking: 4
- Difference: +9
Cooper has enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign so far and expectations are sky high. The game against the Detroit Lions offers a strong opportunity for big fantasy points for both passing games. Derek Carr has improved and is not afraid to throw down the field. This buoys both wideouts. With Cooper ranked as WR4 and Michael Crabtree WR9 this week, the Oakland pass catchers are a must start.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 12
- Weekly ranking: 10
- Difference: +2
Ebron gets possibly the best matchup for tight end in the Oakland Raiders. All decent tight ends score well against the Raiders. Ebron has seen his role increase this season and he has performed well. Oakland yields almost 19 points per game to tight ends. This is a great matchup for Ebron to thrive.
- Top 200 ranking: 17
- Weekly ranking: 11
- Difference: +6
Tamme will be a low-end TE1 this week as the Falcons host the Colts. The Indianapolis is the tenth best matchup for opposing tight ends. Tamme makes a great waiver wire pickup and start this week as the Colts will be focused on stopping Julio Jones.
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.