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: 16
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +8
Fitzpatrick has been able to put up passing yards against good defenses so the matchup against the Giants should be a solid one for fantasy owners. With a healthy Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker lined up at receiver, Fitzpatrick will have a strong opportunity for 275 passing yards and 2 touchdowns against a beat-up Giants secondary. He makes a decent starter off the waiver wire in shallow leagues.
- Top 200 ranking: 29
- Weekly ranking: 12
- Difference: +15
Hasselbeck has played well replacing the injured Andrew Luck this season. Indianapolis has a 4-0 record in games the veteran has started. The game against the Steelers this week should be a high scoring affair. We like the odds of the Colts getting into a shootout with Ben Roethlisberger and company. He is another decent starter available on some waiver wires.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 12
- Weekly ranking: 4
- Difference: +8
McFadden has been a bright spot for the Dallas offense which has lost multiple starters to injury this season. The game in Washington will give the veteran tailback opportunity to carry the ball 20-25 times as Matt Cassel is back in the lineup after the Tony Romo injury last week. The ground game, and balance on offense, will be the only way that the Cowboys have a chance to win. McFadden makes for a great spot starter this week.
- Top 200 ranking: 4
- Weekly ranking: 1
- Difference: +3
Williams is playing so well that it is easy to forget that he is well into his 30s. But, the Steelers offense has allowed the former Panthers star an opportunity to put up big numbers while opposing defenses are focused on slowing down Ben Roethlisberger and the prolific pass offense. The game this week against the Indianapolis Colts should provide Williams with ample yards and scoring opportunities. Indianapolis does not possess a strong run defense (bottom one-third in the league in yielding fantasy points to running backs) so this game has plenty of upside for Williams and his fantasy owners.
- Top 200 ranking: 15
- Weekly ranking: 10
- Difference: +5
Stewart has been playing well, anchoring the running game, this season. The Saints are a great matchup for Stewart. New Orleans is the second best (behind only the Chargers) matchup for fantasy running backs. Start Stewart with confidence. He should see 20+ touches in the contest. Maybe, just maybe, Stewart can see a goal line carry or two without Cam Newton pilfering the scoring opportunity.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 33
- Weekly ranking: 18
- Difference: +15
LaFell has not been able to put up the big numbers fantasy owners expected after his return midseason. With the recent losses of Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and now Rob Gronkowski, LaFell should see lots of pass targets. The game this week against the injury-plagued secondary of the Philadelphia Eagles could allow LaFell to emerge with a big-time fantasy outing. Tom Brady and company will be seething from the loss on Sunday night and be looking for a rebound outing.
- Top 200 ranking: 28
- Weekly ranking: 13
- Difference: +15
The plethora of injuries for the Ravens offense has allowed Aiken to emerge into the starting lineup, as the one constant at receiver. The game against the Dolphins should provide Aiken a chance to get open frequently. This is the same Miami secondary that Brandon Marshall exposed last Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Matt Schaub has shown confidence in Aiken, and so should fantasy owners.
- Top 200 ranking: 29
- Weekly ranking: 22
- Difference: +7
Sanders was Brock Osweiler's go to target down the field in the victory against the Patriots. The two seemed to have a solid connection. This week's matchup against the division-rival Chargers should allow Sanders an opportunity to reward the patience of his fantasy owners. The poor quarterback play has limited the fantasy numbers of Sanders and Demaryius Thomas this season.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 15
- Weekly ranking: 10
- Difference: +5
Bennett finally appears to be healthy. His Bears need another receiving threat with all of the injuries at receiver and tailback. The matchup against the 49ers is a plus one for the veteran tight end. We like his chances of catching at least five passes and topping 50 receiving yards.
- Top 200 ranking: 23
- Weekly ranking: 16
- Difference: +7
The Seahawks are still licking their collective wounds after losing Jimmy Graham to the season-ending knee injury last week. Willson will step into the starting job this week against the Vikings. He makes a decent desperation play for fantasy owners.
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.