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
We expect this game to be a shootout, and so do the boys in Vegas. Given the potential for a very high scoring affair, Bradford could have an epic game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys do not have a great defense, and Philadelphia is still smarting from the loss on Monday night against Atlanta. The ex-Ram could attempt 50 passes for the second consecutive week. He is a must start this week.
- Top 200 ranking: 19
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +12
Palmer looked great last week for the Cardinals. Now that Ellington – the team's top running back – is out of action, the Arizona passer could throw the ball often. The game in Chicago has the potential to be high scoring. Palmer has three very good receivers plus good pass-catching backs to help the cause. We would not be surprised to see him with 300 passing yards and a pair of scores at the end of the day.
Running Back
- Top 200 ranking: 31
- Weekly ranking: 14
- Difference: +17
With the David Cobb injury, Sankey has emerged as the lead back in Tennessee. He has played well, much better than as a rookie in 2014. The game in Cleveland this week could set up Sankey to be a viable RB2. His ability as a receiver could help the numbers enough to vault Sankey into the Top 10 fantasy backs this week. In a potential low scoring game, Sankey will be relied on to pick up first downs and keep the chains moving.
- Top 200 ranking: 55
- Weekly ranking: 7
- Difference: +48
If both Todd Gurley and Tre Mason are out of the lineup this week for the game at Washington, Cunningham could be a solid fantasy RB1 starter. He looked very good as a receiver out of the backfield last week versus the Seahawks. Washington does not have a strong defense and we expect St. Louis to run frequently in the contest, especially if playing with the lead. If one of the two main backs returns to action, Cunningham moves into the RB3/4 conversation as a valuable third-down running back for the Rams.
- Top 200 ranking: 15
- Weekly ranking: 6
- Difference: +9
Murray did more damage as a receiver a week ago than as a ball carrier. Oakland did not show much confidence in the running game against Cincinnati. With the Raiders traveling to Baltimore to play a strong Ravens defense, Murray could see solid garbage-time production. This contest could get out of hand quickly. His receiving ability is enough to vault him into a fantasy RB1 this week.
Wide Receiver
- Top 200 ranking: 25
- Weekly ranking: 13
- Difference: +12
In the opener, Wright looked like he had played with Marcus Mariota for several years. The two were on the same page often. Titans fans are excited about the future of this pair. We like Wright to emerge as the top pass catcher in the Titans offense. With the upgrade at quarterback for Tennessee, the situation is actually something to watch. The game in Cleveland is a positive matchup for Wright. He is trending in the right direction with Mariota under center.
- Top 200 ranking: 38
- Weekly ranking: 23
- Difference: +15
Yes, Smith struggles to gain the separation of years gone by. But, he is the lone option for quarterback Joe Flacco in the passing game. For this reason, Smith is a great fantasy WR2/3 this week as the Ravens play the Raiders. He could have a field day with the Oakland secondary. The veteran will have a few signature outings this season and this week could be an eye-popping one.
- Top 200 ranking: 13
- Weekly ranking: 8
- Difference: +5
Edelman is the top receiver for the Patriots. While we expect the Buffalo Bills to focus on stopping Rob Gronkowski this week, Edelman could catch ten – or more – passes. This will be a hard-fought game in Buffalo as the Bills look to move to a 2-0 record. Edelman is shifty and able to get open and gain separation. We like his chances to have a quality fantasy outing, especially in PPR leagues.
Tight End
- Top 200 ranking: 7
- Weekly ranking: 2
- Difference: +5
Eifert showed last week what many expected before his injury-laden 2014 season – he is an elite pass catcher in an offense that wants to feature short passes to balance the running game. The game against the San Diego Chargers this week sets up nicely for Eifert. Start him if you own the young tight end. He could pay huge dividends once again. Those target numbers a week ago are legitimate. He is effectively the WR2 in the Cincinnati pass offense.
- Top 200 ranking: 15
- Weekly ranking: 4
- Difference: +11
Jordan Reed has always had talent. He just needs to stay on the field to showcase the ability. With the hamstring injury to DeSean Jackson, Reed becomes the top pass catcher in Washington. We like him to continue putting up strong fantasy numbers with noodle-arm Cousins under center. Having a great matchup this week only helps the cause.
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