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: 8
Difference: +16
Pryor has an ideal matchup against Washington this week. Washington possesses the worst defense in the NFL. We expect Robert Griffin III III to play better, helping this game turn into a shootout. Pryor has been impressive throughout the first three games of the season and the matchup helps him become a fantasy starter for the teams who are missing either Cam Newton or Aaron Rodgers due to the bye week. The one caveat is the concussion suffered in last Monday's game against the Broncos.
Top 200 ranking: 12
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +5
Vick has not played especially well the past two weeks after starting the season on fire in the Monday Night game against Washington in week one. The Eagles face the pass-happy Broncos this week in what looks to be a very high scoring affair. The Philadelphia passer will need to throw the ball often in order to keep pace with Peyton Manning. This game looks to be very high scoring, benefiting the Philadelphia pass offense.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 17
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +14
Murray is coming off a big game against the St. Louis Rams and now gets the San Diego Chargers. The San Diego rush defense has not been stellar. We expect the Cowboys runner to continue his strong play from last week. The offensive line opened holes for the speedy Murray and he broke off big chunks of yards.
Top 200 ranking: 19
Weekly ranking: 9
Difference: +10
Powell has played very well the past few weeks and has easily outplayed backfield mate Chris Ivory. This week, the Jets are hoping to steamroll the Tennessee Titans. Rex Ryan's team has relied on the running game and a stout defense this season, while garnering a 2-1 record. With the rookie quarterback under center, Powell should see plenty of carries for fantasy owners.
Top 200 ranking: 15
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: +5
Like Pryor above, McFadden should feast on the Washington rush defense. This is the same defense that allowed huge production to LeSean McCoy in week one. This could be the week McFadden has a huge game, enabling fantasy owners a chance to sell before the Raiders begin division play. Look for the big-play McFadden to produce RB1 numbers this weekend.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 50
Weekly ranking: 21
Difference: +29
There is nothing like seeing the Dallas Cowboys next on the schedule to give hope for a big performance from a fantasy receiver. Royal has caught five touchdowns on the young season and could easily score in what looks to be a high scoring game. The Cowboys secondary has yielded big plays to opposing receivers and the former Denver Bronco makes for a low-end fantasy starter.
Top 200 ranking: 52
Weekly ranking: 25
Difference: +27
With fellow receiver Danny Amendola almost back from his abductor injury, Edelman's time in the sun is almost complete. This week's game against the Atlanta Falcons will provide the reserve slot receiver a chance to catch several more balls – and possibly a touchdown – for little yardage. Edelman is the definition of a possession receiver.
Top 200 ranking: 20
Weekly ranking: 12
Difference: +8
After whining of not seeing enough pass targets the week before, Brown exploded for a monster game against the Chicago Bears in prime time. He gets a tasty matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this week. This is the same Vikings defense that allowed Josh Gordon a huge outing in his first action after serving the suspension.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 9
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +6
Gates is another beneficiary of the Chargers facing the Cowboys this week. The veteran tight end has played well this season and is able to do more after the catch than in the past couple of seasons. We are expecting this to be a high scoring game and the All Pro tight end could put up a big fantasy game once again.
Top 200 ranking: 12
Weekly ranking: 4
Difference: +8
Gonzalez has showed his age this season, and is not moving as swiftly as in the past. However, the matchup against the New England Patriots this week should provide Gonzalez an opportunity to post a quality fantasy outing for owners. He has slid all of the way down to TE12 in the Top 200, so we are not expecting a stellar season, just a solid game from the future hall of famer.
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.
