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: 18
Weekly ranking: 4
Difference: +14
Alex Smith is doing a great job leading the Chiefs offense. This week's matchup against the Oakland Raiders should offer the veteran quarterback a chance to throw for some big yardage. The Raiders have been competitive in games. However, opposing quarterbacks are able to have big fantasy games against the undermanned defense.
Top 200 ranking: 12
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +5
Newton is off to a slow start to the season. He misses former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and Mike Shula is slow to adjust. The game against the Minnesota Vikings offers a great opportunity to bust out of the slump. The Vikings pass defense has yielded big yardage to most every quarterback. Newton has a chance to put up big fantasy points.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 32
Weekly ranking: 16
Difference: +16
Mathews has run hard this season. He is not getting the carries most fantasy owners would like as newcomer Danny Woodhead is playing a big role in the Chargers offense. Against the Indianapolis Colts, we expect San Diego to emphasize the running game in order to keep Andrew Luck and company off the field. Mathews makes a passable RB2 for teams looking to cover bye weeks or injuries.
Top 200 ranking: 24
Weekly ranking: 13
Difference: +11
McGahee has seized control of the Browns backfield and lead the team in carries once again in this week's game against the Detroit Lions. We are not expecting big yardage, but there should be scoring opportunities for the veteran ball carrier.
Top 200 ranking: 15
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +8
Murray has run hard this season. The reliance on the passing game has been the only variable limiting big fantasy games for the Dallas tailback. The game against Washington this week could allow Murray to find the end zone at least once. He puts up big fantasy games when playing poor defenses (see the game against the Rams) and this could fit the bill.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 23
Weekly ranking: 2
Difference: +21
We liked what we saw of the young receiver last week against the St. Louis Rams. The stars are aligning for another big game Sunday. Blaine Gabbert is hurt and will be replaced by the pass-happy Chad Henne. The game against the Denver Broncos should provide Henne plenty of pass opportunities as we do not foresee Peyton Manning struggling to score against the Jaguars defense. The Denver secondary has given up big yardage to opposing receivers (see Dez Bryant last week). Positive quarterback change plus high scoring game plus weak Broncos defense should all add up to a strong fantasy outing for Blackmon.
Top 200 ranking: 10
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +7
Gordon has played well since returning from his suspension. The Detroit Lions pass defense is a welcome sign for the Cleveland passing game. Even with the loss of Brian Hoyer, Gordon is expected to put up big numbers. Detroit is ceding big plays to opposing receivers and this week should be no different.
Top 200 ranking: 19
Weekly ranking: 10
Difference: +9
Reggie Wayne has been relatively quiet this season. He is still the WR1 in Indianapolis and has a great matchup against the San Diego Chargers this week. The Chargers gave up big production to Oakland's receivers last week and we are expecting the veteran receiver to have a big outing.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 14
Weekly ranking: 9
Difference: +5
The matchup against the San Diego Chargers should be a good one for the entire Indianapolis passing game. Fleener has yet to see big pass targets but we are expecting a high scoring game with plenty of passes to go around. Fleener makes a great one-week filler for owners needing to cover a bye week.
Top 200 ranking: 10
Weekly ranking: 5
Difference: +5
Bennett has been a solid addition to the Chicago Bears offense. He plays his former team, the New York Giants, on Thursday night. The Giants defense is on pace to yield the most points ever in a season. This game sets up as a potential great matchup for the veteran tight end.
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