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: 29
Weekly ranking: 6
Difference: +23
Cousins and the rest of the Washington pass offense travels to Arizona to meet the Cardinals after losing to Seattle on Monday Night Football. The Arizona pass defense is a great matchup for Cousins. The Cardinals defense has been decimated by injuries and will allow the pass-happy offense to connect on big plays. After a few dismal outings, this is a chance for Cousins to get back on track.
Top 200 ranking: 20
Weekly ranking: 9
Difference: +11
Flacco is looking to rebound after a poor performance against Indianapolis last week. The Buccaneers defense provides an optimal situation for Flacco to have a great game. This is the same Buccaneers who have allowed opposing quarterbacks to have monster games. This sets up for possibly Flacco's best fantasy outing of the year.
Running Back
Top 200 ranking: 38
Weekly ranking: 9
Difference: +29
Williams will assume the lead back duties as starter Rashad Jennings sits out with a knee injury. Even better for Williams owners is that he faces the soft Philadelphia Eagles run defense. With several decent backs on bye this week, Williams makes a solid fantasy starter off the waiver wire. Williams is a between-the-tackles- runner who could be replaced on passing downs by Peyton Hillis. However, we like his chances to find the endzone and top 75 rushing yards this week.
Top 200 ranking: 40
Weekly ranking: 11
Difference: +29
No, Sankey has not overtaken Shonn Greene for the starter's job, but we think this is the week. The great matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars could lead to Sankey's coming out party. The Jaguars get run on every week and we expect the trend to continue. Tennessee is expected to garner the lead and run the rookie frequently to see if he can be THE guy.
Top 200 ranking: 23
Weekly ranking: 13
Difference: +10
Miller has played well while Knowshon Moreno has been out of action with the elbow injury. The game against the Green bay Packers might be the last game Miller gets most of the carries as Moreno is worked back into the lineup. In addition, opposing teams have been able to run on the Packers. The game is in sunny Miami and the Dolphins will look to establish the run and keep the high-powered Packers offense on the sideline.
Wide Receiver
Top 200 ranking: 15
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +8
Smith is looking to rebound from the rough outing against the Colts last Sunday. The game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week should provide the ideal opportunity. We like Smith's chances of topping 100 yards again and possibly scoring multiple touchdowns. The aging superstar has proven his doubters wrong this season.
Top 200 ranking: 18
Weekly ranking: 8
Difference: +10
Tate slides into the top receiver role with Calvin Johnson expected to miss the game. Johnson missed much of last week's game against Buffalo with an ankle injury and should sit this contest out. Tate and the Lions meet the Vikings, a matchup set up for the ex-Seahawk to have a big outing. With the injuries to the Detroit running backs, quarterback Matthew Stafford will have to throw often against the division rival.
Top 200 ranking: 17
Weekly ranking: 3
Difference: +14
Maclin and the Eagles host the New York Giants this week. This will be a better matchup for the Philadelphia passing game than for the ball carriers. Maclin has shown a great ability to get behind opposing defenses this season and he could do it again this week. Now healthy, Maclin is looking to show why the Eagles were content allowing DeSean Jackson depart last offseason.
Tight End
Top 200 ranking: 13
Weekly ranking: 7
Difference: +6
Miller has not been able to score enough to be a great fantasy option this season. We expect him to find several pass targets, a few possibly in the red zone, against the Cleveland Browns this week. The Cleveland defense has played better of late but still struggles defending the tight end.
Top 200 ranking: 5
Weekly ranking: 1
Difference: +4
Walker has been a pleasant surprise this season for the struggling Titans. Walker has a chance to have a big game against the woeful Jaguars defense. The Tennessee tight end is our top player at the position this week. We like him to have a big game, no matter the quarterback (Jake Locker, Charlie Whitehurst, or even rookie Zach Mettenberger). Whitehurst, notorious for “checking down,” might be the optimal quarterback for Walker owners this week.
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