Fantasy Value Machine: Thanks Carson!

Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.

Hopefully you traded Rashard Mendenhall, as we insinuated last week when we said his value will never be higher. Remember, fantasy sports are all about value and perception is reality in between games. Many owners flocked to Mendenhall last week because he was "replacing" Willie Parker. His perceived value skyrockets, which means it's the perfect time to spin him. Just keep this in mind as we move forward.

Top week four : Laveranues Coles ... He busted loose for 30 plus points in most leagues. The problem is that he didn't receive the majority of Brett Favre's attention and rarely will this result in three scores. Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, and Dustin Keller all take looks away from Coles. This was a one week ride, so hopefully you enjoyed it and can move him for good value this week.

Top week four : Carson Palmer ... He comes off his one good game of the season -- against a solid defense, no less -- and decides to not fully disclose his injury. Owners found out he couldn't go right before game time, and surely some guys were screwed over by this. Keep an eye on his health, because if he can come back, his owners will surely be pissed enough to deal him for less than market value.

Also

Matt Hasselbeck - It's actually the perfect time to buy, as long as his owner isn't paying attention. The receiving corps has been decimated, but Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are both ready to return to action.

Marc Bulger - After only a one week hiatus from the starting lineup, he's back ... with a new coach.

Jake Delhomme - Second week with Steve Smith back, and he has a solid week.

Steven Jackson - Busted through for a 25 point outing. His team does, however, still suck.

Earnest Graham - Bounce back after facing some studly run defense in Chicago. He's a fine option moving forward, so I wouldn't sell.

Shaun Alexander - There's talk he'll end up on the Steelers with Fast Willie banged up and Mendenhall done. I still think his good running days are behind him, though, so if he signs, immediately trade him.

Deuce McAllister - Great to see from a great guy who has endured too many injuries in his career. He's not done afterall.

Michael Bush - With Justin Fargas on the shelf and Darren McFadden not totally healthy, Bush is showing himself a capable NFL back.

Lance Moore - We liked him all week, leading up to a game that even surpassed our expectations. I'd hold him at least through this week against the Vikings ... but after that you have to start eying the impending return of Marques Colston, which will murder Moore's value.

Muhsin Muhammad - They only play the Falcons twice, Steve Smith is the top air target, and the Panthers like to run the football. Consider last week an aberration and bail.

Kevin Walter - The Jags were paying so much attention to Andre Johnson that they forgot to guard anyone else. Walter won't be putting up these kinds of numbers again anytime soon, so he's a good sell.

Derrick Mason - Call me crazy, but I'd hold. The Steelers play the pass well, and Mason still had a great game. Joe Flacco is going to progress as a passer as the season goes along, and he seems to trust Mason the most. Obviously Mason's far from elite, but as a spot-start he'll be just fine.

Devin Hester - He caught that TD, sure, but he also dropped a surefire score in the first half. He's my favorite player of all-time and I'm telling you to sell him if you can. What's that tell you?

Zach Miller - That was a long touchdown ... skewing his stat line.

Greg Olsen - Two good weeks, and two bad ones. Sounds like a sell-high following a good one.

Also

Aaron Rodgers - Subpar game, and he's injured now. He either plays through a shoulder injury or sits. Either way, that doesn't help your team.

J.T. O'Sullivan - The Saints pass defense hadn't exactly been stellar heading into the week, and JTO still didn't do a ton with his opportunity on the road. There's enough reason to still like his chances moving forward, though, so look past the week for now.

Ben Roethlisberger - They were playing the Ravens. He will need a running game behind him, ultimately, but for now you should expect better numbers than last night.

Pierre Thomas - Not a buy, as long as Deuce is healthy. Pierre's been surpassed on the depth chart.

Matt Forte - There is no better time to buy than immediately. He was held to 43 yards on 19 carries, but it was against the Eagles. That's three stout run defenses in a row Forte has had to deal with. Three of the next four games, though, are against the Lions and Falcons. Go get him.

Marshawn Lynch - Ten points against the Rams? Ugh. He'll be back ...

Willis McGahee - He can't stay healthy and LeRon McClain runs hard. I wouldn't be buying here. Get McClain.

Marion Barber - The Cowboys abandoned the run, and Terrell Owens is bitching? What an absolute farce. If anyone should be complaining it's Barber. Of course, unlike T.O., he's not pathetically selfish.

Ryan Grant - I'm starting to get worried ... BUT, if Rodgers is hurt the Pack must run.

Anquan Boldin - He had another great game, but he almost died on the field thanks to an obliteration to the dome. I wonder what Drew Rosenhaus is trying to do to Eric Smith?

Chris Chambers - A slight dip in production, but he'll be back.

Brandon Lloyd - The injury is a concern, so keep an eye on it. If he does end up being alright, he's going to be a good play against the Lions this weekend as the Bears number one wideout.

Chansi Stuckey - Favre threw six TDs, and none to Stuckey. He had shown love to Stuckey earlier in the season, so here is a really, really cheap buy this week.

Hank Baskett - Reggie Brown is back, DeSean Jackson is a valuable playmaker, and Kevin Curtis will be back eventually. Baskett has nearly no value left.

Jerry Porter - The Jags finally got something done through the air. Of course, Porter only caught one ball for six yards.

David Patten - Drew Brees torched the Niners, and Patten only came away with one catch while Lance Moore and Robert Meachem blossomed in front of everyone's eyes.

Antonio Bryant - Welcome back to Earth, Antonio.

Chris Cooley - He's yet to get things going in this offense, which seems to be heavily reliant upon Clinton Portis and the outside receivers. I'd give him another week or two before giving him a shot, but he could be had for really cheap right now, I'm sure.

Tony Scheffler - He was blanketed by the Chiefs, but I'm not expecting that to continue. He's a fine buy this week.