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.What we saw this past weekend in Oakland was a mind-boggling shift in value for several guys on one team, both up and down.
Jake Delhomme was atrocious. He completed only seven passes to his own team while heaving four picks. His 72 yards passing for the game was 21 less than Jay Cutler achieved on one play ... and the Panthers were playing the Raiders. His value will never get any lower.
Steve Smith only caught one pass for nine yards, as he was locked up all day by Nmamdi Asomugha. His value can't get much lower.
Jonathan Stewart was banged up and only gained 21 yards on seven carries. He's losing carries to DeAngelo Williams, so his value is also really, really low right now.
That brings us to Williams, who -- just as we said he would -- ran all over the Raiders for 140 yards and a breakaway 69 yard score. The value won't get any higher for Williams.
The Panthers face the hapless Lions this week, so you'd expect an uptick from Delhomme, Smith, and Stewart without a Williams letdown.
Some Other
Mewelde Moore -- The bad news on Fast Willie elevates Moore to full-time status. Ride Moore these next two weeks against the Chargers and Bengals ... but after that the schedule tightens down considerably. Make a mental note.
Steve Breaston -- Man, Kurt Warner was obsessed with Breaston in the first half, wasn't he? Then he stopped throwing to him. Breaston's going to be an erratic performer from here on out, and I'd much prefer consistency.
Ryan Grant -- 75 yards and a rushing touchdown against the stout Vikes run defense is a good sign.
DeSean Jackson -- He put up some quality points against a tough, physical defense. Looks like he'll remain a focal point of the Eagles offense.
Marques Colston -- Finally! Hold onto him ...
Kevin Smith -- He's emerging as The Man in the Lions backfield. While that's not saying much, there's something to be said for guaranteed carries.
Tyler Thigpen -- Three straight stellar outings, and now you have to consider him a fantasy starter nearly across the board. A look ahead at his schedule shows lots of holes in opposing defenses, too.
Tight Ends -- Already been covered by Shane Bacon.
Some Other
Willie Parker -- Be careful here. Reports are surfacing that he's out for the season. Still, Willie insists he does not have a torn labrum and he'll be back.
Tim Hightower -- Time to bail if you still can. He couldn't find room to run against a vulnerable Niners defense. The matchup this weekend is enticing, but you should be using that to sell him. The schedule after that really firms up, running defense-wise.
Lee Evans -- Did I jinx him earlier this year when I declared him a must-start every week? Two straight stinkers. Well, the Browns, Chiefs, and Niners pass defenses are coming in the next three weeks. We'll wait until after those games before passing judgment about possible jinxes. I still love him as a WR1 moving forward.
Trent Edwards -- He's struggling, but -- as I just said -- the Bills face some porous defenses coming up, which should be the perfect remedy.
Ben Roethlisberger -- He's either banged up physically or mentally, but I like him to bounce back. Remember, the Colts pass defense is really solid.
Marshawn Lynch -- Offensive line issues have doomed Lynch's ascent to fantasy stardom in recent weeks. If he can't fix things against Cleveland I'll start worrying.
Bernard Berrian -- No catches. That sucked. Of course, the Packers have a much better pass defense than ground control. Before last week he had been incredibly consistent, and I look for him to get back to that level.
The Rams -- What a pathetic excuse for a game. They really need Steven Jackson back (so do I).
Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Aaron Rodgers -- They just played terribly. The Bears wretched pass defense visits Lambeau this weekend, though.
