Trading Faces: Week 11
Sell High, Buy Low

Astute waiver wire moves aren’t the only way to strengthen your squad during the season; often, it’s the owner who makes the best trades who winds up laughing all the way to the championship. To help give you a few ideas on potentially profitable trades and complement the Waiver Wire Work column, let’s look at several players who might be available at prices lower than their true value … and a few other you may wish to shop.

Players to Trade For

Marc Bulger (QB, StL) – Bulger has a favorable schedule, and even with Steven Jackson running hard, The Rams’ quarterback still put it up 40 times in the last game. His shoulder looks good to go, and he should continue to put up stud-like numbers.

Larry Johnson (RB, KC) – With Priest Holmes down, Johnson is the #1 running back. He is big and strong enough to carry the load and vaults into the top 10 RB class. He just posted excellent stats (132 rushing yards with five receptions for 46 yards), even though he did not score a touchdown. The TD drought should not continue. I would caution about over-paying for him, though. He is not worth as much as Shaun Alexander or LaDainian Tomlinson.

Warrick Dunn (RB, Atl) – He’s quietly putting up top 12 RB numbers. Dunn is not the flashiest runner, but he’s very productive and would be a great #2 back. And since his name does not carry as much weight as that of other RBs, you might be able to get him at a discount rate.

Randy Moss (WR, Oak) – He’s a stud that is still currently off many owners’ radars in terms of his true value. You might be able to get him for a tier-two WR price, but get him if you can. He’s heating up, and you want him for your stretch run. Moss looks healthy, and six catches for 87 yards and a TD is a nice line to see.

Darrell Jackson (WR, Sea) – Seattle definitely looks like a force to be reckoned with, and D-Jax could be a huge contributor once he’s back on the field. With Alexander running through defenses like they were Swiss cheese, Jackson should find plenty of open space in the secondary.

Tony Gonzalez (TE, KC) – With no Priest to turn to, the Chiefs will start to look to Gonzalez more to help take pressure off of Larry Johnson. Because of his name, which is synonymous with fantastic fantasy production from the TE position, Gonzalez is not going to come at a discount price. But if you can get him without having to give up any elite players, then he would be a great addition.

Robert Mathis (DL, Ind) – Forget Dwight Freeney; Mathis has been the best fantasy lineman on the Colts defense this year. Up until this past weekend, he had at least one sack in eight straight games. (It is absolutely amazing that this streak came to an end right when Indianapolis played the Texans.) He is a consistent DL who will continue to put up superior numbers.

Adrian Wilson (DB, Ari) – Wilson leads all DBs with 56 solo tackles, including a 10-tackle performance this weekend. He also throws in the occasional sack and pass deflection.

 
Players to Trade

Donovan McNabb (QB, Phi) – The loss of Terrell Owens is going to hurt McNabb’s fantasy production. He’ll still be a solid qb, but not the top-three stud he was when he had T.O. His name alone should command good value; even though I think he’ll still put up good numbers, you might be able to fill other holes in your roster by dealing him and still be able to get the same point production out of your backup passer.

Thomas Jones (RB, Chi) – Jones has been a stud so far, but coming off injury and with Adrian Peterson running well, I think he might see his playing time drop. I believe it’s time to sell high on this player, potentially for a top WR, and then look for a player like Samkon Gado on your waiver wire to fill Jones’ production. You should be able to get top value for Jones, even though he’s returning from an injury.

Mike Anderson (RB, Den) – Anderson had a solid game on Sunday, and collectively, he and Tatum Bell have combined to put up fine numbers. But that is wherein lies the problem. You can not combine the two, and head coach Mike Shanahan does not care about fantasy football. Therefore, I’d look to move Anderson now while he’s still getting plenty of attempts.

Joey Galloway (WR, TB) – Galloway has been on fire, and in many leagues, he is the #2 overall WR behind Steve Smith. He’s scored a TD in the past four games, but I think that expecting this type of production to continue is not realistic. I would sell Galloway now, since his value is at its all-time high. You could be able to get Plaxico Burress and running back for him

Roy Williams (WR, Det) – Coming off injury and putting up three TDs this past weekend is a good reason to unload him. I doubt he’ll continue to post numbers anywhere close to that, and owners might be willing to give up more now since they are banking on him to continue to be an elite producer. I am not one of those owners. I think the uncertainty of the Lions’ quarterback position will hurt all their offensive players this year.

Randy McMicheal (TE, Mia) – I would look to move McMichael because he might be suspended. The league has to make a decision on whether to punish McMichael for his role in an altercation with his wife earlier this year, when he pled guilty to criminal trespass on September 8 and was sentenced to three months’ probation, a $500 fine, and open restitution for damages. I would not want that hanging over my player’s head at the moment. I would look to get another TE for him while he’s still playing and being productive.

Mike Peterson (LB, Jax) – Peterson has had three great weeks in which he provided his owners with stellar stats, but they have come against three of the league’s weaker teams. I think he’ll return to his normal production level soon. Coming off such huge output, his value will be very high. Sell him now to fill other needs.

Mike Brown (DB, Chi) – Brown’s overall numbers look great, but he’s been slipping and had his big games at the beginning of the season. He’s still a solid DB, but if you can sell him while his stock is still high and capitalize on his name recongnition, you could get a solid offensive player in return.

** Please make sure to take into account your league’s starting lineup requirements and scoring system. These opinions are made for standard scoring and lineup settings.

 
Steven Lee, known to forum regulars as ABC, is currently keeping a close eye on the Terrell Owens situation. He doesn’t recommend trading for T.O.

Questions or comments for Steven? Post your thoughts in the Cafe’s forums!