Trading Faces: Week 5

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

Daunte Culpepper (QB, Min) – Culpepper suffered through another bad outing this past weekend. He revealed that he has been playing on a hurt knee so this bye week comes at an opportune time for him. Look for him to rebound a bit after the bye. He still should be able to be had at a bargain rate.

Trent Green (QB, KC) – Green is a notoriously slow starter and is on that same path this year. The entire Chiefs offense has looked a bit out of time so far this year with the rotation of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson in the backfield. It doesn’t seem like anyone in the offense can get a good flow going. That may change, however, as there was talk this week that the Holmes/Johnson rotation may become more limited, allowing the offense to finally get moving.

Priest Holmes (RB, KC) – As mentioned above, the KC offense so far this year just seems like it’s a bit of tune. The coaching staff acknowledged this week that the rotation of Holmes and Larry Johnson seems to be less effective than what they had hoped for. Look for Priest to start to grab the lion’s share of the carries for this offense as they try to return to their high-powered ways. Because he has yet to explode this season, Priest can probably be had for a reasonable price tag. He is still the type of talent that can win a fantasy championship for your team.

Jamal Lewis (RB, Bal) – Lewis played respectably against a fairly stout run defense this past weekend. Because he didn’t necessarily have a breakout game, Lewis owners are probably still down on him. More than likely he can still be plucked for a reasonable rate.

Kevin Jones (RB, Det) – Jones finds himself in nearly the same situation as Lewis. He too played a decent game against a tougher defense. Be warned, though, that he has some tough upcoming games on the schedule.

Lamont Jordan (RB, Oak) – Jordan had a very good game against Dallas this past Sunday. While he won’t come at a bargain price, he still may be able to be had for a relatively decent price, which based on last week seems like a wise buy.

Reggie Wayne (WR, Ind) – Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning both broke out for the first time all season last week. Wayne should be next to follow suit. He has yet to perform up to the level he reached last season, with “yet” being the operative phrase there. Buy now while the price is right.

Michael Clayton (WR, TB) – Clayton was considered a top 15 WR coming into this season based on his phenomenal rookie campaign. Joey Galloway has so far outshined his younger counterpart, which has left many a Clayton owner disappointed. Look to take advantage of that disappointment and make a move for this young, talented receiver. He is still catching passes; the yardage and TDs will come.

Tony Gonzalez (TE, KC) – Much like Green, Gonzalez tends to be a bit of a slow starter. There is probably no surer bet in all of fantasy football than Tony Gonzalez. Cash in on his low trade value now and reap the benefits of owning the man who has redefined the TE position.

 
Players to Trade

Donovan McNabb (QB, Phi) – McNabb came through with another stellar performance despite having a sports hernia injury. It was clearly evident yet again against Kansas City that McNabb is not moving as we are used to seeing him move. It’s that concern about the injury that makes him a very good candidate to sell high.

Eli Manning (QB, NYG) – Manning so far this season has put up numbers that more than rival his older brother Peyton’s. How long can this second-year QB keep it up though? He’s bound to fall off at least somewhat, so why not strike while the iron is hot just to see what he will bring?

Steven Jackson (RB, StL) – Jackson did provide his owners with a couple of TDs this past weekend against the Giants, but Marc Bulger passed the ball 62 times. That’s not a misprint. This comes after Mike Martz said all week that he wants to get the ball in Jackson’s hands 30+ times a game. Sell him now.

Willie Parker (RB, Pit) – Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis are both back in the fold for the Steelers. Fast Willie is still the starter, but expect his opportunities to diminish now that everyone is healthy in that crowded backfield.

Stephen Davis (RB, Car) – Davis had another solid game on Monday night against the Packers. There still just seems to be the lingering cloud of the knee injury combined with his age hanging over him that make him a prime sell-high candidate.

TJ Houshmandzadeh (WR, Cin) – TJ produced another solid week for the Bengals. It’s still worth exploring trading him, however, simply because he is a #2 WR. His value certainly hasn’t gone down yet.

Randy McMichael (TE, Mia) – There are enough underperforming top TEs out there that you might be able to unload McMichael for, say, a Tony Gonzalez. It’s certainly worth a try.

(A special thanks to Cafe members ABC and Maddog60 for help with this compilation.)

 
Scott Houlding, known to forum regulars as MadScott, set the pace in this year’s Lucky Ladders contest by winning week 1. He’s currently in 12th place, just two points out of the top ten.

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