Trading Faces: Week 6

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) – Supposedly he is feeling better after the bye week off. This may be your last chance to grab him at a discount.

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.

Kevin Jones (RB, Det) – Jones posted decent numbers last week against the Ravens defense. He’s still got a while to go before he gets to some of his easier matchups, but he should start to improve his numbers from here out, especially in light of the injuries hampering the Detroit WR corps.

Lamont Jordan (RB, Oak) – Coming off the bye week, some may have forgotten that he had a great game last time out against Dallas. Buy him now while he is still relatively cheap.

Reggie Wayne (WR, Ind) – He still hasn’t broken out per se, but it shouldn’t be long in the offing. Peyton Manning will get the offense rocking in Indianapolis again and Wayne should benefit from that.

Peyton Manning (QB, Ind) – Whether it was due to the game plan or not, Manning and the passing offense of the Colts had a bad game against the 49ers this past weekend. By now, the Manning owners in your leagues should be pulling their hair out, so make them an offer. Manning and company should assert themselves shortly.

Tony Gonzalez (TE, KC) – Much like QB Trent Green, Gonzalez tends to be a bit of a slow starter. Yet 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) – For the first time this season, McNabb’s injury was an issue and his lack of mobility exposed. This probably won’t be the norm, but now there is a blueprint for stopping him and other defenses will try similar things. He’s still a valuable commodity to shop.

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?

Willie Parker (RB, Pit) – If this past Monday was any indication about what is to come for Fast Willie, selling him may already be too late. Jerome Bettis grabbed more than half of the team’s carries this past game and the numbers may continue to dwindle for Parker once Duce Staley is back.

Stephen Davis (RB, Car) – When will the other shoe drop? He’s stayed healthy and produced so far, but history would say that he is an injury risk.

TJ Houshmandzadeh (WR, Cin) – TJ missed last week’s game because of a hand injury, but should be back on the field either this week or the next. It’s still worth exploring trading him, however, simply because he is a #2 WR. His value certainly hasn’t gone down yet.

Mike Anderson (RB, Den) – As of this past weekend, the Denver RB picture is now a muddled mess. Try and sell Anderson while he still has some value.

Kevin Curtis (WR, Stl) – Curtis has prospered during Isaac Bruce’s absence. There is no question that the job is Bruce’s, however, so see what Curtis can garner for you.

Terry Glenn (WR, Dal) – No one’s been hotter the past few weeks than Glenn. Both he and Drew Bledsoe are on a torrid pace which is unlikely to continue. Sell him at his highest now.

Laveraneus Coles (WR, NYJ) – Vinny Testaverde was brought in to salvage the season, but that may be a bit much to ask of a 42-year-old QB. Move Coles if you can.

 
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 tied for 11th place, just two points out of the top ten.

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