Trading Faces: Week 8

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

Matt Hasselbeck (QB, Sea) – Even though his stats so far have been just so-so (151/237, 1719 passing yards, 9 TDs, 6 interceptions), he has a good schedule after the Seahawks’ bye week. He would be a good investment for the future. His playoff schedule during week 14-17: vs. San Francisco, at Tennessee, vs. Indianapolis, at Green Bay).

Jamal Lewis (RB, Bal) – If you have RB depth and can wait until the playoffs to use him, he might be a great addition to a team’s playoff run. He’s got a very easy schedule in week 14-17 (at Denver, vs. Green Bay, vs. Minnesota, at Cleveland) and he’s playing for a new contract, so hopefully he can get into gear by then.

Ronnie Brown (RB, Mia) – Before the season started there were questions about whose team this was and what impact Ricky Williams would have. Brown has proved that this is his team and looks be a good start from here on out. His value still might be low enough so you don’t have to give up any more then you would to get a player like Warrick Dunn or Rudi johnson.

Randy Moss (WR, Oak) – Believe it or not, he could be available since owners might be inpatient with his production so far and the fact that he’s playing hurt (groin, ribs). His value is probably as low as it’s ever going to get. I don’t have to mention that he’s a stud and could once again put up 17 TDs in a season.

Nate Burleson (WR, Min) – If your league also gives you points for return yards, then he could be a solid fantasy producer. It looks like he’ll be returning punts like last year after a few games. I would not give up much to get him, but if you can get him cheap or for free if he’s available on your waiver wire, he could be a solid addition.

Joe Horn (WR, NO) – Horn is injured, but when healthy he can put up good numbers. You should be able to get him cheap and then stash him away for the stretch run. With Deuce McAllister out, the Saints will continue to throw the ball.

Adam Archuleta (DB, StL) – Even though the St. Louis defense couldn’t stop my grandmother from crossing the street, he’s been a solid IDP. In seven games he has 35 tackles, 7 assists, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defense. Those are solid numbers for a defensive back. You could get him for a cheaper price since the Rams have their bye next week.

 
Players to Trade

Carson Palmer (QB, Cin) – He’s currently the #1 fantasy QB, but has a very difficult schedule ahead of him (Indianapolis, Baltimore twice, Pittsburgh, Buffalo). Against Pittsburgh last weekend, his stats were(227 passing yards, no TD, and two interceptions. I don’t expect him to put up the same numbers against the next three opponents, but he might not put up the huge stats we’ve seen this year.

Rudi Johnson (RB, Cin) – Chris Perry is getting enough looks for Johnson owners to be slightly concerned. But the bigger concern is his lack of TDs. So far this season he has just two. As with Palmer (above), the Bengals have a pretty tough schedule the rest of the way, especially the next three weeks.

Kevin Jones (RB, Det) – This offense refuses to turn the corner and Jones is dinged up to boot. Wait for a productive game and then sell him off.

Marvin Harrison (WR, Ind) – Harrison has name value and is still considered a top five WR. But with the Colts running more, Manning spreading the ball around, and the team’s possible clinching home field early, it’s time to part ways with this stud for the right price. He is still a productive WR, but you might be able to bank on his name alone to get more than he’s worth in a deal.

Donte Stallworth (WR, NO) – Stallworth has never been a consistent fantasy player, and even though he has put together two strong weeks in a row, it’s time to sell high on this player. Once Horn returns, I believe Stallworth’s numbers will fall. Try and capitalize on two solid performances before he returns to mediocrity.

Cato June (LB, Ind) – He’s been an excellent IDP so far, but he has gotten many of his points from interceptrions rather than tackles. He actually leads the leagues in interceptions with 5. He is also sporting the first stages of a sports hernia. I would look to move him while his stock is high, because I can only see his numbers going down from here on out.

 
Steven Lee is known to forum regulars as ABC.

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