Fantasy Minute: Trade deadline ramifications

We don’t see many trades in the NFL, but when they do occur, the fantasy repercussions go beyond just the player(s) directly involved.

As the NFL’s trading deadline was rapidly expiring last week, we saw Kansas City RB Michael Bennett go to Tampa Bay and Miami WR Chris Chambers get shipped to San Diego. Bennett’s fantasy value certainly gets a shot in the arm as he goes from a backup role to a potential starter with the Bucs. But, Bennett’s trade won’t excite you if you picked up Earnest Graham in recent weeks.

I don’t think the fantasy GMs who own Chambers will realize much of a gain. In fact, he could lose a little. Although he hadn’t scored yet, Chambers had 31 catches in six games while a Dolphin and had topped 90 yards on three occasions. While he’ll see better play at QB, he’ll also be vying for Philip Rivers’ attention along with Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson. Jackson owners, however, might not be too thrilled with this deal.

With Chambers gone from Miami, Marty Booker, Derek Hagan and Ted Ginn, Jr. will all have a better fantasy opportunity, albeit with an unproven QB.

This week’s booms and busts...
QB Brian Griese may get maligned in some fantasy circles, but his 7 TD tosses in three starts aren’t bad at all. It doesn’t hurt that the Bears’ defense has allowed 91 points in the last three games and Griese has been forced to throw. That could very well be the case in Philly this week...

I think it makes sense to highly consider Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson again this week against the Rams. With Deion Branch out (ankle) last week, both Engram (120 yards) and Burleson (1 TD) delivered good value. Branch will be sidelined again in Week 7.

The Jets made a concerted effort to get Thomas Jones going last game (130 yards) and I like his chances against Cincinnati in Week 7.  The Bengals have allowed a 100+ yard rusher in each of their last four games...

I don’t like Detroit’s passing game this week against Tampa Bay. The Bucs wrote the book on how to play the Cover 2 defense and the fact that they’ve allowed just 5 passing TDs pretty much says these guys know what they’re doing...

Travis Henry could be in for a long day against a Pittsburgh defense that has shut down Jamal Lewis (35 yards), Frank Gore (39) and Shaun Alexander (25)...

I’m not recommending that you bench Joseph Addai this week, but my expectations for him are lower than usual. Not only is he facing what might be the toughest run defense in Jacksonville, but with backup Kenton Keith having run so well in the last game (Addai was out), I wonder if the Colts will consider the two-back system more...

Sneak pick of the week...
I’d seriously consider starting Tennessee RB LenDale White this week. He had 25 carries last game when Chris Brown went down with an ankle injury and Brown’s a question mark for this week...

Good luck to everyone!

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