Fantasy Minute: Pull the trigger on that big trade

At this point of the season your fantasy team is either: (A) sitting pretty with a playoff berth just about locked up; (B) within striking distance of landing a post-season appearance; (C) on life support, but still breathing; or (D) hopelessly out of it. The following comments are for those in category C.

Look at the remaining weeks as if you have nothing to lose. Of course, there may be a few bucks on the line and pride is always at stake in fantasy, but I’m imploring you to pull out all the stops. Take some chances – big ones. Is there really a difference between finishing 7th or 10th?

You can’t continue with that same lineup that has been doing you no good. Make that big deal. Unload those highly-valued, but under-performing guys like Steve Jackson, Shaun Alexander or Frank Gore. You’ll likely have to settle for second tier players, but maybe you can swing a two for one deal that at least gives you a shot at some points. Most importantly, target those owners at the top of the heap. They’re a little cocky at this time and might be more willing to take a chance with an under-performer.

I know a guy in one league who will essentially give Brandon Marshall away for a backup QB. He’s 8-0 and you couldn’t knock the smile off his face with a baseball bat. He needs a fill-in for Tom Brady in Week 10 and will part with a decent player since his biggest concern now is finishing with an undefeated record (how smug is that?) My friend is stocked at RB too and can’t even get Marshawn Lynch into his starting lineup. I’d be knocking on his door if I was in his league and in need of help.

Booms and busts for Week 9...
After watching Ryan Grant run over Denver last week, I like Detroit’s Kevin Jones’ chances against the Broncos this Sunday...

Neither Santana Moss nor Antwaan Randle El has done much for fantasy owners this year. In fact, neither one has scored yet. But, I do think both big play guys like them have a better opportunity against a Jets’ defense that has given up TD passes of 51, 53, 75 and 85 yards this year...

If you’re on the fence with Marshawn Lynch this week consider that he’ll be facing Cincinnati who has seen five backs bolt for 100+ yards against them...

The Jets’ Thomas Jones has been fantasy-killing inconsistent this season and I wouldn’t chance him against Washington this week. The Skins are tough against the run allowing just 3.7 yards per carry and no back has hit the 100-yard mark against them so far...

Few fantasy owners will have the luxury of benching Willis McGahee this week, but his matchup with Pittsburgh will have many looking for another option. The Steelers have held all but one back under 4 yards per rush and worse yet, have yielded just one rushing TD...

Watch out for Seattle’s wide receivers this week. It’s not that they have a bad matchup. In fact, Cleveland is pretty inviting. The problem is that the Seahawks might get Deion Branch and DJ Hackett back from injuries making for a very crowded receiving corps....

Sneak pick of the week...
RB Michael Bennett against Arizona. This one’s really a reach, but Bennett has had three weeks to become acquainted with the Bucs’ playbook and I think he’s due for more action. He has only had five carries in two games, but has averaged 9 yards per attempt and last week broke a 19-yard TD run...

Good luck to everyone!

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