In last week's segment of Fantasy Fodder, I wrote about the fantasy trade market heating up. The hot stove has been burning in the world of reality football, too. On Tuesday, a pretty significant deal went down with Seattle acquiring running back Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo.
I stashed Lynch on a couple of my rosters anticipating that a deal would go down. I'm feeling pretty smart right now. Needless to say, if Lynch is available, you need to put in a waiver claim before it's too late.
And on Wednesday morning, Randy Moss was traded to the Vikings. Wow, that one came out of nowhere. The change in scenery can only improve the value of Moss, who did squat against the Dolphins on Monday night. And the deal might just salvage Brett Favre's fantasy season.
As for Tom Brady and the Patriots? They'll keep on trucking.
The NFL wheeling and dealing might not be done. The Packers still need a running back after losing Ryan Grant. The Panthers, their season already over, could shop DeAngelo Williams. They might deal Steve Smith, too, if they really want to overhaul their roster.
The Willis McGahee trade rumblings have died down, but could pick up if a team has something the Ravens want (like a healthy defensive end, maybe?). And Vincent Jackson — I've also added him in as many leagues as possible — could still be dealt by the Chargers, who are being challenged by the Chiefs in the AFC West.
Anything can happen between now and the October 19 trade deadline, so keep your ear to the ground and don't be afraid to make a preemptive move for someone like McGahee or Jackson while their value is low.
Fantasy penthouse:
David Garrard (163 passing yards, two passing TDs, one rushing TD), Arian Foster (187 total yards and two TDs), Terrell Owens (222 receiving yards and one score), Antonio Gates (144 receiving yards and two TDs)
Fantasy doghouse:
Jay Cutler (42 passing yards, one INT, one fumble, one concussion), Matt Forte (26 rushing yards), Randy Moss (zero catches), John Carlson (one catch for 15 yards)
Start 'em or sit 'em:
Lee Evans, Bills: Start 'em. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a joke, but Evans should have a productive game against the Jaguars' miserable pass defense
Malcom Floyd, Chargers: Sit 'em. Floyd will probably have to deal with Nnamdi Asomugha all afternoon, so...
Ryan Torain, Redskins: Start 'em. With Clinton Portis likely to sit out, Torain is worth a start, even against the Packers defense
Kyle Orton, Broncos: Sit 'em. Orton leads the NFL in passing yards, but his production will be limited against the Ravens' top-ranked pass defense
Brent Celek, Eagles: Start 'em. With Captain Checkdown — Kevin Kolb — under center, look for Celek to cut into the target totals for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin
Joseph Addai, Colts: Sit 'em. The Chiefs have been pretty good against the run so far, which is bad news for Addai, who doesn't get many carries as the lead back for the pass-happy Colts
The wire:
Mike Tolbert isn't going away, so pick him up, especially if you own Ryan Mathews. ... Fred Jackson is worth a look now that Lynch is in Seattle. ... Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki has impressed so far, but I wouldn't feel comfortable starting him at this point. Stash him on your bench. ... I'd play Bruce Gradkowki or Shaun Hill if I needed a fill-in QB this week. ... Michael Bush and Mike Bell will see increased workloads this weekend due to injuries to their teammates. ... Roy Williams has been getting a lot of looks in Dallas. Just saying. ... Davone Bess has put up double-digit fantasy points in three of his four games.
Andre Johnson (ankle) is reportedly feeling better after sitting out last weekend, but he's questionable for this weekend. ... Michael Vick (chest) isn't expected to play, and it isn't looking good for teammate LeSean McCoy (rib), either. ... The status of Jay Cutler (concussion) is unclear, and probably won't be determined until Sunday morning. ... Darren McFadden (hamstring) is questionable. ... Clinton Portis (groin) said he will probably miss Sunday's game. ... Carolina's Steve Smith (high ankle sprain) is out for a few weeks, and the injury could nag him all season. ... Jason Witten (knee) should suit up. ... Saints coach Sean Payton is "hopeful" that Pierre Thomas will play. ... Knowshon Moreno (hammy) will try to play against the Ravens. Sit him either way.
You make the call:
Which player would you rather have going forward this season: Chris Cooley or Oakland's Zach Miller?
Reader question of the week:
Zach, my former hockey teammate and the cover boy for b's infamous "Douchebag" cover, asks a good one via Twitter: "should I start desean jackson with Vick out? Doesn't look the same with kolb at the helm."
I touched on this a little bit above, but after watching Kolb's atrocious performance against the Redskins on TV, I think it's clear that his teammates don't have much confidence in him right now. I doubt even Kolb has confidence in himself. That doesn't mean he won't turn it around, though. It's just going to take some time. Still, you have to stick with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin in your starting lineup and hope that Kolb will soon figure out that it's OK to throw to the fast, uncovered guys in green jerseys.
Extra point:
I'm pretty sure that LaDainian Tomlinson has been arriving at the stadium in a hot tub time machine so far this season — his 26-yard touchdown run Sunday was vintage L.T. — but don't ditch Shonn Greene just yet. The Jets will either wear down Tomlinson or wise up and rest him for the playoff run. Either way, Greene's carries will increase and he will be a valuable player for your playoff run, too.
My weekly Fantasy Fodder column will run in some fashion on the Virtual Vensanity blog every Wednesday. E-mail your fantasy questions to matt@btheite.com, Tweet them to twitter.com/mattvensel or leave them in the comments section below. Carrier pigeons are also acceptable.