To Trade or not to Trade

Here is a trade offer question from a concerned fan.

Mr. Fantasy Guru,Recently, I lost Chris Cooley to his freakish ankle injury(such an accidental play) and now the other owners are coming out of the woodwork trying to make a trade with me. I did choose his back up, Fred Davis. He had a solid night against the Eagles and they talked about how good he was. I have a pretty solid team and Cooley wasn't really giving me a whole lot up to this point. Anyway, these are the trades that were proposed:

1) Heath Miller for my Donald Driver
2) Vernon Davis and Donald Brown for my Ray Rice
3) Shockey and the other Steve Smith for my Derrick Mason and Donald Driver

I am against trading the players I drafted anyhow, but I don't think any of these trades give me back even close what I'm giving up.

What do you think?

Well, first, I ain't a guru, just a fan with an opinion, but thanks for the status. The pick up of Fred Davis was a good move. Making a trade from a position of desparation is never good, now you are not desparate. Let's look at each of these options at their face value.

1) When you look at this offer, you might think immediately that Driver is worth more than Miller, but in reality, Miller has more fantasy points than Drvier. He also has been hot of late, scoring 4 TDs in the last 4 weeks. This trade might make some sense from a future perspective, as Miller has been very consistent with at least 5 grabs in almost every game. Driver is hot now, but I think defenses will start rolling more coverage Driver's way and others will take up the slack.

2) Ray Rice is a top 5 fantasy back right now. No way I make this trade. I would need a top 3 TE and an either top 15 RB or a one with a solid potential. Neither Davis or Brown represent enough value.

3) I wouldn't make this trade either. Driver and Mason represent too much value when compared to Shockey and Smith.

So, from my view, offer #1 could be ok, seems almost an even exchange. And as far as making trades, no one knows everything at draft time. Surprises always happen during the season and any team can be improved with intelligent pick ups and prudent trades. Let me know what you decide!

Today's Hottie: Sarah Coggin

Counter Point

Jay Clemons write a pretty entertaining column for SI.com. And like most fantasy guru's or experts or whatever you want to call them, you never agree with all of what they say. Jay writes before the weekend games on guys who are a lock for good performances. Here is this week's column and my comments:

QB Locks For 275 Yards and/or 3 TDs
1. Donovan McNabb vs. Giants - Not sure I am on board with this one
2. Peyton Manning vs. 49ers - Bank Manning each and every week
3. Jay Cutler vs. Cleveland - I think my grandmother could shred the Cleveland defense
4. Tony Romo vs. Seattle - I think he will do ok, but not great, could easily reach the yardage mark
5. Philip Rivers vs. Oakland - The Oakland D is a bit stronger than folks think, Rivers won't get there.
6. Aaron Rodgers vs. Minnesota - If the weather holds, it will be another shoot for Rodgers and Favre
7. Kurt Warner vs. Carolina - Warner is heating up and has too many weapons, I am good with this one.
8. Drew Brees vs. Atlanta - Locked in.

RB Locks -- 120 Total Yards and/or 2 TDs
1. Ray Rice vs. Denver - Rice is too versatile not to reach 120 combined yards
2. Marshawn Lynch vs. Houston - An RBBC back, and Fred Jackson is the better all around back anyhow
3. Brandon Jacobs @ Philadelphia - With Bradshaw hobbled, if Jacobs gets 20+ touches, he can do this
4. Thomas Jones vs. Miami - Another ground dominated game, Jones should do well
5. Frank Gore @ Indianapolis - I have seen Gore on the bench list for others and I am with them as SF will be playing catch up
6. Marion Barber vs. Seattle - Barber is too inconsistent for my tastes and shares carries with two other capable backs
7. Steven Jackson @ Detroit - Lock this one in, and throw in a TD finally
8. Kevin Smith vs. St. Louis - I am not a Smith fan, but he could get the yardage I suppose
9. Ronnie Brown @ N.Y. Jets - Lock is in, and maybe put Ricky Williams in too
10. Maurice Jones-Drew @ Tennessee - Locked. Too many ways for MJD to get the ball
11. Chris Johnson vs. Jacksonville - The yardage is a lock I think
12. Pierre Thomas vs. Atlanta - I have seen him listed on a bench list too, but if the Saints get the lead, they like to run Thomas in the second half

WR Locks -- 110 Total Yards and/or 1 TD
1. Anquan Boldin vs. Carolina - With Breaston in the fold, either Boldin OR
2. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Carolina - Fitzgerald will reach the mark, but not both
3. Roddy White @ New Orleans - If Atlanta gets behind, White will get his
4. Vincent Jackson vs. Oakland - Jackson has been one of the hottest WRs this year and should continue, but I am not sure if Asomugha is playing, if he is temper this a bit
5. Miles Austin vs. Seattle - When will the Miles Austin show slow down? This week.
6. Mohammed Massaquoi @ Chicago - The Chicago D is not great, but I just don't see a decent QB option in Cleveland right not to throw him the ball
7. DeSean Jackson vs. N.Y. Giants - I think the Giants shut him down with pressure on McNabb
8. Derrick Mason vs. Denver - Denver has turned into a top defense, I don't see Flacco having time and will checking down to Rice more often than not
9. Brandon Marshall @ Baltimore - I am counting on Marshall to give Denver a couple big plays
10. Marques Colston vs. Atlanta - I think you can lock this one in
11. Lance Moore vs. Atlanta - Could happen, but this is a crap shoot with the secondary Saints WRs, could easily be Devery Henderson too.
12. Kenny Britt vs. Jacksonville - I like this pick up, Young has to throw it to someone.

Today's Hottie: Lacey Lynn

Counter Point

Matthew Berry is one of the most visible fantasy 'experts' on the planet due to his ESPN gig. And while he might be entertaining, I tend to disagree with him. That is what makes it fun to read and react to his column written on Friday each week "Love / Hate". Catch his thoughts here. Here are my thoughts on his thoughts.

Players Berry "Loves"

Lee Evans - This one ain't gonna happen, even if the Texan have given up points to visiting WRs
Matt Forte - If Ryan Grant can post 150 on the Browns, Forte can post 100+ right?
Devin Hester - I am starting Hester this weekend.
Matt Hasselbeck, TJ Housh, Nate Burleson - I predicted a shoot out for the Seahawks one other time, they will not burn me again
Kevin Smith - I have never been sold on this guy, even against the Rams
Danny Amendola - Who in the hello is this guy? deep sleeper? Well if you count comatose!
Kyle Orton / Brandon Marshall - Surprisely, the Ravens are vulnerable in the air, but this one is 50/50
Derrick Mason - This one pans out ONLY if Joe Flacco has time
Frank Gore - Gore was invisible last week, and the 49'ers will be behind, and will need to hit the air to try and keep pace... Gore disappears again this week
Austin Collie - He had one game really worth mentioning, it will remain that way... UNLESS Reggie Wayne is sidelined.
Ricky Williams - It is Ronnie Browns turn this week... and if you take away the long TD run, Ricky's day last week would have been more normal, like 75% of what Brown posts.
Jerricho Cotchery - Miami has pounded the ground game and still found a way to lose, but I think they will get over on the Jets like a few weeks ago, and I think it will be lower scoring, so not a great day for JC
LeSean McCoy - He is going to start, but I think the Giants will bottle him up.
Kevin Boss - iffy at best
David Garrard and Mike Sims-Walker - Yeah, I could see decents days for both here against the woeful Titans.
Justin Fargas - If you are stuck, look elsewhere, anywhere...
LaDainian Tomlinson - I hate to say it, but the best back in powder blue is named Darren
Sidney Rice - I agree, a must start
Donald Driver - As long as Jennings is drawing the coverage and Rodgers has enough time, Driver will continue his roll
Jeremy Shockey - Not certain on this one... he has a good week last week, due for a down one
Pierre Thomas / Mike Bell - One maybe, but not both... RBBC

Players Berry "Hates"
Marshawn Lynch - I have to agree, besides, Fred Jackson is the better player
Terrell Owens - Stick a fork in him, he is done
Kevin Walter - He is a MUST start on my team if Andre Johnson is out
Knowshon Moreno / Correll Buckhalter - I agree with this one, the Ravens are still stiff against the run
Vernon Davis - I am still in shock that he has finally arrived, but I would play him
Shonn Greene - Thomas Jones is still the primary, and Miami is solid against the run
Ted Ginnn - One more chance... I would give him one more chance, play him
Donovan McNabb - The Giants will give him fits, so I think Berry is right here
Ahmad Bradshaw - If he is hurt, then this is a no brainer... duh
Steve Smith - Yup, sit him until the Panthers find a new QB
Phillip Rivers - mmmmm, I would play him, against the Raiders... I would play him
Ryan Grant - Yeah, he is on my bench against the Vikings
Greg Jennings - He is on my bench until he gets more than 5 targets in a game
Tony Gonzales - Start him, you can't sit a must start TE

Look for more Hate next week!

Today's Hottie: Amanda Isabelle

To trade or not to trade?

One reader forwarded this trade option. The league is a 12 team re-draft, with two RB starters, two WR starters, a TE starter and a flex position. Here is the deal: Kris needs a TE with Chris Cooley going down with injury on his 4-3 team.The other team needs WRs help on a 5-1 roster. In return, Kris would get Steve Smith (NYG) and Jason WittenTeam B would get Donald Driver and Derrick Mason

I would tell him not to make this trade. First, Jason Witten has not gotten on track this season for whatever reason and Steve Smith has tailed off since his hot start early in the year. Donald Driver has turned into the number 1 option in Green Bay with coverages rolled to Greg Jennings. With JerMichael Finley injured, Driver's production should not slip. Derrick Mason will be steady if not spectacular for Baltimore as he is the only reliable WR option in town right now.

If I were in Kris' shoes, I would look to the waiver wire for a TE (Ben Watson is available I am told) and see if the trade could be modified to include a decent RB option. In return, offer these two WRs and perhaps a lower level RB with some upside.

If you have any trade thoughts, just drop a line to acmeff@gmail.com and give me as much detail as you can. Out!

Today's Hottie: Chelsea Brooke

Keeper League Strategy

Ok, we are through week seven and the season is starting to unfold. For some players who have a marginal team with a poor record, perhaps the playoffs are starting to look out of reach. If you are in a keeper league, especially deeper keeper leagues where you keep 3 or more players, you might to start looking towards next year, without completely tanking this year. How do you do that? Trades or pick ups.

Let's talk pick ups first. If there is a guy injured on the waiver wire, who normally would be on a team, now is the time to pick him up. Think Tom Brady last year. He was sitting on the waiver wire in most leagues until later in the seaon when some savvy owner picked him up and stashed him on their bench with the idea to keep him this year. Two year ago, one sharp owner I know picked up Michael Turner leading into his break out first season with Atlanta.

The second move you could make is to make a block buster trade. If there is a contending team out there that needs depth, make a move on their super star, thinking to set yourself of for a solid keeper for next year. Who has Adrian Peterson or Peyton Manning? Would a three-for-one deal of some of your tier 2 or non-keepr players make sense for them? Look at it from there perspective and if you would make the deal, why not try offering it.

These are just a couple thoughts for making moves for a poor team

Today's Hottie: Jennifer Chamberlin

Ramblings

Injury Impacts - early injury updates from the weekend and their impact.

If Andre Johnson's chest injury puts him on the side lines, keep your eye on Kevin Walter, but more importantly, watch Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels. All three are due for an up tick, but Slaton will see the most, as teams roll coverage to Daniels and Walter, and check downs to Slaton will be more likely.

Jermichael Finley is out for a few weeks at least. I wouldn't put a lot of stock in Donald Lee or new-comer Spencer Havner, but I would look for some increases from, and I know I sound like a broken record, but Greg Jennings. And with Jordy Nelson injured, James Jones is putting on a roll. Expect that to keep going.

Leon Washington is done for the year with a broken leg. Shonn Green stepped right in and had an exceptional game along side Thomas Jones. Jones will still be the primary back, but expect a significant side-kick roll from Green.

What's up? - Some players whose stock is up and are worth notice.

Michael Crabtree - He played most of the game and was really involved in the game plan. While 5 receptions and 56 yards is not outta this world, putting him on the field with the resurgence of

Vernon Davis and the surprising Alex Smith... dare we say a return to the glory years of the 80s and 90s? NOT!

Ricky Williams - Has anyone noticed the production Ricky Williams is putting up this year? He is a solid top 15 fantasy back as a back up to Ronnie Brown, who is a top 5 threat so far. Start him if you got him, even if you own Brown already. (the Jones/Green combo in New York bears watching in this light too).

Miles Austin - He is too obvious to even talk about. So is Owen Daniels.

Sidney Rice - Quietly, Rice is out performing much more ballyhooed teammate Percy Harvin. He is Brett Favre's favorite target, which bodes well for the rest of the season for Rice.

Today's Hottie: Meredith

Quick Hits

Quick reactions to today's action.

1) Steven Jackson just continues to roll, but again, not to the end zone. He really is the only bright spot on an ugly season in St. Louis.

2) Same ol' same ol' for Peyon Manning and Reggie Wayne. Remarkably, consistently good.

3) As predicted, the Pack rolled the Browns. Ryan Grant finally broke out strong, and Aaron Rodger got his... but the odd disappearance of Greg Jennings continues.

4) Watch out, here comes Alex Smith. After mroe than 3 years, is he finally ready to lead the 49'ers? And what in the hell has gotten into Vernon Davis. Fantasy world and football world was ready to right this guy off as a colossal bust, but here he goes and puts up more TD numbers. Nice!

5) Frank Gore is back... but he didn't make a difference this week.

6) Owen Daniels has to start being mentioned in the fantasy TE elite. 100+ and a TD... he is putting up strong numbers.

7) Mainly a defensive battle for Pitt v Minn, but again, noteworthy is Sidney Rice posting 100+ and should have had a TD but for a BS tripping call. AP did ok, a TD and 70.

8) The show down in London was anything but. Tom Terrific was again, terrific, 300+ and 3 TDs, plus an assist with a nice game for Welker. Watch Maroney, under utilized, but he did ok with not a ton of touches.

9) Nothing to write home about with the Bucs, just a long flight home.

10) Is Vincent Jackson one of the 5 best WRs in the league right now? I think so. Another strong performance against KC, 142 and a score.

11) I am figuring the issue with LT is named Darren Sproles, who has all but replaced him in the passing game, which is where LaDainian used to make a ton of his hay.

12) Put a fork into Larry Johnson. He is done.

13) Jake Delhomme threw three more INTs and was there a Steve Smith siting?

14) Stick a fork in Terrell Owens too.

15) I wonder who has the better running game, the Dolphins or the Jets? 265 and 3 TDs between Shonn Green and Thomas Jones. Yikes! Note to Leon Washington, hope it is not serious.

16) Have we FINALLY seen the last or JaMarcus Russell? Stick a fork in him too?

17) Congrats C Benson... revenge is a dish best served cold and his dismantling of the Chicago defense was plain cold.

18) Carson Palmer has shown flashes of his old self, but after 5 TDs against the Bears, I proclaim him officially back. Welcome back too Chad "ochocinco" Johnson.

19) Where in the hell has Matt Forte gone? and that Devin Hester character is turning into a pretty good WR.

20) Wow, I am officially impressed Miles Austin.

21) Here is the other official two headed monster, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. 128 and 4 TDs.

22) I might have to take back my assessment of Jeremy Shockey. He is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the Saint's offense.

Today's Hottie: Lindsey (and her twin sister Lauren)

Surprisers!

Going into the weekend, week 7, things are starting to shake themselves out, the stars are surfacing, the consistent are scoring and the pretenders are showing who they are. But there are still some surprises out there. Some on rosters, others not. Take a look:

Michael Crabtree - less than three weeks after his hissy fit ended and he reported to the 49'ers, he is ready to start? Crazy, but this kid does have mad skills. If you need a wideout as a bye week replacement, take a flier on this kid. He will surprise sooner than later and might make you happy by year's end.

Hakeem Nicks - He has been playing solidly since returning from his injury early in the year. I see no reason for that to stop. Nicks has a ton of talent and Eli is using him as his deep threat

Laurence Maroney - Like many fantasy owners, I have been waiting for Maroney to work his way out of the Hoodie's dog house or whatever he has been in. No body else remains and if he performs well, he will have to play.

Leon Washington - I couch this one with an injury statement... Thomas Jones is not young and Washington is a sprained knee or turned ankle from stardom.

Eddie Royal - While he has not exactly lit up the fantasy numbers, he has been targeted a lot in the past few weeks, ranking surprisingly in the top ten for wide outs. If you can pick up him cheap, do it now, while the Denver offense is just getting started.

Steve Slaton - Slaton ranks as one of fantasy's biggest disappointments so far, but unlike Matt Forte, also a huge disappointment, Slaton is starting to get targeted in the passing game, which lead to his huge performance this past week.

Jonathon Stewart - whether starting or not, Stewart will get his touches, but as with Leon Washington, if Williams get hurt, Stewart will see the bulk of the carries, and he will explode.

JerMichael Finley - He has been on the verge of breaking out since his performance against the Vikings a few weeks back. If Rodgers gets the time, he will start finding the talented young TE.

Kenny Britt - Depending on the QB situation in Tennesee and if Vince Young develops chemistry with the young WR, Britt could push the underwhelming starters for the Titans and start stealing the show.

Antonio Bryant - If he gets 100% healthy, he is going to help some team down the stretch. Other than Cadillac Williams, Tampa has very few weapons.

Ted Ginn - With the strong armed Chad Henne now in the driver's seat in Miami, Ginn can now start using his best assett, pure speed. We all saw it on the low TD two weeks ago, and we will see it again... and again.

Today's Hottie: Lauren (and her twin sister Lindsey)

Hate / Love

Matthew Berry is one of the most visible fantasy 'experts' on the planet due to his ESPN gig. And while he might be entertaining, I tend to disagree with him. That is what makes it fun to read and react to his column written on Friday each week "Love / Hate". Catch his thoughts here. Here are my thoughts on his thoughts.

Players Berry "Loves"

Donald Driver - I have to agree, Driver should do well against the Browns
LaDainian Tomlinson - I am not buying this one, while LT has showed signs of his former self, he is not there yet
Sean Ryan - Berry calls him a deep sleeper... I think I hear him snoring
Donald Brown and Joseph Addai - maybe one of them, not both
Visanthe Shiancoe and Heath Miller - This kinda makes sense, but I wouldn't bet on Shiancoe, Rice will get the Red zone attention this week.
Hines Ward - This IS the only weekness of the Viking D, could happen
Sam Aiken - Never heard of him, not buying, too many other targets for Brady, unless you want 24 yards and 2 receptions.
Cadillac Williams - There isn't a Bucc worth talking about this week
Shaun Hill - yeah, if you are desparate
Marshawn Lynch - Not sharing carries with a more appreciated Fred Jackson
Leon Washington - He will have his occassionally big game, but he is still second fiddle to Thomas Jones
Tony Romo - I see some yardage, but not a ton of scores from Romo, maybe one
Miles Austin - This is a one week wonder, I will wait and make Austin prove me wrong
Andre Caldwell - Caldwell is ok, but as Berry mentions, he is just like Chris Henry, no one knows when they will post the occassional strong game, so don't bank on either
Greg Olson - Olson and Forte are the forgotten men (though open all the time) as Cutler always tries to force the issue downfield.
Johnny Knox - I am not a Knox believer, just no strong evidence of his value
Eli Manning - Ok, this one makes sense, Eli should do well
Clinton Portis - He is the only guy worth noting in Washington, but not this week.

Players Berry "Hates"

Brett Favre - With the Steelers stacking the line to stop AP, and Polamalu taking gambles, look for Brett to bait the Steeler secondary into a couple mistakes for long scores
Rashard Mendehhall and Willie Parker - I would sit both
Vernon Davis - The Captain still has a lot to prove if I was going to start him, but I think he is starting to earn the trust of Shaun Hill and will get his
Owen Daniels - I would temper my expectations, but you have to start him
Steve Smith - He has disappeared this year and will continue to be invisible
Braylon Edwards - If Asomugha plays, Edwards should not
Mike Bell - Obvious not start. Thomas is the starter anyhow
Ted Ginn - The Saint defense is not as good as the hype, giving Ginn a couple chances deep with strong-armed Henne under center
Brandon Jacobs - He BETTER play well, I need him to show up on my team.
Brent Celek - Berry is absolutely right on this one... the NFL DOES need more porn mustaches
Donovan McNabb - Washington's defense is nothing special and McNabb has much to prove after the disaster in Oakland
Jason Campbell and Santana Moss - Until Campbell sits, Moss does too.

More Hate next week!

Today's Hottie: Corinne Doherty

Counter Point

Jay Clemons write a pretty entertaining column for SI.com. And like most fantasy guru's or experts or whatever you want to call them, you never agree with all of what they say. Jay writes before the weekend games on guys who are a lock for good performances. Here is this week's column and my comments:

QB Locks For 275 Yards and/or 3 TDs
1. Peyton Manning @ St. Louis - Manning could easily perform this good
2. Aaron Rodgers @ Cleveland - This is a 50/50 for me, but my feeling is Rodgers will do well
3. Philip Rivers @ Kansas City - Somehow, I am just feeling that Rivers won't have this good a game
4. Matt Cassel vs. San Diego - Not gonna happen
5. Tom Brady @ Tampa Bay - This is a lead pipe lock
6. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Minnesota - This one is iffy, but I like this prediction
7. Tony Romo vs. Atlanta - Romo has a knack for putting up numbers, just not thinking he will this weekend
8. Eli Manning vs. Arizona - Eli needs a recovery game and he should do it in a shoot out

RB Locks -- 120 Total Yards and/or 2 TDs
1. DeAngelo Williams vs. Buffalo - If Carolina sticks with its winning formula, this one is likely
2. Steven Jackson vs. Indianapolis - I could see the yards, but not the TDs, the Rams will be behind all game
3. Ryan Grant @ Cleveland - If ever he was going to have a good game this year, the Browns will give it up
4. LaDainian Tomlinson @ Kansas City - I saw flashes of his old self, but he is not quite there
5. Larry Johnson vs. San Diego - Not a chance
6. Steve Slaton vs. San Francisco - I just dont see this one either, unless he is heavily involved in the passing game again
7. Joseph Addai @ St. Louis - I don't feel this one
8. Leon Washington @ Oakland - and I don't think this one is gonna happen either
9. Michael Turner @ Dallas - Yeah, Turner is gonna burn the Boys
10. Brian Westbrook @ Washington - If healthy, Westbrook is still a top 5 fantasy back... IF
11. Brandon Jacobs vs. Arizona - I am praying for this one, he is on my team
12. Cedric Benson vs. Chicago - Benson has a major chip on his shoulder, so this one should pan out
13. Pierre Thomas @ Miami - quietly, as normal, Thomas should reach either or both goals

WR Locks -- 110 Total Yards and/or 1 TD
1. Vincent Jackson @ Kansas City - Could happen, but this one is 50/50 for me
2. Randy Moss @ Tampa Bay - could double this estimate LOL
3. Hines Ward vs. Minnesota - I don't see this happening, but Hines has been hot lately
4. Andre Johnson vs. San Francisco - I like Johnson in this game
5. Steve Smith vs. Arizona - Smith is a prime example of sell high, teams are on to him and so are the Cards
6. Greg Jennings @ Cleveland - It is now or never this year for Jennings in my book
7. Roddy White @ Dallas - Lock this one in, the Dallas secondary is vulnerable
8. DeSean Jackson @ Washington - Not gonna happen
9. Steve Breaston @ N.Y. Giants - Neither is this one, while he might have a nice game, not this nice
10. Reggie Wayne @ St. Louis - Lock it and write it in stone
11. Dwayne Bowe vs. San Diego - This is a 50/50 for me

We will have to see how close these end up being.

Today's Hottie: Nikki

Tops this weekend

Seems like everyone has their "lists", whether they call them rankings or top tens or whatever, we are always confronted with lists. So, here is mine, although abbreviated. Plus my bottom lists.
Quarterbacks
1 - Tom Brady
2 - Peyton Manning
3 - Aaron Rodgers
4 - Drew Brees
5 - Ben Rothlisberger
Sleeper: Brett Favre - He might just do well against the Steelers
Duds - Only start these guys if my mother-in-law isn't available on the waiver wire.
JaMarcus Russell, Mark Sanchez, Jason Campbell

Runningbacks
1- Michael Turner
2 - Ryan Grant
3 - Laurence Maroney
4 - Adrian Peterson
5 - Ronnie Brown
Sleeper: LaDainian Tomlinson - I think I saw just a wink of the former greatness on Monday night
Duds - Only start these guys is Ed Anser can't be found.
Brandon Jacobs, Rashard Mendenhall, Cadillac Williams

Wide Receivers
1 - Randy Moss
2 - Reggie Wayne
3 - Roddy White
4 - Wes Welker
5 - Greg Jennings
Sleeper: Steve Breaston
Duds - Only start these guys if you can't find a fat guy on a pogo stick
Roy Williams, Antonio Bryant, Mohamed Massaquoi

Tight Ends
1 - Dallas Clark
2 - Antonio Gates
3 - Tony Gonzales
4 - Owen Daniels
5 - Greg Olsen
Sleeper: Vernon Davis
Duds - Only start these guys if Porky Pig isn't healthy enough to start
Robert Royal, Anthony Fasano, Kevin Boss

We will how this works this weekend. Bon Voyage!

Today's Hottie: Heather Parisohttp://www.myspace.com/hpariso

Does your team suck?

So, your team sucks and so does your record? Don't give up quite yet. There might be hope yet. We are only 6 weeks into a typical 14 games season, and even if you are 2, 3 or even 4 games out, you could still make it in. Plus, there is a little help out there still and trades with suckers.

First, fantasy history is littered with slow starts that ended great, or fast starts that crashed and burned. Curtis Martin a few years back was an also run, going into his twilight years as a back for the Jets, but exploded in the second half and helped carry this fantasy owner to the league championship (2003). At the same time, a player can play well early and end up a dud, spelling doom for a front runner. If there is one rule in football, or fantasy football, is that things change... things always change.

How about some help? Take a look at the waiver wire again. While at this point the pickings are slim, there is always potential. Let's peek at this year's examples. Lawrence Maroney re-emerged as a temporary star for New England last weekend. If you are weak at runningback, take a flier on a guy who might step up and be a significant starter. Need a wide out? Look at Michael Crabtree. Rumor is he will start this weekend after having time during the bye week to learn enough of the offense. What if Crabtree breaks out? It's not as if the 49'ers have a stockpile of talent at WR.

How about trades? Have a bonafide star like Drew Brees or Tom Brady? Trade em, since one player will not win the championship for you. But get value. In the case of Drew Brees, at least three quality starters and if you lean on the side of potential... if the potential pans out, you might find yourself in the fantasy playoffs. The key is to sell high and buy low. Pick a few under achievers to slip on your roster, the flash a big name and reap the rewards.

Finally, injuries can play a part. Take Adrian Peterson this year. What if he goes down with a significant injury? Well, Chester Taylor owners suddenly have a fanatsy gem which could make a HUGE difference. Think about the Giant's two headed monster at running back. If either Jacobs or Bradshaw get hurt, the reps for the other will go up significantly, making their into a juggernaut.

In the end, the race is a long one. No championship is won in the first six weeks. Sure, some might have a leg up, but it is still early enough to salvage a place in the playoffs.

Today's Hottie: Sheridyn Fisher