Players to target
QB Matthew Stafford, DET
Here’s our Bargain Basement special of the week. There is a serious amount of ugly QB play in the NFL right now and you aren’t likely to find much upside at the QB position at this point. Stafford is back after his knee injury, and he’s starting to understand the offense and make some plays, as opposed to just managing the game. Of course, he needs WR Calvin Johnson (knee) back in the worst way, but once that happens, Stafford might put up better numbers than many suspect.
Since Stafford was either a late round afterthought or a waiver wire pick up, there’s every chance that you could get his owner to part with him on the cheap – very, very cheap. If you aren’t feeling so good about your QB situation, there’s nothing wrong with trading for Stafford, sticking him on your bench, and then seeing how he reacts once Johnson returns. Trading for QB upgrade at this point is likely to be an expensive proposition. Stafford could be a bargain in the second half of the season.
RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG
It’s clear that the Giants are struggling right now. QB Eli Manning isn’t playing well, the defense doesn’t play well against the pass and the running game isn’t nearly what it was last season. That makes it an excellent time to inquire about Jacobs, who we’ve listed here before. Now that RB Ahmad Bradshaw is battling a foot injury, Jacobs will be called on to carry even more of the load.
As the weather gets nasty and the Giants looks to get their team back on track, there’s every chance that they put more emphasis on running the ball. Bradshaw has looked dynamic this season, but he’s hurt. Given how hard it can be to acquire decent RB talent, Jacobs is still a good guy to target at this point. Just make sure that you don’t pay a premium.
WR Larry Fitzgerald, AZ
Last week we listed Greg Jennings as a quality WR who had yet to go off, and he had a nice game against the Vikings. That makes Fitzgerald as the stud WR most likely to start producing numbers that owners expected when they drafted him. The truth is, everything went right for Fitzgerald in 2008, so he’s not going to replicate those stats. That doesn’t mean he’s not a stud WR, because he clearly is and the team will look to him more with R Anqaun Boldin struggling with a high ankle sprain.
WR Austin Collie, IND
There’s a chance you can grab Collie on the cheap because his owner thinks that Collie’s shelf life is short with WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee) supposedly ready to return. Still, reports have Gonzalez struggling to return to form, and Collie keeps looking very good. Even if Gonzalez does make it back, Collie would have a role.
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Players to move
QB Brett Favre, MIN
How heartless can we be? Pretty darn heartless, actually. Favre has played exceptionally well and he’s produced. We’ve expressed our concern before, and now is a very good time to express it again since Favre reportedly played with a groin injury in Week 8.
Our concern with Favre from the beginning has been whether he can handle the pounding of an NFL season. His history proves he’ll play hurt, but it’s very likely at his age that he will not completely heal as the season progresses. That’s why there aren’t many 40-year-old QBs in the NFL.
Right now, you should be able to command a premium price for Favre. Consider this only if you can extract maximum value for Favre, who was likely drafted as a backup.
RB Chris Johnson, TEN
Johnson is a remarkable talent who’s been playing on a remarkably bad team. He lit up the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8 for 228 yards and two TDs, and he can score from anywhere on the field.
All that praise considered, Johnson is still somebody you might want to deal. RBs have value in part because good ones are usually reliable point producers. Johnson is an exceptional RB who’s not reliable, because the team around him is likely to get blown out in a given week.
The Titans have too many issues to address for them to turn the corner and play like the 2008 team, especially with Vince Young now at QB. Only deal Johnson if you can get solid value, but consider doing so if you can. The occasional monster game followed by very little won’t likely win you a championship.
RB Matt Forte, CHI
Forte’s two-D performance on Sunday makes this an excellent time to sell-high to an owner who believes the 2008 version has returned. That certainly doesn’t seem likely from what we’ve seen. Forte was likely a Top 5 pick, so you need an RB1 out of the deal. That’s not going to be easy to do, but there’s a better chance to do it now than at any time so far this year.
WR Steve Smith, CAR
When he ripped the team after his Week 6 performance, which consisted of one catch for four yards, it was the absolute low point and we advocated trading for Smith. Many owners were inclined to dump him at that point, which was understandable.
It’s not easy being a contrarian. It’s also by no means fool proof, but we have to point out that in the last two weeks, Steve Smith has total 155 yards and a TD.
If you traded for Smith a couple of weeks ago, you’ve received good production since then. It’s fine to hold him and hope that he continues to produce considering he probably cost you little.
However, if you drafted Smith, now is a much better time to consider moving him. He’s had a couple of productive games, but the underlying problems with the passing game remain.
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Article first appeared Nov 4, 2009