The fantasy football trade deadline in many leagues is fast approaching, and with it comes your final chance to solidify your team as a contender and make a push into the playoffs.
Just like in professional sports, use the trade deadline to upgrade a position that’s been lacking in production. Those few extra points earned by your teams’ new acquisition could go a long way in assuring your spot in the playoffs.
Likewise, be sure to replace any injured starters or bench players you may have through trade. If you want to make the playoffs, picking away at the waiver wire to replace your injured players probably isn’t going to be as effective as making a trade.
Many players’ statuses are up in the air following the conclusion of Week 10. Broncos’ running backs Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno were both hurt in the Broncos’ victory over the Chiefs. Chiefs’ quarterback Matt Cassel was also injured late in the game. Receivers A.J. Green and Jeremy Maclin suffered injuries in their respective games as well. Pay close attention to the injury reports this week.
The next week or two may be crucial to your fantasy hopes. As for this week, here are a few players with fantasy upside and a few with fantasy downside in our weekly “Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em.”
Start ‘Em:
After carving up opposing defenses for more than 130 yards rushing in three of the last four games, Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray should have earned his way into your starting lineup by now. Even if the injured Felix Jones returns, Murray has done more than enough to continue getting his share of carries out of the Cowboy’s backfield. He’s up against a Redskins defense that isn’t great against the run.
Seahawks’ running back Marshawn Lynch is also riding an impressive streak as well. Against a stout Ravens’ run defense, Lynch had 109 yards and a touchdown last week. He has over 100 yards on the ground in each of his last two games and a touchdown in three straight. The Rams’ run defense is near the bottom of the league, surrendering over five yards a carry. There’s a good chance Lynch stays hot in this matchup.
Although he missed the NFC West matchup against the Eagles way back in Week Three due to a concussion, start Giants’ wide receiver Mario Manningham. Manningham has averaged over five receptions per game since returning from the injury, and has a touchdown in three straight. Look for Eli Manning to continue targeting him.
Sit ‘Em:
After a hot start to the season in fantasy terms, Cardinals’ running back Beanie Wells has suffered a complete drop off in production. He hasn’t gone over 100 yards on the ground since week four and has just one touchdown in his last four games. Going up against a dominant 49ers’ run defense that still hasn’t surrendered a rushing touchdown this season doesn’t help his case, either.
Broncos’ wide receiver Eric Decker has a touchdown catch in three straight games and has been a reliable fantasy starter for the most part. That said, he’ll be going up against Darrelle Revis and the potent Jets’ pass defense in Week 11. Benching him would be a smart move, especially considering that Tim Tebow, who had just two completions in last week’s victory over the Chiefs, is still his quarterback.
Don’t let one week fool you. As excited as you may be that Titans’ running back Chris Johnson scored his second touchdown of the season last week, keep him on your bench. He scorched a lowly Panthers’ run defense to the tune of 130 yards and a touchdown last week, but is up against Atlanta’s top five run defense this week. Even if the Titans’ return to the zone- blocking scheme that made Johnson so effective in years past is showing progress, the results aren’t enough yet.
Tom Gallagher can be reached by email at gallagher.record@live.com.