Published September 02, 2008 01:02 am -
Fantasy Forum: Trades and waivers
Most fantasy drafts have already taken place, and now the only thing left is to set a Week 1 lineup and start investigating trade possibilities.
An experienced owner is also already looking at the waiver wire, eyeing some players he or she thought about drafting but didn’t get the chance to. Here’s a list of potential waiver-wire fodder that could pay dividends early in the season. Keep an eye on how these guys are being used in Week 1 and see if one or two of them can strengthen your roster.
Chris Perry (RB, Cincinnati): If you drafted a while ago, there’s a decent chance Perry was left on the board. He has apparently been anointed the starter, so watch how he does in Week 1 and act accordingly.
Maurice Morris (RB, Seattle): In most leagues, Julius Jones was drafted and Morris was overlooked. Seattle may have some offensive problems early but, if Morris turns out to be the starter, he may provide good depth.
Robert Meachem (WR, New Orleans): He’s talented and he had a good preseason. The only problem is, the Saints have a number of options, and Meachem is likely to be down the list. See how much playing time he gets in Week 1.
Bryant Johnson (WR, San Francisco): It’s unlikely he was drafted in your league and deservedly so. If J.T. O’Sullivan turns out to be another Mike Martz passing machine, Johnson will reap the benefits and may provide a lot of help for teams weak at receiver.
Kurt Warner (QB, Arizona): Like Perry, if you drafted before the weekend its possible Warner was left on the board. He’s been named the starter and, as long as he stays healthy, should be better than just about every back-up quarterback in your fantasy league.
Tim Hightower (RB, Arizona): This rookie back is not likely to get many carries this year but, there’s a chance he could be the team’s goal-line guy. If that’s the case, he could be valuable as a bye-week play or short-term starter for an injured back.
Michael Jenkins (WR, Atlanta): He beat out Laurent Robinson for the starting spot opposite Roddy White, but the big question mark for the Falcons is rookie starting QB Matt Ryan. If he struggles (as expected), no receivers on Atlanta will be worth having.
Troy Williamson (WR), Jacksonville): Yes, THAT Troy Williamson. He had an OK preseason. but it remains to be seen if he will get much playing time or if he has learned how to hold on to the ball. Keep an eye on him.
Dustin Keller (TE, N.Y. Jets): New QB Brett Favre has developed a rapport with Keller, and that could mean the tight end is in for a decent season. Watch his progress, starting with Week 1.
It’s also important in Week 1 to monitor your own roster to see who isn’t getting many opportunities. The key, however, is not to over-react. It usually takes at least three games to see if a pattern is developing.
Jim Rueda is the Free Press Sports Editor. You may e-mail him fantasy football questions to jrueda@mankatofreepress.com or call him at 344-6381.