Prime Trade Target: Lamar Miller is 4th
in rushing attempts and his remaining schedule is favorable.
Week 5 Review
Let’s start out by taking a look at last week’s results…
Hits:
(Sell) Dontrelle
Inman: Inman fell from grace this week after a monstrous
game last week. His 3 targets resulting in 1 catch for 3 yards surely
left your trade partner with remorse. Good job if you sold high
here.
(Sell) John
Brown: Like Inman, “Downtown” Brown suffered a similar
fate (1 catch for 11 yards on 4 targets), and if you were able to
dump him you certainly made out. Both of their production for the
rest of the season will be a rollercoaster that is replaceable on
the waiver wire.
(Buy) James
White/Dion
Lewis: Brady threw the ball 40 times in a game where
Jimmy Garoppolo mopped up garbage time. Six of his throws were to
James White who caught 4 for 63 yards. He also added 5 carries for
26 yards. This volume and usage will only increase. The better long-term
buy is clearly Lewis, but owning both has its advantages as who
knows when Lewis will come back (if ever). If he doesn’t, White
becomes a premier PPR back. The good news is you probably didn’t
have to give up much to land either. Keep buying if you can.
(Buy) Julian
Edelman: With a team leading 10 targets, Edelman ended
up with 5 catches for 35 yards. I’ve been hard on myself in past
weeks on grading hits and misses, but I’m taking the W here considering
his targets and the instant upgrade once Brady stepped onto the
field Sunday. If you were able to pry him away, cheers to you! If
not, keep trying.
Undecided:
(Buy) Cam
Newton: Newton remains a buy. Another week out because
of his concussion will only lower his asking price in most situations
so we’ll keep him here until he comes back, likely this week against
the Saints.
(Sell) Hunter
Henry: I’m still not sold on Henry being a hold, even
though Antonio Gates is getting old. Rhyming aside, 3 for 74 and
a score every week would sure be nice, but it’s not realistic with
Gates coming back into the fold. If anything, you might be able
to sell high on him now (especially in keeper leagues) to get solid
talent this year.
(Buy) Kenneth
Dixon: I won’t bother talking about stats with Dixon
as they are clearly easing him in. Terrance West had another impressive
game so I’ll hold off on judgement at this time. With Marc Trestman
out and Marty Mornhinweg in it will definitely change the style
of this offense so let’s see what happens here. Dixon remains a
buy considering his upside and even lower asking price after last
week.
(Buy) DeAndre
Washington: Washington and Jalen Richard split the load
50/50 last week, and turned out similar results on the ground and
in the air. With Latavius Murray back soon, this backfield could
turn into a full-blown RBBC. We’ll keep him in the undecided section
until this situation shakes out. He remains a buy at this point
as he has tremendous upside. Again – his price went down like Dixon’s
so buy at a bargain.
(Buy) Jordan
Matthews: My favorite buy-low candidate from last week
had a pedestrian showing catching all 4 of his targets for 65 yards.
Rookie QB Carson Wentz has been throwing the ball 34 times a game,
and Matthews is still the target leader. He also remains a buy-low
this week and should turn it around against Washington in Week 6.
Misses:
(Sell) Matt
Ryan: After beating the Broncos in Denver without throwing
an interception, I think it’s only fair I take the loss here. He
didn’t wow us with his numbers, but the offense was efficient against
a Denver Defense that has shutdown opposing QBs like no other over
the past year and a half. If you sold, I’m sure you either got back
a decent QB or had one. You probably were handsomely rewarded with
a solid flex start as well.
(Buy) Golden
Tate: Another ho-hum game for Tate is worrisome to say
the least with Eric Ebron out, and no running back but Theo Riddick
healthy. I ended up buying low in one league (Dontrelle Inman for
Golden Tate) and selling in another (Charles Sims and Golden Tate
for Theo Riddick and Tyler Eifert) so I think I made the most of
this terrible situation. Hopefully you did too!
(Sell) Isaiah
Crowell: Crowell has done very well since I recommended
his sell high in Week 3. He had his worst week against the Patriots
rushing 13 times for 22 yards and was basically replaced by Duke
Johnson in an absolute blowout. They also lost their “starting QB”
in Cody Kessler so I can’t hold this game completely against him.
I have a feeling his best games are behind him considering the state
of the Browns, but we will check back Week 8 during the midseason
review.
As always, I will reevaluate this data on a weekly basis. I have
also decided to do a mid-season review during Week 8 to discuss
the hits and misses based on trades executed that I’ve either
been a part of, have witnessed, or have been emailed about based
on feedback from readers.
Week 6
And now on to Week 6…
The Bait:
Cameron
Artis-Payne: 18 carries for 85 yards and 2 scores was
more of a product of Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart being out
than anything else. He was not involved in the passing game (0
targets), and has little to no value with Stewart coming back.
You must sell now.
Ryan
Mathews: A costly fumble which lost the Eagles the
game this week, and the talent around Mathews leaves me to believe
his role will decrease. After a game where he saw decent volume
(16 total touches), 5 catches and a score, he is a sell high.
If you can pair him with another decent player in a deal, do so.
Adam
Thielen: With Stefon Diggs out Thielen showed he can
be a solid performer at the NFL level (7 for 127 and 1 score).
The problem with him going forward is his volume of targets and
Sam Bradford’s injury/performance history. Diggs is the clear
No.1 receiver and should be back in Week 7. Package him up and
try to buy into a solid commodity.
Buy-Low Candidates:
Lamar
Miller: Miller’s attempts (101 – 4th overall), lack
of alternative backfield talent, and catching ability make him
my prime buy-low candidate for this week. He gets the Colts defense
that’s given up 109 yards per game and 5 rushing touchdowns on
the season. According to FantasyPros.com, the Texans have the
8th easiest SOS for running backs the rest of the season.
Kelvin
Benjamin: For a player starting the season with 13
for 199 and 3 scores, Benjamin has been quiet outside of a TD
in Week 3. Most of it has to do with Cam Newton being out so this
is a premier time to buy-in. He might have another week of Derek
Anderson and then a bye so you could be waiting until Week 8 until
he has a chance at solid production, but he’s worth a look at
the right price.
Alshon
Jeffery: 22 for 394 through five games with no scores
should be concerning to owners. His health on a weekly basis is
also a cause for concern. Take a stab at owners this week in light
of Cameron Meredith’s big game and see if you can buy-in on the
ground floor. This will be a gamble, but clearly his best games
are in front of him.
Darren
Sproles/Wendell
Smallwood: These buy-low candidates are more of a product
of Ryan Mathews instability with the football and his health concerns.
I’m trying to own one in each of my leagues as they have high
upside.
I’m constantly wheeling and dealing so hit me up on
twitter, the comments section, and/or email
for advice.
As always keep those conversations active and hopefully you can
land some premier talent!
Follow me on twitter @ZeroRBJoe
for any questions about trades, lineups, or anything fantasy football
related.
