Five Fantasy Players To Use As Trade Bait

Added on Sep 15, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

One of my favorite things about fantasy football is making trades. Unfortunately, it can be difficult finding a willing partner to wheel ‘n’ deal with. A lot of owners are skeptical when it comes to trades, especially this early in the season. A nagging feeling of “I’m getting ripped off” will often talk them out of making the swap. The key to persuading them otherwise is convincing them they are getting the better end of the transaction. So, if you’re thin at one position and need an immediate upgrade, here are five guys who based on their week one production should pique another owner’s interest.

5. Steve Breaston (Cardinals) – With Derek Anderson under center, Breaston’s weekly numbers will be hard to predict. There’s no way he’ll supplant Larry Fitzgerald as the go-to guy, but 7 catches for 132 yards will be enticing to wide receiver needy owners. If you have him sitting on your bench and don’t think you’ll ever start him, now is the time to move him.

4. Carson Palmer (Bengals) – I don’t trust Palmer’s ability to mirror his week one performance on a regular basis. The Bengals are a run-first defensive team. Shoot-outs and garbage time passing yards won’t be the norm. Odds are you drafted Palmer to be your backup, so set your sights on the panicky Kevin Kolb and Matt Schaub owners and make an offer.

3. Matt Forte (Bears) – In most leagues, Forte was selected to be a number three/flex running back. After blowing up for 200 total yards and a pair of touchdowns against the cowardly Lions, he now looks like a solid number two. However, looks can be deceiving. I actually like Forte’s prospects this season, but if you have depth at running back and need help elsewhere, put him on the block.

2. Chad Ochocinco (Bengals) – See Carson Palmer. 12 catches for 159 yards and a score?! Ocho will be lucky to reach those figures again in 2010. He’ll continue to be the Bengals top pass catching option, but the presence of Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham will limit Chad’s production some weeks. If you can afford to let him go, do it now.

1. Arian Foster (Texans) – The week one fantasy darling’s stock will never be higher. It might sound insane to deal a guy who just rumbled for 231 yards and three touchdowns, but that’s the point. Do you really believe he’ll come close to that again? Target the Ryan Grant and Shonn Greene owners and try to land a top-end receiver or quarterback.