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Week 2 - Buy & Sell Report
By Mike Beacom
Stock Market Report 9-9 The hammer has fallen on Ray Rice. It’s unlikely his indefinite suspension will be lifted this year, and he may never play again. And, so, fantasy owners who selected him anticipating a two-game suspension are left with a hole in their roster. What to do, what to do… Most would have anticipated Bernard Pierce to step forward for Baltimore, but his fumble opened the door for Justin Forsett, who finished with 11 carries to Pierce’s 6, and Forsett caught five passes (no surprise, Pierce didn’t catch one). Most telling, Forsett averaged 6.4 yards per carry – almost three times better than Pierce’s 2.3 average. Neither of these guys is Ray Rice, and fantasy owners have been less than satisfied with Forsett in the past. But now he has the reins to a running game that will get the most from his talents, and anyone looking to swap out Rice should give Forsett strong consideration. Here are a few other waiver wire candidates to consider ... RB Ahmad Bradshaw, Colts The Trent Richardson trade looks more rotten with each passing week. Not only was he ineffective in the season opener, but Bradshaw looked capable of bumping Richardson from the starting job. Bradshaw had a better yards per carry average and out-performed Richardson in the passing game. Bradshaw is not an attractive pick up, but he’s more appealing than Richardson at this point. WR Markus Wheaton, Steelers Minus Antonio Brown’s pretty back corner touchdown, Wheaton’s statline was near identical to the team’s top receiver in Week 1. Wheaton was actually targeted more and caught one more pass from Ben Roethlisberger. Wheaton looks like a more complete fantasy player in this offense than what fantasy owners saw from Emmanuel Sanders, and at present he’s available in more than 60 percent of leagues. WR Brian Quick, Rams Quick could be a third-year breakout candidate, or it could be another one-week wonder for the Rams receiver. Keep in mind that, prior to Sunday, he’d had only one game in his career with more than 50 yards receiving. But the Rams do need downfield targets and the team’s quarterbacks looked to Quick more than any other weapon (nine targets for 99 yards). WR Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers Someone had to catch passes in this offense, yet few picked Benjamin in their draft. Crazy. On Sunday, Benjamin stepped into the limelight and toasted the Buccaneers for 92 yards and a touchdown. He’s sure to get more looks when Cam Newton returns to the lineup, and even though he’ll now draw the attention of opponents, Benjamin’s 6-5, 240-pound frame will serve as protection. He could be this year’s breakout fantasy rookie. WR Allen Hurns, Jaguars I have no choice – I have to put Hurns on the waiver wire because he came from nowhere to post 110 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. However, I’d be lying if I said I was sold he’s the next Marques Colston. Consider that Cecil Shorts is scheduled to return to the club soon, and that Marqise Lee, not Hurns, led Jacksonville in targets against the Eagles. My guess is when Shorts returns to the lineup Hurns will return to anonymity. TE Larry Donnell, Giants Speaking of anonymity, Donnell caught everyone by surprise when he led the Giants in catches, yards and targets against Detroit. This has never been an offense to favor the tight end, so do not get too excited, but it’s clear that for those looking for a tight end – perhaps those wanting insurance for an early-season injury – Donnell may be the best of what’s available. The waiver wire isn’t the only way for fantasy owners to improve their roster; a well-crafted trade proposal can help every bit as much as picking up an up-and-coming free agent. Here is a look at this week’s buy and sell candidates: {BUY} QB Tony Romo, Cowboys Yes, that Tony Romo – the one who tossed three first half interceptions that contributed to Dallas’ demise on Sunday. Look, Romo looked ugly but the Cowboys also moved the ball with ease on San Francisco’s defense and Romo clearly has a talented cast of weapons. Most weeks he will be the same Romo from last season that was a respectable starting quarterback for fantasy owners. Right now it’s likely he can be had for pennies on the dollar. WR Jarrett Boykin, Packers For all that was made of Green Bay’s decision to “ignore” Richard Sherman on Thursday, the truth is that Green Bay only sacrificed Boykin in order to neutralize one of the game’s best cornerbacks. Call that a win for the Packers. Still, many will sell on Boykin frustrated by his Week 1 no show. He’s still a viable fantasy target as the No. 3 receiver for this prolific offense, and someone worth picking up when others discard him. TE Dennis Pitta, Ravens Pitta tied Steve Smith with 15 targets and led Baltimore with 10 catches on a day when the Ravens offense passed 62 times and rushed just 20 times. This could become the norm with Ray Rice out of the picture, but regardless it shows Joe Flacco’s commitment to his steadiest weapon. Those fantasy owners in PPR leagues should pounce, as it appears the Pitta from 2012 is back in full form. {SELL} RB Frank Gore, 49ers Gore is still the 49ers primary back, but it was clear Sunday that the team is making room for Carlos Hyde and LaMichael James, among others. In fact, Hyde averaged 7.1 yards per carry and scored the team’s only rushing touchdown in the lopsided win over Dallas. While Gore is still the workhorse, he may never again be a 20-carry back, and I suspect that by midseason he may be sharing equal time with Hyde. RB Chris Ivory, Jets Ivory’s run made the highlights but it was a bit misleading for fantasy owners. Take away his 71-yard touchdown and Ivory managed just 31 yards on his other nine carries. Yuck. The Jets are not an attractive team for fantasy owners to begin with, and the fact that Ivory must share touches with Chris Johnson – who actually had more carries than Ivory – is reason to calm the excitement. WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings The thinking here is clear: Patterson’s biggest fantasy contribution on Sunday came via the running game (102 yards, touchdown) and that’s not going to happen every week, or even regularly. Instead, it was scary to see Greg Jennings do so well and Patterson struggle in the passing game (26 yards, just 8.7 yards per reception). He’s a freakish athlete who will draw plenty of interest from your fellow league owners, so now would be the perfect time to maximize his trade value. Follow Mike Beacom on Twitter @mikebeacom |
