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Fantasy Mastermind Moment Slow starters, fast finishers
By Michael Nazarek, Special to CNNSI.com We may be only two weeks in the fantasy season, but smart owners are constantly looking for ways to improve their squad. While the waiver wire is often the quickest and easiest way to do that, it's the fantasy trade that often can be the difference between just making the playoffs and winning it all in the end. There is no better time than the present to begin looking for players to acquire to accomplish this goal. The key here is to get the best value in return for the smallest price, or at least a price that's reasonable and doesn't hurt you in the process. That's where buying low comes into play. I discussed this strategy here last season, but for those of you who missed it, let me digress. Everyone knows who the hot players are … Peyton Manning, Ahman Green, Rod Smith, etc. … Trying to acquire these players can be downright impossible. Why? Owners know what they have and will ask for the moon in return. Struggling teams won't be able to match demands for those players. What do smart owners do? They will make themselves a list of players that have potential, but aren't living up to expectations. It is the acquisition of these players at a cheap price that can make a true difference in your fantasy season. And that brings me to the slow starters of the 2001 season. You know these guys. They are the players that were hyped to no end who have struggled in the early going. But just because they haven't produced doesn't mean they won't be fast finishers. No, siree. Smart owners know many of these players are known for their slow start. It's what happens later in the season, that really counts. To that end, I offer to you a list of players that owners will want to do their best to acquire. Why? They will not only come at a reasonable (and sometimes cheap) price, but they will turn it around and help your team. And winning is what it's all about, right? Let's get right to it …
The Slow Starter1. QB Daunte Culpepper, MIN: The biggest name on this list, Culpepper hasn't embarrassed himself, but there's no doubt that he's playing in a confused state and his teammates aren't helping matters by bickering on the sideline. Rest assured, head coach Dennis Green will straighten out this mess and the Vikings will be humming along. It may not be this week, but by mid-season, we will most likely have forgotten what took place back in Week 2. 2. QB Rich Gannon, OAK: Gannon is coming off one of his poorest performances as a Raider last week, throwing for a mere 125 yards and no scores. Of course, these numbers came against a very tough Miami defense on the road. If there's an unsatisfied Gannon owner in your league, jump all over the situation to trade for him. The targets he has are too talented for this to happen again anytime soon. 3. RB Eddie George, TEN: A consistent member of this group, George is averaging a mere 3.36 yards per carry to date. We must remember through the first three games last season he average only 2.9 yards per carry, and we all know what he did in the final two months of the season (11 scores in six games). Guess what? George has another patsy schedule to end the season. I think you get my drift here. 4. RB Tiki Barber, NYG: The surprise of the RB world last season has fizzled out to date. Where's the lightning? You know what I say? Where is your patience? The Giants have played two road games against improved run defenses in Denver and Kansas City. Barber remains an integral part of the Giants offense, both in the running and passing games. If you own him, hold him. If you don't, make a move to acquire him. You won't regret it. 5. RB Emmitt Smith, DAL: He's going for the all-time rushing record this season, but he's failed to score. Can you blame him? He's faced Tampa Bay, San Diego, and gets Philadelphia this week. But that doesn't mean Smith won't continue to plug away and get his scores. The schedule gets much easier as the weeks progress. The Cowboys play Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco and Detroit to end their season. You might be able to get Emmitt for a song and a dance right now, but that will surely change if you wait. 6. WR Randy Moss, MIN: Yeah, I know. The guy quits on his routes when not involved in the offense. He's complaining every chance he gets. But you know as well as I do that no one can light up a fantasy game like Moss can when he's on, and everyone knows it's just a matter of time before he gets his groove on. So, now is the time to strike while his value is down. Who knows, maybe it will only cost you half an arm and half a leg? 7. WR Cris Carter, MIN: See a trend here? Yeah, he only caught one pass last week. So what? You are nuts if you think Cris Carter is going to end his career by fading into the woodwork and becoming another Jake Reed. Reed fills that job all by himself. 8. WR Torry Holt, STL: One poor game and I can already hear the whispers … OVERRATED. Yeah, right. Holt had one "off" game, so what should owners do? Take advantage of any doubters with him on their squad and trade for him. I see many 100-plus yard performances in this kid's future and soon! 9. WR Terrell Owens, SF: Maybe your competitor heard about the four passes that Owens dropped last weekend? If he didn't, tell him! There's no doubt that Owens remains the No. 1 option in the 49ers passing game and a STUD wideout to boot. But the fact that Owens has yet to score might have him a bit nervous. Just tell that owner you'll gladly take Owens off his hands before he drops every pass thrown his way (wink, wink). 10. TE Frank Wycheck, TEN: All the talk has been about Erron Kinney. Yes, he's a bigger part of the offense, but once McNair returns, Wycheck will see his looks once again. You can probably get Wycheck for a backup receiver on your roster, one who is performing. There's no guarantee all of the players listed above will come out of their "funk," but I'd say the odds of most of them picking it up is more than good. Remember, fantasy winners take risks sometimes. Sitting back and doing nothing could be your worst mistake right now.
Looking aheadFantasy owners looking for a high scoring affair should consider the Monday night affair when the New York Jets host the San Francisco 49ers. QB Jeff Garcia shouldn't have any problems with a porous Jets secondary. Meanwhile, QB Vinny Testaverde thrives on Monday night and the 49ers secondary isn't exactly an All-Pro group. Look for both WR Terrell Owens and WR Wayne Chrebet to score their first TDs of the season for their respective teams. A player to watch is 49ers rookie RB Kevan Barlow. Despite the heroic recovery of RB Garrison Hearst, Barlow has the youth, speed, and moves to take over the starting job, if not in the next week, then certainly by mid-season. This may be his night to shine. One obscure player who could make an impact is 49ers rookie TE Eric Johnson. With TE Greg Clark out due to hamstring surgery, Johnson gets his second start of the season. He caught three passes last week and nearly scored. He might just find his mark in the Meadowlands this week. A battle of strengths will take place in St. Louis this weekend when the Rams host the Miami Dolphins. It's the Rams potent offense against the Dolphins stingy defense. I've had several subscribers ask me if they should bench QB Kurt Warner and start QB Jay Fiedler or maybe Carolina Panthers rookie QB Chris Weinke instead. You know what I say? Always start your STUDs. That is, unless you also have QB Peyton Manning on your bench (highly unlikely). Warner may struggle, but he's still nearly a mortal lock for multiple scores. Something tells me WR Torry Holt wakes up and catches one of those scores. TE Ernie Conwell has been a surprise and may catch the other one. Dolphins WR Oronde Gadsden has been playing well, and should be started if you own him this week. Once again this season, I will be offering my own personal Deep Sleeper of the Week. Looking into the crystal ball, the clouds are dissipating…
Deep Sleeper of the WeekWR Chris Chambers, MIA: This rookie has impressed with his speed and catching abilities. Look for him to catch a long one for his first career NFL touchdown at St. Louis. In closing, I'd just like to remind fantasy owners that we are only two weeks into the season. While looking to make trades to improve your team is a good idea, it’s never a good idea to bench your STUDs only because they haven't lived up to your expectations. This is a long season, and patience is the key. Take a closer look at your roster and analyze exactly why certain players are struggling. If you own some of the players mentioned above holding them and declining a trade is probably in your best interest. Remember, it's never a good idea to sell low. See you next time! Michael Nazarek is the Fantasy Football Mastermind, and has more than a dozen years of fantasy related experience. His company offers an NFL draft kit, preseason draft guide, a weekly newsletter, and free fantasy news (updated daily) at its web site. For more information go to http://www.ffmastermind.com or call 256-851-1749.
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