Three weeks into the season, some fantasy owners could be getting a little bit frustrated with slow starts. The football season is relatively short and, in their mind, if you wait too long you are going to wait too long. However, that doesn’t mean that a slow start should send you running. Let’s take a look at players who have struggled over the first three weeks and are a good buy low candidate:
Quarterback – Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions
Obviously, the injury he suffered on Sunday could do one of two things:
- Keep him out of action long-term
- Cause a worried owner to panic, given Stafford’s injury history, and sell him even lower then he needs to be sold
Even if Stafford we’re to miss 6 weeks, you know he is going to return to a starting role in a high-powered offense. Therefore, the second option seems much more likely, barring news that he is out for the season.
While Stafford has struggled this season, throwing just 3 TD vs 4 INT, the upside value is still there. First of all, he has Calvin Johnson at his disposal. Throw in Titus Young, Brandon Pettigrew and company and it is easy to imagine him starting to light it up. With Mikel Leshoure showing that he can help keep defenses honest with a running attack, things should be looking up.
I would wait for news of his injury to come out (just in case) but, if it is somewhat mild, I wouldn’t hesitate to try and acquire Stafford.
Homorable Mention – Tony Romo
Running Back – Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans
As expected, he was pathetic once again this past week. That is almost good news for owners looking to buy low on him, because it sent his value spiraling even further.
As I said prior to this week, after Week 6 his schedule starts to get significantly easier. You also have to think that the emergence of a passing attack (as well as the offensive line hopefully coming together) would improve his chances of making some plays.
Granted, he is a major risk, which is why I would try to acquire him to keep him stashed on your bench. There is so much upside that if you can get him cheap now, you can get real dividends in the second half of the season.
Honorable Mention – Steven Jackson
Wide Receiver – Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals
Has the poor quarterback play finally caught up to Fitzgerald? Through three games he has managed just 14 catches for 181 yards and 1 TD, so it certainly would appear so…
However, when is he last time Fitzgerald actually had a “good” NFL quarterback throwing him the ball? If feels like forever, yet he always manages to exceed 1,000 yards and 90 receptions (he did have just 80 in 2011, the first time in his career). There is too much talent and too long of a track record to think he isn’t going to get his numbers.
Honorable Mention – Kenny Britt
Tight End – Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers
Tight ends tend to be inconsistent, with quality options seemingly rising and falling on a weekly basis. However, if you can find that consistent performer you are in extremely good shape. You would think Gates would be one of those options, though he hasn’t quite gotten there yet this season. However, his long track record and the absence of a true, standout wide receiver should allow him to get there once again.
He is injury prone, but his talent far exceeds that. Consider him a good risk in all formats.
Honorable Mention – Jason Witten
What are your thoughts of these buy low candidates? Would you target any of them? Why or why not?
I just traded S-Jax D-Jax and Gerhart to the AP owner for CJ Britt and Crabtree.
I also have Locker and Nate Washington…I’m all in on the Titans!
I own every one of those guys. So, to me, the title of this article reads “Your Team Has Sucked”
lol!
I’m debating trading Stevan Ridley for Chris Johnson. I have great receivers so won’t need a flex spot for a RB and have MJD and Ryan Matthews starting. I basically am thinking to buy low on Johnson now as injury protection and bye week play while Ridley is hit or miss it seems.
What do you think?
If the other owner would do it, I think I would. Do you have any other RB on your roster, just in case?
It’s obvious that we can’t trust Rdley, no matter how he looks, so if you can get e upside of Johnson for him (and you have a little other depth), I would roll the dice.
Unfortunately I don’t have any other depth. I have Kevin Smith who is worthless now and Kendall Hunter hoping for a Gore injury. So either Ridley or Johnson would be my only true injury protection and bye week play.
I still think Johnson has significantly more upside, so I would probably do it. The Patriots showed in Week 3 that, no matter what they do the week before, they may always go virtually without a running game.
also looking to do ridley (rb) and witten (te) for johnson (rb) and gates (te)
Am I crazy for wanting to trade M.LeShoure and V.Jackson for Chris Johnson and J.Maclin? My RB Core would then consist of DMC, M.Lynch, D.Martin, CJ Spiller, Fred Jackson, and C.Johnson. I think I can tolerate the risk as long as I’m not rediculously overpaying. Am I beating myself? What do you think?
Aim – I like Wotten as a buy low as well, but if you can make that trade I would do it. Gates and Witten are close and Johnson has the potential to e the best player in the second half . Assuming you don’t need him right away, it’s worth the risk to me.
Travis – who are your other WR? From a running back perspective you have more than enough depth to take the risk. The question is do you need a WR, because with Maclin’s injury you could be leaving yourself thin.
I currently have AJ Green, B.Lloyd, V.Jackson, R.Cobb. I only have to start 2 WR. Figured I’d go crazy drafting RBs and find this year’s Victor Cruz in the FA pool. If the BUF RB situation doesn’t sort itself out, I may be forced to start Cobb (or another random shot in the dark) in my flex during Week 5. I don’t see the CJ2k market recovering, but I am still looking to invest if the price is right. A lot can change in one week though.
You still are leaving yourself open a little bit (I don’t love Lloyd) and given your depth I’m not sure I would do the 2-for-2.
If you could hold onto Jackson and still trade Leshoure for him (maybe by including Cobb), then I would be more apt to do it.
ahhhh i’m considering dropping antonio gates and just picking up pitta off of waivers