Panic.
That’s what this week is all about in fantasy football. And that makes it one of the most dangerous times of the season.
Owners who are sitting at 0-2 are the bait, sitting like a worm on the end of the line for a big ol’ 2-0 owner to come pick clean. The thing that is surprising this season is that owners who drafted in the Top-3 are very well the bait. LaDainian Tomlinson has just 68 yards in two games; Steven Jackson hasn’t scored a touchdown yet; and Larry Johnson has been downright putrid on the worst football team in the NFL. That makes for some pretty big bait.
So what to do if you’re one of these owners?
Well, don’t panic for one — unless you own Larry Johnson. If that’s the case, wait and see if he can squeeze out a nice game this Sunday vs. Minnesota and then deal high. As for the other two … let’s answer that in the questions of the week:
What should I do with LaDainian Tomlinson (see also Steven Jackson)?
Answer: Nothing. These two guys were taken 1-2 for a reason: they’re good. Tomlinson has had the misfortune of going up against two of the best — if not the two best — defenses in the league in Chicago and New England in the first two weeks. He’ll bounce back in a big way this Sunday. Jackson’s a little different — but not much. The Rams running back has struggled and without Orlando Pace there is cause for concern. But the Rams’ defense doesn’t look all that improved and that means a lot of passing, which is actually good for Jackson. In the end, don’t deal Tomlinson at any costs, and only trade Jackson if someone bowls you over with an amazing offer. Who were those guys playing for the Saints in Weeks 1 and 2?
Answer: Yeah, everybody’s NFC Super Bowl favorites looked Falcons-esque the first two weeks against a good Indy team and a middling Bucs team. The worst news: High fantasy picks Drew Brees and Reggie Bush have put up two straight duds. But don’t worry. The Saints are too loaded to continue down this road. Remember they haven’t even played a home game, yet. Give them a break. As for Brees and Bush, if you can deal for either do it. They’ll both bounce back and, in the case of Bush, he posted his best numbers in the final six weeks of last season when the defenses were worn down and injured and his speed became more of a factor.
Where do you get off recommending Lee Evans before the season? Thanks a lot. Answer: Don’t give up on Evans yet. The Bills have gone up against arguably two of the best pass defenses in the NFL in Denver and Pittsburgh and the whole Buffalo passing crew has been abysmal. Give the whole team, which suffered a major psychological blow with the Kevin Everett injury, a little breathing room. If you can deal for Evans low, do it.
Why did the Falcons sign Byron Leftwich?
Answer: Uh, have you seen Joey Harrington (and yes I know I recommended him last week). What was supposed to be a breakout year for the much-maligned ex-Duck has been anything but. He’s been inaccurate and indecisive and the entire offense has suffered. As for Leftwich, I say pick him up if you can carry a third QB or your backup is Joey Harrington (sorry). He was in the best shape of his life in Jacksonville this preseason and now he’s got a chip on his shoulder. How can I turn this 0-2 ship around?
Answer: Don’t panic, but don’t be stagnant either. If you’ve got Lamont Jordan or Jamal Lewis on your team, deal them high. Same with Randy Moss. Since you need a win pronto, look at this week’s matchups. There should be plenty of points in these games: Seahawks-Bengals, Browns-Raiders, Rams-Bucs, Lions-Eagles and Titans-Saints. Good luck.
Didn’t get your question answered? Send questions to aswaney@heraldnet.com
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