Key to your fantasy
It's been a while, but we're finally back in full tilt with fantasy football. And while your Week 1 blowout or meltdown is by no means an indicator for the rest of the season, there are valuable lessons to be learned.
One: the rookies are for real.
Bills running back Marshawn Lynch, Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson all proved they are fantasy by putting up very good numbers.
Both Marshawn Lynch and Calvin Johnson saw the end zone while Adrian Peterson rushed for more than 100 yards and scored two touchdowns (one receiving).
With Marshawn Lynch the unquestioned No. 1 back, Calvin Johnson a prime target in the pass-friendly Lions offense and Adrian Peterson seemingly ready to carry a bulk of the load, fantasy owners should look to rely on these three rookies more often.
This could also give fantasy owners valuable trading chips heading into the early part of the season.
Owners that drafted Marshawn Lynch, Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson as a potential producer could now have an abundance of talent to deal with. If you find yourself in this situation, don't be afraid to pull the trigger on a trade to help with your weaker roster spots.
A second lesson learned from Week 1: while you don't draft an offensive line, they matter. A lot.
Even LaDainian Tomlinson would agree with this one. An offensive line can single handedly dictate your running back's success. Or failure for that matter.
Case in point: Edgerrin James with the Arizona Cardinals.
This season, the St. Louis Rams may fall under the same spell.
The Rams already featured a relatively weak offensive line before the costly loss of offensive tackle Orlando Pace for the remainder of the season.
Now I'm not saying that Steven Jackson or Marc Bulger will be busts this season, they very may well go on to Pro-Bowl-esque seasons. But without a solid line, Bulger will be rushed to get rid of the ball - forcing a few turnovers - and Jackson will see less light at the line of scrimmage.
It might not be a bad idea to trade these two players while you still can.
Remember, the first few weeks are the easiest to complete trades. Cashing in on a hot or cold player could land you a championship further down the road.
Trading a hot player could land you two or three good players before that player goes cold. On the other hand, targeting cold players that you think will turn it around in a few weeks, you could find a steal.
Some players that shouldn't stay too hot: Andre Johnson (WR, HOU); Plaxico Burress (WR, NYG); Josh McCown (QB, OAK); Chris Brown (RB, TEN).
Some players that shouldn't be down for long: Matt Leinart (QB, ARI); Drew Brees (QB, NO); Donte' Stallworth (WR, NE); Steven Jackson (RB, STL).
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