The NFL is changing as a mid-season trade that used to be unheard of is now is becoming more common.
The fantasy world was rocked this week over the sudden trade of Randy Moss back to Minnesota. What does this mean to the fantasy player? My opinion is Brett Favre, Randy Moss and Percy Harvin all see value increases, while Visanthe Schiancoe and Adrian Peterson take value hits.
In New England, Tom Brady should see a slight dip in his numbers, while Brandon "Mister" Tate, the disease known as Benjarvus Green-Ellis, and Aaron Hernandez see huge value jumps. Tate should be picked up on all waiver wires this week, even though they are on a bye. Rumor out of New England is they feel Tate can replace Moss as the deep threat they need to run their offense. I have been asked my feeling how this impacts Wes Welker, and I believe Welker may see more red zone targets but will also see more double teams, so his value is unchanged.
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Rob Stewart, The Fantasy Oracle
Another trade was made in the NFL that sent Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch to Seattle. The biggest benefactors are Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, while Justin Forsett and Leon Washington are the biggest losers. Washington is not even worth a roster spot at this point.
One other rumor flying that could have significance for all players in a PPR (point per reception) league is Deion Branch being traded back to New England from Seattle. Branch would immediately have value if this occurs.
In the WTO Laid Back league, two teams (Jon Myler and Brian Ferry) remain undefeated, while my 3-1 Oracles knocked off previously-unbeaten Joe Mangione. Myler and Ferry both won easily to keep their chase for the perfect season alive. This week Myler - starting Attorney Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback - takes on Bob Patchen, while Ferry battles Dean Wells.
Fact Box
Last week's WTO Laid Back League results:
The Oracles (Rob Stewart) 93.04, St. Louis Shockers (Joe Mangione) 77.38
Fish (Brian Ferry) 108.08, Hooktown Hero's (Paul Mangione) 82.72
Zero's and Hero's (Jon Myler) 97.56, Hoi Polloi (Dave Hishman) 56.40
White Crackers (Dean Wells) 69.84, Tapping Wingnuts (Allen Seybert) 66.82
Laces Out (Frank Galeazzo) 111.28, Bubba Gump Shrimp (Mike Campbell) 106.24
Chaotic Nightmare (Cody Elms) 83.84, Sagebrush Apocalypse (Derek Farr) 74.54
Viking Quest (Jon Sitler) 87.40, Oobleck Storm (Bob Patchen) 68.30
Standings (overall place; top 6 make playoffs in Week 14)
North Division
2. Jon Myler 4-0
5. The Oracles 3-1
7. Dave Hishman 2-2
10. Jon Sitler 1-3
12. Bob Patchen 1-3
Central Division
1. Brian Ferry 4-0
4. Frank Galeazzo 3-1
6. Allen Seybert 2-2
9. Dean Wells 2-2
13. Mike Campbell 0-4
Western Division
3. Joe Mangione 3-1
8. Paul Mangione 2-2
11. Cody Elms 1-3
14. Derek Farr 0-3
The two teams left battling for the coveted Carolina Bums award (which goes to the last team to record a win) are Derek Farr and hard-luck Mike Campbell. Farr has a chance this week against my Oracles as his matchups are favorable. Campbell, fourth in total points scored, continues to have teams score at will against his squad. Something has to give when Cody Elms' low-scoring team (86 points a game) goes against Campbell, whose team is allowing a ridiculous 116 points a game. This could be the week both teams get their first wins.
TOLD YA SO: I was correct with the prediction that the Kansas City Chiefs would be the last undefeated team. Three great roster calls were Arian Foster, Reggie Wayne and Antonio Gates in my ultimate lineup.
DID I REALLY SAY THAT?: I did not foresee Cutler's struggles against the Giants pass rush as I thought he would have a big day.
FEMALE FANTASY PERSPECTIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Our female correspondent this week says, "The Buffalo Bills defense against the Jets was as useful as a pogo stick in quicksand. I wish Buffalo would take home a win but you know what they say, 'Wish in one hand, spit in the other, then see which one fills up first.'"
FOOTBALL JOKE OF THE WEEK: Where do you go in Buffalo in case of a tornado? Ralph Wilson Stadium, they never get a touchdown there!
CUTLER CORNER: Last week, Jay Cutler was sacked a ridiculous nine times in the first half. On the last sack he was slammed to the ground and sustained a concussion that will sideline him for at least this week's Carolina game. Todd Collins gets the start and this game has the makings of 13-10 game if I have ever seen one. The only players I would start in this game other than defenses and kickers are DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart and Matt Forte.
FREE AGENTS TO TARGET: Kevin "Private Checkdown" Kolb, Mike Bell, Fred Jackson, Chris "Ebony and" Ivory, Brandon Tate (on a bye), Michael Crabtree (you will be happy if you get him), Brent Celek, Matt Bryant and the Panthers defense.
INJURIES: Jay Cutler, Michael Vick, Matthew Stafford, Knowshown Moreno, Reggie Bush, Steve Smith (Carolina) and Steve Breaston are all out. In addition, Donald Brown, Pierre Thomas and Darren McFadden are all unlikely to play. Andre Johnson, Ahmad Bradshaw, LeSean McCoy, Peyton Hillis, Bruce Gradkowski and Austin Collie are questionable, but should play. Keep an eye on your game-day inactives just to be safe.
PLAYER WHO HAS BIG UPSIDE THIS WEEK: I love Sam Bradford this week versus Detroit in what I predict will be a shootout, even though the Rams haven't allowed more than 17 points in any game this year. I expect 50 points or more to be scored in this game. Start all your decent Rams and Lions this week without hesitation and that even includes Shaun Hill as a bye week replacement.
BYE-WEEK TEAMS: Miami, New England, Pittsburgh and Seattle
ULTIMATE LINEUP: Peyton Manning, Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, Mark Clayton, Roddy White, Antonio Gates, John Carney (isn't he like 100 years old now?) and the Saints defense. Flex play will be Michael "The Burner" Turner.
FANTASY BUST OF THE WEEK (4-0): I predicted Chad Ochocinco would struggle and struggle he did (3 catches for 59 yards), as he watched teammate Terrell Owens go off for 10 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown. This week I put the jinx on Adrian Peterson as I cannot see him scoring or reaching more than 80 total yards against a tough Jets defense.