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November 2, 2011 8:30 AM

Fantasy Trade Targets: Week 9

A look at what players you should target in trade talks and who you should trade away.

Fantasy Trade Targets.jpg

Players to Target

Percy Harvin - I'm assuming the Vikings are smart enough to realize that Harvin is their 2nd best offensive player and Ponder would be smart to get him more involved. He got his first touchdown of the season against the Panthers with 7 touches (3 rushing and 4 catches) he tallied 74 yards. The Vikings play some pretty formidable offenses down the stretch and they'll need to pass to stay in these games. Ponder has looked like a capable QB so the rookie shouldn't hinder Harvin's productivity much (can't get much worse than with McNabb at the helm).


Jabar Gaffney - This selection is based solely on the fact that the Redskins need to throw the ball to SOMEONE. Fred Davis was their go-to guy but his status is up in the air after he tweaked his ankle against the Bills. Now Gaffney becomes target no. 1. He will get looks but his effectiveness will be limited with John Beck throwing him the ball. You could probably get him as a throw in in most trades.

Greg Little - In the last 3 games Little has been targeted 30 times. He has only gained 121 yards over those 3 contests but it's clear McCoy and the Browns have faith in him. It's only a matter of time before he has a breakout game and crosses the goal line.


Vincent Jackson - He has been awful lately. He has just 7 catches for 98 yards in his last 3 games. But the Chargers have a fairly favorable schedule the rest of the way. They have the 8th best schedule for WRs (in terms of fantasy output) and only one of the Chargers final 9 games has a chance to be played in bad weather (Week 11 at Chicago).

Matt Cassel - If you're still looking for a No. 1 QB to start every week you better start planning for next year. But if you're looking for a quality backup that has a chance to become relevant this season Cassel's not a bad bet. The Chiefs have the 3rd best schedule for QBs and face the Dolphins this week and the Patriots in Week 11 (the two weeks left that have teams on byes). And now the Chiefs look to have another solid weapon in rookie Jonathan Baldwin. Baldwin had a team-high 5 catches for 82 yards on Monday night. He will either continue to produce or at least take a little heat off of Dwayne Bowe. Either way, Cassel should put up better numbers throughout the rest of the season with him in the lineup.

Players to Trade

Steven Jackson - Jackson is one of the best RBs in the NFL. He's also on one of the worst teams in the NFL. He just had a monster game against the Saints with 191 total yards and 2 TDs. Sell high. The Rams have the worst remaining schedule for RBs and the Rams won't often have the advantage of playing with the lead. Expect Jackson to average about 10 fantasy points per contest. If you can trade him for someone you think will average better than that I'd say go for it.

Adrian Peterson - The Vikings RB leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns. He will probably continue to be a top 5 back but I'd expect his production to dip a bit in the 2nd half. Peterson also leads the league in carries and since this season is a lost cause the Vikings might do well to lessen his work load so he doesn't injure himself this year or get burned out for next season. You will only trade Peterson if you're getting two high calibur players in return but it might be worth it to solidify your playoff roster.

Ahmad Bradshaw - Bradshaw has a lingering foot injury that could flair up at any time. The Giants just got back Brandon Jacobs and he will steal some goal line carries from Bradshaw. The Giants also have an awful schedule for RBs and are clearly a pass-oriented team now. All of these point to looking to unload Bradshaw before his production takes a significant dip.

Beanie Wells - Wells was questionable Sunday against the Ravens but he played and played well. He had 83 yards and a TD against a tough defense. But Wells believes his knee injury could be a problem all season. Owners of the Cards RB might be dealing with a lot of game-time decisions and with the Cards facing some tough run defenses up ahead he might be worth unloading.

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