The Observer, October 19, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 8
Fantasy Tips:Week 7
In every baseball fan's mind, July 31 is engrained as the most exciting day of the year: the trading deadline. Moves are made that can make or break a run at the postseason, or your team can be selling all of its stars to begin a rebuilding era. As for the NFL, this past Tuesday's trade deadline came and went without much commotion from fans, but this year was not like years past. This year, two trades occurred that will change the franchise's chances not only this season but in the future as well. The trades also had fantasy implications.
QB
J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills – J.P. is done. Dick Jauron announced Trent Edwards would be the starter for the rest of the year. Most likely to not see snaps for the rest of the year, Losman is now just a waste of a roster spot on your team. It's an unfortunate turn in the career of the young quarterback; he will most likely be a backup for the rest of his career. DROP.
RB
Michael Bennett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – This is one of the major trades; Michael Bennett has been traded from the Chiefs, where LJ finally had a productive game, to the Bucs, who are struggling to find a running game. Earnest Graham did not work out as planned, so they are turning to the former 1200-yard runner from Minnesota. Though he probably will be worked in slowly, I see Bennett taking over the starting job until next year when the Cadillac comes back. PICK UP.
Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons – With the aging Warrick Dunn becoming less and less productive, Norwood is trying to plead his case to become the featured back. Averaging 5.7 yards-a-rush and coming off his best game so far this year, Norwood is making a strong argument. With their season already ruined once Vick decided to kill dogs, it would be smart for the Falcons to see what Norwood can do for them now and in the future. PICK UP.
WR
Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers – This was the highest profile trade at the deadline. Chambers has been the No. 1 wide reciever in Miami for the past few years. Though he has not had a terrific QB to get him the ball, he has still risen to the upper echelon of receivers in the league but is not among the elite. The move to the Chargers will do great things for him and his new franchise. Not only will he be surrounded by many different offensive weapons on the team, but he automatically becomes the best receiver the Chargers have. With a bye week this Sunday, look for Chambers to have a big week in his first game in a Chargers uniform. START.
