Week 4 is now behind us, and in most fantasy leagues, the season is about one third of the way complete. If your team is 4-0 or 3-1, congratulations on a great start. There?s probably nothing broken, so don?t try to fix it. You?re probably the team that everyone is looking to for a trade. Don?t go messing with a good thing.
But if your team is 1-3 or 0-4, even if it?s the result of bad luck, make a of change. Most such teams are probably the ones that drafted Chad Johnson, Daunte Culpepper or Randy Moss rather early. None of these guys are setting the league on fire. If you have one of them, try putting together an attractive trade package with them. There are no doubt many owners that believe these players won?t be held back all season and will make a fair deal with you.
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Another option is to go out and pick up one of the early-season surprises. Jon Kitna is slowly turning into a quality fantasy quarterback. On Sunday, he threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Another Lion you might want to consider is wide receiver Mike Furrey. He has 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns, and could become the Isaac Bruce in Mike Martz?s offensive system.
Another surprise is New Orleans receiver Marques Colston, who has 20 receptions for 336 yards and three touchdowns. One last place to look for help is New England?s Laurence Maroney, who broke out for 125 yards rushing and two touchdowns Sunday. But he might be a tough play from week to week, splitting carries with Corey Dillon. I think Dillon?s time is coming to an end, and Maroney will get the majority of the carries.
Here?s my fantasy advice for Week 5:
Give them the ball
» Terrell Owens: Remember what Plaxico Burress did to the Eagles? secondary? Expect T.O. to do more. He?ll remind the Eagles of what they used to have. He?ll get into the end zone at least once and be flagged for excessive celebration.
» Peyton Manning: Not only is he throwing touchdowns, he?s now running for them. Expect him to put up big numbers against the Titans at home.
» LaMont Jordan: He should pick up where Larry Johnson left off last week with the 49ers? defense.
» Larry Johnson: The 49ers one week and the Cardinals the next ? L.J. should buy the schedule-maker a Rolex. He?ll go over 100 yards again, along with a few scores.
Show them the pine
» Willis McGahee: Until further notice, bench anyone playing against the Bears.
» Ben Roethlisberger: The Chargers? defense will bounce back strong Sunday night, and Big Ben won?t look so big.
» Edgerrin James: The Cardinals will probably be down early and will have to scrap the running game.
» Rueben Droughns: The Panthers? defense will not allow Droughns to see many holes.
Good luck in Week 5 … and keep in mind, I?m only an accountant.
Ryan Wilson is the controller for the Baltimore Examiner. You can reach him at [email protected].
