Hakeem Nicks is in the final year of his contract, and could use a change of scenery.
Test the waters with trade deadline looming
The NFL’s trading deadline is usually as exciting as a Hannah Montana show (the old Hannah Montana, not the new Miley Cyrus). This year, we might get some actual tongue-wagging, Molly-licking fun.
The Oct. 29 deadline isn’t going to be like the NBA or MLB version, where the values of dozens of players shoot up and down precipitously. But there are some situations to monitor closely.
Bitter Britt
Not too long ago, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound man beast named Kenny Britt was a rising star in this league. These days, he’s playing two snaps a game. The Titans have completely given up hope on Britt thanks to his off-field woes, on-field inconsistency and untapped potential. If there’s ever been a guy in need of a change of scenery, this is it. Britt could probably had for a fifth-round pick, a price that could be worth a flier for a team like the Lions, Falcons, 49ers or Patriots. He’d have a shot to turn his career back on track in that scenario.
Hakeem dreaming
The Giants are 0-6 and Hakeem Nicks is in the final year of his contract. Meanwhile, rising stud Rueben Randle is nipping at his heels and ready to play every snap. A trade would make a ton of sense, especially because the G-Men are not guaranteed a compensatory pick if or when Nicks walks in free agency. Much like Britt, Nicks would look like a stud if he lands with Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan, etc.
Mark the spot
We’ve seen the emergence of Khiry Robinson as an effective goal-line runner and clock-killer for the Saints over the last few weeks. So what role will the consistently ineffective Mark Ingram (toe) have upon his return? Perhaps it won’t be in New Orleans. If the Saints are willing to admit their first-round mistake, Ingram would fit far better with a team that runs a power scheme. The Browns, who are currently starting washed-up Willis McGahee, look like an ideal landing spot.
Week 7 Match-ups to Watch
Make sure to get these borderline wideouts in your lineups this week:
1. Harry Douglas, Falcons: Julio Jones is out and Roddy White is doubtful. Douglas will see a ton of targets against the Bucs.
2. Keenan Allen, Chargers: This third-round rookie isn’t a flash in the pan. He’s Philip Rivers’ No. 1 WR and is facing the Jags.
3. Terrance Williams, Cowboys: Miles Austin flubbed his return to the lineup, giving Williams an inside track on more snaps vs. the Eagles.
NFL News and Notes
The Packers execute a three-wideout base offense as well as anyone in the league. So now that Randall Cobb (leg) is out eight weeks and James Jones (knee) is in doubt, what will they do? Look for athletic tight end Jermichael Finley to be used more as a flex player, running routes out of the slot. And emerging rookie stud Eddie Lacy is going to have a bigger role as well. Buy up on both.
The Scrap Heap
1. Joseph Randle, RB, Cowboys: DeMarco Murray (knee) is out. Randle is going to start and see volume in a high-powered offense.
2. Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins: A unique athlete with sudden quicks at the tight end spot. He’s RG3’s No. 2 target now.
3. Percy Harvin, WR, Seahawks: Harvin is nearing a return from hip surgery. He’ll be a difference-maker down the stretch.
