It’s time to go bargain-hunting. With two weeks in the books, owners are feeling buyer’s remorse on some of their studs.
The key here is figuring out why a certain player is struggling. Don’t go trading for Chris Johnson (offensive line) or Jamaal Charles (knee). Do go after these guys:
Inches off
Although Brandon Lloyd has just 129 yards and no touchdowns, he’s had an excellent first two weeks. He’s been targeted 21 times, tied for ninth-most in the league. He’s separating with ease and had a fistful of bombs miss by inches. And now that Aaron Hernandez is out 4-6 weeks, Lloyd is going to be an even bigger focal point.
Dose for Dez
Dez Bryant was shadowed by Corey Webster in Week 1 and simply played bad against the Seahawks’ physical corners in Week 2. That doesn’t change his unique raw skills and the matchups are about to get much better. Look for Bryant to bust out this week against a Bucs secondary that got humiliated by Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz last Sunday.
Run DMC
The Raiders have switched to a West Coast offense and zone-blocking scheme under new coordinator Gregg Knapp. It’s not working as Darren McFadden is averaging 2.1 YPC. Knapp will make adjustments.
NFL pickups
Martellus Bennett
TE, Giants
Eli Manning is already counting on Bennett as a red-zone weapon. He’s an athletic, every-down tight end.
Donnie Avery
WR, Colts
As long as Austin Collie is out, Avery is going to rack up targets and see single coverage opposite Reggie Wayne.
Andre Brown
RB, Giants
Brown is a short-term plug-n-play while Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) rehabs. David Wilson remains in the doghouse.
