Pick-Up Of The Week

QB Brian Griese

Vince Young and Drew Brees are on a bye this week, so if you’re hurting at the quarterback position this week, consider picking up Brian Griese. The Bears need a spark and I think Griese is going to provide that spark. The Bears face the Lions on Sunday, a team that is currently the 2nd worst passing defense in the entire NFL. Griese should at least rack-up what the Lions give up on average, which is 278 yards and 2TDs per game.

Buy Before Week 4

RB Larry Johnson

I know, most of you are trying to deal Johnson right now in a panic. That is my point. Panic owner, meet crafty trader — Crafty trader, say hello to the panicked owner! Granted, there is some risk in making a move for the struggling L.J., but I’ve seen some FFX forum users trade Willis McGahee and even an injured Rudi Johnson for Larry Johnson. I’m sorry, but Johnson is well worth that risk (and some). Only three weeks have passed, people! And while it is starting to look like Johnson could be hard pressed to score 12-15TDs, he is capable to say the least. Give it some time if you own L.J. and DO NOT sell him low. If you don’t own him, go steal him away from those owners that feel the need to ship him at 2nd-round value.

RB Marshawn Lynch

Lynch is a tough runner and I love his style of play. He is going to have a great game against the Jets this weekend, so don’t expect to get the Buffalo rusher cheap entering week 5.

Sell After Week 4

RB Shaun Alexander

Alexander’s cracked wrist concerns us, but the runner is playing great football right now and he is expected to play through the injury this year. That said, I don’t think it is a bad idea to consider shopping the runner after he blows up this weekend against the 49ers’ 25th rushing defense. The big game should mask his injury concerns a bit, but just be sure that you only trade him if you can swap him out for a similar (yet safer) option.

RB Laurence Maroney

New England just throws way too much, so it is hard to imagine Maroney being consistent from week to week this year. Now, don’t trade Maroney just yet, as he is about to have a solid outing against the Bengals in week 4. Cincy is 27th in the league against the run, giving up 145 yards per game, so odds are you will be able to get more for the rusher if you wait a week to deal him.