SELLER'S MARKET

Ralph Mancini, FFI Sr. Writer

Fantasy articles lending advice on who’s heating up and who to pick up are a dime-a-dozen. This week, FFi takes a look the players whose values may have peaked. These are the ones you should be looking to unload.

DEREK ANDERSON (QB-CLE)- One of the league’s biggest surprises this season has masterfully played the role of gunslinger by connecting with stars Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. on several big plays. Coming off his most efficient performance versus an inept Miami Dolphins team, with three touchdowns and no interceptions, the 6’6” Anderson has reached unexpected heights in fantasy circles. For all his attributes, however, Anderson has been playing with house money for much of the year by getting away with dangerous throws in double and triple coverage that have often landed in his receivers’ hands. Look for his interception totals to rise as he faces tougher defenses later in the year. With road games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore coming up in weeks 11 and 12, this might be a most propitious time to gauge his value in the trade market.

MATT SCHAUB (QB- HOU)- For all the accolades Schaub has received during the early part of the season, the first-year Texan is slowly beginning to show his warts. In Sunday’s loss versus Jacksonville, the former Falcon badly missed both the wide open Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels in the end zone while the Texans were still the ballgame. Also factor in that Schaub has only two touchdowns and four interceptions since week three. The 26-year-old does have a promising future ahead of him, but for the time being, take advantage of the early season hype and trade him for a more proven player.

JAY CUTLER (WR-DEN)- With quite possibly the best arm in the league, Cutler has the physical tools to become a future star. Unfortunately for Cutler, his top receiver, Javon Walker, has been banged up for much of the season, making life difficult for the still developing passer. Although it sounds as though Walker will be suiting up this Sunday, it’s also very dubious that he’ll be playing at full strength for the remainder of the year. Use Cutler’s week nine matchup versus the Lions as a selling point and look to upgrade your running backs or receivers.

CLINTON PORTIS (RB-WASH)- Make no mistake, Portis is a quality back, but also know that the Redskins offensive line has become a veritable mash unit with injuries to Jon Jansen, Randy Thomas, Casey Rabach and Todd Wade. The man of many disguises has yet to surpass 100 yards rushing in any one game this year. Don’t expect that to happen against the likes of New England, Chicago and Minnesota. His tendonitis may also flare up at any time. Trade him.

LAMONT JORDAN (RB-OAK)- A bad back combined with a crowded backfield featuring the likes of Dominic Rhodes and Justin “Huggy Bear” Fargas should spell less carries for the former Maryland Terrapin going forward.

MARQUES COLSTON (WR-NO)- While many are expecting better things from Colston in the coming weeks, a number of secondary receivers (David Patten, Lance Moore) have been quietly emerging in the Saints offense. In last Sunday’s win over Seattle, Colston was rarely targeted and when he was thrown to, he dropped the ball. Is the former rookie standout better than this? Yes. But in an offense dominated by Reggie Bush, Colston cannot be counted on as an every week starter. This week he matches up with Atlanta’s cover corner D’Angelo Hall. Trade him before others begin to notice his shortcomings.

VINCENT JACKSON (WR-SD)- A lot was expected from the 6’5” Jackson this year, and for the most part, he hasn’t delivered. The third-year professional has dropped a number of passes this season and cost San Diego valuable points. The acquisition of Chris Chambers clearly moves Jackson down in the hierarchy of Charger receivers.

BERNARD BERRIAN (WR-CHI)- This deep threat should worry his fantasy owners, as he has been plagued by a sore foot and an injured toe all season. His downfield speed, furthermore, may be deemphasized in future weeks with tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen becoming prime targets for quarterback Brian Griese, who isn’t exactly known for having a howitzer arm. Sell Berrian’s 39-yard touchdown catch this past weekend when trading him and don’t mention the fact that Viking corner Antoine Winfield slipped and left the wide out all by his lonesome on his path to the end zone.