THE STOCK EXCHANGE

By The Fantasy Trader, NFL Draft Bible

This week I will give you a little insight into my fantasy teams. I own 3 teams and they are a combined 14-1. This has been my greatest fantasy football season so far. While I was adjusting my lineups for this week, I was trying to figure out what makes these teams so good. There are two common traits in all three of them. Each team has a dominating QB. This was the first year that I planned on taking a QB early. In previous years, I was always a “wait until the dime-a-dozen quarterbacks start going” kind of drafter. If I pulled that this year, I would have Manning (not the good one!), Cutler or Leinart. Instead I took Palmer in two leagues and Brady in the other.

Another common component that all three share is the X factor guy. You know… the guy that you were on the fence about but just had to take because he was still there. Those guys for me were Randy Moss, Ronnie Brown and Adrian Peterson. All three of my teams are obviously very healthy. Now that I have jinxed the rest of my season, here is who I like and hate in week 6!

BIG WEEK 6
RB Larry Johnson- This is it, I swear! If Johnson does not rack up big numbers against the Bengals, then it is time to abort this mission. Despite his struggles, LJ is still getting a heavy dose of carries. With opportunity comes reward. The Bengals are giving up over 5 yards a carry. KC has a banged up QB in Huard, so look for an even heavier dose of Johnson. Prediction: 30 Rushes 137 Yards 1 TD

WR The Original 81- I was shocked that TO was so quiet on Monday Night Football. He must have been saving it up for this week. The human quote machine left nothing but a note for reporters this week. Owens is getting ready to put on a show against a very tough New England secondary. TO hates nothing more than being shown up by a counterpart. I’m feeling Randy Moss touchdowns so TO will have to get his as well.

Prediction: 8 Rec 115 Yards 1 TD

WR The Other 81- Is it just a coincidence that Mr. Moss had his first poor showing of the season? I think not! The man has admitted to dogging every now and then. The Cowboys secondary has a tough time defending the home run ball. I’m not sure there is a deeper threat than Moss. This one is straight cash homey!

Prediction: 8 Rec 115 Yards 1 TD

QB Kurt Warner- This might be the waiver wire claim of the year. He won’t be throwing it to Holt and Bruce anymore, but Fitzgerald and Boldin are pretty good. Boldin is banged up, but I expect Warner to post big numbers. The Panthers defense is 24th against the pass and is giving up over 230 yards per game.

Prediction: 300 Yards 3 TD


QB Philip Rivers - I hope you bought that Rivers stock on the cheap last week because he had his coming out party. The Broncos are the number 1 ranked defense against the pass and Rivers destroyed them. I understand that Champ Bailey got injured, but Rivers was 13 for 18 for 270 yards. I know what he will do to the Raiders this week.

Prediction: 300 Yards 2 TD

SMALL WEEK 6
RB Cedric Benson- This guy can’t seem to catch a break. He waits forever to get the starting gig and when he finally does, he looks like he might lose it. Benson is averaging 3 yards per carry. His longest run in over 300 carries is 16 yards. The numbers are awful and now he gets the number 1 ranked rushing defense. Good luck against the Vikings Cedric! Prediction: 20 Rushes 60 Yards 1 Fumble


RB Thomas Jones- At least the Bears can take solace in the fact that Jones stinks. The problem for Jones owners is that he actually has had several favorable match-ups. The Bills run defense make Moses’ parting of the sea look like a joke. The bigger joke was TJ couldn’t find the part. It is officially time to panic against the Eagles.

Prediction: 18 Rushes 58 Yards


QB Vince Young- The Titans offense has been struggling, but it seems to be flying under the radar because their defense has been electric. The VY will have a tough time against an underrated Bucs defense. I never thought I would write that the Tampa D was underrated. The Bucs rank 9th against the pass and have held opposing QBs to a rating of 73.9. Prediction: 180 Yards 1 TD 1 INT


WR Braylon Edwards- I’ve heard other experts predict big things for Edwards this week, but I’m not so sure. I’m not taking anything away from what he has done this season. He is averaging over 20 yards a reception, but the Dolphins pass defense is elite. The Dolphins are allowing just 171 yards per game through the air.

Prediction: 3 Rec 60 Yards


QB Tony Romo- This prediction has a chance to backfire so badly that I’m thinking about changing it right now. I won’t because he deserves to be on the stink list after throwing 5 first half INT to the worst defense in the league. This poor man’s Brady will show he is exactly that this week. That was pretty harsh. You would think he stole my girlfriend or something.

Prediction: 280 Yards 2 TD 4 INT