If you first saw the news of the Trent Richardson trade on Twitter, surely you didn’t believe it. Someone’s account got hacked. It’s a practical joke. This is some private fantasy deal that somehow went public.
But, eventually, you realized the trade was not a fantasy. Richardson is headed to the Colts, and the Browns are left with waiver-wire warrior Willis McGahee.
Richardson owners are ecstatic. Those who beat the opposition to McGahee are feeling pretty good about themselves.
It’s not so hunky-dory for Ahmad Bradshaw owners. And for those who, following Vick Ballard’s injury, scooped up Donald Brown, you already are prowling the waiver wire again.
In a league that seldom has blockbuster deals, this trade sent shock waves through fantasy leagues unlike anything since the 2004 preseason trade that sent Denver running back Clinton Portis to Washington in exchange for cornerback Champ Bailey.
It happened. It’s real. Now what? Richardson owners, count your blessings. Your every-week starting RB just got a better line to run behind and the benefit of a legitimate passing game to loosen defenses. Once he catches up to the Indy offense in a couple weeks, he should start turning out those projected stats you’ve been waiting for — if not more.
If you were talking T-Rich trades before this went down, you might as well back off. His price now will be higher than ever. But, he isn’t likely to get a full workload until he is up to speed on the playbook. He likely will share carries this week and probably next, then he runs into the brick wall that is the Seahawks defense in Week 5. After that, re-engage in trade talks.
Bradshaw owners, you now have a handcuff backup rather than a starter. He will get a decent share of the carries for a couple of weeks, but if you need something more than a body on your bench, start looking for alternatives (Bilal Powell, Danny Woodhead, maybe someone dropped Le’Veon Bell?).
If you landed McGahee, then you are in better shape than Bradshaw owners, but don’t get giddy. It will take him some time to learn the Browns offense, such as it is. And even then, we rank him at the bottom of the group that contains Eddy Lacy, Rashard Mendenhall, Lamar Miller, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, etc. Consider McGahee along the same lines as DeAngelo Williams — not much more than a bye-week fill-in.
BIG WEEKS
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams, at Cowboys
Bradford quietly has lit it up the first two weeks — 651 yards, five TDs, two INTs. Awaiting is Cowboys defense that has given up six TDs through the air already.
Joique Bell, RB, Lions, at Redskins
Washington defense might as well turn on runway lights to end zone, because opponents seem to land there frequently. Reggie Bush (knee) unlikely to get full share, if he plays.
Marlon Brown, WR, Ravens, vs. Texans
Houston has looked vulnerable against the pass the first two weeks. Brown good offset to deep threat Torrey Smith, and has gotten a good amount of attention from QB Joe Flacco so far.
Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals, vs. Packers
Green Bay has given up three TDs to TEs this season, including 123 yards and two scores to 49ers TEs in Week 1.
SMALL WEAKS
Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins, vs. Lions
Nearly all of RG3’s fantasy production thus far has come after his team has fallen far behind. That might not happen this week against Lions team that historically struggles on road.
C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills, at Jets
Gang Green still stout vs. run. Spiller yielding more carries to Fred Jackson than anticipated, with Jackson likely to get more carries near the goal line.
Cecil Shorts, WR, Jaguars, at Seahawks
Worst offense in league vs. arguably the best defense, and arguably one of the best corners (Richard Sherman), on the road at a place where all visitors struggle.
Minnesota, DEF, Vikings, vs. Browns
QB Brian Hoyer gets second career start. RB situation is a mess. Best WR (Josh Gordon) makes his season debut following a suspension. Behind Seahawks, Vikes may be next best defense of week.
THE DECISION
Drew Loftis and Steve Serby debate whom to start, Giants QB Eli Manning or Bengals QB Andy Dalton
Loftis: Manning — Panthers DBs have become harder to find than Duke football fans. Giants running game is weak; Panthers run defense has been sound. Giants great through the air; Panthers have no secondary (even at full strength). Doesn’t take a genius to figure out what Big Blue should do — throw, and score, a lot.
Serby: Dalton — James Starks won’t be rushing for 132 yards this week against these Bengals. That means Aaron Rodgers, off a 480-yard explosion, will be slinging it all over the lot against a banged-up secondary (Brandon Ghee, Dre Kirkpatrick, Pacman Jones). That means shootout. That means if Colin Kaepernick can throw for 412 yards and three TDs and Anquan Boldin can have a 13-catch, 208-yard, two-TD game against a porous cheesehead secondary (no Casey Hayward, no Morgan Burnett), Dalton should be able to play some catch with A.J. Green and the Tyler Eifert-Jermain Gresham tight-end duo. Who Dey!
LAST WEEK: Drew 20 (Pierre Garcon — 143 yards receiving, one TD), Serby 5 (Antonio Brown — 57 yards receiving)
SEASON: Tied, 1-1