While other people were hung up on the logistics of the trade this past week -- which sent Matt Cassel to the Chiefs, among other pieces -- I was busy running through the fantasy fallout of the deal. You see, just because our season doesn't start for another six months doesn't mean you should entirely forget about fantasy football during the offseason. This particular move helps the fantasy value of several people, while also hurting the value of a few others.
Stock Rises
Dwayne Bowe - It would be tough to find a more consistent wideout in the league, but he had his two worst fantasy games with Tyler Thigpen at the helm. With the Chiefs seemingly landing their franchise quarterback, Bowe will continue to blossom into a fantasy beast. Look for him to approach 100 catches, 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Tony Gonzalez - The veteran tight end had one of the best seasons of his NFL career last year, and the addition of Cassel should keep him happy enough to ease up on the trade requests.
Mark Bradley - He put together a nice stretch after the Cheifs picked him up, gathering 30 catches for 380 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. This time around, he'll have a full training camp as the Chiefs' WR2 and have time to develop a rapport with Cassel.
Tom Brady - The Patriots are known for keeping injury statuses under wraps, but this trade tips their hand a bit. Brady's obviously well on his way to a full recovery, otherwise they wouldn't be dealing their insurance policy in a trade that many believe favors the Chiefs. Upgrade your confidence level in his health a bit.
Randy Moss - While Moss had a good 2008 season, things just weren't the same for him without Brady. Obviously, we can never expect another 2007 again, but you're gonna see a return to the elite tier with Brady back.
Stock Falls
Matt Cassel - This one isn't even close. He leaves a high-octane offense, in which he gets to throw to Randy Moss and Wes Welker, in order to join the Chiefs.
Tyler Thigpen - This trade is a huge blow to the young passer who put together a break-through 2008 season.
Brodie Croyle - While you could have argued he'd have a chance to win the job back from Thigpen, Croyle is now absolutely buried on the Chiefs' depth chart.
Wes Welker - The fall here is ever-so-slight, but there's a bit of a fall. Welker was heavily relied upon early in the season, before Cassel became more comfortable with downfield passing. It's true Welker actually had a better 2007 season with Brady at the helm, but that season was all kinds of absurd when it came to the New England passing attack. With Moss getting more of Brady's attention in '09, you'll see a dip in production from Welker.
