Fantasy Felony: Time to Trade Braylon

Fantasy Felony helps you hijack your fellow owners.

For weeks, Braylon Edwards has been failing to live up to his potential, catching just 10 balls in four games and scoring no touchdowns. The Browns have finally had enough of the mercurial receiver and, exploiting the trade lines opened on the weekend of the 2009 NFL Draft, have traded Edwards to the Jets for talented-but-unheralded receiver Chansi Stuckey, a special teams player, and two draft picks. In my leagues, this has given Edwards' perceived value a huge boost, as fantasy owners are falling over each other trying to add the former Brown.

But note that I said perceived value.
The simple fact is that Edwards is moving from an 0-4 team that's been put in passing situations most of the year to a 3-1 team that relies on a great running game and excellent defense. While the Jets aren't trading for him to not use him, I'd have reservations believing any school of thought that has Edwards receiving 8-10 targets a game.

With this being the case, I think you can turn your biggest felonious act by trading the new Jet while his perceived value is this high. Worst-case scenario is that he succeeds and you received close to your money's worth for the guy. Best-case scenario is that he's throwing up goose eggs for some other poor squad's team, which you've relieved of some previously slumping stars that are now leading your team to a title.

Who are these potential buy-low candidates?

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver. We knew when the Broncos spent the 12th overall pick on the rookie running back that he was going to eventually be a key part of Josh McDaniels' offense. Now healthy, Moreno will benefit from an injury to backfield-mate Correll Buckhalter. Moreno has the type of talent to grab hold of the No. 1 job and not look back. I'd deal for him now before he becomes a high-end RB2.

Wes Welker, WR, New England. Take it from this chronic Welker owner, the injury report guessing game has gotten old. While he did play in Week 4 (catching six balls for an un-Welker like 48 yards), he still can't make it through a complete practice. But at some point this New England offense is going to click, and I think that will coincide with Welker's reception of a clean bill of health. Make the move now before it's too late.

Jason Witten, TE, Dallas. Averaging just over 50 yards per game and scoring only one TD this season, Witten is suffering from extra attention from opposing defenses. I think most people expect him to bounce back, but here's where I think you can get him on the cheap. Several tight ends have emerged in recent weeks (Vernon Davis, Marcedes Lewis, and Jermichael Finley are leading the pack), and a Witten owner might have a quality backup. If you can upgrade at TE by trading Edwards, I'd look into it.

These are just a few guys that come to my mind (I actually snagged Moreno off a waiver wire before Week 4), but I'm sure if you explore each team's roster you'll find yourself a nice buy-low candidate, one who will look way better on your team in a month's time than Edwards.