Fantasy Football Tip #216 Take advantage of your leagues drops especially around week 5 and the byes

After 5 weeks, it is time to really evaluate who you have, what you have and where you need to improve. Some of those studs at the draft have faltered due to injuries  (Peyton Manning, Andre Johnson anyone) or just loss of a job (Tim Hightower possibly). Others who were under the radar have popped up as studs (Cam Newton, Fred Jackson, Eric Decker, Rob Gronkowski, John Kasay, SF DEF). Some players have been dropped by other teams in your league that are valuable additions. Start by looking at who the top teams in your league have dropped recently. You are more likely to find good players dropped from good teams then find good players dropped from bad teams. Although the later the season progresses the less this phenomenon is seen. Generally, towards week 8 and onwards drastic measures are needed by bad teams to have any success and therefore they may have to give up hope on a potentially good player.

Look at the free agents available by position. Some will be one week wonders with big scores in one of those four or five weeks but little else to show. Others will be slowly progressing toward a productive season. Seek out those who have improved or who you have reason to believe can improve.

Why do good players get dropped? Sometimes it is a slow start (DeAngelo Williams CAR RB, Reggie Bush MIA). Sometimes it could be a lingering injury (Braylon Edwards, Lee Evans, Earl Bennett) or a young gun who has jumped in front of the vet (Chris Cooley supplanted by Fred Davis?). In any case, now after the first bye week is the time to start looking for those hidden gems in the free agent bin.

Players available now in some leagues:

QB Sam Bradford, Jason Campbell
RB Ryan Torrain (ok not after last weeks pickups but you get my drift),
WR Brian Hartline, Preston Parker, DHB
TE Evan Moore, Ben Watson, Jeremey Shockey, V Shinacothe
K Dan Bailey DAL
DEF SF, TEN, WAS, NYG, NE

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634


Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Fantasy Soccer: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide for Fantasy Football/Fantasy Soccer ($14.95)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635070