Fantasy football — more than picking popular names

At INDenverTimes, we know there are thousands of other fantasy football Web sites out there with info on who’s hot, who’s cold, who’s playing whom, and who’s done what where, but we’re looking to go deeper. I’m tired of going to fantasy sites that tell me to start Peyton Manning or sit the Rams’ defense.

Wow! Brilliant insight. Thanks, guys.

We want to help out with the not-so-obvious decisions and maybe help you find a quality pickup or two. We’re also going to delve into fantasy-related topics (lineup strategies, crafting a credible trade offer, approach to free agents) because there really is more to this game than throwing popular names into your lineup.

With a little help from my friends Paulie, Chris and EZ, we’re going to start bringing you weekly fantasy football coverage every Friday. Please feel free to use the comments link to post questions about your team or the topics you would like more information about. We’ll respond as quickly as possible.

WEEK 7

Lace ’em up: Three players to start

1. Jonathan Stewart is a great start this week (vs. Buffalo). Speaking of the Bills’ running back situation, Marshawn Lynch should have his typical production this week, while Fred Jackson shouldn’t be starting much for anyone the rest of the season (unless/ until Lynch gets hurt).

2. Don’t have Green Bay wide receivers Greg Jennings or Donald Driver on your roster but want to get in on the Pack attack on that flu-ridden Cleveland defense? A sneaky-solid tight end pickup this week could be Jermichael Finley. Even I have a chance to score a TD on the Browns this week.

3. Good defenses to start this week include the Colts’ Defense/Special Teams (vs. St. Louis) and the Patriots’ D/ST (vs. Tampa Bay – in London!) One or both should still be available in most leagues.

RIDE THE PINE: Three players to sit

1. Everyone keeps waiting (or is hoping) for the Brett Favre implosion, and we might just get it this week vs. the Steelers’ defense.

2. That said, we also don’t feel too good about Steelers running backs Rashard Mendenhall and/or Willie Parker against that Vikings D.

3. With Bingo caller/offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis running the offense this week, we are a little nervous about any Redskin this week, especially RB Clinton Portis.

FANTASY BREAKDOWN: The art of the trade

JOSH: All right, Paulie, by this time of the season, every fantasy owner knows the strengths and weaknesses of his or her team. Some owners might be looking to swing a deal to help out their squad for the stretch run. Any tips?

PAUL: Get a stud quarterback this year and don’t overpay for names.

JOSH: Definitely agree, but sometimes that can be easier said than done. What’s the best way to set up a credible trade that will entice a fellow owner?

PAUL: I’ll give you an example: I currently have Tony Romo, but I don’t trust him, so I traded some bench depth (Cedric Benson and others) to grab Aaron Rodgers when he was on a bye. The owner I traded with had a hot Joe Flacco and needed running back help. Identify depth, on your team and others. And always trade from, and for, strength.

JOSH: That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned in fantasy trading – go get the best guy in the deal. I’m a big fan of the giving-up-three-to-get-two deal. Yeah, you’re giving up more, but if you give up two decent starters and a quality bench player for two elite starters, you have improved your team in the long run. Just this week, I traded Laurence Maroney, Rickey Williams and Miles Austin to an owner needing RB help for Vincent Jackson and the Bengals’ D/ST (as a bye week replacement defense). I gave up three quality players who would never have seen the field for me, and Jackson is a huge addition for my receiving corps.

PAUL: Totally agree. MAYBE Austin is the real deal, but VJax definitely is. You also go with your gut. My brother just traded Steven Jackson and Jamal Lewis for Frank Gore. Maybe Jackson was higher-rated preseason, but he is high on Gore now and will never start Lewis anyway. Don’t be afraid to trade three dimes for a quarter if you can use only one coin.

JOSH: Great point! How does your approach to trading change if you’re in a keeper and/or dynasty league?

PAUL: Only the valuations, but the philosophy is the same. Some guys have way more value in keeper leagues, but you just assign your own values and go from there.

JOSH: I think you also have to know your team in a keeper league. If you’re built to win now, don’t be afraid to move a Moreno or McCoy in a deal where you could get an AP. In our dynasty league, I’m having a rough season in the standings, but I’m stockpiling youth.

PAUL: I traded Percy Harvin in the aforementioned Rodgers deal. I was not gonna lose the championship because of Romo, and Percy is at least a year away from having a fantasy impact. I don’t do that deal if I have no shot; it was a win-now move for sure.