The Marketplace - Week 6

Posted 10/13 by Jeff Tefertiller and Jeff Pasquino, Exclusive for Footballguys.com

This will be a weekly feature looking at the values of players in all leagues, from redraft to dynasty. The focus will be on identifying changes in player values beforehand in order to either buy a player low or sell a player high. It does not matter what type of league you are in, some players are gaining value and some are plummeting. Each week, we will look at a different group of players and examine why they are worth consideration to buy or sell. At the bottom of the article, there will be a "Buy of the Week" and a "Sale of the Week". This week and next, we will look at players over thirty years of age. This is the line in the sand for many fantasy owners. Do you sell all of the "older" players while they still have value or buy these players for good production at a reduced price? The answer is both ... and all depends on the player. This week, we will look at older players to buy. Next week's installment will focus on players to sell. The number of purchase targets varies by position. Just due to career longevity, there are many more capable older wide receivers thank running backs. The players' ages are included for each listed below.

Quarterbacks

Many good quarterbacks are able to play well into their thirties. Last season, five of the top 11 passers were over the age of thirty years old. Brett Favre turned forty this past week.

Tom Brady (32) still is not back in rhythm after the knee and shoulder injuries. It will still take time as he and Patriots look to regain their 2007 form. Brady has not been able to find Moss deep as he did in 2007. It might take another week or three for the passing game to get into synch, so this is the time to buy from an impatient owner.

Carson Palmer (30) is back at full strength after an injury-plagued 2008 season. His shoulder looks as good as ever. Chad Ochocinco is back healthy, too, as the Bengal passing offense is rounding into form. There have been some off games for Palmer and company so far in this short season, but efficiency will rise as the season goes on. Palmer has a nice cache of weapons in Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry, and Andre Caldwell at receiver. He is a good quarterback to target, especially in dynasty leagues. Palmer still has plenty of life left in his arm.

David Garrard (31) had put together a nice string of games before the clunker in Seattle this past week. He was on his way to quietly become an every-week fantasy option, but is a matchup starter at the very minimum going forward. With the emergence of Mike Sims-Walker, the Jaguar passing game has been able to have good fantasy weeks. Garrard is a good "buy" target in redraft and dynasty leagues as he offers QB1 production at a reasonable price.

Todd Collins (37) will play some this season. There is not much of a likelihood that Jason Campbell plays well enough to remain in the Redskins lineup. The Redskins look like a team in disrepair. This is a situation that will continue to deteriorate as the season progresses. The poor play of Campbell is not helping, and the team should make a change sooner versus later. Collins will not have much potential for monster games, but he is much more accurate than is Campbell.

Running Backs

Few running backs over the age of thirty are worthy to buy in fantasy leagues. Most owners are trying to divest themselves of these aging backs. But, there are a few that offer upside at a reasonable price.

Chester Taylor (30) has proven he is capable when given the role of primary ball carrier. He will be a free agent after the season and is playing for a new contract. It is unlikely that he will be given a starting job, but will not have to look hard for work. Taylor offers great insurance for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, so he could re-sign there after the season. Taylor is a good receiver that can also run hard between the tackles. In redraft leagues, he is a great player to acquire in case Peterson misses time later in the season. If so, you have a great RB1 for your fantasy team. In dynasty leagues, Taylor is a good depth player that offers upside.

Correll Buckhalter (31) was playing at a high level before suffering the ankle injury in week four. He will be back in the next week or so and should resume his role in the Bronco offense. Moreno has not proven he can withstand the pounding of being the featured back in Denver and has had an issue with fumbles. In addition, the Bronco coaching staff may feel more comfortable with the veteran getting a larger role as the games become more important. He has solid upside at a very reasonable price.

Ladell Betts (30) plays behind an aging back in Clinton Portis. No, the Redskin offensive line has not played well. Neither has quarterback Jason Campbell. The entire offense has been ineffective for the most part. Betts has some potential if Portis continues to be plagued by bone spurs in his ankles. He was a Top 10 fantasy back in 2006 when Portis missed extended action. The Redskins have given Portis a very large workload since the 2006 injury.

With the Fred Taylor ankle injury, there are two older backs that will have an impact, Sammy Morris (33) and Kevin Faulk (33). Morris is looked on as a multidimensional back that is good in all areas. He is a tough runner and a good receiver. Morris makes a a very good play for non-PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues. He should get the most carries each game. Faulk is known mainly for his receiving ability and usually plays out of a one-back set on passing downs. He is a good PPR back off of the waiver wire to use in spot duty. The weather is turning colder in New England, and the Patriots will begin to look to establish the run while quarterback Tom Brady gets his timing and execution back. It is unknown whether Fred Taylor (also 33) will be back this season. He is signed through next season.

Wide Receivers

Many wide receivers offer considerable value once they eclipse thirty years old. Fantasy owners think that production will drop off a cliff. But, this is not the norm with wideouts that have been highly productive in their careers. In fact, nine of the top 26 wide receivers in 2008 were over the "magical" age of thirty. That is a huge segment of quality fantasy producers that some fantasy owners avoid. In dynasty leagues, these are the types of players to acquire on the cheap for the stretch run. They are inexpensive compared to the level of production. Teams with losing records and older players are the ones to target.

Reggie Wayne (31) is having a phenomenal season. He is playing great as Peyton Manning's favorite target. It would be difficult to espouse the belief that Wayne has slowed down now that he has gotten older. He is playing great, even with being the focus of the defense.

Chad Ochocinco (31) has looked as good as ever this season after suffering through an injury-plagued 2008 campaign. He is back at full strength this season. Ochocinco has proven that he does not need Houshmandzadeh lined up on the other side in order to be a topflight fantasy receiver. Ochocinco and quarterback Carson Palmer make up one of the most prolific combinations in the NFL. He is a legitimate fantasy WR1 at a WR2 price.

Donald Driver (34) has been consistently good for many seasons. Few receivers can put up several 1,000-yard seasons like Driver. Aaron Rodgers has a big arm and looks for the open receiver. Many teams look to shut down Greg Jennings, leaving Driver room to roam. He has been a solid fantasy starter this season, for a reasonable price. The Packers will continue to throw the ball, and Driver should continue to benefit. He is a great bet to finish the season as a fantasy WR2 once again.

Hines Ward (33) is a tough football player. He makes the Steelers better in many ways. For fantasy reasons, Ward is a reliable pass receiver who is able to still make plays down the field. While Santonio has the hearts of many fantasy owners, it is Ward who continues to put up the best numbers. Ward is a favored target of Roethlisberger when he needs a clutch reception. He has sure hands and is willing to go over the middle. Ward outproduced Holmes last season and could do so once again.

Derrick Mason (35) continues to plug along. His season was in doubt with the brief retirement after the sudden and tragic loss of longtime friend, Steve McNair. But, Mason has played very well this season. He started slowly, but stepped up his production before being shutout against the Bengals. Cincinnati has done this to other top receivers, so expect Mason to bounce back this week. With the strong play of quarterback Joe Flacco, Mason is getting more opportunities to make the big play than last season. It also helps that he is the only reliable option at the receiver position for the Ravens.

Muhsin Muhammad (36) is a decent play if you are looking for production this season. He is underrated every season because of his age. In redrafts, Muhammad makes a good spot starter at WR3 while other receivers are off for the bye weeks. He, and the Panthers, had their bye in week four. As opponents attempt to contain the speedy Steve Smith, Muhammad will be productive ... as long as Jake Delhomme can play well.

Tight Ends

Dallas Clark (30) has a great chance at finishing as the top tight end this season. He and Antonio Gates are the two favorites at this time. Peyton Manning has looked to his athletic tight end often with Marvin Harrison released and Anthony Gonzalez injured. Clark will continue to thrive in the Colt offense. His age is not a concern. So, do not let his age bother you from buying if you find an owner willing to sell.

Tony Gonzalez (33) finished as the top tight end last season, but still many fantasy owners continue to question his ability to perform at his current age. He has not slowed down any from his younger days. Gonzalez is in a good passing offense and will continue to get redzone targets. He should be good for another two or three seasons, catching Matt Ryan passes.

Weekly Specials

Buy of the Week

Peyton Manning (33) has been setting the league on fire. He has enjoyed five straight great games with at least 300 passing yards. He is a player to buy if you can pull it off. The Colt offense is playing great under the direction of Manning. He is one of just a few passers that is playing at a high level, and can continue the pace.

Sale of the Week

Brian Westbrook (30) is now healthy and back in the Philadelphia Eagle lineup. He is an ideal player to sell after any big game. There is little chance that the Eagle back will be able to remain healthy for the duration of the season. Plus, LeSean McCoy has proved to be a capable option in his stead. The Philadelphia coaching staff has stated their desire to get McCoy more touches. All signs point to McCoy as the 2010 starter.