Should Fantasy Owners Try to Buy Low on Hakeem Nicks?

Now is the time to buy low on New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

Sure, I sound like the wideout's fantasy football agent, someone who makes commission on the amount of times he's acquired or traded for in leagues across the country. But obviously, I reap no benefits by making that statement.

There are literally tens of thousands (millions?) of Nicks owners who are fed up with his lack of production, as he's been available in only two games this season and hasn't played since September 16. 

Although those owners likely drafted Nicks in the first seven rounds of the draft this year or selected him as a keeper from last season, you may be able to swing a trade for the big-play wideout. 

Should lingering injury issues worry you?

Sure. 

But they shouldn't keep you from buying low right now. 

Here's why. 

According to Giants beat writer Jenny Vrentas, Nicks won't play in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns at home. 

"

Coughlin said there is NOT a chance Nicks will play this week. Said combo of foot/knee. #nyg

— Jenny Vrentas (@JennyVrentas) October 4, 2012"

But Rotoworld's report on Nicks is certainly encouraging. 

On Nick's player page, Rotoworld wrote this: 

"Coach Tom Coughlin pointed to a combination of knee and foot soreness, although the Giants insist there's been no setback with his surgically repaired foot."

That's huge. 

New York certainly has laid a few regular-season eggs over the past few seasons, but they undoubtedly understand the importance of getting hot late, when it matters most. 

They won't rush Nicks back into the lineup and certainly don't feel the need to do so at home against the 0-4 Browns. 

So expect the G-Men to only play their star wideout when he's fully healthy. 

Because they don't believe that Nicks reaggravated his foot injury and is apparently only dealing with "soreness," the injury issues shouldn't be as worrisome as many initially believe. 

When he returns, though it may take him a few quarters or even a full game, there's no reason to expect Nicks to disappoint in the Giants' dynamic passing game. 

That's why you should buy low on Nicks right now, even if you have to store him on your bench for a few weeks. 

You will be happy you did so when the fantasy season really starts to heat up. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso