Fantasy Football Week 3: Buy-Low Candidates to Trade for Before Breakout Games

When avoiding a shark, you simply have to swim faster than the other people in the water. In fantasy football, you just have to be smarter than the other people in your league.

One way to accomplish this second feat is to make quality trades that will pay off over the course of the season.

This does not mean that you should offer someone Montee Ball for Adrian Peterson, because that person will laugh in your face. However, there are a number of struggling players currently at their lowest value who should be able to bounce back.

If you can make a trade for one of these stars without giving up too much, you should do it in an instant.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

After shutting down Colin Kaepernick, it is clear that the Seattle Seahawks have the most complete defense in the league. The fact that Cam Newton managed double-digit fantasy points against them is commendable. 

The struggles in the second game against the Buffalo Bills were a bit more alarming, but he still managed 16 fantasy points in the contest.

However, things get much easier for Newton going forward, starting with a Week 3 game against the New York Giants. This is a defense that has already allowed a league-high 77 points this year and has serious question marks in the secondary.

Look for the third-year quarterback to start opening things up to avoid an 0-3 start, which will lead to more production in fantasy football. 

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

Of the early round picks who have struggled to start the year, Chris Johnson might have the best chance of turning things around. Plus, there are certainly plenty of fantasy owners who are ready to give up on him yet again.

Although he is only averaging 3.3 yards per carry in two games, he ranks second in the NFL with 50 rush attempts. This goes to show that the Titans have plenty of confidence in him and will continue to try to establish the run.

Additionally, the lack of early success has a lot to do with the matchups to start the year. The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked second in rushing yards allowed last season, while the Houston Texans tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns allowed.

These two teams have dominant front lines on defense and will cause problems for any running back who faces them this year.

If Johnson continues to get the same opportunities on a weekly basis, he will start to post some huge numbers.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Patience is a virtue in fantasy football, although not everyone has it. If you want to have Roddy White on your team this season, you will need to be able to wait a few weeks before seeing a payoff.

The veteran receiver has a high-ankle sprain that has limited him so far this season and will likely keep him from being productive for a few more weeks. Still, the talent is still there for him to come back for a big season. 

White has been incredibly consistent over his career, totaling at least 80 catches, 1,100 receiving yards and six touchdowns in each of the past six years. This slow start might cut into that a little, but he should still be a top option later in the season.

After two duds in a row, however, fantasy owners are ready to cut loose and trade for someone who can be useful right away.

If you have roster space, feel free to make this trade and reap the benefits for the majority of the year.

Jared Cook, TE, St. Louis Rams

Why is the top scoring tight end from Week 1 a buy-low candidate? Because he followed up that showing with only one catch for 10 yards in Week 2.

Fantasy owners around the league are certain to call the first game a fluke and part with the talented player. However, the truth is that the second performance is much more likely to be a fluke.

The Falcons did a great job of shutting down the tight end, but this is the same unit that held Jimmy Graham to only 45 yards in Week 1. Of course, they left other receivers open to have big games, a mistake that other teams are unlikely to make.

Cook is still a big part of the Rams' game plan and will continue getting a high number of targets each week. If someone in your league does not believe in the tight end's long-term ability, try to acquire him before it is too late.

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