Fantasy Football Sell High Candidates: LaDainian Tomlinson, Lloyd and Owens

We are about halfway through the NFL season, so now is the perfect time to look at a few players who have excelled well beyond our expectations.  Is now when we should cut bait and sell high?  Let’s take a look:

LaDainian Tomlinson—New York Jets—Running Back
Many questioned the Jets for replacing Thomas Jones with Tomlinson, as it certainly appeared like his best days were behind him.  Throw in the presence of Shonn Greene and the signing made little sense in some people’s eyes.  However, seven games in and no one is questioning the signing now.  Tomlinson has rushed for 544 yards with five touchdowns (as well as adding 24 receptions for 144 yards).

However, let’s not get too caught up in the numbers.  Over his last two games he has failed to eclipse 55 yards and there has been talk about getting Greene more involved in the offense.  If that happens, you will have missed the boat in cashing in on a great find that you had late in your draft.

It’s certainly worth floating some deals out there and seeing what you can get.  There’s a very real possibility that after a strong start to his season, a regression is coming.

Brandon Lloyd—Denver Broncos—Wide Receiver
He has been absolutely amazing thus far, with 42 receptions for 878 yards and four touchdowns.  First of all, did anyone see this one coming?  Secondly, does anyone really believe that he can maintain this?

He already has four games of at least 100 yards.  While injuries have played a role and limited him at times, he had just four 100-yard games in his entire career prior to 2010.  In fact he has already set his career high in yards and is just six shy of his career high in receptions.

You also have to keep in mind the number of quality receivers the Broncos have.  Jabar Gaffney actually leads the team with 45 receptions.  Eddie Royal has 38.  There’s also Demaryius Thomas potentially getting in the mix.

Remember, they had little to no running game early in the season, but a healthy Knowshon Moreno should change that (if he ever gets fully healthy).  Kyle Orton has just one game with less then 33 attempts and has three with more then 40 (two with over 50).  With a running game those attempts will come down as will Lloyd’s potential to produce.  He should remain usable, but you may be able to really cash in on his early season success (the same thing could be said about Orton).

Terrell Owens—Cincinnati Bengals—Wide Receiver
It’s tough to argue with his success.  He’s scored five touchdowns over his last four games.  He appears to have emerged as the main receiver in Cincinnati.  At least, that’s the impression we have.

In fact, Owens actually has just six more receptions than Chad Ochocinco.  You also have to wonder if the Bengals will continue to be a pass-heavy team, especially as the weather begins to turn.  Carson Palmer has not attempted less then 35 passes in a game, but that just can’t continue.

Owens is certainly going to be a usable wide receiver moving forward, but as they begin to rely on Cedric Benson more his opportunities could diminish.  It also isn’t inconceivable to see Ochocinco find the end zone a little bit more, which would further hurt Owens’ value.

Owens is going to be usable in all formats, but right now he’s likely viewed as a WR1.  That could easily change in a few weeks, so try to cash in for a more dependable option now.

What are your thoughts on these three players?  Would you sell high on them?  Who else are you looking to sell?

Make sure to check out our Week 9 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers

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