Fantasy Football Trade Advice: Week 5 Hold 'em and Fold 'em

So you're sitting there trying to decide who to pluck off the waiver wire—Joe McKnight or Titus Young.

Neither, I say.  

As we wade into the swampy waters of the bye weeks, dialing up players on the wire will have you full of regrets at kickoff time. Heed the advice that I have glowing from your computer screen and enjoy victory this Sunday.

Hold 'em—Players to Target

The players you need to barter for this week are Stevan Ridley, Roddy White and Andre Johnson.  Yes, Andre Johnson.

Stevan Ridley (RB) New England Patriots

You're a defensive coordinator. You're playing against the Patriots. Who are you game-planning against? That's right. Tom Brady, and that relentless passing attack.  

Oakland focused on the passing game and gave up 172 yards between Ridley and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.  

The talent margin between Ridley and Green-Ellis is blatant.  Ridley is the running back to own in the Patriots backfield. The problem is—you don't.

After last week's showing, trading for Ridley will be a bit more difficult. The chip to play is that Green-Ellis is still there, healthy, received the majority of carries last week and scored a touchdown.  

All of that is about to change.  

The Pat's offensive coordinator, Bill O'Brien, has been on record saying that Ridley needs to develop more before receiving a lion's share of the carries.

In Week 4, Ridley showed development against Oakland.  Look for him to become a solid RB2 going forward. Cha-ching!

Roddy White (WR) Atlanta Falcons

Whoever drafted Roddy White I'm sure is not happy with their return on investment.

He's topped 100 yards once this year, has scored only one touchdown and is trailing Julio Jones by 40 receiving yards.

Now is the time to buy low on Roddy. 

It was reported this week that White has been dealing with a deep thigh bruise since the preseason, which would explain his missed practice time and questionable tag heading into Sunday's game against Seattle.  

If it seems Julio Jones is becoming the apple of Matt Ryan's eye—it only seems like that.  

White has been targeted more than Jones, which is what matters in fantasy football—opportunity.

White will still have the opportunity to make plays. And given his relatively easy schedule the rest of the way, expect him to make good on those opportunities. 

Andre Johnson (WR) Houston Texans

The reports out of Houston are that Andre Johnson will miss at least three weeks after undergoing a procedure to help speed the recovery of his hamstring.  

It all sounds mighty grim—especially to the manager in your league who owns Johnson.

This trade is for a team sitting at 4-0 or 3-1 and can afford to stash Johnson on the bench for the next several weeks.  

The upside to landing this trade is self-explanatory. Once Johnson returns to the field, you'll have a top three wideout at a discounted rate.  

Fold 'em - Players to Trade 

Two guys who have been in your line-ups that are about to head South for the winter are Frank Gore and Mike Wallace. Give 'em the boot.

Frank Gore (RB) San Francisco 49ers

Gore ran for 127 yards and a touchdown this past Sunday. Now is the time to capitalize on his value. Well, his perceived value.

Before being graced with the Eagles "run defense" in Week 4, Gore's managed a meager 59, 47 and 42 yards in his previous three outings.  

And prior to averaging 8.5 YPC against the Eagles, Gore was getting 2.5 yards for each tote in Weeks 1-3.

Not impressive. And neither is his offensive line. Sell. Fast.

Mike Wallace (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers

Wallace's strong suit is the deep-ball.  

In order for him to have that opportunity, Big Ben needs time in the pocket.  With the Steelers' offensive line in shambles, you can get a look at Wallace running the field, practicing his 40 times and not much else.  

Roethlisberger, or whoever else is knocked into his role, simply won't have the time that is needed to get Wallace the deep-ball. Ergo, Wallace's value figures to take a huge hit.

Act now. Wallace has put up three 100-plus YPC games, and scored twice. He has seen his best game. Time to cash in.