Is it me or do you dislike immediately looking at your league standings after losing a fantasy matchup in a nail-biter.

That's the case with one of my teams that has lost by a combined 16 points the past two weeks to fall to 1-3. Devastating losses, no thanks to Mr. Westbrook's ankle. It has made me moody and dispassionate since I care more about that team than my other squad.

And I do analyze to the 15th player all the teams in the league in which I am sitting pretty at 3-1. Funnily, I was lukewarm on that team after the draft and exultant on the 1-3 losers.

The ''What if?'' game keeps me up at night, too. What if I didn't change my free agent bids last minute from Lance Moore to Jordy Nelson? What if I pulled the trigger on that Coles-for-Slaton trade last week? Why didn't I draft Kevin Walter even though I loved him.

I'd be a solid 2-2 and not wide awake at 1:45 a.m. on a Wednesday watching Paris Hilton's My New BFF to keep my mind off the Nelson pickup. And yes, there are more important things going on -- like our economy -- though fantasy football does a nice job of keeping our minds off that on Sundays no matter if we are winning or losing.

Can I still be trusted to help you? Yes. Keep in mind I've never been in a dismal spot and still like my chances. If you are in my spot and like your team, luck (like facing teams that are high-pointing on you) should even out and the tide should turn.

But if you are 0-4 you might want to consider a major shake-up. Should you trade your superstar? It might not be a bad call if another team in your league has the depth and quality players to help you get a 2 for 1 or even a 3 for 1.

Here are some players (buy-lows and some studs in general who can still be had) to target:

• Darren McFadden: Take a chance on him now while the time is right. He has been banged up but should come back strong after the bye and with new coaches.

• Selvin Young: A great buy-low candidate with Andre Hall a little banged up. Mike Shanahan has to see that Young is his best back even though Michael Pittman is vulturing TDs. (Disclaimer -- I do own him in a league and am not trying to boost his stock!)

• Kevin Walter: Might be a little late after his two TDs last week, but expect him to be a steady WR3 the rest of the way. I still believe in him and Matt Schaub, and the offense seemed to be clicking last week as Owen Daniels and Steve Slaton looked solid.

• Zach Miller: He busted out a bit last week and I can see him becoming a valuable asset in a season where reliable tight ends are few and far between.

• Kevin Smith: Going out on a limb here even though Rudi Johnson was named the starter.

Others: Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Santonio Holmes, Matt Forte.

For questions or comments, please e-mail stevenschwadron@yahoo.com

Join the discussion

Note: If this is your first time using our NEW commenting system, you will have to LOG OUT and then LOG BACK IN.

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.CommentBody@

@Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@