Skip to main content

Marshall still an elite fantasy wideout after trade to Dolphins

What do you think of Brandon Marshall now that he's in Miami? Is he still an elite fantasy wide receiver? How does the move affect the value of Knowshon Moreno? - T. Fells, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Michael Fabiano: Honestly, I don't see much of a change in his value. Marshall was the top option in the pass attack for the Broncos, and he'll fill the same role with the Dolphins. There's not a drastic downgrade at quarterback position, either. In fact, Chad Henne has more statistical upside than Kyle Orton. I had Marshall ranked eighth among his fellow wideouts before the deal, and I haven't moved him since it was consummated. Without a true No. 1 receiver, the Broncos will likely run the ball more often next season. That's good news for Moreno, who has been a regular participant at the team's voluntary offseason workouts and should thrive in their new power running scheme. I see him as a high-end No. 2 fantasy runner and well worth a third-round selection in drafts.

I need to keep three players in our PPR league from Aaron Rodgers, Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall and Larry Fitzgerald. C.J. is an obvious choice, but I'm having trouble picking the other three. I have the seventh overall pick in the re-draft. - J. Berlinksi, Michigan

M.F.: As much as I love Mendenhall, I think he's the player to release. As you mentioned, Johnson is the best and more obvious choice. It's also hard to let go of a quarterback like Rodgers, who's emerged into the top quarterback in fantasy football. You might be on the fence about Fitzgerald, who some people feel loses a lot of value without Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin. But in my opinion, I don't see a drastic decrease in his numbers with Matt Leinart under center. While he might fall short of the 13 touchdowns he scored last season, I can see still Fitzgerald putting up 90 receptions, 1,000-1,200 yards and eight to 10 scores. Based on the fact the this is a league that rewards points for receptions, I'd give Fitzgerald the edge. If you do have a chance to re-acquire Mendenhall in the re-draft, it's a move I would certainly look to make.

Where do you think Marshawn Lynch will end up next season? I know he's had his share of off-field problems, but he's still young and has plenty of upside. Lynch is also in my dynasty league, and I'm anxious to know where he might land. - P. Mathis, Cedar Falls, Iowa

M.F.: According to Bills GM Buddy Nix, the team has no intention of dealing Lynch. That's not a great scenario for the runner's fantasy appeal, though, as Fred Jackson clearly established himself as the better back in 2009. At best, Lynch will find himself in a committee situation that limits his statistical potential. In the event that the Bills change their mind and trade him, the Seahawks and Chargers could be his most aggressive suitors. But based on Nix's comments, it doesn't appear that any sort of deal is imminent -- or even likely -- at this point in time.

What sort of value will Ben Roethlisberger have if he's suspended two games? What about four games? I agree with you that he's becoming more of a risk, especially after the deal that sent Santonio Holmes to the Jets. - W. Campbell, Lincoln, Neb.

M.F.: While there's been no announcement that a suspension is imminent, popular opinion seems to indicate that Roethlisberger will face some sort of ban to start the season. Even if he's suspended two games, that would erase any chance at duplicating his 2009 totals. As is stands, I still see him as a low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback. But if either the NFL or the Steelers disciplines him in the weeks so come (coupled with the Holmes deal), Roethlisberger would be reduced to more of a No. 2 option on draft day.

I see that you have Braylon Edwards ranked at No. 48 among wide receivers, behind Kenny Britt and Devin Aromashodu. Do you just not like this guy or what? A few years ago he was one of the top three players at his position, and now he's in a contract year. I'm expecting big things. - M. Damarte, Albany, N.Y.

M.F.: I'm not sure what makes you think Edwards is going to have a big season, but I don't see it. And what he did a few years ago means nothing. Would you still draft Michael Clayton because he had a big season a few years ago? Edwards has been a reliable fantasy option in only one season since 2005, and has averaged just 776 yards and scored seven touchdowns over the last two years. I don't know about you, but I'd certainly like to get much more out of my wideouts. Britt and Aromashodu also have something Edwards does not -- statistical upside. With Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery both in the mix, Edwards appears to be destined for another mediocre season.

Will Jason Campbell have any fantasy value in 2010? I can't see the Redskins keeping him around, but it doesn't seem like there are a lot of places for him to go and have a chance to start. He was actually a pretty decent option for my fantasy team last season. - R. Mills, Canada

M.F.: The three teams that could show interest in Campbell are the Bills, Panthers and Raiders. I think the best fit is Buffalo, where Campbell would come in and instantly be the best quarterback on the roster for coach Chan Gailey. No offense to Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick or Brian Brohm, but Campbell is a better signal-caller both on the field and in fantasy circles. If a trade does go down, I'd expect it to happen right around next week's draft.

I'm in a 12-team keeper league that favors quarterbacks, and I can protect four players. I will retain Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson, but I'm not sure who else to keep from Shonn Greene, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Steve Smith (Giants) and Antonio Gates. Who would you retain for the 2010 season? - G. Oates, Fairfield, Conn.

M.F.: I would keep Greene and Jackson. The Jets runner has limitless short- and long-term potential in an offense that will continue to lean on the ground attack, regardless of the moves they've made to improve their passing game. Jackson has a chance to be one of the most explosive playmakers in the league for years to come. With Brady, Peterson, Greene and Jackson held over, I'd be sure to target a second wide receiver in the first round of your re-draft.

If C.J. Spiller ends up with the Seahawks, what will his seasonal fantasy value be in 2010? I noticed that Seahawks running backs have the third-most favorable FPA rating. Could Spiller be a sleeper? - L. Karr, Champaign, Ill.

M.F.: Spiller has been compared to Chris Johnson for his speed and playmaking abilities, but you can't compare the two backs from a fantasy perspective. Sure, the rookie out of Clemson would be the best fantasy option in the Seahawks backfield. However, I don't see him being a true featured back under coach Pete Carroll. Remember that Carroll liked to use multiple backs during his time at Southern California, so Julius Jones and Justin Forsett will see work as well. The fact that Spiller would have a very favorable FPA rating is a definite advantage, but I'd still have a hard time ranking him as more than a No. 2 fantasy runner if he lands in the Pacific Northwest.

I've been offered Jerome Harrison for Beanie Wells in our 12-team keeper league. I wonder how effective Wells will be with Tim Hightower still in the backfield, and Harrison was a beast last season. Should I pull the trigger? - S. Moorehead, Lafayette, La.

M.F.: I touched on Harrison is last week's mailbag, but the short answer is no, I wouldn't make this deal. While Harrison was a stud at the end of last season, keep in mind that two of his final three games came against the Raiders and Chiefs. Those two teams ranked first and second in terms of allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Harrison is also not going to be a featured back, as the coaching staff likes what Peyton Hillis brings to the table in terms of a power complement. I also think the Browns will add another running back in the draft. Harrison also has one of the most difficult FPA ratings of any starting back in the league, facing the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers a combined six times with other games against the Patriots, Jets, Jaguars and Dolphins. I also think Wells has more long-term value, so I'd stand pat.

Where would you draft Mike Wallace now that he's expected to start for the Steelers? Do you think he's a better fantasy option than guys like Chris Chambers, Derrick Mason and Donald Driver? As a Steelers fan, I can see him putting up great numbers. - H. Ramos, Pittsburgh, Pa.

M.F.: Wallace has one very important thing that Chambers, Mason and Driver don't, and that's statistical potential. That trio of veterans likely won't ever again duplicate their past success, but Wallace still has quite a high ceiling in the Steel City. In fact, I wouldn't be a bit shocked if he emerged past Hines Ward and becomes the top option in the team's passing game next season. Right now, I see Wallace as being well worth a middle-round selection in drafts.

Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!