Never miss your team's big game when you sign up for an NFL Big Game dish and satellite package from directtv. Check it out today at Internetlion.com!

Ask The Maverick !
by Fantasy Maverick
April 17th 2010
 
Got a Fantasy dilemma? Can't decide what to do? Your toubles are over as the doctor is in session...fire your questions at the Maverick and we will publish the most needy patients...

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
 
Clint: I'm in a DYNASTY LEAGUE and I currently have Brandon Marshall and I was offered Marques Colston for him. I think Marshall is more talented but Colston is in a great situation in New Orleans...what do u think???
 
Maverick: This is the kind of trade that will make or break your season. This is a trade not for the faint hearted, it's one for the real gamblers. The question is Clint will you, like your namesake, take that risk and draw, Mr Eastwood?
 
This is a tough one because there are a lot of similarities between these two stud WRs. Looking at the measurements I couldn't find a closer pair, there are only 5lbs separating their combined height, weight and ages. No clue there.
 
Time to break out the record and fact book. Sheesh, there's not much in that either. Brandon's 327 catches for 4,019 yards sure looks a heck of a lot like Mr Colston's 285 - 4,074.
 
"Hey hold on" I hear you say. "Brandon racked up his stats in only three and a bit years to Colston's four". True, but if you look a shade closer they have started a near identical 45 to 46 games; that makes their game productivity pretty similar. Rats, got no measuring stick there either.

The only real difference stat-wise is that Marques has 8 more career TDs than Brandon, that's a fair amount. Round one to Colston.
 
Much had been made of the Saints deep receiving unit. The rule of hand suggests it's better to own the only man in town than own the top dog in a committee, but you know what? The supposedly deep supporting cast in New Orleans didn't make it as crowded as some expected. Henderson only notched 35 catches and the TEs only racked up 49 meaningful touches themselves. Robert Meacham has a bright future (82-722-9) but for now Colston is the top dog. And is it really great to have the only man in town, when that town is Miami?
 
At 7-9 with the 20th ranked passing offense last year and a young QB in Chad Henne, it's no guarantee that Brandon can post big numbers even though he has no challenger around him. The Dolphins 4th ranked rushing offense is also cause for concern, although you would do well to keep an eye on the Ronnie Brown trade rumours. If he goes, Marshall owners rejoice.
 
A big consideration for Brandon of course is if he can keep his nose clean and actually be allowed to play a full year!? The NFL is like an A-Team convention these days with all the Bad Attitudes hanging around, but luckily Brandon now has the no-nonsense Bill Parcells to place a mindful wing over. A better place he couldn't be.
 
Look like I'm leaning to Colston right? He's considered one of the safer stud options, you are pretty much guaranteed a grand of yardage and near double digit TDs in a great offense. Don't forget though that you could slot Jamarcus Russell in that Saint receiving corps and he'd be up for Pro Bowl consideration.
 
Marshall is a major league talent and has a much higher ceiling than Colston if he can just sort himself out. I don't believe that he will post huge numbers this year with Chad Henne still learning, but all things being equal he will once again be upper tier from 2011 onwards.
 
OK it's decision time. Marques is the safe bet, and Brandon has it all available should he decide.
That means we have The Good in Colston and The Bad in Marshall, and that leaves this deal as The Ugly.
 
Everyone knows that Colston is a top 15 WR, but he probably won't be top 5 in New Orleans. Marshall within a year or two could well be in that tasty top 5. That means this isn't a fair trade. Send him back to the saloon emtpy handed amigo. No dice.
 
Mind you, if they threw in an extra 1st round pick...?