I view it as fantasy football’s version of the Procession of the Equinoxes.

It stems from the common mistake made by fantasy owners when prepping for their drafts: Said player’s stats at last season’s end do not automatically mean he will be in the same position of success in the upcoming season.

It seems like common sense, no?

Each year ushers in changes in the fantasy landscape, much like when we gaze into the starry night. This time, something seems off. Where did that brilliant display of astrological artwork wind up? One year’s gallery of galactic splendor can be replaced by another, leaving the previous wonder an afterthought of yours.

The magic with the Procession is that those faint stars that have slowly, and in some cases precipitously, lost their luminosity became the delight of someone else on Earth. It’s the old “one man’s trash …” adage.

Confused? Don’t worry, it’s quite simple.

Fantasy footballers, here are a few bright stars that are worth trading for. Most of them are or have struggled at some point this year, for various reasons. The trade deadline looms for a lot of leagues, and it’s time you stop thinking about “hangin’ in there” or “being in contention.” Take the proverbial bull by the horns and make the ultimate playoff push. Control your destiny by soothsaying your way past your opponents.

I’m not much of one for astrology, but I know the Cancer in all of us can make trading a fretful endeavor. Fear not, my friend. Instead, follow the way of the Pisceans. Most fantasy owners need to summon the bravery of their inner Pisces and throw caution to the wind … just as long as they have done their homework.

Sometimes, the easiest way of consummating a trade is by convincing your trading partner that you are taking the bigger risk. I’m not saying you need to put forth an Oscar-winning performance, but make them feel as though they are assuming less risk than you are.

These players, in no particular order, need to be added to your fantasy roster:

Kurt Warner, quarterback, Arizona Cardinals

Forget that six-turnover game last week – or, better yet, hope your trading partner wants to forget Warner! Knee-jerk reactions can be the death of a playoff run, but the savvy owner realizes Warner’s upcoming schedule is weaker than Wade Phillips‘ willpower in a Krispy Kreme.

I don’t think any quarterback has an easier fantasy playoff schedule than grey-chinned Warner does. In fact, he closes out the fantasy year with the Detroit Lions (Week 15) and St. Louis Rams (Week 16). Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch: Matchups with the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Rams, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers lead us to Warner’s cakewalk of a final two-game sked. Bon Appetit!

Carson Palmer, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals

Palmer is scheduled to finish with typical Palmer statistics (on pace for 3,675, 29.7 TDs, 16 INTs), but he can be maddeningly inconsistent. He tossed five touchdown passes in Week 7, which was as many as his previous four games combined. His upcoming schedule isn’t pretty at all. The Baltimore Ravens this are in the middle of the pack against the position, but his Week 10 opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers (11th against QBs), should be a tough one.

Then he has the 21st-ranked Oakland Raiders, the 24th-ranked Cleveland Browns, the 18th-rated Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, who are the third worst D against quarterbacks in the past month. Palmer finishes out the standard fantasy playoffs with the San Diego Chargers as a so-so matchup and Kansas City Chiefs (25th ranked).

Note: All of those rankings are fantasy points against quarterbacks (one point per 20 passing yards, one point per 10 rushing, four points per passing TD, six points per rushing TD, negative one point per interception thrown).

Philip Rivers, quarterback, San Diego Chargers

Free-flowing fantasy points for all!

His upcoming schedule is a godsend. While Rivers has a few tough matchups along the way, he should enjoy strong performances against the New York Giants (Week 9), Kansas City Chiefs (Week 12), Cleveland Browns (Week 13), Dallas Cowboys (Week 14) and Tennessee Titans (Week 16).

Rivers is on pace to shatter last year’s career high in passing yards (4,009). If all goes as planned, look for about 4,600 yards. His touchdown production is low, but Rivers has beaten up weaker secondaries (KC, for example). He threw three touchdown passes against the Troy Polamalu-less Pittsburgh Steelers defense in Week 4, too.

Ronnie Brown, running back, Miami Dolphins

Brown has an enticing upcoming schedule. He has the New England Patriots twice in the five weeks, but sandwiched between the Pats games Brown gets to exploit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills. While New England is playing well against the position lately, Brown torched them to the tune of four rushing scores (plus a passing TD) last year in one game but was shut out in the second contest.

After his second foray with the Patriots, the former Auburn Tiger hopes to run roughshod over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, respectively, to close out the standard fantasy schedule. Could it get any better than that for a tailback out to prove his prolific 2007 start wasn’t a fluke?!?!

Looking to gore his upcoming opponents

Frank Gore, running back, San Francisco 49ers

In standard Gore fashion, he missed two full games and carried the ball only once in Week 3 due to an ankle injury. As long as he can stay healthy, which is a big risk to assume, Gore should be a fantasy star the rest of the way. He has a very favorable schedule and remains the focal point of a run-first offense.

The Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions remain on Gore’s schedule through Week 16. Only the Packers and Cardinals should be tough matchups, but Arizona may be weaker than expected if last week’s shellacking by the Carolina Panthers is any indication of their future run defense.

Calvin Johnson, wide receiver, Detroit Lions

Megatron hasn’t been so mega this season, but he was starting to come around before falling to injury in Week 5. If he can’t get back on track with this schedule, fantasy owners can mail it in. He is simply too talented, and regardless of having an erratic rookie quarterback, his situation isn’t much, if any, worse than it was last year. True talent wins out more often than not.

For the record, Johnson’s schedule is as follows: Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay and Cincy should be his toughest competition, but Johnson destroyed the Pack last year (15-231-4 in two games). Granted, the defense has changed, but the personnel remains in place at cornerback and safety for the Packers. It should be interesting.

Be fearless but smart and trading is a breeze. Don’t get caught up in worrying about making the wrong choice. If you aren’t certain, check out KFFL.com’s fantasy football forums and Coors Light Ask the Experts (Thursdays only) feature on our home page for additional advice.

There are still some leagues out there that have yet to process free agents and many that have first come, first serve (FCFS) rules in place. For those that don’t know what that is, it’s when you can go to the waiver wire and add/drop players immediately.

Some players to pick up that may still be out there:

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Mike Thomas can be considered by desperate owners in deep leagues. Let’s make something clear, three of the last four weeks have been great for him. Let’s remove the joke of a game they played against Seattle in Week 5. Then take the last three games. He’s posted 16-138-0, which averages to 5-46-0. That would translate into 9.6 points in most point-per-reception leagues, giving him bye week or injury fill-in value. In those three games he’s also seen 20 targets.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Laveranues Coles has improved his fantasy numbers the last two weeks but mostly because of two touchdowns. He’s averaging 3-46-1 the last two games. If you’re desperate pick him up and see what he does. For the record, in the last two games he’s seen nine targets.

Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley (leg) is out for about three more weeks. He’s on many waiver wires as most owners thought he was done for the season. He’s a potential stud during the fantasy playoffs, so grab Cooley and stash him!

Inconsistent production

New England Patriots TE Benjamin Watson is also on many waiver wires because he’s inconsistent. However, if you’re in need of a bye week or injury fill-in, give him a shot. He’s only posted 6-122-2 with 10 targets. The key here is the fact he has two touchdowns over the last month and four for the season.

Green Bay Packers TE Jermichael Finley (knee) may not play this week but in his limited time he’s shown he’s clearly the fantasy future for the tight end position over Donald Lee, who is well past his prime. Finley has been inconsistent but could turn it around in the second half. In Weeks 5 and 6, when healthy and finally showing chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he posted 11-182-1 on 12 targets. If he can get back to health there’s a chance he can once again show us what we expected of him: quality tight end numbers.

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

Don’t forget, I’m a Tweeter and post what’s happening in a breaking or timely manner. I also point you to solid links that can help you win your leagues. Follow me at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.

The Fantasy Roundtable hasn’t finished their discussions, but I thought I’d give my two cents on this week’s question. UPDATE: The discussions are over and you can find the rest of the panel’s answers at fantasyfootballfools.com. Here is the question and my answer.

Looking ahead at the fantasy football playoffs (Weeks 14-17), what one player would you want to own during those weeks and what one player would you want to unload before Week 14?

My pickup for the playoffs: the Kansas City Chiefs‘ Kolby Smith (knee). He’s a deep sleeper, yes, but it shouldn’t cost much to get him, and he could pay huge dividends.

KC has to see what they have besides LJ

Starter Larry Johnson’s suspension ends after Week 9, but the team has given some thought to releasing him. At some point they have to start looking toward the future. Jamaal Charles, a third-round pick last year, is expected to shoulder most of the load this week. He’s more of a speedy change-of-pace back, however; and the Chiefs have utilized him as a rusher only 23 times this year. A lot of that has come out of passing downs, too.

This leads us to Smith; the third-year back has carried a full workload in the past (Weeks 12 through 16 in 2007: 100 carries for 387 yards and two scores), and he says he has confidence in his rehabilitated knee. Head coach Todd Haley says Smith is moving around well in practice, too. Smith has the bulk (5-foot-11, 219 pounds) that could help him hold up as a primary back over the speedier Charles.

Kansas City faces the Buffalo Bills (most rushing yards allowed per game to backs this year), the Cleveland Browns (third most) and the Cincinnati Bengals in Weeks 14 through 16, respectively. Cincy isn’t a great matchup, but Smith could be a beast during those two first games.

On the flip side, one player I’m looking to unload before the playoffs is the San Francisco 49ers‘ Michael Crabtree. I don’t have much faith in Alex Smith behind center for the long term. I feel defenses might be able to shut down Crabtree, too, once they have more film on him and how the 49ers are using him. Remember: This is still a run-first offense.

Also, I don’t believe his value will be any higher after his first three games. Wait for him to burn the Tennessee Titans, a generous defense to this position, in Week 9 and then sell high on the former Texas Tech wideout.

The defenses Crabtree will face in the traditional playoffs weeks: the Detroit Lions (Week 14), the Arizona Cardinals (Week 15) and the Philadelphia Eagles (Week 16). Philly’s D has been one of the top against this position all season while the other two have shown improvement in the last month. Plus, Detroit’s run D has been bad enough that San Fran might opt to pound the ball.

Us fantasy football players are incredibly reactionary. Why aren’t we more anticipatory? Instead of waiting for Running Back C to blow up for 151 total yards and three touchdowns, put in your clairvoyant contacts and give yourself a chance to feel conspicuously clever.

You’re probably one of innumerable fantasy managers who’ll try to lay claim to the wavering Ryan Moats wave on your league’s waiver wire. (I was and still am. Shhhh.)

But what if you already owned him? Moats would have cost you virtually nothing in an FAAB system, until this week. He’d have been taking up your No. 5 or No. 6 running back spot, perhaps occupied by the likes of Justin Fargas.

True, we already house players like this. Patient Jamaal Charles owners feel vindicated, for now. Folks (like myself, in the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Industry Insiders League) enjoyed the fruits of Jerome Harrison’s labor in Weeks 3 and 4, when Jamal Lewis was letting his booboos heal.

That list goes on. We’re all waiting on someone to get hurt or suspended. There was reason to believe that Moats was worth stashing, too. The factors in the equation – talent, work ethic, size, maturity, the system, etc. – can make the disparity between one backup and another in the NFL negligible.

And so, we know that Kolby Smith, like Charles, has an opportunity in front of him because Larry Johnson is an ignorant malcontent. Smith is coming off a serious knee injury, but top-end speed isn’t a requirement to play tailback, even in the NFL – not that such an attribute was his anyway.

Lewis plans to retire – he affirmed that decision today – after this season. The Cleveland Browns aren’t going anywhere, so why would they feel obligated to give the ball to Jamal very much? Harrison isn’t a featured back, but he should become a factor again.

The Seattle Seahawks released Edgerrin James this week. Justin Forsett’s playing time will increase to some degree. In point-per-reception leagues, he’s a no-duh addition.

Walter is an obvious beneficiary of Owen Daniels' misfortune

What about Louis Rankin? At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he’s built more like a receiver than a back. But the second-year man from Washington is a speedy slasher familiar with OC Greg Knapp’s offense from his days (granted, mostly as a practice squadder) with the Oakland Raiders. Oh, sorry, has Julius Jones impressed you?

The Houston Texans lost Owen Daniels for the remainder of this campaign. Joel Dreessen, he of 25 career receptions, will fill in most of the time, at least initially. Don’t expect him to be a fantasy factor.

Instead, the backs and Kevin Walter, who had been trickling into more and more free-agent pools every week, should benefit. Don’t be surprised to see Houston employ more three-wide sets, perhaps giving the dangerous Jacoby Jones and the slippery David Anderson a few more looks.

I added Malcom Floyd in the FSWA IIL because he had slowly been eating into Chris Chambers‘ snaps. I got off cheaply.

Did you keep asking, Might Steve Slaton lose his job, or at least some of his touches, if he continues to put the ball on the carpet? Did your answer fall in line with those popular? The suggestion seemed preposterous. But the many don’t make the decisions.

If we have to keep asking, we obviously don’t accept the answer. Trust your instincts. Give credit to your ability to analyze. Slaton will remain a factor – he’s too dangerous – but now others are sharing his pie.

It was a brutal week for me! Bye weeks finally caught up to me. In a few leagues, I maxed out my points, but it wasn’t enough to deal with teams who still had their studs going. For example, in my NFL.com Experts league, I lost by nine points this week. Had I not dropped Nick Folk for Matt Prater I would have tied my opponent but would have lost anyway; every player on my bench was on a bye, and that’s used for breaking ties.

In the end, it is what it is. In representing KFFL this year, so far I’m doing well. I’m either in first or battling for first. In four leagues I have a combined record of 23-9 and some close losses, so I like where I’m sitting near the halfway point. Just remember, you need to assess your team to determine how true a shot you have for the playoffs. I say that because it will help decide how risky you get in all facets of the game: waivers, trades, who to start (do you get conservative or become a risk taker?) and any other area you feel needs tweaking.

Time to dive into this Moats?

We still have bye weeks. That makes the waiver wire that much more important, but I’m confident my teams have turned the corner as most of my players have wrapped up their byes. This week’s fantasy darling will be Houston Texans RB Ryan Moats. He thrilled us, and the 2 percent that started him, they look like geniuses.

In Week 6, Moats was one of my listed players in my waiver wire queue in one league. This was because of the bye week and I needed a body. It was that bad; I was hoping for a miracle and just wanted someone who would see some touches. I wound up with Jason Snelling – but what about the owner this past week who did what I did but picked Moats up and started him? He’s laughing as he does his victory dance all over you then takes your woman for good measure! Unless it’s me, odds of the latter happening are unlikely! My try at humor may be lame, but my point, never leave a starting slot open or assume the scrub is just a scrub. RESEARCH!

We knew starting running back Steve Slaton was struggling with fumbles, and after that fifth lost fumble (seventh overall), Moats saw his opportunity and took advantage. For the record, I’m thrilled for Moats, after the heartbreaking incident in which the cop stopped him and prevented him from making it to the hospital during a family emergency. That incident kept him from seeing his mother-in-law before she passed.

Moats and others to target

Moats ran it up, 23-126-3, to earn more playing time. While we don’t know if it is Coach Speak or reality, head coach Gary Kubiak stated he would think of a running back committee using Slaton, Moats and Chris Brown. Slaton and Moats are mirrors of each other, whereas Brown is the short-yardage specialist. I believe the team still wants Slaton to succeed so most of the playing time will go to him. When Slaton does fumble I can see them shift to Moats regardless of what the situation is. That’s what makes it difficult for fantasy owners. You don’t know how much production Moats may see any given week. It’s all up to Slaton’s play or fumbles. Moats finally showed us his potential, though it took years of waiting. He is in his fifth season and has been nothing but a disappointment until now. Was last week a mirage or a preview of what to expect of his true talent? Obviously the safe answer is somewhere in the middle, but also the right answer as he’s in an offense that suits his skills.

Are we sure Jamaal Charles is the answer?

Kansas City Chiefs RB Kolby Smith should see a shot to be the between-the-tackles runner. Let’s be frank here: If Jamaal Charles was the answer for the Chiefs, wouldn’t he already be eating into Larry Johnson’s carries? He isn’t, and we want to believe the grass is greener on the other side of the ball, thus our love for Kolby Smith. Smith at least brings some hope to fantasy owners.

New England Patriots WR Sam Aiken is out there as well, and while he’s technically the No. 3 wideout right now, Julian Edelman is questionable heading into this week. However, because the Patriots have shown such a high-powered offense recently, Aiken has value. As the No. 3 the last two games, Aiken has posted 6-96-1 with 10 targets. Just remember with Edelman possibly back, Aiken’s value takes a big hit.

Washington Redskins TE Fred Davis is filling in for Chris Cooley and had a great game in Week 6 (8-78-1) while seeing 10 targets.

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

Don’t forget, I’m a Tweeter and post what’s happening in a breaking or timely manner. I also point you to solid links that can help you win your leagues. Follow me at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.

Alex D. Smith, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers: Even after a respectable showing in Week 8, the Tennessee Titans‘ defense against quarterbacks ranks 31st in the past month. Smith is considerably improved from a few years ago, and he has viable targets to work with. With six teams on the bye, start him as a fill-in.

Jamaal Charles, running back, Kansas City Chiefs: The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ D was shredded last week by Titans tailback Chris Johnson despite being sound coming into the week. Play Charles, a pass-catching back who should start in place of the suspended Larry Johnson, in your flex spot, chiefly in point-per-reception formats.

Mike Thomas, wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Kansas City Chiefs‘ pass defense has permitted enemy wideouts to record the seventh most yards per game in the past month (173.3) on the fifth fewest catches (8.33), good for the most yards per reception allowed (20.8) in this time. Thomas isn’t a burner, but he has been targeted 17 times in his last two games. Welcome him into your Week 8 flex spot.

Charles gets his chance in '09

Justin Gage, wide receiver, Tennessee Titans: With a new starting quarterback comes a new favorite target. Gage led the team with five looks last week and has history with Vince Young. Temper your expectations of Gage, but he’s a quality No. 3 this weekend.

Martellus Bennett, tight end, Dallas Cowboys: The Iggles have hemorrhaged fantasy points to the tight end position, allowing an absurd 17.5 per game (standard non-PPR scoring) in the past month. The league average is 6.15 in this time. With the defense focused on Miles Austin and Jason Witten, Bennett could be a sneaky play for desperate owners.

ESPN.com reports Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels (knee) will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Week 8, a team source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Daniels suffered the injury in the first quarter and was unable to put any weight on his right leg when coming off of the field. Head coach Gary Kubiak said the injury does not look good, and Daniels said he is concerned his season may be over.

Daniels entered the game leading tight ends in receiving yards with 497, and ranked second among tight ends with five touchdowns. He was the team’s second-leading target behind wide receiver Andre Johnson, but his five touchdowns led the team. He has been a reliable receiver during the season, catching at least five passes in five games and averaging at least 10 yards in six out of seven games prior to Week 8.

Daniels entered the season as a solid tight end option for fantasy owners because he caught 70 passes for 862 yards and two touchdowns in 2008. He had tied his career high in touchdowns this season before the injury.

Fantasy owners should wait to hear official word from the Texans before dropping Daniels in their leagues, but it doesn’t look too promising right now.

If Daniels is out for the season, tight ends Joel Dreessen and James Casey likely will take over at tight end for the rest of the year unless they sign a free agent. Dreessen has caught five passes for 52 yards so far this season, while Casey has not caught a pass. Neither are worthy of being picked up in leagues until the Texans show how they will use the tight end in their offense now.

Anything else you’d like to share, Richard Seymour? Yikes.

Some observations I’ve been developing became clearer in Week 7. The Raiders being a playoff team wasn’t one of them.

What you should also have seen before – and was confirmed in – Week 7:

• Miles Austin is the Cowboys’ No. 1 wideout, but see if you can inflate his value a bit on the trade market.
• Ricky Williams has come out of the fog but probably won’t be that clear a producer for the rest of the season.
• Ryan Grant has a pulse, but can he thrive against a non-Browns team?

You want better odds than the Raiders not making the playoffs? The NFL and Las Vegas may be panicking over the amount of horrible teams throwing off The House’s plans, but even eyesore squads have some overlooked fantasy football options that can help you cash in with three bye weeks remaining. They’re lined up to have more than one week of staying power, too.

There is one Raider you shouldn’t ignore. Remember, Darren McFadden will have a mixture of offerings whenever he returns (a la Felix Jones), but Justin Fargas probably will remain the one receiving most of the between-the-tackles work. I’ve wavered on this character for some time, and for as uninspiring as I think he is, Fargas, who remains a free agent in ample leagues, has backing from Tom Cable because of his prowess in zone-blocking setups.

Fargas still a tandem option

In this case, it makes sense – who knows how effective McFadden will be? They’re probably going to use both extensively, as it looks like Michael Bush will be getting the shaft.

The Raiders probably won’t have much time to throw in the second half, but sometimes, as long as the opportunity for touches is there, you can’t discriminate players from being on your roster because of their team. Not only that, but I’m considering starting him as a flex in one league against the Chargers’ run D.

Deep leaguers should stop ignoring Sammie Stroughter. He’s the best bet to receive targets in the Bucs receiving corps outside of Antonio Bryant. With Josh Freeman now starting, you should still expect a heavy dose of Kellen Winslow (besides the run, of course), but Stroughter has the ability to turn short passes into big gains, which should help him remain a steady object of affection. He presumably has some familiarity with Freeman since Stroughter was buried in the depth chart not too long ago. Stroughter earns points in the return game, too, if that helps your league.

Watch Brian Hartline, also. He knows all three conventional wideout positions for Miami, and Ted Ginn Jr. is falling out of favor for frequent work. Miami likes to throw different wideout patterns at their opponents, and Hartline’s positional flexibility helps his cause of being out on the field. Hartline also has a rapport with slinger Chad Henne from their days on the backup string.

And if you think Jamaal Charles will be able to handle a full workload for a non-Larry Johnson Chiefs squad, think again. Kolby Smith is their best between-the-tackles option (i.e.: goal line) outside of Johnson, and he recently split first-string reps with Charles in practice. Smith will start out as the No. 2 with LJ suspended until after Week 9. If you’re hurting for backups, grab him now and hang onto him. Will the O-line make it easy? No, but if and when Smith comes back from the PUP, you can bet they’ll reincorporate him.

A tangent to close things out: You probably still have some time to buy low on Greg Jennings. I’ve held onto him in one expert league. The Pack is making more of an effort to get the ball in his hands sooner and let him make plays – similar to what is happening with Lee Evans in Buffalo. Obviously, you have to put more stock into Aaron Rodgers helping with this feat than Ryan Fitzpatrick. Go commit larceny, now!

Remember: You can chat with me on Twitter and submit fantasy football lineup questions up until Saturday night. For last-minute Sunday morning news, be sure to follow KFFL.com’s Hot off the Wire!

Do not leave questions for me on this blog! The best way to reach me is via my Twitter or KFFL’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, where we’ll also answer your questions!

Check out these statistics:

Receptions: 16

Yards: 421

Touchdowns: 4

That’s from ONE player in TWO games.

And you should trade the only man who can lay claim to them. Now.

Finally, we’re seeing what Miles Austin can do with the potential former Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells saw in him. The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder set franchise records – in the first two starts – with his output from Weeks 5 and 7.

‘Boys receivers coach Ray Sherman glows when he discusses fourth-year man. In 2006 Sherman, then on the staff of the Tennessee Titans, urged them to draft Austin in the sixth round. Instead, the former Monmouth star went undrafted.

Austin and passer Tony Romo appear to be an eHarmony pre-screened match made in heaven. “I feel very confident in him,” says the Cowboys’ head man in the huddle.

So why get rid of him?

Because he’s the hottest thing going. Because everybody wants a piece of him. Because there are 11 owners in your fantasy football league who either didn’t put in a claim for him or didn’t have a high enough waiver priority to snare him and now have their own boot marks on their britches.

Austin's powers see trade booty for Miles

Austin conquered the reputable Kansas City Chiefs for 10 haul-ins, 250 yards and two touchdowns. Then he shot down the Atlanta Falcons, whose secondary is slowly falling apart, with six catches for 171 yards and another pair of six-pointers.

On tap this week: the Seattle Seahawks. Wideouts have torched them for 34 fantasy points a game in point-per-reception formats. The ‘Hawks were the most fantasy-friendly to the position last season, too. Maybe you hold Austin this week, drive up his value a bit, then…

Hold on. Before you shelf the idea completely, take note of Dallas’ schedule from Week 9 on (rank in PPR fantasy points allowed to the position per game and pass defense in parentheses):

Week 9 – Philadelphia Eagles (6, 9)

Week 10 – Green Bay Packers (10, 4)

Week 11 – Washington Redskins (13, 3)

Week 12 – Oakland Raiders (9, 12)

Week 13 – New York Giants (3, 2)

Week 14 – San Diego Chargers (7, 11)

Week 15 – New Orleans Saints (21, 14)

Week 16 – Washington Redskins (13, 3)

Week 17 – Philadelphia Eagles (6, 9)

In addition, nagging injuries have contributed to Austin’s delayed attendance of his own coming-out party. That might be a product of his age, but why wait around to find out?

The sky is the limit for Austin. In keeper leagues, the notion to peddle him is a bit insane. But the young man’s value won’t be much higher than it already is.

Lately he has been involved in swaps for Ronnie Brown, Donovan McNabb, Dallas Clark, Michael Turner, Greg Jennings, Matt Forte, Carson Palmer, Donald Driver… The list goes on.

Sell high for more stable commodities. Be confident that the fantasy haul for Austin has a greater probability of producing – and producing consistently – than the crew you sent packing.

Alex Rodriguez has come a long way.

That was an unconscious observation as this 2009 baseball season unfolded. How profound was his turnaround, though; it hit me like a ton o’ Mizuno Maples.

A FOX Sports poll asked readers whether A-Rod has proven himself with his 2009 playoff showing. Or is he still a postseason patsy? Or, is it TBD, get back to me after the World Series?

Undoubtedly, Rodriguez has already visited redemption.

It’s not because of his 2009 statistical output (.286 average, 30 homers, 100 ribbies). His contributions in this year’s postseason (including 12 RBIs, a total that trails only Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard’s) aren’t the deciding factors, either. They’re merely byproducts.

Yankees fans may disagree; the numbers mean everything, they could say. Yeah, not ’til we see No. 27, mutter Bronx residents in Paul O’Neill Pinstripes. The majority of Phillies fans don’t care. A-Rod isn’t popular in many circles.

But he seems to have reached a point where none of that matters. He has, with support, liberated himself. He admitted faults and mistakes. He made peace. He demonstrated resolve. And he no longer needs validation.

In February, Rodriguez took plenty of heat when reports surfaced that he, as a member of the Texas Rangers, had tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2003. I was one of many quick to criticize a man whose cleats I had never laced up.

A-Rod a cheater? Just disappointing. A liar? Heartbreaking – although not exactly shocking. Enter introspection and understanding.

A-Rod has a different demeanor these days

He was conflicted. He was always seeking approval. He was trying to meet aspirations that others had earmarked for him. He just wanted everyone to like him, damn it! Those desires had coaxed him into this seemingly rock-bottom place, with shame as its face.

I found myself – initially, with a tinge of self-loathing – pulling for and even identifying with him.

Rodriguez no longer wanted to be that person; he became a sympathetic figure – well, at least to a few. He seized his opportunity. And he did it with a handicap; a torn labrum in his right hip kept him out until May.

He was anxious but patient. He returned from surgery a week ahead of schedule. In his first at-bat, of his first game, he hit Orioles hurler Jeremy Guthrie’s first offering into the seats.

It was merely a round-tripper, but it sounded like a resolute man had popped the cap on a volcano spewing magma in geyser-like fashion.

It wasn’t all gems and rhinestones after that, but he stayed the course. All because of a belief that he discovered, nurtured and rode right through the playoffs. And now he’s finally in the World Series.

I can’t stop rooting for him. And I’m a diehard Phillies fan. Last year I saw things I thought I might never see and didn’t want to end.

I’m still in the Phils’ corner. But if the Yankees win, I won’t be upset. Everyone deserves another chance.