Here's a few things to consider when making moves for your team this early.
1. Don't give up on someone without cause.
Yes, Mark Ingram has not gotten off to a tremendous start. His 91 rushing yards, no catches and no touchdowns in two weeks are likely discouraging. But keep in mind that the Saints have two new faces in their backfield in Ingram and Darren Sproles, so through two weeks - and a shortened offseason due to the lockout - the team is still trying to iron out roles. Give Ingram and others some time to get comfortable in a situation.
2. A stud is a stud, and a slow start doesn't change that.
Chris Johnson was a first-round pick despite missing the preseason with a contract holdout. In the first two weeks, the Titans' RB has less than 100 yards and has yet to find the end zone. But you drafted him in the first round for a reason, and two weeks do not eliminate all those points. Don't jump the gun and trade him for a Cedric Benson or Beanie Wells, because CJ is going to make you happy at some point, and chances are it's going to be soon.
3. Cut dead weight if need be.
Peyton Manning should not be on your roster unless you have no injury concerns and no need to add another player at any position. If you drafted Manning, hopefully you drafted a quality backup a la Josh Freeman and are at least in decent shape. But why hold onto someone who's going to simply bog down your roster? Unless you have ties to the Colts' trainer, you don't know when Manning's coming back - and the trainer likely doesn't know either. Take your chances with a high-upside, bottom-of-the-bench guy rather than a hobbled QB who likely isn't going to play - especially for a team that will struggle to win a game before he returns.
4. Don't be afraid to handcuff.
If you drafted Jamaal Charles, you're either elated you had Dexter McCluster and/or Thomas Jones on your roster. If you didn't have either, you're likely scouring the waiver wire for any ball carrier with the slightest bit of potential. If you own LeSean McCoy and have some flexibility on your roster, why keep a fifth receiver who is likely a questionable play anyway? Pick up Ronnie Brown and safeguard your first-round pick. Check your stud back's depth chart and see who No. 2 is.
5. Why bother with an aging vet when there's a rookie trying to fit in who can sit at the end of your bench?
Derrick Mason has given fantasy owners many reasons to get excited in the past, but he's up there in years. He's the third receiver on a team that in the past has shown a tendency to run the ball and run it some more. Meanwhile, a guy like Emmanuel Sanders is 24 and on the defending AFC champions' roster with Ben Roethlisberger throwing him the ball. The Steelers enjoyed passing last season, and with Hines Ward up there in years Sanders can turn out to be a high-upside WR3 or flex option.
6. Be careful dropping an injured player who has a chance to get back on the field.
When Danny Amendola dislocated his elbow in Week 1, most owners dropped the Rams' wideout. But each day it appears he's closer to coming back by midseason - if not sooner. If you have the space, keep a guy like Amendola or Marques Colston on your roster. If you can hang onto him for a few weeks, you're either going to get a boost in Week 6 or 7 or at least find a valuable bye-week fill-in just in time.
7. Don't click "accept" too soon.
Every trade and free agent pickup should at least get a moment or two of consideration. It's easy to drop a guy the second he's not producing or trade an underachieving player. But take a moment to say "will I hate myself for this?" If there's any hesitation, be wary. You may regret the move later and be unable to retrieve the released/traded player.
8. Trust your instincts.
In the end, you take full responsibility for your actions. You'll feel the effects of the move later that week or down the line. Don't get too hung up on the "experts," but do get hung up on your gut. Don't make a move just because someone said you should. If you don't like it, don't do it.
9. Don't second-guess.
It's easy to sit back later and fret over your roster move. Yes, bad things happen after a trade, but getting hung up on the past will do you no good in fantasy football. You made the move. If it isn't working, instead of whining, simply set your sights onto what can be done to fix the move.
10. Don't hang onto a guy too long because he's your "steal."
It's easy to get hung up on a guy just because you're seeking that "I told you so" moment. Yes, it was great when you picked up Arian Foster or Darren McFadden late last year and they turned into studs. It's not great when you're hanging onto Matt Cassel because you drafted him thinking he'd take a step forward. It's not going to happen for him this year, and if someone such as Andy Dalton or Ryan Fitzpatrick are on the waiver wire, please make that move. You don't get points for hanging onto draft picks who aren't paying dividends.
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