Acquisitions, Inc.

We're in the thick of it, folks... It's late enough that we're starting to get an idea of what these guys really are this year and it is early enough to make some decisions and corresponding moves.

It's also early enough that even if you are 0-3 you aren't out of it.  Even in a 12-team league that only has 4 go to the playoffs, you've still got a shot.  So, let's make some smart moves.

In that vein, here are some strategic thoughts about how you should be approaching these in-season roster moves:

• You need studs as starters plus one solid backup at WR and RB.  Everything else should be an upside play (with a few exceptions).  If you are carrying 5 or 6 RB's at least 1 or 2 of them should have big upside potential.  Jacquizz Rodgers, Ryan Williams, Ben Tate, Andre Brown, and even Ronnie Hillman come to mind.
• Do you really need that second QB or second TE?  Maybe.  But, let me tell you... you almost never need the third one.  That spot should be a high upside RB (or WR) instead.
• Have a roster slot dedicated to prospecting on players that might break out one week before they do.  It was a lot easier to get Mikel Leshoure two weeks ago than last week.
• I tend to prefer the top WR in a mediocre offense to the #3 in a great offense (or even the #2 in a lot of cases).  In other words, Titus Young was drafted ahead of Santonio Holmes and Brian Hartline almost everywhere.  I'd rather have Holmes or Hartline.
• Try to find trade targets who have recently emerged but just had one bad game.  One bad game could be due to the game plan on either side of the ball... but people still freak out.  Especially with emerging players.  Dennis Pitta is a great example.
• Target a trade partner and approach them with an email before a trade offer.  This usually works a lot better.
• When you do a 2-for-1 deal think about who you will fill your empty roster spot with.  In other words, if you are offering Tony Romo and Demarius Thomas for Tom Brady, ask yourself who replaces Thomas.  Maybe someone like Nate Burleson is available.  Romo/Thomas for Brady may seem like maybe a little too much, but Romo/Thomas for Brady/Burleson is a great deal.  And, by the way, your trading partner won't see the Burleson part and will think they are getting a great deal.  Win/Win situation!

Good luck managing your team in-season.  The roster moves you make over the next few weeks will be nearly as important to your success as was draft day.  And, to tell you the truth, it is my opinion that you could just draft the highest-ranked player without thinking on every pick and then win your league based purely on the strength of your in-season acquisitions.

Best of luck over the next few weeks, Brainiacs!