Deadline Deals: Time to Move Marion Barber

It's almost Thanksgiving, which can mean only one thing -- the Detroit Lions are officially eliminated from the playoffs. OK, seriously what it normally means is that the trade deadline is fast approaching in your fantasy football league. For many this is a last-gasp effort to make a playoff run, but for others it's a chance to improve their team for the home stretch. Yup, it's an opportunity to scout the playoff schedules and secure the perfect asset that will allow for your personal champagne shower in late December.

So, it's basically decision week for most. Do you stand pat and go with what you have or do you take a risk? For me, I'll be honest - I'm sitting pretty at 8-2 and (not to brag) love my chances of bringing home the "pride" trophy and a little straight cash homie. I won't bore you with my full roster, because hearing about somebody else's fantasy team is like hearing about somebody else's kid... unless it's your own, you just don't care. That said, there is one glaring weakness or hole I'd like to fill, and that's replacing Marion Barber.

Say what? Yes, I've enjoyed the experience and have ridden the horse as far as it can go - it's time for me and you both to deal Marion Barber. I know, I know - I'm so negative when it comes to my fantasy perspective. It's tough love, but if a guy can't pass the test, he's gots-ta-go. And that means you Marion the Barbarian. Hold up and let me explain.

The Schedule: The discussion could very well start and stop right here. Have you seen the schedule for the Cowboys? It's brutal. After the Washington game this weekend, he's got a few cream puff matchups with the 49ers and Seahawks at home. However, if you look at the weeks that matter the most (Weeks 14-16) he's got @PIT, NYG and BAL. How else can I put this... he's screwed, and you're screwed if you're relying on him to rally home a Fantasy title. I was stoked to draft Barber, but certainly missed this schedule glitch. Ouch!

Felix Jones: Did you forget about him? Oh well, let me remind you me he's almost healthy and WILL play a key role down the stretch for the Cowboys. If you aren't convinced that he'll dig into Barber's carries... you're only kidding yourself. He's the epitome of the term "game-changing playmaker." Before the injury he was already digging into Barber's touches and averaging nearly nine yards per carry. Is it no strange coincidence that the Cowboys' offensive struggles surfaced just about the same time that not only Romo, but also Felix Jones went down. Hmm, just a thought.

The Cowboys' Internal Combustion: Yes, there's also the whole impending collapse that surrounds the Dallas Cowboys. In case we forgot, America's Team is facing an uphill battle just to make the playoffs and they are bordering on an internal implosion in the locker room. Oh let's not forget poor Tony Romo has a lot of mouths to feed when he returns to the field. That simply can't be a good thing for the RB you expect to be the feature of your fantasy team. Did you just hear T.O bickering about the offense going through him? I must be hearing things.

The Grind: Yes, the wear and tear is the lamest excuse in the book. However, you simply can't ignore the violent running style and pain that Barber dishes out, as well as receives. Fact is, he's never toted the rock to this magnitude for an entire season. Barber was fresh down the stretch due to a much greater timeshare with Julius Jones. However, the Cowboys have leaned heavily on Barber and he's on pace to shatter his previous highs in carries and touches. Scary? Maybe so... you never know when the next hit is gonna put Barber on the shelf. With all the bad luck the Cowboys have had with injuries this year, you can't ever be sure.

Well, now that I've laid out the negatives with Barber moving forward... who do you target? OK, let's be realistic. When I preach from such a pessimistic view point, it's hardly suggesting that you just take what you can get for a guy like Barber. I'm poking around my league and putting the feeler out there. A few guys I've got a keen interest in would be Frank Gore, Steven Jackson or Ronnie Brown... all of whom have solid fantasy playoff schedules.

I'm playing for the future and I just don't see Barber being a big part of that future. Like I always say in fantasy football - if you aren't one step ahead, you will get left behind. Yup, bad, very bad cliché. Do as you choose, but my best guess is that Barber is gonna go for bust during the money weeks. If you're gonna stick it out with him - best of luck.