So your keeper team has sucked this year, its playoff chances are slim to none and you’re already thinking about how you’ll do things differently at next year’s draft. My advice: Go ahead and throw in the towel.

The reason: If your team isn’t playoff bound, you can trade one of your few good players before the trade deadline for an up-and-coming player who will help your squad in 2010 (remember, this advice is for keeper leagues only). I know that would be waving a white flag, but you’re in it to win it, right?

For example, I would have no objection to trading an effective older back like Thomas Jones or Joseph Addai for a young stud like Knowshon Moreno, Rashard Mendenhall or LeSean McCoy, who look to be poised for big seasons in 2010. The same thing goes for getting a struggling, yet über-talented wideout like Calvin Johnson or Greg Jennings.

If you can’t win year league this time around, you might as well get the early edge for next season.

This Week’s Studs: I like Jonathan Stewart, Ricky Williams, Big Ben, Rashard Mendenhall, Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Brandon Jacobs, Matt Ryan, MJD, Brett Favre, Frank Gore, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, the Cardinals’ and Patriots’ pass attacks, LT, Chris Johnson and Philly’s D/ST.

This Week’s Duds: Not a fan of Jay Cutler, Devin Hester, Kyle Orton (if he plays), Thomas Jones, Joe Flacco, Jamaal Charles, all of the Browns (even against the Lions), Joseph Addai and Ryan Grant.

He’s Heating Up: Randy Moss and Tom Brady continue to click, and you don’t want to face either in the fantasy playoffs.

He’s On Fire: Surprise, surprise! Chris Johnson was again the top weekly fantasy performer with 232 total yards and two TDs. The big debate before next season will be who to take with the first pick: Adrian Peterson or Johnson.

Fantasy Doghouse: Cutler struggled again under the lights, throwing five picks and zero TDs on Thursday night. Avoid playing this guy during night games.

Lose These Zeros …: You can give the pink slip to Willis McGahee, Julius Jones, Johnny Knox, Mark Clayton, Mark Sanchez and Zach Miller.

… And Get With These Heroes: You might get use out of Vince Young, Lee Evans, Beanie Wells, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Snelling, Donnie Avery, Steve Breaston, Justin Forsett, Dustin Keller and Cincy’s D/ST.

Trainer’s Table: A lot of key injuries this week. It’s that time of the year. … Michael Turner (ankle) could be sidelined for a couple of weeks. The same goes for Ronnie Brown (foot). Check their statuses as the week progresses. … Brian Westbrook’s second concussion could shut him down for the season. I’d try to land LeSean McCoy as a backup plan. … Clinton Portis (concussion) isn’t likely to go. … The status of Cedric Benson (hip flexor) is unclear. He could play Sunday or he could be out for a month. Keep an eye on this. … Chris Cooley (ankle) could return as soon as Week 12.

Extra Point: Dwayne Bowe’s four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy is the latest blow to the anemic Chiefs offense. Bowe is expected to return Week 15, so he’ll be available for the fantasy playoffs, but his absence further kills the value of Matt Cassel and Bowe’s fellow receivers. Chris Chambers will fill the void in the interim, but don’t expect much.

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. E-mail him at matt@bthesite.com.

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