TRADE 8: Blue Moose Rising

Manitoba and Phoenix were both in LVIII's final four last December, but find themselves under .500% through five weeks in IX's rendition. They're trending in opposite directions, with the Uprising winning two straight after an 0-3 start, and the Moosecrew dropping four in a row after a win to open the season. So they met again, this time on the trading block.

PHOENIX ACQUIRES: WR AMARI COOPER, WR MARVIN JONES

MANITOBA ACQUIRES: RB DUKE JOHNSON, LB SEAN LEE, WR JERMAINE KEARSE

The Moosecrew gain a level of certainty here, as Duke Johnson and Jermaine Kearse have both produced healthy numbers to date, and have eminently startable roles. Duke is not a high volume runner, but his upside and big play ability should make him a great compliment to workhorsemoose Demarco Murray. Sean Lee is an elite linebacker recovering from a minor leg injury. Currently on bye, he is expected to return in week six and should captain a defense that struggled through September. Jermaine Kearse is a possession receiver with the steady volume to be a reasonable (but unexciting) flex option week in and week out.

Phoenix takes on some risk in this deal, but should cement their claim on the best WR corps in the league going forward. Amari Cooper has struggled famously during Manitoba's losing streak, but with elite talent he should not be leaned upon so heavily in Phoenix, where he slots in with Dez Bryant, Brandin Cooks, and Alshon Jeffery. Marvin Jones has been reduced to 'deep threat' this year, but is a quality bye week option at the very least. 

Moving Duke Johnson strips the Uprising of their highest scoring RB weapon, especially with Bilal Powell's status up in the air due to a calf injury. The team will now rely upon an aging group headlined by Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, and Jamaal Charles, hoping the veterans can recapture their former glory.