Fantasy football trade advice, Week 9: Buy-low, sell-high quarterback trade candidates

We have reached the midway point of the season, and quarterbacks are having a rough ride. Just about every QB in the league has faced difficulties this season — injury, a poor offensive line, or lack of effective weapons. Still, some QB are standing out of the pack.

So which quarterbacks should fantasy owners pay attention to as they navigate through bye weeks while trying to get ready for the playoffs? Here are the best cheap options and top trade options for Week 9.

Romo is technically still sidelined because of his broken back. He is also in a QB controversy with Dak Prescott. The Cowboys are on a hot streak with Prescott running the offense, but Prescott is not faultless, and he showed it on Sunday. The rookie QB struggled most of the game against the Eagles, but was able to rally late — leaving a possibility for Romo to get his job back.

The Cowboys are content to ride the Prescott hot hand for at long as it lasts, but best believe things can change on a dime in Jerry’s world. For owners looking to stash a potential sleeper at QB, Romo is a good option that can pay off majorly if he gets back on the field.

Current standard fantasy average: 0 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 12 percent
Next four games: at CLE, at PIT, BAL, WAS

Bradford continues to be the QB to watch this season. He’s not the most impressive option, but he continues to be consistent week to week, passing for at least 200 yards and a score without committing turnovers.

What makes Bradford especially attractive now is his schedule. The Vikings face Detroit — one of the worst defenses in the league — twice within four weeks. The rest of their season is promising for Bradford as well.

It’s a smart move to grab Bradford, even to stash him on the bench.

Current standard fantasy average: 13.9 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 16 percent
Next four games: DET, at WAS, ARI, at DET

Luck is a high fantasy scorer, so it would seem odd to trade him away. However, majority of his points are apart from comeback efforts and are often sloppy. Despite a solid effort in Week 8, Luck was sacked six times and threw an interception against the Chiefs. It is only a matter of time before all of the issues with the Colts’ offense catch up to the QB.

After Indianapolis’ Week 10 bye, Luck will be looking at some tough defenses, including Minnesota and Houston in back-to-back weeks. While he’s racking up points is the best time to deal Luck — before it is too late.

Current standard fantasy average: 21 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 100 percent
Next four games: at GB, BYE, TEN, PIT

In usual Rivers fashion, he is starting to unravel as the season progresses. He already has seven interceptions and six fumbles — four of those interceptions coming in the past two games, and one more interception than touchdown in the same span.

Fortunately, it is not all downhill for Rivers from here. He has an upside matchup against Tennessee, and should be OK against Miami before San Diego get its bye week. Now is a good time to use Rivers’s stock before he returns to face Houston.

Current standard fantasy average: 16.7 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 93 percent
Next four games: TEN, MIA, BYE, at HOU