There are any number of ways to make your fantasy team better after the first two weeks.

Most owners opt for the waiver wire approach early in the season. A few players you drafted late in fantasy drafts may be under-performing and there is some apparent gold on the waiver wire.

Everyone and their mother puts in claims for what turn out to be one-week wonders in most cases, thinking they picked up the next best thing.

The early waiver wire is rife with those types of players this year. And, of course, some lucky owner in your league will pick up the one guy who ends up leading fantasy owners to the promised land later this season.

That waiver wire addition could happen this week. Or that golden free agent could have come off the market last week. Or maybe three weeks from now.

The point is that most of the time, the circumstances that surround a waiver wire addition who turns into gold are so unpredictable and uncontrollable. However, there is one method within the control of fantasy owners that can be employed immediately to improve fantasy rosters.

Trading.

A lost art in many leagues, below are a number of players either under- or over-performing who could be on the market in your league. Consider pulling the trigger on a trade to improve your fantasy roster.

Matt Forte, RB, Bears
After two weeks: 84 rushing yards; 33 receiving yards

It has been a brutal start for Forte and his fantasy owners, no doubt about that. A stinker against Green Bay in a game where his quarterback threw four interceptions and then a brutal match-up against one of the league’s premiere defensive units have slowed Forte to date.

The schedule is about to lighten considerably: @ Seattle and home vs. Detroit before the Bears’ bye. This could be the last week to get Forte on the cheap if you can pry him away.

Verdict: Buy low.

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals
After two weeks: 217 rushing yards, 1 touchdown; 32 receiving yards

Benson has put together a pair of nice back-to-back weeks. With little competition for touches on the roster, he is one of the clear-cut starters on a non running-back-by-committee approach.

I am not saying he will not continue to play well. But I expect the numbers to trend back toward the norm, especially with four tilts still on the schedule against the Ravens and Steelers. His value is high enough after two weeks for fantasy owners to take advantage of it.

Verdict: Sell high.

Roddy White, WR, Falcons
After two weeks: 95 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

The Falcons’ passing game has improved this off season but not to the benefit of White just yet.

Give it some time. The addition of Tony Gonzalez — and Matt Ryan’s propensity for finding him in the red zone — will help White in the long run. Now that opposing defenses have seen the Falcons use the tight end, something they did not do last year, more coverage will be dedicated to the middle of the field. And that means more single-coverage for White on the outside.

Verdict: Buy low.

Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
After two weeks: 220 rushing yards; 108 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Jackson has been a start-able RB2 each of the last two weekends. His time as the only running back on the Bills roster is about to end, however.

Who knows exactly how the rotation will work out once Marshawn Lynch returns. But the fact that Jackson has zero rushing touchdowns through the first two games does not bode well for him near the goal line. And that is exactly where Lynch excels.

Verdict: Sell high, try the Lynch owner first.

Mario Manningham/Steve Smith, WRs, Giants
Manningham after two weeks: 208 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Smith after two weeks: 214 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Smith was a solid bet to be one of the Giants’ better wide receivers this season. He, at least, was slated as a starter on the Giants offense by fantasy owners as early as last season.

However, the other spot was up for grabs. And Manningham came down with it.

Both are off and running in establishing a new Giants’ passing attack. Trading either is a tough call right now: Their values are so ridiculously high. Manningham is likely on your waivers; If so, make that claim immediately.

Verdict: Stand pat. Gauge interest from other owners. Some may not be sold on either guy yet, despite the early returns.

Trent Edwards, QB Bills
After two weeks: 442 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception; 49 rushing yards

The only way Edwards’ start to the 2009 season could have been any better is if the Bills had held on to beat the Patriots in week one. Though that loss was through no fault of his own, Edwards and the Bills offense could not have asked for a better start.

How much longer can it last? Edwards was a semi-sexy prospect this offseason but seems to lack the superstar-ness fantasy owners desire in a quarterback. And with Terrell Owens on the roster, is it only a matter of time before the Bills offense implodes?

Verdict: Sell high.

Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens
After two weeks: 123 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns;  41 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

This one is pretty tough. Figuring out the Ravens’ running back situation is more difficult than trying to read signals from your girlfriend. Just tell us what you want already!

Now seems like a good time to sell. Or is McGahee only strengthening his hold on the lion’s share of the work in a run-first offense? Hard to tell. With such a log jam in that backfield, though, it might not hurt to take a look around and see what others have to offer for McGahee’s services.

Verdict: Sell high and make sure you get a starter for him.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans
After two weeks: 51 rushing yards; 60 receiving yards

Slaton is off to a slow start and is not getting the type of reinforcement you might want from your coach through the media. The fumbles are a serious issue and it was bad enough that Houston mentioned using Chris Brown in short-yardage situations just before the start of the season.

Slaton’s 2008 rookie campaign still is hard to ignore. Add to that the explosiveness of the Texans’ offense and the play-makers at all the skill positions and Slaton still is a tasty prospect. Target a desperate owner but try not to overpay.

Verdict: Buy low.

Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants
After two weeks: 104 rushing yards; 17 receiving yards

It has not been the best start for a guy penciled in for double-digit touchdowns at the beginning of the season. Fantasy owners kind of expect Jacobs to get touchdowns if nothing else.

The good news here is that the Giants’ passing game is rounding into form. If Eli Manning and the receivers continue to punish secondaries, lanes should begin to open for Jacobs. I still have faith in the bruiser and you should too.

Verdict: Buy low.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles
After two weeks: 79 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception; 27 rushing yards, 1 touchdown

McNabb barely needed to play against the Panthers in week one to have a significant fantasy impact for his owners. With three touchdowns in limited time, this was starting to look like another elite season for the old man.

But things went south quickly due to a broken rib. McNabb missed the Eagles last game against the Saints and likely will miss this weekend’s game against the Chiefs. Not only is there injury concern, but Michael Vick returns from suspension this week. How will the Eagles use all of these weapons and still allow McNabb to get his.

Verdict: Buy low, if you can. Offer a healthy quarterback in return.

Greg Olsen, TE, Bears
After two weeks: 49 receiving yards

Ugh. That about sums about Olsen’s first two weeks of the season.

The thought this offseason was that Jay Cutler would augment Olsen’s skills. For the first time in his career, Olsen had a competent quarterback who loves to throw to tight ends.

If the early results are any indication, it looks like another frustrating year for one of the league’s most talented players.

Verdict: You cannot sell high obviously, and it would not be wise to buy low. If you can get him added onto a deal and have an extra spot for Olsen, make it happen. He could turn it around soon.

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