DLF’s 2015 Predictions: Best Dynasty Sell

Ken Kelly Posted On September 7, 2015

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This is one of our favorite times of the year. After working hard to produce an unprecedented amount content all off-season, we can finally look forward to the 2015 Fantasy Football season in our beloved dynasty leagues – that means it’s time for our annual fantasy predictions. We gathered a ton opinions from the DLF Team and compiled eight different articles for the upcoming fantasy year. The categories were as follows:

Fantasy MVP
Fantasy Rookie of the Year
Most Overvalued Dynasty Player
Most Undervalued Dynasty Player
Fantasy Sleeper
Best Dynasty Buy
Best Dynasty Sell
Fantasy Comeback Player of the Year

We’re covering the best “sells” today as we continue to bring you another category every day until the season starts.

Let’s get to the best players you may want to consider selling.

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Austan Kas
Le’Veon Bell, RB PIT

When I watch Le’Veon Bell, I see a patient, smart runner who gets a heavy workload, but I don’t see a special talent. He had a monster season a year ago and I think his stock is as high as it’ll ever be. Buy at funerals, sell at birthdays. If you can get an elite receiver for him, do it.

Jacob Feldman
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE

This is mostly because his injury history scares the pants off of me. His ADP is insane with him coming off the board in the top five picks in a lot of leagues. Yes, I understand the positional advantage, but that means he is being drafted over players like Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, AJ Green, Mike Evans and others on a regular basis. With a price tag like that, I’m cashing in before the next big injury.

Eric Olinger
Odell Beckham, WR NYG

Before you light me up, hear me out. OBJ put up the most impressive rookie season we’ve seen since Randy Moss and he did it in just 12 games. So why sell? Because his value will literally never be higher than it is right now. If he finishes with 85% of his 2014 numbers he will be considered a letdown. The odds of him repeating those numbers are very slim. Tom Coughlin wants to run the ball and play defense. They aren’t the Saints. They don’t keep their foot on the gas all game long. With a healthy Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle, OBJ is going to have to share the load. If someone offers me a King’s ransom, I’d at least consider it.

Chris Heil
Jamaal Charles, RB KC

I have more stock in Charles then I really should. I also intend to sell him this year and I have tried numerous times. He is 28 and will likely start to decline within the next year. I would sell him while you can for max value.

Jarrett Behar
Martavis Bryant, WR PIT

I like Bryant’s talent just fine, but I don’t think he’ll ever become the dominant WR1 or high-end WR2 some are predicting. Markus Wheaton is being severely underrated. I’d cash in if you can get mid-WR2 value or better.

Benton McDonald
Davante Adams, WR GB

The recent injury to Jordy Nelson has Adam’s ADP already hovering around the fifth round in drafts conducted in the last few days. He is the ideal sell not because I’m betting on that he won’t produce but because his price might not ever be higher. Nelson owners and Adams believers will be swarming your inbox looking for offers and willing to overpay.

Ryan Finley
Adrian Peterson, RB MIN

This is all about value. Many people are valuing AP as if he didn’t miss a whole year. In fact, many think that may help him. I’m not sold on that. Regardless of how he may perform this year, you may never be able to get better value from an AP trade. If your squad is poised for a championship, by all means keep AP and try to ride him to the promised land. If your season is in doubt, his value will likely only go down from here.

Matt Price
Eddie Lacy, RB GB

Two NFL seasons and two concussions. Players who have had a concussion previously are three times more likely to suffer another one in the future and with Lacey’s bruising running style I am not willing to gamble that he won’t get a third one in 2015. Currently going off the board as the second overall running back behind only Le’Veon Bell in startup drafts, his value is very likely at an all-time high. Sell high while you can.

Nathan Miller
Emmanuel Sanders, WR DEN

Sanders had a a 50% increase in receptions and nearly 100% increase in yardage by moving from the Eastern to Mountain time zone. He’s safely inside the “benefit of situation” quadrant and unfortunately his situation is aging and changing. Sanders is not an elite talent and yet tallied the fifth most PPR points for wide receivers last season ahead of Jones, Randall Cobb and Beckham. Sell him while you can.

Dr. Scott Peak
Eddie Lacy, RB GB

I’ve been a big fan of Lacy since he was available at a tremendous value in 2013 rookie drafts after media-driven craziness over his toe injury and laid-back demeanor dropped his draft stock. Since that time, Lacy has sustained two concussions and that places him at higher risk for a third. His running style isn’t helping, and if he gets a third concussion, his dynasty stock is at great risk of falling precipitously. At his current ADP (11), his value will never be higher and concussions put him at risk for a steep fall. Sell now and sleep well later.

James Simpson
Ryan Tannehill, QB MIA

It was a heated debate when Eric Breeze and I locked horns over the Dolphins signal-caller earlier in this off-season, as I argued that Tannehill is in no way worthy of his QB6 ranking in June’s ADP data (currently QB7 in August). I believe he is an average quarterback who has benefited hugely from his offensive system (see Nick Foles), and is at risk of being exposed. I understand that his system hasn’t changed from last year to now, but I don’t see him improving within it. Top 12 QB? Sure. Difference-maker or league-winner at the position? No.

Brian Malone
Melvin Gordon, RB SD

If you sold Gordon today, you could likely turn him into Matt Forte and Marshawn Lynch, maybe with enough left over to buy a pack of gum. Give me the instant gratification over a very good, but not spectacular running back prospect.

Eric Breeze
Calvin Johnson, WR DET

No, this is not a typo. Calvin Johnson is also one of the top dynasty sells AND buys if you ask me. If you have middle of the pack or worse team and Megatron is one of your main contributors, I would suggest to sell now rather than continue to watch his value fall. Calvin is at the age that regardless how well he does this year his value will fall, warranted or not, so if you are not a top favorite to bring home the bacon, cash out out on this declining asset.

Rob Leath
Giovani Bernard, RB CIN

Bernard is the clear number two runner on his team and is not a free agent for another two years. Despite periods of strong play, his overall effectiveness has been rather pedestrian. We overrated him based on a mythical, Westbrookian PPR upside and assume he will eat into enough of Jeremy Hill’s workload to remain relevant. While he will not disappear, I see little upside in selecting Bernard in the fifth or sixth round.

Adam Tzikas
LeSean McCoy, RB BUF

Maybe I’m a bit bitter about the way he left Philly, but McCoy is one of my biggest fades in dynasty this year. He most likely has a decent year but I don’t see him being a long term force. The 27-year old running back isn’t built like Adrian Peterson or Frank Gore and his tread really started to show in his ineffectiveness last year. Wait for that big game and sell.

Jeff Beran
LeSean McCoy, RB BUF

I originally thought the trade from Philadelphia to Buffalo might benefit McCoy’s short-term value a bit, but after preseason reports of turf toe and hamstring injuries, I think the proverbial cliff might be getting close. With an August ADP of RB10, I’m actively trying to trade him for a veteran in the same price range (Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson, for example) or a package of younger players and draft picks as I think his value will fall precipitously if the injuries continue to mount up.

Izzy Elkeffas
Eddie Lacy, RB GB

He’s the number two running back off the board and has an ADP in the first round – that’s an easy sell since he’ll never have more value than he does right now. When you consider his injury history, plus multiple concussions with the league cracking down on player safety (seeing a theme here), it’s terrifying to own Lacy. One shot to the head on any of his 300+ touches this year and he’s off the field for multiple weeks. Too risky.

Kyle Pollock
Davante Adams, WR GB

With the injury to Nelson, Adams should step in and be the Packers WR2. His value will never be higher than it is now and you should be able to get excellent value back for him.

Jeff Miller
Matt Forte, RB CHI

As a dyed-in-the-wool Bears fan, this is a hard one to come to grips with. At 29 with some injury history and in the final year of his deal, the future is more than uncertain. But my real issue is with the Bears’ offense. If they do end up running more this season (as has been repeated ad nauseum the last five months), Forte will prove to be a poor fit. He has never excelled on a high volume rush offense and his already sub-par between the tackles ability has eroded with time. Maybe we are all wrong and he still catches 65+ balls, but unless that happens he is bound to disappoint.

Jeff Levy
Davante Adams, WR GB

With an ADP of 50 in August, Adams’ hype train already had a full head of steam before Jordy Nelson’s ACL tear. For a player with only 38 professional receptions to his name, if you can pull in top 20 or 30 value now while the excitement at his situation is fresh, I think you’ll be happy by the end of the year.

Mike Valverde
Calvin Johnson, WR DET

I have noticed Megatron is breaking down. He had injuries last season and has had them throughout his career. It also doesn’t help that he has Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Stafford will throw over 4,000 yards each season, but when it comes down to touchdowns, forget about it, he will be lucky to throw 30. Johnson will probably play his normal 14 games, but I just don’t see more than 85 receptions for 1,190 yards and eight touchdowns.

Mo Brewington
Adrian Peterson, RB MIN

It took me a while to come to a conclusion on this on. Of the candidates, you have Tom Brady and Peyton Manning– too obvious. So, I moved on to the running backs. Owners should know to have healthy amount of skepticism about Arian Foster’s durability. Many have already begun divesting in his stock in recent years. Matt Forte and Jamaal Charles may each be on the downside of their career, but only have one 300 carry season between them. Their receiving skills make them excellent candidates to extend their careers in limited roles, possibly with new teams as they chase the elusive Lombardi. Even LeSean McCoy is a 50/50 proposition. While he’s handled a ton of carries in recent years, he’s still very young and has done well to avoid punishment with his shifty running style. Everyone expects Marshawn Lynch to walk away whenever he decides he’s done. Knowing him, he might just take one to the house for six, grab a chicken wing out his sock and stroll right down the tunnel, never to be seen again except on some obscure Japanese candy commercial.

The player who poses the biggest threat of simply falling off the cliff, leaving fantasy owners holding the bag is Adrian Peterson. After a year off from football, we really do not know what Peterson will bring to the table in 2015. Many want to believe the time off did him good and this may be the folly. Peterson has endured a punishing workload over the years. He has carried the Vikings franchise, often as their best and only player capable of moving the ball consistently. The team resisted Peterson’s off-season demands for more money, eventually caving and guaranteeing his entire 2015 salary of $13.5 million. Beyond 2015, however, the Vikings are free and clear to walk away from their soon to be 31-year old star and start anew. The $29 million they’ll save over the final two years of A.P.’s deal could fix any number of weaknesses on the team. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater not only gives the Vikings franchise a fresh face, but also an unblemished one. With second year back Jerrick McKinnon in the fold, Minnesota won’t have to look far to replace Peterson with a young dynamic runner capable to provide the yang to Bridgewater’s yin. Should Adrian Peterson falter in any way over the course of this season, do not be shocked next February when news comes across the ticker that the Vikings have released their star running back just weeks before his 31^st birthday. Now might be a great time to sell high.

Tyler Huggins
Khalil Mack, LB OAK

If he were classified as a defensive end, I would be all over him, but he is not, nor may he ever. As long as he is listed as a linebacker he will continue to be a high variance, low floor IDP play. I love his game and he truly is one of the young stars of the NFL, but this is exactly the type I try to fade at all times. I’m selling like hotcakes if I own him.

Eric Burtzlaff
Adrian Peterson, RB MIN

He hasn’t played football in over a year and isn’t a superhuman (contrary to what you might hear). He’s a 3- year old, (soon to be former) great running back and future Hall of Famer. It’s time to let go and get what you can before the bottom falls out.

Justin Huestis
Andre Ellington, RB ARI

Ellington is not the solution as a workhorse running back. I thought the window to sell him closed when Arizona selected Northern Iowa running back David Johnson. Apparently, there is a new window to sell due to uncertainty and injuries. I’m taking advantage where I can, you should too.

Bruce Matson
Jamaal Charles, RB KC

Alex Smith didn’t complete one touchdown pass to any of his receivers last season. I’m not sold the Chiefs have the ability to keep the chains moving and I fear it will affect Charles’ production. He’s 28 years old, and any injuries or slumps in his production will kill his dynasty value. I would rather sell him a year too early than a year too late.

Doug Green
Josh Gordon, WR CLE

I just don’t believe, but there are enough people out there who still do and are willing to still pay to let him rot on their bench. Take advantage of their foolishness and get what you can for him.

Carla Gruse
Kendall Wright, WR TEN

His quarterback play will be improved and after the rough edges are smoothed out Marcus Mariota will be a plus for Wright. Wait until he strings two or three good games together and pray it is before Dorial Green-Beckham does and SELL. Wright is a solid player but not a true WR1.

Eric Hardter
Rueben Randle, WR NYG

It was a toss-up between he and Knile Davis, but ultimately I had to go with Roob in the battle for “guys who mysteriously still have value for some reason.” No, Randle isn’t worth what he was at this point last year, but the fact is there are still believers out there. All I see is an inefficient receiver who can’t produce in the fantasy stat sheet if he’s not scoring touchdowns, and who fumbled a fantastic opportunity after Victor Cruz went down early last season. Now Cruz is back, Larry Donnell has another season under his belt, Shane Vereen is going to siphon targets out of the backfield and the team even signed James Jones. That would be a ton of mouths to feed even if Randle was good at football, which he isn’t. I’d honestly sell for a third-round pick, and anything more is a cherry on top.

If you’re counting, that gives us the following votes:

Adrian Peterson (3 votes)
Davante Adams (3 votes)
Eddie Lacy (3 votes)
Calvin Johnson (2 votes)
Le’Veon Bell (1 vote)
Rob Gronkowski (1 vote)
Odell Beckham (1 vote)
Jamaal Charles (1 vote)
Martavis Bryant (1 vote)
Davante Adams (1 vote)
Emmanuel Sanders (1 vote)
Ryan Tannehill (1 vote)
Melvin Gordon (1 vote)
Giovani Bernard (1 vote)
LeSean McCoy (1 vote)
Matt Forte (1 vote)
Andre Ellington (1 vote)
Jamaal Charles (1 vote)
Josh Gordon (1 vote)

…and a shout out to Khalil Mack from Tyler, who went outside the box to take the IDP angle for us this year.

So, who do you predict will be this year’s fantasy football best buy? Let us know in the comments below.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK