Tuesday Transactions: Week Four
Are we feeling the grind yet? After three weeks, things are starting to take shape and the true colors of both players and teams are beginning to emerge. Although the injuries tailed off from last week, the carnage is expected every week and the war of attrition is officially on.
Here are five transactions to consider after week three.
Rashaad Penny, RB SEA – Buy
It is never too early to look ahead. Penny has left a sour taste in many dynasty owners’ minds and is entirely off the radar at this time. The Chris Carson injury scare at the end of their week three win over the Cowboys is a stark reminder of how fragile a starting ball carrier can be.
Another conclusion? I want the Seahawks primary back considering just how efficient their offense has moved thus far. The Carson injury appears minor and Penny is at least a month away. Get him on your roster now and give yourself a high-leverage second half option who could be a league winner if the attrition continues.
The Move – Penny is best acquired as a secondary piece in a deal and not approached directly with a draft pick. Consider pivoting off another flash-in-the-pan ball-carrier like Mike Davis for his current market value and target Penny as a throw-in. He is a bigger target in leagues with point-per-carry scoring.
Aaron Jones, RB GB – Sell
You are probably reading this for a sixth time thus far in 2020 and I can absolutely understand why you are hesitant. Jones is likely on many winning squads and is producing with even higher efficiency than he did during his historic run last season.
The risk exists with the pending unrestricted free agent as he remains one of the few 2017 rookie backs to not have a contract extension. His NFL career has been plagued by injuries and combined with his contract status, any major injury would drop his value likely outside of the top 20 running backs in upcoming off-season ADP.
The Move – There will likely be more suitors for Jones given the sheer attrition at the position. Given how weak the 2021 and 2022 running back classes will be, do not accept only picks for Jones and look to buy low on a player like Joe Mixon or Kenyan Drake in addition to the pick value for Jones. If I had to value him in superflex, I would want a guaranteed top-four pick next season.
DJ Chark, WR JAC – Buy
No player saw a more surprising breakout in 2019 than Chark who went from WR73 before the year began to WR17 in the latest ADP. After missing week three due to injury and drawing only seven targets through his first couple games and, he is being lost amongst many other crazy wide receiver performances.
Combine a lost week with a slow start, along with uncertainty in Jacksonville both with the coaching staff and the quarterback, panicked owners would not be opposed to moving Chark if they feel last year may have been an outlier and would be willing to get out while the value is elevated.
The Move – Try moving Courtland Sutton for Chark. If that does not work, consider Parris Campbell plus a round two pick in superflex and sell the other owner on a deep 2021 wide receiver class. If a win-now team holds him, attempt moving Adam Thielen or Julio Jones in a deal to acquire the former LSU Tiger and hit the reset button.
Jimmy Graham, TE CHI and Greg Olsen, TE SEA – Sell
Do we have to state the obvious? As injuries continue to pile up and disappointing performances mount at the position, both crafty veterans have posted multiple top-15 weeks already and are tied to situations that should give them a little buzz over the next couple weeks.
Any option in a Russell Wilson offense will be on the radar for contending teams and Nick Foles taking over is stock way up for any tight end getting the snap share that Graham has received. Use this to your advantage and sell these players while points are still valuable. We know once the off-season hits, both greats will be worthless.
The Move – These transactions are a must in start two tight end leagues where scarcity reigns supreme. Graham should fetch a round three pick in superflex and tight-end premium, while Olsen could also go for a third and possibly a throw-in player. If the other owner balks on dealing picks, inquire on David Njoku, Gerald Everett, Chris Herndon or Dawson Knox and bank on their profiles to delivering a future profit.
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR ATL – Add
Another week and another deep-down option at the most abundant position. Zaccheaus is the clear fourth option at receiver for one of the highest volume offenses in the league. He might get some waiver buzz this week with Russell Gage leaving week three with a concussion and Julio Jones nursing a hamstring injury.
Zaccheaus has an intriguing profile and the versatility to play in the slot and be a deep threat. The stat line does not show it, but he stepped in a garnered seven six targets on Sunday and if the right situation arises, I would prefer this offense to most others in the league to throw a player into. We have seen receivers come out of nowhere every week and I would bet we will see this guy in that group before the season ends.
The Move – He is strictly a waiver wire add in a point-per-reception league that starts at least three wide receivers and two flexes. Any less and do not bother with a bid. If Zaccheaus is already rostered, pivot off a similar valued player who is in a much less desirable situation.
CONCLUSION
Stay strong and continue to evaluate. I am giving one more week to truly decide on some of my dynasty squads and to fully form my impression of what each NFL offense is going to be going forward. The teams with depth and flexibility will continue to thrive as we hit the bye weeks and the injuries continue to mount.
- Four Tight Ends to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Dynasty Leagues - August 23, 2023
- Four Wide Receivers to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Dynasty Leagues - August 16, 2023
- Four Running Backs to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Dynasty Leagues - August 9, 2023
