Tactical Transactions: Dynasty Moves to Make Before Week 12

Russell Wilson

Scott Connor Posted On November 22, 2022

There is one month until paydirt. Thanksgiving madness is here, which marks the trade deadline for many dynasty leagues. You have today and tomorrow to make some moves. Here are five transactions you should consider before week twelve:

Russell Wilson, QB DEN – Buy

Nothing has gone right for Wilson. Between injuries to his weapons and an abysmal coaching staff assembled in Mile High, Russ ranks 26th (QB26 in six points per passing TD leagues) in fantasy scoring. This is six spots below his November ADP of QB20. Things have gotten so bad in Denver that it may turn out well for Wilson. He is signed to an unmovable contract that keeps him in town for another four seasons and at this point, there is nowhere to go but up. I am okay acquiring some shares now given the current quarterback landscape.

The Move – We are to the point where Wilson adds no value in a deal. Trying to throw him into a trade acts as a placeholder rather than a value-added piece. This range is typically a spot where he can be acquired for a single future first-round pick. Consider offering multiple second-round picks with the high-end being a late first. Hendon Hooker’s injury makes the 2023 class extremely thin at quarterback and Russ may be a deal on the market in six months.

Zach Wilson, QB NYJ – Sell

The week 11 loss to the Patriots was a new low for Wilson. So bad, the Jets averaged less than three inches per play in the second half. Through 20 games in his career, Wilson averages 11.4 points per game. This mark would slot him at QB34 on the season and guess what? He is QB34 on the season. Without saying it, the former BYU Cougar has not progressed in the slightest despite being surrounded by numerous offensive weapons over the past year. The sample size is large enough that getting out while there is still value could be a smart strategy.

The Move – Arguably, Zach Wilson is the worst quarterback in the NFL this season. The perception is growing. The dynasty community is giving him very little support on the market and as of the November ADP, he slots in at QB23. This is sure to fall. The price is to the point where a future first-round pick is out of the question. Consider selling him for a future second-round pick and getting a potential 2023 starter like Jacoby Brissett back in a trade. In this case, the perceived sell low is really a salvage move.

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR NYG – Sell

The weekly injury sale is here and this week, Robinson is the victim. Robinson suffered a torn ACL in week 11 and will miss the rest of the season. Considering the timing, his 2023 season is also in-doubt considering the wide variety of timelines on an ACL injury. You can look back at his prospect profile and see why he is already a longshot bet to land ahead of roster clogger status. Fortunately, he posted quality numbers before suffering the knee injury and has both the draft capital and dynasty fandom to solicit something on the market.

The Move – The target price on Robinson would be any second-round pick. This is unlikely. I would consider adding him in a trade along with a pick to buy someone like Jakobi Meyers. Furthermore, can you turn Robinson and a future third-round pick to acquire Jarvis Landry or Tyler Lockett? In the end, I would spam my league for two third-round picks and use this as a re-roll opportunity and chance to flip him into running back capital.

Matt Breida, RB NYG – Buy or Add

This one ranges from the buy to the add range because Breida has been hanging around on some waiver wires. Despite only touching the ball 39 times through the first ten games, Breida is the clear backup to the oft-injured Saquon Barkley. He is familiar with Brian Daboll from his time with the Bills and the injury to Wan’Dale Robinson leaves the team looking for playmakers of any kind. We have seen Breida’s home run profile be effective in short spurts in the past and could be a cheap start source at some time later in the year. The Giants are fighting for a playoff spot and a clear backup like this is what you want on the back of your roster.

The Move – Add Breida in any format you are competing in. Assume he may land in a spot similar next season and consider him a keep for the off-season. If he is already on a roster, move a future third-round pick for him. As a contender, sell a more highly-valued player such as Gus Edwards or Latavius Murray for Breida and a third-round pick. The perceived touches those guys will command makes this a perfect process deal.

JD McKissic, RB WAS – Drop

The Commanders placed McKissic on season-ending injured reserve prior to the week 11 game against the Texans, ending his season. This move could mark the end of his time in Washington as his dead cap figure is extremely low for 2023 and a neck injury sounds serious enough that he may never play again. It was a fun run with McKissic but considering he will have to be activated onto an active roster when the injured reserve is cleared in your league, cut bait now. I have released all of my shares to the waiver pool and likely will not look back unless there is a reason to.

The Move – The advice is simple. Release McKissic for any other running back on an active roster. Even practice squad backs with future opportunities, think Jashaun Corbin or Tyler Goodson. Ultimately, a guy with his niche skill set and over thirty years old is likely not long for the league. He should not be on your roster.

Conclusion – The time has come when injuries are ending seasons. Beware of your current playoff odds, and your upcoming schedule and start aiming for the micro edges for the last month. Be aggressive at the deadline considering how many leagues have taken shape between the haves and the have-nots. Do not be stuck in the middle unless you have a master plan. Happy Thanksgiving to all and best of luck in week twelve.