Tactical Transactions: Dynasty Moves to Make Before Week 13

Ryan Tannehill

Scott Connor Posted On November 29, 2022

It is crunch time. The holiday feast is over and we have two more weeks until the fantasy playoffs. If the trade deadline is not passed, it may be close. Time is running out. Here are five transactions you should consider before week 13:

Ryan Tannehill, QB TEN – Buy

This one may come as a surprise. It is Ryan Tannehill. Why would I want him? Ultimately, we are at the point where forecasting the 2023 quarterback carousel and landscape can net crucial value on your roster. Tannehill currently slots in at QB28 on the latest ADP and is signed through the 2023 season. With the Titans looking like a playoff team, the team is unlikely to do anything other than potentially extend their current starter after the season. His efficiency numbers have always exceeded his dynasty value and this poses another buy opportunity.

The Move – Consider buying Tannehill on teams where you look shaky at QB2 or QB3 going into next year without the draft capital excess to make a bigger purchase. Consider a Matthew Stafford for Ryan Tannehill Swap. Consider a pivot off Russell Wilson to Tannehill, and any added value becomes a bonus. This is a pure placeholder production move but I feel very safe with Tannehill going into the 2023 season.

Matthew Stafford, QB LAR – Sell

Rumors that Stafford would be shut down for the season were hushed as Ian Rapoport reported the Rams do not plan to do so. Stafford ranks QB28 in fantasy scoring (among quarterbacks with at least six games played) and quite frankly, is under consideration for the biggest bust relative to cost (QB13 in September ADP) this year. The Rams are facing major question marks next season and it feels like a situation I am fine being out of until I have more clarity on his future. The window to sell exists as long as he is not shut down for the season and I am taking advantage of it.

The Move – Unlike Zach Wilson, this is not a case of “get out for what you can.” At least not from the standpoint of I am taking a second-round pick. However, considering the reset button on values we see once the current season is behind us, Stafford should still maintain moderate value on the market as a starter with a future job. This is enough to explore pivots for other quarterbacks in better situations with similar/higher upside. Ryan Tannehill, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo and Mac Jones are names I am comfortable engaging in discussions with Stafford.

Darnell Mooney, WR CHI – Sell

Another weekly injury salvage and this time it is Mooney. He reportedly suffered a fractured ankle and will miss the rest of the season. Similar to DJ Chark in 2021, this injury is not a minor one, and the impact fallout means the Bears likely add another wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft and consider finding someone in free agency before that. Chase Claypool will demand a contract and considering the cost to acquire him, the team likely obliges. This means a very choppy ride down the value river for Mooney and considering his pedigree, the end of the road may be near. I am fine getting out where I can.

The Move – It is unfortunate as Mooney has proven to be a solid player. However, like Chark, the dynasty market does not have time for a player who lacks pedigree and faces significant competition. Consider multiple third-round picks for Mooney with the hopes you avoid a future roster clogger and flip your roster construction into a liquid asset or another position. Add Mooney to a third-round pick to buy immediate production if you need to go that route. Be creative and dump your shares. You can always buy in later if he overcomes the odds.

Antonio Gibson, RB WAS – Buy

Controversy lives here. If you search Antonio Gibson on Twitter you likely see numerous references to Brian Robinson taking his job in week 12. It is true. Robinson had a nice game in the receiving game and played more than Gibson. Kudos to him. However, let the reactions play in your favor as you remember Gibson’s usage the three weeks prior. The expectation is that you enter 2023 with numerous Gibson exposures at a lesser cost than the weekly upside.

The Move – I would pay a future second-round pick for Gibson. Consider pivoting off another running back such as Dameon Pierce or D’Andre Swift for Gibson. As a portfolio player, I hope to get 15 percent exposure to Gibson before we get to the start of the 2023 league year (March). There are many ways to get there that will not break the bank.

Kevin Harris, RB NE – Add

Harris enters the fold as the “next man up” in a decent spot as Damien Harris left the week 12 loss to the Vikings with a quad injury. As a pending free agent, the team may look to Harris to audition for a backup spot next season. Considering he has been a healthy scratch recently, he should be available to be added in leagues for the rest of the season and into the off-season. Learn more about his profile here.

The Move – This is another #AnyRBOnA53 add. Pick him up where you can. He belongs on a roster in any league with 28 or more roster spots. Not only can he potentially give you a spot starter later in the season, he carries a decent profile into the off-season on a team with a high-profile free agent departing.

Conclusion – Shake off that food coma and start moving. You only have two weeks left (and less with a trade deadline). The time has come to start looking forward a few weeks and preparing for upcoming weekly matchups. Best of luck in week 13!