Tactical Transactions: Dynasty Moves to Make Before Week 16

Brandon Aiyuk

Scott Connor Posted On December 20, 2022

This week will be short and sweet. For those without a trade deadline, there are a few nuggets in here for you. Otherwise, you are prepping for the off-season. Here are five transactions you should consider before week 16:

Brandon Aiyuk, WR SF – Buy (Playoffs)

This one seems straightforward. Buying Aiyuk on teams where you can still trade and are in the playoffs. With Deebo Samuel out, the Niners look to capitalize on a favorable schedule and an outside chance to earn the second seed in the NFC. They draw the Commanders at home and the Raiders in Las Vegas for week 17. He ranks as a WR3 in market share, yards per route run and air yards share and should benefit if the concentration of the offense tightens up.

The Move – It might not take a first-round pick to get Aiyuk but I would consider moving a playoff pick for him. He is the clear alpha at the position in San Francisco and will likely be less attainable once their quarterback situation is settled. Another idea is pivoting away from someone like George Pickens plus to obtain Aiyuk. You have your cake and eat it too as you get the best player in the deal and the pick.

Chris Olave, WR NO – Sell (Playoffs/Off-Season)

This one might be controversial. Hear me out. Olave faces the Browns and the Eagles during the playoffs and will draw tough matchups in both. The weather in Cleveland may be a factor. Despite ranking in the top 20 in market share, yards per route run, targets per route run and air yards percentage, he has only topped 13.1 points once since week eight. The Saints are becoming more and more run-heavy and at WR8 in the latest ADP, it seems like you are selling an asset that is trading above market.

The Move – By no means is this an indictment on Olave. He is very good. However, he is arguably never going to be higher in value. Think Jaylen Waddle last year after jumping as high as WR3 in the ADP. Consider this an opportunity to move off Olave for a plus, ideally, another wide receiver such as Tee Higgins or DK Metcalf and a plus. A first-round for second-round swap would be ideal. The boost during the fantasy playoffs is an added bonus as well.

Jacoby Brissett, QB CLE – Buy (Off-Season)

This one is out on a limb. Brissett has been around, starting for numerous franchises before landing in Cleveland and doing an admirable job amidst the Deshaun Watson drama. After all, he entered a situation knowing he would eventually go to the bench and managed to rank 11th in EPA per play during the time he served as the starter. These efficiency numbers are good enough to get him a serious look at a bridge starting gig as he enters free agency after the season. I want to collect shares once the season ends considering the quarterback landscape. After all, look at Geno Smith prior to 2022.

The Move – Ultimately, many dynasty managers are probably storing Brissett on the bench and not sure what to do with him. The savvy have decided to wait it out, but others are open to moving him in deals as we get closer to draft season. I would attempt to buy Brissett for a third-round pick. If not successful, look to flip a wide receiver such as Curtis Samuel, Michael Gallup or Tyler Boyd for Brissett (and a third-round pick).

Kendrick Bourne, WR NE – Sell/Drop

Bourne follows the same path as Isaiah McKenzie from last week. He had his window after signing with the Patriots as a free agent prior to 2021 and did not take advantage of it in 2022 after a decent first season in New England. He likely finds a new team in the next year or two and ultimately, is cemented as a roster clogger either way. His usage numbers dropped across the board this season and will likely be pushed by other more-talented veterans and incoming rookies. The time to cut bait is now.

The Move – The first move is an attempt to sell for anything. A third-round pick would be the optimal price, but that is a pipe dream. I would move to a fourth-round pick or a running back on the laundry list of ‘any RB on a 53’ you can forecast into next season. The goal is not exactly the return for Bourne but the more resourceful use of a roster spot before everything locks.

Wayne Gallman, RB SEA – Add

This is definitely a forgotten name. As you scour your waiver wire, consider Gallman is likely out there in many leagues after latching on with the Seahawks prior to week 15. He is likely lucky to get a camp invite next season but we have seen running backs resurface and find playing time. This is a free square shot.

The Move – This one is simple, like many of these. Add him in leagues where you have roster spots available after dropping backup quarterbacks and wide receivers. We are likely talking about leagues with 32 or more roster spots with very tightly dialed-in roster construction. He is very easily turned over next spring after free agency and you can reassess.

Conclusion – The grind is almost over. The Final Four! Last-minute tweaks are needed if you can still trade, otherwise, take some time to start looking at each of your roster spots and maximize each one with a plan or path for the future. Get ahead of your league mates regardless of where you are in the pecking order. Good luck in the semifinals!