Dynasty Fantasy Football Trades
Taking advantage of potential valuation trends in the trade market is imperative. That is even more true during the season when players can experience wild valuation changes on a week-to-week basis. Each week, I will be highlighting some players you should be looking to move or acquire and the reasons why.
We’re four weeks into the season, so I’d like to focus on the rookies.
Buy – Marvin Mims, WR DEN
Mims was a big name in the preseason as a player who would break out early. That hasn’t quite happened yet, but he has definitely flashed. Despite only running 27 routes, he has commanded 11 targets, nine receptions, 242 yards, and a touchdown. It is incredible how efficient he has been, and he is leading the league with a yards-per-route run number of 9.0 for players with a minimum of 10 targets! The next highest is Brandon Aiyuk, at 6.3.
He has played only 27.1% of offensive snaps so far this season. As that number begins to increase, his role in the offense will increase, allowing him the opportunity to be more consistently fantasy-relevant. This last week, he had a relatively quiet week, seeing only two targets for 47 yards, so there is a chance you can buy now while he isn’t being thought about. I would happily pay an early 2024 2nd and potentially even a little more to acquire him right now.
Buy – Rashee Rice, WR KC
As a prospect, I was a big fan of Rice and have been pleased with what he has produced so far. As a prospect, he was extremely raw as he ran such a simplified route tree at SMU. This meant he would always take a little time to be fantasy-relevant. However, through four games, Rice leads all Chiefs wide receivers in targets, receptions, touchdowns, Targets per route run, and yards per route run. Even more impressive, he has played only 36.9% of snaps and a route participation rate of 29.8%.
Like Mims, if Rice carves out a larger snap share, you can expect his relevancy to increase consistently. On Sunday against the Jets, Rice was on the field for 45.7% of the Chief’s offensive snaps. A breakout is coming; it’s just a matter of time. You will reap the reward if you can pounce now and buy low before that breakout happens. Price-wise, you can acquire him for an early 2024 second-round pick.
Sell – Bryce Young, QB CAR
Young has not played phenomenally through his three games so far this season. He has flashed the talent that made him the number-one overall pick five months ago. However, he has struggled to push the ball down the field. This sell recommendation is less about him as a prospect and more about the overall situation surrounding him. The hope was that the Panthers would have a good enough situation with an average offensive line, excellent coaching staff, and competent receiving talent that Young would be allowed to blossom. However, That is not the case.
The coaching staff has been poor and is not putting Young in advantageous positions as we have seen for other Young quarterbacks like CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson. The offensive line has deteriorated; last season, they finished 10th in PFF’s pass-blocking grade. This season, they are currently 29th. That is huge for any rookie, but particularly for a quarterback like Young, who lacks prototypical size.
Then, the wide receiver talent is abysmal. Adam Thielen is a competent veteran who can find holes in zone coverage but will not scare any defensive coordinator. The collection of athletic big-bodied outside receivers in Jonathon Mingo, DJ Chark, and Terrace Marshall have underwhelmed.
Looking forward, it is hard to see a world where the situation drastically improves. The coaching staff is likely around for at least one more season. The Panthers are without their 2024 first-round pick, and although they have $47m in projected cap space, they still need to find long-term contracts with Brian Burns and Derrick Brown. If you can get out of Bryce Young for a mid to early 2024 first, I would absolutely be making that move right now. Alternatively, if you can pivot to Kirk Cousins or a more stable veteran with maybe a piece on top, it will benefit you in the short and medium term.
Sell – Quentin Johnston, WR LAC
It is hard to give up on a rookie wide receiver through four games of their career. This sell suggestion may be slightly hyperbolic, but it is hard to see a ceiling for Johnston when he can’t command snaps or targets even after an injury to Mike Williams. Johnston profiled as an underneath weapon who thrived after the catch.
After the injury to Mike Williams, Johnston is being forced into a different role where he is used as a deep threat. His aDOT from Sunday was 17.7. While that is great because he sees high-value targets, it is not a role that best utilizes his skillset. I would pivot from Johnston to another young receiver like Nico Collins or Christian Watson; alternatively, I would sell him for a random 2024 first.
Rebuilding Buy – Will Levis, QB TEN
Will Levis is the future starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. That was the case five months ago when he was drafted, and that is the case right now. In rookie drafts, he had an ADP of the 11th overall pick. His value is significantly less than that right now because he isn’t scoring any points. His DLF ADP has dropped from 196 overall in May to 221 in September.
In a superflex league, if you’re rebuilding and you’ve not checked in on the price of Levis, you’re missing a trick. He will see a massive spike in value as soon as the season finishes, and Ryan Tannehill moves on from the Titans. I would try to acquire him for a 2024 second-round pick or perhaps pivot from an aging player to acquire Will Levis.
I need more information – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR SEA
Smith-Njigba has disappointed so far this season. 4.6 points per game is not exactly something to get excited about. However, we must remember that he is coming off wrist surgery and will likely take a little time.
Given his production in college and his profile coming out, I need to see more from him before I jump to conclusions. His aDOT increasing from 3.2 yards would go a considerable way to helping him see an increase in production. Hopefully, the production will come over the next couple of weeks but I need to see more before I form a strong opinion.
- Dynasty Decision: Tua Tagovailoa - May 16, 2025
- Dynasty Decision: James Cook - May 10, 2025
- Dynasty Decision: Brian Robinson - May 2, 2025
Taking advantage of potential valuation trends in the trade market is imperative. That is even more true during the season when players can experience wild valuation changes on a week-to-week basis. Each week, I will be highlighting some players you should be looking to move or acquire and the reasons why.
We’re four weeks into the season, so I’d like to focus on the rookies.
Buy – Marvin Mims, WR DEN
Mims was a big name in the preseason as a player who would break out early. That hasn’t quite happened yet, but he has definitely flashed. Despite only running 27 routes, he has commanded 11 targets, nine receptions, 242 yards, and a touchdown. It is incredible how efficient he has been, and he is leading the league with a yards-per-route run number of 9.0 for players with a minimum of 10 targets! The next highest is Brandon Aiyuk, at 6.3.
He has played only 27.1% of offensive snaps so far this season. As that number begins to increase, his role in the offense will increase, allowing him the opportunity to be more consistently fantasy-relevant. This last week, he had a relatively quiet week, seeing only two targets for 47 yards, so there is a chance you can buy now while he isn’t being thought about. I would happily pay an early 2024 2nd and potentially even a little more to acquire him right now.
Buy – Rashee Rice, WR KC
As a prospect, I was a big fan of Rice and have been pleased with what he has produced so far. As a prospect, he was extremely raw as he ran such a simplified route tree at SMU. This meant he would always take a little time to be fantasy-relevant. However, through four games, Rice leads all Chiefs wide receivers in targets, receptions, touchdowns, Targets per route run, and yards per route run. Even more impressive, he has played only 36.9% of snaps and a route participation rate of 29.8%.
Like Mims, if Rice carves out a larger snap share, you can expect his relevancy to increase consistently. On Sunday against the Jets, Rice was on the field for 45.7% of the Chief’s offensive snaps. A breakout is coming; it’s just a matter of time. You will reap the reward if you can pounce now and buy low before that breakout happens. Price-wise, you can acquire him for an early 2024 second-round pick.
Sell – Bryce Young, QB CAR
Young has not played phenomenally through his three games so far this season. He has flashed the talent that made him the number-one overall pick five months ago. However, he has struggled to push the ball down the field. This sell recommendation is less about him as a prospect and more about the overall situation surrounding him. The hope was that the Panthers would have a good enough situation with an average offensive line, excellent coaching staff, and competent receiving talent that Young would be allowed to blossom. However, That is not the case.
The coaching staff has been poor and is not putting Young in advantageous positions as we have seen for other Young quarterbacks like CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson. The offensive line has deteriorated; last season, they finished 10th in PFF’s pass-blocking grade. This season, they are currently 29th. That is huge for any rookie, but particularly for a quarterback like Young, who lacks prototypical size.
Then, the wide receiver talent is abysmal. Adam Thielen is a competent veteran who can find holes in zone coverage but will not scare any defensive coordinator. The collection of athletic big-bodied outside receivers in Jonathon Mingo, DJ Chark, and Terrace Marshall have underwhelmed.
Looking forward, it is hard to see a world where the situation drastically improves. The coaching staff is likely around for at least one more season. The Panthers are without their 2024 first-round pick, and although they have $47m in projected cap space, they still need to find long-term contracts with Brian Burns and Derrick Brown. If you can get out of Bryce Young for a mid to early 2024 first, I would absolutely be making that move right now. Alternatively, if you can pivot to Kirk Cousins or a more stable veteran with maybe a piece on top, it will benefit you in the short and medium term.
Sell – Quentin Johnston, WR LAC
It is hard to give up on a rookie wide receiver through four games of their career. This sell suggestion may be slightly hyperbolic, but it is hard to see a ceiling for Johnston when he can’t command snaps or targets even after an injury to Mike Williams. Johnston profiled as an underneath weapon who thrived after the catch.
After the injury to Mike Williams, Johnston is being forced into a different role where he is used as a deep threat. His aDOT from Sunday was 17.7. While that is great because he sees high-value targets, it is not a role that best utilizes his skillset. I would pivot from Johnston to another young receiver like Nico Collins or Christian Watson; alternatively, I would sell him for a random 2024 first.
Rebuilding Buy – Will Levis, QB TEN
Will Levis is the future starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. That was the case five months ago when he was drafted, and that is the case right now. In rookie drafts, he had an ADP of the 11th overall pick. His value is significantly less than that right now because he isn’t scoring any points. His DLF ADP has dropped from 196 overall in May to 221 in September.
In a superflex league, if you’re rebuilding and you’ve not checked in on the price of Levis, you’re missing a trick. He will see a massive spike in value as soon as the season finishes, and Ryan Tannehill moves on from the Titans. I would try to acquire him for a 2024 second-round pick or perhaps pivot from an aging player to acquire Will Levis.
I need more information – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR SEA
Smith-Njigba has disappointed so far this season. 4.6 points per game is not exactly something to get excited about. However, we must remember that he is coming off wrist surgery and will likely take a little time.
Given his production in college and his profile coming out, I need to see more from him before I jump to conclusions. His aDOT increasing from 3.2 yards would go a considerable way to helping him see an increase in production. Hopefully, the production will come over the next couple of weeks but I need to see more before I form a strong opinion.
- Dynasty Decision: Tua Tagovailoa - May 16, 2025
- Dynasty Decision: James Cook - May 10, 2025
- Dynasty Decision: Brian Robinson - May 2, 2025
