Dynasty Fantasy Football: Targets Acquired
Standing still is the fastest way of moving backwards in a rapidly changing dynasty landscape. The best dynasty teams are the most active in looking for ways to add value to their dynasty rosters, as part of a continuous process.
The Dynasty Targets Acquired series focuses on making dynasty buys to improve your roster, heading towards one of two key destinations – contending to win a dynasty title in 2023 or rebuilding for a dynasty title challenge in 2024. Each article in the series will highlight a dynasty buy for both contenders and rebuilders – with three trade ideas based on the DLF Trade Analyzer: Pivot Up, Same Tier or Pivot Down.
Buying as a contender is all about winning the title now, whilst leaving the window open to compete again year after year. Buying as a rebuilder is all about making the right trades to maximize roster value next season and become a contender for a dynasty championship.
TIME CONTEXT AND STRATEGY
As we enter week 16, the playoffs are in full swing, where contenders make their final push to win a dynasty title. While player prices can be higher due to a low supply of viable trade partners, this is also an extremely busy trade period. The championship push also creates a final window for rebuilders to sell off aging assets, with potential new trade partners entering the trade market, in the form of recently eliminated playoff teams.
CONTENDER BUY
Joe Flacco, QB CLE
2024 is almost upon us and Flacco is a screaming dynasty buy – you are not dreaming, this is not a drill, this is the renaissance of the former Super Bowl MVP, from over a decade ago.
Flacco has provided steady veteran leadership in real life for the Browns and can be a solid secondary option as a QB2 in dynasty. In his three starts, Flacco has produced QB9-13 numbers in each appearance and ignited the Browns’ pass offense. The move to buy him is for this season only with Deshaun Watson the unquestioned 2024 starter, however Flacco is an ideal bridge for the likes of Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert owners.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
- Parker Washington and 2023 third-round pick = Flacco
Take advantage of Washington entering the Jaguars’ lineup in the absence of the injured Christian Kirk – where he has achieved top-40 finishes in two of the three games since the injury. Adding a third to a ‘roster clogger’ wide receiver is a simple move.
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation, in a straight-up swap deal
- Bailey Zappe = Flacco
Flacco holds little to no value on a rebuilding roster, sell the idea that Zappe had a solid last outing against the Steelers and could be in a competition to start next season, or at least be a bridge quarterback with an incoming rookie. Zappe has the age advantage and a better chance at starting in 2024, but Flacco is giving you way better production for the championship push.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
- Kenny Pickett = Flacco and 2024 mid-second-round pick
An easy pivot down with Pickett missing week 16, an unreliable option when healthy and in my view has a low probability of being a starter in 2024. This trade gives you a better option for now and an additional draft pick to give liquidity and flexibility.
REBUILDER BUY
Michael Mayer, TE LV
Mayer has been overshadowed by the excellent 2023 performance of other young tight ends such as Sam Laporta, Dalton Kincaid and Trey McBride. His TE26 output this season is nothing to shout about, however rebuilding is all about the projection moving forward and Mayer has flashed upside as a fantasy contributor.
While pure production has been sporadic – he’s emerged as an every-down player on an offense that is bound to improve next season. I consider Mayer the ideal target for teams lacking a standout option at the position, with the potential to become a top-six tight end in 2024, much like the McBride production curve (breakout in year two).
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
- Isaiah Likely and 2024 mid-third-round pick = Mayer
This trade works where the contender is looking for a cheap option to give a tight end fill-in for the stretch run. Mayer is the longer-term play, where you are banking on talent to come through in time. The price of an additional third-round draft pick could be replaced with a more appealing asset for a contender, such as a veteran running back like Ezekiel Elliott.
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the same tier of valuation, in a straight-up swap deal
- Evan Engram = Mayer
Engram is an appealing asset for contenders, delivering a top-six performance on the season and per game. With him entering his age-30 season in 2024, now is the time to move on as a rebuilder – where you take the upside and trajectory of Mayer on a rebuilding dynasty team.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
- George Kittle = Mayer and 2024 mid-second-round pick
The pivot down from Kittle could feel a tough pill to swallow as he continues to perform at a top-five level at tight end. He still possesses TE1 overall upside on any given week, however we’ve seen the spike value of young tight ends who hit (Laporta, McBride etc). Make the move now, as a year from now you’re likely to see Mayer valued higher than Kittle in dynasty, whilst acquiring additional draft capital.
SUMMARY
The most successful dynasty teams continue to make moves throughout the year. The timing factor facilitates trades between contenders and rebuilders. Take advantage when you have the leverage and be aggressive when acquiring the assets, the rewards of a dynasty title are worth it.
He is a keen supporter of mental health projects, where dynasty content is his coping strategy to remain in an optimal mindset.
