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
Just because it’s near the end of the fantasy season doesn’t mean the time to make roster moves has passed. In fact, dynasty teams who have seen their postseason dreams end in the past few weeks may be open to trading valuable veteran pieces from their roster. Conversely, if you are that team relegated to seventh, eighth, ninth, etc. now is the time to purge your roster of those players who might be too risky to hold into the offseason while attaining the maximum value in return.
CONTENDER BUY- Courtland Sutton, WR DEN
There’s many a dynasty contender staring at a gaping hole in their roster formerly occupied by rookie standout receiver Tank Dell. While Courtland Sutton isn’t a flashy option, he’s a low-end WR2 with weekly WR1 upside on a resurgent Broncos’ offense.
If the dynasty manager in your league with the veteran receiver rostered was recently eliminated from your playoffs, make him an offer he can’t refuse. To be clear, Sutton should only be looked at as a postseason rental with his future in Denver uncertain. This should make your league mate more willing to make an 11th-hour deal.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
Jonathan Mingo and 2024 Third = Courtland Sutton
Mingo’s rookie campaign (WR73) has not quite lived up to the expectations of his draft capital (2.07). This can’t all be blamed on the Ole Miss alum as the Panthers organization, coaching staff, and offense have been a complete dumpster fire.
Carolina is short on draft picks in 2024 meaning Mingo should be given every chance at a second-year rebound as the team’s WR1. A third-round rookie pick should be the cherry on top to bring Sutton to your squad.
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation, in a straight-up swap deal
Marvin Mims = Courtland Sutton
Fellow DLF writer John Arrington already told you last week why Mims is a target for rebuilding dynasty teams. Yet, the Denver first-year receiver can’t be trusted as a weekly starter in crunch time as he hasn’t finished higher than WR55 since week four. Sending Mims in exchange for his consistent weekly producing teammate is a deal that benefits both parties.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
Anthony Richardson = Courtland Sutton and Kyler Murray
So, you wanted to stash Richardson on your IR until next season in your single QB league. Well, if you were counting on Trevor Lawrence to be in full health for your playoff run, you’ll need a backup plan. This deal allows you to not only pick up a reliable receiver option in Sutton, but also a signal caller in Murray who has finished as a QB1 in three of his four starts since returning from injury. Richardson showed enough earlier this season to make him a target for your league-mate planning for next season.
REBUILDER BUY – George Pickens, WR PIT
It’s been a disappointing sophomore season for Pickens and those dynasty managers with roster shares. The Georgia alum only has three weekly top-24 fantasy finishes while sitting outside the top 30 (WR37) at the position. A combination of porous quarterback play and a stagnant offense has left many (including Pickens himself) frustrated.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Pickens’ current predicament presents a unique buying opportunity for savvy dynasty degenerates. The second-year wideout has still flashed his immense upside (4-127-1; 6-130-1; 5-107) in those three breakout games. Plus, the Steelers are NOT a rebuilding franchise. Expect them to spend the entire off-season finding a significant upgrade under center.
I’m going to keep beating the drum for rebuilding dynasty franchises to scoop up the Pittsburgh second-year wide receiver. As a 22-year-old with freakish athletic ability, his price will undoubtedly rise this offseason as soon as the Steelers acquire a competent quarterback. Don’t let this discount pass you by.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
Isiah Pacheco and Tyler Lockett = George Pickens
You don’t rebuild a dynasty roster with a 24-year-old running back. Isiah Pacheco (coming off an impressive prime-time performance) is much more valuable to a contending squad in your league. Now is the time to sell high on the Chiefs’ running back. Similarly, Tyler Lockett is a solid weekly flex option to the playoff-bound dynasty manager. With each play made by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Lockett’s trade value plummets.
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation, in a straight-up swap deal
Deebo Samuel = George Pickens
Again, use Samuel’s performance in a nationally televised matchup to reap the most in return. The San Francisco do-it-all receiver could be the championship catalyst for your trading partner. Thanks to the recency bias mentioned above, you might be able to squeeze a future third in return as well.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
TJ Hockenson = George Pickens, Cedric Tillman, and a 2024 Third
Getting eliminated from playoff contention late in the season should push dynasty managers to make the tough decisions on their roster. Yes, TJ Hockenson is a top-five player at a premium position. However, the longer you delay trading him away, the more risk you are inheriting. Ask those rebuilding dynasty managers who held onto Mark Andrews for one week too many…
In the last five games, Tillman has led all Browns receivers in snap percentage (86%) since the trade of Donovan Peoples-Jones. I’m acquiring the Cleveland rookie anywhere I can. A third-round rookie pick is more valuable than you think… go look at where Tank Dell fell in some drafts in the Spring/Summer.
If there’s any doubt as to why there should be no trade deadlines in dynasty leagues, look at the last few weeks. Season-ending injuries to some of this season’s top fantasy assets have created a unique market skewed towards the sellers. Whichever side of that coin you find yourself, ensuring you are getting the best value in all your dynasty transactions is paramount.
- Dynasty Fantasy Football: Targets Acquired - December 8, 2023
- Dynasty Fantasy Football: Targets Acquired - November 17, 2023
- Dynasty Fantasy Football: Targets Acquired - October 13, 2023
