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 2024 or rebuilding for a dynasty title challenge in 2025. 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 upon 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 the second half of the dynasty season, the pathway and knowledge of your seasonal goal should be crystal clear – whether it be finishing last for a rebuilding squad or winning the title as a contender. Trade values for players become more expensive as the market is likely already set in your league, and fewer potential suitors provide leverage and premium pricing. With more teams fading into the abyss and a decrease in engagement, acting fast is key and understanding you will need to pay above the normal price in most situations will help you reach your goal.
Rebuilder Buy – Ray Davis, RB BUF
We’ve seen significant value spikes for other late-round rookie running backs such as Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy this year, with Ray Davis, a player who has a strong, if not stronger, college profile and has performed excellently on his limited touches this season. Whilst his situation is different, with James Cook a stronger lead running back than the competition of Irving and Tracy, Davis is a longer-term play and perfect for a rebuilding side – giving an opportunity to pivot on the back of the value spikes or hold as an improving asset as the rebuild develops into contention.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
- Raheem Mostert and 2025 late third-round pick = Ray Davis
As a rebuilder, the pivot from a 32-year-old running back should be one of the first moves, taking lesser deals to get the points off your roster. In this move, adding the third-round draft pick to acquire Davis gives your contending trade partner a split backfield player with guaranteed touches and bye-week fill-in potential. There is a contingent upside where Mostert spikes in production with a De’Von Achane injury, remembering Mostert finished as the RB5 overall last year. Also, the draft capital gives the contender ammunition to acquire a short-term player or rookie dart throw to help their roster, providing flexibility and liquidity to balance the productive assets.
Mostert has maintained a steady dynasty value over the last year, although his prohibitive age makes him a clear pivot option for rebuilding teams. (Credit: DLF ADP Over Time App)
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation in a straight-up swap deal
- Ja’Lynn Polk = Ray Davis
Whilst Polk has been disappointing to start his rookie season, you can use the hype of his new starting quarterback, Drake Maye, to seal this deal. Polk was a highly-touted player as a round-two selection of the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the knowledge rookies typically improve over the second half of their debut season in the league. This type of deal could be easiest in deep starting lineups with multiple flex spots, where you would be more comfortable starting a wide receiver in the flex spot over a current backup running back. Make this move at pace as a disappointing second half of the year would plummet Polk’s dynasty value.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
- Zach Charbonnet = Ray Davis and 2025 late third-round pick
Whilst Charbonnet flashed an immense handcuff ability, finishing weeks two and three as an RB1 in the absence of Kenneth Walker, he reverted to a complementary role – one which, in the short-term, is not too dissimilar to Davis. If there were to be an injury to the Bills’ starting running back, James Cook, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Davis become a fantasy star and deliver comparable production akin to Charbonnet’s mini breakout earlier this season. An additional draft pick is always welcome for a rebuilding side, with the option to spend on a rookie pick, purchase an upside young asset, or use it as part of a package to acquire a higher-priced asset at a later date.
Charbonnet and Davis have a similar range of outcomes in dynasty, making this an interesting trade with the bonus of additional draft capital (Credit: DLF Dynasty Trade Analyzer)
Contender Buy – George Kittle, TE SF
One of my favorite leverage plays on a contender is ensuring I hold the advantage at the tight end position, usually a singular spot in a lineup where production gives you a head start in the weekly matchup. This week is crucial to make the move for Kittle, as he is showing as the TE2 on the season behind Brock Bowers, where in reality, he is the TE1 in fantasy points per game (18.0 vs .14.2 of Bowers). You can look to catch dynasty managers on autopilot with this perception of solid play as opposed to clearly the TE1 in fantasy production this year. The bye week is out of the way, Brandon Aiyuk is on IR and Christian McCaffrey’s return will be a boost for the 49ers offense – making Kittle a smash trade for contending dynasty squads.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
- Tucker Kraft and 2025 early second-round pick = George Kittle
Paying an early second-round draft pick and the TE7 in fantasy points per game could be seen as an overpay for the 31-year-old Kittle; however, his current form and likelihood of similar production for the next few years provide confidence to make a bold move, acquiring an asset with a defined major role in his offense and strong week to week consistency. Kraft will have appeal for most teams in your league as a young, improving asset who can be a placeholder for a future pivot in a worst-case scenario. The presence of draft capital makes it an easy trade to negotiate to obtain Kittle, with a natural deal between the rebuilder holding Kittle and the contender holding Kraft.
Kraft is an ascending dynasty asset in his second season in the league, making him an appealing asset to acquire in a rebuild. (Credit: DLF ADP Over Time App)
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation in a straight-up swap deal
- Davante Adams = George Kittle
Making this move from Adams to Kittle is all about avoiding the likely roulette wheel of which Jets wide receiver performs the best on a weekly basis. Also, I would rather have certainty and an advantage at a singular position as opposed to wide receiver, where you mitigate a drop in perceived production through the multiple wide receiver spots or flex position. Kittle is coming off his bye week with Adams yet to complete his, an often hidden advantage to acquiring players who have completed their bye week. The move is likely between top-half dynasty teams, where you are looking for your trade partner to require wide receiver production whilst also holding a viable alternative at tight end for the impending departure of Kittle.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
- Kyle Pitts = George Kittle and 2025 late second-round pick
Pitts has flashed brilliance this season, with three games finishing in the top six of the position, however also registering three games outside of the top 20 – including an embarrassing blank in week four against the Saints. Despite an inconsistent season, Pitts is still only 24 years old and is currently the TE7 on the season. When negotiating the trade, use this highlight to secure the deal whilst avoiding the TE10 in fantasy points per game output within the discussion. Rebuilding teams would love the seven additional years they are gaining with this pivot from Kittle, and whilst the late second-round pick might not naturally align with a rebuilding team’s arsenal, the trade idea provides a guideline for the deal. Acquiring fantasy points in the lineup and additional draft capital make this a no-brainer for a contender.
Pitts is still a young, talented dynasty asset with a fantastic ceiling, a clear pivot option for contenders looking to acquire Kittle (Credit: DLF Dynasty Trade Analyzer)
Summary
Trade negotiations should always be mutually beneficial in building relationships and efficiently managing your dynasty teams. Focus on targeting the right managers and understanding what assets are appealing to make the moves to acquire Davis and Kittle. Making a move to buy a running back in a rebuild is contrarian and will catch dynasty managers off guard, to your benefit. The strategy to become strongest at a solo position like tight end will reap the rewards of giving you the playoff bye and put you in a position to bring home the dynasty title in your league.
He is a keen supporter of mental health projects, where dynasty content is his coping strategy to remain in an optimal mindset.
- Dynasty Landscape Fusion: Matt Harmon – NFC North - July 1, 2025
- Dynasty Archetypes: Tight End - June 5, 2025
- Dynasty Archetypes: Wide Receiver - May 29, 2025
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 2024 or rebuilding for a dynasty title challenge in 2025. 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 upon 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 the second half of the dynasty season, the pathway and knowledge of your seasonal goal should be crystal clear – whether it be finishing last for a rebuilding squad or winning the title as a contender. Trade values for players become more expensive as the market is likely already set in your league, and fewer potential suitors provide leverage and premium pricing. With more teams fading into the abyss and a decrease in engagement, acting fast is key and understanding you will need to pay above the normal price in most situations will help you reach your goal.
Rebuilder Buy – Ray Davis, RB BUF
We’ve seen significant value spikes for other late-round rookie running backs such as Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy this year, with Ray Davis, a player who has a strong, if not stronger, college profile and has performed excellently on his limited touches this season. Whilst his situation is different, with James Cook a stronger lead running back than the competition of Irving and Tracy, Davis is a longer-term play and perfect for a rebuilding side – giving an opportunity to pivot on the back of the value spikes or hold as an improving asset as the rebuild develops into contention.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
- Raheem Mostert and 2025 late third-round pick = Ray Davis
As a rebuilder, the pivot from a 32-year-old running back should be one of the first moves, taking lesser deals to get the points off your roster. In this move, adding the third-round draft pick to acquire Davis gives your contending trade partner a split backfield player with guaranteed touches and bye-week fill-in potential. There is a contingent upside where Mostert spikes in production with a De’Von Achane injury, remembering Mostert finished as the RB5 overall last year. Also, the draft capital gives the contender ammunition to acquire a short-term player or rookie dart throw to help their roster, providing flexibility and liquidity to balance the productive assets.
Mostert has maintained a steady dynasty value over the last year, although his prohibitive age makes him a clear pivot option for rebuilding teams. (Credit: DLF ADP Over Time App)
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation in a straight-up swap deal
- Ja’Lynn Polk = Ray Davis
Whilst Polk has been disappointing to start his rookie season, you can use the hype of his new starting quarterback, Drake Maye, to seal this deal. Polk was a highly-touted player as a round-two selection of the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the knowledge rookies typically improve over the second half of their debut season in the league. This type of deal could be easiest in deep starting lineups with multiple flex spots, where you would be more comfortable starting a wide receiver in the flex spot over a current backup running back. Make this move at pace as a disappointing second half of the year would plummet Polk’s dynasty value.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
- Zach Charbonnet = Ray Davis and 2025 late third-round pick
Whilst Charbonnet flashed an immense handcuff ability, finishing weeks two and three as an RB1 in the absence of Kenneth Walker, he reverted to a complementary role – one which, in the short-term, is not too dissimilar to Davis. If there were to be an injury to the Bills’ starting running back, James Cook, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Davis become a fantasy star and deliver comparable production akin to Charbonnet’s mini breakout earlier this season. An additional draft pick is always welcome for a rebuilding side, with the option to spend on a rookie pick, purchase an upside young asset, or use it as part of a package to acquire a higher-priced asset at a later date.
Charbonnet and Davis have a similar range of outcomes in dynasty, making this an interesting trade with the bonus of additional draft capital (Credit: DLF Dynasty Trade Analyzer)
Contender Buy – George Kittle, TE SF
One of my favorite leverage plays on a contender is ensuring I hold the advantage at the tight end position, usually a singular spot in a lineup where production gives you a head start in the weekly matchup. This week is crucial to make the move for Kittle, as he is showing as the TE2 on the season behind Brock Bowers, where in reality, he is the TE1 in fantasy points per game (18.0 vs .14.2 of Bowers). You can look to catch dynasty managers on autopilot with this perception of solid play as opposed to clearly the TE1 in fantasy production this year. The bye week is out of the way, Brandon Aiyuk is on IR and Christian McCaffrey’s return will be a boost for the 49ers offense – making Kittle a smash trade for contending dynasty squads.
Pivot Up
Pivot Up – acquiring a higher-valued asset in exchange for multiple lower-valued assets
- Tucker Kraft and 2025 early second-round pick = George Kittle
Paying an early second-round draft pick and the TE7 in fantasy points per game could be seen as an overpay for the 31-year-old Kittle; however, his current form and likelihood of similar production for the next few years provide confidence to make a bold move, acquiring an asset with a defined major role in his offense and strong week to week consistency. Kraft will have appeal for most teams in your league as a young, improving asset who can be a placeholder for a future pivot in a worst-case scenario. The presence of draft capital makes it an easy trade to negotiate to obtain Kittle, with a natural deal between the rebuilder holding Kittle and the contender holding Kraft.
Kraft is an ascending dynasty asset in his second season in the league, making him an appealing asset to acquire in a rebuild. (Credit: DLF ADP Over Time App)
Same Tier
Same Tier – acquiring an asset in the Same Tier of valuation in a straight-up swap deal
- Davante Adams = George Kittle
Making this move from Adams to Kittle is all about avoiding the likely roulette wheel of which Jets wide receiver performs the best on a weekly basis. Also, I would rather have certainty and an advantage at a singular position as opposed to wide receiver, where you mitigate a drop in perceived production through the multiple wide receiver spots or flex position. Kittle is coming off his bye week with Adams yet to complete his, an often hidden advantage to acquiring players who have completed their bye week. The move is likely between top-half dynasty teams, where you are looking for your trade partner to require wide receiver production whilst also holding a viable alternative at tight end for the impending departure of Kittle.
Pivot Down
Pivot Down – acquiring multiple lower-valued assets in exchange for a higher-valued asset
- Kyle Pitts = George Kittle and 2025 late second-round pick
Pitts has flashed brilliance this season, with three games finishing in the top six of the position, however also registering three games outside of the top 20 – including an embarrassing blank in week four against the Saints. Despite an inconsistent season, Pitts is still only 24 years old and is currently the TE7 on the season. When negotiating the trade, use this highlight to secure the deal whilst avoiding the TE10 in fantasy points per game output within the discussion. Rebuilding teams would love the seven additional years they are gaining with this pivot from Kittle, and whilst the late second-round pick might not naturally align with a rebuilding team’s arsenal, the trade idea provides a guideline for the deal. Acquiring fantasy points in the lineup and additional draft capital make this a no-brainer for a contender.
Pitts is still a young, talented dynasty asset with a fantastic ceiling, a clear pivot option for contenders looking to acquire Kittle (Credit: DLF Dynasty Trade Analyzer)
Summary
Trade negotiations should always be mutually beneficial in building relationships and efficiently managing your dynasty teams. Focus on targeting the right managers and understanding what assets are appealing to make the moves to acquire Davis and Kittle. Making a move to buy a running back in a rebuild is contrarian and will catch dynasty managers off guard, to your benefit. The strategy to become strongest at a solo position like tight end will reap the rewards of giving you the playoff bye and put you in a position to bring home the dynasty title in your league.
He is a keen supporter of mental health projects, where dynasty content is his coping strategy to remain in an optimal mindset.
- Dynasty Landscape Fusion: Matt Harmon – NFC North - July 1, 2025
- Dynasty Archetypes: Tight End - June 5, 2025
- Dynasty Archetypes: Wide Receiver - May 29, 2025
