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Whether you are preparing for your dynasty fantasy football startup draft, or you are just looking for some enticing trade targets, it’s always ideal to have a few players on your radar who might be undervalued by others in your league.
The players listed here are players who’s production and upside may exceed their current ranking and ADP values. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and we’re not suggesting you overpay for these vets. Rather, look at these players during your startup draft with a little more confidence, and be a little more comfortable considering a trade for these underrated veterans if you are a contending team.
Trey Lance, QB SF
It doesn’t seem like the San Francisco 49ers know what to do with Trey Lance, and I don’t think anyone else does either. Lance’s athleticism and arm strength gives him tantalizing upside. Brock Purdy recently indicated he’s unsure if if he will play in 2023. The 49ers did bring in Sam Darnold, but Trey Lance likely has the inside track on starting if Purdy misses time. Lance has only thrown 102 passes in eight games as a professional, but Kyle Shanahan’s system has consistently produced fantasy starters. If Purdy is ready to play this season, there’s also a chance that Lance gets traded. Either way, he’s a 23 year old quarterback drafted third overall with dynamic athleticism, and that’s someone worth betting on.
Miles Sanders, RB CAR
There wasn’t a lot of money going out to running backs this off-season. However, the Carolina Panthers decided to pony up and pay Miles Sanders $25 million over 4 years ($13 million guaranteed). The Panthers are in a transitional phase, hiring Frank Reich as their new head coach and trading the farm for Chicago’s first overall pick. There’s not much competition in the running back room after the team’s leading rusher from 2022, D’Onta Foreman, left in free agency. Reich’s system relies heavily on running back production and Miles Sanders will be their lead back. There’s a potential out in Sanders’ contract in 2025, but he has a two-year runway to be a workhorse behind a good offensive line that led the way to the Panthers rushing for the 10th most yards last season.
Chris Godwin, WR TB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading towards a rebuild, but even bad teams produce fantasy points. Chris Godwin has been somewhat forgotten after putting up yet another 1,000 yard season in 2022 (his second consecutive and the third of his career). Godwin thrives underneath and has averaged 7 receptions per game in his past 2 seasons. Mike Evans will be 30 by the time next season starts, and he struggled with consistency in 2022. There have been plenty of trade rumors coming out of Tampa Bay, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Godwin or Mike Evans. Either way, it could mean a bump in targets for Godwin. He’s a great trade target for contenders in PPR leagues.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR SF
Quarterback questions abound in San Francisco, but they’re absolutely stacked at the other skill positions. Brandon Aiyuk put up 1,015 receiving yards on 76 receptions as a 24 year old. He’s gotten better and better, improving his receiving output every year in the league. Deebo Samuel is 27 years old, has a very physical playstyle, and has dealt with injuries throughout his career. George Kittle will turn 30 this season, and much of the same could be said about him. Aiyuk is currently going after fellow 2020 classmates Michael Pittman Jr. and Jerry Jeudy in startups, despite outperforming both of them in their first 3 seasons. He is an underrated piece to fill out your lineup, whether you’re looking to compete this year or next.
Dalton Schultz, TE HOU
Everyone who drafted Dalton Schultz last season was disappointed, so now is the perfect time to strike a bargain. Schultz recently signed a one-year “prove it” deal with the Texans, so he’ll be looking to capitalize and ink a long-term contract in 2024. There have been rumors that the Texans are going to pass on quarterback, assuming Bryce Young isn’t available. However, there’s still a good chance that they take a rookie quarterback who will rely on a big target like Schultz. Even if the Texans pass on quarterback, there isn’t much competition for targets in Houston. John Metchie still hasn’t played a snap in the NFL, Nico Collins has been average at best, and Robert Woods is oft-injured and aging fast. I think Schultz will deliver in 2023, he’s an interesting target for contenders, especially in tight end premium leagues.
Kadarius Toney, WR KC
JuJu Smith-Schuster led all Kansas City wide receivers with 101 targets in 2022 before leaving for New England this off-season. Jerick McKinnon has yet to be re-signed, which means his 71 targets are also up for grabs. Kadarius Toney thrives in getting the ball in the short and intermediate area, so he could be the biggest beneficiary of their absence. Toney didn’t get much playing time for the Chiefs. In fact, he only had three games over a 30% snap share. In those three games, Toney averaged 13.5 fantasy points (PPR). He is just 24 years old and he still has three years left on his rookie contract. Travis Kelce will still get his, but Kadarius Toney has proven himself to be a playmaker in the NFL. The injury risk is baked into his cost, take the discount and go make an offer for him.
