Saquan Barkley

5 Players to Buy in Dynasty

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5 Players to Buy in Dynasty

by Bob Miller

 

It’s officially the Fantasy Football offseason, but for those of us that play in Dynasty leagues, now is the time to start making deals to upgrade our teams. Today I’m going to give you five players I’m actively looking to acquire this offseason. 

 

 

JK Dobbins

When I think of JK Dobbins’ potential, I get excited. Dobbins showed everyone in 2020 that he was arguably the best RB in that draft. Obviously Jonathan Taylor would beg to differ. Anyhow, Dobbins was poised to take a big step forward last season, but he unfortunately tore his ACL in a preseason game. No worries, Dobbins is right on track to return to training camp. I expect big things from him and this Ravens rushing attack, but some fantasy owners are still worried about 3 things: Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, and the below average offensive line. That should be a concern in most offenses, but not Baltimore’s. The Ravens are focused on upgrading their offensive line this offseason, and they run enough that it shouldn’t affect Dobbins’ workload. Don’t forget, he averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2020, which was tops amongst all RBs. The Ravens were throwing to Dobbins a lot in Training Camp as well, which only increased his value in PPR Leagues. Dobbins will get plenty of work and should easily eclipse double digit touchdowns. Grab him now at an RB2 price, because he will be an RB1 for the next few years.

 

Cam Akers

This one is a little tricky. I don't believe you can get Akers at a big discount, but I believe you can get him now quite a bit cheaper than a year from now. Trading for Akers is going to take some skill, because those owners who have held onto him are now looking forward to using him this coming season. Don't let that discourage you from trying. When I picture Cam Akers potential all I see is Todd Gurley. Gurley was a touchdown machine and an absolute fantasy stud in Sean McVay’s offense. I see that same potential for Cam Akers over the next few seasons to come. Trade for him now if you still can.

 

Lamar Jackson

 Lamar Jackson is the perfect example, and I mean perfect example of a buy low candidate. Jackson was a mid QB1 at best last season. He also missed the last 4 games of the season. Keep in mind that Baltimore was missing their starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, and Nick Boyle, the best blocking TE in the league. Like I said previously, Baltimore is extremely focused on upgrading their offensive line this offseason. Combine that with those players returning from injury, Mark Andrews, Hollywood Brown, Rashad Bateman, and we may have another MVP performance from Lamar in 2022. Go get him.

 

CeeDee Lamb

Lamb finished as WR15 in PPR leagues last season. For a top 5 ranked WR in dynasty, that was quite a disappointment to say the least. He really faded down the stretch as well. That didn’t help either, but I have good news. Michael Gallup is expected to leave via free agency and Amari Cooper is rumored to be a cap casualty this offseason. That’s a lot of targets potentially leaving. If those things happen then Dallas has no choice but to throw it Lamb’s way often. Aside from injury, I see no way that CeeDee Lamb doesn’t finish as a top 10 WR this upcoming season. If you can get him at a discount, I say go for it.

 

Saquon Barkley

Someone in your dynasty league is terribly frustrated with Saquon Barkley. That’s what I like to see. I have been trading for Barkley at a discount wherever I can. We all know what he is capable of, and that Giants offense should be quite different with Brian Daboll coaching. I know Barkley has had some injuries, but personally I do not see Saquon as an injury prone player, just someone with a little bit of bad luck lately. I don’t have to sell you on Barkley, we all know what he’s capable of. I’m just here to tell you that I have no problem trading for him. Better days are ahead of Saquon. If you can get him at a discount, make it happen.

 

10 Players to Buy & Sell

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10 Players to Buy & Sell

By Bob Miller

 

Whether you’re buying or selling, here’s a list of players to consider making a move on before it’s too late.

 

Javonte Williams (75.20) 

One of my favorite buy-low candidates is Broncos rookie running back Javonte Williams. He has pretty much split carries with Melvin Gordon through the first seven weeks. In the past five games, we have seen Williams become more involved in the passing game with three receptions in each matchup including six catches on Thursday. Keep in mind that seven of his remaining 9 weeks (not including Week 18) are against defenses that rank in the top 12 for most points allowed to running backs per game. With Melvin Gordon in the last year of his contract, I say go get Williams now. It is going to pay off this year and beyond.

 

Zach Ertz (64.90) 

With tight end being so thin in fantasy football, Ertz is a fantastic player to target via trade. He had a great debut with Arizona on Sunday posting three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. That was good for 16.00 fantasy points. I would expect double digit fantasy points week in and week out. One good thing about trading for Ertz is that his current owner probably drafted him as a backup tight end. That means Ertz should be somewhat easier to acquire due to him not being depended on as a starter originally.

 

George Kittle (43.60) 

I have said for over a year now to sell George Kittle, so why is he now on my buy list? Business.. that’s why. If I can get an elite player at a discount, I’m always interested. I have said too many times that Kittle cannot stay healthy, and that’s pretty obvious now. But if you can get him at a discount, why not at least look into it. Whoever in your league currently owns Kittle has to be extremely frustrated. We are still not sure when he’s coming back, and the current Kittle owner may need the roster spot for someone else during these brutal bye weeks. I am a strong advocate for acquiring Kittle now at a nice discount and flipping him for a profit once he returns. 

 

Saquon Barkley (64.50) 

Just like a Kittle or McCaffrey owner, someone is terribly frustrated with Saquon Barkley. That’s what I like to see. I have been trading for Barkley at a discount wherever I can. We all know what he is capable of, and that Giants offense is completely different with Barkly playing. Personally I do not see Saquon as an injury prone player, just someone with a little bit of bad luck lately. I don’t have to sell you on Barkley, we all know what he can do. I’m just here to tell you that I have no problem trading for him. Better days are ahead of Saquon. If you can get him at a discount, make it happen.

 

Joe Mixon (106.50) 

Mixon is a player that makes his owners nervous, as they think they may lose him again due to injury, and I’m there to take advantage. Right now may be the best time to go acquire the stud running back who is currently 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards and rush attempts only behind Derrick Henry, and is second in the NFL in yards after contact. I’d offer another running back like Kareem Hunt, James Robinson, or Darrell Henderson to get Mixon.

 

 

Jalen Hurts (165.74)

Some way, somehow, Jalen Hurts manages to put up fantasy points. He’s currently the number 6 fantasy quarterback on the season. This is the perfect example of fantasy vs reality. In fact, Hurts has scored 43.4% of his fantasy points this season in the 4th quarter. If you can sell high on him, I strongly suggest it. As it stands right now it does not look like Hurts is Philadelphia's franchise quarterback. He is making bad decisions and he has not shown the arm accuracy that you need to succeed in the NFL. The Eagles could grow very impatient with Hurts and possibly bench him down the stretch. Philly did trade for Gardner Minshew earlier this season and could turn to him as a more conservative approach. Hurts is risky, so I’d look to move him.

 

Deebo Samuel (131.00) 

Deebo is an absolute stud when he’s on the field, but that’s when he’s on the field. He missed eight games last season and left early in a couple more. He was a headache last year, but not this season. He put on a show Sunday night against the Colts posting seven catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. Right now he is a top 5 wide receiver on the season. His value has never been any higher, so look to take advantage. I’m not saying you need to move him, but at least make it known to your league that he could be had at the right price. I just saw him get traded straight up for Tyreek Hill in a dynasty league. That’s selling high right there.

 

Adam Thielen (106.50) 

Adam Thielen is one of my favorite sells. He is still playing at a high level, even at the age of 31. The man just gets it done. My only motivation to trade him is to get younger at the position. You don’t have to hype him, everyone knows what he is. I’m just looking to move him for younger options before it’s too late. I’d target players like Calvin Ridley straight up, Marquise Brown, or DeVonta Smith plus a draft pick in exchange if possible.

 

Cordarrelle Patterson (116.40)

There’s not a bigger sell high candidate than Patterson. He currently has more fantasy points than Ezekiel Elliott, Alvin Kamara, and Nick Chubb. Patterson has scored on 16% of his receptions. This number should regress as the season goes along, because the fantasy competition gets a lot tougher for Atlanta. They faced three teams who ranked in the bottom 10 for points allowed to the WR position (where Patterson’s points have come from primarily). Going forward, only in four of their remaining 12 games will they see those kinds of matchups. Sell, sell, sell. See if you can get someone like Saquon Barkley or Javonte Williams.

 

Courtland Sutton (103.90) 

Sutton has had three great weeks in a row that were fueled by a huge amount of targets (30). However, that target share will be unsustainable with the return of Jerry Juedy in Week 8. In his last 23 games Sutton has only seen 10 targets in 5 of them. Now is a great time to sell Sutton due to his lack of “week winning” upside once Juedy returns.

OMG!!! Week 1 Overreactions

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OMG!!! Week 1 Overreactions

By Ryan Wiebe

Week one has come and gone, with a lot of interesting results and leaving some fantasy managers who felt incredible after their draft in an absolute frenzy. Fantasy football remains a game forever dictated by our emotions. We pick players that we want to cheer for, who play for our favorite teams, and we’ll pass on players that we simply don’t like. After one week, we have an absolutely microscopic sample size, and I’m hear to tell you how and what you should, or should not overreact to.

Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt

Thankfully for owners of one of these two, you didn’t have to pay too heavily to get him. Chubb owners left Week 1 frazzled after Chubb was out-touched by Hunt, and saw almost all of the passing game work. Now is definitely the time to be concerned for the Chubb owners out there. Both of these guys, if we assume that the Browns don’t continue to resemble a freshly laid turd for the remainder of the season, are probably low end RB2’s, or high end flex plays. For Hunt, and what you paid for him, that’s just fine, and you should be thrilled, because his upside I think at this point is higher. If the Browns are terrible, and they appear to be terrible in perpetuity, the upside for Hunt remains much higher than for Chubb.

Overreaction Grade: Chicken Little-Chubb’s sky is falling at a tepid pace.

Saquon Barkley

Barkley’s absolute dud of 6 rushing yards against the Steelers no doubt sent several managers into panic mode, and if you play in a league with smart people, resulted in at least a couple lowball offers with the consensus top 2 pick in almost everyone’s drafts. Saquon, unlike Chubb however, has no significant backfield competition, and also has a QB under center that has shown that he at the very least has a chance to not be a complete bust (sorry Baker Mayfield). The Steelers defence looked tough, and a couple more weeks will show us if their performance was just a one-of, or if that defence is for real. Saquon owners though, don’t worry. The offence will continue to improve, and Saquon should see more use in the passing game as well, which just further bumps the upside. Don’t panic trade him for spare parts. He’s going to be just fine.

Overreaction Grade: Cool the jets, he’s going to be just fine.

Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas was a guy that I was thrilled to get at 10 overall in the main league that I play in, and as I watched a big chunk of the Saints on Sunday, I was less than thrilled with what I saw. There was always going to be a level of regression coming for MT- he caught 115 balls last year(!!!). Though he’s no doubt elite, that level of production was bound for a step or two back. The Saints heavily targeted and used Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook in the passing game and Thomas received a measly 5 targets for just 3 receptions. Not to mention, Thomas through the course of this game suffered a high ankle sprain, and then it was announced this evening that he was going to be out for several weeks, as the sprain was worse than initially thought. (Thankfully for me, I was able to unload him earlier today and am now feeling better and better with every passing moment). Even if Thomas re-captures 80% of what he was able to do last year, the Saints seem content not to force-feed him the ball, which is going to cap his ceiling even when he does get back from injury.

Overreaction Grade: Man, I’m happy that I don’t have to deal with this

Josh Jacobs

It’s always more fun to rag on the guys who suck. Managers and owners of teams love to kick the guys who are down...usually on other teams, but let’s take some positives from Week 1 too. Jacobs was a monster against the Panthers D, shredding them for 139 total yards and 3 TD’s. Not every game is going to be this massive, particularly in the TD department for Jacobs. But the Raiders are definitely going to continue to make a workhorse out of Jacobs, and he should continue to be a solid RB1 all season, even if he doesn’t score 3 TD’s every week.

Overreaction Grade: No overreaction needed.  This should be the norm.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

 CEH proved the hype was real, playing a big role in the Chiefs destruction of my lowly Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. It didn’t even feel like THAT spectacular of a game, and CEH was far and away the only Chiefs RB who played meaningful snaps, and we can expect that to continue.

Overreaction Grade: Not an overreaction

NFC East 2020 Fantasy Breakdown

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NFC East 2020 Fantasy Breakdown

By Steve Uetz

We are onto our 2nd division now! We will be covering the NFC East but first here are some reminders about what my breakdowns are all about:

The team breakdowns will contain an overarching theme for each team or more specifically each offensive core. The offensive cores will be organized into four categories: FADE, NEUTRAL, BUY, and BIG BUY! ADP and auction values will somewhat reflect this but I will be adding some personal perspective with keeping some rules of thumb in mind.

Rule of Thumb #1: Each offensive core may have specific player exceptions.

Rule of Thumb #2: Every player has value at the right price.

The breakdowns will include the players to target from each team, the players’ ideal positional count for your roster, target cost for auction budget % and round #, league type preferences, along with optional blurbs from yours truly. Throughout the team breakdowns be sure to keep your eyes wide open looking for the players with coveted “Ladder Pick” label. The “Ladder Pick” players are who I have identified as those who will help you climb the ladder of fantasy football success for the 2020 season.

I have 6 teams whose offensive core make up the BIG BUY category, 8 teams in the BUY category, 12 teams in the NEUTRAL category, and the remaining 6 teams will generally be considered as a FADE. Just so we are on the same page…BIG BUY=offensive cores to target aggressively; BUY=offensive cores that are reach worthy; NEUTRAL=offensive cores (with some players exceptions both positive and negative) to be drafted at value – not to be reached for nor to be shied away from; FADE=offensive cores to pass on at consensus ranking, players to be drafted weighing risk, or players to be drafted only if at a value, larger the discount the better; always!

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys enter this season as a mouthwatering offense building off of an impressive 2019 campaign. Dallas falls into the BIG BUY category!

QB Dak Prescott: “Ladder Pick”, QB1, 6-7% auction budget, round 5. Dak will be the primary beneficiary of the gargantuan offense surrounding him. The best trio of WRs the NFL has to offer, a TE on the rise, one of the best RBs, *checks notes* oh, and Dak has immense rushing upside! Sheesh!

RB Ezekiel Elliott: RB1, 30-32% auction budget, round 1, this stud do it all 3 down back is poised to have a monster season!

RB Tony Pollard: RB 4, 3-4% auction budget, round 11-12, this zeroRB favorite is the only competition in town behind Zeke. If Zeke were to miss time, Pollard enters high RB2 range.

WR Amari Cooper: WR1, 16-17% auction budget, round 3, the leader of the WR pack is primed for another big year even with Gallup rising and the future star CeeDee Lamb in town, I see him leading the team in targets. Having Cooper as a Best Ball target I would bring some caution to prepare for a little bit of rollercoaster ride week to week but overall he should be feasting.

WR Michael Gallup: ideal WR3 but WR2 if robust RB strategy, 5-6% auction budget, round 7-8, productive player will draw the lesser DB matchup week to week but with this offense being such a nightmare to defend I see Gallup in plus matchups week to week

WR CeeDee Lamb: WR4, 2-3% auction budget, round 11-12, what felt like a luxury pick for Dallas was actually a brilliant selection in Lamb. He can play everywhere, he’s dynamic, will contribute to opening up the offense. I hate to gush so much but there is just so much to love about this group!

TE Blake Jarwin: TE2 with sneaky TE1 upside, $1 auction stash, round 13, as the clear passing catching TE option I can see him being a chain mover and massive problem in the red zone. Picture this: goal to go…defense has line stacked anticipating Zeke run…play-action…TD Jarwin *chef’s kiss*

Philadelphia Eagles

With Carson Wentz leading the way, the Eagles offense is a BUY this season!

QB Carson Wentz: QB1, 3-4% auction budget/round 9-10, the offensive core remains intact with rookie WR additions; Wentz continues to be an under-appreciated QB for fantasy as well as in real life. He’s got a big arm, rushing upside, and the incoming rookie all have one thing in common: Speed!

RB Miles Sanders: RB1, 19-21% auction budget, late round 1/early round 2, he flashed as a rookie with impressive athleticism and pass catching ability, he will look to improve in all facets of the game especially without Jordan Howard around.

RB Boston Scott: RB5, $1 deep auction stash, end of bench RB/priority FA in shallow leagues. Since the Eagles are an offense I want pieces of, keep a close eye on Scott since he has shown that he is able to produce is this offense when given the opportunity.

WR Jalen Reagor: WR4, 3-4% auction budget, round 11-12, versatility and speed makes him an extremely exciting prospect!

WRs DeSean Jackson (WR5, 1-2% auction budget, round 12-13) and Alshon Jeffrey (priority FA in deep leagues, purely because he is starting the year on the PUP list) are seasoned vets and have proven to be difference makers when healthy. Were Best Ball leagues made for DeSean Jackson or was DeSean Jackson made for Best Ball leagues? All I know is that Best Ball league championship trophies were named after DeSean Jackson.

TE Zach Ertz: “Ladder Pick” TE1, 9-11% auction budget, round 4 (it he lasts to round 5- I am smashing his name!), Ertz has the ability to lead the Eagles in targets, catches, and TDs. Having the speed of Reagor and Jackson will only further open things up for Ertz. He will continue to be a favorite target for chain moving and in the red zone!

TE Dallas Goedert: high TE2, 2-3% auction budget, round 13/14, a great selection if your strategy to “wait on TE” gets out of hand. He has shown to be productive even when sharing the field with Ertz, if Ertz were to miss time he instantly becomes a mid range TE1!

The Washington Football Team

I’m generally considering this offense a FADE, however I believe any player in any offense is worth keeping an eye on especially in an uncertain year such as this.

QB Dwayne Haskins: low end QB2 is a FA to watch, outside of dynasty and super flex leagues he is undraftable. We want sure things and upside in our draft. Worth keeping an eye on as a streaming option as he looks to further develop as a pro QB in a division where shoot-outs are likely week to week. The good news is he has nowhere to go but up, hopefully. Remember, he is only two years removed from setting Ohio State University records for single-season passing yards and single-season touchdowns. If your starting QBs’ bye week lands on the same week that Washington plays a division rival, that may just be a good opportunity to consider Haskins.

RB Adrian Peterson: RB4, 1-2% auction budget, round 13, Peterson (much like Frank Gore) isn’t going away. He still may have some juice left, but if Washington is frequently playing from behind (which I would think is likely) than I’m not sure how the new and improved coaching staff can justify having him on the field. I’m no NFL head coach though.

RB Antonio Gibson: RB4, 3-4% auction budget, round 9/10, for me he is the player to target in this crowded backfield. I think his skill set and inherent upside separates him from the pack. I believe he is the perfect type of RB to be used in those situations hwer Washington will be trailing in games, again which I think is likely to be often. I believe he has the ability to takeover this backfield eventually. Upside stash!

RB Bryce Love: end of bench RB5/6, I’m hoping to see the Bryce Love we saw in college, but have to see him on the field first. Border line undraftable with crowded backfield but certainly a worth a late round stash as depth bench piece, I see him more as a priority FA worth keeping a close eye on!

WR Terry McLaurin: WR2, 13-14% of auction budget, round 5, this QB proof stud looks to improve upon an already impressive rookie season. He is the bright light of an offense that has a lot to improve on with a new coaching staff.
Players to monitor: TE Logan Thomas,  WR Steven Sims and WR Antonio Gandy-Golden. I feel this is important to mention because I made the mistake of brushing off Terry McLaurin’s dominant week 1 performance against the Eagles.

My stupid brain (at the time): “Who cares? It’s Washington. Of course he lit up the Eagles, it just what WRs do to them”… BUT he went on to have a truly impressive season. Don’t repeat my mistake, I suggest you pounce if one of those guys breaks out. Steven Sims was a stud weeks 15-17. Keep an eye out.

New York Giants

The Giants are an offense I’m categorizing as NEUTRAL, this offensive core has plenty of room to grow with players that you should not shy away from nor with players worth “reaching” for considering their auction value/ADP.

QB Daniel Jones: high QB2 with sneaky QB1 upside due to his rushing ability. Good weapons surrounding him can help salvage his fantasy outlook if he struggles with turnovers, 2-3% auction budget, round 12/13

RB Saquon Barkley: RB1 (ranked RB2), 31-33% auction budget, early round 1 (chalk at 1.02), he’s does it all, he’s a stud, an exceptionally talented athlete! Quads for days!

WRs Sterling Shepard (WR4 3-4% auction budget, round 8/9), Golden Tate (WR4 2-3% auction budget, round 9/10), and Darius Slayton (WR4 2-3% auction budgets, round 9/10) make up a very nice trio of WRs for Daniel Jones. All great first guy on the bench options, very useful for injury/bye replacements with upside for more.

TE Evan Engram: TE1, 5-6% auction budget, round 7/8, as my TE6 he leads the middle tier of TEs (with Hayden Hurst and Hunter Henry), provides a lot of upside and will be a beneficiary of mismatches with the trio of WRs alongside of him.