The first week of any football season will often leave the minds of fantasy football managers spinning. When we finally see the roles and situations of backfields playing out in real-time, all of that preseason preparation can often be forgotten.
The aftermath of Week 1 is where we need a calm head as we eye up RB trade targets for Week 2 and beyond. Some players overperform, and others have a tough week. However, things can change quickly in the fantasy world, just ask J.K. Dobbins’ fantasy managers, so being bold and making smart decisions by looking at the big picture is key.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
What RBs Should You Trade for in Fantasy Football?
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
I know, it’s easier said than done to buy a hyped rookie coming off one seemingly bad performance. If you watched the game and saw what I saw, odds are, so did the manager in your league who currently rosters Gibbs.
Jahmyr Gibbs running with a purpose 💪
📺: #Kickoff2023 on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/EBLJ3Rwf5g pic.twitter.com/83ZWrN7Mn1— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2023
With that said, I don’t know how anyone could have watched the Thursday night opener and not come away incredibly encouraged by Gibbs as a talent. He’s not the pass-blocker David Montgomery is, but Gibbs is infinitely faster and more explosive.
Head coach Dan Campbell said that Gibbs’ minimal usage was by design, and they plan to cut him loose going forward. I believe him. It’s only a matter of time before Gibbs is handling 12-14 touches a game.
If you can buy Gibbs for anything less than what he costs in fantasy drafts, do it. He’s coming. And once he arrives, the price then won’t be the price now.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
It wasn’t a stellar return for Williams, but he showed enough to make me believe he’s healthy. Williams carried the ball 13 times for 52 yards while adding four catches for five yards on six targets.
MORE: Week 2 Trade Targets — Quarterbacks/Tight Ends | Wide Receivers
Fantasy managers just looking at the fantasy points will be disappointed in Williams. However, he looked good on the field, and his usage was extremely encouraging. He touched the ball 18 times.
It may take a few weeks, but Williams is going to completely take over this backfield. He could be a league winner down the stretch.
What RBs Should You Trade Away in Fantasy Football?
Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
Jones entered Sunday Night Football as the overall RB1 on the week with 26.7 PPR fantasy points. He also only touched the ball 11 times.
Jones’s performance was buoyed by a rare goal-line plunge for a touchdown and a lengthy receiving score. The Green Bay Packers are unlikely to be as prolific on offense regularly, and Jones is going to not score more weeks than he does. If someone is willing to pay RB1 value, a trade is worth exploring. But don’t give him away.
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I am including White here for a second consecutive week because I can not implore you enough to sell him for whatever you can get. White is not an NFL-caliber starting running back.
Last season, White was one of the least efficient running backs in the NFL. In Week 1, that inefficiency was on full display once again. He carried the ball 17 times for a whopping 40 yards. Known for his pass-catching chops, White also caught just two balls for 10 yards.
Currently, White’s role is secure because the Bucs simply don’t have anyone else. But if he keeps performing as expected (read: poorly), that will inevitably change. If you can get anything of value for him, you should take it.
Trending RB Fantasy Football Trades
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Should You Trade Cam Akers for Kenneth Gainwell?
If only it were this easy. Of course, these trade propositions are more to provide insight as to player value than to be examples of actual trades. This is a very good example of how quickly things can change.
Akers was a fifth or sixth-round pick. Gainwell wasn’t going until the double-digit rounds. After one week, there’s no doubt in my mind that Gainwell is the more valuable back.
MORE: Week 2 RB Waiver Wire Targets
Gainwell was the clear lead back for the Philadelphia Eagles, outsnapping D’Andre Swift 41-19. Although they ran a similar number of routes, Gainwell dominated carries, 14-1.
Akers did see 22 carries in his own right, but somehow managed just 29 yards and was outsnapped and outplayed by Kyren Williams.
Gainwell is on the better offense and is the more talented player. This is an easy smash on the Gainwell side.
Should You Trade Rhamondre Stevenson for Kenneth Walker?
From a fantasy points perspective, Stevenson was just fine in Week 1. Given where he was drafted, 14.9 points without a touchdown is fantastic. 12 carries for 25 yards is…not.
Stevenson buoyed his fantasy value by catching six passes for 64 yards and benefited from a fast-paced game with a lot of plays.
Walker was his usual efficient self on the ground, carrying the ball 12 times for 64 yards. He just did nothing in the air, catching four passes for three yards.
These are two very different players with very different skill sets. But given how valuable receptions are in fantasy, I would prefer Stevenson.
Should You Trade Rachaad White for Kenneth Gainwell?
Spoiler alert for future articles from me. White’s name is going to appear on the cut list at some point this season. It’s inevitable.
There is a better chance White is out of the NFL in two years than he’s a startable fantasy asset.
Rachaad White recorded *NEGATIVE-38* rush yards over expectation today, per @NextGenStats.
Would have been tied for the fourth-worst RYOE game of the entire 2022 season.
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) September 10, 2023
I am completely buying the Eagles’ usage of Gainwell. He is their lead back, and I expect him to remain so.
The Bucs may not have much in the way of RB depth, but eventually, White’s play will force them in another direction. If someone out there is willing to give you Gainwell for White, smash accept as fast as you can. Actually, don’t. You should pretend like you’re considering it a bit so the other manager doesn’t get spooked and pull the offer. A little gamesmanship, if you will. But make sure you get White off your team and Gainwell onto it.