Someone once told me, “If you’re not trading, you’re not trying.” Or something like that. I can’t remember who whispered these fateful words to me. Maybe it was NFL Network’s Adam Rank, or maybe I just read it scribbled in a tweet somewhere. Regardless, I’ve been a fantasy football trade junkie ever since because capitalizing on the constantly fluctuating values of players is a great way to bolster your roster — here are some buy-low and sell-high candidates.
Who are some Week 7 fantasy football buy-low trade targets?
Let’s start by looking at some players who you might be able to acquire at a discounted price right now.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The perpetually frustrating season of Laviska Shenault continued on Sunday, but it wasn’t all bad. Shenault finished with 6 receptions for 54 yards, including a clutch diving catch on a slant for a first down right at the end of regulation that set up the Jaguars’ game-winning field goal.
His fantasy day could have been even bigger, considering he had 10 targets and didn’t secure a touchdown. Shenault and Marvin Jones Jr. each saw 10 targets in this game, separating themselves from the rest of the pack.
Shenault is highly athletic — he’s big, fast, and physical with the ball in his hands. His fantasy managers might be frustrated with the up-and-down performances so far this season. If you can trade for him, do it. Rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence is only getting better as he continues to adjust to the NFL.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a Mike Williams problem — he’s battling an injury that he just can’t seem to shake. Williams was questionable to play today, suited up, and then couldn’t finish the game.
It was a horrible day all the way around for the Chargers, who got boat raced 34-6 by the Baltimore Ravens. Allen was no different, finishing today with 5 receptions on 5 targets for 50 yards.
While Williams has been all the talk this year because of his touchdown numbers, Allen has been pacing along with him, leading him in targets (53 to 51) and receptions (34 to 31).
The Chargers are on their bye week next week, making it a good time to pounce on Allen’s suppressed value.
Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Miles freaking Sanders, man. He’s so good, but head coach Nick Sirianni seemingly refuses to get him involved in the game plan. I know Tampa Bay’s run defense is the best in the NFL, but Sanders logged only 9 carries, marking the third time in the last four weeks that he wasn’t given double-digit attempts.
It’s not like Sirianni is choosing to go with another running back over Sanders. He’s simply not running the ball. The Eagles are running the ball the fifth-least of any team in the NFL at only 22 carries per game — and 8.83 of those are on the legs of quarterback Jalen Hurts.
This can’t continue. Sanders has looked great when he’s been given the chance. He converted his 9 carries into 56 yards (6.2 yards per carry) against the Buccaneers. I’m buying Sanders at what I think is his floor and hoping that the Eagles will begin to feature him in the offense.
Which potential trade targets should you sell high on?
Now that we’ve discussed some candidates to acquire, let’s talk about who to consider trading away.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
So, let’s talk about Cooper Kupp. He’s coming off yet another monster game, taking 9 receptions for 130 yards and 2 TDs. He’s looked unstoppable this year with Matthew Stafford at quarterback, and he’s currently sitting at third in yards and receptions and second in receiving touchdowns among wide receivers.
Through six weeks, pending Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football, Kupp is the overall WR1.
Understand what I’m suggesting — do NOT trade Kupp away for just anything. However, his perceived value is so sky-high right now that you might be able to get someone to offer you a massive haul in exchange for him. By massive, I’m talking about a back-end WR1 and a high-end RB2 — at minimum. Test the waters. Shoot super high and see what happens. You might get someone to bite.
Derrick Henry, RB, Tennesee Titans
Everything I said about Cooper Kupp above? Henry piled on 640 rushing yards and 7 TDs over the first five weeks. He’s receiving an otherworldly workload, averaging 31.25 carries and 2.75 receptions per game since Week 2. That’s insane.
Taking out his “light” workload in Week 1, if you extrapolate his 31.25 carries per game over the remaining 16 games, you get a grand total of exactly 500 rushing attempts.
The single-season rushing attempts record is 416, set by Larry Johnson in 2006. There have only been five seasons in the history of the NFL where a running back has logged over 400 carries.
Any time you’re getting into statistical territory that approaches NFL-record levels, it’s a clear statistical anomaly that should probably be bet against. Henry is currently tearing up the league, but it remains to be seen if he can hold up under this workload. With as high as his price is, if you can get someone willing to give you two elite players for him, I’d be willing to sell.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
Now that we’re out of the realm of superstar performances, let’s come back to earth a little bit. In the midst of the New York Giants getting squashed by the Los Angeles Rams, Sterling Shepard logged 10 receptions for 76 yards. On the surface, it looks like a big performance, especially in PPR scoring.
What the box score doesn’t include, however, is the fact that Kenny Golladay didn’t play. Additionally, Kadarius Toney left the game early with an injury. With no Saquon Barkley either, Shepard was essentially all the Giants had left.
Toney has come on strong as of late. As he and Golladay return, the opportunities will likely be inconsistent for Shepard, who hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1.