The fantasy football season is entering its final week of action. However, the beauty of being a dynasty manager is that we’re constantly evaluating where our teams are headed.
Playmakers continue to make a name for themselves. If you have one of the rising young bucks, hold them dearly — unless, of course, it’s time to sell high.
Dynasty Risers After Week 16
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Finishing as WR2 with only four receptions and six targets is a surefire way to land as a riser in dynasty leagues.
Pittsburgh’s George Pickens hasn’t had an easy 2023 season, but he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this past week after totaling a career-best 195 yards and two scores against Cincinnati.
The Steelers have to enter 2024 with a healthier passing attack. The scheme, quarterback play, and offensive line must all improve. But they have a star receiver to build around, and Pickens has set himself apart from his peers on the roster when he’s been given the chance.
The issue for Pickens’ value is they’ve targeted him fewer than eight times in every game since Week 7. Hopefully, between the upgrades that are coming and Pickens’ explosive efforts, that trend will change in 2024.
Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Finishing as RB12 and RB16 over the last two weeks doesn’t immediately prove that Zamir White will be a star for Vegas if Josh Jacobs isn’t back in 2024, but it’s a tremendously good sign. Vegas has a mediocre offensive line, a rookie QB, and an interim head coach. The situation wasn’t set for White to produce as he’s done with a sudden leap in his workload.
White exploded for 145 rushing yards in Week 16 against a solid Kansas City Chiefs defensive front, and projecting what he could do with minor upgrades to the question marks around him is mouth-watering. He was a strong prospect coming out of Georgia, but Jacobs’ ascension kept him glued to the bench.
It’s hard to imagine Vegas feeling they must keep Jacobs after seeing how ready White is for the job.
We’re boosting White’s outlook for 2024 considerably, and hopefully, you’ve kept him stashed on your roster for this breakout.
Dynasty Fallers After Week 16
DJ Moore, WR, Chicago Bears
After catching fire from Week 11 through Week 14, DJ Moore has dropped off again into an unplayable zone for fantasy managers. Moore’s peaks and valleys have been unbearable this season. His five top-10 finishes in PPR leagues were excellent, but he had only two other top-33 finishes all year.
Moore’s 2024 QB might be a rookie, or Chicago could trade Moore if the right deal comes along. There’s a ton of uncertainty for a player who might be in a new offense and a new signal-caller as he turns 27 in April. He’s not someone you have to move, but his 2024 season might become a make-or-break one as far as fantasy relevance goes.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
We felt slightly more optimistic about Javonte Williams’ future in Denver until the last six weeks came. Williams produced at least 3.7 yards per carry in five of his first six games. But even that low bar has proved almost impossible to reach since Week 11, as Williams has hit the mark only once.
The issues go well beyond Williams, but Sean Payton and this regime can’t be happy with a back averaging 2.3 yards per carry and totaling -12 receiving yards over the last two weeks. Williams is floundering at the worst time of the year, and the Broncos will almost surely miss the playoffs because of their most recent struggles.
Denver has limited assets to replace Williams this offseason but Payton’s history suggests he’ll find a late-round or undrafted back to provide competition.
Dynasty Buy-Low Trade Targets
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
It’s possible that Arizona, sitting second in the 2024 NFL Draft order entering Week 17, ends up replacing Murray with the No. 2 overall pick. However, with the financial ramifications of Murray’s massive contract and the state of the franchise, it seems unlikely they’d make such a bold decision.
Arizona would need a first-round pick in return for trading Murray, and he hasn’t been lights out since coming back from a torn ACL.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Some of his performance issues are simply due to the team around him being awful. He’s posted a QB rating of at least 83.2 in four of his five games, and his Week 16 showing was his most well-rounded yet, even if it was his third fantasy finish outside the top-10 QBs.
We know Murray is a dual-threat who will be even more explosive next year simply because he’ll be healthier. The Cardinals also have a bevy of draft picks with which to reinforce the unit around him, so a stronger offensive line and receiving corps are coming. Right now is the time to roster Murray for a low price.
Dynasty Sell-High Trade Targets
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Selling on Tee Higgins, a 24-year-old Pro Bowl-caliber talent about to cash in with a free-agent contract, is daunting, to say the least. He may be back in Cincinnati next year with Joe Burrow, either on a franchise tag or a long-term deal. Trading him now would then look silly.
However, Higgins could also walk in free agency to a team with a less certain situation. As impressive as next year’s QB class is, pairing him with a rookie isn’t ideal for fantasy managers. Or he could go to a team with a bad young QB or an aging vet who suddenly declines.
Moving Higgins now, after his second-straight top-10 finish in PPR leagues, ensures you get top value for him. If an eager manager wants to get Higgins, you should at least listen. A great offer with multiple picks or a star in a more predictable situation should pique your interest.
Are you looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!