The fantasy football season is rapidly passing us by. We’re past the halfway mark of the year, which means it’s time to look in the mirror about your season with a critical eye. Dynasty managers especially need to know when to buy or sell.
The NFL trade deadline has passed, so we have a clearer idea of which teams are playing for wins and which ones might be opening time for young talent. Be honest about your team and whether you’re doing the same.
Dynasty Risers After Week 9
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although Rachaad White plays in an offense not built to produce any bit of efficiency on the ground, White has been a star for fantasy managers for the last three weeks. Ripping off an RB12, RB10, and RB1 finish in PPR leagues over that span, White has redefined his upside in dynasty leagues. His Week 2 and Week 8 finishes no longer seem like an accidental success, as it once did.
He’s doing this while rushing behind a bad offensive line and uneven passing game. With Tampa Bay likely to chase upgrades along its line and at quarterback next offseason, White’s position as the lead back looks safe and on the upswing. White has become a gem for those who held him during trying times.
Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
The “Tank-coaster” is back, baby. The electric 5’10” playmaker just led all receivers in scoring this past week, reaching the top six for the second time this season. However, Dell has finished as WR63 or lower in as many games as he’s been a top-20 scorer.
That level of variance is bound to happen for someone in Dell’s situation. QB C.J. Stroud is improving, and the Texans are figuring out their offensive identity. At worst, Dell has ultimate wild card potential as a bench option.
Dynasty Fallers After Week 9
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
This isn’t a call to trade Bijan Robinson or re-evaluate whether he was overrated as a prospect. Robinson is a fantastic talent stuck in a more complex situation than anticipated in Atlanta. At worst, it seemed logical that HC Arthur Smith would use the seventh overall pick as a workhorse in an efficient, run-heavy attack.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty RB Rankings
Instead, Robinson has carried the ball no more than 14 times in all but one game this season. Backup Tyler Allgeier is worthy of touches, but limiting Robinson’s exposure in any form is absurd after spending a premium pick on him. Unfortunately, until Smith is gone or changes his approach, Robinson might be more of an RB2 for managers instead of a bonafide No. 1 overall contender.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Every time QB Matthew Stafford is out, the Rams trot out guys who can barely function at the NFL level in his absence. Unsurprisingly, without Stafford or anything close to a mediocre NFL QB playing, Cooper Kupp’s production plummets. Considering both Kupp’s and Stafford’s ages and recent injury histories, his consistent finishes as a top-five receiver may be closer to out of reach than we figured before.
The Rams are on a three-game losing streak and aren’t generally a good team overall. They could use new blood at quarterback, but Stafford’s return might keep them from addressing the longer-term need over an immediate upgrade elsewhere. It’s time to dangle Kupp to see if anyone is over-eager to trade a farm of picks for him.
Dynasty Buy-Low Trade Targets
Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints
It’s been a rough rookie season for Saints third-round pick Kendre Miller. Between getting banged up and earning only 37 touches in seven games thus far, his RB21 finish in Week 5 has been the lone bright spot for his managers. However, coming off a two-touch game where Miller exited early due to a new ankle injury, now is the time to buy low.
The long-term health of the Saints’ running back position is still bleak beyond Miller. Alvin Kamara’s bloated salary makes him a cut candidate next offseason, and Jamaal Williams is already one of the biggest free agent busts from last offseason. Miller could be starting next year, or at worst, in a much more stable RB2 role behind a fading Kamara.
DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
One year after setting the NFL on fire with his breakout play, Geno Smith has struggled so badly in 2023 that fans are actually asking to see Drew Lock instead. It’s a jarring fall from grace for the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year, who signed a $75 million deal last offseason. Smith’s regression hasn’t impacted a Seahawk more than WR DK Metcalf.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty WR Rankings
With only one finish inside the top 20 receivers in PPR leagues and a continued decline in catch rate since the Week 5 bye week, Metcalf’s stock couldn’t be lower for the back half of the season. Smith’s inconsistent play and Seattle’s inability to immediately upgrade at the position will make Metcalf expendable for some managers.
But a sharp manager will bank on the talent and process in Seattle. Metcalf, whether with Smith or someone else at quarterback, will get on a hot streak and regain his value this year or next.
Dynasty Sell-High Trade Targets
D’Andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Dynasty managers hoping to strike gold with D’Andre Swift in previous years with the Lions or in 2023 are finally getting the payoff they’d hoped for. Swift has always been a talented and exciting back, and his fit in Philadelphia has been solid through nine games. He’s finished as a top-23 back in PPR leagues in all but one contest.
However, with the bye week coming before a run against Kansas City, Buffalo, San Francisco, and Dallas, moving Swift now makes sense. The Eagles, cap-strapped and frugal at the running back position, won’t guarantee long-term money to Swift. It makes more sense to take advantage of the deep 2024 running back class coming out of college than paying Swift, considering his health issues in previous years.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
One week after catching eight passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, Jahan Dotson added another score and 69 yards on four catches. With two straight top-10 finishes for the second-year wideout, it’s time to explore selling high on him. As good as Dotson is, he’s not someone who will routinely be in your lineup soon.
Washington’s instability at quarterback and coaching staff is too much cause for concern for any single playmaker to be overvalued. Dotson is a great flex option, depending on the matchup. Still, it is too reliant on an offense catering to him and a quarterback willing to feed him targets over WR Terry McLaurin. Don’t force a trade of Dotson, but a strong offer should do the trick without giving you remorse.
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