With the trade deadline coming up, a lot of you have determined if you’re a buyer or seller. The point of this edition is to try to focus on dynasty targets for either buyers or sellers. Please note these are for 1QB leagues, and use 1QB rankings. These are also just one silly man’s opinions; if you think I’m wrong, let me know in the comments! Let’s dive in!
Overvalued (Sell)
Devonta Smith
WR19/OVR38
Devonta Smith looked like he was headed for stardom after his WR9 finish in 2022. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to replicate that success. He’s still had the expectation of developing into a top option, but it’s hard to do that with the number of targets he’s getting. Smith only has three games with eight or more targets this season and only 3 weeks with a top-15 finish. He just turned 26, which makes him an interesting option for rebuilders. But I’d rather go with similarly valued guys like Jaxson Smith-Njigba or Ladd McConkey.
Aaron Jones
RB34/OVR110
Aaron Jones has been a reliable running back for over half a decade. Unfortunately, Father Time is catching up. He turns 30 in less than a month, and his playoff schedule is tough. He’s a free agent after this year, and there’s no guarantee he will secure a starting position. For being priced around a 2nd round pick, I’d rather look at other options like David Montgomery, Joe Mixon, or Isiah Pacheco.
Jonathan Brooks
RB18/OVR64
The Jonathan Brooks hype train has been waiting for his debut for weeks now. But tragedy struck when the Panthers signed Chubba Hubbard to an extension. Hubbard has actually had a very impressive season and is a bright spot on an otherwise depressing Carolina Panthers team. This leaves Brooks in an awkward position. His ceiling dropped to a David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs type of scenario, but that only truly works in a high-powered offense. If I can get a 2025 first, I’d be happy to reroll for a guy with better upside than Brooks.
Xavier Worthy
WR35/OVR82
With this year’s rookie class having so many productive receivers, it sucks putting Xavier Worthy here. But he has shown little to nothing throughout his rookie season. He hasn’t carved out a bigger role or even gained more snaps so far. He can’t beat press coverage. I understand rookies need time to develop, but Worthy hasn’t shown anything so far. It’s the same case as Brooks; if I can get an early 2nd for him, I would rather reroll.
Honorable Mentions
Josh Jacobs
RB15/OVR58
Josh Jacobs isn’t that overvalued. However, he’s too old for sellers looking to rebuild (about to be 27), and for contenders his playoff schedule is tough, with matchups against the Lions, Vikings, and Seahawks. I’d rather target other running backs(Same ones listed with Jones) in that RB15 tier over him.
Travis Kelce
TE10/OVR111
Travis Kelce has turned back the clock and is dominating once again. Finishing as TE3, 2, and 1 over the last 3 weeks. However, he’s 35 years old. There’s a decent chance this is his final season, and his regular season may get cut short as the Chiefs are already two games ahead for the one seed (now one after their loss to the Bills) and have a relatively easy schedule until week 16. He’s valued as an early 2nd round pick. If you’re not a playoff lock, he’s a great addition, but outside of that, I’m avoiding him.
Marvin Harrison Jr
WR7/OVR11
Marvin Harrison Jr hasn’t had a great rookie season, which isn’t really his fault. It seems clear he isn’t being utilized properly. He’s still got the elite upside he had when he was drafted, but I’d feel more comfortable swapping him for similarly valued receivers like Puka Nacua, Garrett Wilson, or Drake London. All of whom have backed up their elite upside with real production.
Undervalued (Buy)
Darnell Mooney
WR41/OVR98
Darnell Mooney is probably the best buy contenders can get this year. After washing out in Chicago, Mooney found a new home in Atlanta. He’s WR8 on the year and has a cheap price tag of a 2nd-round pick. He also just turned 27, so he’s got more time to provide a return on your investment compared to other veterans.
Courtland Sutton
WR49/OVR126
Courtland Sutton is the WR16 for the year at the time of posting. Coming off back-to-back WR6 finishes. He’s the number 1 option for a surging Bo Nix and will be an important piece of the offense to try and push the Broncos to the playoffs. Overall, Sutton can provide solid WR2/Flex play for the price of a mid-late 2nd. He’s definitely not the highest-profile name(his only other top-30 season was in 2019), but he’s a great low buy for contenders that should be demanding slightly more value.
Tyrone Tracy
RB21/OVR72
Tyrone Tracy got his first taste of real playing time in week 5 and ran with it. Averaging over 5 yards per carry, Tracy seems to have secured the RB1 slot for the Giants. There’s always a possibility the Giants will take RB in the draft, but they have so many needs that it seems likely they will stick with the rookie. Assuming the Giants roll with ANYONE else at quarterback in 2025, Tracy’s potential should continue to rise. He’s valued slightly lower than a first but is exactly what you’d hope for in a late one.
David Njoku
TE11/OVR112
It’s very rare that you see a player’s value increase after their starting quarterback gets injured. That, my friends, is the Deshaun Watson effect. It also helped that Browns WR1 Amari Cooper got traded, which makes David Njoku their best receiver. Njoku is going to get peppered with targets and should provide a safe floor with the potential to break out week by week. Tight ends have struggled all year, but Njoku has been pretty solid all year, albeit with three missed games).
Honorable Mentions
Raheem Mostert
RB59/OVR217
The Miami Dolphins are gonna have to run the tables if they want to make the playoffs. To do that, they’ll need their offense to get back to its potential. If Achane gets hurt during their run, Mostert is the next man up. For a 3rd round pick, he’s worth taking a shot on, just in case.
Baker Mayfield
QB14/OVR102
Is Baker Mayfield elite? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, he’s having an amazing season, as shown by being QB3, and has a very easy playoff schedule. He’s priced at an early 2nd in 1QB, which I’d do every day of the week.