Fantasy Football Trade Market November 18, 2016

Re-draft Leagues

Running Back

Jay Ajayi, Dolphins

One of the most pressing questions right now is whether or not Jay Ajayi is for real. This may have been a better inquiry prior to Week 10, but the situation is still relevant. After one of the most impressive three-week stretches in NFL history, Ajayi came back to earth last week against the Chargers and touched the ball 17 times for 79 yards. The next two weeks will be a real test for Ajayi as he faces the Cardinals and Jets; New York ranks sixth against the run while Arizona ranks eleventh. If he is able to lay waste to one or both defenses, we may be looking at a first-round pick next year. As we approach the playoffs, I want more of a sure thing and because of that, moving Ajayi at close to peak value is a recommended move.

Verdict: SELL. There is no doubt that Ajayi has been exceptional over the past month, but if he falters now, it could cost you in the playoffs. In a one-for-one deal, Ajayi should be able to land a WR1 such as Amari Cooper or Mike Evans.

Wide Receiver

Dez Bryant, Cowboys

How ‘bout dem Cowboys? It has been an impressive season in Dallas to say the least and most of the credit goes to the rookie combination of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. With a QB controversy squashed and Prescott firmly in the driver’s seat, he can now settle down and focus on developing a repertoire with Dez Bryant. Between injuries and awful weeks, Bryant continues to be an overlooked name. With that said, he’s gone over 100 yards in two of his last three games. He also has two touchdowns over that span. Bryant is exactly the type of player I would target in a trade because I fully expect big numbers over the final seven weeks and his price will be right.

Verdict: BUY. No one is talking about Bryant because he is playing with a rookie quarterback. The duo—Prescott and Bryant—is clearly starting to develop chemistry and it’s happening at a perfect time for fantasy owners. Snag Bryant while you can.

Tight End

Delanie Walker, Titans

The Titans have been one of the bigger surprises in the NFL this season and a lot of that has to do with their second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota. The way Mariota has distributed the ball around is quite impressive, but the team’s leaders in receptions are Delanie Walker and DeMarco Murray. Over the last two weeks it has become clear that Walker is the focal point of the passing game. He has notched nine and 11 targets, respectively, over the last two weeks with 166 total yards and two touchdowns. Walker isn’t an elite tight end, but he’s in the next tier. He should prove to be a rock steady option over the final seven weeks of the season.

Verdict: HOLD or BUY. I like Walker going forward more than any tight end not named Reed or Olsen. He is Mariota’s top option and will easily be the team’s target leader for the remainder of the year.

Dynasty Special

Alshon Jeffery, Bears

If you want to talk disappointing, look no further than Alshon Jeffery. His 2016 campaign had been horrendous, and then he went and got suspended. Any owner that drafted him is having serious buyer’s remorse, but in dynasty leagues there is a way to fix that. Obviously, Jeffery has very little value for the remainder of the year. He will be eligible to play in the Bears’ last three games, but even still, his production is by no means guaranteed.

If you are playing in a dynasty league and have a chance to compete for a championship, now is the exact time to move Jeffery. Sure, you’ll likely be selling him short based on talent level, but the name of the game is to win now.  If you can flip Jeffery for someone like Jamison Crowder or Carlos Hyde, I am making that deal ten times out of ten.

On the flip side, if you’re in rebuild mode, Jeffery is a strong name to target. He is only 26 years old and has two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. If he were to ever play with a competent quarterback, his prospects would improve dramatically.

Verdict: BUY if you’re rebuilding and SELL if you need a piece for your stretch run.

Michael Thomas, Saints

Without looking, who would you say leads the Saints in receptions this season? If you guessed Brandin Cooks, you lose. If you chose rookie Michael Thomas, you win the golden ticket. I made sure to target Thomas is two startup dynasty leagues this season and I sure am glad that I did. He is quickly becoming Drew Brees’ favorite target and could be a legit WR1 as soon as next year. His red zone looks alone are enough to get excited about. If you are out of contention this season and looking to get younger while finding player’s with high ceilings, Thomas is a great place to start.

Verdict: BUY. It’s fun to watch middle-of-the-pack rookies emerge as must-owns in practically every format. I love Thomas for the remainder of the year, but his stock for the future is only going to rise. Get him while he’s still (relatively) cheap.