Many fantasy players are struggling in their fantasy leagues, whether that be because of players underperforming or due to injuries. If the waiver wire in your league can’t be used to fix your team, then why not seek a trade? The problem with trading is that fantasy players sometimes don’t know what player is the best to trade for in their position (Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, and Tight End), and don’t have a good sense as to when to propose a trade. That’s why I’m here to solve this problem.
This article assumes the following:
- Full Point Per Reception (PPR) Scoring.
- Rankings via the ESPN Fantasy App
— To Trade For —
Running Back (Position Rank: 33rd) Josh Jacobs: Josh Jacobs has not been performing like last year as of yet, compiling less rushing yards (averaging 62 yards a game) and not making much of an impact on the field. Despite this, Josh Jacobs has still been putting up 10+ point games due to Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throwing to him consistently on screenplays, averaging 4 receptions for 29 yards per game. He also continues to be fed the football as a lead back with no real competition in the Raiders backfield for touches. Josh Jacobs should start putting up bigger fantasy point totals moving forward – last season, Jacobs didn’t make a major impact early on in the season either. Fortunately, as last season progressed, Jacobs performed and had the best NFL season of his career, leading the league in rushing yards and becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber running back. It may take a few more games this season (as Jacobs held out this pre-season), but I believe that Jacobs will perform better soon, so don’t give up on him yet. If a fantasy owner that has him has already been frustrated with his performance, look to trade for Jacobs before he booms. Honorable Mention: Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos)
Wide Receiver (Position Rank: 12th) Michael Pittman Jr.: Pittman began the season as a questionable pick in fantasy drafts due to the struggling Indianapolis Colt’s offense and the questions surrounding starting rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and Pro Bowl running-back Jonathan Taylor (who the Colts tried trading in the preseason). Despite the Jonathan Taylor trade rumors, a questionable defense and a rookie quarterback leading the team, the Colts have played much better than anyone could have anticipated. Pittman has been playing some of his best football since his rookie season, averaging 18+ points per game and 9 targets per game. Anthony Richardson has been incredible thus far as well – using his rushing ability to power the offense. However, fantasy owners are concerned about Anthony Richardson and his injury proneness (he suffered a concussion in week 2 and was taken out of the game against the Jaguars and missed week 3 due to the injury). I believe that owners shouldn’t be worried as backup quarterback Gardner Minshew has shown that he is perfectly capable of leading the Colt’s offense in Richardson’s absence as well.. If an owner is worried, however, take advantage of this opportunity and trade for a potential fantasy top-10 wide receiver. Honorable Mention: Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns)
— To Trade Away —
Running Back (Position Rank: 30th) Damien Pierce: Pierce had an outstanding rookie season last year until unfortunately being sidelined for many weeks due to injury. Many fantasy owners were excited about Pierce’s return, but injuries and free agency signings sent that excitement down the drain. The Houston Texans signed running back Devin Singletary, which confused and made fantasy owners question whether they wanted to draft Pierce. Pierce also suffered some injuries during the off-season as well. Some owners took this risk and drafted Pierce, but so far it seems to have been a mistake. Pierce has been playing like a backup running back averaging only 9 points per game. Though Damien Pierce did score 14 points this past weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he would’ve scored only 8 points if it weren’t for his one and only touchdown in that game. Even if he hadn’t had the touchdown, 8 points would’ve been the most points he’s had in an NFL game so far this season. Owners, trade him away on a high point game while you still can, before injuries stop him, or before his snap percentage lowers.. Dishonorable Mention: Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins)
Wide Receiver (Position Rank: 46th) DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins has dealt with many issues this past season, facing suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs and facing injuries during the majority of last season on the Arizona Cardinals. This offseason, Hopkins signed a deal with the Tennesee Titans in hopes of winning the Lombardi trophy for the first time in his career. Hopkins has unfortunately not been able to perform well due to quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s poor play thus far this season and the focus of the Titans on the rushing attack to stay in games. Tannehill is having a horrible season so far, similar to his time as the starting quarterback for Adam Gase on the Miami Dolphins years ago. Hopkins has been trying to perform well, scoring 13.5 points in week 1, 8 points in week 2, and 7.8 points in week 3, fighting through early season injuries. Can Hopkins turn it around? Yes. But is this likely to happen based on the team’s focus on the rushing attack featuring Derrick Henry and the team’s solid defensive approach? No. Fantasy owners should trade Hopkins away once he has another double digit point game. Hopkins will be a bench-type wide receiver in fantasy football this season due to the elements around him on the Titans. Dishonorable Mention: D.J Moore (Chicago Bears)
