It's the most wonderful time of the year, the dynasty playoffs are here! As the playoffs and offseason approach, it's also a popular time of the year for trade deadlines in leagues (there shouldn't be any, but that's a story for another day). Whether you are a playoff contender, just missed the playoffs, or are rebuilding, this is the time to make your move.
Quarterback
The most important position in superflex dynasty leagues, Quarterback is the most important item on my shopping list if I'm not loaded at the position. Thankfully there are a number of options that could make some sense at various price points.
Kyler Murray is my number one buy at the position, and represents a high price option that is still worth investing in. At KeepTradeCut (KTC) QB 11 there is still meat on the bone with Murray, and you might be able to buy him at a slightly depressed price from where I think he should be ranked. Kyler falls in as Dynasty CPA QB 8, and I don't believe that is his ceiling. Recent DLF trades have seen Kyler acquired for Will Levis and a 2024 1st, or Zay Flowers and 2024 1st, both are obvious smash accepts for me (assuming the 24 1st is not projected inside the top 3).
Justin Fields is my mid price Quarterback buy. While there is certainly risk with Fields, the upside is immense for both this year and the future. One way or the other, he will be in a different offense next season, and I'm excited about the possibilities. In the meantime, Fields has elite upside to help lead you to a fantasy title. The DLF trade finder has seen Fields acquired for either Joshua Dobbs and a 2nd, or a 2024 1st straight up. I'm willing to roll the dice.
Wide Receiver
The second most important position to team building, I'm focusing on the wide receiver position second only to quarterbacks. A solid core of young wide receivers is the key to both a contending roster, or rebuild. Thankfully there are a number of different profiles to fit the needs and price points of all dynasty managers.
Brandon Aiyuk is my number one target across all positions. An elite route runner, Aiyuk has solid upside as Brock Purdy's number one receiving option for the remainder of this NFL season. However, my primary thought with him is that I could see an elite ceiling in the right offense next season. It feels unlikely that the 49ers will be able to bring him back as franchise tag would be quite cost prohibitive, imagine Aiyuk paired with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, or CJ Stroud. Buy now, the price is going to continue to go up. One of the most recent DLF trades sees Aiyuk being acquired for Diontae Johnson and a 24 1st, I'm not thinking twice.
Keenan Allen is old for an NFL receiver, there is no way to get around that. That being said, he has almost as much upside as any wide receiver in the league down the stretch. This is clearly not a buy for a rebuilder, but any contender would be foolish not to make an inquiry with the Allen owner. Multiple DLF trades show Keenan Allen being acquired for a 2025 1st, a small price to pay.
Running Back
The hardest position to peg in dynasty currently, there is still a need to make smart investments to compete. There are a number of young running backs that are worth buying as either a contender or rebuilder.
Breece Hall is the man. This year might not be the year that he truly showcases it thanks to an offense led by the immortal Tim Boyle and draft bust Zach Wilson, but he's destined for stardom in the near future. We have seen it in bits and pieces this year, but it's only a matter of time before we see it all put together. One recent DLF trade found Breece Hall being acquired for Josh Downs and 2025 1st, a small price to pay.
Austin Ekeler might not be the player he used to be, but he's still pretty damn good. Along with being good, Ekeler's usage is elite, and remaining schedule is cupcake. Next year could be a bit sketchy, but he feels like a solid buy for a contending team in need of RB help. Recent DLF trades have seen Ekeler acquired for either Mike Evans or DK Metcalf, these both feel fair to me.
Tight Ends
If my league does not have a tight end premium, my emphasis on the tight end position is far behind that of the other positions. That being said, we need to maximize the cost to value ratio for this position more than any. I want to be rostering either a stud tight end, or a solid option at value. Here are a few values in the market at the position.
Jake Ferguson is bordering on being a bit too expensive to be a value, but I still think the defacto number two redzone receiving option for the Cowboys is worth mentioning. I would try to see if you can find a dynasty owner who is asleep at the wheel, or who is streaming multiple players at the position. DLF has shown Ferguson acquired for a single 2024 2nd.
David Njoku is being peppered with targets and that's enough for me. Skilled and involved are two things you can't say for too many tight ends in the NFL, and Njoku is a sneaky buy for savvy dynasty managers. Multiple DLF trades have seen Njoku acquired for a single 2024 2nd.
In Summary
Assuming you are in a league with the common sense to either not have a trade deadline, or have a later one, these are important times to be grinding the margins. Dynasty managers need to be exploiting value deficiencies in rankings, and tweaking their rosters as we march our way to both the dynasty championship games and the offseason. Whether you are contending or rebuilding, there is never a better time than now to make a trade.
-AF
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