We are now through six weeks of the fantasy football season. Fantasy managers should always be looking to improve their rosters. With that in mind, here are a handful of players to explore trades for, either to buy low on undervalued players or sell high on overvalued ones.
Top Trade Targets To Buy in Your League: Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets
Justin Fields was absolutely atrocious in Week 6; his timing and accuracy were way off, far too often. The New York Jets fell to their sixth straight loss of the season, succumbing to a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos. That’s despite Denver having just a four-point lead after the first quarter, and scoring only three points in the following three.
Fields accounted for precisely none of his team’s points on the day and scored just 4.9 fantasy points. For context, Tyler Huntley only played the fourth quarter of the Baltimore Ravens’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams and scored 6.6.
Regardless, Fields has finished as a top-seven fantasy quarterback in three of his five games this season. The boom-bust option is a regular week winner and is coming off the most difficult matchup he’ll face all year. More disappointing weeks will come, but he should be available at a discount after such a miserable showing.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Those who drafted Jayden Daniels in the third round of drafts may be reluctant to sell low, but given his disappointing start, they might consider it. The Washington Commanders star hasn’t finished inside the top-12 quarterbacks in any week this year, after being the third quarterback taken in drafts.
Daniels’ two-week injury layoff should also mean that current owners have at least one alternative, having had to replace him for Weeks 3 and 4. The dual-threat star is the current QB11 in fantasy points per game, but you wouldn’t think so from his game log.
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Daniels has a get-right game against the Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 7, likely making this the last opportunity to get him at a discount. He still won’t be cheap, but players as valuable as Daniels are rarely available at all.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders will almost certainly be available on waivers in single-quarterback leagues, but you may need to trade for him in Superflex. The former Colorado star has become a divisive figure across the NFL since being drafted in April, both in the media and among NFL fans.
However, the Cleveland Browns’ decision to trade backup Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals suggests they believe in their second rookie quarterback. Dillon Gabriel remains the starter, but while he hasn’t done too much wrong so far, he also hasn’t done too much right.
The Browns relied on their kicker for all nine of their points against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. Flush with 2027 draft capital, the AFC North strugglers will want to know what they have at quarterback heading into next April.
Sanders has proven nothing and is no more than a stash at this point, but if results don’t improve, he could realistically replace Gabriel after the team’s Week 8 bye. Sanders is a relative unknown but would be a logical stash in deep leagues and Superflex formats.
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals got to try out their new starting quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. Joe Flacco performed well, throwing for 219 yards and two scores in the 27-18 defeat.
However, things didn’t improve for Chase Brown, who recorded his third-fewest fantasy points of the season. Brown only carried the ball nine times for 42 yards and was targeted just twice, with teammate Samaje Perine handling a late two-minute drill.
However, heading into Sunday’s games, the Packers had allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season. In fact, four of Brown’s six opponents so far were top-11 defenses against running backs in fantasy, heading into Sunday.
Looking forward, eight of the Bengals’ remaining 10 games (until Week 17) are against teams that were bottom-12 in that category. It didn’t work out at the first attempt, but Flacco’s arrival is great news for the Bengals in fantasy, and Brown’s schedule is about to lighten up.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has become a forgotten man in fantasy, with Rico Dowdle putting up huge numbers in his absence. Hubbard has missed two games with a calf problem, and there is no guarantee he’ll be back for Week 7.
Typically, a returning starter would spell the end for his backup’s perceived fantasy value, but Dowdle’s eye-catching numbers have cast doubt over Hubbard’s future. Current owners would have been happy to hold onto Hubbard after his impressive start to the season, but they will now be worried about the value of their injured star.
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While Dowdle has earned himself more work than he had previously, Hubbard remains a valuable part of the Panthers’ offense. The Panthers signed Hubbard to a new deal last season, and he will return to a 1A-1B situation at worst when healthy.
One disappointing performance from Dowdle would see Hubbard’s value shoot back up, so it’s worth capitalizing on the panic if possible this week.
Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered their second loss of the season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but there are clear signs of improvement on offense. Second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is improving every week, as he builds chemistry with Trevor Lawrence.
Thomas’ best performances as a rookie came when catching passes from Mac Jones, and things haven’t been easy for him to start the year. Travis Hunter is also moving in the right direction; his seven targets and four catches were both his highest since Week 1.
Still, progress has been frustratingly slow for the rookie, and he’s been a bench candidate for several weeks. His 5.5 fantasy points won’t have done anything to change that, and current owners will almost certainly be open to offers.
First-round rookie receivers are among the best bets to make in fantasy. Hunter is a special talent, on an ascending offense, with an elite offensive mind calling plays. There would be far less concern if he weren’t a part-time cornerback; ignore the stigma and buy low on him like you would any other first-round rookie in his position.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jeudy has been a casualty of the quarterback circus in Cleveland this season, as the Browns struggle to get their receivers involved enough to make a difference. The team’s offense has flashed potential, with rookies Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins standing out, but Jeudy hasn’t had double-digit fantasy points since Week 1.
However, the team faces the Miami Dolphins in Week 7, a perfect game to turn things around. The Dolphins are arguably the worst overall defense in the NFL, and have conceded an average of 29 points per game this season.
In Jeudy’s first game with Gabriel, he finished with just 15 receiving yards against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to receivers, but Gabriel fared reasonably well for his first NFL start. Following Sunday’s games, Jeudy is a flex-worthy WR32 in Week 6, with 9.3 fantasy points.
That’s not a huge number, but it shows clear progress, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him put up WR2 numbers against the Dolphins in Week 7. The former Bronco is the clear WR1 in Cleveland, has some great matchups on the horizon, and should be available for almost nothing in a trade.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have been on bye this week, preventing them from building on their outstanding 44-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5. It does, though, allow them to work on some things, and getting their highly-drafted rookie receivers more involved will likely be one of them.
Houston selected Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in Rounds 2 and 3 of April’s NFL Draft, respectively, and both have already seen increased opportunities recently. In recent years, many rookie receivers have taken off after their team’s bye week, and both Higgins and Noel are ones to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Noel has flashed his explosiveness on kick returns and has been rewarded with more opportunities on offense. The Texans could use a spark on offense, and Noel’s speed and ability after the catch put him just one play away from fantasy relevance.
With Nico Collins cemented as the team’s alpha receiver, only Christian Kirk stands between them and a starring role on the Houston offense. I personally rate Noel higher than Higgins, but both rookies are worth taking a shot on in fantasy if you have room on your bench or a roster-clogger to drop.
Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders
Zach Ertz could have a massive game against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, which would render his inclusion in this article pointless. However, if he has an average, or even below-average, fantasy performance, you should buy low on the veteran this week.
It took weeks for Ertz to be rostered in over 50% of Yahoo leagues, and he then fell off the radar when Marcus Mariota took over quarterback duties for two weeks. Upon Daniels’ return, Ertz somehow finished Week 5 with only one target and zero fantasy points.
Buy-lows never feel great, or look pretty, though, and Ertz remains one of Daniels’ favorite targets, especially around the end zone. The veteran caught six touchdowns in the final seven weeks of last season, before starting the current campaign with two in his first two games.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers
Second-year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has been incredibly unfortunate with injuries to start his career. The pass-catching tight end was beginning to emerge as a rookie before injuring his neck against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. He returned two weeks later, but played little part in the offense from then on.
This year, after a career-high nine targets and seven catches in Week 2, Sanders suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. He hasn’t been seen since, but could potentially make his return in Week 7.
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In the three weeks that Sanders has missed, backup tight end Tommy Tremble has been targeted 14 times, while 23 total targets have gone to the tight end position. Sanders can be expected to dominate those targets when healthy, and is a talented pass catcher with significantly more touchdown potential than he has shown so far.
Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Just a quick note on Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo, as he is more of a dynasty target, but still a player I expect to become fantasy relevant as the season progresses. The Seahawks have proved many people wrong on offense after making so many significant personnel changes in the offseason.
AJ Barner has led the team in receiving touchdowns and is the TE11 on the year, heading into Monday night. Arroyo has been irrelevant in fantasy so far, but apart from an outlier game in Week 6 for Barner, the rookie has almost matched his teammate for targets.
Barner was targeted seven times in Week 6, but has only one more target than Arroyo across the other five games of the season. The Seahawks have a bye in Week 8, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the rookie push on after that and become a key part of the offense.
Top Trade Targets To Sell in Your League: Mac Jones, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Mac Jones is less of a sell-high and more of a sell-for-whatever-you-can. The 49ers backup has been fun to watch in Brock Purdy’s absence, and may still fetch some meager compensation in Superflex leagues, but little more.
Purdy may be ready to return in Week 7, which would evaporate any remaining value Jones has left. But with Purdy’s health still a major question mark, you could potentially trade Jones for some FAAB.
The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are on bye this week, and while Lamar Jackson owners will already have a replacement, Josh Allen owners will need a rental. You’ll do well to get anything for Jones this week, but there could be a small window in Superflex if you’re quick enough.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers
Rico Dowdle has exploded in fantasy since Chuba Hubbard’s injury, and many now view him as the lead back in Carolina. Dowdle was impressive down the stretch last year with the Cowboys, adding weight to his recent strong performances.
In the last two weeks, Dowdle has rushed for 389 yards and a touchdown, with 84 yards and another touchdown through the air. While many would have been skeptical after one week, back-to-back performances should make Dowdle a valuable trade piece ahead of Week 7.
However, while Dowdle has maintained impressive efficiency, he has feasted on a massive opportunity with Hubbard sidelined. For context, Christian McCaffrey has had 56 combined targets and rush attempts in the last two weeks, while Dowdle has had 62.
That immense usage won’t continue when Hubbard returns, while Dowdle won’t get two easier games than Miami and Dallas moving forward. The Dolphins and Cowboys are among the leakiest defenses in the NFL; another reason to move Dowdle while you can.
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Similar to Dowdle, Rachaad White has enjoyed extended opportunities in the absence of his team’s starting running back. White has taken on the lead role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and performed well, with three touchdowns in the past two weeks.
The Buccaneers have suffered several injuries to their wide receiver corps, and a hamstring injury to rookie Emeka Egbuka threatens to make matters worse. If Egbuka were to join Chris Godwin and Mike Evans on the sidelines, White would be in line for a significant pass-catching role in Week 7.
However, each week that passes brings them closer to Irving’s return, making it a tough decision for managers. There is always a market for running backs in fantasy, and White would be a sensible trade piece in the long term, even if his Week 7 outlook is tempting.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Those who stuck with Kendrick Bourne in Week 6 were rewarded handsomely, as the receiver tallied 142 receiving yards against the Buccaneers. Ricky Pearsall remained sidelined, along with George Kittle, while Jauan Jennings made his return despite continuing to suffer through rib and ankle injuries.
Pearsall didn’t practice at all last week, and there is no guarantee he’ll suit up in Week 7, making Bourne a tempting player to keep this week. However, if you can get anything useful for the receiver, you should definitely consider it.
Bourne’s value isn’t only tied to Pearsall and Jennings’ injuries, but to his connection with Jones at quarterback. Purdy’s return would not only nuke Jones’ fantasy value, but it would significantly impact Bourne’s as well.
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
I’ve preached Travis Kelce as a sell-high throughout the season, but primarily at the start of the year. With Rashee Rice returning from suspension in Week 7, Kelce’s value could be about to plummet.
You won’t get the same value you would have gotten before, as Rice’s return is well known and highly anticipated. But you should still be able to get something for him after a strong showing against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.
Last year, when playing alongside Rice, Kelce averaged just four targets and five fantasy points per game. If Kelce is to turn into a touchdown-dependent tight end, you may as well be streaming the position. If you want more depth on your roster, offer Kelce in return for some flex options this week.
