The fantasy football trade market is constantly shifting as player values fluctuate based on recent performances and upcoming matchups. Smart managers know that identifying buy-low candidates after disappointing weeks can yield significant returns, while recognizing when to sell high on overperforming assets is equally crucial.
Week 5 presents several intriguing opportunities as injuries, role changes, and early-season trends create gaps between perception and reality. These strategic moves could be the difference between a championship run and an early playoff exit.
Top Trade Targets To Buy: Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Trey Benson was thrust into a starting role with the Arizona Cardinals after the devastating injury to James Conner in Week 3. Having drafted Benson, hoping he would see more playing time in Year 2, current owners may be reluctant to sell, but there could be a small buy-low window.
Against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, Benson totaled just 54 scrimmage yards and still rushed the ball only eight times, despite Conner’s absence. He did catch all five of his targets, but turned those catches into just 19 yards.
Trey Benson not among those participating during Monday’s Cardinals practice. pic.twitter.com/dbavc2Voo4
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 29, 2025
Benson barely managed double-digit fantasy points and could easily finish outside the top 30 running backs in fantasy in Week 4, with two games to come on Monday night. However, Arizona played most of its game with the Seahawks from behind, limiting Benson’s rushing opportunities.
That’s less likely to be the case against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, and Benson will look to get some momentum going from then on. Benson is a potential touchdown on every play and could be available for a low-end RB2 value this week.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Betting on good players is the most straightforward strategy in fantasy football, and Chuba Hubbard is precisely that. The Carolina Panthers offense has struggled to find its feet early in 2025, as Bryce Young looks to make the most of his young receiving corps.
Hubbard has seen his usage decline as a result, as Carolina plays from behind more often than not; when they were ahead in Week 3, a blowout win had a similar effect. Hubbard also has zero rushing touchdowns this year and hasn’t found the end zone since Week 2.
That’s unlikely to continue, though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Hubbard back to his best in the coming weeks. He remains the team’s clear RB1 and started the year with two top-10 finishes.
Two bad weeks and the fact that he plays for Carolina will be enough for many owners to listen to offers ahead of Week 5.
Top Trade Targets To Sell: Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenneth Gainwell won’t have tricked anyone into thinking he will be a top-five running back for the rest of the year, but his Week 4 numbers will have piqued interest. Gainwell took full advantage of Jaylen Warren’s injury to tally 99 yards and two touchdowns on 19 rush attempts against Minnesota.
There are always fantasy managers needing running back help, and Gainwell has put himself on the map and possibly into the shop window. Warren will return to the lineup when healthy, likely in Week 6, and Gainwell will again be part of a rotation.
That’s unlikely to be lost on your league mates, though, meaning you won’t get anything special in return for the running back. However, positional need should see him attract interest, and many will expect him to usurp Warren after his Week 4 performance.
One disappointing week against Cleveland’s stout run defense in Week 6 would see Gainwell’s value plummet, so it’s worth inviting offers while you can.
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
While some improvement should be expected in Chicago, D’Andre Swift is at risk of being forced out in the not-too-distant future. The veteran back has performed well enough in fantasy to this point, averaging out as a low-end RB2, meaning he has plenty of fantasy value.
I’m not the only one expecting the Bears to continue to make strides, and Swift’s near-domination of the Chicago backfield is encouraging. He may keep his job and continue producing in fantasy, but that will factor into any potential trade value.
But Swift has been fairly mediocre to start the season, and has totaled just 71 rushing yards over the past two games, on 27 attempts. The team’s Week 5 bye should bring some changes, but that could also favor the team’s other running backs, namely, rookie Kyle Monangai.
