Fantasy football managers are always searching for players who can boost their teams as the season progresses. Evaluating potential trade targets is one of the most important strategies for gaining an edge in fantasy football. The right moves can be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out. Stay tuned for insights on which players could be worth trading for or selling in your league this week.
Trade Targets to Buy: Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
Week 9 was always going to be tough for Troy Franklin, as it was for every offensive player on the field. The Broncos faced the Texans in a battle of two elite defenses, with the Broncos emerging victorious in an 18-15 win.
Heading into Sunday’s games, the Houston defense had allowed only 178.4 passing yards per game, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Moving forward, things should get easier for Franklin, who won’t have to worry about double-teams as long as Courtland Sutton is healthy.
Franklin has been targeted 28 times in his last three games; that, coupled with his natural explosiveness, is a recipe for fantasy gold. Franklin has the potential to break out as a regular WR2 in fantasy in the second half of the season, on an offense that totaled 77 points in Weeks 7 and 8.
He won’t be cheap, but after he was widely available on waivers a week ago, Franklin’s league-winning potential makes him worth being aggressive in trades this week.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson has immediately regained his role as the Packers’ deep-ball threat, following up his 33-yard catch in Week 8 with one of 52 yards against Carolina.
Like his quarterback, Watson should benefit from some questionable secondaries down the stretch, as well as some high-powered opposing offenses. The 2022 second-round pick has been a regular touchdown scorer in the past, when healthy, and he should have plenty of scoring opportunities in the second half of the year.
The likely season-ending injury to Kraft, who is second on the team in targets (44), should add significant volume to Watson’s big-play ability. A key piece of a typically high-scoring offense, Watson’s best days this season are yet to come.
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
Second-year receiver Malik Washington seemed to be everywhere for the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. It’s a surprise, therefore, that he was only targeted three times. He caught all three of those targets for 48 yards, but also carried the ball three times and returned two punts.
Mike McDaniel appears to have survived a firing, for now, and needs to find a playmaker beyond Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane, whose targets have become too obvious. The Miami offense has become incredibly predictable, making it far too easy for opposing defenses to shut them down.
Washington is explosive and can be utilized in various ways. He remains a desperation flex, for now, but carries considerable upside if his role increases moving forward. The receiver is available on waivers in most leagues and would be a savvy upside stash if you have a roster spot for him.
Trade Targets to Sell: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Jameson Williams has been consistently inconsistent all season, but still has alluring explosiveness and big-play upside. The Detroit Lions star has recorded two top-12 fantasy weeks at receiver this year, and is the WR18 in Week 9 with only Monday Night Football to play.
Unfortunately, outside of those three weeks, Williams hasn’t finished in the top 55 receivers in fantasy, despite maintaining a snap share of over 80%. However, he has scored over 15 fantasy points in two of his last three games, and that could have opened a small sell-high window this week.
Williams is still regarded as an exciting NFL receiving talent and one of the best deep threats in the league. If you can package him for a more consistent WR3/Flex option in a trade this week, it would save you a lot of anxiety moving forward.