The Fantasy Supermarket: Players to Buy

by Matty Kiwoom · Dynasty Leagues

Looking for a running back that may be on sale? How about a wide receiver that is being discounted due to bad reviews? Maybe a quarterback or tight end whose price is about to skyrocket? This is the right place. Welcome to the Fantasy Supermarket!

The players that are in the Fantasy Supermarket have indicators suggesting that their current value may increase in short order. I’ll be using advanced analytics and metrics from PlayerProfiler.com’s Data Analysis tool (subscribe to the All-in Package for the special price of $50 from now until the rest of the season) to highlight which players are worth buying into. But you have to act now because these current prices will not last long.

Pat Freiermuth

Despite ranking in the top ten at tight end, Pat Freiermuth has failed to record double-digit fantasy totals in three of the Steelers’ last four contests. There is a chance that the fantasy manager that rosters Freiermuth isn’t thrilled to move on. However, given the lack of boom weeks, the window to buy may have cracked open enough. If there is a chance to buy into the Pittsburgh tight end then teambuilders should make a move. 

Pat Freiermuth Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile

Freiermuth has only finished as a top-ten tight end once since Week 5, but it is not due to a lack of volume. He has seen seven or more targets in all but two games this season and has earned nine or more three times. Targets will continue to go his way with Chase Claypool now in Chicago. There are also very encouraging signs in his performance profile. Freiermuth has a 19.8-percent Air Yard Share (No. 5 among qualified tight ends), 1.87 Yards per Route Run (No. 6), 1.37 Yards per Team Pass Attempt (No. 8), and 28.2-percent Dominator Rating (No. 4). All metrics suggest that he is playing well in 2022. Add his 236 Unrealized Air Yards (No. 4) and 11.0 Expected Fantasy Points per Game (No. 6) to his underlying metrics, and it paints a picture that Freiermuth will have some big weeks rest of the season. Buy some Pat Freiermuth because his price is surely going to go up in the Fantasy Supermarket. 

Jeff Wilson

The Miami Dolphins traded for Jeff Wilson at the NFL Trade Deadline, and fantasy managers have to look to trade for him as well. Typically, the Fantasy Supermarket is a place to buy players that come at a discount. That is not the case for Wilson. He has witnessed his fantasy value grow in the two games with Miami. Traditionally, this is not a trend that suggests there is a window to buy. However, the Dolphins being on bye creates a lul that could allow teambuilders to trade for Wilson before his stock continues to rise.

Since being dealt to South Beach, Wilson has averaged 19.3 fantasy points per game. The running back is a perfect fit for the Dolphins’ offense. On the season, Wilson has gained 5.8 Yards per Touch (No. 9 among qualified running backs), has a 9.3-percent Breakaway Run Rate (No. 4), and gains 9.1 Yards per Reception (No. 5). Those metrics showcase how effective he can be even if he splits opportunities with Raheem Mostert. From Week 9 to Week 10, Wilson saw his Snap Share increase by 17.8-percent and his opportunities increase by 10. If the teambuilder who rosters Wilson wants to move on during the bye week, it is time to buy. Not all smart deals are the same at the Fantasy Supermarket.

Buy of the Week: Justin Herbert

In Superflex or 2QB formats, Justin Herbert is probably untouchable. However, in 1QB leagues, there is an opportunity to buy into one of the league’s most talented signal callers. Herbert was drafted amongst the top three quarterbacks in draft season, and now, heading into Week 11, he finds himself outside the top 10. The fantasy gamer who drafted him is most certainly frustrated with his production and that is why Herbert is featured as a sale item in the Fantasy Supermarket. 

Justin Herbert Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile

Injuries to pass catchers and broken ribs have certainly affected Herbert in a negative way. As a matter of fact, he has seen 21 Dropped Passes which is the No. 2 most in football. That is precisely why now is the right time to buy. Every week his ribs will feel a little better, and Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are getting closer to returning. Not only is Herbert’s situation slowly improving, but there are positive indicators in his performance profile. Herbert ranks No. 2 in Pass Attempts (386) and No. 4 in Red Zone Attempts (59), so Los Angeles does let him chuck the rock. Even with the lackluster weaponry, he has a 72.2-percent True Completion Percentage (No. 10 among qualified quarterbacks), 26 Money Throws (No. 1), and 19.2 Expected Fantasy Points per Game (No. 8). Between solid production metrics and the return of the pass-catching calvary, Herbert is the perfect buy of the week at the Fantasy Supermarket.

Wrap Up

Acquiring players at the right time is a major key to success in fantasy football. Early panic can lead to team builders getting players they never would have imagined just a couple of weeks ago. And sometimes it is a good process to buy high on players that are expected to see their market price continue to rise. Pat Freiermuth, Jeff Wilson, and Justin Herbert are three players that are worth targeting based on their underlying metrics versus current perception. Happy shopping and come on back to the Fantasy Supermarket.

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