Trading in fantasy football is an important way to make your team better. However, it is also the only controllable way to make other teams worse. In theory, great fantasy football trades optimize the rosters of both teams involved, leaving non-trading teams behind. This series will help to provide some useful tips on players to “buy” and “sell” in trades. It will also provide the proper context to determine when trading for or trading away a specific player makes sense for your squad. For a player to be involved in a trade, there needs to be a market for that player. Unlike your typical “trade for” and “trade away” articles that are geared toward taking advantage of less-informed league mates, this series will consider team context to determine whether you should buy or sell a popular player in the trade market.
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Week 12 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
On the block: RB RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
Reason to Buy: Last Chance to Buy Low
With J.K. Dobbins on IR and not expected to return until after the fantasy season is over, the Broncos’ backfield belongs to RJ Harvey. Harvey, in his first game as the Broncos starter, saw 14 total opportunities, which was more than backups Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin combined. Still, Harvey scored fewer fantasy points than McLaughlin, as McLaughlin scored a rushing touchdown. With the Broncos now on a bye and Harvey on the wrong side of touchdown variance, now is a good time to buy the rookie running back. His role in this offense should only grow, and he could be a league winner come the fantasy playoffs.
Reason to Sell: Sean Payton will do Sean Payton things
Sean Payton uses his running backs in ways that can be frustrating for fantasy football. For instance, Jaleel McLaughlin saw more usage in the ten-yard line than RJ Harvey last week, seeing two touches to Harvey’s one. As a result, it was McLaughlin who scored the touchdown in Week 11. Maybe it will be Harvey’s turn in future weeks or, alternatively, maybe it will be Tyler Badie‘s turn. That’s unfortunately part of the problem in rostering a Sean Payton running back. Harvey will never be a true bell cow, and his fantasy production hinges on his ability to find the end zone. Perhaps packaging Harvey for an upgrade at the RB position before the schedule gets really tough during the fantasy playoffs is the most prudent move.
On the block: WR Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
Reason to Buy: Injury Buy Low
Drake London is week-to-week with a knee injury. Of even more concern for London’s potential fantasy production is a knee injury to quarterback Michael Penix, which will force Penix to miss the rest of the season. The Falcons will now turn to Kirk Cousins, with whom London had some success last season, but not nearly as much as London saw with Penix. Regardless London’s usage in the offense should remain the same with Cousins under center. His 32.9% Target Share suggests that he will still gobble up targets with Cousins under center. He is a high-floor option at the wide receiver position and can help for a playoff run once he is back to full health. These injuries provide a nice buy-low opportunity on a WR1.
Reason to Sell: Fantasy Points Matter
Selling London amidst the injury uncertainty and the uncertainty that Kirk Cousins brings to the Falcons offense is a prudent move if you are on the outside looking in to a potential playoff berth. London was the WR17 in fantasy points per game last season with Cousins under center. This season, he is the WR3 in fantasy points per game with Penix slinging the football. Guaranteed missed time now followed by the risk of a production downturn when he returns may be too great to bear for a team hoping to secure a playoff berth. Selling London for a more stable fantasy asset can be a good way to secure that sixth or fifth seed.
On the block: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
Reason to Buy: Potential Buy High
Tetairoa McMillan is coming off a true breakout performance, scoring a career-high 33 fantasy points in Week 11. He saw a career high 12 targets for 118 air yards, the second-highest weekly mark in his career. Things seems to be coming together for the rookie at the right time of the season. He could be a a WR1 for the rest of the season.
Reason to Sell: Potential Sell High
The only thing holding McMillian back is the inconsistent play of quarterback Bryce Young. Young has vacillated with boom or bust performances all season. He has three weekly finishes as a top-12 QB, but has finished as the QB23 or worse in his other seven games. Selling McMillian is not so much selling the rookie based on his talent, but rather the talent of his quarterback. McMillan’s breakout was impressive, but Young isn’t going to pass for 448 yards every week.
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