With the college and NFL season right around the corner, it’s time to start getting down to business. We’re going to be taking a close look at buy-low, and sell-high candidates, some trade targets that are worth looking into, and finally a few waiver wire targets to grab if they’re available. Without wasting any more time, let’s jump right into it.
Buy Low Candidates
NFL:
- Bryce Young – Quarterback
In a dynasty league, you’re always looking for premier youth options. Quarterback Bryce Young can give you just that. The Carolina Panthers loaded up weapons around him, giving him a far better chance to, at the very least, improve. His value couldn’t be any lower, now is the time to move before it jumps.
- Javonte Williams – Running Back
Everyone started to get worried about Javonte Williams due to the Denver Broncos drafting Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin breaking out a little bit. However, Javonte is the lead back in this offense and is still young enough to the point where he’ll be the focal point for a few years now. And the worst-case scenario, if he gets booted, he’s sure to find another home.
- Mike Evans – Wide Receiver
Mike Evans consistently produces 1,000-yard seasons with a multitude of touchdowns with it. The reason why his value might be low is because he’s getting older. He can only produce these types of seasons for so long before Father Time catches up eventually. Trading for Evans right now could get you another or two very solid seasons of production before the falloff happens.
- Cade Otton – Tight End
Another Tampa Bay player here on the list. Cade Otton at tight end is a sleeper for many leagues. The Tight End position overall is pretty rough, and Otton is someone that many other managers likely wouldn’t place much value on. However, there is a significant chance of him improving next season and that could take him into the conversation of the top 10 in the league.
College:
- Garrett Nussmeier – Quarterback
Garrett Nussmeier is expected to fully take over under center for the LSU Tigers now that Jayden Daniels has gone into the NFL. Nussmeier surprisingly has some leagues valuing him super low, and that should change. LSU has a ton of faith in him, and he showcased his ability in the minimal time he was on the field.
- Kanye Roberts – Running Back
Kanye Roberts is going to have a huge season soon. He was averaging six yards per carry last season and picked up multiple great games against solid defenses. Oh, and he had 14 receptions for 113 yards, showcasing a dual-threat ability. He did all of that as a freshman. His value is through the roof, and if someone doesn’t feel the seem, then take advantage of that.
- Malachi Fields – Wide Receiver
Malachi Fields was targeted over 100 times despite fierce competition for them last season. He still had 58 catches for 811 receiving yards and five touchdowns while averaging over 14 yards per reception. He is another one of those guys that’s just a big play waiting to happen, and he’s starting to emerge in this offense.
- Terrance Ferguson – Tight End
Terrance Ferguson had an overall solid year in Oregon in 2023. This tight end has a massive frame to haul in the majority of the balls thrown his way, and he racked up 42 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns.
Sell High Candidates
NFL:
- Josh Allen – Quarterback
I think Josh Allen is still a really good quarterback, though his value has dropped a lot lately. The offense around him has taken a significant hit, and that will hurt any quarterback’s stock. On top of that, his rushing ability kept him toward the top of the rankings, and with fewer weapons, the field won’t be stretched enough for him to use that strength.
- De’Von Achane – Running Back
I was a big fan of De’Von Achane from what I saw last season. He’s an explosive play waiting to happen. However, he did suffer from numerous injuries and had a lot of time taken away from him. The hope was that he’d get healthy and eventually become the starting running back for the Miami Dolphins. Instead, the team drafted another rookie with a ton of potential and extended the contract of Raheem Mostert.
- Tyreek Hill – Wide Receiver
Another Miami Dolphin here. Tyreek Hill, like Mike Evans, is continuously producing big seasons. The problem is that he might be on his way out soon. Not because he can’t do it, but because he’s openly spoken about how he plans to retire early.
- Dalton Kincaid – Tight End
Dalton Kincaid is a great player in a position that desperately needs more talent. The reason he’s listed as a sell-high candidate is that the Buffalo Bills lost a ton of talent. Defenses will either key in on him immediately, or he’ll fall into a backup role thanks to Dawson Knox still being around.
College:
- Bert Emanuel Jr. – Quarterback
Bert Emanuel hasn’t had a lot of time on the field yet. However, what we’ve seen from him hadn’t looked entirely promising. He completed just 50 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions on 37 attempts. That’s an interception around every 13 passes.
- Jalen Buckley – Running Back
Western Michigan got a new offensive coordinator, and it doesn’t bode well for Jalen Buckley. In the past seven years for this coordinator, his running backs have only topped 1,000 rushing yards once. And in that one season, the running back that topped the mark was still one of the lowest-ranked fantasy players at the position.
- Zachariah Branch – Wide Receiver
Zachariah Branch has great talent, the problem is the situation he’s in. The USC receiver is switching quarterbacks from Caleb Williams to Miller Moss, which can already be a struggle. On top of that, the team itself is switching into the Big 10, a much stiffer defensive conference than they are used to.
- Brant Kuithe – Tight End
Brant Kuithe has unbelievable talent that he’s flashed throughout the past few seasons now. The problem is his inability to stay on the football field. He’s dealt with numerous injuries in each of the last two years, and it’s gotten to the point where it might be better to just sell high on his potential rather than keep sticking it out and getting disappointed again.
Strategic Insights
The best way that you can identify buy-low opportunities is to look for players that other managers seem to be bullish on. Players that might be on a cold stretch, or have gotten injured recently, look at their potential down the line. As for sell-high opportunities, if you foresee a player potentially dropping in production soon, then take advantage of their current value and ship them off for a great return rather than waiting and getting nothing when they drop off.
An example of a buy-low strategy would have been last season. Let’s say you see Puka Nacua get drafted and you had high hopes for him in the NFL, but the manager that owned him didn’t feel that way. You could aggressively try and trade for him because you see past his draft position and look at his potential. Then, Nacua has his breakout season, and you got him for almost nothing. The same goes the other way, if you have Tyreek Hill who says that he’s going to retire around 31, and you know he’s getting up there despite being a top player at his position, you can trade him away at peak value before he retires and get a great return.
Trade Targets
NFL:
- Bo Nix – Quarterback
It won’t be easy considering Bo Nix is a rookie quarterback, but this might be your only time left to get him. His value is only rising and Nix has already been named an instant day 1 starter for the regular season.
- Zamir White – Running Back
Zamir White only started a few games last season for the Las Vegas Raiders and he was unbelievable. He’s likely the full-time starter again despite signing Alexander Mattison, and he’ll be a premier rb2 in fantasy.
- Quentin Johnston – Wide Receiver
The value is so low on Quentin Johnson it wouldn’t hurt to throw out a flyer on him. After all, he’s on a Los Angeles Chargers offense that desperately needs receivers to throw to.
- Pat Freiermuth – Tight End
Pat Freiermuth is a tight end to pay attention to. He’s got a new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback that should look his way a lot more often. Plus, he’s coming off a bad year so the trade value is likely lower.
College:
- Conner Weigman – Quarterback
Conner Weigman is going to get his opportunity very soon, and from what we’ve seen from him, he deserves it. In two seasons with limited playing time, he’s thrown for 16 touchdowns and two interceptions.
- Jaydn Ott – Running Back
Jaydn Ott might be unattainable in some leagues, but if possible, he should be a trade target. Ott has drastically improved in each of his first two full seasons at running back. This upcoming year should see him continue to develop in both the ground and air attack.
- Barion Brown – Wide Receiver
Barion Brown has had back-to-back seasons now where his potential is evident. The stats last year were very underwhelming, and it’s lowered his trade value. Combining that with the fact that he’s the top guy in this offense and openly noted as a big riser in fantasy football, that’s a trade target worth going for.
- Luke Lachey – Tight End
If you haven’t already known, tight ends at Iowa normally pan out pretty well. Despite a lack of production early on for Luke Lachey, he’s going to break out eventually, or at the very least, translate his skills to the NFL level. He’s worth trading for, even if it’s a little difficult.
Strategic Insights:
The best advice that I can give regarding trades is to be respectful to the other managers. Don’t horrendously lowball somebody for a player, and don’t insult them to make trades. Be nice and respectful and understand the value that you’re going for. Your first offer should be just thrown out there to see what happens, but both you and the other manager should just slowly throw offers out to see what works for each of you.
Waiver Wire Watch
NFL:
- Gardner Minshew – Quarterback
This one is pretty easy, Gardner Minshew might be available in most leagues, and he’s the starter for the Las Vegas Raiders. He might be overtaken at some point, but for now, it’s another starter on the roster.
- Antonio Gibson – Running Back
Antonio Gibson didn’t have a great stint with the Washington Commanders and now he’s on an even worse New England Patriots team behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Luckily, Gibson provides value as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
- Brandin Cooks – Wide Receiver
The Dallas Cowboys offense will surely be good in 2024, and that leaves the door open for the forgotten Brandin Cooks to be valuable in fantasy formats. His average draft position is awfully low, and he has hit waivers more often than not.
- Hayden Hurst – Tight End
Hayden Hurst is a pass catcher more than a blocker, yet he held onto his roster spot at the Los Angeles Chargers. With the team also cutting Donald Parham, Hurst is clearly in the Chargers offensive plans moving forward.
College:
- Dylan Raiola – Quarterback
Dylan Raiola has been rising rapidly, at first, he was slipping out of drafts, but now he’s beginning to get targeted around round 18. If he slips through and makes it to waivers, don’t hesitate to snag him when given the chance.
- Rodney Hammond – Pittsburgh
Rodney Hammond has played three seasons without topping 550 rushing yards or five touchdowns in a single year. The reason to target him this year is because there is a new offensive coordinator in town who can make use of his pass-catching skills.
- Damon Ward – Wide Receiver
Damon Ward is a senior who’s getting overlooked. He’s the number one receiver with a new quarterback in Chandler Morris. Not to mention he’s on a potent North Texas offense that puts up points.
- Gavin Bartholomew – Tight End
The last two seasons haven’t been good for Gavin Bartholomew. However, he has a chance to be on an improved Pitt offense while also being the number two option. He’s one of the true difference-makers offensively, and this is his chance to showcase that.
Strategic Insights
The easiest way to prioritize waiver wire claims is to simply rank the players you want before going after them. Take them one at a time and understand that you’re not going to get all of them. Waiver wire claims usually go based on the order you place them in, so target your top guys first.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is very important to keep up with things every week, otherwise, key players can slip through your fingers. Be sure to consistently search for buy-low, and sell-high opportunities, relentlessly look through the waiver wire markets, and don’t be afraid to shoot out a couple of trade offers if you’re interested. Use all of the above information to get your year started off right.