Is there a weaker division for dynasty fantasy football leagues than the AFC South right now? I don’t think so, but there is potential here with three young rosters.
Travis Etienne has been amazing, I am sorry for those that took my advice and sold before the season. Tank Bigsby was supposed to be more involved, but that has yet to be the case. Trevor Lawrence has been average, but the Jaguars are still 5-2 and atop the division.
Anthony Richardson’s injuries put a damper on what looked to be an exciting start to his career. I think I speak for everyone when I say we can’t wait to see him back on the field for the Colts next year!
The Tennessee Titans look to be going into a total rebuild, things are going to be rough for any assets connected to this team.
CJ Stroud looks like the real deal and DeMeco Ryans is a fun head coach. Hopefully the Texans’ franchise has some brighter days ahead.
Lets take a look at some dynasty fantasy football buys, sells and holds from this division.
Buy – Christian Kirk WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
One of the most underrated PPR wide receivers in dynasty fantasy football. If you are looking for a consistent cheap option for your team consider making an offer for Christian Kirk. He is currently the WR12 on the year, averaging 11.9 points per game, despite putting up only 1.4 points in Week 1. Last year, he quietly put up a top 12 season (11th) averaging 11.8 points per game.
The Jaguars are spreading the ball around. Sadly, Kirk isn’t seeing zone targets. Kirk has three TDs on the year despite only seeing three red zone targets. He does however lead the Jaguars in targets (55), which is just under 8 (7.8) targets per game.
Many thought with Calvin Ridley in town Kirk would regress, but he’s Lawrence’s go-to target for the time being. It’s encouraging that he is locked in for another two years. Ridley is 31 and is a free agent after this year, while Zay Jones has another year on his contract.
Kirk is the cheapest top 12 WR you will find on the market. You can grab him for a couple of 2nd’s. I would be willing to send a late 1st for Kirk, but see if you can get a prospect like Kayshon Boutte or Cedric Tillman along with Kirk.
Honorable Mention – Tyjae Spears RB, Tennessee Titans
The price is already on the rise, but it is looking like Tyjae Spears will be the starting RB for the Titans next year. He is already splitting snaps evenly with King Henry, whose contract is up at the end of the year.
Derrick Henry leads the Titans in carries. However, Spears has been the receiving back, seeing 20 targets and catching 15 of them for 111 yards. Spears has been given six opportunities inside the redzone, which is encouraging when playing behind King Henry. He is also averaging 5.5 yards per rush.
In terms of trades in dynasty fantasy football leagues, you could send a couple of 2nd’s to get him, I’d be willing to send a late 1st to get it done. If Henry goes down with an injury or is traded, Spears’ price is going to skyrocket.
Sell – Tennessee Titans Veterans
If you have Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, or Ryan Tannehill, now is the time to get out for whatever you can get. You are only holding Henry if you are competing. Hopkins and Tannehill should be moved regardless.
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry is still the RB11 on the year despite his snap count declining. He is averaging 13.6 points per game. We all know once the weather starts changing it is time for the Yeti to be unleashed. However, he is closing in on 30 and has a lot of wear and tear on his body.
Wait until the trade deadline to move Henry in dynasty leagues. If he is moved to the Ravens for example, his value will rise. Contending teams will be willing to pay a premium price for the aging veteran. Try and get a future 1st, you might need to settle with a couple of 2nd’s.
DeAndre Hopkins
With the Titans looking to rebuild, DeAndre Hopkins could be on his way out before the deadline. His value has dropped significantly during his time with the Titans. At 31 years old the end has come. He is no longer the difference maker he once was. He is the WR45 on the year, averaging 8.5 points per game.
If he is moved at the deadline, take advantage of any excitement and sell. If he isn’t dealt it might be tougher. He does have a nice trio of games coming up that could help generate more value.
Honorable Mention – Calvin Ridley, WR Jacksonville Jaguars
All the hype from the offseason looked spot on in Week 1. However, since then, Calvin Ridley is the WR51, averaging 7.2 fantasy points per game. Ridley is a free agent after the season and is closing in on 29 years old. If you paid up after Week 1, you are pulling your hair out now. His value has sunk. You can hold and hope for brighter days, but I’d be actively trying to move him after his next decent game.
Hold – Nico Collins – WR Houston Texans
I originally had Nico Collins as my main sell. However, my reason for selling was the worry of the Texans drafting a WR with their first round pick – but they don’t have their first round pick! They do have Cleveland’s 2024 1st, but it won’t be in Marvin Harrison Jr. range.
Collins has been one the biggest fantasy surprises this year. He is currently the WR13, averaging 14.5 fantasy points per game. Robert Woods leads the team in targets, but Collins is only one target behind him. The one area Collins’ is lacking is red zone targets. He only has two on the year, but he has found the endzone three times.
The price is right to sell if you have any doubt about him long term. He was not drafted by the current coaching staff, nor was he a high draft pick (3rd round). However, he is a big bodied WR (6’4”, 215lbs) and has one year left on his rookie deal with the Texans. If he continues to grow chemistry with rookie QB C.J. Stroud, why separate them? Robert Woods is only getting older and the Texans could look to feature Tank Dell and Nico Collins moving forward.
If I could move him straight across for someone like Rashee Rice or Michael Pittman, both currently ranked lower than him on KeepTradeCut, I would consider that type of move. Otherwise, I’d be willing to take a chance he is going to continue to be a main target for C.J. Stroud.
Honorable Mention – Will Levis QB, Tennessee Titians
Looks like his time is coming! Tannehill is dealing with an injury, plus the Titans season is sinking fast! It will be interesting to see if the team gives Malik Willis a chance as well. The team used a third round pick on Willis in the 2022 draft, then used an early second round pick on Will Levis this year.
It isn’t going to be pretty when Levis takes over; the Titans could very well be without Hopkins and Henry. That won’t leave much for whoever takes over. The main thing is, don’t panic sell Levis after a few bad starts. It’ll be hard to produce with no support.
Dynasty Stash – Tank Bigsby RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
I believed Tank Bigsby was going to have a role in this offense. Things looked promising in Week 1 when Bigsby had two red zone carries compared to Etienne’s one. He even scored his first TD. However, he also had a costly fumble that led to the Colts defense scoring. It’s hard to say if that has played a role in him not being as involved. Honestly, ETN has just been too good to take off the field. I’d look to capitalize on Tank’s poor start and get him on your team as a stash. He is an Etienne-injury away from being the starter and there is still a chance he gets more involved.
I got through this and realized I didn’t mention any Colts players. Your window to sell Zack Moss at a decent price has officially closed. Gardner Minshew is a sell in dynasty fantasy football leagues, as he is just a rental. Anthony Richardson is someone I would look to buy, especially if you see your season slipping away. If you can flip a similarly ranked Kyler Murray or Justin Fields I would be willing to do that. Jonathan Taylor got his contract, and you’ll hear quite often in the fantasy world; Sell RBs going into their second contracts. I’d wait for a few big games to get the best price.
One other name I’d like to mention is Dameon Pierce. Pierce still holds value dynasty fantasy football leagues, even with a poor start. I would bet the Texans look to upgrade at RB next year. Sell him while you still can.
Three of these rosters are young and will have plenty of time to grow together, it will be interesting to see what the Titans do with their aging core. Next week I’ll look into the last division, the NFC South. as always, good luck with your Week 8 matches!
Sheldon Hand
Sheldon Hand is an elementary school teacher. He started writing in 2019, and started working with The League Winners in 2021. He has been playing fantasy football for fifteen years, got into dynasty seven years ago and have become a bit obsessed.