Yeah, yeah… I know. It’s not exactly dynasty fantasy football content season. But we all still have dynasty teams, right? And, if we do, there’s nothing more important to gain that crucial edge than paying attention year-round. Last time I checked in, year-round includes during the season when other managers may have checked out.
And sure, best ball and managed formats offer their own unique challenges in-season. But, for the purposes of this article, we’re going to lump them all together and consider dynasty fantasy football as a whole.
After all, wheeling and dealing is the name of the game in dynasty. So, with that in mind, here are a few last minute moves you should consider making to prepare your squad for week 1.
Buy Darren Waller
Darren Waller is probably not for sale. Probably. But you never know the dynamics of your fantasy league; I’m sending out offers to try and grab the talented veteran tight end before he goes off in-season.
Yes, Waller is 30 years old. Yes, he’s only managed to play 20 games over the past two seasons. And, yes, he only finished 12th in fantasy points per game in 2022. But now on a new team with a new offensive guru, I’m all in on Waller at cost.
What is that cost? Well, I think two 2nd round picks should get it done, but you might not have to pay nearly that much. I’ve been targeting rebuilding teams and looking for younger players they like or even opening with a 2nd to gauge interest. If I have to pay up to acquire him, I’m not concerned… especially in TE premium leagues.
And, you never know. You could find a guy who is just out on Waller altogether and acquire him for something like this:
For my money, this is a great whether I’m contending or rebuilding. If Waller pops this season as the Giants number one passing game target, as I expect he will, you can at least recoup the cost and possibly grab a 1st round pick from a contending team who is one tight end away.
Buy Waller now before his price goes up.
Sell Deon Jackson
Deon Jackson has skyrocketed in value since Jonathan Taylor was placed on IR by the Colts to begin the season. And, that’s fine. Jackson is fine. But I’m not that interested in low-budget JK Dobbins, who is sharing the backfield with developing rookie quarterback in Anthony Richardson.
Jackson also may not start outright to begin the year.
I’m a believer in ARich for sure, but his second-string RB is another matter. While Jackson acquitted himself well in limited work last season, he also only popped against the lowly Jacksonville D. And in that game where Jackson became the RB1 on the week, he caught 10 passes from Mr. Immobility himself, Matt Ryan.
Outside of that Week 6, Jackson never finished higher than RB25 in fantasy relevant weeks.
Jackson’s value is wrapped up in the fact that he’s a starting RB and Taylor’s future in Indy is uncertain. I’d capitalize on that value right now, and look to move him for a 2nd round pick. As I do in-season, moving short-term producers at RB for picks is my preferred move.
Buy Chris Olave
I get it. Chris Olave is not for sale from most dynasty managers. And, even if he is, he’s not cheap. But I do not care. I’ve grabbed up three shares of Olave this offseason, and each cost me a ton. Here’s my latest Olave deal:
But Olave is the type of player in dynasty that I want a ton of. First, he’s a second-year wide receiver who broke in his first year. In fact, if it weren’t for former college teammate Garrett Wilson being an absolute beast on the Jets, he would’ve won Rookie of the Year honors. Next, according to Player Profiler, Olave was 20th in targets with 119, 8th in total air yards and 9th in yards per team pass attempt… in the entire league.
I love him, Matt Harmon loves him, and you should love him, too. Giving up the equivalent of 2 1sts and a solid flex-type player is more than acceptable to me. Give me the ascending superstar on an ascending offense in 2023 and beyond.
Sell Pat Freiermuth
These days, dynasty TEs are a dime a dozen. That’s why I’m out on Pat Freiermuth despite the fact that he has all the tools to excel in Pittsburgh. But what bothers me is not the talent. What bothers me, as always, is the cost.
Freiermuth is the dynasty TE7 according to KeepTradeCut. That’s directly ahead of Dallas Goedert and the aforementioned Darren Waller. My issue with this price is that he’s at best his team’s third passing game option, as it’s unlikely he sees targets ahead of George Pickens. There’s no chance he sees targets ahead of Diontae Johnson. With Jaylen Warren getting buzz in the passing game and Najee Harris having earned 50+ targets in back-to-back seasons, it’s possible Freiermuth finds himself fighting for looks in 2023.
No matter the format, I want tight ends who are the clear-cut first or second options for their teams in the passing game. I’d much prefer the upside shot on Dalton Kincaid or Sam LaPorta this year than hoping that Freiermuth can find the end zone. Though I’m not a player hater, his game doesn’t offer the tremendous upside that his price assumes.
I’m selling Freiermuth if I can, and I’ll take on an older asset and/or later round picks to get it done.
Each week this season, I’ll be providing you with some of the hottest buys and sells in dynasty to help you gain an edge in your leagues. Check back weekly to see who is trending and make the right deals to help you build the dynasty fantasy football team of your dreams.
Jeremy Shulman
Jeremy is an avid football fan from New York who lives in Amsterdam and roots for the Patriots. This walking contradiction has played fantasy football for over than 20 years. He is now a Senior Dynasty Writer at The League Winners. In his spare time, he writes and edits professionally.