Week 13 is here. And with it come a bunch of must-win dynasty fantasy football games with a bunch of teams on bye… just like we drew it up…
Of course, nothing in fantasy is ever ideal. Matchups and situations can all go bad. We’re seeing just that with guys like Garrett Wilson and DK Metcalf this week. But, as long as you can remain flexible and find room to make a few last-minute deals, things should work out in your favor.
So with this in mind – and likely with trade deadlines looming – here’s your biggest buys and sells of the week.
Buy Marquise Brown
Hollywood Brown hasn’t exactly been a household name this season. With the QB carousel in Arizona and a string of uncharacteristically poor performances from Weeks 6 through 11, Hollywood has been kind of useless in fantasy this season.
But this is exactly why he’s a big buy for me right now.
First, Kyler Murray is back and slinging it for the lowly Cardinals. Murray is as good as gone this offseason, so there’s no doubt he wants to put some good things on tape for prospective suitors. In his three starts this season, he hasn’t thrown it less than 30 times. That’s a good sign for a dual-threat QB.
Also, the schedule is very friendly. Outside of a Week 14 bye, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia set up nicely for Brown. These secondaries haven’t been difficult to pass on while they all have done well to stop the run. With James Conner mostly ineffective and the offenses here likely to put up points, Brown should see plenty of targets rest of season.
Finally, we all know the rapport that Hollywood has with Murray, going back to their college days. That finally showed itself again last week, with Brown earning 12 targets. Though the volume may not remain as high, only Trey McBride is really competing for consistent looks. Because of the familiarity, Brown should roll through the dynasty fantasy football playoffs.
I’m sending out an early 2nd and would even go as high as a late 1st to acquire Brown. I’m guessing two 2nds could get it done though. Alternatively, you could try and send a hot player with more target competition, like Brandin Cooks, to get your hands on Hollywood.
Sell Kyren Williams
This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but I’m dealing Kyren Williams where I can for a haul. The narrative of Williams as a league-winner is a little overblown, and Royce Freeman remains involved. And, of course, Kyren did what he did against a terrible Cardinals D.
Now, it’s certainly possible, even likely, that Williams sustains his usage. And, even with tougher matchups, he should still hold backend RB1 upside most weeks. But keep a few things in mind:
First, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were largely uninvolved for the Rams in Week 12. That will change down the stretch. Also, Cleveland and Baltimore are next up on the schedule. You don’t need me to tell you that that’s a difficult stretch. Additionally, Freeman is listed as 40 pounds heavier than Williams. This means a TD vulture will always be lurking in Kyren’s shadow.
With all this said, I really do like Williams rest of season and beyond. But, I’m not above selling ultra high on a guy who should come back down to earth over the following two weeks. I’d take a 1st+ for Williams right now, especially if I’m not contending. If I am, I’d need a player in return. Zack Moss plus a 1st could be possible.
Buy Jake Ferguson
After two down weeks, Jake Ferguson has largely become an afterthought in dynasty fantasy football. And I get it: Cooks is now more involved, Tony Pollard has come back to life. Even Luke Schoonmaker is putting up points. But I’m still buying Ferguson for what he should do down the stretch.
Over the last three weeks, the Cowboys have been blowing out their opponents. For some context, they’ve outscored the opposition 127-37 over the last three weeks. With all that scoring, Ferguson has still seen down weeks, posting just 93 total yards and one score. But the Giants, Panthers and Commanders are some of the league’s worst teams. It will get better.
It will get better because the schedule coming up stays easy on defense but gets way better on offense. In other words, shootouts are ahead. Dallas faces Seattle, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Miami and Detroit to close out the fantasy season. All of these offenses are dangerous and all of these defenses are porous.
Rest of season, I like every single Cowboy, but give me Ferguson to torch opposing backers and safeties. This is especially true in the fantasy playoffs as the Dolphins and Lions struggle to stop anything through the air.
While Cooks and CeeDee Lamb remain great plays, and I like what Pollard can offer even against stout fronts, I’ll take the swing on Ferguson returning to form. You might be able to get him for an early 3rd or even a WR flier like Jonathan Mingo right now. He’s sure to bounce back, possibly as early as this week.
Sell Chuba Hubbard
With Frank Reich soon to put his North Carolina house on the market, it’s time for you to also shop Chuba Hubbard in dynasty fantasy football leagues. Hubbard broke out in Week 12, with his first RB1 performance of the season. Last week’s PPR RB11 saw 19 touches, found the end zone and put up his highest receiving total since Week 17 of last year.
With Reich now out, it is likely that the Panthers keep rolling with Hubbard. Unfortunately, they face Tampa, New Orleans and Atlanta over the next three weeks. Those are the sixth, twelfth and second stingiest defenses in giving up points to RBs. They also face Jacksonville in championship week. The Jags are the 9th stingiest unit to-date.
In addition to the schedule concerns, this is now a team in flux with no shot at redemption this season. At 1-10, Carolina has nowhere to go and nothing to look forward to. They need to really test Bryce Young with low stakes now, so I’d expect a pass-heavy script moving forward. And while Hubbard can handle the receiving load, I’m not sure it gives you the week winning upside many are expecting after last week’s performance.
Where I can, I’m looking to unload Chuba for a 2nd round pick on non-contenders. I’m also happy to collect a rookie wide receiver the likes of Josh Downs in exchange for the Panthers back. With a new staff on the way, there is no guarantee Chuba is the guy in Carolina next season.
Good luck in your bid for the fantasy playoffs. Here’s hoping all your buying and selling goes your way. I’ll be back next week for the playoff push finale, as we do our best to deal our way to the best dynasty fantasy football squads imaginable! Until then…
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.