Week 7 finally saw some normalcy return to dynasty fantasy football. Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews was money. Alvin Kamara, Darren Waller and Patrick Mahomes got back on track. And rookies Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Downs and Jordan Addison all broke out in a big way.
Even if it took a little longer than expected, Week 7 was about as normal as we could’ve hoped for with 6 teams on bye.
And now that we’re back to normal, it’s even more important to search for value. While there are plenty of studs no longer worth the cost of acquisition, there are plenty more players available to wheel and deal.
So, with that in mind, let’s have a look at my favourite players to buy and sell ahead of Week 8.
Buy Rashee Rice
This isn’t the first time I’ve been urging you to purchase Rashee Rice. Ahead of Week 4, I was talking about his upside as he led off this very article. Well, it’s week 8 and here we are again. He costs more now, but should still be aggressive in acquiring Rice.
First, he’s had 5 or more targets in 5 of his 7 games played this season. And, while he had been inconsistent in translating those looks into meaningful fantasy points, he’s posted three straight weeks of solid production. In those weeks, Rice finished as the PPR WR23, 34, and 14, respectively.
Plus, Patrick Mahomes appears to be back on track after a monster game last week. And, the league’s best QB had this to say about Rice this week:
Rice is growing every week. With Mahomes able to trust him more, he should continue to earn looks and produce consistently from here on out. His ceiling is unknown, but it’s present. All he needs now is that breakout game to solidify his value. And that game is coming.
From here to the end of the season, the Kansas City Chiefs have a very favourable schedule, which should give Rice every opportunity to step up and command targets as the number two option in this elite passing game.
I’m not above sending out a first-round pick to acquire him, but I’d bet that’s not necessary. A vet and a lesser pick should get it done. I’ll kick the tires by sending Cam Akers or Gus Edwards and a third-rounder to see how much else would be needed to close the gap. Upgrading to a high-tier player or second-round pick – or both, honestly – is a counter I would smash in most cases.
Go get Rice now and look to profit very, very soon.
Sell Darrell Henderson
Darrell Henderson came in off the street and immediately handled the lion’s share of the backfield work for the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. A 57% snap share and 19 touches came out of nowhere. Now, managers who bought in on him before game time or spent up during this week’s waiver run should sell, sell, sell.
Henderson is a decent NFL back and he’s proven he can perform well in Sean McVay’s scheme. But it’s telling that the Rams didn’t invite him back during the offseason, and instead rolled with the volatile Cam Akers. Surprise, surprise… Akers didn’t last much more than a month into the season before being DJ Jazzy Jeffed to Minnesota.
Given the pickle the Rams were in with their RB room, it helped Henderson’s case that he could do things like this in last week’s game:
And they rewarded him for his efforts, as he put up 66 total yards and a touchdown.
Which is exactly why it’s time to sell him.
A player who you’ve acquired for relatively little now holds immediate value. It’s time to offer him for a younger player or hunt around for a package that can net you a second-round pick. I’ll gladly send Henderson for a Romeo Doubs-level player, as well.
Capitalize on the limited-time, perceived upside of a dynasty fantasy football player in a fluid and crowded situation before his value evaporates.
Buy Marvin Mims
I haven’t been incredibly high on Marvin Mims at any point this season, but that’s about to change. The Denver Broncos are seemingly hyper-aware of their situation and, if reports are to be believed, they’re calling anyone and everyone about dealing some of their star players. Number one on their hope-to-trade list: Jerry Jeudy.
If Jeudy is dealt, that opens up a massive opportunity for Mims, who has flashed in a limited role multiple times this season. But it’s that limited role that has been the problem. Mims has yet to see a snap share higher than 35% all season.
With a total of -0.7 fantasy points over the past three weeks, now is the time to pounce on Mims before the Broncos make their moves.
Despite his low usage, he’s still performing well compared to other rookie wideouts. It might even surprise you that he’s put up more yards than the likes of Jayden Reed and Jaxon Smith-Njigba:
But the real opportunity is coming for Mims. Given Jeudy’s tough-to-swallow $13 million cap hit next season, I’m pretty confident they’ll sell him for less if they have to. Getting something for him now is much better than paying him to sit behind Sutton and Mims.
Even with the writing on the wall, you’re still buying low on Mims. I’ll send a low second-round pick to acquire him or a vet in the Tyler Lockett range or even Trey McBride. Depending on the dynasty fantasy football team build and circumstances, sending Waller for Mims+ could work out nicely for you.
Sell Mac Jones
Mac Jones had a decent game this past week. He managed to finish as the QB8 in standard-scoring leagues. As a New England Patriots fan, it’s encouraging to see that production from my quarterback in a huge upset. As a dynasty manager, it’s encouraging to see a sell window for the first time since week 1.
Jones has been horrific for five weeks in a row, finishing no better than the QB23 before this week. And, it’s important to remember that the Bills, though once a feared defensive unit, are incredibly shorthanded at every level. Jones went out and made the best of a good situation, and was adequate. It’s time to sell him, where possible.
And while I respect Aaron Rodgers’ opinions on QBs, this isn’t exactly an endorsement of the player himself:
But Rodgers is right that the narrative changes quickly. And that’s why it’s time to act. I’m looking to get out from under my barely adequate Jones shares. I’ll do it for a high second-rounder at this point, but I’m holding out for a 1st.
If I can package Mac with a later second-rounder or a player like teammate Kendrick Bourne or Demario Douglas to get there, I’ll happily make it happen. I’m looking for difference-makers in dynasty fantasy football and, unfortunately, Mac Jones just isn’t one. For reality football’s sake, I hope I’m wrong.
Those are my best buys and sells ahead of week 8. I’ll hit you with two more buys and two more sells next week to help you build the best dynasty fantasy football squad imaginable. See you next week and happy trading!
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.