Playoff pushes are on. If your trade deadline hasn’t passed, I am going to give you my favorite budget buys for a championship run at each position. You don’t always need to mortgage the future to go for it. The following list of names will help your fantasy football lineup in the short term, while saving those precious first round picks.
QB – Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo is averaging 16.65 points per game, which ranks 16th best. He has thrown a TD in every game except one, but that week he scored a rushing TD. Interceptions can be costly in fantasy football, but Jimmy G only has four on the year. Two of those came in one week. He has arguably the best supporting cast to help him.
Garoppolo has the easiest schedule to finish off the year. If you are still fighting for a playoff spot this week he plays Miami, currently giving up the fourth most points to the QB position. In Week 15 he plays Seattle who are giving up an average of 20.5 points per game. Week 16 is against the Commanders, who are giving up 19.1 points per game. He gets a juicy championship week! He plays Vegas who are giving up the third most points to the QB position. If you happen to be in a league that plays Week 18, he plays the Cardinals, the team he put up four TDs against.
His future is unknown, so teams that are rebuilding will want to get something for him. Garoppolo is a free agent this offseason, He will get another chance to start somewhere. Teams like Tampa Bay, Washington, New Orleans, and Indianapolis could all be looking for a veteran QB.
The nice thing about acquiring Jimmy G is he won’t cost you a fortune. His value right now on KTC is a late 2023 second. If you are looking for extra depth or a steady QB2 in superflex leagues, go send an offer out for Garoppolo.
RB – Jamaal Williams
Did you know Jamaal Williams is the RB10 in fantasy football so far this year? His 14.5 points per game has been helped with a few strong performances, but he only has three bust games. He is the league leader with 14 rushing TDs, scoring multiple TDs In five games. With a combined 41 red zone attempts, he leads the Lions by a lot.
If you aren’t in the playoff race you are looking to cashout ASAP. Contenders in need of a RB2 or a great flex option, look no further than Williams. The Lions have the seventh best schedule for RBs. All their remaining matchups, except one, are against teams ranked 17th or worst against RBs. The only hiccup is Week 15 against the improved Jets defense. They currently rank as a top ten defense against RBs.
Just like Garoppolo, Williams’ future is unknown. Will the Lions bring him back? Does another team use him in a similar role next year? There is a chance the Lions lean on him down the stretch and save Swift for next year, since their playoff hopes are gone. Go out and send your late 2nd to acquire Williams. He should provide a safe floor and has boom potential that could put you over the top.
WR – Courtland Sutton
The Broncos offense has been disappointing. However, throughout the disappointment, Sutton has been a steady WR3 all year. He put up a trio of stinkers between Weeks 6-8. However, he has averaged 9.2 points per game and is currently ranked as the WR30 in fantasy football.
The Broncos have had one of the tougher schedules to begin the year. However, that changes as the playoffs approach. They have the sixth easiest remaining schedule for receivers, which should allow for some improvements. Look for Sutton to move into the WR2 range through this stretch, even with Jeudy getting healthy.
Sutton is a top 36 WR, yet he’s only scored one TD this year. With 11 red zone targets, Sutton currently leads the Broncos. If the friendly schedule allows more opportunities, look for Sutton to capitalize more often and spike his production.
Sutton is only 27, and he has three years remaining on his contract. His value right now is around a mid 2023 second. Scoop him up and have a consistent WR three or a great flex option moving forward.
TE – Gerald Everett
Gerald Everett has been inconsistent this year. His 7.1 points per game ties him for 10th best, at the TE position – with Dalton Schultz. He is tied for the lead amongst WRs and TEs on the Chargers with 10 red zone targets. The ten targets have led to two TDs.
The Chargers have the fifth best remaining schedule for TEs. Of the remaining five games (if you don’t count Week 18) all except one are against bottom half teams against the TEs. He has two juicy matchups going into the playoffs against the Raiders and Dolphins. His target share could fluctuate, depending on the health of the WRs, but on paper the matchups are good.
The value to acquire him is cheap. Valued around a mid 2023 3rd; a cheap price for someone locked in for another year with the Chargers. Then he will become a free agent at the age of 30. With the injuries to the TE position this year, Everett is a cheap option and should give you a safe floor each week.
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.