There are a lot of question marks surrounding this division. Has Geno Smith played well enough to keep the job next year? Is the Rams offense toast? What happens with Trey Lance if Jimmy G leads the 49ers on another playoff run? Are the Cardinals in trouble now that the new Call of Duty has come out? The answer to these questions will have implications on the dynasty values of not only these particular players, but their teammates as well. Let’s take a look at some players from this division and what we should be doing with them on our fantasy football rosters.
Buy
Kyren Williams – RB – Los Angeles Rams
Drafted in the fifth round, Kyren Williams put up two solid seasons with the Fighting Irish. In his two years as the starter he put up 2127 rushing yards, 672 receiving yards and a total of 31 TDs.
Sadly, Williams got hurt early in Week 1 and has been on IR since. He is expected back for Week 9 and will get his shot to lead this backfield. Cam Akers is frustrated with the Rams and wants out. Darrell Henderson hasn’t done much when given the chance. The doors have opened wide for Williams to at least get a shot.
Williams is not a strong pass blocker, but excels as a pass-catching back. It will be interesting to see how they use him with the Rams offensive line struggling this year. He might be a fantasy football PPR stud down the stretch, as Stafford looks to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible.
His value right now is around an early 2023 3rd. With the recent hype you might need to pay a late 2nd. If he puts up a couple of serviceable games his value will rise. You want pieces tied to Sean McVay’s offence.
Honourable Mention
Trey Lance – QB – San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lanace’s value reached as high as QB7 back at the start of September. He is currently ranked as the QB13 on KTC. The 49ers have since added Christian McCaffrey to the mix. They have done a good job surrounding Lance with talent for when he takes over next year. If I can acquire him for a late 1st, which is his value right now, I am doing that. There is no doubt his value will shoot up again next offseason. His dual threat ability gives him that added boost to fantasy football lineups.
Contender Buy
Geno Smith – QB – Seattle Seahawks
Geno is currently the QB7 in fantasy football, averaging 18.76 points per game. He has thrown two touchdown passes in all but two games.
The Seahawks are currently first in the division and don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Smith only signed a one year contract. There is a chance he has earned himself a short term bridge deal. However, the Seahawks have the Broncos first round pick, which at this point could be a high selection. They could use that or package picks to move up for their future QB.
With how amazing Geno has been, this is his peak value; and sadly it’s not much. He is valued around a late 2023 2nd. That makes him a perfect buy for a playoff push in superflex leagues. If I am selling, I’d prefer to go for a younger player like Ellijah Moore, Mac Jones, or Njoku+, instead of just a pick.
Sell
Zach Ertz – TE – Arizona Cardinals
It is hard to find consistent TE production, so sell when you do! Just kidding, but seriously Ertz is a sell if you are not in contention this year. Ertz is currently the 4th highest scoring TE in fantasy football, averaging 9.7 points per game. He is third in consistency rankings, only behind Kelce and Goedert.
The Cardinals are an air raid offense, but we have yet to see Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins together on the field. Add in Rondale Moore, Robbie Anderson and A.J. Green and things are getting pretty crowded. Oh, and don’t forget Greg Dortch! There is a chance Ertz’s production starts to slide when Brown comes back from injury and demands his targets. He was the WR6 through the first six weeks before his injury.
Ertz is 31 and is signed for another season, but the Cardinals drafted Trey McBride in the second round last year. I’d get out while you can still get a decent price for him. He is currently valued around an early 2023 3rd. With the way he is playing and how poor the TE position is, there is a contending team out there willing to give you a 2023 2nd for him. Take it!
Honorable Mention
Cooper Kupp – WR – Los Angeles Rams
Just like last week with Adams, this suggestion is only if you aren’t competing! Kupp is sadly on the downward trajectory. It has nothing to do with his play, but that’s what happens when you are closing in on 30. He was the WR3 in fantasy football on October 29th and has dropped to the WR6. His recent injury doesn’t seem serious and it looks like he is in line to play in Week 9. If there is any chance you have Kupp on your roster and are not in a playoff spot, you need to sell now! His value is only going to go down from here.
Hold
Marquise (Hollywood) Brown – WR – Arizona Cardinals
Marquise Brown started the year as the WR6 through the first six weeks, averaging 14.7 points per game. Last year through the first nine weeks he was the WR5 before cooling off around the time Lamar Jackson got injured.
Hollywood currently sits as the WR22 in fantasy football. With his skill set, and the Cardinals air raid offense, Brown will raise his stock again. Even with Hopkins in the mix, Hollywood will get his targets and will see less time against teams top corners. This will be a recipe for fantasy goodness!
There is no reason to sell a 25 year old WR who is now playing with his college QB. If you did sell prior to his injury and Hopkins return, I hope you got a good return. However, he only peaked at WR18 back in September. If he can show the same consistency he had prior to his injury, there is no reason he can’t sneak inside the top 12 before the season ends.
Matthew Stafford – QB – Los Angeles Rams
The wheels have fallen off for the Rams offense this year. The offensive line is hanging Stafford out to dry. This has plummeted Stafford’s value all the way down to QB23. Do not sell at this price. If this offense can turn things around he will up his value once again. Even at the age of 34, his price can rise again.
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.