Week two saw some big performances from the NFC West. The surprising Rams made it a game against the 49ers. Purdy looked human on Sunday, missing some easy throws, is he fully healthy? The Cardinals looked like a team on a mission in the first half against the Giants, but then said “just kidding, we are tanking!” blowing a 28-7 lead. After a disappointing week one, the Seahawks came back to life, but with so many mouths to feed that offense is tough to trust. Let’s dive into the NFC West with a dynasty fantasy football perspective.
Buy – Kyler Murray QB, Arizona Cardinals
We know that he is missing the first four games, which means the earliest he could return is week five. He is progressing well in his recovery from a torn ACL/meniscus, but there is no word on when exactly he is going to be back. If the Cardinals are 0-4 there is no reason to rush him back.
There are those who believe the Cardinals are tanking for Caleb Williams. If that is the case, they won’t want Murray back and risk his trade value. I don’t believe that is what the Cardinals are doing, but I do think they want to be cautious with their franchise QB. Even if they did trade him, he is only 26 years old and has a five-year contract locking him into a starting job.
In November 2021, Kyler Murray ranked as the QB 1 in the dynasty. That is not that long ago! Now he has dropped to QB 15. Yet, he ranked 7th in points per game (18.9) last year prior to his injury. In 2021 he finished 4th in points per game (22.2). It is tough to watch his games, but he gets the job done for fantasy.
His value is low and that should be exploited! There is a chance you could get him for a first and a second in some leagues. Other deals you could look to do is sending QBs like Mac Jones, Sam Howell, or Kenny Pickett plus something. His value will only go up once he is back putting up fantasy points. Now is the time to pounce in dynasty fantasy football!
Honorable Mention – Brandon Aiyuk WR, San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk is not going to come cheap in dynasty fantasy football, but I am more than willing to send a mid to late first, plus a small piece to get him on my roster. The former first-round pick has been Purdy’s favorite target to start the year, especially in the red zone. He has five targets over two games, despite only playing 53% of the snaps in week two. He is dealing with a chest and shoulder injury that kept him out of this week’s game.
Sell – Christian McCaffery RB, San Francisco 49ers
Just like Ekeler last week, McCaffery needs to be sold off all non-contending dynasty fantasy football teams. You don’t want to be left on board when the ship starts sinking! McCaffery is making it easy, putting up three straight games with 20-plus points, upping his dynasty fantasy football value!
After two injury-plagued seasons in 2020 and 2021, he was traded to the 49ers prior to week seven. McCaffery played all 17 games last year, averaging 18.5 points. Which placed him second behind only Ekeler.
Despite being 27 years old, he still holds his value and is ranked as a top 3 dynasty RB. You are likely competing if you have McCaffery, but if there is any doubt sell now! Any contending team will pay multiple firsts for his services because he is that good.
Honorable Mentions
I know neither of these are going to be a popular choices, but sometimes you have to take advantage of sky-high prices.
Kenneth Walker RB, Seattle Seahawks
Walker is electric, but I personally have a hard time believing he’s going to continue keeping Zach Charbonnet off the field. He is ranked as the RB 7 on KeepTradeCut.com. That will slowly come down if/when Charbonnet starts seeing work. If you can downgrade and get a plus, you will do yourself a favor.
Kyren Williams RB, Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams has jumped from a nobody to RB 15. He has played well enough that the Rams dealt former second-round RB Cam Akers to the Vikings this week. He is not built for three-down work, I expect the Rams to draft someone next year. You can ride the wave this year, but I don’t see his value being this high again.
Hold – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Seattle Seahawks
Don’t panic, we knew it could be slow. In two games he has eight catches for 47 yards. Metcalf and Lockett have the TDs, but to be honest, the target share has been similar. Over the first two games, Lockett has 14, Metcalf 11 and Smith-Njigba 11. Next game it could be JSN getting two TDs. I wouldn’t be trusting him in my lineup, but hold him for the rewards later!
I’d like to say Lockett won’t last forever, but he keeps producing! Lockett is 31 years old with two years left on his contract after this season. The dead cap hit is 19 million after this year. There is a chance he could still be around next year. The talent is there for JSN, there are a lot of mouths to feed. He is holding his value right now, but you might need to ride the wave, he could drop before rising again.
Honorable Mention – Zach Charbonnet RB, Seattle Seahawks
Much like his teammate Smith-Njigba, it has been a slow start, a very slow start. Over the first two games, he has a total of seven carries and two catches. Kenneth Walker is the guy for the time being. Pete Carroll is an odd duck, why draft a guy in the second round if you don’t plan on using him? Charbonnet is the bigger back and the better pass catcher, one slip by Walker and Charbonnet shoots up in value.
Dynasty Stash
Sam Darnold QB, San Francisco 49ers
I will admit, I have been a bit high on Darnold in the past, forgive me! I am not telling you to go and buy him, but I would hold if you have him in superflex leagues or add him if he’s on waivers. He is one injury away from being a QB in Kyle Shanahan’s system, which has weapons galore. Let’s remember he beat out Trey Lance, who the Niners traded up for! They have confidence in him. He is only 26 years old and if he gets a spot start or two, he could turn that into another starting job. He started 2021 off with four strong games before he and Christian McCaffery suffered injuries. Darnold also ended last year with five straight games of being a top-20 QB from weeks 12-17.
There are many more names I could have mentioned. Puka Nacua is the obvious one. Honestly, you drafted him in the third or fourth round, consider it a blessing and ride the wave with him! George Kittle was my sell last year and I hope you took my advice cause his value is sinking. After another devastating RB injury, you might want to look to sell these RBs, including Conner’s while the need is out there. Good luck with your week three matchups!
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.