Enhance your lineups for the remainder of the season with these fantasy football trade prospects ahead of Week 9
Acquire Mike Evans at a discount
This is the perfect moment to invest in Evans. Last week sparked much discussion regarding which Buccaneers receivers would step up in the absence of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, yet Week 8 passed without any standout performances among Bucs receivers. Rookie Jalen McMillan led in targets with seven, but he only managed to accumulate 35 yards without a touchdown from four receptions. Instead, tight end Cade Otton and the Buccaneers’ running backs were the primary targets in the passing game.
The most strategic move in the Buccaneers’ receiving corps is to buy low on Evans. He is expected to return from his hamstring injury in a few weeks and has finished in the top 10 three times in the five games he has completed this season. Furthermore, he will no longer need to vie for targets against Chris Godwin for the rest of the year.
Evans might make his return in Week 11, following the Buccaneers’ bye week. He would then face the Giants and Panthers—both favorable matchups—but most importantly, Evans has an excellent schedule for the fantasy playoffs. During the fantasy playoffs, he will take on the Cowboys and Panthers, both of which rank among the top five in yards allowed per passing play this season according to NFL Pro.
Consider trading someone like J.K. Dobbins or Darnell Mooney to acquire Evans if possible.
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Propose a trade for Jayden Reed
Reed is coming off another
In a recent game, he recorded fewer than 10 fantasy points. This marks the fourth occurrence of him being under 10 points in eight games this season. However, it’s essential to provide some context: Jordan Love was either absent or left early in three of the four games where Reed did not exceed 10 points. A concerning trend emerged in Week 8, as Christian Watson played a season-high number of snaps, overshadowing Reed’s presence on the field, according to PFF.
Unfortunately, the bad news continues as Jordan Love sustained a groin injury in Week 8, raising the possibility of his absence in Week 9.
With a bye scheduled for the Packers in Week 10, if Love were to miss Week 9, Reed could be looking at an extended period without quality fantasy production. This context presents an opportunity to buy low on Reed. The Packers’ offense is designed to distribute usage among their numerous talented players, yet Reed remains a focal point in their plays. He ranks third in fantasy points per target this season and continues to be one of the most efficient and explosive playmakers in the league. If possible, buy low on Reed; consider trading a player like James Conner or Chris Olave to acquire him.
Buy low on Javonte Williams
Williams recently experienced a disappointing week, failing to achieve 10 fantasy points. He recorded only 52 scoreless yards while facing the Panthers, who have the league’s worst run defense. However, let’s not overlook his impressive performance just a week prior. In Week 7, Williams had a standout game, accumulating 100 total yards and scoring two touchdowns. Following that performance, I viewed him as a player to hold in fantasy; now, after his lackluster Week 8, he has become a prime buy-low candidate.
In the last five games, Williams has averaged 17.6 opportunities, along with a strong 16% target share. This usage places him among the top 12 RBs in that timeframe. The Broncos’ offensive strategy focuses on establishing a strong ground game, and they have chosen Williams as their lead back. Although he faces a challenging schedule with upcoming matchups against the Ravens and Chiefs, his role in the passing game should keep him relevant in those contests. This trade is primarily a move for the fantasy playoffs when Williams will encounter bottom-10 run defenses in the Colts and Bengals. If possible, trade a player like Calvin Ridley for Williams.
Send an offer for Davante Adams
The connection between Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers has struggled through the last two weeks. In Adams’ debut with the Jets during Week 7, he captured a decent 19% target share, but this resulted in only three receptions for 30 yards. It was reasonable to attribute this performance to the mid-week trade and Adams lacking enough time to adapt to his new offense. However, in Week 8, Adams managed just four catches for 54 yards, misconnecting with Rodgers on two different routes/targets.
There is evidently some rust between Rodgers and Adams, creating a buy-low opportunity for Adams, who has reached 10 fantasy points only once this season. I believe we’ve hit rock bottom for Adams, and things can only improve from here. Notably, he has been on the field for nearly every offensive play by the Jets in the past two weeks and has averaged a commendable 7.5 targets per game since joining the team.
In due course, their connection will solidify, making this potentially your last chance to buy low. Adams is set to face advantageous matchups against the Colts, Seahawks, and Cardinals soon, and he will also enjoy a favorable fantasy playoff schedule against two bottom-five secondaries in the Rams and Jaguars.
If you can, trade a player like Aaron Jones or D’Andre Swift for Adams.
Trade for Bucky Irving
Irving experienced an eventful week. It began with him missing several practices, leading to reports that suggested he might sit out Week 8. However, he practiced on Friday, and news emerged indicating he was likely to play. Ultimately, Irving started the game, heading the Bucs’ backfield with 16 opportunities, which included seven receptions. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, the Bucs leaned heavily on their running backs in the passing game. Together, Irving and Rachaad White recorded 12 catches on 13 targets.
Yet, that’s not the game’s most significant takeaway.
The key observation was that Sean Tucker’s playing time was drastically reduced; he was on the field for just 10% of the snaps and managed only three touches in Week 8. This shift allowed Irving to capitalize on his opportunities, averaging 5.3 yards per touch. Now, Irving sits in the top 10 in the NFL with an average of 5.8 yards per touch this season, according to Player Profiler.
As the fantasy playoffs approach, Irving will go up against the Cowboys and Panthers, both of whom currently allow the highest rushing yards per game. Now is an opportune moment to invest in him, as the Bucs are expected to continue relying on their running backs until Evans makes his return. If possible, consider trading players like Kareem Hunt or Tank Bigsby for Irving.
Fantasy Football Trade Targets: Buy Low on Key Players Ahead of Week 9
Understanding Buy Low Trade Targets
As we approach Week 9 of the NFL season, savvy fantasy football managers are looking for opportunities to strengthen their rosters. One of the best strategies involves identifying buy low trade targets. These are players who may be underperforming due to various reasons but have the potential to produce significant returns in the second half of the season. In this article, we’ll explore key players to target, the benefits of making these trades, and practical tips to maximize your trade success.
Key Players to Target
Below is a list of players who are strong candidates for a buy low trade ahead of Week 9:
| Player | Position | Current Stats | Reason to Buy Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | RB | 400 yards, 2 TDs | Injury return; upcoming favorable matchups |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | 350 yards, 1 TD | Quarterback changes affecting performance |
| George Kittle | TE | 250 yards, 2 TDs | Underutilized in recent games; potential for uptick |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | 450 yards, 3 TDs | Offensive line issues; schedule improving |
| Trevor Lawrence | QB | 1,600 yards, 10 TDs | Slow start; favorable upcoming matchups |
Benefits of Targeting Buy Low Players
Acquiring players at a lower value can yield significant benefits for your fantasy football team:
- Improved Roster Depth: Adding players who can bounce back enhances the overall strength of your lineup.
- Cost-Effective Moves: Buying low allows you to spend fewer resources (draft picks, quality players) to acquire talent.
- Strategic Positioning: Understanding when to take risks with players can give you a competitive edge.
- Trade Leverage: Often, fantasy managers are willing to sell players at a discount after a rough patch, allowing you to capitalize.
Practical Tips for Making Successful Trades
Here are some practical tips to help you negotiate and execute successful trades as we head into Week 9:
- Know Your League: Understand your league settings (PPR, standard, etc.) and how they affect player value.
- Monitor Player Trends: Keep an eye on player performance trends, injuries, and coaching changes that could influence production.
- Evaluate Selling Team’s Needs: Identify teams that are struggling in specific positions and offer trades that fill those gaps.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, waiting a week or two to make your trade can yield a better return as the market shifts.
- Communicate Clearly: When negotiating, communicate openly and honestly about your offers to build trust.
Case Studies: Successful Buy Low Trades
Examining past instances can provide insight into the effectiveness of buy low strategies:
Case Study 1: Saquon Barkley in 2022
After an injury-plagued start to the 2022 season, Barkley’s production dipped significantly. However, savvy managers who traded for him mid-season benefited greatly as he returned to form, finishing as a top-ranked running back.
Case Study 2: DeAndre Hopkins in 2021
Hopkins experienced a slow start due to a quarterback change. Managers who recognized his talent and traded for him saw a late-season resurgence, culminating in a strong playoff performance.
First-Hand Experience: My Buy Low Success
This season, I made a strategic move by trading for George Kittle after a few lackluster performances. Recognizing that he was underutilized due to game plans that focused on other players, I offered a mid-tier receiver in exchange. Kittle has since bounced back, becoming a vital part of my lineup in the latter half of the season.
Analyzing Market Trends
Knowing when to buy low is crucial. Use these trends to find the best moments to trade:
- Post-Injury Returns: Players returning from injuries often experience initial struggles, making them prime buy low candidates.
- Contract Years: Players in contract years may be more motivated to perform in the second half of the season.
- Matchup Analysis: Look for players with favorable upcoming matchups and those who might be undervalued due to recent performance dips.
Conclusion
Identifying buy low trade targets can significantly impact your fantasy football season. By understanding the market, leveraging player trends, and being strategic in your negotiations, you can enhance your roster and set yourself up for success as you head into the playoffs. Remember, the key to fantasy success is not just having the best players but also knowing when to acquire them.
This article provides an in-depth look at potential buy low trade targets for fantasy football managers ahead of Week 9, along with strategies and examples to guide readers in strengthening their teams.
