Fantasy Football Trade Strategy: Dynasty Players to Buy Low & Sell High in 2023
As the last echoes of the NFL Draft fade away and offseason workouts kick into high gear, the 2023 NFL season looms on the horizon, now just shy of 100 days away. The draft has reshuffled the deck, casting light on the power dynamics of NFL depth charts and how incoming rookies will fit into the picture. This is the time for fantasy football players to strategically reposition their rosters in dynasty leagues. It's a prime opportunity to acquire underestimated gems on the cheap, and to maximize returns on those players whose stock may have peaked. To help guide your trading decisions, our expert panel has gathered to spotlight the players they believe hold the most promise for a buy low strategy, as well as those they are looking to sell high.
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Which player are you buying now in dynasty leagues and why? Also, what are you willing to give up to get him?
Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)"While Treylon Burks had a disappointing rookie season, he is one of my top dynasty trade targets. Last year the rookie dealt with injuries but finished the year playing well. Burks averaged 1.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per target over his final six games last season despite his injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. More importantly, the Titans didn't add a significant veteran wide receiver in free agency and waited until the seventh round to draft one. After struggling as a rookie, Burks will see a healthy target share this year, leading to his sophomore breakout."– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Najee Harris (RB – PIT)"If the Najee Harris stakeholder in your league is disenchanted after Najee's inefficient, slightly disappointing 2022 season, this is a good time to swoop in. Najee averaged only 3.8 yards per carry and 4.3 yards per target last season, but it's possible he was playing at less than 100% early on after sustaining a Lisfranc foot sprain in training camp. Najee averaged 59.1 yards from scrimmage over the first eight games of the season, 87.8 yards from scrimmage over his last nine games. The Steelers have made significant upgrades to their offensive line this offseason, significant improvements to that unit in the offseason, signing OGs Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig, and trading up to draft OT Broderick Jones in the first round, so this will probably be the best offensive line Najee has worked with since entering the league. Buy the dip on a 25-year-old workhorse who should be poised for a big season. I’d happily part with either the 30-year-old Davante Adams or the 23-year-old Treylon Burks to land Najee."– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
"If the price is right, I’m trying to acquire Najee Harris. He played hurt most of last season on a dismal Steelers offense. However, they added some depth and weight to the line and I expect QB Kenny Pickett to take that next step in his career development. I’d be willing to send a WR like Chris Godwin or a TE like TJ Hockenson for him in TE premium leagues."– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)"After players initially disappoint in dynasty leagues, a lot get thrown to the pile and are no longer the desired assets they once were. We saw this after Trevor Lawrence‘s rookie year, 12 months after he was the most heralded dynasty asset in years. Like Lawrence, Bateman has dealt with adversity even if it was very different, but nonetheless, we can explain what's gone wrong for Bateman and easily see a 2023 where things click into place as a part of a much pass-happier new offense. If I can move on from an aging running back like Aaron Jones or Derrick Henry to get Bateman and something on top, then it's a sensible decision for your roster."– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
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Which player are you selling now in dynasty leagues and why? Also, what kind of return are you looking for?
Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)"Last year Tyler Lockett was the WR13, averaging 12.2 half-points PPR fantasy points per game. However, it was the third consecutive season the veteran wide receiver saw his fantasy points per game average drop. More importantly, the Seahawks didn't help Lockett's fantasy value during the 2023 NFL Draft. They used a first-round pick on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Furthermore, Seattle didn't draft a quarterback, instead putting their faith in Geno Smith again. Meanwhile, Lockett will turn 31 in September. Now is the time to trade away the veteran before his trade value declines. If you can land a top-12 rookie pick for the wide receiver, that is a deal I would make in a heartbeat."– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)"Sell high on Deebo Samuel, who averaged a career-low 48.6 receiving yards per game last season. Deebo doesn't get heavy target volume (7.2 targets per game last year), and his average depth of target in 2022 was just 4.4 yards. A receiver operating that close to the line of scrimmage won't rack up substantial numbers unless he's consistently seeing double-digit targets. And while Deebo has added rushing value the last two seasons, he probably won't get enough carries to move the needle in fantasy this season if RBs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell stay reasonably healthy. I’d be willing to deal away the 27-year-old Deebo for either 24-year-old Christian Watson or 23-year-old Jahan Dotson, and you might be able to get the other manager to throw in a third-round rookie pick."– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Miles Sanders (RB – CAR)"There seems to be a thought process in the fantasy football community that Sanders could now become a three-down running back for the Panthers, simply because they paid him well and they have very few other options. Sanders has only ever looked a good pass-catcher in his rookie season, since then he's averaged 11.5 receiving yards per game. If there is someone in your league who believes the Panthers know better than the Eagles, then sell Sanders to them for a high-second round pick or a possible late first in 2024."– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
Travis Kelce (TE – KC)"Travis Kelce is the player I’m trying to sell if I have him on my roster right now. His price is still very high and most managers want that set-it-and-forget-it player. That being said, the wheels have to come off at some point. If I can pivot from him to TE Kyle Pitts plus a piece I’m happy to do that, although I’m not sure that would work in all leagues. I wouldn't want to give him up without at least getting a tier 2 TE back in the deal."– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
For more dynasty trade advice, check out our Dynasty Trade Value Chart
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Sign up for our premium subscription now to gain access to the complete 2023 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit Players to Buy Low & Sell High: Dynasty Fantasy Football Treylon Burks (WR – TEN) Najee Harris (RB – PIT) Najee Harris Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL) Get the FantasyPros News App for iOS or Android now Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA) Deebo Samuel (WR – SF) Miles Sanders (RB – CAR) Travis Kelce (TE – KC) For more dynasty trade advice, check out our Dynasty Trade Value Chart Subscribe Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Stitcher SoundCloud iHeartRadio FantasyPros Staff Anthony Corrente Tom Strachan Andrew Hall