In fantasy land, trade winds are still blowing.
While the real NFL’s trade deadline came to pass without too much incident before turning the page to Week 10, fantasy leagues don’t often have the same outcome. If they have one, most leagues set their trade deadline for sometime within the first three weeks of November.
That leaves fantasy managers without much time to poach players from their league’s bottom dwellers. Impactful fantasy players are littered all over teams that are down on their luck. While you shouldn’t lowball teams in your league, perhaps there is a discount to be had with them already out of the race.
Just like real life general managers, relationships can be a determining factor in whether a deal gets done. Being able to successfully navigate the trade market can catapult your team to becoming the ultimate contender.
Here are 10 players that you should look to acquire before the deadline in your league passes:
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Fantasy football trade targets
Nico Collins
If Collins is on a team that doesn’t have any playoff hopes left, then move whatever you can, within reason, to acquire the receiver. Before his injury, Houston’s star wideout was in the conversation for being the best at the position. Instead he’s only tumbled down the rankings after a stint on IR, but could return in Week 10 if the team believes he’s ready.
The Texans’ passing attack has suffered without Collins and C.J. Stroud will be happy to have him back in the fold. Collins can transform this offense and immediately comes off the fantasy trade market when he returns to game action. That means this is likely your last chance to make a blockbuster move for a player that should pick up right where they left off.
George Pickens
The numbers aren’t necessarily pretty for Pickens in 2024. Don’t be fooled, however, as we’ll buy stock in the Pittsburgh receiver. The Steelers have been able to move the ball more effectively through the air since making the quarterback change to Russell Wilson. He can be a boom-or-bust player, but it’s important to factor in that this is a player that has fallen victim to penalties and the replay system. With two touchdowns coming off the board in the team’s Week 8 win over the Giants, it’s safe the say the outlook would be much different if those plays had a different outcome.
Pittsburgh’s offense can be infuriating, but Pickens’ target share remains steady at around 28 percent and that jumps to nearly 38 percent in the red zone. A frustrated fantasy manager could be willing to cut bait, so there’s a chance he can be had for a discount. After the Steelers’ trade for Mike Williams, that should only help open things up for Pickens and improve his fantasy outlook.
Garrett Wilson
The Jets are a hard team to stomach this season and every fantasy team should be afforded a season-long supply of Pepto Bismol for enduring it. However, it’s important to note that we’re interested in Wilson’s production, not the final score or the Jets’ record. That’s where our outlook begins to change.
Following an underwhelming start to the season through four weeks, Wilson has picked up his game and turned in five straight double digit fantasy performances in PPR formats. He’s found the end zone four times in that span, developing a connection with Aaron Rodgers. Even the arrival of Davante Adams hasn’t changed that reality, with Wilson’s outlook only ticking up because of their thin receiving core. While the window to buy Wilson has likely closed, it’s worth checking in.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The Giants officially turned the page on Devin Singletary, handing the backfield keys to Tracy moving forward. The rookie has does nothing but perform ever since, with at least 16 carries in four of the last five games. Tracy comes with rushing and receiving upside, only adding to his value. The Giants offense won’t be confused with the league’s best anytime soon, but Tracy has all the key things you’re looking for in fantasy – workload, opportunity and production.
New York has the sixth most favorable schedule to running backs for the rest of the season, according to Fantasy Pros. Tracy doesn’t have a lot of name recognition or a proven track record, meaning you can likely pry him from a skeptical fantasy manager.
Christian McCaffrey
The situation with McCaffrey is well-documented by now, but you have to at least check in. The star running back likely went with the first or second pick in your draft and the team that rosters him is probably on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
With his return seemingly on the horizon, this is a good chance to try and add one of fantasy’s best assets to your team. Of course, McCaffrey won’t be available if that team also rosters Jordan Mason. It’s also worth noting that a panicked team probably already dealt him. A trade for McCaffrey at this stage does come with plenty of risk, however. Regardless, if the stars align in your league, this could be the move that puts you over the top.
Cedric Tillman
After a mostly quiet season, Tillman has burst onto the fantasy scene following the Browns’ decision to trade Amari Cooper. Suddenly asked to step up, Tillman has answered the call. He’s averaging 85 receiving yards, 10.7 targets, seven receptions and a touchdown per game since Cooper’s departure.
Deshaun Watson is done for the season with a ruptured Achilles and the transition to Jameis Winston has helped to somewhat resurrect a previously nonexistent Cleveland passing attack. Tillman is the top pass-catching option and that makes him a player to target.
T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson didn’t post the best numbers in his return from injury, but the signs were promising moving forward. The Vikings’ offense is a fun one to watch and is capable of supporting multiple players for fantasy purposes. Hockenson’s return marks a big upgrade for Kevin O’Connell’s team and he should only improve with more reps.
Despite finishing with just three catches for 27 yards, it’s worth noting that Hockenson’s day would’ve been much better if he was able to convert his one red zone target that was ultimately intercepted. At a thin tight end position, it doesn’t hurt to take a flier on a player that would be viewed much differently if he scored in his return.
Cade Otton
As the Buccaneers deal with injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, it’s been Otton that has stepped up to become Tampa’s top receiving option. Otton has likely spent a good majority of the season on waivers, but is certainly a must-start in fantasy leagues going forward. His trade availability depends mostly on whether your league mate views this as something that’s sustainable beyond this short stretch.
With at least 10 targets in each of the last three games, Otton has made the most of his opportunity, averaging 8.3 receptions, 86 receiving yards and a touchdown in that span. Just like Hockenson, it’s worth checking in on the Buccaneers’ tight end.
Josh Downs
Making the switch to Joe Flacco is considered to be a benefit for Colts’ pass-catchers. While we won’t know the true impact until we see a larger sample size, we can conclude that Flacco’s presence is a major boost to Downs. The receiver profiles as Indianapolis’ top option, averaging just under 10 targets per game with the veteran under center.
We know that Flacco has a tendency to lock in on one target as evidenced by David Njoku’s run with the Browns in 2023. Downs is clearly that player for Flacco this year. While Michael Pittman Jr. fades, it’s Downs that looks to be the emerging star. Out of anyone in the Colts’ offense, Downs is the player to target.
Jonathan Brooks
In comes Brooks and out goes Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers are finally getting a chance to see what their rookie running back is capable of after drafting him in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Brooks has missed the first nine weeks thanks to the torn ACL he suffered in his final season of college, but should see plenty of opportunity now that he’s healthy.
Carolina is firmly in rebuild mode and with Hubbard set to hit free agency, it makes sense for Brooks to get a serious look before the season ends. Hubbard has been one of the lone bright spots for a horrible Panthers team, but Brooks is the future, at least on paper. If you’re in the market for a running back, consider making a play for Brooks before he gets into a game.
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