As the fantasy football season reaches its midpoint, savvy managers are looking for opportunities to bolster their rosters for the playoff push. One key strategy? Identifying players to trade away now while their value is peaking, allowing you to get maximum return and address weaknesses in your lineup.
The Sell-High Candidates
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris has been a workhorse over the past three games, eclipsing 100 rushing yards in each contest and averaging a robust 17.2 fantasy points per game. However, his touchdown dependency, lack of receiving usage, and the presence of capable backup Jaylen Warren limit Harris’ ceiling going forward. With a tough schedule looming, now is the time to flip the Steelers’ grinder for a haul.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Filling in admirably for the injured Isiah Pacheco, Hunt has found the end zone in three straight games as the Chiefs’ lead back. But with Pacheco nearing a return, Hunt’s volume is about to take a significant hit. The veteran’s diminished explosiveness and lack of receiving work further cap his rest-of-season outlook. Cash in on his productive streak now.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans
After a slow start, Ridley erupted for 143 yards and 10 catches in Week 8. However, consistency remains an issue with up-and-down quarterback play from Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Ridley’s huge game certainly inflated his trade stock, making this the optimal window to move him for a more reliable weekly starter at receiver.
Finding the Right Trade Partner
Beyond the clear-cut sell-high options, there are a few other players worth dangling on the trade market if you can find a manager willing to pay up for their name value or tantalizing upside:
- Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Despite two straight productive games, White remains in a committee with Bucky Irving, who looks like the superior talent. Shed White before the touch distribution skews further away from him.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks: A volume-based WR3 in Seattle’s run-heavy attack, Smith-Njigba is the ideal sweetener in a 2-for-1 deal to land a true difference-maker.
- C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans: His elite arm talent hasn’t translated to fantasy stardom as a rookie. If you have a solid QB2, consider bundling Stroud with another piece to upgrade your roster elsewhere.
- Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Bigsby’s a fine standalone asset, but his value to the Travis Etienne manager as a high-end handcuff could net you a quality return, especially ahead of Jacksonville’s Week 10 bye.
Remember, fantasy football is all about staying ahead of the curve. By proactively seeking out trades and pivoting away from players at their peak value, you give yourself the best chance to field a title-winning roster when it matters most. As the old adage goes, “trade a player a week too early rather than a week too late.”
In fantasy, as in life, timing is everything. The managers who can anticipate the ebb and flow of player values are the ones who consistently compete for championships year in and year out.
A fantasy football expert
So don’t be afraid to make some moves and shake up your roster. Fortune favors the bold in this game we play. Evaluate your squad with a critical eye, send out some trade feelers, and position yourself for a strong second-half surge. The fantasy playoffs will be here before you know it!
