Navigating the trading block is one of the most exhilarating aspects of fantasy football. The thrill of negotiating deals, sending trade offers, and ultimately revamping your roster is what makes this game so captivating. But as the NFL trade deadline has recently passed, the clock is ticking for fantasy managers. In just a few short weeks, your opportunity to make impactful trades will vanish, leaving you with only the waiver wire to shake things up. If you’re eager to revitalize your roster, now is the time to get those trade wheels in motion.
Understanding the Fantasy Football Trade Deadline
The fantasy trade deadline can vary significantly between platforms, so it’s crucial to know when you need to act. Here’s a quick rundown of the deadlines for three major platforms:
ESPN fantasy football trade deadline
Currently, ESPN leagues do not have a default trade deadline. Last year, it fell on Nov. 29 at Noon ET, so fantasy managers should prepare for a similar timeframe this year—likely during Week 12 of the NFL season. To confirm your league’s exact trade deadline, be sure to check the “Trades” section in the “League info” tab on the ESPN fantasy app.
Yahoo! fantasy football trade deadline
For Yahoo! leagues, the default trade deadline is set for Saturday, Nov. 16. With the deadline fast approaching, managers looking to make a change need to act swiftly to secure their desired trades.
Sleeper fantasy football trade deadline
Sleeper does not impose a default trade deadline, leaving commissioners to select a time between Week 9 and Week 13. To find your league’s specific deadline, head to the “General Settings” section of the League Settings page.
Essential Tips for Trading Success
As the trade deadline approaches, here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the trading landscape effectively:
Make trades that fit your team’s needs
At this point in the season, teams are either in win-now mode or gearing up for a playoff push. Your trades should align with your team’s current mentality. If you’re in desperate need of wins, target players with favorable schedules in the upcoming weeks who have already had their bye week. Conversely, if you’re a lock for the playoffs, consider acquiring players with an easy schedule during your league’s playoff weeks.
Don’t be afraid to sacrifice depth pieces
As the playoffs approach, having a deep bench becomes less critical. After Week 14, there are no bye weeks, and if one of your star players goes down with an injury, your chances of winning diminish significantly. If you have the opportunity to package a fringe starter with another player to acquire an elite asset, take it! Your goal is to have a team that can fire on all cylinders when it matters most.
Pick your trading partner wisely
Nothing is more frustrating than getting deep into trade negotiations only for the deal to fall through. To avoid this, strategically select the manager you want to trade with. Assess your roster, identify the players you can afford to give up, and seek out a manager whose team would benefit from those players. When trades are mutually beneficial, closing a deal becomes much easier.
Don’t send insulting trade offers
While the aim of any trade is to come out on top, be cautious not to send proposals that are too lopsided. If the other manager perceives your offer as laughable, they may not engage in further discussions. It’s perfectly fine to aim high, but ensure your offers are respectful and reasonable.
Top Candidates to Buy and Sell at the Trade Deadline
Now that you’re equipped with trading strategies, let’s dive into some potential buy and sell candidates as the trade deadline approaches.
Buy: Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is a prime target thanks to his incredibly favorable fantasy playoff schedule. From Weeks 15-17, he’ll face the Rams, Panthers, and Patriots—three defenses that he can exploit. With this advantageous matchup, Murray has the potential to be a top-3 quarterback during this stretch.
Sell: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
With Dak Prescott out for the season, CeeDee Lamb’s value has taken a hit. The combination of Cooper Rush and Trey Lance under center means Lamb may not reach the elite production levels he once had. If your team relies heavily on his output, it might be time to consider trading him before his value plummets further.
Buy: Isaiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Isaiah Pacheco is set to return to practice soon, reclaiming his role as the Chiefs’ RB1. In his absence, Kareem Hunt has seen a significant workload. Once Pacheco is healthy, he’s likely to take over as the lead back, making him a valuable addition to your fantasy lineup.
Sell: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins’ fantasy stock has been buoyed by his heavy workload, but with Gus Edwards back and taking carries away, Dobbins’ value is at risk. If this trend continues, he may quickly fall out of favor as a fantasy starter. It’s wise to find a replacement before it’s too late.
Buy: George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens boasts an easy schedule for wide receivers during the fantasy playoffs. With matchups against the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs, he’s set for pass-heavy game scripts. As the clear alpha in Pittsburgh, Pickens is poised to capitalize on this favorable schedule.
Sell: Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
While you should be looking to acquire George Pickens, consider selling his teammate, Najee Harris. The upcoming three-game stretch is brutal for running backs, facing teams that rank at the bottom in fantasy points allowed to the position. If you’re counting on Harris during the playoffs, it might be time to make a move.
As the trade deadline looms, remember that the decisions you make now can significantly impact your fantasy season. Stay proactive, be strategic, and make those trades count!
