Regardless of their team’s record, the best fantasy managers are always looking for ways to make improvements to their roster. The waiver wire can provide you with plug-and-play options to help you out on bye weeks, but the real way to drastically change your team’s outlook is on the trading block.
Understanding the Trading Block
When it comes to trading, savvy managers know that they can leverage the wide range of emotions experienced by fantasy football enthusiasts on a weekly basis. A couple of outlier performances can lead to managers losing sight of a player’s long-term value. This is where the opportunity lies! Even if you’re brand new to fantasy football, you’re probably familiar with the concept of buying low and selling high.
Looking to invest in players who are underperforming while moving on from those who are exceeding expectations is one of the key strategies when approaching the trading block. As we head into Week 11 of the NFL season, let’s dive into the top buy-low and sell-high candidates that can help you make the most out of your roster.
Top Buy-Low Candidates for Week 11
DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Yes, DeVonta Smith is a clear second fiddle to A.J. Brown, but fantasy managers should be looking to acquire any and all pieces of this offense. After scoring just 3.4 points against the Cowboys, now is the perfect time to buy Smith. There are two key reasons why fantasy managers should be looking to trade for members of the Philadelphia offense.
First, Jalen Hurts has been phenomenal since the Week 5 bye, boasting a 71.8% completion rate and a 10.2 yards per attempt average. Second, the Eagles have a fantasy-friendly schedule ahead, facing teams like the Commanders, Rams, and Panthers, all of which could lead to high-scoring affairs. Look to acquire Smith after that tough outing; he could be a game-changer.
Buy-Low Rating: 6/10
Potential Trade Package: Josh Downs and Najee Harris
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
If you’re a fantasy manager eyeing the playoffs, Kyler Murray should be on your radar. His upcoming schedule is incredibly favorable, with matchups against the Patriots, Panthers, and Rams. Both the Panthers and Rams rank 22nd or worse in total defense and scoring defense, making them ripe for exploitation.
Murray’s rushing ability adds another layer of appeal, allowing him to thrive even in tougher matchups. If you’re looking to optimize your lineup for a playoff push, Murray is your guy at quarterback.
Buy-Low Rating: 5/10
Potential Trade Package: Brock Purdy and Austin Ekeler
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings has stepped up as the 49ers’ WR2 and has been impressive in that role. In two games this season, he led the team in targets and finished as a top-20 receiver. His target share has been above 30%, showcasing his growing importance in the offense.
With the 49ers’ ability to sustain fantasy-relevant production from multiple weapons, Jennings could be a hidden gem. The manager holding him in your league might not realize his potential.
Buy-Low Rating: 5/10
Potential Trade Package: Darnell Mooney
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson has turned his season around after a rough start. He’s become one of the league’s few bell cow running backs, ranking 14th in weighted opportunities per game and 9th in expected fantasy points per game over the last three games.
With a 75% snap share, the coaching staff has regained their confidence in him. The arrival of Drake Maye adds an explosive dynamic that should lead to more scoring opportunities for Stevenson. He’s a valuable piece to target as the season progresses.
Buy-Low Rating: 7/10
Potential Trade Package: Bucky Irving and Cedric Tillman
Diontae Johnson, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Diontae Johnson has long been a favorite in the fantasy community for his ability to create separation and draw targets. However, since being traded to the Ravens, he has struggled, scoring just 1.6 PPR points in two games.
Despite this, Johnson has yet to crack the starting lineup, and head coach John Harbaugh has indicated he’ll see an expanded role moving forward. Acquiring Johnson could be a low-risk, high-reward move, especially if he carves out a role in the Ravens’ potent offense.
Buy-Low Rating: 4/10
Potential Trade Package: Demarcus Robinson
Sell-High Candidates for Week 11
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Week 10 marked a turning point for J.K. Dobbins, as he scored fewer than nine PPR points for the first time since Week 3. With Gus Edwards returning from IR, it appears the Chargers are reverting to a split backfield. Dobbins handled less than 50% of the team’s rush attempts for the first time since Week 2.
Given his current RB15 ranking, now might be the time to ship him off before his value declines further.
Sell-High Rating: 7/10
Potential Trade Target: Rhamondre Stevenson (may require a second piece)
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
Sam LaPorta scored over 15 PPR points for the second time this season, but don’t be fooled. He’s primarily a secondary piece in the Lions’ offense and has fallen below a 10% target share in four games.
Given the depth on the Lions’ roster, he’s nothing more than a touchdown-dependent tight end. If someone in your league believes he’s “back,” take the opportunity to trade him.
Sell-High Rating: 6/10
Potential Trade Target: Jakobi Meyers
Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
The Giants’ offense has been in freefall over the past month, and Malik Nabers has been affected as well. His ability to generate explosive plays has diminished significantly, dropping from 4.5 yards after the catch per reception to just 1.7 yards.
This decline in production makes it hard to view Nabers as an elite fantasy asset moving forward.
Sell-High Rating: 7/10
Potential Trade Target: Drake London (may require a second piece)
As we navigate through Week 11, remember that the key to fantasy success often lies in making the right trades. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to buy low and sell high, and you may just find yourself in the playoff hunt!
