Dynasty Must Sell Options – Fantasy Football Staples That Need Moved
Some words just go together; peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, Dynasty owners and Travis Kelce. Yes, every year some players are viewed as prize possessions, the Fantasy Football staples if you will. But the shrewdest of Dynasty owners, not unlike the 2022 Green Bay Packers, know when to ship off a star to maximize returns just before they decline. Let’s look at some of the stars of the game that are ripe to be sold high. If you haven’t already, also check out Fantasy Football Breakouts to Keep or Trade in 2024.
Josh Jacobs (RB)
Josh Jacobs broke out in 2022, but his ADP saw a nosedive because of contract disputes before the 2023 season. Nevertheless, Jacobs, when guaranteed to play, is seen as a hot commodity. With Antonio Pierce now confirmed as the head coach, there’s reason to be hopeful for Raiders nation. Even as an interim, there was a noticeable lift in play, including Jacobs until a week 15 injury. So why move on? Jacobs is a pending free agent, Antonio Pierce has been vocal about wanting to keep him around, but given last year’s transgressions it’s very possible he is moving to a destination unknown. If he remains with the Raiders, his division is arguably the hardest in the NFL and it just got harder with the Los Angeles Chargers hiring Jim Harbaugh. Not to mention a new Offensive Coordinator coming to town, so a new scheme to learn. Now is the time to get what you can for Jacobs.
Travis Kelce (TE)
Travis Kelce is undoubtedly the first Tight End off the board in a startup draft, sorry Mark Andrews fans, but it is what it is. However, this year saw a decline in production and an increase in injuries. Kansas City may still make and win the Superbowl, Kelce is turning on the jets in the postseason just like any of the greats. But statistically, and by the eye test, he may have played his best football. Don’t give him up for chump change, even 80% of Kelce is a valuable asset. But if you can get some premium picks and/or players for him, best to do so before he begins a Swift decline (see what I did there?).
Stefon Diggs (WR)
So you joined a new Dynasty league last year and drafted Diggs in the top 10. You pulled your hair out as he averaged 9.8 points per game, his lowest since 2018. Your heart is telling you to keep him, at least one more year, he is likely back with the bills, and his value in past years is undeniable. Listen to me closely… your heart is WRONG. Diggs is one of those personalities who is in the media after every loss questioning his actions and loyalty. He may be back with the Bills but his chemistry with Josh Allen is not. Add to that, second-year receiver Khalil Shakir took a significant step this year. Over the last 10 games, Shakir outgained Diggs despite being targeted less than half as many times. Shakir is the future here, and Diggs is unlikely to replicate his previous years atop the fantasy throne. Move on while he is still a household name.
Nick Chubb (RB)
This one is painful to write. Nick Chubb is pound-for-pound the best pure runner in the NFL. Well at least, he was, before a gruesome knee injury in week 2. Chubb, 28 years old, is already facing a painful but true reality, running backs aged 29 or over statisically do not perform. In fact, this year there were exactly 2 running backs aged 29 or over. Raheem Mostert who benefitted heavily from scheme and line, and Derrick Henry who is arguably the only person to perform at his level during his age 29 season. Now to be fair, you won’t be able to get the farm in a trade because of his injury, but I’d say get whatever you can. If I were to bet on this, I’d say Jerome Ford is the starting back for the Browns by week 5 of the 2024 season, at which point you will get exactly zero for Chubb.
Related Video: Late Round Running Back Sleeper
Jonathon Taylor (RB)
Allow me for a moment, to borrow your mind’s eye. Cast yourself back, it’s 2021, week 11 and the Buffalo Bills are playing the Indianapolis Colts. The Bills have a decent run defense, the key to winning this game is for them to stop rising superstar Jonathon Taylor from his usual dominant performance. Can you remember how that ended? Taylor rushed for 185 yards and four touchdowns. Just another day in the life of 2021 Taylor. But sadly, football is not played in your mind’s eye, it’s played in the present, and in 2023 Jonathon Taylor is not that man anymore. Injured throughout the season and disgruntled, not to mention a promising young back in Zack Moss who has quietly made it easier than ever for the Colts to say sayonara. He will likely be elsewhere next year, and not unlike the beginning of this season, uncertainty is a risk best taken by middling teams who hope to squeak into the playoffs. Before those contract talks peak, you can and should send this man out to pasture, getting some primo capital in the process.
As the saying goes, there is no off-season. This is when the bones of truly great Dynasty owners are made, so go and make yours. Especially if you have someone who is a little green in your league, and would light up seeing a name like the ones above included in a trade offer.
Main Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
