Is it too early to plan ahead for the fantasy football playoffs? For most owners, yes. Even if you're 6-2 and riding high, chances are you still have to navigate some tricky bye weeks in addition to dealing with potential injury issues. That said, you're able to deal from a position of strength in fantasy trade talks. The real NFL trade deadline is approaching, and once we see where the dust settles, it's time to start thinking of your own moves. Identifying the right buy-low, sell-high targets and starting negotiations is how you gear up for the second half. Fortunately, FantasyPros is here to help with tips and trade advice in their Week 9 Stock Watch that includes Justin Jefferson, D'Andre Swift, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Evans, Kyle Pitts, and Antonio Gibson, among others.
It's important to look deeper than surface-level production. Targets and touches can be just as important as yards and touchdowns when trying to project for the future. After you do that, you need to look even deeper. Upcoming matchups, bye-week worries specific to your team, and potential playing time issues (are any teammates coming back from injuries?) can affect who you target or deem expendable. Take it all in and act accordingly.
MORE FROM FANTASY PROS: Trade analyzer
Remember that trade values can change quickly in fantasy football, so don't get too locked in on a specific target. Change your thinking as the trends change, but don't be afraid to strike if you have a good offer on the table, even this early in the season. -- Matt Lutovsky
MORE WEEK 9: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner
Week 9 Fantasy Football Stock Watch: Buy-low trade candidates
Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings. It’s true that Jefferson laid an egg on Sunday night against Dallas, catching just two passes for 21 yards on four targets. The sophomore receiver is simply too talented to be held down for too long. Now is the time to invest if the Jefferson owner in your league is frustrated.
D’Andre Swift, RB, Lions. When Jamaal Williams (thigh) was announced as inactive 90 minutes before kickoff, many in the fantasy industry thought Swift was about to have his best day as a pro. Instead, it wound up being his worst of the season. One bad day aside, Swift’s role remains elite, and his talent helps elevate the production of all the touches he receives. Continue to value him as a low-end RB1, and take advantage if his owner is more willing to move him before he's on bye in Week 9.
For more buy-low targets from Fantasy Pros, including Michael Carter and Justin Fields, click here.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Week 9 Fantasy Football Stock Watch: Sell-high trade candidates
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins. (Note: Fantasy Pros lists Waddle as a "hold," but Sporting News sees him as a "sell.") Waddle didn't do much in Week 8, but we still list him as a "sell-high" because savvy owners noticed he received 12 targets, giving him 33 over his past three games. Normally, we love that, but there's still reason for pessimism here. For one, DeVante Parker is back and Will Fuller (finger) should be back soon. If those two can stay healthy, Waddle will likely see fewer passes come his way. Also, for all the target upside, Waddle has scored in just two games and topped 70 yards in a game just once. His "big-play" pedigree has yet to come to fruition. We like Waddle's fantasy playoff schedule (Jets, Saints, Titans), but if you're not able to plan that far ahead, Waddle has more value as a trade chip right now. -- Matt Lutovsky
For more sell-high targets from Fantasy Pros, including Myles Gaskin, click here.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Week 9 Fantasy Football Stock Watch: Players to hold
Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers. As expected, Saints corner Marshon Lattimore gave Evans some fits in Week 8. Nonetheless, ‘Big Mike’ scored on a long TD and just missed hauling in another long touchdown reception. The Bucs have a bye this week before drawing the burnable Washington secondary in Week 10. Keep Evans rostered for that pristine matchup.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons. Pitts had his "welcome to the NFL" moment in Week 8. Matched up against Stephon Gilmore of the Panthers, the rookie tight end was held to two receptions for 13 yards on six targets. It was a forgettable performance, but his utilization remained strong. There will be more big games ahead for this year’s No. 4 overall draft pick, especially with Calvin Ridley (personal) out for an undetermined amount of time.
For more hold targets from Fantasy Pros, including Emmanuel Sanders, click here.