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Welcome to Week 9 of the NFL season! We’re deep into the grind where every decision counts more than ever. With injuries piling up and bye weeks affecting lineups, knowing when to buy low or sell high can be the key to revitalizing your team. Whether riding high after a win or looking to bounce back from a loss, this week presents a golden opportunity for a playoff push.
Let’s identify some buy-low candidates who may be underperforming due to injuries, tough matchups, or bad luck. However, their talent and potential for resurgence make them prime targets. By acquiring them, you could position yourself for a significant payoff as they regain their form in the coming weeks. A well-timed trade could give your roster the jolt it needs to make a serious playoff run.
On the other hand, sell-high candidates enjoy a moment in the spotlight after explosive performances that have captivated fantasy managers. This is the perfect time to trade them away for a more stable option. Capitalizing on their peak performance can set you up for success as the playoffs loom. Let’s look at the players you should target for trades this week.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Fantasy Football Buy-Low Trade Targets
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs might not be the flashy name that immediately grabs attention, but he has the potential to be a league winner for the remainder of the season. With a growing role in the Colts offense and increasing rapport with the quarterback, Downs could provide the consistent production many fantasy managers are searching for.
His value may rise significantly as he develops, especially in PPR formats. Targeting Downs now could pay off in a big way as he solidifies his place in the lineup and becomes a reliable contributor down the stretch. Don’t overlook this potential gem.
The primary reason to target Downs is Indianapolis's quarterback change. With the Colts benching Anthony Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco, the ceiling for all skill players in the offense has significantly increased.
Downs has excelled with Flacco under center, ranking first in catchable targets per game and fourth in yards per route run this season. Notably, the Colts have averaged 17 more pass attempts in games started by Flacco, highlighting the added volume that benefits all receivers.
Josh Downs with Joe Flacco:
In 3 career games….
30 Targets (Average: 10)
217 Yards (Average: 72.3)
2 Touchdowns (Average: 0.67)
57.6 Fantasy Points (Average: 19.2)He also leads all WRs in separation rate👀
Go trade for this man before it’s too late. pic.twitter.com/wY6FjY6u5R
— Bryce DeGroat (@NFL_Convo) October 30, 2024
Downs has performed like a borderline WR1 when paired with Flacco, yet he’s not valued at that level in many redraft leagues. This presents a golden opportunity to acquire him at a lower cost compared to more established names.
Downs can seamlessly slot into your WR2 or flex spot and should maintain his role as long as Flacco remains the starter. Don’t miss the chance to add this rising talent.
TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Trading for T.J. Hockenson may require a leap of faith, especially since he has not seen the field this season. However, with reports indicating that he is back to full health and ready to contribute without restrictions, now is the ideal time to make a move for him.
Hockenson has the potential to be a top-tier tight end, and if you can secure him before he gets back into the swing of things, you could reap significant rewards. His value will likely skyrocket as he integrates back into the offense, making this a strategic opportunity to bolster your tight-end position before it's too late.
Hockenson is set to return to an offense that has surpassed its preseason expectations, emerging as an above-average unit. Adding Hockenson in the preseason seemed risky with Sam Darnold at the helm, but Darnold has proven to be a capable quarterback, boosting the entire passing game.
With Justin Jefferson continuing to be one of, if not the best, wide receivers in the league, Hockenson has a nice offensive group to return to and thrive.
Minnesota @Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is ready to join the arsenal 😤
“We have so many guys on this offense that can make plays” pic.twitter.com/39kM3Yi79t
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 31, 2024
Last season, Hockenson led the tight-end position in points per game. While it might be unrealistic to expect him to replicate that exactly, he has the potential to deliver solid, consistent production once he shakes off the rust.
With a game or two to get back into the rhythm, Hockenson should position himself as a reliable TE1 for the remainder of the season. As he integrates back into the offense, he could be a key contributor down the stretch.
WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave hasn’t entirely lived up to the lofty expectations many fantasy managers had for him in the 2024 season, making this the perfect moment to target him in trades. Despite his struggles, Olave possesses immense talent and has the potential for a second-half resurgence.
With his current owner likely feeling frustrated, you could potentially acquire him at a discount. Securing Olave now could pay off significantly as the season progresses, especially if the Saints offense finds its rhythm and he becomes a more integral part of their game plan.
The most significant storyline for Olave and the entire Saints team moving forward revolves around injuries. Olave has just returned from his injury, and with Derek Carr (oblique) expected to return this week, his outlook brightens considerably.
With Rashid Shaheed sidelined for the season, Olave is now the clear alpha in the New Orleans offense. Shaheed’s absence leaves a void, as he accounted for the eighth-most air yards in the league, and the Saints are now incredibly thin at wide receiver, with Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. also dealing with injuries.
Given Carr’s return and the limited options around him, Olave presents a fantastic buy-low opportunity before he reestablishes his Pro Bowl-caliber production. Additionally, facing the Carolina Panthers -- currently the NFL’s worst team -- makes Olave a must-start this week.
Act quickly to secure him before his stock rebounds to the levels we saw during the offseason. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a high-upside receiver to your roster.
Fantasy Football Sell-High Trade Targets
WR Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns
Cedric Tillman has emerged as a standout performer in recent weeks, making him an ideal sell-high candidate. While it can be challenging to part with a player producing at a high level, remember that you likely picked him up off the waiver wire.
This means you’re essentially trading away a free asset for potential upgrades that can strengthen your roster. Taking advantage of Tillman’s recent success could allow you to secure valuable pieces that contribute more consistently down the stretch.
Before getting too excited about Tillman, tempering expectations is essential. While he has shown flashes of promise recently, it's worth noting that he essentially matched his previous production in just the last two weeks.
Cedric Tillman the first 20 games of his career:
- 24 catches, 233 yards
Cedric Tillman the last 2 weeks:
- 15 catches, 180 yards, 2 TDs pic.twitter.com/WG2s7oI0Cg
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) October 28, 2024
It’s clear what has changed for Tillman, turning him into a breakout fantasy player. The Browns traded away star wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Bills, and backup quarterback Jameis Winston has emerged as an upgrade over the injured Deshaun Watson.
While these developments have certainly boosted Tillman’s fantasy relevance, it’s crucial to consider the volatility of both the Browns offense and Winston himself. He can be incredibly unpredictable, showing flashes of brilliance one moment and making questionable throws the next.
For instance, before Tillman’s game-winning catch, Winston narrowly avoided disaster with a pass that should have been intercepted but was dropped. The biggest reason to consider selling Tillman now is his challenging schedule ahead. His breakout performance came against a banged-up Baltimore secondary that was already vulnerable.
Looking forward, the Browns face tough matchups against elite defenses, including the Broncos, Chiefs, and Steelers -- twice. The only favorable matchup on the horizon is against the New Orleans Saints, but their defense tends to focus on stopping the run first.
While Tillman’s talent is undeniable, the tough slate ahead could hinder his production. After his standout game last week, it’s a good time to gauge interest and see what you can get for him before the tough matchups hit.
TE Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
Tucker Kraft has recently emerged as a pleasant surprise at the tight-end position, showcasing his potential as a reliable contributor. However, now might be the perfect opportunity to explore trading him while his stock is high.
Given the unpredictability of tight ends and the limited options at the position, you could fetch substantial value for Kraft. Capitalizing on his recent performance could help you strengthen other areas of your roster, especially if you can land a more consistent producer or address weaknesses elsewhere.
A key factor to monitor regarding Tucker Kraft’s trade value is quarterback Jordan Love's (groin) health. Although the Packers navigated a previous health scare with Love, relying on backup Malik Willis significantly downgraded the entire passing game for fantasy purposes.
If Love misses time due to his injury, Kraft’s value could take a severe hit, making it an opportune moment to trade him while he still has appeal. Kraft's fantasy production has heavily relied on touchdowns, a statistic that can be volatile and difficult to maintain throughout a season.
Another challenge for Kraft is the depth of the Packers’ offensive weapons. While he may seem like a crucial part of the offense, there’s always the risk that he gets overlooked in favor of other playmakers who may have their moment in the spotlight each week.
Trading Kraft now could help you avoid potential declines in production or the looming threat of touchdown regression. It’s wise to act before his value dips further as the season progresses.
WR Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens
Diontae Johnson's trade to the high-scoring Baltimore Ravens might seem like a dream come true for fantasy managers, but looking deeper is essential. Moving away from the struggling Panthers offers a fresh start, but more is needed to guarantee instant fantasy success.
The Ravens have a crowded receiving corps, and Johnson may not see the target volume he needs to thrive. Some managers may overvalue this move based on the Ravens' offensive potential, but it is crucial to assess how he fits into their system and the competition for targets. As a result, trading him now could capitalize on inflated expectations while you still can.
The biggest reason to trade Diontae Johnson right now is that his value will likely decline as the season progresses. In Carolina, Johnson was the clear-cut No. 1 wideout, but in Baltimore, that role is far less certain.
While it may seem counterintuitive to trade for a talented receiver and not immediately insert him into your starting lineup, the Ravens have expressed satisfaction with their current duo of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Whether this is genuine or just coachspeak, it raises concerns for fantasy managers about Johnson’s snap count and overall involvement in the offense.
Long Tweet/ For those wondering about potential impact to the #Ravens WR depth chart:
I’m told Diontae Johnson’s trade acquisition does not reflect a change in view of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the team’s current WR1 and WR2, per source.
While, I'm told Johnson was… pic.twitter.com/hQUNP9uhSf
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 30, 2024
Joining a team with two solid tight ends and a tendency to run two-wide receiver sets is not ideal for a player like Johnson, who thrives on target volume. While he’s undoubtedly skilled, he’ll be competing with at least four other reliable pass-catchers for looks.
Furthermore, with the Ravens' offensive identity primarily focused on the running game, highlighted by Derrick Henry, the prospect of selling Johnson high becomes increasingly attractive. Leverage the excitement of his new partnership with Lamar Jackson to entice a fellow manager into trading for the former Panthers wideout before his value takes a hit.
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