Whether you're an active trader or simply scouring the waiver wire, here are some undervalued and overvalued players heading into Week 5:
First, some of you are sitting on a fantastic team. You're 4-0 or 3-1 and have the luxury of deciding which QB1 you want to start. This is a golden opportunity to snag an injured player from a desperate owner. For example, Leonard Fournette could miss more time with a hamstring injury. You don't need him now; you need him during the fantasy playoffs. Your opponent might need someone immediately to fill a gap that might otherwise be filled with the likes of Jalen Richard or Alfred Morris.
The same goes for Joe Mixon, T.Y. Hilton, and holdout Le'Veon Bell, and even Devonta Freeman. Any 0-4 or 1-3 opponent clinging to one of those players is probably desperate for a win. Any win. Whatever it takes. Mixon has RB1 upside, but I'll bet you can get him at a mid- or low-range RB2 price, especially if he's forced to miss another week. Bell might -- *might* -- return by Week 7 if you believe one report. Or he could get traded. If that opponent will be out of the playoff hunt by Week 7, why not package a trade that gives her/him a solid player now. Done right, it's a win-win. They get what they need in the short term. You get someone better in the longer term.
Benched players are also fair game. In a two-QB league with plenty of bench space, I'd trade for Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Bucs are 2-2 and are giving up an NFL-high 35 points per game. In Jameis Winston's last 20 games, the Bucs have exceeded 21 points only seven times. It's hard to imagine Winston matching Fitz's per-game production; Fitz is a great two-QB acquisition in case he gets another chance to shine in an offense that plays to his strengths more than Winston's.
On the flip side, I'm obviously still selling high on James Conner. This has been a steady drumbeat on this page for more than a week. Nyheim Hines is another guy to shed, coming off a fantastic Week 4 performance against Houston. He'll have it rough in New England Thursday and probably won't break free from this crowded Indy backfield all year.
I'd also trade Carlos Hyde ASAP if you can get RB1 or WR1 value for him (you should, since he's the #9 fantasy RB through four weeks). Nick Chubb (a buy-low RB I've discussed for a little while) should eat into more of Hyde's usage as the season progresses. Additionally, Hyde is getting next to nothing in the passing game and is on pace for 20 touchdowns. The former will continue; the latter is unsustainable. Get serious value for him while you can.
Don't be attached to your players. Their values oscillate from week to week. So do your opponents' needs. Pounce when the moment hits.
First, some of you are sitting on a fantastic team. You're 4-0 or 3-1 and have the luxury of deciding which QB1 you want to start. This is a golden opportunity to snag an injured player from a desperate owner. For example, Leonard Fournette could miss more time with a hamstring injury. You don't need him now; you need him during the fantasy playoffs. Your opponent might need someone immediately to fill a gap that might otherwise be filled with the likes of Jalen Richard or Alfred Morris.
The same goes for Joe Mixon, T.Y. Hilton, and holdout Le'Veon Bell, and even Devonta Freeman. Any 0-4 or 1-3 opponent clinging to one of those players is probably desperate for a win. Any win. Whatever it takes. Mixon has RB1 upside, but I'll bet you can get him at a mid- or low-range RB2 price, especially if he's forced to miss another week. Bell might -- *might* -- return by Week 7 if you believe one report. Or he could get traded. If that opponent will be out of the playoff hunt by Week 7, why not package a trade that gives her/him a solid player now. Done right, it's a win-win. They get what they need in the short term. You get someone better in the longer term.
Benched players are also fair game. In a two-QB league with plenty of bench space, I'd trade for Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Bucs are 2-2 and are giving up an NFL-high 35 points per game. In Jameis Winston's last 20 games, the Bucs have exceeded 21 points only seven times. It's hard to imagine Winston matching Fitz's per-game production; Fitz is a great two-QB acquisition in case he gets another chance to shine in an offense that plays to his strengths more than Winston's.
On the flip side, I'm obviously still selling high on James Conner. This has been a steady drumbeat on this page for more than a week. Nyheim Hines is another guy to shed, coming off a fantastic Week 4 performance against Houston. He'll have it rough in New England Thursday and probably won't break free from this crowded Indy backfield all year.
I'd also trade Carlos Hyde ASAP if you can get RB1 or WR1 value for him (you should, since he's the #9 fantasy RB through four weeks). Nick Chubb (a buy-low RB I've discussed for a little while) should eat into more of Hyde's usage as the season progresses. Additionally, Hyde is getting next to nothing in the passing game and is on pace for 20 touchdowns. The former will continue; the latter is unsustainable. Get serious value for him while you can.
Don't be attached to your players. Their values oscillate from week to week. So do your opponents' needs. Pounce when the moment hits.