With the NFL trade deadline less than three weeks away, some of the biggest fantasy pressure points concern whether some teams need more talent, and whether other teams need to unload talent. For some franchises, tomorrow's results could push them to act, significantly impacting dozens of fantasy values.
Whether it's a final score or a specific performance, let's run through the biggest fantasy pressure point for each Sunday team:
Saints -- What kind of backfield will Travis Etienne eventually return to? Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller have run relatively poorly (3.4 YPC and 3.1 YPC, respectively). But the longer Etienne is out, the more time Kamara and particularly Miller will have to earn more consistent touches later on.
Steelers -- Aaron Rodgers is on pace for a career-high 660 pass attempts, which is one big reason why he's fantasy relevant. But can he possibly keep this up?
Falcons -- Jahan Dotson was a somewhat trendy pickup this week, coming off one of the best fantasy performances of his career. He's also averaging less than four targets per game. Will he get more looks?
49ers -- With Christian Kirk expected back -- and San Francisco's other five top wideouts injured -- can fantasy managers trust Kirk or any other Niners WR?
Titans -- With Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears (questionable for Sunday) headed for free agency, the 1-5 Titans almost surely will cash out. It wouldn't be shocking if they got less work than usual, especially if Tennessee is talking with teams.
Browns -- Similar story for Jerry Jeudy, a prime trade target who's "come alive" the past two games with seven targets in Week 5 and a 4-69 receiving line in Week 6. His increased looks are coming at the expense of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Complicating things is the fact that Cleveland might not be a seller at the trade deadline.
Vikings -- When was the last game Kyler Murray effectively fed two wide receivers? Week 18 in the 2024 season.
Colts -- Entering Week 2, I discussed how Indy was on the verge of a fantasy implosion. It was one of the reasons why I unloaded Josh Downs, despite Alec Pierce getting hurt. If you're rostering Colts -- even Jonathan Taylor -- brace for the possibility that all key skill players will take fantasy hits.
Jets -- After an impressive 1-0 start, the Jets are doing Jets things, though at a higher level than previous years. This franchise hasn't lost by 10+ points yet. If they somehow keep that up all season, it'll be their first time in franchise history. A loss to Miami could turn them into sellers. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen realistically can't co-exist beyond the 2027 season (when Allen will be a free agent).
Dolphins -- Miami has one win in their past nine games going back to last season. Ollie Gordon is the lone fantasy bright spot. His value can't get much higher.
Panthers -- With Jonathon Brooks out of the picture (even when healthy), Chuba Hubbard is back to being the bell cow. Except this time the 3-2 Panthers could be buyers at the trade deadline. If so -- if they believe there's an opening to make a deeper playoff run -- I would expect them to add a reliable #2 or co-#1 RB.
Buccaneers -- Baker Mayfield's return coincides with Emeka Egbuka's absence. Can rookie Ted Hurst take another step forward?
Ravens -- Rashod Bateman and Ja'Kobi Lane are healthy. So is Lamar Jackson, who usually doesn't feed more than one wideout. With Zay Flowers operating as the unquestioned #1, should managers roll the dice on any other WR?
Bengals -- Chase Brown vs. . . . Samaje Perine? After Perine had 16 touches and a score in their last game, all eyes should be on whether Brown has lost significant ground in that backfield.
Texans -- Tank Dell is likely to return to the field after nearly two years of rehabbing. Between him and Marvin Harrison Jr., what can managers expect the rest of the season?
Giants -- Cam Skattebo vs. Tyrone Tracy vs. Devin Singletary vs. a trade acquisition these next couple weeks. The Giants are up two games in the NFC East and -- shockingly given how the season started -- are as incentivized as ever to add yet another running back.
Cardinals -- Bam Knight vs. Tyler Allgeier, with Knight having the inside track on a lead-back role.
Broncos -- The last time we saw Jonah Coleman, he out-touched and out-snapped JK Dobbins with RJ Harvey sidelined. It's anyone's guess how this backfield will shake out.
Lions -- Among the top 35 preseason WRs, Jameson Williams was my biggest bargain. After a brutal start to the season, he has back-to-back 16+ point performances. Is it too soon to call him a weekly fantasy starter?
Packers -- Josh Jacobs. One of the biggest rest-of-season fantasy wild cards.
Raiders -- Is Tre Tucker on the verge of becoming a consistent fantasy starter?
Rams -- With Davante Adams out and Puka Nacua questionable, can Konata Mumpfield or anyone else step up? I think this 2-4 team is at a breaking point: either go all in (some more) in their pursuit of a title, or trust that they have the personnel to weather this storm.
Seahawks -- Emanuel Wilson gets at least one more chance to show he belong atop the depth chart, even when this backfield gets healthy.
Chiefs -- Rashee Rice is sidelined for the 25th time in Kansas City's past 41 games. Yeah, Tyreek Hill might be nice. But he's 32 coming off a serious injury. Whatever happens, if they can't trust Rice to stay on the field, I think the undefeated Chiefs will add an impact receiver who shakes up a bunch of fantasy values.
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