Regardless of their team's record, the best fantasy managers are always looking for ways to make improvements to their roster. The waiver wire can provide you with plug-and-play options to help you out on bye weeks, but the real way to drastically change your team's outlook is on the trading block.
When it comes to trading, we're looking to take advantage of the wide range of emotions experienced by fantasy managers on a weekly basis. A couple of outlier performances can lead to managers losing sight of a player's long-term value.
Even if you're brand new to fantasy football, you're probably familiar with the concept of buying low and selling high. Looking to invest in players who are underperforming while moving on from those who are exceeding expectations is one of the key strategies when approaching the trading block. Today, we have the top buy-low and sell-high candidates as we move into Week 12 of the NFL season.
With the fantasy trade deadline approaching for the vast majority of leagues, this will be the final edition of the trade advice column for the 2024 season.
WEEK 12 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Who are the top buy-low players heading into Week 12?
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Let's be honest, nobody is going to look at a 10.3-point performance and trade Bijan Robinson on the cheap. However, if you have the assets to acquire an elite fantasy running back, Robinson is a strong trade target thanks to a favorable playoff schedule. The Falcons take on the Raiders, Giants, and Commanders over the course of the fantasy playoffs. All three of these matchups are average at worst, while the Commanders and Raiders are actually top-10 matchups in terms of fantasy points allowed to running backs. Robinson has been on a tear down the stretch this season, and he could be a big piece of a championship run.
Buy-Low Rating: 6/10
Potential Trade Package: Kyren Williams and Calvin Ridley
Editor's Note: Don't forget to consult our rankings to see which other players are considered of similar value if suggested players are not on your teams.
Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
It's become quite clear that Keenan Allen won't be a high-level producer in the Chicago offense, so Caleb Williams has turned to fellow rookie Rome Odunze to play a big role through the air. Odunze is seeing that post-bye bump in usage that is common for rookies. Week 11 marked the third time in four weeks that he led the team in targets. His expanded role, coupled with a favorable schedule during the fantasy playoffs (Minnesota, Detroit, Seattle) makes him an appealing trade target that can be acquired for a bench asset. Odunze was drafted in the top-10 for a reason, and he's worth a stash in hopes that he can put his talents on display down the stretch.
Buy-Low Rating: 5/10
Potential Trade Package: Quentin Johnston
WEEK 12 WAIVER WIRE STRATEGY
Top Waiver Targets | How to Spend FAAB
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
After getting off to a scorching start, Brian Thomas Jr.'s value has soured in the eyes of the fantasy community in recent weeks. Although he's not the fringe WR1 that many believed he'd be, Thomas can be a contributor to fantasy lineups for the rest of the year. It may not be the best decision, but it seems like a true toss-up as to whether Trevor Lawrence returns in Week 13 from his shoulder injury. Lawrence's return would certainly boost Thomas's outlook. We could also see Thomas hold a 25-30 percent target share for the rest of the year. With Gabe Davis out for the year with a knee injury, Thomas projects to run routes alongside Parker Washington and Devin Duvernay for the rest of the season. Both of these receivers hold sub-15-percent target rates in their careers. Thomas and Evan Engram should both be peppered with targets, and the former has the playmaking ability to make the most of his looks.
Buy-Low Rating: 5/10
Potential Trade Package: Ladd McConkey and Austin Ekeler
Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
As discussed in the Brian Thomas Jr. blurb, the Jaguars are down to two legitimate target earners, Thomas and Evan Engram. We've already seen what Engram's role will look like without Christian Kirk in the offense, as he's drawn 30.5 percent of the targets in the last three weeks. Despite an enormous role, Engram has not cleared 12 PPR points in any of these three games. However, this usage has led to Engram coming in at 13.6 expected fantasy points per game. With this sort of volume, Engram is expected to, and is capable of, performing as a high-end TE1. Consider acquiring him if you do not have a stable starting option.
Buy-Low Rating: 7/10
Potential Trade Package: Cade Otton
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
Bo Nix has been making fantasy managers quite happy in recent weeks and is coming off arguably the best performance of his career. Nix shredded the Atlanta defense for 307 yards and four touchdowns on his way to his second top-5 performance in the last month. Nix is making a legitimate case for the OROY award, and he'll surely be able to improve his resume during the fantasy playoffs. The Broncos face off with the Colts, Chargers, and Bengals from Weeks 14-17, all of which are matchups where Nix can thrive. The Colts and Bengals are blow-up spots for Nix as both of these defenses come in as top-10 matchups for quarterbacks. He's the perfect trade target for managers who have been streaming quarterbacks throughout the year.
Buy-Low Rating: 6/10
Potential Trade Package: Jared Goff and Xavier Worthy
Fantasy Football Trade Advice Week 12: Sell-high candidates
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
As has been the case for the last few years, Najee Harris has delivered steady RB2 production this season. While Harris has technically been a starter in 12-team leagues, his week-to-week value is highly dependent on matchups, and he can easily be benched if the Steelers are facing a stout run defense. Well, the Steelers face three of the tougher front sevens during the fantasy playoffs in the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. These are all top-10 defenses in terms of rushing yards allowed per game, EPA per rush, and fantasy points allowed to running backs. Harris might be completely worthless during the fantasy playoffs, so get him off your roster before it's too late.
Sell-High Rating: 7/10
Potential Trade Target: Rhamondre Stevenson (will require a second piece)
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
While Jameson Williams has made dramatic improvements as a player this season, it's clear that he has not shed his "big play merchant" stereotype in fantasy. This is exemplified by the fact that 47.8 percent of his production this season has come from just four plays. Well, over the course of the fantasy playoffs, the Lions face three defenses that have been successful in containing opposing receivers and limiting big plays. The Bills, Bears, and 49ers are all below-average matchups for wide receivers and all three rank 16th or better in receptions allowed on targets 20-plus yards downfield. Generally, it's clear that Williams is a secondary weapon in the Lions' offense, and he could easily struggle in tough matchups.
Sell-High Rating: 6/10
Potential Trade Target: George Pickens (will require a second piece)
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
Considering the Lions' wide receivers have a string of tough matchups during the fantasy playoffs, it would be safe to assume their quarterback, Jared Goff, does as well. The Bills, Bears, and 49ers are all bottom-10 matchups for quarterbacks. Aside from the tough matchups, the effectiveness of Detroit's rushing attack creates extreme volatility in Goff's production and fantasy output. Goff has long been a matchup-based starter, and it will be tough to feel comfortable with Goff in three straight difficult spots. Not to mention the fact that two of these games take place outdoors.
Sell-High Rating: 7/10
Potential Trade Target: Anthony Richardson
