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Buying low on star players in competitive fantasy leagues is so difficult and rare that it might reasonably be considered a myth.
If you’re in a 14-team superflex two-tight end IDP league, then, sure, everyone is a shark. Everyone has a process. Everyone is using arcane analytical tools and methods. Everyone would flag the same set of names as buy-lows and sell-highs. Everyone reads the same newsletters.
But that’s not an accurate description of most leagues, of course. Out in the real fantasy streets, where the vast majority of people are actually playing, it’s 8-12 teams, maybe one flex, definitely a kicker. Not everybody subscribes to three different premium stat services. And yes, the buy-lows are plentiful.
Let’s review a few trade targets, potentially available at a discount:
Davante Adams: Honestly, this one is probably too late, because the trade request has already been made. Still, Adams is injured and there is currently a level of uncertainty about his next landing spot. But we can say with great confidence that wherever he’s headed offers a better passing environment than his present situation.
Brandon Aiyuk: OK, now we’re talking. Aiyuk hasn’t yet reached 50 receiving yards in any game, the holdout rust was evident early in the season and his team’s full receiving corps is back in action. There are serious headwinds here. Aiyuk’s separation ability is very much alive, however, and he’s attached to a terrific offense. Also, his team’s second-half schedule is full of friendly matchups.
Garrett Wilson: He just visited Surtain Island, which has not gone well for any receiver this season, but it generally leads to the opening of buy-low windows. Wilson is a great player in an excellent situation (although he needs to dodge Davante Adams landing with the Jets).
Josh Jacobs: For reasons unknown, this man is only ever one quiet week from being written off by the fantasy expert community. Well, I am here to tell you that Jacobs is a verifiably great back. He ranks among the league leaders in missed tackles (12) and yards after contact per attempt (3.3), per his usual. With Jordan Love back at the controls of Green Bay’s offense, the ceiling for Jacobs is elevated.
Mark Andrews: Hey, sometimes when we buy-low, we’re taking a chance and buying at the very last instant before a stock is delisted. This could end poorly, but Andrews has been a victim of unsustainably run-heavy game scripts these last two weeks, which erased him from the field of play. He’s still a capable separator and a valued weapon. He’ll have his days, even if the dream of a 1,200-yard season is dead. He may actually hit a few waiver wires this week; don’t hesitate to dumpster dive.
Literally any player on their bye week: Desperate times call for desperate trades. Go scan the rosters of your league’s 0-4 and 1-3 teams to see if you can find any bye-week bargains. Any player who can’t help those squads in Week 5 should be available via trade.
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