No one wants a stagnant roster. It's time to make some moves.

Let’s get into some buyin’, sellin', and holdin’. 

BUY

We've got a few players on the docket, but also some life lessons in trading. 

This week, we're buying: 

Trade Context Matters, Damnit!

Look, we need to have a talk. 

I'm seeing a lot of you sending trade offers that are absolutely ATROCIOUS this season. No, really. Your trade offers look worse than Mark Andrews’ 2024 stats. 

In the nicest way possible... you're starting to piss people (read: the league) off. 

Yes, there's a group chat talking about it — you're just not in it.

If you don't get these bad trading habits ironed out now, people are going to label you as a shitty trade partner, and they will start to ghost your trade proposals. 

Here's allllll of the context you need to consider before proposing a trade to your league mate:

  1. What is their win/loss record currently? Some trades make more sense for a 5-0 team that has the flexibility to take risks. For example, a 5-0 team would likely be more willing to acquire an injured player like Cooper Kupp or AJ Brown. When taking on a player that may have a delayed health status or the potential for reinjury, the risk is much bigger for a losing team to take on. 
  2. What are their strength positions? What types of players can they spare? Or, what players might they never want to let go of?
  3. What are their weakest positions? This is the inverse of #2. Which positions are they looking to beef up? Where can you help them in a trade?
  4. What does their bench look like? Don’t forget to check their backups. Do they have too many of a certain position? Context matters 
  5. Read the f*cking room! The guy with Brock Bowers isn’t going to just trade them away when there’s nothing better out there at the position.

Alright. Now, go make some good trade offers!

WR Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns

Look, I'm not a fan of Deshaun Watson on (or off) the field, but does that mean that I should punish Amari Cooper? (Answer Key: No.)

The problem here isn't Cooper's targets: 

  • Week 1: 9
  • Week 2: 8
  • Week 3: 12
  • Week 4: 8
  • Week 5: 10

And the problem isn't talent. Since Cooper joined the league, he’s surpassed 1,000 yards more often than not. And since joining the Browns in 2022, he’s logged a 1,000+ yard season each year. 

The problem, then… is the guy slinging the ball. Through five weeks, Watson has thrown the same amount of TDs as Joe Flacco has in less than two full games (5). And Watson is tied in yards per attempt (4.8) with Bryce Young. Oof. 

There WILL come a day that the Browns recognize the err of their ways and stop investing in Watson's sub-200-yard, single-digit TD, multi-INT performances. That day must come. I demand it!

Whether Jameis Winston is under center, or the trade rumors swirling around Cooper come to fruition, I want in. I'm buying low. 

RB Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

LEVEL: Trade Watch

Yea, I know someone probably just spent a chunk of FAAB on Tank Bigsby recently. Or if he was already rostered, he isn't sliding under the radar after his 101-yard and 1 TD game in Week 5. 

Butttt he's just looked too good with the touches he's been given these last few weeks:

  • Week 4: 7 carries, 90 yards
  • Week 5: 13 carries, 101 yards, 2 TDs

However, I don't like to buy high. EVER. So here's what I'm thinking…

I'm only making this trade if I have an abundance at another position. I need to have WR overflow or a high-performance QB sitting the bench. Otherwise, I'm not willing to risk too much after such a hefty performance from Bigsby in Week 5. Don't let your league mates try to squeeze you dry. 

SELL

We need to read between the lines and think about selling inconsistency. This week, we're selling:

WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts

LEVEL: Trade Warning

If you're in the camp that thinks Anthony Richardson won't be gone for long, then you should be selling Josh Downs.

Although Joe Flacco looked good in Week 4 (16-168-2) and Week 5 (33-359-3) in Richardson's absence, the Colts have stated that they are committed to starting the sophomore QB again when he is able to return. 

And Downs has obviously been a direct beneficiary of Flacco's strong performances. But he's also benefited from the fact that the Colts are more passer friendly when Flacco is sitting in the driver's seat. 

Based upon the usage we've seen so far, Downs would see a downgrade upon Richardson's return (which could be as early as Week 6). 

Ball’s in your court. If you think AR will be starting sooner than later, it's time to jump ship. 

RB Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Hello? 

Are you listening? 

We're buying Tank Bigsby.

WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

I like to think Alex Pierce is exactly what Rashid Shaheed has been this year, except the booms are more exciting and the busts are much more frustrating. (Note: I'm talking about Week 1-5 Rashid Shaheed. I'm not sure what Week 6 Rashid Shaheed will look like with Derek Carr out. But rest assured I'm watching VERYYYYYYYY f*cking closely).  

While the two players' stat lines are somewhat similar:

  • Both have scored a TD in three games this season.
  • Both have 300+ yards through five games.
  • Both are capitalizing on deep balls 

I'm only excited to roster one, while I’m ready to sell the other. 

Here's why: Shaheed is seeing more targets and opportunities each week. And his WR finishes are much less volatile than Pierce. 

Rashid Shaheed's Targets & Finishes

  • Week 1: 5 (WR13)
  • Week 2: 4 (WR 10)
  • Week 3: 5 (0-0-0)
  • Week 4: 11 (WR 29)
  • Week 5: 9 (WR 13)

Alex Pierce's Targets & Finishes

  • Week 1: 3 (WR 8)
  • Week 2: 7 (WR 19)
  • Week 3: 2 (WR 64)
  • Week 4: 2 (WR 98)
  • Week 5: 3 (WR 8)

Essentially, Pierce’s tiny target share gives him less opportunities to make the big plays happen. The bust weeks are bustin' BIG TIME. 

If you’re down on your luck and desperately needing a high-ceiling guy, I don’t mind holding. But unless Pierce can start to see more targets, I'm out. 

HOLD

Sometimes a trade isn't worth the return. This week, we're holding:

WR Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants

This is another potential “jump ship” scenario, given Wan'Dale Robinson's increased usage has been attributed to the absence of Malik Nabers in Week 5. 

So, yes, some fantasy managers might be ready to offload Robinson before Nabers comes back into the picture.

But I urge you to consider the fact that Robinson could be one of those steady WR plays. He probably won't ever crush your opponents hearts, but he's utilized enough to give you consistent performances with and without Nabers on the field. 

What I'm trying to say is this: Wan'Dale Robinson isn't as sexy as Malik Nabers in your lineup, but he's the kind of WR you'd want to bring home to meet your parents.