Before we get into player specifics, I want to draw your attention to some key concepts to remember when considering who to buy, who to sell, and who to hold on to.
Here’s one for this week:
ADP is a distant memory
I know we just spent months mock-drafting and studying players’ average draft positions.
I know you spent a 1st rounder or 2nd rounder on the guy.
But as we get more and more weeks under our belt and the data points begin to pile up, it’s time to start valuing what you see in front of you.
Some early-round players will be busts. You can’t just white-knuckle their draft capital as they remain on your bench, overvalued, untraded and unused (ala Jim Irsay and Jonathan Taylor).
And on the flip side, when you’re gifted an absolute treasure on the waiver wire, it doesn’t mean you have to sit the player for someone you drafted earlier. Start Puka!
Do as I say, not as I do.
Now let’s get into some buyin’, sellin’, and holdin’ baby!
Player to Buy
Patterns are emerging! It’s time to get out your pocketbook and think about buying:
Sam LaPorta, TE - Lions
If you didn’t draft one of the ‘big three TEs’ (read: Travis Kelce & co.), you’ve likely been playing tight-end roulette the last few weeks.
Hell, even if you DID draft one of the big three TEs you’ve had to scour the waiver wire for a healthy hammy. But I’m ready to settle down with the right guy.
And it’s looking like Sam LaPorta is going to be a consistent beneficiary in the Lions offense.
With an average of 5 receptions and 50.5 yards per game, I’d say he’s worth your consideration, especially in PPR leagues.
Look, I know it’s only been 14 days, but I’m exhausted trying to fill my TE slot. If I can make it happen, I want the current overall TE6 on my team.
Takeaway: I refuse to let TE waivers rule my life.
Players to Sell
Some players are the top dogs on their depth chart, but they just don’t have that dawg in them. It’s time to think about selling.
Najee Harris, RB - Steelers
Is it still considered selling if no one is buying?
Look, maybe someone will write a ‘buy low’ article on Harris this week that you can run to your group chat to share before selling. Better yet, maybe they’re bad at reading sarcasm. Try this:
But seriously, it’s time to cut ties.
Lucky for you, Harris broke away with a few double-digit runs in the third quarter on Monday night. Those might have beefed up his score justtttttt enough on paper to help you trade him away (4.8 points looks better than 0.9, right?).
Pittsburgh Steelers Najee Harris (22) stiff arms Las Vegas Raiders Luke Masterson (59) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on December 24, 2022. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Las Vegas Raiders Week 16
Analysts have been touting Harris’ backup, Jaylen Warren, all offseason. And I think Warren’s role grows in this offense sooner rather than later.
Takeaway: Jaylen Warren is the RB to roster in PIT.
Tony Jones Jr., RB(1?) - Saints
While Jones’ lightning-quick payday looked great on paper once Jamaal Williams left the game with a hamstring injury, this type of production just isn’t guaranteed week to week.
Alvin Kamara returns from suspension after just one more game and rookie Kendre Miller is reportedly nearing his own return.
While Jones isn’t a bad pick-up in a vacuum, his price is just too damn high on the heels of this 2 TD game, for what is possibly only one week of playtime as the starter.
Takeaway: Tony Jones Jr. is here for a good time, not a long time.
Players to Hold
Here are some “They did so great, I bet I could get some value for them right now” players that we are NOT letting go of - no matter what.
Remember, we’re not chasing the next big thing if we already have it.
Tony Pollard, RB - Cowboys
Guys. You drafted him for this!
Pollard is looking to be exactly the RB we were hoping for this season. In a landscape where early-round picks can be unpredictably disappointing fantasy production busts (I still love you, Ja’Marr Chase), Pollard is holding his own.
Not only is Pollard ranked 3rd for rushing attempts on the season. Not only is he a threat through the air. Not only is he healthy. But he’s also leading the NFL in carries from inside the 10.
AND Pollard takes on Arizona next week who just allowed Saquon Barkley to cook for a total of 2 TDs and 92 yards in what started as a rough offensive showing for the Giants? YUMMY.
Takeaway: Red zone carries are good. We like red zone carries.
Chris Olave, WR - Saints
Monday night didn’t serve us the most riveting offensive matchups, but Derek Carr still found his WRs. And boy did they eat.
With double-digit targets in each of these first two games, Olave continues to make the most of his opportunities, turning them into eight and six catches for 112 and 86 yards, respectively.
And Olave’s got that big boy playmaking ability you want in a WR. All he needs to do is find the end zone. (And if you missed the game: He almost did.)
Takeaway: Safe floor, big ceiling.
Other Players to Target (Waiver Wire/Trades)
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB - Lions
Jordan Love, QB - Packers
AND DON’T FORGET…
