Welcome to the new league year everyone, and welcome to my first Buy Low/ Sell high of this season! Today should be a holiday for all of our fantasy enthusiasts out there if you ask me. The offseason is the time to be constantly checking the news, searching for players to acquire or throw away before your league mates catch on. Today was the first official day of free agency and with that comes a lot of opportunities. Take a quick peek with me and let's go over where you can cash in.
Players I'm Buying
Jarvis Landry
Odell Beckham Jr. was just traded to the Browns to be the #1 for sophomore QB Baker Mayfield. Landry has been a target monster his entire career and the fact he's no longer numero uno may scare fantasy owners with pieces of him. We don't have much knowledge of the system that Freddie Kitchens runs but a reliable slot target is always a positive.
Doug Baldwin
In the offseason, all the hype is with the younger players. It's a good time to get in on a veteran player. Baldwin missed quite a few games last year and never looked like himself. With a full offseason to heal, and recharge he will be back to top 20 form. If I'm able to acquire a player like him for a second round or later, I'm all over it.
Corey Davis
The Titans have signed Adam Humphries to a pretty big deal. Humphries is a solid slot receiver who runs good routes and doesn't catch passes. I'll also tell you what Humphries isn't. A number one receiver. That's Corey Davis. Davis was a target vacuum last season and although he didn't have good results, things are looking up this year. With Taylor growing and Humphries giving help from the slot, defenses will be far less focused on Davis.
Evan Engram
The trade of Odell has opened up a TON of opportunities. After OBJ was hurt last year, Engram became a foundation piece to this Giants offense. In the last month of the season, Engram had at least 3 catches and 75 yards in every game while also scoring a touchdown. With Beckham gone for good, and the Giants transitioning to more of a run team, Engram should get all that he can handle. If you're looking for this year's Kittle, you just found him. Get him while you can.
Alvin Kamara
This one is going to be a bit pricy, but almost anything is still a discount on the production you should get. Ingram is on his way to Baltimore and Latavius Murray was just signed to be the new vulture. Shame. Or is it? Murray isn't nearly the same caliber player like Ingram and I expect Kamara's numbers to be more like the beginning of the season when Ingram was suspended. While teams panic about a new 1B back, I'm taking advantage of getting a top 3 RB for the price of a top 6 or 7. Don't be afraid to be aggressive in this pursuit.
Players I'm Selling
Tyrell Williams
Williams has officially signed with the Oakland Raiders. (eye roll emoji) At the beginning of the process this was seen as ideal but after Antonio Brown was traded there, I want out. I imagine Williams will have some really big games. He always has, but they won't be anything near consistent. If someone will buy into the Jon Gruden magic and take him off your hands, don't be afraid to say goodbye.
Mark Ingram
The landing spot for Ingram is a decent one. The Ravens have made it known that they have a desire to run the ball with Lamar Jackson spearheading their attack. Ingram should touch the ball frequently in competitive games. That's what I'm worried about. This offseason has seen the likes of Weddle, Suggs, Smith, and Mosley walk out the door on the defense. While at the same time John Brown and Michael Crabtree departed on offense, leaving only Willie Snead and 8 tight ends. Ingram will get ready to turn 30 and this is the time to get off that ship before you have to go down with it.
Baker Mayfield
It's not so much that I don't think Baker will be good, It's just that I think maybe people will have some unrealistic expectations for him. If I have Baker on my team, I'm trying to cash in on all this hype for some more premium positions such as Tight End and Running Back. Fantasy QBs not named Mahomes are a dime a dozen, maybe a baker's dozen. Sorry, bad dad joke. With 2-3 viable starters coming out of the draft and so many unvalued young guys, this is your chance to cash out on the Browns hype.
With that said, this is the close of week 1. If you want to follow along on my thoughts before I write about them, or you have any questions come on over to Twitter and follow me @Hessfootball. Come back next week for more players that I examine as a potential opportunity to improve your squads. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful fantasy holiday!