Were now swinging towards the mid-year mark. By now you should have a pretty good idea whether you're fielding a good team or a bad one. If you're 3-2 or better you should now be looking to trade your depth for more star players. If you're 2-3 or worse, you should begin shopping your elite stars for depth and starting options for a more rounded roster. Bye weeks becoming more common are good for trading. Its easier to take advantage of a rival needing a player. Now that we've discussed strategy, let's get into targets.
Players I'm Buying
Corey Clement, Austin Ekeler
Right now the Eagles backfield looks to be a mix of Smallwood and Clement. Yes, they could add some via trade. But if you're able to get Clement for a cheap price he's worth the gamble. WIth 19 and 10 PPR points in both games he had an active role, there's a good chance this move will pay off for you. Ekeler was supposed to be a handcuff. Now he has over 400 scrimmage yards and 3 touchdowns to his name through 5 weeks. Take advantage of the owner who thinks he's a backup and get yourself a solid RB2.
Keenan Allen, Micheal Thomas
Keenan Allen has been in a slump since week 1. He has only 1 touchdown this year and just hasn't done much. This seems familiar. Anyone that bought low last season during his slump was handsomely rewarded with a third-place finish. He's still getting the targets, he's still the go-to guy. It's just a matter of time before he breaks out in a big way. Thomas is in a mini-slump of his own. After starting the season out with a bang, he's yet to clear 100 yards or score a touchdown in 2 weeks. With a bye this week, it's the perfect time to sneak in an offer. AcquiringThimas gives you a good shot at finishing with the WR1 on your roster.
Jordan Reed, David Njoku
The Redskins were a steaming pile of trash on Monday Night Football. The whole team was embarrassing including Jordan Reed. This is your time to swoop in and steal an elite tight end during a year of famine at the position. Reed had yet to score under double digits in PPR prior to this point. If the team that has him is panicking, step in and get yourself a TE1. Njoku is less of a sure thing. But with Baker at the helm, he's looking like he could be a weekly low-end starter with upside. If you can pick him off your waivers or get him for a cheap bench option, now is the time.
Players I'm Selling
James White, Kareem Hunt
Since Burkhead went on IR, White has been a star. Right? Kind of. He's seen 24 targets in the last 2 weeks. A number that is completely unsustainable for him in an offense with Josh Gordon, Julien Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Gronk. Ros, He's probably a solid RB2. If you're able to trade him now for a RB1 or WR1 you should take what you can get. Kareem Hunt is back, rejoice! Not so fast. Almost all of his production has come from touchdowns. He has only 5 catches during the entire season. Take advantage of the league mate who thinks Hunt is back and dump him for a more well-rounded player before he has another bad game.
Sterling Sheperd, Will Fuller
Over the last 3 weeks, Shepard has been an important piece to my team and many others. Finally the number 2 WR he was supposed to be. His increased productions are directly in line with Engrams injury. With Engram set to return, its time to move onto greener pastures. Will Fuller has been a star with Watson behind center. Too bad there's a new sheriff in town. Coutee has looked fantastic in the last 2 weeks playing from the slot. With Hopkins already eating a significant amount of the targets, I'm just not sure there's enough to consistently produce three starting receivers. Not to mention Fuller's history with recurring hamstring problems. It's better to just relieve yourself of the headache.
Eric Ebron
Ebron has been a star during the first half of the season. Now with Hilton, Doyle, and Mack nearing a return, he's going to lose some of his shine. He has never been an efficient option but the sheer amount of volume had made up for that. In such a bad Tight End landscape, you should be able to get a haul for past production.
Players I'm Picking Up
Jameis Winston, Ronald Jones, Keke Coutee, Niles Paul
Winston is back as the starter and has a super easy schedule, many weapons, and a horrible defense. He could be a league winner. Ronald Jones has looked dreadful, but he has an opportunity to make this backfield his with the way Peyton Barber has played. Coutee has been fantastic in PPR leagues and is worth an add as an immediate WR3. ASJ was put on IR and the former receiver Niles Paul is up next. He is a better player than ASJ and should produce enough to at least be streamed. For more waiver pickups check out Brendan's picks here!
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