The fantasy football trade deadline is nearly upon us, and conversations are probably heating up in your league. In particular, the deadline can get exciting for dynasty and keeper leagues, as teams begin to reshuffle their players with an eye on 2020.
We’ve got a guide to help you get through the deadline, with a look at major stars who might be worth targeting because of an easy schedule or stars who might be worth avoiding or selling because of a tough schedule. We’ll also spotlight a few players of interest who are returning from injury. And we’ll dive into intriguing options for the dynasty and keeper deadline.
Stars with tough schedules
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs (32nd): Might the Chiefs offense experience more growing pains? Their schedule should be a challenge.
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals (30th): Not only does he have a tough slate of games ahead, but he may have to earn his job back, with Kenyan Drake and the injured Chase Edmonds proving productive in Johnson’s stead.
Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars (28th): Fournette may have just one rushing touchdown, but he’s been a monster for yardage. What happens if he’s not scoring TDs and his yardage slumps?
Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs (32nd): He’s in the same boat as Mahomes. The Chiefs offense has slowed slightly this year, and their schedule is only getting tougher.
Amari Cooper, WR, Cowboys (31st): Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore are in for a tough challenge to close out the season. Their ability to succeed will determine Cooper’s success.
Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions (29th): He’s been a treat to watch, and surely a treat to own. But a regression may be on the horizon.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Packers (31st): He is not a buy-low candidate. He’s worth cutting.
Stars with easy schedules
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Colts (5th): He’s been a touchdown machine. It seems his schedule will permit him to continue, as long as he’s healthy.
David Montgomery, RB, Bears (1st): The rookie may just be getting started as he takes over the Chicago backfield.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings (5th): He’s already been a monster. Imagine what he’ll keep doing with an easy schedule.
Sony Michel, RB, Patriots (9th): Even the former first-round pick isn’t safe from Bill Belichick’s inconsistent approach to the deployment of running backs. But perhaps the easy schedule is enough to entice.
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints (6th): Brees is back. The schedule is easy. Thomas is going to continue to roll.
Julio Jones, WR, Falcons (9th): There should be some concern about Atlanta choosing to tank. At the very least, the Falcons won’t have much to play for. But the schedule isn’t tough for their WR1.
George Kittle, TE, 49ers (2nd): His terrific season should have an even better conclusion.
Injured players who are returning
Derrius Guice, RB, Redskins: He will be back to action in Week 11.
N’Keal Harry, WR, Patriots: He was eligible to play in Week 9, but New England kept him inactive. He can make his debut in Week 11 after the Patriots’ bye week.
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Coach Zac Taylor said he expects Green to return from injury in Week 10.
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals: Arizona expects Johnson to return in Week 10 after missing a few weeks with an ankle injury, although see above for schedule concerns.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs: He is likely to return this week after missing the last two weeks after suffering a dislocated kneecap.
Kerryon Johnson, RB Lions (?): He is eligible to return from his injury in Week 16, though it’s unclear of Detroit will put him back on the active roster (particularly if they’re out of the playoff hunt).
Targets for dynasty and keeper leagues
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Colts: Indianapolis has an absurd amount of cap space to support the young quarterback for years to come. He’s worth the investment.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers: It’s unlikely Melvin Gordon will return to L.A. in 2020, and so Ekeler could then become the lead back.
Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals: He showed in 2018 that he can be the feature back — and an efficient one — when the offense isn’t a complete and total disaster. But because he’s having such a bad season, perhaps you can coax him away from a frustrated owner.
Devin Singletary, RB, Bills: Frank Gore will likely depart in the 2020 offseason, which would grant Singletary increased ownership of the backfield next season.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders: His stock has never really been low since Oakland drafted him. But he’s a long-term workhorse, who is worth owning in every format.
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: He’s probably headed for a new offense next season, which could revive the 31-year-old’s career.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Rams: He’s dealing with concussions and suffered his third since Super Bowl LIII. But he’s still young, and should have a long career ahead of him.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Patriots: He showed in his first week with the Patriots that he’s can contribute. Imagine what he’ll do when he has more time to develop in the offense.
Marquise Brown, WR, Ravens: Baltimore passing offense has taken a dip over the last few weeks. Buy low, if possible. Brown is going to be a star for years to come.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seahawks: Josh Gordon’s arrival may have spooked Metcalf owners. But it’s hard to say how long Gordon will last in Seattle. Metcalf, meanwhile, has already proven himself invaluable as a big play monster and a red zone threat.
Noah Fant, TE, Broncos: He’s had a rough rookie season, but will surely be a bigger part of the offense in 2020, regardless of who is at quarterback.
