Fantasy Football Trade Advice: Players to Buy & Sell (Week 9) (2024)

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Players to Buy

Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)

The Chargers faced difficulties in the rushing game, totaling only 54 yards. Austin Ekeler had 29 rushing yards on 15 attempts, as the team struggled to establish a strong ground game. Joshua Kelley went just 6 for 21 rushing yards.

Ekeler was not only active in the rushing game but also made significant contributions as a receiver. He had 94 receiving yards on 7 receptions, including a touchdown (21% Target share, 8 targets). Overall, 67% snap share.

Clean sweep on the Sunday Night Football rushing unders.

Ekeler was the primary “buy-low” target last week and that looks like a W. Still looking to buy him with a favorable schedule for RBs coming up.

Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)

Breece Hall led the Jets in rushing attempts with 12 carries but had difficulty finding significant yardage. He accumulated 17 rushing yards on a 64% snap share. The team, as a whole, managed 58 rushing yards. Woof.

Dalvin Cook had two carries for 5 yards. Played fewer snaps than Michael Carter. RB3 status. His days in New York may be numbered.

In the receiving game, Garrett Wilson was the primary target for Zach Wilson, recording 100 receiving yards on seven receptions (13 targets).

Hall also played a significant role, catching six passes for 76 yards, including a touchdown (9 targets). The concentrated effort around Hall and Wilson is great for their long-term outlooks with the Jets’ favorable schedule.

Wilson, 36.1% Target share. Hall: 25% Target share.

The schedule over the second half of the season is JUICY. Chargers, Raiders, Bills and Dolphins up next.

Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)

The Cowboys’ rushing attack was led by Tony Pollard, who carried the ball 12 times for 53 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. No TDs again. Only 1 target in another blow-out home win for the Cowboys. Buy low. The TDs have to come at some point. Pollard is the RB6 in expected fantasy points per game this season. And he is averaging nearly the EXACT same points per game as did last season at (12.2 vs 12.3) through 8 weeks. Finished as RB4 the rest of the way. Buy Low.

Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)

Bijan Robinson led the way with 62 yards on 11 carries, including a touchdown run on 1 of 2 red-zone carries. Tyler Allgeier carried the ball 8 times for 31 yards. Robinson also had 5 targets but somehow caught zero?

One was erased by a penalty. Also dropped another and had one tipped at the LOS.

Still logged 74% of the snaps as the RB1 in the backfield. If Drake London misses time, I’d presume targets flow through the tight ends (Vikings are weak versus tight ends) and Robinson.

Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)

On the ground, Jonathan Taylor was the star of the game. He carried the ball 12 times, accumulating 95 yards at an impressive average of 7.9 yards per carry. But should be noted…11 for 94 in the first half.

While Taylor didn’t find the end zone on the ground, his explosive runs contributed significantly to the Colts’ offensive success. Zack Moss also made an impact, with 11 carries for 66 yards and one rushing touchdown. 4 red-zone carries including the score.

JT had 2 targets to Moss’ 1. But Taylor only had one red-zone carry…
Simply put, Moss isn’t going away. And that is always going to cap the high-end ceiling of JT, despite how crazy and high-scoring it seems like every Colts game tends to be.

He’s a hold for now because it’d be malpractice to move him before he plays Carolina. And his snaps continue to increase, maxing out at 61% snap share in Week 8.

DK Metcalf (WR – SEA)

D.K. Metcalf contributed with 5 receptions for 67 yards (14 targets, 38% Target share) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 3 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown (4 targets) that sealed victory for the Seahawks.

JSN only ran a route on 66% of dropbacks, which was a downgrade from last season. The targets were low but he got away with a TD score. I hate selling rookie WRs – they usually break out in the second half- so he’s a hold for me unless I can get something well above market value on him.

Seattle seems to really like this Jake Bobo fellow, and that hurts JSN’s bottom-line.

Metcalf was peppered with downfield looks, earning 152 air yards. All the opportunity is there for him to have a massive game on the horizon. 5 red-zone targets, but zero scores. He is on the cusp of an eruption game. Buy low. Probably my No. 1 buy-low candidate in fantasy football for Week 9.

Through 7 healthy games this year, Metcalf still leads the Seahawks in receiving yards. Also has seen 8-plus targets in three of his last 4 games.

The Ravens and Commanders over their next two games, followed by the Rams, 49ers, Cowboys and 49ers again.

Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)

Zay Flowers had just 19 yards on 5 receptions. Down game but still the overall Target share leader with 7 passes (25.9% Target share). Buy low as always.

Flowers has been the model of consistency throughout his entire rookie campaign and remains a buy candidate. 15th in Target share (28%) 8 games into his rookie year.

DJ Moore (WR – CHI)

D.J. Moore ended with 6 targets – 16% Target share – catching 4 balls for 55 yards. Buy D.J. Moore after back-to-back down games with Justin Fields returning. Solid SOS for WRs rest of the season.

Christian Kirk (WR – JAC)

Christian Kirk saw just 5 targets. 4 for 46. Still ran a full allotment of routes. As always is the move with Jaguars, you buy-low after down games. And the same is said with Calvin Ridley after he posted a strong output, leading the team in routes run and air yards.

But if you can’t get anything worthwhile, both guys are holds with favorable matchups post bye week.

Bye Week, 49ers, Titans, Texans

Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)

In the receiving game, Garrett Wilson was the primary target for Zach Wilson, recording 100 receiving yards on seven receptions (13 targets).

Wilson, 36.1% Target share. Hall: 25% Target share.

The schedule over the second half of the season is JUICY. Chargers, Raiders, Bills and Dolphins up next.

Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)

The Chiefs struggled on the ground, with only 62 rushing yards. Isiah Pacheco led the team with 8 carries for 40 yards. Caught 3 balls on 4 targets but for -3 yards. Snaps dipped with Chiefs involving Jerick McKinnon more (41% snap share) in negative game script. However, Pacheco still ran the most routes and had more targets. Buy. Next 3: MIA (Germany), PHI, LV

Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)

Cincinnati’s rushing attack was led by Joe Mixon, who had 16 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Mixon’s performance on the ground, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, played a crucial role in the team’s offensive success. Chipped in 3 targets.

Efficient off the buy week versus a beatable 49ers run defense. Mixon will be licking his CHOPS against Buffalo’s atrocious run defense.

Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)

Tee Higgins recorded 5 receptions for 69 yards, 6 targets (19% Target share). Ran a route on 82% of dropbacks. There’s room for that to grow. Still a screaming buy as the Bengals begin their heater on the league with a healthy Burrow.

Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)

Javonte Williams toted the rock 10 times in the first half to McLaughlin’s 2.

Ended the day with 27 carries for 85 yards. 30 total touches. 9 red-zone touches.

Juggernaut Javonte is BACK.

Additionally, McLaughlin contributed with 4 carries for 33 yards.

Williams was effective as a receiver out of the backfield, catching all 3 of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown. McLaughlin saw two targets and Samaje Perine earned 3.

Williams finished with a 63% snap share. Trending WAY up after leading the Broncos in routes run (tied with Perine).

James Cook (RB – BUF)

James Cook carried the ball 14 times for a total of 67 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He didn’t score any touchdowns but had a long run of 18 yards. Latavis Murray started (eye roll) and had 5 carries for 7 yards, averaging 1.4 yards per carry. Came in at the goal line as he often does and got stuffed. Both guys each only caught one pass on one target, while Cook dominated the route share (61%).

Overall, Cook played 67% of the snaps to Murray’s 33%. Cook’s snaps increased from last week and that makes him a buy. The Bills cannot be pleased with how ineffective Murray has been as a rusher, and I’d think that makes them lean MORE into Cook as the season progresses. He has seen some red zone work this season, so it’s at least an idea the Bills have toyed with, and I think they go back down that road based on how Murray has underwhelmed as the red zone back recently. He hasn’t scored since Week 3. On the year, Cook and Murray each have 14 red zone carries.

But over the last two weeks, Cook has out-touched Murray 31 to 12.
And with the addition of Leonard Fournette – signed to the team on Monday – I think that means it’s curtains for Murray. Neither Murray nor Damien Harris has panned out as a compliment to Cook. Fournette has a better skill set, so I think his addition is more of how displeased the Bills are with Murray, not Cook. Therefore, if a manager in your league views this as a death nail for Cook, I’d gladly take them off their hands.

The Bengals, Broncos, Jets and Eagles are the Bills’ next four games before a Week 13 bye week.

Nico Collins (WR – HOU)

Noah Brown led the way with 57 receiving yards on 3 receptions (2nd in routes with no Robert Woods). Nico Collins was another significant contributor, recording 30 receiving yards on 4 receptions (25% Target share). Could have more production given his near 100 air yards.

Tank Dell: 4 targets / 17% Target share. Still led the team in routes run (93%).

Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Arizona and Jacksonville over the next month.

So yes, you best be scooping up Nico Collins/Tank Dell shares ASAP rocky fam.

Aaron Jones (RB – GB)

The Packers’ rushing game was anchored by Jordan Love, who demonstrated his mobility and rushed for 34 yards on 4 carries. However, the ground game saw limited success in terms of touchdowns and yards with the RBs. A.J. Dillon rushed for 11 yards on 6 carries, 3 coming inside the red zone.

Aaron Jones, 7 for 29 with 2 red-zone attempts and 2 red-zone targets.
A.J. Dillon also contributed significantly in the passing game, catching all 5 of his targets for 41 yards.

Both guys split backfield work with a dead even 51% snap share split. The only positive out of this game is that Jones played a season-high in snaps. If the Packers are going to turn this around, it will because on the heels of a Jones’ second-half surge.

If you need a spark at RB, a healthy Jones gives you the most bang for your buck. Panthers/Vikings in the fantasy playoffs.

Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)

Diontae Johnson was the top target overall for the Steelers, catching 8 passes for 85 yards. 14 targets / 32.6% Target share. Also was being used much more downfield with a whopping 188 air yards. A true target commander with a potential untapped ceiling if he continues to see usage farther downfield. He has a 25% Target share through three games averaging 5-plus catches per game.

George Pickens scored the only touchdown for the Steelers on a 22-yard reception. 5 targets but just one catch. 81 air yards.

With Trubisky last season, Diontae Johnson posted much better numbers. Would expect him to be Steelers WR1 in a great matchup versus Tennessee in Week 9.

Johnson’s targets with Trubisky games in 2022: 12, 10, 11, 8, 10.

Pickens in those same games: 3, 2, 7, 3, 5

The Steelers schedule: Titans (TNF), Packers and Browns.

Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)

Rookie tight Dalton Kincaid caught 5 passes out of 7 targets for 65 yards. He scored 1 touchdown (18% Target share).

Last week, Kincaid ran a route on 63% of the dropbacks while playing 61% of the snaps. In Week 8, he ran a route on 85% of the dropbacks while playing 84% of the snaps.

Wheels ARE up for the rookie tight end.

The Bengals and Broncos are the Bills’ next two games.

Drake London (WR – ATL)

Players to Sell

Kenneth Walker III (RB – SEA)

The first half carry total was 5 for Kenneth Walker and 3 for Zach Charbonnet. Ended 8-to-5 in favor of Walker. Both guys were very efficient, averaging over 8 yards per carry. Both RBs saw 2 targets.

But But But. Charbonnet outright played MORE than Walker. 59% to 41%. Interesting. Might be time to sell high on Walker’s fast start with rookie getting ramped up. Charbonnet’s finally realizing that receiving role running more routes than Walker (22 vs 12). Walker might be dealing with a calf injury, but those types of injuries don’t just disappear.

Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA)

In the rushing game, Raheem Mostert led the team with 13 carries for 46 yards and found the end zone once on 1 of two red zone attempts. He and Jeff Wilson split carries (5 vs 3) in the first half.

Jeff Wilson and Tua Tagovailoa also contributed with 5 and 6 carries, respectively, but didn’t score any rushing touchdowns.

Mostert was also not used at all in the passing game despite running a route on 50% of dropbacks. Zero targets to Wilson’s 2 and Salvon Ahmed’s 4 (2 in the red zone).

Mostert played just 56% of the snaps, while Wilson and Ahmed played the other 25% each.

Miami is showing that they want to use a committee and I don’t think it will work favorably for Mostert when De’Von Achane returns likely after the Week 10 bye week. Sell.

Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)

On the ground, Derrick Henry was his usual dominant self, rushing for 101 yards on 22 carries. Although he didn’t find the end zone, his ground game was a key factor in moving the chains. The Falcons lost Grady Jarrett and that helped the Titans run game.

Tyjae Spears had just 3 carries for 27 yards. Both RBs saw 4 targets.
Spears played 44% of the snaps to Henry’s 65%.

I’ve been trying to sell Henry all year. Take advantage of the gift you got in Week 8 to ship him off. Even though the Steelers run defense is not great – Cameron Heyward could return soon off the IR – the Titans play so poorly on the road with their terrible OL unit.

The Titans are on the road for their next three games…

Rookie quarterback Will Levis shined, completing 19 of 29 passes for 238 yards, with no interceptions and four touchdown passes. Levis showcased excellent decision-making and efficiency, earning a remarkable passer rating of 130.5.

However, let’s not get lost and overly obsessed with the 4 passing TDs. Three came on deep balls, which is not easily replicated. Especially when Levis orchestrated an offense that only converted 5 third downs. They punted 8 times. Only the Jets/Giants punted more in Week 8.

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Chris Olave: 9 targets / 31.0% Target share. 5 for 46. Womp. 170 air yards or as the kids call “prayer yards.” It’s just not going to happen with Derek Carr folks. The minute he has a blow-up game when the regression kicks in…you immediately flip.

George Kittle (TE – SF)

George Kittle was the primary target without Deebo Samuel, with 9 receptions for 149 yards. He averaged an impressive 16.6 yards per catch. 35.5% Target share. Same old song dance folks. You sell Kittle after these blow-up games that are clearly cultivated based on teammate injuries. Considering the bye week, expect Samuel to be back sooner rather than later.

DeAndre Hopkins (WR – TEN)

DeAndre Hopkins was Levis’ primary target and had a spectacular game. He caught 4 passes for a whopping 128 yards and found the end zone three times. Only 6 targets but a 21% Target share.

Like with Henry, I am not risking hitching my wagon to Hopkins-Levis for the remainder of the season. Just cash out. This will be Hopkins’ best game of the season.

Mike Evans (WR – TB)

Mike Evans had 3 receptions for 39 yards and scored 1 touchdown (6 targets). Evans has 5 TDs this season, but has seen his yardage dip slightly under 50 yards in the two of his last three games. He’s definitely scoring TDs at a higher rate than he should have based on his expected TD output of 2.9.

If I could sell high, I think I would.

Gus Edwards (RB – BAL)

Gus Edwards led the first-half effort with 6 carries to Justice Hill’s 1.
And he tied the bow on a strong start with 3 RUSHING TDS on 6 red-zone carries.

Gus Bus was FULLY LOADED. 19 carries for 80 yards with the hattrick. Hill only saw 4 total carries, while catching four balls on 4 targets for 40 yards.

Gus Bus logged a 52% snap rate to Hill’s 48%. Games where the Ravens should dominate are made for the Edwards to feast, where closer back-and-forth contests are better suited for Hill. And unfortunately, that means I am looking to sell high on Gus Edwards. Two elite run defenses is no bueno for Edwards, who is very game-script-dependent for his fantasy value.

Nobody’s value is higher right now at running back after a 3 TD game. Trust the process. Cash out.

Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)

Kirk Cousins will the rest of the season with a torn Achilles. As a guy hitting free agency this is just horrible (horrible in general).

Alexander Mattison carried the ball 16 times for 31 yards. Unfortunately, the ground game struggled, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. Despite the limited success on the ground, Cam Akers punched in a rushing touchdown to help the Vikings reach the end zone. Akers rushed 9 for 19 with the TD on 1 of 2 red-zone touches.

8 of Akers’ 9 carries were in the first half. Mattison had just four carries in the first half and zero targets, despite running all the routes. Each guy finished with 1 target.

Mattison played 61% of the snaps to Akers’ 24%.

Minnesota takes on Atlanta (no Grady Jarrett) and New Orleans in their next two games, followed by Broncos, Bears, Raiders and Bengals.

Nobody is going to want to buy Vikings players with Cousins out for the year. Even though we see decent play at times from Nick Mullens, the Minnesota stock is down bad.

Here’s how to approach it. Buy the backfield. Akers szn. I say this because last season, we saw an injured-plagued Rams offense lean on the ground game without Stafford. Coming from a similar philosophy, I’d bet we see Minnesota embrace the run game more with a major downgrade at QB.

The Vikings have one of the most favorable schedules for fantasy RBs over the rest of season.

Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)

Tyler Lockett was the standout receiver with 8 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown (9 targets, 24% Target share). Sell high. Lockett has not been consistent at all this season, and there are two guys on his roster I’d rather have rest of season.

Gabe Davis (WR – BUF)

Gabriel Davis was heavily targeted, with 12 passes thrown his way (30% Target share). He caught 9 of them for 87 yards and scored 1 touchdown.

As always with Davis, you sell high while you can. His status as the No. 2 on this offense might not be as dialed in, with guys like Shakir and Kincaid starting to surge. He and Kincaid have identical target shares the last two weeks. But Kincaid has a superior target rate per route run (22% to 17%) as does Shakir (19%).

Darrell Henderson Jr. (RB – LAR)

Royce Freeman led the rushing attack with 44 yards on 9 carries, including a rushing touchdown. Darrell Henderson carried the ball 12 times for just 31 yards. Hendo started but the carry totals were 5-4 in the first half. Henderson led the way with 54 receiving yards on 3 receptions.

Freeman out-snapped Henderson (53% vs 47%), with both seeing 1 red-zone carry. Split routes as well. But it’s the second straight game Freeman has been more efficient and effective rusher than Hendo. Therefore I am trying to push Henderson out and hope Freeman can take over in the long run.

Jahan Dotson (WR – WAS)

Jahan Dotson was the top target, hauling in eight passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. It’s about TIME. After we all had given up on Dotson he finally came through. Likely on your bench or the waiver wire.

For me, it’s prime sell-high/avoid territory on the waiver wire. The schedule gets tougher and he still didn’t command a high Target share with the same role on offense.

Jamison Crowder also had a strong game with seven receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Curtis Samuel was questionable entering the game and that increased Crowder’s role (as likely with Dotson).

The Patriots, Seahawks, Giants and Cowboys are over next month.

I would do my best to sell my Washington pieces with tougher matchups coming up. That includes McLaurin.