Dynasty football managers are running out of time to make trades. Week 13 of the NFL is upon us, and the Thanksgiving slate will give us more than a few games early this week. So getting those moves in early will be key.
I will highlight two players who do not play early this week to allow ample time to inquire about them. Both running backs have a chance to increase their dynasty value over the coming weeks, whether that comes from returning from injury or earning playing time. And one is ideal for contenders down the stretch, while the other is great to trade for on a rebuilding roster. Let’s waste no time and dive into the contenders’ side of things first.
NFL Dynasty Trade Targets for Week 13
Contenders
Trade for Trey Benson
Trey Benson is likely one of the least talked about league winners in fantasy football. I understand and know we often overuse that term. However, if your team makes it to the semi-finals, Benson has the best schedule possible. He goes against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, who are giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. And then in Week 17, Benson gets to go against the Cincinnati Bengals, who give up the most fantasy points to the position.
Arizona’s offense has improved by four points per game with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. They have found their footing in the passing game, but their rushing attack has struggled. It is 29th in the NFL over that time span. The addition of Benson will be a much-needed one.
Trade Value
Trading for Benson in will likely require a late second-round pick in addition to a prospect-level player. Jarquez Hunter and Brashard Smith would be prime examples of the kind of player it would likely take. If I had the bye week locked up, Benson would be at the top of my acquisition list as a player that would not take a ton to trade for, and could be a valuable RB2 for those weeks and potentially beyond.
Rebuilders
Trade for Kaleb Johnson
Johnson has arguably been the most disappointing rookie in the class in terms of fantasy production. He was a consensus late first-round pick in many rookie drafts and has just 7.9 fantasy points for the whole year. Johnson had two fumbles in the first two games of the season and was unable to regain the trust of the coaching staff. And he is currently buried on the depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Public perception of Johnson is the lowest it might ever be, and there is a good chance he is still sitting on a contender’s bench. So, with all the negative coach-speak surrounding Johnson, including offensive coordinator Arthur Smith saying they would need to run the ball 40 times to use him on offense. That will do quite a number on a player’s confidence.
However, I’m going to be the first to say that I don’t trust this coaching staff. I have watched Bijan’s rookie season alongside Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin’s general approach to young players. I’m not ready to give up just yet. Johnson hasn’t proven much on the field, but a presumed new coaching staff next season could want to see what they have in Johnson. We also see rookies take over later in the season. And in his limited touches, he has displayed what made him a day two draft pick.
Trade Value
If he is on a contender, I would trade someone like Courtland Sutton, Alec Pierce, or Tez Johnson for him and add a low-value pick if needed. I would be willing to roll the dice on a talent like Johnson. It is at the point where if it doesn’t work out, it won’t sink your rosters. His current valuation is around a late-second-round pick, which I would trade ten times out of ten in a rookie class like 2026. Dynasty is all about taking risks, and this isn’t even a big one that can improve your team in future years.
Final Thoughts
Some trade deadlines in dynasty have already passed. And while I disagree with that. It is the nature of the game that we play. There are still plenty of leagues where dynasty managers can continue to make trades. And these are two of the top players I’d inquire about. For contenders, I’d also like to add Michael Pittman, Saquon Barkley, and potentially Isaiah Pacheco.
Barkley has one of the easiest schedules the rest of the way. He has matchups against the Chicago Bears, the Washington Commanders, and the Buffalo Bills. All are top matchups to close out the season. He does need to find his 2024 form again, but this stretch is a great spot to do that. I’d be wary, but open to adding him if I were guaranteed a playoff spot.
As for rebuilding teams, I’d add both Jaguars receivers in Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. Rebuilding teams should also be interested in Luther Burden III, whom I’ve mentioned more than once. It may be too late to acquire him, but it’s still worth a chance.
And then any underperforming quarterback, which includes J.J. McCarthy, Cam Ward, and Bryce Young. I would prioritize Ward out of that group. He has had flashes of promise, especially this past week against the Seattle Seahawks.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of dynasty trade targets to attempt to trade for before Week 13. Time is running out, though, and we are almost at the fantasy playoffs. This season has gone mighty quickly, and we will soon be scouting draft prospects with rookie picks in no time. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and the best of luck with their dynasty trades as the season nears its end.
