The first quarter of the NFL season (or quarter-ish we should say since the move to the 17-week NFL schedule) is in the rear-view mirror. And with that, come new opportunities as we transition from capitalizing on early success to acquiring early disappointments. Remember, your goal in dynasty leagues is to win every year, not just one year. So regardless of where you might be in the standings, you should constantly be striving to accumulate value.
That means even if you have to hold your nose, consider biting on some players that haven’t quite performed to expectations. There’s bound to be a desperate manager or two in your league considering cutting bait on their frustration. And that’s where you have to strike.
That’s right, after feasting on your spoils, it’s time to pick up some scraps. Because just as whatever goes up must come down, sometimes there’s nowhere else to go but up! Here are three players you should absolutely consider strong buy-low opportunities.
Three Players to Buy Low For Dynasty Football
Bryce Young, QB, CAR
There were times that the Alabama product seemed to be the safest choice for the top pick in 2023 rookie drafts. But as managers got closer and closer to their draft days it became clear that caution is for suckers, and the masses began to collectively salivate over the potential of Bijan Robinson and Anthony Richardson.
But we have to remember that dynasty football is about playing the long game. Robinson has been lights out in his NFL debut thus far, but he’s still a running back and life is perilous. Richardson knows this first hand, running into ball security issues this past Sunday while returning from an injury.
Young showed elite anticipation in college, poise in the pocket under pressure, and has a body of work that led to the Carolina Panthers trading up to select him No. 1 overall. So what has gone wrong so far in his debut?
Well for starters, it’s an ugly supporting cast. Adam Thielen is still finding ways to produce, but he’s no DJ Moore. After him, it’s a who’s who of retreads and never wills. DJ Chark Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., and Terrace Marshall Jr., as cute as they all are together in one room, do not inspire confidence.
With future first-rounders already traded away as well in the deal for Young too, it may seem difficult to imagine the roster getting much better, but the Panthers will have to find a way to justify the Young selection.
That means they’ll be on the hunt for receivers and offensive line help, whether in the offseason or before the trade deadline. And if it comes at the expense of the defense, well, more shootouts for Young. Give the kid a chance to load up on some weapons. Buy low.
Breece Hall, RB, NYJ
While the early hiccups for the New York Jets were unexpected, they were expected for Breece Hall. Still just 22 years old in his second year in the NFL, Hall is still recovering from an ACL tear last October. And while modern medicine has improved to allow fabulous comeback stories like Adrian Peterson or Todd Gurley, it’s still not a magical process.
The body can only recover so quickly from being reconstructed. And while Hall has already exhibited some of the vision and lightning speed that made him such an asset last year, he’s still not all the way back. Just ask Eli Manning.
As it turns out, an examination of the data shows that while players may be able to eventually return to their pre-injury form, it typically does not happen in the first year following surgery.
As a result, there tend to be good buy low windows after the running back has failed to perform to expectation. After all, it is the second year after an ACL tear that an RB is more likely to be back.
Coupling his inconsistent usage with a well-reported bad Jets offensive situation provides opportunity. Hall owners have to be panicking if they’re unaware of the light at the end of the tunnel.
Snap up shares of the dual threat. It may not pay out in 2023, but if you’re playing for 2024 and beyond, it could be a league winner.
Drake London, WR, ATL
While the jury may still be out on Bryce Young, it’s firmly in on Desmond Ridder. Ridder currently stands as the least accurate passing QB in pressured situations as well as in clean pockets according to PFF.
He melted down in Week 4 throwing back-to-back interceptions, one of which was a house call. Two plays later he underthrew a pass which was nearly intercepted as well.
Later, the Atlanta Falcons faced 4th and 3 near the Jaguars goal line. Ridder rolls out but doesn’t anticipate his receiver as London streaks by a flat-footed defender.
Under duress after moving himself into pressure, Ridder misses the window. He throws late and while London comes down with the ball, the recovering defender knocks him out of bounds.
London sits in silence afterward, his eyes radiating frustration. These are the eyes of a man who realizes life was better with Marcus Mariota.
At 22 years old and slightly younger than Breece Hall, take the discount while you can. Things can’t get worse than Desmond Ridder. The Falcons will move on to Taylor Heinecke, or whoever else is available. And London will get a boost. Until then, buy low.
Also check out our Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty