We are onto Week 16, the semi-finals for dynasty and all fantasy leagues alike. For those without a dynasty trade deadline, this article is for you. Managers should be trying to secure a championship with only two weeks left. The offseason will allow you to acquire young talent as we head into 2026.
More Week 16 Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Weekly Rankings | Dynasty Risers and Fallers
Dynasty managers’ only priority at this point is to win a championship. And today, we will talk about another first-round worthy player, along with an option that will not affect your offseason at all. We will start with the player you need to win in 2024.
Week 16 Dynasty Football Trade Targets
Trade for Saquon Barkley
Only two running backs, the rest of the way, play two defenses that are in the top ten of fantasy points allowed. Saquon Barkley and De’Von Achane both get great matchups to end the season. And I am going out on a limb here and say Saquon Barkley is easier to acquire. Barkley has struggled for the most part this season, as we all know the Eagles have. The last two weeks have been a significant improvement for Barkley. He has had two top-ten finishes in the past two weeks.
This week, he gets to go against the Washington Commanders, who allow the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. This past week, they allowed 70 rushing yards and a touchdown to Tyrone Tracy Jr., and the week before, they allowed 143 rushing yards and a touchdown to the Vikings’ running backs. Barkley is a fantastic matchup against a defense that allows the seventh-most points in the NFL. Barkley is a high-end RB1 for the next two weeks of the season, and dynasty managers should trade for him as he could lead teams to fantasy championships just like he did in 2024.
Dynasty Value
Trading for Saquon Barkley will likely require a late first-round pick plus in a trade. And I believe he gives you two years of production after this season. In this particular rookie class, I am more than willing to give a rookie pick that will be eighth or later. A player like Khalil Shakir on top of that pick would likely get the deal done with a rebuilding team. Barkley should be better next season, given that Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens should get time to heal up on the offensive line.
Dynasty managers should play in three-year windows, and trust me, I know how fun it is to find the next great player in your rookie drafts. However, comparing the profiles you will find in the late first round this year with last year’s. Last year’s class surpasses this one by a wide margin. So I would make it a priority to check in with the Barkley manager, as the Eagles play on Saturday instead of Sunday.
Barkley will also always have name value as we head into next year. And I would much prefer a late first-round pick in 2027 over 2026. So, there is always outs in a long offseason, but I would prioritize that championship run now.
Trade for Darren Waller
Even with Quinn Ewers being the new starter for the Miami Dolphins this week. Waller is still a veteran trade target due to the fantastic matchup he has this week. The Cincinnati Bengals are giving up the most fantasy points to the tight end position; they give up five more points than the Miami Dolphins, who are in second place. The team total for the Dolphins has dropped to 21.75, but in a great matchup, expect Ewers to look Waller’s way. The Bengals’ defense has struggled against everyone this season. They are allowing the most passing touchdowns and the sixth-most passing yards.
Ewers looked less than inspiring in garbage time against the Browns with 61 yards on eight attempts. With most of those yards coming from a spectacular pass with a defender in his face. It is likely a blow to the offense, but it could potentially end up being a net positive after the offense had negative 20 yards in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. No matter the quarterback, the offense will not be changing, and Waller will still be the number one option inside the 20-yard line. If they can move the ball, Waller will be involved in a big way yet again.
Dynasty Value
Waller is the veteran who will not set your dynasty team back if you happen to lose this week. His value is around a fourth-round pick, and he could be a third-round pick for some teams. And either pick is worth Waller for these last two weeks. He gets to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, who just gave up three touchdowns to Kyle Pitts. And if Quinn Ewers can prove to be at least serviceable. Waller could be one of the players who propel you to victory in these next two weeks.
And when you are competing, and even in general, those picks do not matter as much. It is hard to find meaningful dynasty players in those rounds. And notice I didn’t say impossible, because it is still possible. However, at the back-end of the third or fourth round, it is better to take your chances on a veteran who could help bring home a championship.
Final Thoughts
These are two more attainable players whom you could trade for in dynasty to assist you in your championship runs. Looking at last week’s picks, Davante Adams sadly suffered an injury, and Derrick Henry looked great, but again got limited carries against the Bengals for the second time this year. Now we have two options that can carry your teams through both remaining weeks.
And I want to add for rebuilders, now is the time to target backup quarterbacks. Players like Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Malik Willis should all be on rosters. All of the reclamation projects that are going on at the position between Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones before his injury, and Baker Mayfield. It is best to get ahead of the curve in dynasty before one of these quarterbacks potentially goes to a team where they can compete for a starting spot. So, best of luck in your semi-finals matchup, and if you are rebuilding, pick up one or more of these quarterbacks this week.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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