With Week 5 in the rearview mirror, many dynasty managers are facing a crucial crossroads. If you’re sitting at 0-5 or 1-4, it’s time to take big swings to salvage your season. Whether that means trading for undervalued assets or making bold waiver moves, now is the time to get aggressive. On the flip side, if it’s clear you’re not contending, you can start focusing on rebuilding your roster. Moving veteran players for draft picks and young talent is a way to stay ahead of the curve before the rest of your league recognizes their shortcomings. This week, we spotlight four young players whose value is on the rise, offering opportunities for both contenders and rebuilders alike.
Week 5 Dynasty Football Risers and Fallers
Risers
Tyrone Tracy
Tyrone Tracy exploded in his first start of the season, racking up 129 yards on 18 carries. His quickness and speed make him a dangerous complement to Devin Singletary when the backfield is fully healthy. Tracy’s dynamic performance has likely cemented him in a role moving forward, especially in passing downs. After a game like this, he’s impossible to bench, and his versatility gives him a high floor for both contending and rebuilding teams.
Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft continues to rise in value, securing his position as TE3 with another solid performance since Jordan Love’s return. He has separated himself from Luke Musgrave and is the tight end to roster in Green Bay. Given his connection with Love and his role in an emerging offense, Kraft is a great target in trades, especially as he still flies under the radar in many leagues. If you’re looking to invest in the Packers’ passing attack, Kraft offers an affordable piece with upside.
Jalen Tolbert
With Brandin Cooks sidelined, Jalen Tolbert thrived as the WR2, hauling in seven of ten targets for 87 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Cooks will be out for at least three more weeks, giving Tolbert a window to solidify his role. He’s still relatively cheap in trades and could be a valuable bye-week filler or stash. In deeper leagues, he may even be sitting on waivers, making him a low-cost addition with the potential for a significant payoff.
Aidan O’Connell
Aidan O’Connell taking over the starting job before Week 8 was one of my preseason bold predictions, and it’s coming to fruition as the Raiders have made the QB spot an open competition heading into Week 6. Head coach Antonio Pierce’s comments indicate that O’Connell is pushing for the starting job. I believe O’Connell has a real shot at becoming at least a league-average starter, which would boost the value of the entire Raiders offense. In superflex leagues, now is the time to explore acquiring O’Connell, especially if you need QB depth for the playoff stretch.
Check out all of our Week 6 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Fallers
Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford’s value took a hit this week as he split carries evenly with D’Onta Foreman, who outproduced him. With Nick Chubb returning to practice, Ford’s window of opportunity may be closing fast. If you can still sell him at low-end RB2 prices, now is the time to cash out before Chubb’s return further diminishes his role.
Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne has had a disappointing couple of weeks, seeing his touches decrease and being outplayed by rookie Tank Bigsby. The current coaching staff didn’t draft Etienne, but they did invest in Bigsby, which may lead to an ongoing timeshare. While Etienne won’t disappear entirely, his RB1 upside is slipping away. If his name still carries value in your league, this might be the time to sell before his role diminishes further.
Romeo Doubs
It’s hard to call Romeo Doubs a faller without knowing all the details, but his suspension for conduct detrimental to the team is troubling. Doubs has always been a high-floor, low-ceiling option, and with the emergence of Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed, other options in Green Bay could make Doubs expendable. While this could turn into a buy-low situation if he bounces back, it’s a risky bet given the current state of affairs.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!