RADIO
It has not been a successful and exciting fantasy football season for everyone. If you have six losses in a league that has 13 regular season weeks, you likely must win out to make the playoffs.
In dynasty leagues, one more defeat and you are looking at building for next season. Some owners with two wins are already at that point of thinking about 2020.
But even some savvy contenders are looking to the future while focusing on winning now. No matter where you are in the standings, but with an eye more on those of you are truly not expecting to make the playoffs, here are some very interesting trade targets that could shape a better season next year. You will notice many of them are from what seems to be a strong 2019 rookie class.
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Top Dynasty League Trade Targets
Andy Isabella, WR, ARI: He gave us glimpses of a possible exciting future with an 88-yard catch-and-explode TD against the 49ers’ league-best pass defense in Week 9. Larry Fitzgerald could be gone and Isabella has the skill set to be a Golden Tate type with even more speed after the catch.
Miles Boykin, WR, BAL: He looked good during the preseason and may continue to evolve as a big target for Lamar Jackson, who could look to Boykin more on key downs as he continues to improve as a passer.
Dawson Knox, TE, BUF: The rookie stirred some buzz during the preseason and has shown off occasional playmaking ability this year. He could become a more frequent fantasy contributor in his second pro season.
Alex Erickson, WR, CIN: He already has 234 receiving yards in his past two games, but no one really believes in him yet in the fantasy world. Erickson is an internal favorite in Cincinnati who can become a very dependable target for whoever is playing QB for the Bengals next year.
John Ross, WR, CIN: Ross was looking like he was finally going to break out before he landed on the IR with a shoulder injury. He may pick up where he left off next season. Ross could be a terrific fantasy WR3 in 2019.
Drew Lock, QB, DEN: He looked very erratic earlier this season before going down with a thumb injury, but there is still a lot of potential here, as he has a strong arm and can throw a pretty deep ball when he is on his game. There is a danger the Broncos could acquire another QB in the offseason, but Lock still has promise and it won’t take much to acquire him.
Kerryon Johnson, RB, DET: He is out again with another season-ending injury. But the Lions will likely turn back to him as their RB1 next season and as Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette have shown us so far this year, you should still take chances on very productive RBs with some injury concerns. Johnson is still at an early point in his career where he can bounce back from his bouts with health issues.
Jace Sternberger, TE, GB: Jimmy Graham is far removed from what he used to be. Sternberger could start to emerge as a threat as soon as next season. The TE position has never been a significant contributor during the Aaron Rodgers era, but the offense has already shown signs of change under Matt LaFleur.
Parris Campbell, WR, IND: Injuries have curtailed his development so far, but he should be more ready to emerge as the true No. 2 WR in Indianapolis next season.
D.J. Chark, WR, JAC: He has started to cool off after a hot start in 2019. That makes him an ideal acquisition right now, as Chark should be more of a consistent playmaker next season.
Darwin Thompson, RB, KC: You should acquire him right now. This preseason darling could still end up being the true lead guy in Kansas City down the stretch once Andy Reid realizes that the rookie may actually be the best RB on the roster.
Mecole Hardman, WR, KC: The overrated Sammy Watkins just cannot be relied on. He’s a disappointment and a frequent injury risk. Hardman could step up to be quite a compliment for Tyreek Hill as the pair stretch defenses like no other duo in the league. The Kansas City offense could actually look even more explosive next season.
Patrick Laird/Myles Gaskin, RBs, MIA: If Kalen Ballage flops in a starting audition this week, either one of these rookies could get their chance to show what they can do in the short term. You still may be able to grab Laird off waivers.
Mike Gesicki, TE, MIA: This incredibly talented second-year man appears to be on the verge of a breakout. He had the best day of his career in Week 9, catching six passes for 95 yards. Deal for him now before his value rises as soon as this Sunday.
Preston Williams, WR, MIA: The undrafted rookie was the true bright spot in a dark Miami season before his great story ended for 2019 because of a knee injury. He will return to be a regular fantasy starter in 2020.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, NE: He should produce better than ever as the possible No. 2 WR in New England this season. If he turns out to be dependable for Tom Brady, he will want to continue to count on him next season. Nah, we don’t strongly believe Brady will call it quits yet.
Taysom Hill, QB, NO: Drew Brees, however (and we are just speculating here) could be done in the next year or two. Hill could possibly take over as a dual-threat type. It’s worth a trade flier to find out later on.
Miles Sanders, RB, PHI: He may be my No. 1 dynasty trade target right now. Sanders has been showing real signs of promise recently and by next year he could be a fantasy standout. He is so exciting and potentially dazzling that Doug Pederson may have to abandon his timeshare approach. Sanders has pretty cutback moves that make defenders look foolish when he is at his best. He catches passes and has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. Buy on him now while he has perceived value as a fantasy RB3 right now and you might be quite proud of your trading accomplishment by next season. Sanders has RB1 upside.
Will Dissly, TE, SEA: His first two seasons have been cut short by injuries. But you have to try to swing a deal for a guy who could still turn out to be a regular fantasy TE1.
Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT: He is a real field-stretcher, but Mason Rudolph is not a consistently accurate deep thrower. If Ben Roethlisberger returns healthy next season, he is going to make Johnson’s appeal surge higher.
Jonnu Smith, TE, TEN: He has already shown us some glimpses of what he can do, and Delanie Walker is giving way to age and injuries.
A.J. Brown, WR, TEN: The rookie has impressive downfield gears and can score from anywhere. By next season he will be an even more well-rounded playmaker and a regular fantasy starter.
