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Fantasy football trade targets: Week 9 buy low, sell high candidates for 2025. Jorden's trade analyzer article looking at overvalued and undervalued players.
Running backs absolutely dominated in Week 8. Excluding quarterbacks, nine players scored more than 20 half-PPR fantasy points. Six of them were running backs, one was a tight end, and two were wide receivers. And while we all could have seen this Jonathan Taylor explosion coming a mile away, it was great to see a few others join him at the top.
One of these players was James Cook, who I suggested trading for last week. As I stated, the Bills win games when Cook gets the rock, and that proved to be true on Sunday. I also mentioned Rome Odunze, J.K. Dobbins, and Kyle Pitts Sr. as trade targets, and all three finished as top-20 fantasy assets at their positions. Chris Olave, Cam Skattebo, Travis Kelce, and Rhamondre Stevenson were the players I advised trading away. I won't victory lap Skattebo's devastating injury, and in fact, the rookie played well before he went down, but it's safe to say Olave and Stevenson underperformed. Kelce proved me wrong on Monday night and had a great showing alongside Rashee Rice.
Although Week 8 was a success overall, there is still plenty of football to be played before the fantasy playoffs begin, which means there is still time for you to strengthen your roster further. Let's keep the positive momentum rolling into Week 9, starting with four players to target in trade negotiations.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer Tool for Week 9
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The Trade Analyzer tool will display various information side by side for you to compare the players involved in any trade and help you make better decisions. Compare projections and stats, read the latest fantasy football news, and see upcoming schedules.
Players to Target in Trades for Fantasy Football
Aaron Jones Sr., RB - Minnesota Vikings
Sometimes, the small, seemingly inconsequential trades can make the biggest impact. I can't imagine getting Aaron Jones Sr. on your fantasy team would cost much, but I think he'll be well worth the investment.
Jones has appeared in just three games this season, with only one resulting in a fantasy-relevant outing. He was sidelined between Weeks 3 and 7 with a hamstring strain he suffered in Week 2. His return in Week 8 was not a fruitful one, as the Vikings couldn't get much of anything going offensively in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The veteran only saw nine opportunities, but his underlying utilization was promising.
Aaron Jones played 26 of 49 snaps in his return from a hamstring injury. Jordan Mason played 17 of 49. The early deficit might have altered the Vikings' plans, as Jones excels in the passing game, but that was not the balance I was expecting.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 24, 2025
We can expect Jones, a talented receiver, to be most involved when Minnesota is trailing. This could very well be a trend in the coming weeks.
This Sunday, the Vikings will take on the division-rival Detroit Lions, who are going to be heavily favored at home against J.J. McCarthy in his return. Next will come the Baltimore Ravens, who have struggled defensively but will likely have Lamar Jackson at the helm.
It remains to be seen whether or not McCarthy is an upgrade over Carson Wentz for the team's other pass-catchers, but Jones should be safe regardless. In their one full game together, Jones caught all three of his targets from McCarthy for 44 yards and a score.
I highlighted Jones' next two matchups, but the Vikings' remaining schedule as a whole is pretty challenging. They'll take on the Bears, Packers, Seahawks, Commanders, Cowboys, Giants, and Lions again before the fantasy football season concludes. There is certainly a chance that Minnesota is playing catch-up in nearly all of these contests.
The fantasy manager who currently rosters Jones probably views him as a middling flex option going forward. While that is a safe way to view his floor, the ceiling for Jones is much higher, given how he will be deployed as a safety valve for McCarthy down the stretch.
Quentin Johnston, WR - Los Angeles Chargers
Here we go again.
Through the first four weeks of the campaign, it finally felt like third-year wideout Quentin Johnston had put it all together. Heading into Week 5, he was leading an exciting Chargers receiver corps in targets, yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points.
Johnston had a down game in Week 5, missed Week 6, salvaged another bad day with a touchdown in Week 7, and then completely vanished in Week 8. It was the first game of his career in which he failed to earn a single target. Now, of course, fantasy managers everywhere are wondering if it is time to panic.
It is really difficult to put a player right back in your lineup after he gives you zero points, so I get it. But let's consider this entire L.A. offense. The Chargers are the only team in the NFL with three receivers who have seen at least 40 targets.
When you add in this week's rookie sensation, Oronde Gadsden, at tight end, it's obvious that the Chargers are spreading the ball around more than anyone. Though Gadsden has only played in six games, he already has 33 targets.
Justin Herbert has shown chemistry with all of his guys, which makes it tough to predict which one will come through for fantasy on any given week. Let me be clear, Johnston is not going to be consistent. If you have a winning record, however, and can handle some volatility in your starting lineup, he's a great player to acquire.
The Chargers got starting left tackle Joe Alt back last week, and Herbert immediately looked like the potential MVP candidate we saw at the beginning of the year. Averaging over 37 pass attempts and more than 255 passing yards per game, this is an offense to covet for fantasy purposes.
Over the next three weeks, Johnston will face the Titans, Steelers, and Jaguars, who have all struggled to contain opposing wide receivers this season. It would be shocking if Johnston doesn't deliver an electric performance in at least one of these games.
Terry McLaurin, WR - Washington Commanders
I advised trading for Terry McLaurin earlier this season after a slow start. Unfortunately, that idea backfired completely as McLaurin would go on to miss Weeks 4 through 7 with a quad injury.
He made his long-awaited return in Week 8 and, despite the Commanders' struggles against the powerhouse that is the Kansas City Chiefs, looked excellent.
TOE-TAP TERRY FOR THE TOUCHDOWN 🔥
Terry McLaurin with his first touchdown of the season to tie it up 👏 pic.twitter.com/EKT6iPCh1w
— ESPN (@espn) October 28, 2025
He finished with three receptions for 54 yards and the touchdown above. Still, McLaurin shouldn't be too difficult to trade for. He exited the game early with an aggravation of his quad ailment, and ultimately only played 47% of snaps.
There's some cause for concern here, no question. But with Washington down 28-7 by the time McLaurin was pulled in the fourth quarter, there was little reason to risk putting him back in. After the game, he said he felt "pretty good" but "a little sore".
It seems probable that McLaurin will suit up in Week 9 with Jayden Daniels back under center. This will be an immediate boost for Washington's offense. One of the main reasons I'm trying to get McLaurin on my roster has nothing to do with the next few weeks, however.
In the fantasy playoffs, McLaurin will get the Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys. All three of these teams are vulnerable to production through the air. At 3-5, the Commanders are on the outside looking in right now, but still have a chance to rally and make the playoffs.
Sign me up for a healthy Washington offense with this schedule from Weeks 15 through 17, especially if it's fighting for a Wild Card spot.
Mark Andrews, TE - Baltimore Ravens
Despite a turbulent start to the season, Mark Andrews managed to finish as the TE5 in 2024 on the back of 11 receiving touchdowns. Through seven games this year, Andrews has just two touchdowns and is the TE21.
Something to keep in mind, though, is that Andrews didn't catch his first touchdown last season until Week 6. He was completely useless for fantasy through the first five weeks, and still finished as a top-five option.
With so many young, emerging stars at the position this year, I don't see that in the cards for Andrews again, but he could very easily be a TE1 by the end of the season. For starters, Lamar Jackson is set to return this Thursday against the Dolphins. Furthermore, Andrews has the easiest remaining schedule of any tight end in the NFL.
From now through Week 18, Andrews doesn't face a single opponent that has been above average against fantasy tight ends. His toughest test will come against the Cleveland Browns, who are right in the middle of the pack with the 16th-most points allowed to the position.
Just look at Andrews' schedule starting in Week 13. He plays the Bengals, the Steelers, the Bengals again, the Patriots, and then the Packers in fantasy championship week. Guess the three teams giving up the most fantasy points in the NFL to tight ends? In order, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay. New England allows the fifth-most.
Assuming he hasn't already been dropped in your league, Andrews is an easy trade target, even if you already have a top tight end. You can probably get him thrown in as part of a package deal and wait to see him and Lamar warm up before starting him.
Other Players to Target in Trades:
Players to Trade Away for Fantasy Football
Breece Hall, RB - New York Jets
It only took a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and a passing touchdown to get there, but we finally got a boom game from Breece Hall.
That's not totally fair to say, as Hall still would have been a top-five back on the week without his game-winning touchdown toss, but it hasn't been the most consistent season for the 24-year-old. While he's currently the RB12, he has posted double-digit fantasy points in just four of eight games.
After getting their first win of the season, it's possible the Jets feed Hall 20-plus touches every game from here on out. It's also possible we see a more even split of the backfield touches going forward.
#Jets Week 8 RB Usage
- Breece Hall: 57% snaps, 18 carries, 13 routes, 3 targets (147 yds, 2 TDs)
- Isaiah Davis: 44% snaps, 7 carries, 12 routes, 5 targets (109 yds)— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 26, 2025
Even ignoring a potential timeshare with Isaiah Davis, Hall could struggle in his next two appearances. The Jets have a bye this week, then will take on the Browns and Patriots in Weeks 10 and 11. Cleveland surrenders the fewest fantasy points and third-fewest yards per carry to running backs, while New England gives up the fifth-fewest fantasy points and second-fewest yards per carry.
If you're fighting for a playoff spot in your fantasy league, I'd try to sell high on Hall and get some more guaranteed production for the next three weeks.
Stefon Diggs, WR - New England Patriots
Four weeks ago, Stefon Diggs was trending up, looking like his old self and becoming a go-to guy for Drake Maye. He hasn't been bad over the past three weeks, by any means, but 2020's leading receiver no longer appears to be a bona fide fantasy WR1.
Like the Chargers, the Patriots seem content spreading the ball around, and it's working. New England currently sits atop the AFC East with a 6-2 record and an impressive win over the Bills.
The Patriots have five different players with more than 20 targets this season. Though Diggs leads the group in opportunities, receptions, and yards, he's the only one with fewer than two touchdowns, and he's last among the five in yards per catch.
Maye has been finding a ton of success with the deep ball lately. His connection with Kayshon Boutte is heating up, as the duo has scored from 25, 29, and twice from 39 yards out over the past three weeks. Diggs' lone touchdown of the campaign came at the goal line in Week 8.
In the red zone, Diggs has four targets, which ties him with DeMario Douglas for second-most on the team. Hunter Henry, with seven red-zone looks and four touchdowns, is New England's preferred weapon when they get in close.
If the Patriots continue to run their offense like this, Diggs will get the majority of his fantasy points via receptions. This makes him a high-floor flex play in PPR leagues, but more of a boom-or-bust option in half-PPR.
He may be underwhelming in all formats in Week 9 against the Falcons, who have given up the third-fewest receptions and seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing receivers.
Bo Nix, QB - Denver Broncos
You might be thinking Bo Nix isn't worth much on the trade market, but as the QB5 through eight weeks, you'll be able to include him in a package to upgrade another position, at least.
Nix's ADP going into the season was in the seventh round as the QB8 off the board. Fantasy managers were willing to pass on players such as Rome Odunze, Jaylen Warren, Jordan Addison, and Travis Etienne Jr. to take Nix. It's fair to say that, even in single-QB leagues, the second-year signal-caller has appeal.
It hasn't all been pretty, but Nix has turned in four top-12 showings, with three of them coming inside the top five. Two of those have come in the past two weeks. Nix is red hot right now with eight total touchdowns and zero turnovers since Week 7.
The teams he has faced have to be considered, however. In his three top-five performances, Nix took on the Bengals, Giants, and Cowboys. Against fantasy quarterbacks, these teams rank 26th, 30th, and 32nd, respectively.
Nix's hot streak will be tested in Week 9, on the road against the Houston Texans.
Texans Defensive Ranks are silly:
1st PPG (14.7)
1st YPG
2nd First downs/gm
3rd INT rate
3rd Third down %
4th Pass yds/gm
4th Pass yds/ply
5th Rush yds/gm
T-5th Takeaways
7th Rush yds/ply— JaysonBraddock (@JaysonBraddock) October 27, 2025
Houston has held opposing quarterbacks to just 11.5 fantasy points per game, the fewest in the NFL. After the Texans, Nix and the Broncos will take on the Raiders and Chiefs before a Week 12 bye. Las Vegas has been middle-of-the-road against fantasy quarterbacks, while Kansas City has surrendered the fifth-fewest points per game to the position.
Whether you have Nix in a superflex or single-QB league, it's worth exploring his value in a trade. I'd love to turn Nix into Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, or Jaxson Dart if I could get something added in return.
Chuba Hubbard, RB - Carolina Panthers
If you capitalized on Rico Dowdle's trade value a few weeks ago, I still think you made the right move. After the former Cowboy ran wild for 389 yards in two weeks, he's been relegated to committee-back status with the return of Chuba Hubbard.
Hubbard has been one of the very few good, reliable players for Carolina over the past three years. It made sense for the Panthers to reward him with an extension last season, and it made sense for them to work him back into action when he recovered from his calf injury.
What didn't necessarily make sense was immediately giving him more snaps than Dowdle, and I'm not just saying that because I have Dowdle in a few leagues. Since returning, Hubbard has averaged a mere 2.5 yards per attempt. Dowdle, on the other hand, gained 5.32 yards per attempt in the same two games and is up to 5.7 on the season.
Still, Hubbard salvaged his fantasy output last week with a touchdown. He should be more efficient as he continues to work his way back, but it sounds like Carolina will now be willing to ride the hot hand with Dowdle in the meantime.
#Panthers HC Dave Canales on his RB situation: “Chuba Hubbard has meant a lot to this team. We wanted to give him an opportunity following his calf injury. But we can’t ignore the fact that Rico [Dowdle] has been exceptional.”
Tone suggests Dowdle will get a heavier workload... pic.twitter.com/hqjovwFko7
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 27, 2025
It will be especially hard to trust Hubbard in Week 9 when the Panthers face the Green Bay Packers, who have given up the second-fewest fantasy points and fifth-fewest yards per carry to running backs. If someone in your league is desperate for a starting running back, don't hesitate to trade Hubbard away.
Other Fantasy Football Players to Trade Away:
More Fantasy Football Analysis
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