Top AFC West Players To Buy In Dynasty Fantasy Football Leagues

Mike Fanelli of RotoBaller breaks down his eight favorite offseason dynasty trade targets from the AFC West. Dynasty players should pick up these players now while their value is at their lowest.

While the 2024 fantasy football season is in the rearview mirror, the grind never stops for dynasty players.

However, now is the perfect time for fantasy players to look into trade options in their dynasty leagues.

Let’s look at eight players from the AFC West that fantasy players should explore trading for this offseason.

Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Many were down on Herbert entering the 2024 season after the moves the Chargers made last offseason. The team moved on from his top four weapons in the passing game while hiring a coaching staff that wanted to lean on the run game. However, Herbert had a solid fantasy season, ending the year as the QB11, averaging 16.8 fantasy points per contest.

The superstar was outstanding to end the regular season, averaging 24.9 fantasy points per game over the final three weeks. Furthermore, Jim Harbaugh unlocked Herbert’s rushing abilities, totaling a career-high 306 yards and two touchdowns. While he might not be a top-three quarterback moving forward, now is the time to trade for Herbert before Los Angeles makes a blockbuster addition to his receiving core.

4th down ➡️ TOUCHDOWN

Justin Herbert runs it in for the @Chargers score!

📺: #TENvsLAC on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/V0nWnLI19S

— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024

Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos

While many had doubts about Nix entering his rookie season, the former Oregon star was the best rookie quarterback not named Jayden Daniels last year. He finished as the QB7, averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game, a higher average than Kyler Murray (17.5) and Tua Tagovailoa (16.5). Furthermore, the rookie showed he could produce fantasy points with his arm and legs.

Nix had zero passing touchdowns over the first three weeks. Yet, he had fantasy value because of his rushing abilities, averaging 7.6 fantasy points per game on the ground. Thankfully, the passing attack was on fire at the end of the regular season. Nix averaged 267.7 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 25.5 fantasy points per game over the final three weeks.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Unfortunately, there aren’t many running backs in the AFC West that fantasy players should want on their dynasty rosters. However, Dobbins is an appealing trade option this offseason. The veteran is a free agent but likely will remain in Los Angeles. He is coming off a career year after struggling with injuries during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.

Last season, Dobbins set career highs in rushing attempts (195), yards (905), and touchdowns (nine) despite missing four games with a knee injury. Furthermore, his 69.6 rushing yards per game average was 6.6% higher than his previous career high. Expect the Chargers to release Gus Edwards this offseason, replacing him with a Day 3 rookie running back to pair with Dobbins.

JK DOBBINS. GO-AHEAD TD WITH 18 SECONDS LEFT.

📺: #CINvsLAC on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ou4r33q38K

— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2024

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Unfortunately, Rice’s 2024 season was cut short after 3.5 games because of a knee injury. However, the former SMU star was on fire before getting hurt. He averaged eight receptions on 9.7 targets for 96 receiving yards, 0.7 touchdowns, and 17.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first three weeks, totaling 13.8 or more in every contest.

More importantly, Rice was building off an excellent finish to his rookie season in 2023. He averaged 14.9 fantasy points per game over the final six regular season contests. While the emergence of Xavier Worthy and a likely suspension have hurt Rice’s dynasty value, now is the perfect time for fantasy players to buy low on the star wide receiver.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

McConkey was one of my favorite rookie wide receivers to draft last year after landing with the Chargers. The former Georgia star didn’t have massive numbers in college but was consistently a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. While many labeled him a slot receiver, the rookie proved he can make big plays downfield, including in the team’s playoff loss.

LADD MCCONKEY GOES 86 YARDS ON 3RD AND 26!

📺: #LACvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HY54nsLyeo

— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

Furthermore, McConkey benefits from a lack of competition at the wide receiver position. Quentin Johnston has struggled in his short NFL career. Meanwhile, Joshua Palmer is an upcoming free agent with inconsistent career production. Even if Los Angeles adds a big-name pass catcher this offseason, McConkey should be a consistent WR2 for fantasy players for the foreseeable future.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

While the Chiefs offense struggled in the Super Bowl, Worthy had the game of his career. The former Texas star caught all eight targets for 157 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 31.7 half-point PPR fantasy points. He was outstanding while the rest of the receiving core struggled to total 100 receiving yards against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The explosive wide receiver was on fire at the end of the regular season, averaging 9.7 touches for 80 scrimmage yards, a touchdown, and 17.5 fantasy points per game over his final three contests with Patrick Mahomes. With Travis Kelce potentially retiring this offseason, fantasy players should do whatever is needed to acquire Kansas City’s two young star pass catchers.

Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Denver Broncos

Denver’s offense became becoming fantasy-friendly late last season. Courtland Sutton was the only non-quarterback fantasy players could trust for most of the year. However, Mims started to shine over the final two months. He scored 12.3 or more half-point PPR fantasy points in four of the final seven regular season games, including at least 18.4 in three outings.

Many believe the Broncos will make a splashy addition at the wide receiver position this offseason. However, that might not be necessary, given how Mims ended the year. He averaged 6.5 receptions for 77 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 22.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the final two weeks, making several big-time plays for Bo Nix and the offense.

TOUCHDOWN MARVIN MIMS JR. WOW.

📺: #DENvsCIN on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oC9GXAwXdJ

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Bowers was the clear-cut top tight end prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class. While many thought he would struggle as a rookie because of the team’s awful quarterback situation, the former Georgia star had the best season by a rookie tight end in league history. Bowers had 112 receptions on 153 targets for 1,194 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

More importantly, he finished as the overall TE1, averaging 12.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Bowers quickly became the focal point of Las Vegas’ offense, breaking Puka Nacua’s record for the most receptions in a season by a rookie. While no one will trade away the superstar at a discount, now is the time to acquire Bowers before the Raiders get a quarterback upgrade this offseason.

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