Listen up, dynasty managers. While everyone’s busy chasing last year’s stats and outdated rankings, the smart money is already positioning for what’s actually happening on the field. This isn’t your typical “buy low, sell high” fluff piece. We’re diving deep into the players whose trajectories are shifting right now, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re going to get left behind.
Dynasty Risers Who Could Save Your Season
Braelon Allen – The Backup Who Isn’t Really a Backup
The Jets brought Allen in as insurance, but he’s looking more like a co-starter every day. At 6’2″ and 238 pounds, this kid isn’t your typical change-of-pace back. He’s forcing his way into a 1A/1B situation with Breece Hall, and frankly, that’s bad news for Hall truthers.
Allen’s preseason work tells the story: he’s not just spelling Hall, he’s threatening to steal carries. The Jets’ coaching staff loves his physicality, and in dynasty formats, you want the younger, hungrier player with the higher ceiling.
TreVeyon Henderson – New England’s Diamond in the Rough
Remember when everyone thought the Patriots’ backfield was a wasteland? Henderson is changing that narrative fast. This rookie is already getting significant snaps with the first team and drawing three targets per game in preseason action.
Here’s the kicker: he’s not just a runner. Henderson’s route-running ability gives him legitimate pass-catching upside in an offense that’s going to be throwing from behind plenty. Dynasty managers who grab him now are getting tomorrow’s RB1 at today’s prices.
Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay’s Secret Weapon
While everyone’s worried about Chris Godwin’s recovery timeline, Egbuka is quietly positioning himself as the Bucs’ most reliable target. The rookie out of Ohio State has that polished route-running ability that translates immediately to the NFL level.
With Godwin likely missing the first month and Jalen McMillan dealing with his own injury concerns, Egbuka could see 80+ targets out the gate. In dynasty leagues, that’s exactly the type of opportunity that creates league winners.
Dynasty Risers Worth the Investment
Quinshon Judkins – Buy the Chaos
Yeah, the off-field situation is messy. But this is dynasty football, not Sunday school. Judkins has the talent to be a three-down back in Cleveland, and the chaos around his situation has cratered his price.
Smart dynasty managers know that talent wins out eventually. Judkins was drafted in the second round for a reason, and when this legal stuff gets resolved, he’s going to be Cleveland’s featured back.
Tucker Kraft – The Tight End Revolution
Green Bay loves using its tight ends, and Kraft is emerging as their clear TE1. The South Dakota State product finished as the TE14 in fantasy points per game last season in what was essentially a part-time role.
With the Packers’ commitment to 12-personnel packages and Kraft’s ability to line up all over the formation, he’s primed for a breakout. Dynasty managers should be aggressively pursuing him before his price skyrockets.
Dynasty Fallers: Time to Cut Bait
Joe Mixon – The Walking Injury Report
This one hurts to write because Mixon’s been a fantasy workhorse for years. But Father Time and a lengthy injury history are catching up fast. The foot injury that’s keeping him sidelined indefinitely isn’t going away, and at 29, his best days are clearly behind him.
The Texans didn’t bring in Nick Chubb and Woody Marks for depth purposes. They’re preparing for life without Mixon, and dynasty managers should be doing the same.
Brian Robinson – From Feature Back to Handcuff
Robinson’s trade to San Francisco essentially ended his dynasty relevance. He went from being Washington’s primary back to Christian McCaffrey’s insurance policy overnight.
In dynasty formats, you can’t afford to roster handcuffs unless they’re elite talents. Robinson isn’t that, and his new role makes him waiver wire material in most leagues.
Rashee Rice – The Suspension Situation
Six games to start the season kills Rice’s 2025 value, but the bigger concern for dynasty managers is what this means long-term. Kansas City’s offense is evolving away from the high-volume passing attack that made Rice valuable.
With Xavier Worthy emerging and the Chiefs focusing more on ball control, Rice might never regain his early-2024 form. Dynasty managers should explore trade options before his value drops further.
The Sleeper Dynasty Targets
Ollie Gordon II – Miami’s Hidden Gem
Gordon looked like an afterthought behind De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, but Jaylen Wright’s injury has opened the door. This Oklahoma State product has the size and athleticism to be a three-down back if given the opportunity.
At his current dynasty price, Gordon represents exactly the type of lottery ticket that pays off huge when it hits.
Matthew Golden – Green Bay’s Next Great Receiver
The Packers have a history of developing late-round receivers, and Golden fits that mold perfectly. With Jayden Reed dealing with foot issues and the team needing depth behind their top targets, Golden could carve out a significant role quickly.
Dynasty managers should be stashing him now before he becomes too expensive to acquire.
Dynasty Strategy: Playing the Long Game
Here’s the reality nobody wants to talk about: most dynasty managers are too reactionary. They chase last year’s stats instead of identifying next year’s breakouts.
The players mentioned above represent value opportunities that won’t last long. Whether you’re competing now or building for the future, understanding these trajectory changes gives you a massive edge over the competition.
Dynasty football rewards patience and foresight. While others are overpaying for established names, smart managers are acquiring the pieces that will dominate the next three seasons.
The window for these moves is closing fast. Regular season action will separate the pretenders from the contenders, and by then, these prices will be long gone.
