It’s gut-check time, as we’re staring down the barrel of Week 11, and the fantasy football trade deadline (for Sleeper, it’s already here). This is where seasons are won and lost. You’re either gearing up for a championship run or you’re about to become the league taco, scrambling to avoid that last-place punishment.
Championships aren’t built on draft day alone. They’re forged in the fiery crucible of the trade market, by owners who have the guts to make the big move. It’s about spotting the diamonds in the rough and knowing when to cash in your chips on a player who’s about to hit a cold streak.
Their current owners are frustrated, maybe even panicked. That’s your cue. Pounce on their anxiety and snag a league-winner for a bargain.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The frustration with Bijan Robinson is palpable. You drafted him in the first round expecting a fantasy god, and what you’ve gotten is a timeshare with Tyler Allgeier vulturing touchdowns at the goal line. He’s been the RB16 since Week 7. It feels bad. But let me tell you, this is the exact moment you strike.
Look beyond the box score. When Robinson gets over 20 touches, the Falcons are 3-2. When he doesn’t, they’re 0-4. The writing is on the wall, and Atlanta’s playoff hopes depend on unleashing their most electric playmaker. The schedule is about to open up beautifully with matchups against the Panthers, Saints, and Jets. Go get Bijan before his owner realizes the goldmine they’re sitting on.
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers has hit a bit of a wall, and it’s not his fault. A tough stretch of defenses and some shaky QB play have kept his numbers down. His manager is likely looking at his recent game logs and thinking the rookie magic has worn off. They’re wrong.
Starting in Week 12, the Ravens’ schedule becomes a fantasy cakewalk against the Jets, Bengals, and Steelers. These are secondaries that can be exploited. Remember what Flowers did to the Browns back in Week 2? He put up a solid 11.4 half-PPR points. He’s the undisputed top target in this offense, and the volume is going to pay off big time down the stretch. Make the move now.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara has been arguably the biggest bust of the season. But sometimes, you have to bet on talent and a change of scenery, even if that change is just at quarterback. The insertion of rookie QB Tyler Shough has breathed life into this Saints offense. Shough just became the first Saints rookie QB to win a game since 1981. That’s not just trivia; it’s a sign of a spark.
More importantly, look at the Saints’ playoff schedule: the Panthers, Jets, and Titans. It’s a running back’s dream. If you’re playoff-bound, Kamara could be the ultimate lottery ticket that carries you to a title. He’s currently a forgotten man on someone’s bench. Go change that.
Sell High: Cash In Your Chips for Week 11
These players have been balling out, maybe a little too much. Their value is at its absolute peak, and it’s time to capitalize. Sell them for a king’s ransom before the inevitable regression hits and their value plummets.
Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
With C.J. Stroud sidelined, Nico Collins had a monster Week 10 with backup Davis Mills, posting a season-high 15 targets for 136 yards. His owner is feeling invincible right now. This is your window to sell.
That production isn’t sustainable. Mills force-fed Collins, but the Texans’ passing attack is about to face a brutal stretch of defenses. The inconsistency and tough matchups will bring Collins back down to earth. His name value is through the roof right now. Package him for a true stud who can deliver when it matters most in the fantasy playoffs.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, Washington Commanders
Deebo has been touchdown-dependent, and that’s a dangerous game to play in fantasy football, especially with Marcus Mariota under center. In the four games Mariota has started, Samuel has only topped 30 receiving yards once. The touchdowns have masked the incredibly low floor.
Now, look ahead. Washington has a Week 12 bye, a brutal matchup against the stingy Denver secondary in Week 13, and a tough road ahead. The bubble is about to burst. Find an owner mesmerized by the touchdown numbers and sell, sell, sell.
