Dynasty leagues are always reacting to the volatility of player performance year after year, and knowing when to buy and sell players can open up huge returns for your rosters. This article will look at a few players facing new situations that could drastically affect their fantasy values. For some, these will be positive changes that could see them increase their dynasty values. For others, perhaps not quite so much.

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Dynasty: Players In New Situations (Fantasy Football 2023)

Odell Beckham (WR – BAL) – WR73

There is no doubt that the Baltimore Ravens overpaid to sign Odell Beckham, but it’s clear that they were okay with that fact because of what it accomplished. The Ravens were engaged in a contract standoff with former unanimous MVP Lamar Jackson, and for several years free agent wide receivers have declined the chance to play in Baltimore, largely due to Greg Roman’s offense that never worked favorably for wideouts.

A $15 million contract might lead some to believe Beckham could be a focal point of the attack, but at age 30, having not played since the 2021 Super Bowl when he was well on his way to becoming the MVP before tearing his ACL for the second time.

It’s unlikely the Ravens look to give Beckham triple-figure targets this year, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them utilize him in key situations like the red zone. When the Rams signed Beckham in 2021, he saw the 15th most red zone targets among receivers for the rest of the season and caught four touchdowns in that range. Ever since Marquise Brown was traded to the Cardinals, Jackson has been crying out for a second reliable option in the red zone, and Beckham can be that for him.

At this point in his career, Beckham no longer needs to be the WR1 of an offense and can instead be utilized in ways that suit what he’s able to give to the team. Available for the cost of a mid-third-round pick, Beckham is the kind of cheap addition contenders can add. After all, we want exposure to high-scoring offenses like the Ravens could potentially be in 2023.

Tony Pollard (RB – DAL) – RB9

If Ezekiel Elliott had not been cut, then we would have been relying on Pollard’s incredible efficiency in order for him to pay off in fantasy football. Now with Elliott released, there should be no doubt that Pollard is going to see a massive uptick in volume for 2023 and be the Cowboys’ true lead running back. In 2022 Pollard had 12 touchdowns, which was the fourth-most for a running back. He also created the highest fantasy points over expected and had the third most big runs.

Pollard did all of this on 15.0 touches per game, which was less than Latavius Murray averaged. The Cowboys gave a total of 32.1 touches per game to Pollard and Elliott combined, and even if the Cowboys sign a veteran option, we’ve seen enough from Pollard to know he can pay off as an RB1. For dynasty managers looking to cash in, Pollard should be able to fetch the equivalent of a mid-first-round pick in 2023 or a straight swap for the likes of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Davante Adams or a pivot to a quarterback such as Derek Carr or Kenny Pickett.

If you’re not a contender, it makes sense to move on from Pollard.

Calvin Ridley (WR – JAC) – WR37

After missing the entirety of the 2022 campaign due to an infringement of the NFL’s gambling policy, Calvin Ridley seems to be determined to make a success of his new surroundings in Jacksonville. Before Ridley suffered injuries that hampered his 2021 season, he was riding high on the success of 2020 when he was the WR4 in PPR points per game and ranked as high as the WR3 in dynasty rankings before an injury-hit 2021 where Ridley managed only five games.

Now with Trevor Lawrence throwing Ridley the ball, dynasty managers have grown in confidence in Ridley, pricing him as a top 40 option again. The Jaguars were an electric passing offense over the second half of the 2022 season, and it’s easy to see how Ridley could help them take another big step this year, but if you’re looking to cash out, then Ridley’s value is on par with Chris Godwin, Rashod Bateman, Najee Harris or any first-round pick you can get for him.

At age 28, Ridley is by no means past his peak, and even if it takes a little time for him to get up to game speed, hopefully, we’ll get to see Ridley back to his old self soon enough.

Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN) – RB35

The Vikings brought back Mattison, who was a free agent and gave him a two-year $7 million contract, which in a depressed running back market is noteworthy. Mattison has had to bide his time behind Cook throughout his career, but in the six games he’s had over 50% of the snaps in the last three years, he’s averaged 22.15 PPR points per game. With Dalvin Cook no longer in Minnesota, those who had rostered Mattison have lucked into a potential three-down workhorse running back for this year at the very least.

Mattison is 25 years old and hasn’t endured a tough career so far, so there are reasons to believe he could be a valuable asset for several years to come, but after seeing such a jump in value, many managers will be looking to sell him to a contender now, and they can expect an early second-round pick at minimum in compensation. If you’re a contender and have Mattison rostered but are looking for a way out, veterans such as Derrick Henry and Joe Mixon will be available without the need to add anything on.

Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF) – RB4

Fantasy managers know it all too well, but it’s worth reiterating that when healthy, Christian McCaffrey has been a true difference-maker, finishing as a top twelve back in 50 of the 75 games he’s played during his six-year career. After a mid-season trade to the Niners, McCaffrey flourished under Kyle Shanahan’s scheme finishing as a top-four option in five of the nine games.

The biggest worry for dynasty managers going forward is that McCaffrey is 27 years old and approaching that age 28 season which causes alarms and flashing lights to go off when talking about running backs, along with the fact McCaffrey will see competition from Elijah Mitchell, who is as good if not better than any running back McCaffrey has had to compete for touches with.

Ultimately, unless you’re a contender, there is no reason to roster a 27-year-old running back whose value is as high as McCaffrey’s. Instead, you could trade him straight up for Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Tee Higgins, or even C.J. Stroud.

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