Several factors go into building a consistently elite dynasty team. One of those is identifying the top player on every NFL team. Another is knowing which players you should trade away before their fantasy value decreases.
Typically the starting quarterback is the top dynasty asset on every NFL team in superflex leagues. However, they are rarely the top asset in 1QB leagues. To help you build the best dynasty team possible, I will identify the top dynasty asset and sell candidates for every NFL team.
Today I break down the AFC North teams: the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Dynasty Stock Report & Trade Advice AFC: East | North | South | West
- Dynasty Stock Report & Trade Advice NFC: East | North | South | West
- More Dynasty Articles & Advice
- Dynasty Startup Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
The Top AFC North Dynasty Asset
Here are the top dynasty assets for each AFC North team.
Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)
Over the past seven years, Andrews is the only tight end to beat out Travis Kelce for the TE1 finish. The superstar was the TE1 in 2021, averaging 14.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a career-high. Unfortunately, his numbers regressed last year. Andrews had only five receiving touchdowns after totaling 26 over the previous three years. However, fantasy players should expect him to bounce back in 2023. The star tight end averaged 12.7 fantasy points per game in the nine healthy contests with Lamar Jackson compared to only seven in the four games without the franchise quarterback.
Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
Whether you believe Chase is the dynasty WR1 or WR2, the superstar is the top player on the Bengals. The former LSU star was outstanding as a rookie. He was the WR5, averaging 15.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Despite finishing 18th in receptions, Chase finished top-four in receiving yards and touchdowns as a rookie. Unfortunately, a hip injury cost the superstar five games last year. Yet, he still ended the season as the WR12, averaging 16.6 fantasy points per game. Cincinnati will get a long-term deal done with Joe Burrow and Chase, making the wide receiver a top-three dynasty startup pick for the foreseeable future.
Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)
While Chubb turns 28 in December, he has been arguably the most consistent fantasy running back since his rookie season. Over the past four years, the superstar has averaged 14.7 or more half-point PPR fantasy points per game every year since his rookie season in 2018. More importantly, he has averaged 5.2 yards per rushing attempt and 3.94 yards after contact per attempt in his career. While some are considered he will see less work with Deshaun Watson on the team, the superstar can play a role in the passing game. Remember, Chubb averaged four targets per game in the eight games without Kareem Hunt in 2019.
Najee Harris (RB – PIT)
Last year Harris had a disappointing season. He was the RB14, averaging 11.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former first-round pick was outstanding as a rookie, ending the year as the RB4, averaging 15.5 fantasy points per contest. While his numbers regressed last year, Harris played part of the year with a foot injury. Meanwhile, he was much better to end the year. Over the final eight games, the star running back averaged 86.4 scrimmage yards and 14.7 fantasy points per game, making him the RB4 during that span. More importantly, the Steelers improved their offensive line this offseason. Therefore, fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised when Harris has another top-10 finish this year.
The Top Sell Candidate
Here are players to consider trading away on each AFC North team.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR – BAL)
At some point, you have to let go and accept that it’s over. Beckham had the best year of his career as a rookie, averaging 20.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He did average between 15 and 18 fantasy points per game every year from 2015 through 2018. However, the veteran has struggled since then. Over the past three years, Beckham has missed 58 percent of the games, including all of last year. Furthermore, he has averaged only 9.9 fantasy points per game and 1.34 fantasy points per target since he left the New York Giants. Take advantage of the league mate who still believes in the name and trade away Beckham ASAP.
Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)
Mixon was the RB12 last year, averaging 15 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the veteran running scored 25.4 percent of his fantasy points in one contest. Therefore, he averaged only 12 fantasy points per game in the other 13 games. Mixon would have been the RB18 on a points-per-game basis with that average last season. More importantly, he played fewer than 60 percent of the snaps in all but one of the final seven games to end the year. Chase Brown is a popular dynasty rookie pick for a good reason. Mixon could be in a split backfield this season and is a year away from being a salary cap casualty.
David Njoku (TE – CLE)
The veteran tight end was a popular sleeper candidate last season. Njoku did have a productive 2022 season, averaging 8.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a career-high. However, he ended the year outside the top eight tight ends on a points-per-game basis. Furthermore, the veteran scored more than 7.4 fantasy points in only 42.9 percent of the games. The appeal for Njoku last year was the lack of pass catchers on the roster behind Amari Cooper. Unfortunately, the Browns traded for Elijah Moore and used their top draft pick on Cedric Tillman this offseason. After averaging 5.7 targets per game last year, fantasy players should see that number decline for Njoku moving forward.
Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)
While Freiermuth isn’t a must-sell candidate, fantasy players should explore the trade market for the third-year tight end. Last year the former Penn State star was the TE8, averaging 7.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he was the TE13 as a rookie, averaging 7.6 fantasy points per contest. Furthermore, Freiermuth saw his targets increase by 19.4 percent from his rookie season to last year. Unfortunately, his touchdowns declined by 71.4 percent. Meanwhile, Diontae Johnson won’t have zero touchdowns again this year, while George Pickens is a potential star in the making. Freiermuth might have already hit his fantasy ceiling in Pittsburgh unless Kenny Pickett turns into a passing machine.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
