Dynasty Fantasy Football Players to Buy, Sell & Hold: Week 5 (2023)

Welcome back to another edition of Dynasty Fantasy Football Players to Buy, Sell & Hold! This week, we’re breaking down a few players who you might consider buying low or selling high on. These are going to be players who have typically had either poor performances or fantastic performances to start the season. Buying low, selling high, or holding at the right times can make or break your dynasty teams.

If you’re sitting toward the top of your league’s standings, you’re probably already thinking about making a playoff run. However, if you have been hurting from injuries and slow starts, you might be thinking about 2024 rookies already. Either way, there is still plenty of time left in the season and with that, plenty of time to buy low and sell high on some players. Let’s get into this week’s picks as we head into Week 5 of the 2023 fantasy football season.

Dynasty Fantasy Football Players to Buy, Sell & Hold: Week 5 (2023)

Joe Burrow (QB – CIN) and the Cincinnati Bengals

First up is not just one or two players, but the entire Bengals offense. A month ago, could you imagine debating whether to start Joe Burrow or Sam Howell in Week 5? Well, that’s where we are at. This entire Bengals offense has been arguably the most disappointing in the NFL this year. So far.

Starting at the quarterback, it’s pretty clear at this point that Burrow is not himself. Unfortunately, the calf injury that he suffered during the preseason has been lingering and he is struggling big time. Personally, I think the time to put Burrow on the sideline to focus on getting healthy was a few weeks ago. Not to mention, Tee Higgins is now dealing with fractured ribs.

Despite all of this, the Bengals could still make the playoffs and Higgins could be back in the next week or two. More importantly, there is now a decent buy-low window on all of these Bengals players. Burrow is roughly QB30 overall, depending on your scoring system. Ja’Marr Chase is currently the WR21 in PPR leagues while Higgins is the WR50. At the running back position, Joe Mixon is the RB20 in PPR leagues.

All things considered, I’d take advantage of any sort of discount you can get on these players. Especially Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. Even Mixon is worth buying low on if you’re looking to compete now. Good things are coming for Burrow and this Bengals offense. If nothing else, they certainly can’t get any worse…

Verdict – Buy Low

Mike Evans (WR – TB)

Almost the total opposite of the Cincinnati Bengals this year has been Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In arguably the worst division in football, the Bucs are now 1st in the NFC South, despite being a potential landing spot for Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. With that, veteran Mike Evans has started off as hot as ever.

Through four games, Evans is the WR9 in PPR scoring, despite missing the entire second half against the Saints last week with a hamstring injury. Additionally, he’s had two games with 10 targets and found the end zone in each week besides Week 4. Despite the fantastic start for Evans and the Bucs, now might be a good time to sell high if possible.

Mayfield has looked solid through the first few weeks, but the Bucs have also played some weak opponents in the Vikings, Bears, and Saints. More importantly, once Evans left the field last week, Chris Godwin began to get peppered with targets, seeing a season-high with 11. Ultimately, he caught 8 of those 11 targets for 114 yards. All season-highs.

Moving forward, I fully expect Mayfield to slow down a bit and with that, Evans should slow down as well. While Evans is typically an underrated wide receiver and someone that fantasy managers tend to fade, I think now makes more sense to actually get out if possible. Mayfield has seen that Godwin is a very safe option in the passing game and should get him more involved moving forward. Not to mention, he’ll be 31 next year and has yet to sign an extension to stay in Tampa Bay, making him a free agent this coming offseason. On the flip side, Godwin might be worth buying into as the potential WR1 on this offense in 2024.

Verdict – Sell High

Zack Moss (RB – IND)

Last up is the current RB1 for the Colts, Zack Moss. Despite not playing at all in Week 1, Moss is the RB18 in PPR leagues. In the last three weeks, he’s gotten 18, 30, and 18 carries. Additionally, he’s caught 6 of 8 passes for 42 receiving yards and more importantly, he’s found the end zone twice. It’s been a nice stretch for Moss and he could potentially have another week or two of decent production. However, Jonathan Taylor is set to return as early as this week against the Titans. No, I wouldn’t count on it, but he is technically now able to return at any time.

Taylor never rescinded his trade request with the Colts, and it’s apparent that no other NFL teams are interested in paying up for him. This now means that Taylor has minimal leverage and will basically need to prove himself as an impending free agent. If he wants to get paid and land a long-term deal, he’ll need to come out and show everyone that he is absolutely worth the money.

All things considered, it’s time to get anything you can out of Moss in your dynasty leagues and move on. Even if that means floating some offers for a potential 2024 3rd-round rookie pick, I’d sell for whatever you can.

Verdict – Sell High