We’re set to put a bow on Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season, so it’s that time to gauge the trade market in your leagues. Consider this the wide receiver edition of your early weekly trade advice, which is a testament to the sheer depth of the position in the league currently.
As always, we’ve got you covered with three players to buy and three to sell ahead of Week 9.
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Early Week 9 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Players to Buy
The Jets won an ugly game against the New York Giants in Week 8, but it was no surprise to see Garrett Wilson remain firmly entrenched as the top option among Jets pass catchers. Despite losing Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, Wilson is on pace for 94 receptions and over 1,100 yards in his second season. Zach Wilson is no Rodgers, so the ceiling for Garrett Wilson is still lower than it could have been, but I’m floating offers in redraft leagues for Garrett Wilson this week. There are undoubtedly managers out there steering clear of the Jets receiving options with Zach Wilson under center. That uncertainty will create more opportunities to buy than it should.
Mike Evans has remained a big-play threat for the Buccaneers, but Chris Godwin has been a steady contributor for Baker Mayfield. He has at least five receptions in every game this season and is quietly on pace for nearly 1,100 yards receiving. That would be his highest receiving yardage output since 2021. He’s seeing as much work as Evans (56 targets for Godwin and 55 for Evans), but everything about his season seems to have flown more under the radar. He should be treated as a weekly WR2, who I think you could potentially buy for cheaper than that.
The secret is out on Josh Downs, but that’s alright. I’m still buying Downs in redraft and dynasty formats, even if this price is higher now. Sometimes, you’ve got to be at peace with paying fair-market value for players who are worth it, and Downs is worth it. He’s seen at least five targets per game in every game except one this season and has plenty of rapport with Gardner Minshew. Downs should be a threat to rack up six or seven receptions weekly and push to lead the team in yards more often than not.
Players to Sell
We got a vintage DeAndre Hopkins performance in the first start for rookie signal-caller Will Levis. He erupted for 128 yards and three touchdowns on just four receptions. It was a welcomed sight and as good a debut for Levis as you could have hoped, but there will be bumpier days ahead for the Titans’ passing attack. I’d look to pivot off of Hopkins coming off the massive performance in favor of a wide receiver playing with a more established quarterback the rest of the way.
After averaging 107 yards per game in his first four games of the season, Nico Collins is averaging just under 50 yards per game in his last three games. Collins is best treated as a WR3 or flex option, but if someone in your league still views him as a locked-in WR2, now is the time to sell. Several options are involved weekly for the Texans’ passing attack, and I have doubts about Collins dominating the targets. He’ll have spike weeks, but they could be challenging to predict, with Tank Dell, Robert Woods and Noah Brown getting looks their way.
Jahan Dotson is a hold in dynasty formats, but in redraft, I’d consider selling him after his big Week 8 performance (eight receptions, 108 yards, and a touchdown). Before his Week 8 breakout, Dotson’s highest receiving yardage output was 43 yards against the Giants in Week 7. He’s a great young player who should have a bright future ahead of him but could remain inconsistent in 2023. In redraft formats, I’d prefer to find a more consistent option to plug into my lineup for the rest of the season. Packaging Dotson with another piece to trade for someone like Godwin would be an ideal scenario.
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