We’re at the trade deadline and you should have an idea of what kind of fantasy team you have. If you’re at the top of the standings, you’re gearing up for a playoff run. If you’re not, well, then it’s time to start unloading. Luckily, FantasyPros has you covered. Not only is there the ‘Who Should I Trade?’ tool where you can get instant feedback but every week in this space, we’ll dig even deeper into players that should be moved. There will be the classic one-for-one deals but also deals where multiple pieces would equate to one piece which will be indicated with a ‘-plus’ next to the player’s name. Without further ado, below are some possible trades to make as we ramble on with the 2023 season.
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The Trade: Kyler Murray (QB – ARI) for Sam Howell (QB – WAS)
The Reasoning: The return of Kyler Murray was not something that a lot of fantasy players expected before the season. After suffering a torn ACL late in the 2022 season, Murray had a long road back. That road got longer once the Cardinals started the 2023 season 1-8 with little hope of competing for a playoff spot. But that wasn’t a concern as Arizona threw Murray back out there, just in time for the fantasy playoffs.
The results so far have been mixed. He’s averaging just 230 passing yards a game – 10 yards less than his career average – plus another 42 yards rushing. He’s thrown just one touchdown, rushed for two more, and thrown two interceptions. In all, he’s been a low-end QB1 when it comes to fantasy scoring. Essentially, Murray is doing what was expected.
But there’s another option at quarterback that may provide an even bigger return. Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has proven to be a viable option – in real life and fantasy leagues – after being named the starter in his sophomore season. Through 11 games he’s already eclipsed 3,000 passing yards and has thrown 18 touchdowns. He’s added another 200 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as well. In all, he’s been a low-end QB1 in fantasy scoring throughout the entire season.
Even better for (potential) Howell managers is his timing. Over the last month, Howell has averaged over 300 passing yards per game, thrown nine touchdowns, and rushed for one more. He’s been a top-three fantasy quarterback since Week 8.
Murray has the better resume and skill set to help your fantasy team. But Howell is in the zone right now and is an example of striking while the iron is hot. Using Murray’s reputation to acquire Howell could lead you to a championship.
The Trade: Josh Jacobs (RB – LV) for Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)
The Reasoning: Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs has been a mixed bag for fantasy managers. On one hand, no one sees more volume in the position than Jacobs. His 200 carries through Week 11 not only lead the league but are 26 more than second place; add in his 31 receptions and he’s on pace for over 350 touches on the season.
However, he’s been extremely inefficient with those touches. His current 3.3 yards-per-carry is almost a full yard below his career average. His five rushing touchdowns currently put him on pace for his lowest season-long touchdown total of his career. He’s still an RB1 when it comes to fantasy scoring but only because of his elite usage.
Meanwhile, Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco is the running back the Chiefs wanted when they drafted Clyde Edwards-Helaire – efficient, physical, and able to grind it out. As the starter this season, Pacheco is up to 143 attempts and 4.3 yards per carry. Put another way, Pacheco has nearly as many rushing yards (614) as Jacobs does (661) on approximately 30% fewer carries. Pacheco hasn’t scored or contributed as much in the passing game but he’s also on a much better offense than Jacobs. Currently, the Raiders’ offensive DVOA ranks 29th or fourth from the bottom of the league. Pacheco and the Chiefs, despite their ‘down’ year, are currently seventh in offensive DVOA.
The point is Pacheco is a starter on a good offensive team compared to Jacobs who is on a bottom feeder who, by the way, has a fourth-round rookie quarterback calling the shots. The Chiefs are in the middle of the playoff hunt while the Raiders, while technically still in the race, have little hope to make a run.
Take the running back who has been more efficient and has something to play for.
The Trade: Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN) for Tank Dell (WR – HOU)
The Reasoning: A lot can happen over 12 weeks, especially in fantasy football. Case in point, trading All-Pro Ja’Marr Chase for a rookie receiver on the Texans. But that’s where we find ourselves after the Texas surprisingly potent offensive breakout and the Bengals’ injury woes.
Before the season-ending injury to quarterback Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase was having another stellar season. Through nine games, Chase had amassed 69 receptions for 821 yards and five touchdowns and was a top-five fantasy receiver. Disaster struck in Week 11 as Joe Burrow suffered an injury that will take him out for the rest of 2023. In his place is backup Jake Browning who, despite throwing a touchdown to Chase in the same game that Burrow went down, also left Chase with a 2/12 stat line. Chase may be good enough to overcome the drop-off in the position but it doesn’t help.
On the flip side, Texans receiver Tank Dell is not only hot but has one of the best quarterbacks in the league – both real and fantasy – and it came out of nowhere. Dell was taken in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft and paired with second-overall pick CJ Stroud. Both were ticketed for big things but no one thought it would be this soon. For Stroud’s part, his fantasy significance started almost immediately. After a so-so debut, Stroud threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns and hasn’t looked back. On the season, he has five, 300-yard passing games, has thrown multiple touchdown passes in six games, and ran for two more touchdowns on his way to being a top-five fantasy quarterback.
In Dell, Stroud has his receiver for now and the future. Through nine games, Dell has totaled 42 receptions for 659 yards and six touchdowns on his way to being a top-15 fantasy receiver. If it weren’t for the Burrow injury, Chase would still be an elite, if not the top, choice at receiver. But with the uncertainty at quarterback, you’re better off riding the better offense with the better quarterback and that quarterback’s favorite weapon.
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