Trades to Make for the Fantasy Football Playoffs: WR Sells
As the fantasy football playoffs approach, every decision matters more than ever. Securing a championship often comes down to making the right trades at the right time. In this article, we’ll explore some wide receivers to sell high before the 2024 fantasy football playoffs. We’ve got you covered with the best wide receiver trades to make before the fantasy playoffs arrive. Let’s get right into it.
Wide Receivers to Sell for the 2024 Fantasy Football Playoffs
Each fantasy football season, dedicated team managers put in hours of research, draft preparation, and weekly adjustments. Yet, some teams that dominate the regular season fall short in the playoffs. A major pitfall for many fantasy players is riding the same players who performed well early in the season without making adjustments as the fantasy playoffs approach. This strategy can be disastrous if player circumstances change or if they face challenging matchups.
Fantasy football champions adapt. As the playoffs near, it’s crucial to assess your lineup and make tough choices. Just because a player has carried your team to this point doesn’t guarantee they will do the same through the playoffs. Here are some players to consider trading before the playoffs. Additionally, I’ve included a few strategic swaps to keep your team competitive when it matters most.
CeeDee Lamb WR Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb entered the season as a consensus top wide receiver, drafted early in nearly every league. While he’s delivered in several games, earning WR6 in points per game (PPG), Lamb’s playoff value is now questionable. Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ star quarterback, suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, which casts uncertainty on Lamb’s productivity.
In week 10, Lamb managed just eight PPR points, despite being heavily targeted. He even dropped a potential touchdown, which fantasy managers could leverage as a “missed opportunity” when trading him. Without Prescott at the helm, Lamb’s fantasy value transitions to a touchdown-dependent WR2, which is a risky asset heading into the playoffs.
Ultimately, you might consider trading Lamb for players with more stable quarterback situations. Examples might be George Pickens, Terry McLaurin, or Garrett Wilson. Lamb’s high profile should make him appealing in a trade, even with his current uncertainties.
Brian Thomas Jr. WR Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr. has been a revelation this season, currently ranked as WR27 in PPG. However, like Lamb, he faces a critical issue. Unfortunately, his quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, might miss the rest of the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars are exploring options to rest Lawrence, which leaves backup quarterback Mac Jones at the helm. Jones, known for inconsistency, struggles to support high-performance wide receivers, making it likely that Thomas Jr.’s production will take a hit.
In Week 10, Jones leaned heavily on wide receiver Gabe Davis. As a result, this could suggest a shift in play dynamics that could sideline Thomas Jr. from the high-impact deep plays he’s known for. Thomas Jr. managers should consider trading him now, even at a slightly lower value, before back-to-back poor performances reduce his appeal. Ultimately, I’d consider swapping him for reliable mid-range receivers such as Jayden Reed, Darnell Mooney, or Cedric Tillman.
Josh Downs WR Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs has been one of the league’s standout surprises, overcoming an early-season injury to post a respectable 14.1 PPG, putting him just outside the top 20 in fantasy wide receivers. His situation seemed to improve when the Indianapolis Colts named veteran Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. Many fantasy players saw Flacco’s experience as an asset for Downs, but the reality is more complicated.
In week 10, Flacco struggled, throwing multiple interceptions and failing to establish a rhythm with his receivers. This erratic performance raises questions about Downs’ playoff reliability. Given Flacco’s recent inconsistency, the Colts might revert to rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, which would introduce another layer of uncertainty for Downs. Coupled with a bottom-tier playoff schedule for wide receivers, Downs’ value is at risk. Trading Downs for players like George Pickens, Cedric Tillman, or DK Metcalf could offer a more stable return heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Terry McLaurin WR Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin has enjoyed a solid season, currently ranking WR14 in PPG and consistently performing as a top-10 receiver since week three. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has made McLaurin a force, but upcoming challenges make him a risky asset in the playoffs.
The Washington Commanders face tough defensive matchups in Weeks 16 and 17. Starting with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have shown marked improvement on defense this year. After that, they face a formidable Atlanta Falcons unit. These games will test the Commanders’ passing game, and the matchups will be challenging for McLaurin and his quarterback.
Furthermore, McLaurin’s playoff schedule also brings potential weather complications. Washington D.C.’s cold December climate could include snow. As a result, this typically dampens wide receiver production. Daniels, who played college football at Arizona State and LSU, may not have much experience in snowy conditions, making McLaurin’s value as a playoff starter uncertain. If possible, trade McLaurin while he still holds top-10 value for players like Drake London, Puka Nacua, or AJ Brown. All of which face much more favorable matchups in the fantasy football playoffs.
Wide Receivers to Sell High for the Fantasy Playoffs – Final Thoughts
Trading players with difficult playoff matchups for those with favorable schedules has been a tried-and-true strategy for fantasy football managers for years. Weather, defensive matchups, and changes in quarterback play are just a few factors that can transform a player from a top performer into a liability. By adjusting your lineup based on these elements, you can avoid falling victim to the same traps that end many promising fantasy seasons.
When making trades, look for players who have stable quarterbacks, play in favorable weather conditions, and face less formidable defenses in the playoff rounds. These factors may seem minor in isolation but can make all the difference in close playoff games. Staying flexible and proactive with your lineup decisions will help you avoid the dreaded fourth-place finish and set you up for fantasy glory.
Don’t let complacency ruin your chances at a coveted fantasy football championship. You never know how many more chances you will have at fantasy football glory.
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