Nobody wants a stagnant squad. It’s time to take some steps.

Let’s move on to buying, selling and holding.

BUY

We have a few players on the schedule, but also some life lessons in trading.

This week we buy:

Trading context matters, damn it!

Look, we need to talk.

I see many of you sending trade offers this season that are absolutely AWFUL. No, really. Your trade offers look worse than Mark Andrews‘ Statistics for 2024.

In the nicest way possible… You’re starting to piss people off (read: the league).

Yes, there’s a group chat talking about it – you’re just not there.

If you don’t eradicate these bad trading habits now, people will label you as a crappy trading partner and start obfuscating your trading suggestions.

Here’s all the context you need to consider before suggesting a trade to your leaguemate:

1. What is your current win/loss record? Some trades make more sense for a 5-0 team that has the flexibility to take risks. For example, a 5-0 team would probably be more willing to sign an injured player like this Cooper Kupp or AJ Brown. When playing against a player whose health may have deteriorated or is at risk of re-injury, the risk to a losing team is much greater.
2. What are their strength positions? What types of players can they spare? Or which players might never want to let go?
3. What are their weakest positions? This is the reverse of #2. Which positions do you want to strengthen? Where can you help them with a trade?
4. What does your bank look like? Don’t forget to check your backups. Do they have too many of a certain position? The context is important
5. Read the damn room! The guy with Brock Bowers won’t just trade her away if there’s nothing better at the position.

In order. Make some good trade offers now!

WR Amari CooperCleveland Browns

Look, I’m not a fan of Deshaun Watson on (or off) the field, but does that mean I should punish? Amari Cooper? (Answer key: No.)

The problem here isn’t Cooper’s goals:

• Week 1:9
• Week 2:8
• Week 3: 12
• Week 4:8
• Week 5: 10

And the problem isn’t talent. Since joining the league, Cooper has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark more often. And since joining the Browns in 2022, he has had a 1,000-plus yard season every year.

So the problem is…the guy throwing the ball. In five weeks, Watson has thrown the same number of TDs as Joe Flacco has in less than two complete games (5). And Watson is tied for yards per attempt (4.8). Bryce Young. Ugh.

There WILL come a day when the Browns realize their mistakes and stop investing in Watson’s sub-200 yard, single-digit TD, multi-INT performances. This day must come. I demand it!

Whether Jameis Winston is under center or the Cooper trade rumors come true, I want to be there. I buy cheap.

RB Tank BigsbyJacksonville Jaguars

LEVEL: Trade surveillance

Yes, I know someone probably just spent some of FAAB Tank Bigsby recently. Or if he was already on the roster, he won’t go under the radar after his 101-yard, 1-TD game in Week 5.

But he just looks too good with the touches he’s gotten in the last few weeks:

• Week 4: 7 runs, 90 yards
• Week 5: 13 carries, 101 yards, 2 touchdowns

However, I don’t like buying at high prices. ALWAYS. So here’s what I think…

I only make this trade if I have abundance in another position. I need a WR overflow or a powerhouse QB on the bench. Otherwise, after Bigsby’s strong performance in Week 5, I’m not willing to risk too much. Don’t let your league mates try to squeeze you.

SELL

We need to read between the lines and think about selling inconsistencies. This week we are selling:

RB Travis EtienneJacksonville Jaguars

Hello?

Are you listening?

We buy Tank Bigsby.

HOLD

Sometimes a trade isn’t worth the return. This week we are hosting:

WR Alec PierceIndianapolis Colts

I like to think Alex Pierce is exactly what Rashid Shaheed was this year, except The upswings are more exciting and the downswings are much more frustrating. (Note: I’m talking about weeks 1-5 Rashid Shaheed. I’m not sure what week 6 is Rashid Shaheed will look like with Derek Carr out of. But rest assured, I’m watching VERYYYYYYY fuck closely.

While the two players’ stat lines are somewhat similar:

• Both have scored a touchdown in three games this season.
• Both have surpassed 300 yards receiving in five games.
• Both take advantage of deep balls

I’m just looking forward to signing one while I’m ready to sell the other.

Here’s why: Shaheed sees more goals and opportunities every week. And his WR completions are much less volatile than Pierce’s.

Shaheed‘s goals and objectives

• Week 1: 5 (WR13)
• Week 2: 4 (WR 10)
• Week 3: 5 (0-0-0)
• Week 4: 11 (WR 29)
• Week 5: 9 (WR 13)

Pierce’s goals and objectives

• Week 1: 3 (WR 8)
• Week 2: 7 (WR 19)
• Week 3: 2 (WR 64)
• Week 4: 2 (WR 98)
• Week 5: 3 (WR 8)

Essentially, Pierce’s minuscule target share gives him fewer opportunities to make the big plays. The bust weeks are in full swing.

If you are unlucky and desperately need a man with high ceilings, I don’t mind keeping him. If Pierce can achieve more goals Michael PittmanIn his absence, we could have a Shaheed 2.0 on our hands.

WR Wan’Dale RobinsonNew York Giants

This is another possible “jump ship” scenario Wan’Dale RobinsonThe increasing use of has been attributed to the absence of Malik Nabers in week 5.

So, yes, some fantasy managers might be willing to fire Robinson before Nabers gets back into the game.

But I urge you to consider the fact that Robinson could be one of those stable WR players. He’ll probably never break the hearts of your opponents, but he’s used enough to give you consistent performances with and without Nabers on the field.

What I want to say is this: Wan’Dale Robinson is not as sexy as Malik Nabers in your lineup, but he’s the type of WR you’d want to take home to meet your parents.