Two weeks into the NFL season and fantasy managers are already starting to panic — or get overconfident. That’s the perfect recipe for trades. Here’s a breakdown of players you should be looking to trade away before their value dips and those you should trade for before their stock rises.
Players to Trade Away
Kaleb Johnson (RB, Steelers)
The rookie is getting hype, but reality is harsh: Jaylen Warren is firmly entrenched as Pittsburgh’s lead back. Through two weeks, Johnson has just one carry for negative yards and has mostly been relegated to special teams — where he even had a costly mistake. Unless Warren goes down, Johnson won’t see meaningful fantasy work. Move him now while his rookie shine still carries name value.
Mark Andrews (TE, Ravens)
Andrews remains a big name, but his best fantasy days might be behind him. The Ravens’ offense is spreading targets around, and Isaiah Likely’s presence caps Andrews’ ceiling. Touchdowns will keep him afloat, but they’re volatile. Trade him now to a manager desperate for TE stability.
Colston Loveland (TE, Bears)
Chicago drafted Loveland in the first round, and while his future is bright, rookie tight ends rarely explode out of the gate. Through two games, he hasn’t been a reliable option. If another manager is chasing his long-term upside, cash out for a player who can contribute right away.
Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jaguars)
Etienne’s name recognition outweighs his current usage. He profiles more as a passing-down back, and Jacksonville’s offense isn’t leaning on him the way fantasy managers hoped. He’ll have big weeks here and there, but consistency will be a problem. Sell high if someone still views him as an RB1.
James Conner (RB, Cardinals)
Durability concerns and age catch up to every running back. Conner is a steady veteran, but his workload is trending down and Arizona is looking at younger options. You’re better off flipping him for an emerging asset before his value fades.
Jameson Williams (WR, Lions)
Williams has flashed his big-play ability (108 yards and a TD in Week 2), but his floor is shaky. With Amon-Ra St. Brown dominating targets, Williams is going to be a boom-or-bust option. This might be the perfect window to sell high after his long score — before inconsistency sets in.
Players to Trade For
Zay Flowers (WR, Ravens)
Flowers is the WR1 in Baltimore and looks every bit the part of a breakout sophomore. His target share is strong, his explosiveness is obvious, and he should benefit from Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with him growing each week. Buy him now before he becomes untouchable.
Matthew Golden (WR, Packers)
Golden hasn’t produced big numbers yet, but opportunity is knocking. With Christian Watson still rehabbing an ACL and Jayden Reed out with a collarbone injury, Golden has a path to becoming a top target in Green Bay’s offense. Rookie wideouts often take a few weeks to pop — get in early before he breaks out.