The NFL trade deadline normally is like a sitcom season finale: It rarely offers a cliffhanger and routinely lacks any drama.
Well, we’re not going to say it has elevated to NBA or MLB standards, but there were a couple of NFL trades ahead of the deadline that could have significant impact. Even if they don’t sway the trajectory of the real-life NFL teams, they have significant sway in fantasy projections.
First, Emmanuel Sanders was sent from the Broncos to the 49ers on Tuesday. San Francisco has a monster running game but is lacking in adequate receivers, outside of tight end George Kittle. Sanders’ arrival will change that abruptly. You shouldn’t start him this week unless desperate – first game in a new offense, unfamiliar with the playbook, no chemistry wit the quarterback, etc. If you have Sanders on your roster, start game-planning for him to be a significant contributor in the future. If this creates a surplus at your wide receiver position, shop him or others for the best return.
But the impact of this trade doesn’t just affect the 49ers. It also elevates the value of Courtland Sutton, who instantly becomes the one and only best option in the Broncos’ passing game. It also elevates DaeSean Hamilton. Just be advised, this is not a prolific passing game, so don’t overvalue Hamilton. He isn’t an exceptional talent, is second in line in a subpar passing game, doesn’t have an exceptional quarterback in Joe Flacco and could end up working with rookie QB Drew Lock later in the season.
This wasn’t the only trade that has fantasy impact among receivers. The Falcons sent Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots. This made a lot more sense after the Patriots placed Gordon on injured reserve later in the day. Phillip Dorsett’s inconsistency and injury woes of his own certainly was not have been a deterrent.
One thing is virtually certain: The Patriots didn’t trade for Sanu without planning for him to be involved. Whatever fringe value he had with the Falcons, that is elevated significantly. Again, don’t count on him this week, but in the weeks ahead, the only discouraging matchup he has is Week 16 vs. the Bills.
How do the Falcons make up for his absence? Expect a lot more targets for Calvin Ridley. But the Atlanta passing game hasn’t be reliable. Though Ridley will certainly get a larger share of targets, we’re not convinced the increase volume will be in proportion with increased production, considering the struggles that offense has had. We still harbor efficiency worries. So before you blindly thrust him into your starting lineup, shop him to see if you can get market value that equates with his new over-hyped projections. If so, close that deal.
The best approach is: Don’t overreact. Understand the fluctuating values and respond accordingly. These deals are good news for fantasy owners, but don’t presume the new environments guarantee success. Expect better things, but don’t overpay for speculation.