Every year, millions of fantasy football players go hunting for the next big thing. As the offseason takes shape, a number of names look like ideal trade chips. Unlike the popular new products, they vow to keep delivering big impact at a low cost. This article examines four key players: Davante Adams, Jaylen Waddle, Ladd McConkey, Rashee Rice, and Evan Engram. Each represents different types of upside and potential buying opportunities for smart dynasty league managers.
The 2024 fantasy season is yielding interesting results for many players, and this year’s crop is no different. A couple seem to be especially exciting. We have marveled at the extraordinary feats these athletes have accomplished over the span of their careers. They’re terrific opportunities to improve rosters while avoiding a financial bloodbath. The next few pages unpack each players’ circumstances, giving you a better picture of why they could be good bets to chase after.
Davante Adams: WR1 Upside at a WR2 Cost
Davante Adams remains one of the more interesting talking points during fantasy draft season. Moreover, now playing for the Los Angeles Rams, he presents WR1 upside at a WR2 price. His age has been a concern to some analysts and players as well, but the upside greatly exceeds the fear of his age.
Catching passes from Matthew Stafford in a pass-heavy Rams offense led by offensive mastermind Sean McVay positions Adams for significant production. If it all clicks, this combination may set him up for a career renaissance and subsequent fantasy bonanza. In history, Adams has been the difference-maker, always raising the game around him. Whether through his experience or his skill set, he’s a must-have on any fantasy roster.
The Rams would obviously have to be planning on going all in on 2024 in that scenario. Adams provides a great opportunity to strengthen your squad on the cheap. With the potential for a resurgence in production, he can serve as a cornerstone in fantasy lineups, especially if his age does not hinder his performance.
Jaylen Waddle: A Bounce-Back Candidate
Despite an inauspicious crime to start his career, Jaylen Waddle became a superstar with three strait 1,000-yard years. The 2024 season was a step in the wrong direction, as he set career-lows in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. With the recent downturn, some stakeholders are starting to worry about his future value. This unfortunate situation could present a golden opportunity to some shrewd dynasty league managers.
Despite his struggles last season, Waddle still possesses big-play ability, averaging an impressive 9.3 yards per target over four years in the league. He’s tied with Ja’Marr Chase for the ninth-best mark in that span. This stat doesn’t fully capture how dangerous Waddle is, it does highlight that any time he is targeted, he’s likely to make a big play. His explosive style of play is still right there, which means that he can definitely recover in future seasons.
All of these factors combined make Waddle an enticing target this offseason. He has been battling injuries and admitted he’s been “a little bit” out of shape. If you can afford to be risky, getting him at a lower-than-normal cost might reap huge benefits.
Ladd McConkey: A Rising Star
Ladd McConkey has emerged as one of the more exciting prospects in fantasy football after finishing his rookie season on a high note. Over the final seven games of the regular season, he averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to fantasy lineups. His excellent play definitely indicated that he was primed to assume a larger share of the workload going forward.
Suiting up for the Los Angeles Chargers gives McConkey a chance to flourish as an offensive weapon in a fast-paced, versatile offense. The Chargers are all-in on their passing game. This leaves the door wide open for McConkey to capitalize on his momentum from last season. As he builds rapport with his quarterback and gains experience, McConkey could quickly become a reliable asset for fantasy teams.
Given his impressive finish to the season and potential for growth, McConkey is definitely someone to consider targeting in trades this offseason. Given the right situation, he could come out on top as a sneaky-good fantasy football debut.
Rashee Rice: Elite WR1 Upside
Rashee Rice has been turning heads with his amazing early-season displays so far in 2024. He was averaging a stellar 21.6 fantasy points per game over the first three games of the season. With a monstrous 36% target share, he easily proved his value to the offense. This type of volume is a signal that he’s more than just another player, but someone with WR1 upside that’s elite.
Rice’s 2023 rookie season fired up the enthusiasm for what he can become. He was scoring an average of 18.5 fantasy points per game during his last six games that season. This performance only helped cement his place as a low-end fantasy option. His ability to regularly score double digits on the scoreboard makes him a desirable trading partner this offseason.
Here we are, with teams still gauging their roster requirements in an effort to bolster their wideout ranks. As a star candidate, Rice is clearly one to watch. His talent and recent performance are off the charts. Give him the right opportunities, and he’s one the cusp of a breakout season.
Evan Engram: Reliable Tight End Option
Evan Engram has established himself as one of the elite TE options in all of fantasy football in recent seasons. He finished as a top-5 fantasy tight end in points per game during two of his last three seasons. This performance has further rooted his position as a reliable option in an oft-maligned spot.
Now catching passes for the Denver Broncos, Engram is landed in an offense that should maximize his skill set and versatility. The Broncos’ passing game may provide ample opportunities for Engram to showcase his talents and contribute significantly to fantasy lineups. As teams begin searching for the top options to upgrade their tight end positions, Engram will be an attractive option based on his production.
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