NEWSLETTER
In dynasty leagues, the name of the game is to buy low. With the NFL Draft and the subsequent rookie drafts quickly approaching and free agency winding down, dynasty managers need to be looking at which veteran players they could secure now, hoping for either a bounce back season or a breakout in 2023. With that in mind, here are ten names to put squarely on your buy list and remember, you can always view our dynasty rankings.
Ten Players to Buy in Fantasy Football Dynasty Leagues (Running Back, Wide Receiver, Quarterback and Tight End)
10.) Jonathan Taylor, RB IND
At this time last year, Taylor was the undisputed 1.01 draft pick overall in just about every league after tearing up the NFL in 2021. However, a year after leading fantasy managers to championships with 1,811 rushing yards (5.5 yards per carry), 40 catches, 360 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns, we saw a huge drop off in his fantasy points per game and overall production. However, a new coaching regime, a re-dedication to improving their offensive line, and a re-commitment to Taylor should open a quick window for dynasty managers looking to buy a true RB1 at a discount.
9.) Drake London, WR ATL
London showed a lot of promise in his rookie season as the former first-round pick finished the year with 72 catches for 866 receiving yards and four touchdowns this past season. However, he’s still ranked outside the top 15 overall players and looks like a second-round pick, despite really coming on in the final few weeks of the season. With a new quarterback and dedication to the passing game, we should see his 2024 numbers rise as he could become an elite fantasy option and justify the rookie pick fantasy football dynasty managers used on him last season, believing he could be a future fantasy WR1.
8.) Kyle Pitts, TE ATL
The two seasons we’ve seen from Pitts have been like night and day. Some dynasty managers had Pitts as the number one overall draft pick in last year’s draft, ranking him over players like Taylor, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. After all, this was a tight end who proved to be a nightmare in terms of yards after the catch, becoming the first at the position to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in their rookie season since Mike Ditka. While he got off to a slow start in terms of touchdown production last year, he simply looked like a player poised for a Sophomore leap. However, after a 28/356/2 year where he played in only ten games, his value had dropped to that of a third round pick. If you have a manager looking to sell on Pitts as a player whose value was overinflated, there’s a decent chance you could get him at a nice discount.
7.) TJ Hockenson, TE MIN
When Hockenson was traded from the Lions to the Vikings last season, it sent some shockwaves throughout dynasty leagues. What we saw next was nothing short of amazing as Hockenson carved out a solid target share for the Vikings, catching 60 passes in just ten games with Minnesota. Still, his ranking of #48 overall could represent a buy-low opportunity for dynasty managers this off-season. While he could be a free agent after the season, it’s highly unlikely the Vikings let him go as his performance last year was hard to ignore. He simply looks like a pillar of a TE1.
6.) Elijah Moore, WR CLE
Much like Pitts, the past two seasons have looked very different for Moore. After a 43/588/5 rookie year, he was the forgotten man in New York as he posted just 37 catches for 446 yards with one measly touchdown. The Jets traded him to Cleveland and it could prove to be the best thing for his dynasty value moving forward. Not yet 24 years old, Moore looks to be one of Deshaun Watson’s better targets moving forward and he should improve towards the end of his rookie contract. Moore looks like a solid target for a dynasty trade.
5.) Jamaal Williams, RB NO
Williams turned 28 years old this month, but we saw just what he could do as a starting running back last year in Detroit and the Saints pounced on him when he hit free agency. While he’s not going to dazzle anyone with his yards per touch, yards per attempt, or breakaway run rate, this is a player at the running back position who could score a ton of touchdowns again this year in New Orleans. With Alvin Kamara facing a likely suspension, Williams is a back who could have great short-term value at the very least next season. He’s a great buy at his current pricetag.
4.) KJ Osborn, WR MIN
When fantasy managers were making their files of buys and sells pre-free agency, Osborn was already tough to leave off the lists. With Adam Thielen now in Carolina, we’re going to see the average draft position of Osborn skyrocket this offseason. He doesn’t have the pedigree of a 1st round pick, but there are a lot of teams that would trade players they took over him in their draft class at this point. When you look at veteran winners through free agency and the draft, it’s possible Osborn is at the top of the list. He looks poised to be the WR2 opposite Justin Jefferson and post a career season in the process.
3.) Brock Purdy, QB SF
The 49ers used the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft on Brock Purdy and the rest is history. After losing Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance to injuries, Purdy led San Francisco all the way to the NFC Championship game. While Lance will have a lot to say about who starts this year and clearly offers more as a rusher, Purdy is currently being way undervalued after his 2022 season. The 49ers are already on record saying they believe he should have a chance to start. If that’s the case, he’s criminally undervalued right now.
2.) Rashid Shaheed, WR NO
When you look at the production from rookies in terms of points per game in 2022, you may be surprised to see Shaheed on the list. However, he really came on late in the year and proved to be a legitimate deep threat by averaging a monstrous 17.4 yards per reception. With Derek Carr now slinging the ball for the Saints, look for Shaheed to take another step forward. He’s a solid sleeper and perceived “throw-in” in a dynasty trade.
1.) Jake Ferguson, TE DAL
You could make the case no player benefitted more this off-season than Ferguson, who saw Dalton Schultz bolt for Houston. The Cowboys love to use their tight ends and should they pass on another one in the 2023 NFL Draft, Ferguson is poised for a monster breakout season.
Just Missed on our List
A number of players sit just outside the top ten and they include Treylon Burks of Tennessee, George Pickens of the Steelers, and even Breece Hall of the Jets, who is coming off a torn ACL. The 2023 Fantasy Football season is going to be an exciting one as we inevitably see players make big leaps and comebacks from off-years. Now is the time to pounce while the price is right.
Dynasty Buy Candidates (Post Free Agency) Methodology Explained
In dynasty leagues, value is everything. Much like the stock market, you want to buy low and sell high. As the rookie draft approaches, many of those 1st and 2nd round picks will be traded away for guaranteed production. The players on this list simply have a ranking and ADP that is likely going to be lower than it will be at this time next offseason. Just be careful in giving up too much right now as the NFL Draft will inevitably change values yet again.
Dynasty Rankings Resources
For a complete list of all the Dynasty Rankings by position, check out our sister site Dynasty League Football’s extensive resources;
Dynasty Players to Buy FAQ
What is the difference between Dynasty Rankings and Dynasty Superflex Rankings?
The main difference between the two is that Superflex wide receiver rankings include an additional aspect for the players’ fantasy football value, as the Superflex format allows for the starting of a second quarterback in the lineup. In Superflex Rankings, the players’ value as potential quarterback starters is taken into account, whereas in Dynasty Rankings, the rankings are primarily based on the players’ overall long-term value and contribution to a dynasty fantasy football team.
In short, quarterbacks are going to be valued more in superflex leagues as there are fewer in the league and score points on a more consistent basis, making them the premier players to have in leagues.
Why are quarterbacks and wide receivers often at the top of Dynasty Player Rankings?
Quarterbacks and wide receivers are often at the top of dynasty rankings because they are key positions in fantasy football. Quarterbacks are the most valuable players on the field as they control the offense and have the ability to rack up points through passing touchdowns. Wide receivers are also valuable as they can make big plays and score touchdowns. Both positions also have a longer career arc than running backs.
