The NFL trade deadline has become one of the craziest in sports seemingly overnight.
What used to be a dull procedural day is now more like what we see in the NBA, MLB and NHL—big names flying, trade calls coming in at the buzzer and tons of fantasy sports implications along the way.
For The Win tracked all of the moves made ahead of Tuesday’s NFL deadline but the fallout is just starting to take shape. Some big fantasy names saw their stock surge on Tuesday. Others are probably no longer worth a roster spot in your league.
Let’s get into it.
Stock Up
T. J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings and Lions pulled off the rare inter-division trade and sent of one of the most prolific fantasy tight ends to a Minnesota team ready to run away with the NFC North. Hockenson has already put up 395 yards and three touchdowns on 26 catches. He should have plenty of chances to add to those totals in a Vikings offense ranked 11th in the NFL.
Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
No, the Bears didn’t become a contender just because they added WR Chase Claypool from Pittsburgh for a second-round pick. But they did provide two good reasons to believe in Fields moving forward:
- Claypool’s addition is another sign Chicago is ready to open up the playbook and build the offense around the young QB.
- Trading defensive stars like Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith means Chicago can expect to play from behind quite a bit, which also means more hero opportunities for Fields.
Particularly in dynasty and keeper leagues, Fields should be considered a must-add now that the Bears are committing to him. This is a Chicago team with an enormous amount of cap space to spend this offseason and will look to go all-in on its franchise quarterback. The last few weeks already proved he’s able to reward the team’s faith in him.
Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Granted, his stock couldn’t get any lower, but if the 6’0″, 193 lbs. receiver can get open (and stay healthy), Patrick Mahomes will find him. Consider Toney more as a “keep an eye on him” than someone to immediately go out and grab, but when one of the best offenses in the NFL goes out to grab an undervalued former first-round pick, it should have your attention.
Stock Down
Nyheim Hines, RB, Buffalo Bills
Hines goes from a crowded backfield in Indianapolis to a crowded backfield in Buffalo. The tailback might get more red zone opportunities in Josh Allen’s offense, but he’ll also have to split carries with Devin Singletary and James Cook. Consider Hines a stash play at best, but he’s more than likely worth dropping.
Denver Broncos D/ST
One of the few dependable defenses in fantasy football just lost its anchor with Bradley Chubb heading to Miami. The linebacker helped keep offenses alert. Now there’s a major gap over the middle to exploit.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
If you’re wondering how Rodgers stock could go down without Green Bay making a move, well, there’s your answer. By not adding anything to an already stale offense, Rodgers has even less fantasy value now and until the former MVP proves otherwise he’s simply not worth a roster spot.
