Week 2 Buy Low and Sell High

With Week 1 of the NFL season in the books, Lead Writer Matt Ward has his eyes on three buy-low targets and three sell-high targets heading into Week 2! Take advantage of your league mates by acquiring star players at their lowest value and dealing away volatile players at their highest values!

BUY LOW

Rhamondre Stevenson RB - New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson saw a significant dip in perceived value upon the Patriots signing of veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. Week 1 further fueled that fire as Stevenson entered the game with an injury designation from an undisclosed illness and Elliott earned the starting nod. Nevertheless, Stevenson flashed his league-winning upside, securing six receptions for 64 yards, tying Kendrick Bourne with team-high totals in both categories. Stevenson also received more carries and snaps than Elliott but both players were rendered virtually useless as rushers by the Eagles defense. Stevenson’s reign as a PPR terror will surely continue as the Patriots are desperately thin when it comes to pass-catchers. Any managers overlooking the positive peripherals from Stevenson’s Week 1 performance should be taken advantage of with a cunning trade offer.

Kenneth Gainwell RB - Philadelphia Eagles

Kenneth Gainwell led all Eagles running backs in both on-field snaps and production in every category. Rashaad Penny was listed as a healthy scratch to start the contest and fellow newcomer D’Andre Swift was merely an afterthought in the Week 1 Gameplan. Swift will undoubtedly grow into his role as he becomes more comfortable with the Eagles offense but Gainwell’s namesake is valued much lower than his expected production. Gainwell could maintain a respectable weekly ceiling even upon Swift’s emergence, the latter of which is not entirely guaranteed. The Eagles may opt into a committee down the line but as it stands, Gainwell is the most proven weapon they have in the backfield and should continue to produce serviceable numbers throughout the 2023 season.

DeAndre Hopkins WR - Tennessee Titans

The Titans' offense struggled mightily against a stout Saints defense in Week 1. DeAndre Hopkins stood apart as the lone bright spot on an otherwise dark and defeated day. As expected, Hopkins slotted in immediately as the Titans' top receiving weapon, leading all players in targets (13), receptions (7), and receiving yards (65). The next closest player on the roster was Nick Westbrook-Ikhine who secured four of seven targets for 58 yards. The results were certainly not as encouraging as the usage but the Titans will have better days and Hopkins will face easier coverage assignments than All-Pro Marshon Lattimore. Managers are going to want Hopkins on their rosters for when those aforementioned priors inevitably occur.

SELL HIGH

David Montgomery RB - Detroit Lions

Montgomery was a key piece in the Lions' Week 1 victory over the Chiefs. The long-time Bears running back turned Lions bruiser tallied a 73.0% snap share with 21 carries for 74 yards and one touchdown. Montgomery out-snapped and out-produced rookie running Jahmyr Gibbs in nearly every category, a trend that is unlikely to continue as the season progresses. Montgomery averaged just 3.5 yards per carry with his longest run of the day halting at just eight yards. Gibbs managed 6.0 yards per carry with his longest run ending at 18 yards. Gibbs also broke eight tackles on only nine touches and managed to secure both of his targets for 18 yards whereas Montgomery was not targeted at all in the passing game. Gibbs is hot on Montgomery’s heels and will be ready to usurp all high-value touches should his teammate continue to struggle with efficiency. If Montgomery’s opportunity share dwindles he will be nothing more than a touchdown-dependent plodder.

Raheem Mostert RB - Miami Dolphins

Mostert entered Week 1 as the oldest starting running back in the NFL. The 31-year-old veteran led a paltry rushing attack, tallying 50 scrimmage yards (37 rushing yards, 13 receiving yards) on 12 touches (10 carries, 2 receptions) while finding the end zone for the Dolphins in their narrow 36-34 victory over the Chargers. Mostert will not be the lone back atop the depth chart for long. Rookie De’Von Achane and fellow veteran Jeff Wilson will both return from injury no later than Week 4 with Achane set to make his debut as early as next game. Mostert’s utility may last for a few more weeks but the price to sell will likely never get higher.

Darnell Mooney WR - Chicago Bears

Mooney was able to supplement an otherwise unremarkable outing with his first receiving touchdown of the season. The Bears wideout caught four of his seven targets for 53 yards as the offense failed to gain any meaningful momentum. D.J. Moore earned merely two targets as he was shadowed by Jaire Alexander, a matchup that he will not have to face again until Week 18. It is only a matter of time before Moore usurps Mooney’s targets. Managers should look to make a fast market move before that occurs.

Much respect, thank you for reading. If you have any continued thoughts and would like to share, I am always available for an open conversation on Twitter: @PsychWardFF or Instagram: @psychwardff.

You can find my other works as the Lead Writer and DOC at Broto Fantasy Football.

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By Matt Ward