Dynasty Fantasy Football Buy/Sells for Week 3: Kick the Tires on Drake London

Before I dig into some specific players that I consider universal buys and sells, let me first say Happy Holidays to all the rebuilding teams out there.

Last week’s injury massacre was absolutely awful to watch. And, obviously, we never want to wish injuries onto players. But you rebuilders now have an opportunity to wrestle away some elite (or elite-adjacent) talent from contenders who are probably still in bed, underneath the covers, wishing this was all just a bad dream.

Make sure to peep your leaguemates’ IR spots. And be sure to lend them a band-aid to help them through their suffering, in exchange for a not-so-modest sum.

Now, here are three moves every dynasty manager should make, regardless of your contending status…

Buys & Sells For Dynasty Fantasy Football Week 3

BUY - Drake London | WR | ATL

In a recent article about things to watch for in Week 2, I said the following about Drake London: “We shouldn’t necessarily drop London’s dynasty value even if he can’t overcome the dismal QB situation in Atlanta, but we should absolutely be on the lookout for a buy-low opportunity.”

Folks, that opportunity is standing on your doorstep with a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note reading: “Cooper Rush can’t hurt you anymore.” Please open the door.

We all know Rush was bad, but exactly how bad? Despite having the lowest adjusted yards per attempt by a wide margin (1.8 vs. league average of 7.3), Rush also somehow has the second-worst completion percentage. That’s like tripping over your own feet and falling face-first into your own ass. Yeah, sure, technically that’s a thing that could happen in theory, but no one ever expects to actually SEE it.

In that same article, I referenced the unbearable stretch of games that Justin Jefferson managers suffered through last season with J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer at the helm. Jefferson’s value took a major hit, even though we knew the issue was 99% quarterback-related. But now? He’s quickly ascended back up the dynasty ranks.

The same thing is likely happening with London. It’s one thing to acknowledge that no receiver is completely QB-proof, but it’s another to watch it happen in real time, on your own team, while your eyeballs bleed and your ulcer bursts. Someone out there is ready to move on, and they don’t care that Michael Penix—a competent enough quarterback—is taking over.

SELL - Travis Etienne | RB | NO

I debated featuring Etienne in last week’s article and deeply regret leaving him out. I could’ve warned you! I could’ve begged you to pull the ripcord before it was too late!

So let me offer an apology. To anyone out there who now feels stuck with this off-brand cola hiding in a name brand can… I’m sorry. You deserve better. We all deserve better.

After splitting carries equally with Kendre Miller in Week 1, Etienne had fewer targets and carries than 31-year-old Alvin Kamara in Week 2. Through two weeks, the Saints’ big free-agent expenditure has just 80 scrimmage yards. Worse, he’s been an afterthought in the red zone.

The good news is there are surely still some dynasty managers who wouldn’t mind getting their hands on Travis “Mr. Pibb” Etienne. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a Kenneth Walker or Jonathan Taylor holding it down for them at running back. Some managers will trick themselves into believing he’s a buy-low because of his name value, or that juicy contract, or the curiously high-powered offense he’s attached to.

But you and I know this is simply a retelling of the Miles Sanders story. And, believe me, there’s no reason to read the last chapter of that book.

BUY - Jonah Coleman | RB | DEN

I really didn’t want Jonah Coleman to score that touchdown. Not because I was facing him in fantasy. Not because he was up against my favorite real-life team.

I just really didn’t want him to become such an obvious trade target. Because more fantasy points make it harder for you, my dear and faithful readers, to trade a relative pittance to get him on your rosters.

Ah well. I guess we’ll just have to up the ante/offer to get the job done.

Once RJ Harvey was declared inactive for the game against Jacksonville, I was anxious to see what Coleman could do as the Broncos’ RB2. I liked Coleman as a second-round pick in rookie drafts, despite Sean Payton’s frustrating habit of underutilizing his best players. But this time? Payton got it right.

Not only did Coleman play more snaps and run more routes than J.K. Dobbins, but he equalled the veteran in rushing attempts. He simply looked better than Dobbins on the vast majority of plays.

Again, we never wish for injuries… but we can anticipate them. And, sadly, it’s become inevitable for Dobbins. If/when that time comes, Coleman shouldn’t have any issues stepping into a three-down role.