Several factors go into building a consistently elite dynasty team. One of those is identifying the top player on every NFL team. Another is knowing which players you should trade away before their fantasy value decreases.
Typically the starting quarterback is the top dynasty asset on every NFL team in Superflex leagues. However, they are rarely the top asset in 1QB leagues. So, to help you build the best dynasty team possible, I will identify the top dynasty asset and sell candidates for every NFL team.
Today I breakdown the NFC East teams: the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.
- Top Dynasty Asset & Sell Candidates: AFC East
- Top Dynasty Asset & Sell Candidates: AFC North
- Top Dynasty Asset & Sell Candidates: AFC South
- Top Dynasty Asset & Sell Candidates: AFC West
The Top Dynasty Asset
When the Cowboys used a first-round pick on Lamb in 2020, many were surprised by the selection. However, Lamb is a prime third-year breakout candidate after the Cowboys traded away Amari Cooper this offseason. Over the first two years of his career, Lamb has averaged 76.5 receptions and over 1,000 receiving yards per season. Furthermore, he averaged 14.6 PPR fantasy points per game last season, making him the WR19 for the year. More importantly, Lamb finished the year as a top-20 wide receiver despite only a 20.4% target share. With Cooper in Cleveland and Michael Gallup recovering from a torn ACL, Lamb is in an excellent position to breakout and become a top-10 dynasty wide receiver this year.
Barkley was a fantasy superstar after averaging 24.1 PPR fantasy points per game as a rookie. However, he has struggled with injuries over the past few years. He has missed 42.9% of the games the past three years because of various injuries. More importantly, Barkley’s yard-per-rushing attempt average has dropped since his rookie season. After averaging five yards per rushing attempt as a rookie, Barkley has averaged 3.5 yards per attempt over the past two years. While he isn’t the fantasy superstar we once thought, Barkley is still the best asset on the team. With their improved offensive line and coaching staff, Barkley can return to his top-12 running back status this year if he can stay on the field.
After ending the 2020 season as the WR7 on a points per game basis in PPR scoring, Brown regressed last year. He missed a career-high four games because of injuries and had a career-low 869 receiving yards and five touchdowns. However, after getting traded to the Eagles, fantasy fans are excited about the move. Brown has been one of the better big-play wide receivers since entering the NFL, averaging 6.2 yards after the catch. Furthermore, he averaged a broken tackle once every 5.8 receptions over his first two years. Brown has top-10 upside in Philadelphia if he can stay healthy.
Despite the never-ending merry-go-round at quarterback in Washington, McLaurin has finished every year of his career as a top-24 wide receiver in non-PPR scoring. Furthermore, he has accomplished that feat despite averaging only 5.3 touchdowns per year in his career. McLaurin has also put together back-to-back seasons of over 1,050 receiving yards despite playing with several awful quarterbacks. While Carson Wentz isn’t an elite quarterback, he is the best McLaurin has ever played with in the NFL. Despite the addition of Jahan Dotson, McLaurin remains the WR1 in Washington and a consistent, safe floor WR2 for fantasy teams.
The Top Sell Candidate
One of the most popular sell candidates this offseason is Elliott. The veteran running back has seen his yards per rushing attempt drop the past few years. At the same time, Elliott has dealt with an uptick in injuries the past couple of seasons. Furthermore, the Cowboys can get out of Elliott’s contract after the 2022 season. More importantly, Zeke’s fantasy points per game average have dropped each of the past four years. With the Cowboys leaning more on Dak Prescott and the passing game, Elliott’s days as a top-10 running back are over. Now is the time to move the veteran running back to a contending team.
Golladay was labeled an up-and-coming star wide receiver after averaging 15.5 PPR fantasy points and scoring 11 touchdowns in 2019. He then played only five games in 2020 with an injury. Rumor was Golladay was holding out as contract talks with the Detroit Lions were going nowhere. After signing a massive free-agent deal with the Giants, Golladay was expected to have a breakout 2021 season. Instead, he struggled with injuries and posted career lows in several areas, including zero touchdowns on 76 targets. While he could turn things around, those odds are low, and the Giants know it. Since giving Golladay a $72 million contract, the Giants have used two prime draft picks on wide receivers. Sell while you can.
After the Eagles acquired Brown on draft night, Hurts’ fantasy value skyrocketed. He easily could have a breakout season similar to Josh Allen in 2020 when they added Stefon Diggs. However, Hurts could struggle and find himself out of a starting job next year. While he averaged 19 fantasy points per game over his final 10 games last season, Hurts averaged only 177.9 passing yards and a 58.8% completion rate in those contests. The addition of Brown should help Hurts have a strong 2022 season. However, the Eagles have two first-round draft picks next year. If Hurts struggles, the Eagles can easily replace him in 2023. Put the quarterback on the trade block and see what kind of offers you receive.
No one had their fantasy football value change more wildly than Gibson this offseason. After averaging 16.1 PPR fantasy points per game without J.D. McKissic last year, Gibson appeared on track for a featured role after McKissic agreed to a deal with the Buffalo Bills. However, McKissic changed his mind and re-signed with Washington, hurting Gibson’s value. Then, the Commanders used a third-round pick on Brian Robinson. At one point this offseason, Gibson was arguably a top-10 dynasty running back. Now, he’s a low-end RB2. Furthermore, if Robinson takes over as the goal line running back, Gibson’s fantasy value takes another hit. Now is the time to put Gibson on the trade block and hope for a fair offer.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
