Fantasy Football Trade Advice: Zay Flowers, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Sam LaPorta

Week 1 is here, which means fantasy managers everywhere are already panicking about their rosters. That shiny draft pick who looked like a league-winner last week? Suddenly, he’s a “what do I do with this guy?” headache. And that waiver-wire dart you laughed at your league mate for grabbing? Yep, he just scored twice. The good news is you don’t have to navigate the emotional rollercoaster alone. Our Featured Pros have put together their early Buy Low, Sell High recommendations to help you steady the ship (or shamelessly abandon it before it sinks). Let’s dive in before next week convinces you your entire roster is cursed.

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Week 1 Sell High

Who is your favorite sell-high candidate heading into the season and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?

Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)

“Before Week 1 hits, I’m selling all the Zay Flowers I can. I keep saying it, but Flowers’ production is capped, even in PPR leagues. He’s a great receiver on a great offense, but his fantasy flaw is the fact that he’s a last resort in the red zone. Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and Isaiah Likely all had more receiving TDs last season, while Flowers caught just 4 of Lamar Jackson‘s 41. Derrick Henry also dominated red zone looks on the ground. Now, jump-ball extraordinaire Tez Walker looks to have taken a positive step, and the team also signed big-bodied DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. I’ll try to send Zay to acquire a cross-positional need. One of Chuba Hubbard or D’Andre Swift should be achievable, and you might be able to get a cherry on top, too.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)

“I hate to state the obvious, but Jacory Croskey-Merritt could easily be at his peak value. Selling him before he hits the field in the regular season might feel painful. However, Washington’s backfield operated as a true committee last season, and Brian Robinson Jr. didn’t even crack 200 carries. With passing downs likely leaning towards Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt’s upside could be limited. If you don’t need Croskey-Merritt as an immediate starter, look to sell him for an emerging player in a value dip at another position, like Josh Downs.”
– Tera Roberts (OddsChecker)

“*Takes a big breath and prepares himself for battle* Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a sell candidate. Look, we all love a late-round breakout story. We have seen this with Isiah Pacheco, Brock Purdy, and Puka Nacua, but JCM is not it. Is there a world where he takes over the backfield on a great offense? Absolutely, but I’m not betting on it. This team has already called Chris Rodriguez their short-yardage back, and it’s clear Austin Ekeler is the only receiving option in the backfield. So that leaves JCM on early downs, likely between the 20s. Plus, this team has added Deebo Samuel, who is very familiar with touches out of the backfield. JCM has looked great, but this entire backfield is a massive red flag, especially with a rushing QB under center. I would see if anyone in my league is drinking the Kool-Aid and willing to flip him for a known productive back. Even if it’s not as exciting, I would much rather have David Montgomery or the upside of Tyrone Tracy over the rookie. Capitalize on the value before taking the risk on what this backfield looks like in Week 1.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)

“I have been on the Jacory Croskey-Merritt, or Bill, as we all know him, train since he was drafted to the Washington Commanders in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. At the beginning of draft season, he was being drafted with a savvy owner’s last pick or picked up off the waiver wire. Now, he is sneaking earlier and earlier in drafts, some recent drafts as high as the 6th-7th. There is a chance that all the hype dwindles and he is Ekeler’s backup, or, as I hope, he takes over the role and becomes the top fantasy running back. His value is the highest it will be currently and might be worth a look on the trade market for a WR2 like Terry McClaurin, DJ Moore, or Courtland Sutton, whose role on their team is pretty well established.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

“While I believe Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be a solid running back for fantasy players and the highest scoring guy in the Commanders’ backfield this season, the hype has gotten out of control. Washington traded away Brian Robinson Jr., opening the door for the seventh-round rookie to start. Yet, expect the team to use a three-headed approach early in the year, giving touches to Croskey-Merritt, Austin Ekeler, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Hopefully, fantasy players drafted the rookie running back as a bench player, giving him time to earn more work before having to start him. However, fantasy players should explore trade options for the seventh-round rookie. I would happily flip him and a bench wide receiver for Jordan Mason or Jaylen Warren.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“The hype around Jacory Croskey-Merritt has pushed his value to its apex. Is there a chance he’s a stud? Yeah, this could definitely blow up in my face. However, there is a much higher chance that he is a rotational piece in a backfield with a running quarterback and one of the best receiving running backs of all time. I would try to get someone with the same upside, but a much higher floor like one of the 49ers’ receivers, Ricky Pearsall or Jauan Jennings.”
– Michael Tomlin (Fantasy Six Pack)

Sam LaPorta (TE – DET)

“My favorite sell-high candidate for the 2025 fantasy season is Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. His 2024 season with 700+ yards and seven touchdowns has him valued as a top-tier TE1, but the Lions’ balanced offense and Jared Goff‘s conservative passing could lead to fewer targets in 2025. Increased competition from Jameson Williams and rookie Isaac TeSlaa could further cut into his production. Selling now leverages his elite status before a likely dip. I’d be willing to trade away a reliable WR2 such as Tee Higgins or DK Metcalf to acquire him.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)