Week 3 Fantasy Football Trade Value Big Board: Trade Jerome Ford for George Kittle
Get the ultimate fantasy football trade value chart and rankings combined in one tool, featuring player valuations and explanations.
In past fantasy football seasons, The Athletic had separate rest-of-season Big Board rankings and trade value charts. However, this year they are taking a different approach by combining Brandon Funston's rankings with Austin Mock's trade value chart. This new chart serves as a general player valuation guide for fantasy football trade negotiations in 1QB, half-PPR formats. It's important to note that these valuations may not align with the industry consensus (ECR), as there will always be disagreements in player values. Nevertheless, this chart is meant to be another tool to help fantasy football managers in their league.
Before diving into the chart, Funston provides explanations for some of the biggest value differences compared to the industry consensus. One player he highlights is Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver for the New York Jets. Despite the Aaron Rodgers injury, Funston believes Wilson's performance in his rookie season without Rodgers is a promising sign. Wilson's target share has also increased this season, which further supports Funston's optimism.
Another player Funston discusses is George Pickens, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Funston is surprised that the industry isn't higher on Pickens, as he sees great potential in him. With Diontae Johnson on the injured reserve, Pickens has the opportunity to shine and establish a strong connection with quarterback Kenny Pickett. Funston predicts that Pickens could be a top 25 wide receiver during Johnson's absence.
Marquise Brown, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, is another player Funston believes is undervalued. Brown is currently the clear number one receiver for the Cardinals, receiving more targets than the rest of the Arizona wide receivers combined. Funston compares Brown's situation to Diontae Johnson's last season, where he was the top receiver in a struggling offense. Despite not scoring a touchdown, Johnson finished as a WR39. Funston also mentions the potential return of Kyler Murray, which could further boost Brown's value.
Moving on to Puka Nacua, a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, Funston disagrees with the industry's ranking. While many see Nacua as a WR1 option, Funston believes he will be more of a WR2 when Cooper Kupp returns. He acknowledges the possibility of Kupp not returning or having a season similar to Michael Thomas, but he remains optimistic about Kupp's return in the next few weeks.
Jerome Ford, a running back for the Cleveland Browns, is another player Funston has a different opinion on. He is 15 spots lower than the consensus on Ford. Funston points out that Ford has had a high number of carries for 2 yards or less, and his yards per carry average would be much lower if not for a long run. Additionally, the Browns brought back Kareem Hunt, indicating that they see him as a significant part of their running back rotation.
Lastly, Funston questions the high ranking of Travis Etienne, a running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite being ranked as RB5 by the industry, Etienne finished as RB17 last season and is currently RB19. Funston wonders what he is missing in the evaluation of Etienne.
Overall, this combined chart provides a valuable resource for fantasy football managers looking to navigate trade negotiations. While there may be disagreements with the industry consensus, it's important to consider each player's situation and potential for growth.
Comments on Week 3 Fantasy Football Trade Value Big Board: Trade Jerome Ford for George Kittle