The NFL trade deadline is today. Fantasy football trade deadlines are soon. There's still some time to get your last-minute trades, and this week's "Three Up" are great targets.
Three Up
RB Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Even before Zack Moss missed time with an injury, Chase Brown started carving out a sizable and productive role in Cincinatti’s offense. And in his first game without Moss, we saw him fully unleashed for a top-five finish in fantasy football. He set career highs in carries, rushing yards, targets, receptions, and fantasy points. Brown was a fun target in drafts this year. In his final year at Illinois, Brown logged 29.6 touches per game, the most in the NCAA. His stature is small, but he makes up for it with high-end athleticism. He recorded a 4.38 at his college Pro Day and a burst score in the 95th percentile. As a rookie, his 9.1% breakaway run rate was third in the league behind only De’Von Achane and Keaton Mitchell. There was hope he’d maintain his exciting rookie-season efficiency over a larger workload in Year 2. His efficiency has taken a slight ding, but he’s still in the top 20 in breakaway run rate, juke rate, and evaded tackles. And he’s doing that on 105 carries and 26 targets, both top 20 among running backs. He also benefits from playing on a team with a strong pass game, allowing him to see an average of just 6.8 defenders in the box per play, the ninth-fewest in the league. With Khalil Herbert now in the mix, it may limit his upside. Herbert is an efficient runner and has fresh legs. But Brown has the rare combination of youth, athleticism, efficiency, opportunity, and environment that puts him on “league winner” watch.
RB J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
The J.K. Dobbins ride in 2024 has been a wild one. He got off to a blazing start, scoring 20-plus points in back-to-back weeks in Week 1 and 2. But in the two games before the bye, Dobbins' production dipped, and he averaged just 8.8 points. People weren’t sure what to make of his Jekyll-and-Hyde first month of the season. A boom game after the bye was followed by a dud, but his production has climbed every week since. On the year, his 16.2 points per game are 12th-most among all running backs. He’s one of eight running backs to see 13 or more touches in every game this season. We’ve seen flashes of elite talent from Dobbins in between his injuries. Right now, he appears healthy. He’s running behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. Justin Herbert looks comfortable in this new offense, opening up more room for Dobbins. He’s averaging 90.9 scrimmage yards per game, 17th among running backs. Expect his usage to continue and keep him firmly at the top of the RB2 bubble.
TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
No one gets usage like Taysom Hill. And his unique role scares off a lot of fantasy managers. But last week, he saw five carries, five targets, and a pass attempt. Two of his carries came inside the ten-yard line, one of which he punched in for a touchdown. Despite playing in just five games, it was his third rushing touchdown from inside the ten-yard line this season. However, through those five games, he’s logged two top-five tight end finishes in PPR scoring. This running back room is pretty clear at the moment. Alvin Kamara will get his. But with Kendre Miller on Injured Reserve and Jamaal Williams banged up, Hill has become the team’s RB2. He’s basically a running back who gobbles up high-value touches near the goal line and in the passing game, but you can start him as your tight end. Your leaguemates might laugh at you. You won’t like seeing him in your lineup. But fantasy football is a game of numbers, and Hill’s numbers make him more than just a considerable tight end streamer. His usage and production make him a plug-and-play starter for those brave enough to take the plunge while the Saints’ running backs are on the mend.
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