Dynasty Trading Post: Escalating Running Back Values

Welcome to the Dynasty Trading Post, where we examine optimizing strategy, roster construction, format, and player value oscillations every week, providing examples and completed dynasty trades.

This week, we'll focus on recent running back injuries and new, higher-value benefactors

*All trades are Superflex unless stated otherwise*

RB Omarion Hampton, LA Chargers

Theme of the Week: Rookie Arrival

Najee Harris' Achilles injury in Week 3 is a killer for an older running back without much athleticism to lose at this stage in his career. While Harris shifts down to a "What if?" scenario depending on his recovery for 2026 and beyond, Omarion Hampton is front and center for dynasty lineups and valuation. The Round 1 rookie was off to a slow start before a Week 3 explosion for 25 touches, 129 yards, and a touchdown. More importantly, Hampson has unfettered access to a workhorse role going forward on a potential Chargers offense. Hampton opens a world of options in the dynasty trading market in addition to buying high for strong dynasty rosters. 

Here are a few key trades involving Omarion Hampton this week:

• Buy Omarion Hampton, Zach Charbonnet for Jayden Daniels, DK Metcalf (1QB)
• Buy Omarion Hampton for Emeka Egbuka
• Buy Omarion Hampton for Bucky Irving
• Buy Omarion Hampton, Davante Adams for Christian McCaffrey, Calvin Ridley
  
  
• Sell Omarion Hampton, Courtland Sutton for Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Sell Omarion Hampton, Michael Penix Jr. for Ja'Marr Chase

Hampton now opens up a window to buy stud wide receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Ja'Marr Chase more easily. If selling, aim for an elite quarterback or wide receiver in Superflex formats. Be patient if the right deal is not present now, as Hampton is an insulated asset, whether a strong contender or a rebuilding team. One general thought in the dynasty space is that rebuilding teams should not value running backs. While true in a vacuum, a notable few like Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, etc., should be vice-gripped for the right deal or simply building around a 21-22 year old high-pedigreed running back. There are still opportunities to buy Hampton, but the price is rising. To highlight the Christian McCaffrey deal, this is an ideal exit on a 28-year-old elite running back (McCaffrey) while he is healthy. If McCaffrey misses even a few games with an injury, one would have to add a 1st (or more) to McCaffrey to pull Hampton in a trade. Getting six years younger among strong running back profiles is worth its weight in gold.

RB Trey Benson, Arizona

Theme of the Week: Golden Opportunity