At this point of the season, most trade deadlines in redraft formats have passed, which means the focus now shifts entirely to dynasty fantasy football roster building. This weekly column highlights players whose long-term outlooks make them strong dynasty buys or timely dynasty sells as managers position themselves for 2026 and beyond. Whether you're rebuilding or chasing a future window, identifying the right buy/sell fantasy football opportunities is essential. For managers evaluating player roles and future usage, the RotoWire weekly fantasy football projections page is a helpful reference, and long-term outlooks can be viewed through NFL team depth charts as well.
Buy Candidates
Quarterback
Stroud's 2024 regression and modest 2025 production have caused his dynasty value to dip, but that presents an ideal buying window. After early season struggles with offensive line issues and an unfamiliar supporting cast, Houston's protection has improved and his receivers are developing chemistry with him. Even though the box scores remain underwhelming, Stroud is once again showing his ability to move the offense efficiently. Looking ahead to 2026, he profiles as a strong rebound candidate who should return to the superstar trajectory he showed as a rookie, and his current cost makes him a smart dynasty fantasy football buy-low target.
Running Back
Judkins' surface stats tell an incomplete story, as his sub-4.0 yards per carry average hides the elite tackle-breaking ability he displays weekly. Cleveland's offense has been dysfunctional, but improvements to the quarterback position and offensive line are almost certain to come. Even a modest upgrade around him would allow Judkins' talent to shine and elevate him into long-term RB1 territory. Many dynasty managers aren't watching Browns games closely, which makes this the perfect time to acquire a player who is performing like a future star.
Wide Receiver
Thomas' second season has been rough, and his recent stretch of low production has frustrated many dynasty managers. Despite the struggles, his physical tools and downfield skill set remain unchanged, and Jacksonville has miscast him by asking him to operate heavily in the middle of the field. Whether he stays with the Jaguars or lands in a new situation, Thomas' boundary dominance should re-emerge as his role is corrected. This is the type of buy-low opportunity dynasty managers dream of, especially for a player who was valued as a star just months ago.
Tight End
Gadsden flashed elite upside during his breakout stretch beginning in Week 6, showing he can eventually emerge as one of the best fantasy tight ends. A minor knee issue and two difficult game environments have limited his recent production, making it easy for some managers to label his early success as a fluke. In reality, his usage and skill set point toward a strong long-term ceiling, especially with Justin Herbert under center. This may be the last realistic chance to buy low on a future difference-maker at the position.
Sell Candidates
Quarterback
Dynasty managers love Daniels, and many will excuse his disappointing 2025 season due to injuries and poor team circumstances. While the upside is undeniable, his play style still exposes him to an excessive number of hits, and his frame raises long-term durability concerns. Counting on sustained health for a quarterback who runs this aggressively is a risky long-term bet. With his value still inflated by his electric rookie year, now is the right time to capitalize.
Running Back
McCaffrey remains a fantasy superstar and is having an incredible season, which makes him especially valuable to contenders. However, he is approaching age 30, and his efficiency has dipped significantly even as his volume keeps him atop fantasy leaderboards. With over 300 touches already, the workload is beginning to resemble the type of season that often precedes a decline phase in aging running backs. If you are not contending this year, moving McCaffrey now for premium long-term assets is the optimal dynasty strategy.
Wide Receiver
Worthy still carries name recognition and hype from last season's breakout stretch, but his 2025 performance has not matched expectations. His role remains secondary to Rashee Rice, who is the true focal point of the passing attack, and Kansas City continues to use Worthy more as a space-clearer than a target hog. His smaller frame also limits the likelihood he becomes a consistent middle-of-the-field weapon. Selling Worthy before the broader dynasty market fully adjusts to his long-term role is a prudent move.
Tight End
Kelce is still playing at a high level and on pace for his best season in three years, which keeps his value strong for contenders. At the same time, he turns 37 early in the 2026 season and is already contemplating retirement, creating significant long-term uncertainty. His short-term production could fetch a premium return from a team aiming to win a title right now. If you're retooling or rebuilding in dynasty, moving Kelce at peak value is the optimal fantasy football trade decision.
Conclusion
Dynasty roster management requires balancing immediate production with long-term outlooks, and identifying players whose value is set to rise or fall is key to sustainable success. Review RotoWire each week to confirm shifting roles, and use our weekly projections to guide your trade decisions. Whether you're making a playoff push or building for the next window, these recommendations help guide your fantasy football buy-low, sell-high strategy. For deeper research on future roles and depth chart movement, you can continue referencing NFL team depth charts as the season progresses. Smart managers stay one step ahead, and Week 13 is an ideal time to reshape your dynasty roster with both the present and future in mind.
