Week 1 just kicked off, but that doesn't mean you can't get ahead in the trade market. Fantasy managers often overreact to preseason news, camp hype and depth chart rumors. Smart players take advantage by identifying undervalued and overvalued assets before Week 1 even kicks off. This is where the buy-low sell-high fantasy football strategy pays off, especially when market perception doesn't line up with realistic season-long roles.
Below are the best early buy or sell fantasy football candidates to target in trades before the action starts.
Buy Candidates
Breece Hall 
Many managers are worried about Braelon Allen stealing work. That's the opening. Hall is one of the league's best receiving backs, making him game-script proof even if Allen sees some carries. Hall admitted last year's struggles were tied to a sprained MCL. If he's healthy, he's the clear lead. Float out a buy-low offer before Hall reminds everyone how good he is.
Kaleb Johnson 
Training camp reports were lukewarm, and the rookie opens the year No. 3 on the depth chart, but the situation still sets up nicely. Jaylen Warren has never been trusted for a heavy workload, and his 2024 efficiency dipped. Meanwhile, Kenneth Gainwell has been an ordinary player when given chances in Philly. Johnson was drafted to replace Najee Harris and will eventually see regular work. Pittsburgh will run in close games, and Johnson profiles as a volume back. His preseason slide created a perfect buying window. Give it a few weeks, but Johnson should be
Week 1 just kicked off, but that doesn't mean you can't get ahead in the trade market. Fantasy managers often overreact to preseason news, camp hype and depth chart rumors. Smart players take advantage by identifying undervalued and overvalued assets before Week 1 even kicks off. This is where the buy-low sell-high fantasy football strategy pays off, especially when market perception doesn't line up with realistic season-long roles.
Below are the best early buy or sell fantasy football candidates to target in trades before the action starts.
Buy Candidates
Breece Hall
Many managers are worried about Braelon Allen stealing work. That's the opening. Hall is one of the league's best receiving backs, making him game-script proof even if Allen sees some carries. Hall admitted last year's struggles were tied to a sprained MCL. If he's healthy, he's the clear lead. Float out a buy-low offer before Hall reminds everyone how good he is.
Kaleb Johnson
Training camp reports were lukewarm, and the rookie opens the year No. 3 on the depth chart, but the situation still sets up nicely. Jaylen Warren has never been trusted for a heavy workload, and his 2024 efficiency dipped. Meanwhile, Kenneth Gainwell has been an ordinary player when given chances in Philly. Johnson was drafted to replace Najee Harris and will eventually see regular work. Pittsburgh will run in close games, and Johnson profiles as a volume back. His preseason slide created a perfect buying window. Give it a few weeks, but Johnson should be fine.
Rhamondre Stevenson 
TreVeyon Henderson stole preseason headlines, but Stevenson isn't going anywhere. He's still under a starter-level contract and has the size to dominate goal-line and clock-killing work. New England is favored in 11 games, which sets up for Stevenson to thrive late with leads. Don't let Henderson hype overshadow Stevenson's strong role; he's a sneaky buy before his value corrects.
Sell Candidates
Jacory Croskey-Merritt 
The hype has gone too far. Chris Rodriguez is already locked in as the goal-line back, and Austin Ekeler dominates receiving work. That leaves Croskey-Merritt with between-the-20s carries, the least valuable role in fantasy. Expect a lot of 40-yard, no-touchdown weeks. Cash out before the bubble bursts.
Tyrone Tracy 
We've seen this movie before. Tracy can start strong but struggles with durability and efficiency over time. His usage and efficiency fell off after last year's bye, and history may repeat itself. With Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary behind him, Tracy is at risk of losing touches as the season wears on. Sell now while he's viewed as a potential three-down back.
Adam Thielen 
The narrative of a "homecoming" is nice, but not realistic. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson will dominate targets early, and Jordan Addison returns after three games. That quickly makes Thielen the fourth option. Limited chemistry with rookie J.J. McCarthy doesn't help either, and there's little reason to expect sustained volume. Move him before Week 1 while the sentiment is still high.
Conclusion
The trade market is all about timing, and preseason is no exception. Market perception often gets clouded by hype, injury narratives and depth chart speculation. That creates chances to buy players like Hall, Johnson and Stevenson before their value rises, while selling inflated names like Meyers, Croskey-Merritt, Tracy and Thielen before their floors drop out. Stay disciplined, play the market, and you'll be ahead before the season even begins.
Catch my weekly trade targets video here:
