The NFL trade window closed Tuesday with a flurry of last-minute trades. How will some of the biggest moves impact the fantasy landscape?
Fantasy Football Impact of Three Traded Players
DeAndre Hopkins – Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver
One only has to look at DeAndre Hopkins to realize how a mid-season trade can prove extremely advantageous for fantasy managers. Two weeks ago when Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs from the Tennessee Titans, his fantasy fortunes improved significantly. When Hopkins was with the Titans, he was rarely targeted. Except for the Green Bay game in week three, Hopkins saw little action and his fantasy stats reflected it. Hopkins averaged a mere 6.26 points per week over six games, including the Packers game when he scored 19.3 fantasy points. In the game against Green Bay, Hopkins caught six of seven targets for 73 yards and one touchdown.
In the two weeks that Hopkins has been with the Chiefs, he has developed quite a connection with his new quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. In last week’s victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hopkins had eight receptions on nine targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns. His fantasy managers were rewarded with 28.6 points. Hopkins’ arrival in Kansas City has proved very advantageous for the Chiefs and his fantasy managers.
How Will Other Recent Trades Impact Their Fantasy Value
Za’Darius Smith – Detroit Lions Defense
The Detroit Lions were looking to acquire a veteran defensive player to address the gap left by the season-ending injury to their elite edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. Since week six when Hutchinson was injured, the rumors have been flying about who the Lions would target. However, as the NFL trade deadline drew closer, it became evident that a trade was imminent for the Lions. On Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that the Lions had traded with the Cleveland Browns for 10-year veteran Za’Darius Smith. Described by Cleveland teammates as a “sack machine,” Smith has recorded five sacks and 13 solo tackles in eight games this year.
Smith brings a wealth of talent and expertise to the Lions’ defense. Ranked number 84 overall in the NFL Top 10 in 2022, Smith has 213 tackles, 193 solo, and 65 sacks throughout his career. Rostered in 55% of the Yahoo Fantasy leagues, the Detroit defense has 20 sacks, 11 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and a touchdown. The Lions averaged 9.5 fantasy points per game. The Lions’ defense has been particularly impressive over the past month, scoring an average of 12.25 points per week as the entire unit stepped up to cover for Hutchinson’s absence.
Adding a talented Pro Bowl receiver like Smith to the Lions’ defense will improve their pass rush. At 6’4″ and 270 pounds, Smith’s size should also help with the run defense. Look for the Lions’ defense to continue bringing in solid numbers for their fantasy managers.
Mike Williams – Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver
Veteran wide receiver Mike Williams was traded by the New York Jets to the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the day ahead of the trade deadline. Williams has 321 career receptions for 4,972 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has also scored a rushing touchdown on 10 carries for 34 yards.
After spending most of his eight-year career with the Los Angeles Chargers, Williams was acquired by the Jets in free agency this year. Despite appearing in all nine games for the Jets this season, Williams often found himself on the low end of a target share. He had 12 receptions for 166 yards. Williams’ fantasy stats with quarterback Aaron Rodgers limited his target share to a dismal 3.18. Fortunately for Williams, even though he will compete for targets with Van Jefferson and George Pickens as the team’s top two receivers, he is likely to form a much stronger connection with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Even though Pittsburgh relies heavily on their rushing game, Williams’ fantasy production should increase as the season progresses and he finds his place within the Steelers’ offense.
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