Refreshing my trade value-based 2023 Superflex Dynasty Rankings after two weeks primarily involves one question: what about the past two weeks merits the biggest adjustments?
I believe the following players’ dynasty outlooks rise, or fall, have been backed by enough on and off the field to justify the change.
RISERS
MICHAEL PITTMAN
28 SPOTS, FROM TIER 8 (1ST RD ROOKIE PICK -) TO TIER 5 (2 1STS-)
The big concern for Anthony Richardson was whether or not he could assemble a decent short-to-intermediate passing game. Because of his injuries so far, it’s still a small sample size, but Pittman’s volume looks to remain intact as the Colts’ primary target.
Week 1 is still the bulk there is to go off of for the Richardson-Pittman connection, but he’s seen at least 11 targets in every game so far. His Week 1 performance of catching eight of 11 targets for 97 yards and a score was his best game and the game he saw the most playing time with Richardson. I believe I’ve seen enough to merit a significant bump in trade value.
D’ANDRE SWIFT
21 SPOTS, FROM TIER 10 (2ND RD PICK) TO TIER 7 (1ST RD)
Swift saw only two touches in Week 1. But, Kenneth Gainwell’s injury elevated Swift into a starting role. In return, he produced 305 rushing yards and four scores over the last two weeks.
The Eagles are utilizing the shifty running back appropriately to his strengths, and he’s looking like a top back. He’s still only 24 years old running behind one of the top offensive lines in football.
KEENAN ALLEN
18 SPOTS, FROM TIER 7 (1ST) TO TIER 5 (2 1STS-)
At age 31, concerns about his long-term career arc are overshadowed by absurd output through three weeks, highlighted by his 18-catch, 215-yard day against the Vikings. After two consecutive weeks as the WR1 in half-PPR, Allen’s dynasty trade value cannot remain the same.
This is probably as good as it gets for rebuilding dynasty teams to sell high. For those on the fringe of contendership, though, the choice isn’t easy. Keenan’s pace isn’t sustainable, but his place in the offense now that Kellen Moore is Chargers OC looks like one that will continue to feast — especially with Mike Williams’ target share becoming available for the remainder of the season.
KIRK COUSINS
16 SPOTS, FROM TIER 7 (1ST) TO TIER 6 (1ST+)
While his long-term future is unclear, Cousins is on a Vikings team that still needs help defensively, and, this year, doesn’t yet have an answer for the running game after trying to replace a declining Dalvin Cook.
They took a shot in trading for Cam Akers, but Akers hasn’t been able to shake concerns that he can play at a high level since tearing his Achilles in 2021. If he can, Cousins’ dynasty value could fall back down. But I consider that less likely than the scenario where Minnesota continues to throw a ton, with Cousins racking up fantasy stats as the Vikings struggle to keep pace with what their defense allows to opposing teams.
He could also be dealt due to his contract, which could negatively or positively impact his dynasty outlook — depending on his landing spot.
BRIAN ROBINSON
16 SPOTS, FROM TIER 10 (2ND) TO TIER 9 (2ND+)
As the Antonio Gibson dream continues to appear shot, Robinson is holding his own, averaging 15.7 carries per game, with seven yards per tote in Week 3 against the Bills.
Meanwhile, Gibson lost another fumble against Buffalo. That’s two in only 14 total touches on the season. Even though Gibson out-snapped Robinson 33-to-20 in Week 3, that was because the Commanders were down early against the Bills, and Gibson still didn’t command respectable production.
FALLERS
JUSTIN FIELDS
61 SPOTS, FROM TIER 3 (2 1STS+) TO TIER 8 (1ST-)
It’s getting bad. We could hang on to Matt Nagy for holding Fields back in year one. In year two, we could hang on to the new coaching staff and lack of surrounding talent. And though those areas still aren’t world-beaters themselves, it seems like Fields is actually regressing.
After saying he felt like he was “overthinking” and “robotic” after Week 2, one had to wonder if most other NFL quarterbacks would feel the same way when trying to succeed in the pros. Looking to play more “free” against the Chiefs resulted in much of the same, missing wide-open receivers and appearing unable to process NFL defenses.
It’s getting hard to envision the dream for Justin Fields any longer. Buy low…if you dare.
DERRICK HENRY
21 SPOTS, FROM TIER 7 (1ST) TO TIER 8 (1ST-)
After Henry’s 11 carries and 20-yard day against the Browns, his YPC still sits below four at 3.85. The King hasn’t had as much offensive line support as he’s had in the past, but turning 30 years old in January, the time to produce is now.
Already losing significant snaps to Tyjae Spears, Henry’s window may be closed if he has to wait another year for his offensive line to pick back up. Is the cliff near for the King?
NICK CHUBB
20 SPOTS, FROM TIER 2 (3 1STS-) TO TIER 5 (2 1STS-)
The devastating hit Nick Chubb took against the Steelers in Week 2 is career-ending for many backs. Despite his knee doing a right angle in the wrong direction, only one ligament appears damaged, a torn MCL, with a 6-8 month recovery time. Talk about a miracle.
Even in season-ending injury, Chubb shows how he is built differently and that even though he’ll be 28 next season, he’s capable of playing an outlier career arc for the position. The relative lack of a drop in the rankings reflects that notion.
