Fantasy Football Forum - Week 9: Wide Receiver Shuffle

The trade deadline brought a few deals that impact the fantasy football landscape. Last week, Amari Cooper was somehow traded for a first rounder to the Dallas Cowboys. During the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cowboys passed on the opportunity to draft Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley in the first round. So instead, they traded next year’s first rounder for Cooper who, I think it’s safe to say, has been a disappointment in Oakland. Cooper works best out of the slot, where the Cowboys have their best player, Cole Beasley take snaps. I’m not really sure how that’s going to work out but I assume Cooper will play most of his snaps outside where he’s been average at best. No one can deny Cooper has talent, but he’s been plagued by drops and was probably miscast in Oakland. Unfortunately, I’m not confident that improves in Dallas.

Two receivers from the 2010 draft were traded this week and land in interesting places. Demaryius Thomas goes to Houston as they try to replace Will Fuller V. Thomas is obviously not the same type of player as Fuller, and I believe the impact of this trade essentially protects the value of DeAndre Hopkins and opens up more targets for Keke Coutee. I don’t think this is particularly good news for the fantasy prospects of Thomas, but then again, this Houston offense is starting to click right now. With a bye week just around the corner for Houston, Thomas may have a chance to get assimilated in this offense and have some impact down the stretch.

The more interesting side of that trade is that Courtland Sutton, the Broncos rookie receiver, will now step into a larger role. Limited behind Thomas, Sutton has been good in limited time, flashing playmaking ability. It will be interesting to see what he can do in a full time role and with the vote of confidence GM John Elway gave him after the trade.

The other receiver trade was the Lions sending Golden Tate to the Eagles. I’m not totally sure I understand this move from the Lions standpoint just because it’s a competitive division and Tate has been good. Unlike Thomas, Tate has not shown any signs of slowing down and he instantly provides the Eagles with a run-after-the-catch weapon that should help compensate for their lack of running game. I’ve always liked Tate’s game and it will be interesting to see how fast Carson Wentz can get him involved in this offense. Alshon Jeffery and Golden Tate are perfect complements to each other in a receiver tree. I don’t think Tate loses much if any value in the long run but it may take a game or two for him to get up to speed in the offense and rapport with Wentz.

The other side of the trade with the Lions is basically a huge endorsement for Kenny Golladay. If you drafted and held Golladay, congratulations, take your victory lap in the comments below. I think this is a huge boost to his fantasy value to the point that he might be the biggest winner from the trade deadline.

What’s on your plate this week? Start / Sits, trades, bad beats? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @gridironborn