Trading To Win? Mastering The Fantasy Football Trade
t’s very rare that your fantasy football team looks exactly the same from the beginning of the season to the start of the playoffs (kudos to you, if it is). Whether it’s injuries, sub-par performance, or suspensions that require you to utilize the waiver wire, it’s rare that a players remains on your roster from start to finish.
While most seem emotionally attached to the players they initially drafted, they tend to overlook one crucial aspect for fantasy football success: Trades.
There always seems to be a dark cloud with a fantasy football trade. Could it be that too many players were burned in the past, and prefer to stray away from it? Possibly.
Maybe your team is performing at such a high level, there is no need to look to improve. Even more possible.
The fact of the matter is that trading is one of, if not, the most important strategies that you can utilize to win your league. And with this theory, comes several intriguing questions.
- When’s the best time to trade a player?
- Who do I trade with in my league?
- Do I initiate the trade or wait for them to come to me?
We’ll answer all of these questions to help improve your roster to greatness.
ABT (Always. Be. Trading)
Whether you drafted a bunch of studs that are absolutely killing it for you, or you team has a harder time scoring than Dustin Diamond (a.k.a. Screech, for all you Saved by the Bell Fans out there), there is no reason why you shouldn’t consistently be looking to improve your team.
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If you’re currently in 1st place in your league, why should you look to trade?
Let’s be honest: Unless you play in a league of numskulls, odds are you’re not dominating at every position.
Realistically, you may have a few key players that are producing the lion’s share of points every week. And while that strategy may have gotten you a few wins to start the season, its not scale-able for a winning season; A well rounded team that consistently brings in points from all positions is what takes you to the promised land of fantasy football championships.
There is no shame in trading away your best player on your team, as long as it improves your team in the long run. I think it’s absolutely laughable when you approach a team for their best player, and they say they are off limits.
Really? You’d rather continue losing games than balance out your roster to score more points?
Lets put it this way: Would you rather have 1 player that averages between 15-25 pts. a game, or 3 value players that round out your team and provide 60-70 points a game?
The Counteroffer Is Your Best Friend
Whether you’re proposing or receiving a trade offer, there’s nothing better than the counteroffer. On a side note, don’t you absolutely hate it when you propose a trade to a league member and all they do is decline the trade without counteroffering? What kind of or crap is that?
Counteroffers give you the advantage to get a feel for what the other player is thinking:
- How badly do they really want/need this player?
- Are they trying to pull a fast one?
- How attached are they to this guy?
More than not, the counteroffer is going to be more realistic of what you can really get…which depending on the league member you’re trading with, could either work to both of your advantages, or go south very quickly. Here are few basic strategies when it comes to counteroffers:
- Don’t reveal your cards too soon. Normally a trade takes several rounds of counteroffers before both parties accept, so don’t reveal your true intentions of who you really want until you’ve countered at least once with marginal players.
- Fabricate if possible. Make it apparent in your counteroffer that you have other suitors in the pipeline, so the needed for higher value players will only work. This may not be true, but then again, what do you have to lose?
- Don’t be afraid to throw them for a loop. Counteroffers gives you the opportunity to open up lines of communication for players that weren’t even on the radar for the initial trade. Remember, whats the worst that could happen by counteroffering a completely different set of players. All they can say is, “Are you crazy?”
Whens the right time to start throwing out trades?
Honestly, any time is suitable. More league members may be hesitant to trade with you early in the season because it may just take longer for their players to develop, but that can also work in your favor.
If a top drafted player is under performing in his first few games, therein lies an opportunity to pounce. No owner wants to start the season losing, so their ability to cut ties with a player could really work to your advantage.
What types of players should I offer?
There are so many variables that go into what makes a good fantasy football team. Consistency, solid bench, high floor players, etc. The best indicator on what players to target in a trade really start with what your team needs are.
Where are you lacking, and where could you sacrifice? If you have a plethora of WRs that are consistently scoring points but your RB presence is desolate, then you have your answer.
When it comes to fantasy football trades, everything is possible
When it comes down to your fantasy football roster, you need to make crucial moves in order to keep winning week after week. This means that you will have to let go of the emotional ties with certain players, get over the fact that it is your first round draft pick, and be bold in seeking out players to make your team a championship fantasy football team.
