Fantasy football managers often overreact to one week of games, but smart players know how to take advantage of those reactions by identifying the right buy or sell targets. Whether it's a slow opener or a misleading breakout, this is the best time to trade before narratives get locked in. Checking tools like the RotoWire weekly projections can help put early results in perspective when hunting for buy-low and sell-high targets.

Buy Candidates

Quarterback

Dak Prescott
Prescott threw for just 188 yards with no touchdowns in Week 1, and while his stat line looked poor, Dallas moved the ball well until a weather delay stalled momentum. With elite weapons and a shaky defense, Prescott is set up for volume. This is the perfect moment to target him in a fantasy football trade.

Running Back

Jonathan Taylor
Box score watchers may panic after seeing DJ Giddens get 12 carries. In reality, Taylor was game-scripted out in a blowout win, not benched. He still profiles as the workhorse, averaging 28 carries down the stretch last season. Buy now while there's false concern about a committee.

Wide Receiver

A.J. Brown
Brown opened the season with a massive disappointment, catching one pass for eight yards. With Jalen Hurts attempting just 23 passes, volume was limited across the board. A tougher schedule ensures the Eagles won't coast as easily this year. Brown's target share will rebound quickly, making him an ideal buy.

Nico Collins
Collins disappeared in Week 1 thanks to relentless Rams' pass pressure. Houston's offensive line struggled, but better matchups lie ahead. C.J. Stroud still looked sharp, which bodes well for Collins' long-term outlook. He remains the clear No. 1 and is a great buy-low target.

George Pickens
Pickens managed just 30 yards but was involved in the offense. He drew a defensive pass interference call and had an end-zone target. With defenses focused on CeeDee Lamb, Pickens will see favorable coverage, and Prescott's downfield ability gives him top-20 upside the rest of the way.

Calvin Ridley
Ridley's 27 yards on eight targets will spook some managers. The matchup in Denver was brutal with a rookie quarterback under pressure all afternoon. Still, Ridley has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and remains a focal point. Take advantage of Week 1 panic to buy him at a discount.

Tight End

Mark Andrews
Andrews caught just one pass as the Ravens ran through Buffalo on the ground. With key personnel missing, Baltimore shifted away from their normal heavy sets. As those players return, Andrews will reclaim his downfield and red-zone roles. A slow opener creates a prime buy-low window.

Sell Candidates

Running Back

Bucky Irving
Irving salvaged Week 1 with a touchdown and four catches. Dig deeper, and he averaged just three yards per carry and two yards per catch. His production masked inefficiency, making now the perfect time to cash out. Move him while you can still get a solid return.

Kenneth Walker
Walker managed only 20 rushing yards on 10 carries in Week 1. Durability remains an issue, and his patient running style clashes with Seattle's poor quarterback play. Defenses are stacking the box, leaving little room to operate. With Zach Charbonnet looking more effective as a more decisive runner, this is a sell-high moment.

Tyrone Tracy
Tracy dominated touches but turned 10 carries into just 24 yards. He was explosive early last season before crashing down to mediocrity. A committee could form quickly in New York, and Tracy's role could shrink. Sell him before volume and value evaporate.

Wide Receiver

Tyreek Hill
Hill caught four passes for 40 yards as Miami struggled against Indy. His elite speed seems diminished, and his sideline frustration was clear. The Dolphins' offense feels toxic with Tua Tagovailoa looking ineffective. This is the time to move him.

Jameson Williams
Williams' deep-threat role looks limited behind a rebuilt offensive line. Without Ben Johnson's schemes, explosive plays will be harder to find. Williams managed just 27 yards despite eight targets in Week 1. Sell while managers still believe in his upside.

Josh Downs
Downs saw his snaps slashed to 50 percent while Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman played nearly every down, and his three targets highlight his reduced role in a shifting offense. Daniel Jones isn't likely to unlock his downfield ability, so Downs should be sold before his value drops further.

Tight End

Travis Kelce
Kelce's Week 1 fantasy day was saved by a blown coverage touchdown. He saw just four targets even with Kansas City missing two receivers. At nearly 36 years old, his decline is accelerating. This may be your last chance to sell high.

Conclusion

Week 1 always delivers overreactions, and this is when savvy managers strike. Don't hesitate to trade for players with misleadingly poor box scores, and don't be afraid to sell stars whose names carry more value than their roles. In the long run, hitting on the right buy or sell fantasy football decisions now can define your season. To stay ahead, keep tabs on roster shifts with the Rotowire NFL team depth charts as trade season heats up.

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