Eric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments".
It can be so funny watching fantasy football managers offer up trades after the first week of a long NFL season, so sure that value has really changed, only to see things turn completely around after the second week. New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston is an extreme example, but some even doubt top selections in our drafts, such as Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. Then things change again and all is well.
As we prepare for the third week of the fantasy football season, updating our rest-of-season rankings along with a positional trade index, be aware that while this is a week-to-week sport, sometimes we just have to trust the top players, and continue to be wary of the unreliable ones. Of course, this hardly means we should not trade. Make those deals! Make myriad deals! Just try to be careful out there.
Quarterback
Rankings changes:Arizona Cardinals leader Kyler Murray and Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson forced their way ahead of Buffalo Bills underperformer Josh Allen, at least for now. Not that anyone should worry about Allen. Patrick Mahomes is awesome, but he has company at the top. Now that we have some clarity after two weeks with traditional flex-eligible options, many top quarterbacks move up in the overall list as compared to others, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers savior Tom Brady. As noted Monday, Las Vegas Raiders surprise Derek Carr is one of them, though he remains outside QB1 range for now. Finally, there are injuries. So many injuries. Trading for the injured, when they are not awesome to start with, seems odd.
Trade for: Brady's schedule toughens the next few weeks, including a road game at his old place of business in New England, but today he looks like he can do whatever he wants. As expected, do not doubt Green Bay Packers leader Aaron Rodgers. He bounced back with a flourish. Josh Allen will be fine and now is a good time to find out if his manager is open to trade. Chicago Bears rookie Justin Fields has not looked awesome so far, but good times are coming, and if you wait too long, it will be too late.
Be cautious trading for: I still have doubts about the Jacksonville Jaguars as a whole entity, and their rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks overwhelmed. In re-draft formats (not dynasty), I am essentially avoiding this team. New England's Mac Jones will win double-digit games, but may not aid fantasy managers so much. I am not confident in New York Giants starter Daniel Jones, not yet.
Running back
Rankings changes: Minor movement in RB1 range, including Tennessee Titans truck Derrick Henry pushing aside, as only he can, a few others. If Ryan Tannehill continues to throw passes Henry's way, as he is nearly halfway to his career high total after two games, then he may end up the top option in fantasy. Meanwhile, the concern is real for several running back situations in the flex range, including the Miami Dolphins with Myles Gaskin, the Cardinals with Chase Edmonds and the Denver Broncos with rookie Javonte Williams. Devin Singletary looks good for the Bills - still cautious, though - and perhaps young Raven Ty'Son Williams becomes a safe flex choice. Injured Raider Josh Jacobs remains in RB2 territory, but mainly because there are not 20 options ahead of him. If one can secure one of the few top running backs in trade, do not wait for the eve of your trade deadline.
Trade for: We should remain confident in the Saints' Alvin Kamara, and call the team's first two games each side of the aberrant. The Saints will find a way to get Kamara more involved. The Colts' Jonathan Taylor is still going to be terrific. Get him now. I do not know why the Detroit Lions keep the D'Andre Swift touches in check, but it should change, and good times should be ahead.
Be cautious trading for: Chiefs sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire had nary a target on Sunday night, and now has three after two games. Um, that is not cool, and not a good sign for his RB2 reliability. We warned you about Los Angeles Rams starter Darrell Henderson Jr. and his propensity for missing games. Trading for any San Francisco 49ers running back, along with the Jaguars, Broncos, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Falcons, Raiders and Rams, is risky.
Wide receiver
Rankings changes: Well, Rams delight Cooper Kupp left us no choice about his WR1 candidacy. He is in. Perhaps No. 7 at the position is not generous enough. Seattle Seahawks No. 2 receiver Tyler Lockett has looked more like his team's top option so far. He moves into safe WR2 territory. Titans newcomer Julio Jones, Broncos veteran Courtland Sutton and Chargers athlete Mike Williams move up into strong WR3 range, while several Pittsburgh Steelers fall back. Exciting Cardinals rookie Rondale Moore could join WR3 status soon.
Trade for: Well, if the DK Metcalf and Robert Woods investors are concerned because their teammates have bigger stats, offer trades quickly. There is enough statistical goodness to go around in those offenses. In addition, Chicago Bears veteran Allen Robinson II has played with lesser quarterbacks than he has now -- no, really, he has -- and always produces. Keep the faith.
Be cautious trading for: Nobody doubted Julio Jones and his talent, but he is 32 and misses games. These are facts. In Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger does not look comfortable or properly protected. His wide receivers may suffer statistically.
Tight end
Rankings changes: A week ago I was rather tepid when it came to Buccaneers starter Rob Gronkowski, but his production is outstanding and even if he misses a game or two, at this position, it works. The Colts' Jack Doyle reminds us he used to be relevant in fantasy and may be again with a high target share. It is not time to worry about the 49ers' George Kittle, as he remains the No. 3 tight end, but he falls a bit in the overall.
Trade for: Kittle. This remains a smart offense, and Kittle is terrific. Falcons rookie Kyle Pitts has an easier schedule coming up, though everything is easier post-Buccaneers. Rely on Pitts. In general, unless one is getting a top-5 or 6 tight end, streaming comes recommended.
Be cautious trading for: Gronk may get mentioned weekly here in this space because he has to be viewed as less durable than others at the position. Perhaps he surprises and plays all 17 games. Remember, there are 17 of them this season!
