Sell-High candidates
Kirk Cousins (QB, Vikings): The Minnesota Vikings showed last season that they’d prefer to be a run-oriented offense with Dalvin Cook. However, after going down double-digits to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, Kirk Cousins was forced to throw more than Minnesota would have liked.
While the Vikings would lose the game, Cousins would complete the contest with 21.76 fantasy points. Cousins would finish as the 10th highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy football in Week 1, ahead of Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes.
With that in mind, Cousins’ value is sky-high right now and unless he’s your only quarterback, it’s a perfect time to offer him for other players. Getting a valuable running back or wide receiver for Cousins could help lead you to success for the rest of the 2020 season.
Chris Carson (RB, Seahawks): The Seattle Seahawks finally listened to fans in Week 1 and allowed Russell Wilson to put the ball in the air more often. He would throw for 322 yards and four touchdowns, concluding as the No. 1 quarterback in fantasy football to begin the season.
At the same time, Chris Carson would see a surprising role in Seattle’s offense in Week 1. While carrying the ball only six times, Carson caught six passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns.
As good as he was to begin the season, Carson is unlikely to continue scoring two touchdowns through the air each week. Even though his rushing numbers will likely increase, his injury concerns and likely decrease in receiving production make him a sell-high candidate for Week 2.
David Johnson (RB, Texans): It was a welcomed sight for fans of the Houston Texans — and Bill O’Brien — to see a healthy version of David Johnson in Week 1. The former All-Pro would look reinvigorated, making jump cuts and plays that were reminiscent of his days with the Arizona Cardinals.
Johnson would finish with 19.9 fantasy points, making him the 10th highest-scoring running back in fantasy football. As good as it was to see Johnson thrive in an offense again, can he maintain this level of performance for an entire season?
Given his previous injury issues and Houston’s alarming offensive line, it’s tough to be confident that Johnson can have consistent success moving forward. Trading Johnson for a running back or wide receiver that is being undervalued right now could be a wise move.
Adam Thielen (WR, Vikings): With the departure of Stefon Diggs this offseason, Adam Thielen was thrust into the No. 1 role for the Vikings. In his first game sans Diggs in 2020, Thielen was remarkable, catching six passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
The polished pass-catcher would produce 31 fantasy points in Week 1, making him the third-best scorer at his position. But once again, Minnesota would prefer to have their offense go through Cook rather than have the ball in Cousins’ hands.
Provided that, while Thielen is going to have some big weeks here and there, he could have duds in others. After a stellar performance against the Packers, Thielen could have the most value he’ll have throughout the season right now.
Sammy Watkins (WR, Chiefs): It is death, taxes, and apparently Sammy Watkins having a productive Week 1 outing that are guaranteed in life. To kick off the season versus the Texans, Watkins caught seven passes for 82 yards and a touchdown from Mahomes.
Last season, Watkins posted 46.8 fantasy points in Week 1 and was never heard from again for the Chiefs — until the playoffs. Is Watkins proving he is the No. 2 wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill? Or is he shaping up to be a Week 1 star then fade into oblivion again?
With Hill, Travis Kelce, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and even Mecole Hardman, Watkins likely won’t see a consistent role week-to-week for the Chiefs. Just like a season ago, it could be a smart move to offer Watkins in your fantasy football leagues for more than he’s actually worth.
