Sell-high candidates

Mike Davis (RB, Panthers): Another useful strategy to use in fantasy football can sometimes be trading a running back that is filling in for an injured starter. In the first week without Christian McCaffrey, Mike Davis saw a lion share of the touches for RBs on the Carolina Panthers.

Davis carried the ball 13 times for 46 yards, along with eight receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown on Sunday versus the Los Angeles Chargers. As good as he performed in fantasy, McCaffrey isn’t going to miss the entire season and when he does return, Davis isn’t going to have much of a role in the offense.

Unless you desperately need to play him or if you’re holding out hope for him to excel against the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons in the next two weeks, then Davis should be a prime trade piece. It should be noted that at any moment, Davis could see his workload take a hit if the Panthers try to get Curtis Samuel or even Reggie Bonnafon more involved out of the backfield.

James Conner (RB, Steelers): James Conner made the sell-high list last week and he responded by posting 24.9 fantasy points versus the Houston Texans on Sunday. There’s no doubt that Conner looked good for the first time since last season and he appears to have control of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ backfield.

As well as he performed in Week 3, I’m still concerned with him moving forward. First and foremost, an injury or a fumble could cause Mike Tomlin to insert one of the other two notable running backs into the offense more often.

Both Benny Snell and rookie Anthony McFarland — who looked good against the Texans — have shown spurts of being effective options for the Steelers. While there’s a chance Conner remains healthy for the entire season, there’s also the chance he either gets hurt or loses touches to the other rushers in the Steel City. Provided that, I’d at least field offers for the Pittsburgh product as the season progresses.

James Robinson (RB, Jaguars): Just a week ago, Robinson found himself as a buy-low candidate before the Jaguars squared off against the Dolphins. The undrafted rookie, who’s done a remarkable job replacing Leonard Fournette, was absolutely phenomenal in Jacksonville’s disappointing loss to Miami on Thursday night.

Everyone was expecting Robinson to have a decent outing versus the Dolphins, only for him to finish as the fourth-highest scoring RB (30.9 points) in fantasy football in Week 4. Following his excellent showing, Robinson’s stock is now soaring to stratospheric heights.

Even though he’s done everything to maintain the bulk of the touches, it remains to be seen how his workload changes once Ryquell Armstead and Devin Ozigbo return to the team. Seeing the trades that have taken place involving Robinson, everyone should be testing the waters to see what they can get for Jacksonville’s No. 1 running back.

Rex Burkhead (RB, Patriots): Similar to Davis, Rex Burkhead helped fill in for the New England Patriots in Week 3 as James White was inactive for the second straight week. White is still dealing with a family matter and his return is likely imminent since it’s not injury-related. Regardless, we continue to send our condolences to White and his family as they deal with a tragedy.

In New England’s double-digit victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Burkhead exploded for 34.8 fantasy points (second-most among RBs in Week 3). The 30-year-old running back was the go-to option for Cam Newton, hauling in seven receptions for 49 yards and a receiving touchdown. He would also find the end zone twice on the ground.

But once again, when White inevitably returns, Burkhead will take a backseat in New England’s backfield. In addition to White’s expected return, Sony Michel looked good on Sunday and Damien Harris could possibly be activated from injured reserve soon. Trade Burkhead before he loses all of the value he currently has in fantasy football.

Deebo Samuel (WR, 49ers): We previously stated that targeting a WR that is nearing a return can be a wise move to make. At the same time, the context of the injury matters, and Deebo Samuel’s status for the San Francisco 49ers seems far from positive.

Samuel suffered a broken foot during the offseason, requiring him to undergo surgery. The second-year wide receiver was placed on injured reserve and the team has yet to announce when he could make his long-awaited return to the offense this season.

Foot injuries can be detrimental for wide receivers and the risk for Samuel doesn’t seem to outweigh the possible rewards he could bring. Given the uncertainty surrounding his injury, right now is the time to try and move Samuel for someone that can confidently contribute for you for the rest of the season.