As Week 11 of the NFL season wraps up, dynasty managers find themselves at a crucial crossroads. Whether you're contending for a title, retooling for the future, or navigating the delicate balance in between, understanding the latest trends and player values is essential. This week's takeaways dive deep into shifting dynasty landscapes, highlighting player performances that are altering long-term outlooks, dynasty sells to capitalize on peak value, and free agents poised to reshape rosters in 2025. We'll also uncover key stats that could provide an edge in your league, helping you stay ahead of the curve as the fantasy playoffs loom. Let’s break it all down!
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Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Role Is Increasing
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is finally delivering on the hype, and his Week 11 performance further solidified his role in the Seahawks' offense. He hauled in 10 of 11 targets for 110 yards in Seattle’s surprising 20-17 win over the 49ers, outshining DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. This marks his third straight game with over 65 receiving yards, proving his recent production is no fluke.
The big question after his Week 10 breakout was how his role would evolve with Metcalf back. The answer? He’s still thriving, albeit with a shorter average depth of target (aDOT) of 8.5 yards and rarely any deep targets. Despite not being used as a consistent downfield threat, JSN has become Geno Smith’s go-to guy in the intermediate game, leading the team with 55 first reads and ranking tenth in the NFL with 78 total targets this season.
It’s not just about one game or one big play. Smith-Njigba has been slowly pulling away from Lockett as the more reliable option in this offense. Coming off the bye, he earned a massive 34% target share, a sign that the Seahawks' passing game is funneling through him more often. While DK Metcalf is still one of their best players, the condensed target tree in Seattle gives JSN weekly WR2 upside. Also the trust he has built with Smith on the field is noticeable.
With favorable matchups ahead and momentum on his side, JSN’s value is climbing fast. He’s not just a dynasty asset with potential anymore; he’s a consistent producer who can help you win now.
Dynasty Trades (12 Team SF/TE Premium)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba FOR 2025 1st/Jaylen Warren
Jaxon Smith-Njigba FOR Jordan Addison/2025 2nd/2026 2nd
Jaxon Smith-Njigba FOR Tee Higgins
Jaxon Smith-Njigba FOR George Pickens
Jaxon Smith-Njigba FOR Audric Estime/2025 1st
Los Angeles Chargers TE Will Dissly Is An Underrated TE Option With Upside
Will Dissly has quietly emerged as a valuable weapon for the Chargers and a sneaky fantasy asset. In Week 11, he delivered a strong performance, hauling in four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown, proving he can capitalize on opportunities even in a reduced role. Over the last month, Dissly has been one of the most targeted tight ends in the league, seeing six or more targets in four of his last five games.
Dissly’s role expanded initially due to Hayden Hurst’s injury, and even with Hurst now healthy, Dissly has maintained his spot in the offense. While Tucker Fisk has taken over some of Dissly’s old blocking duties, this hasn’t impacted Dissly’s opportunities as a receiving threat, especially in key moments when the Chargers need to lean on Justin Herbert’s arm.
The Chargers signed Dissly to a three-year, $14 million deal this offseason, signaling their confidence in him as part of the team’s future. He’s a cheap dynasty buy, especially with favorable matchups ahead against Baltimore, Atlanta, and Kansas City—teams that have struggled to defend tight ends.
For fantasy managers, Dissly isn’t just a one-week streamer. With Justin Herbert trusting him more and a strong target share (16.7% in Week 11), Dissly has cemented himself as a reliable option. He’s especially valuable for TE-needy teams and should be considered a viable starter as the fantasy playoffs approach. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, high-upside tight end, Dissly is your guy.
Dynasty Trades (12 Team SF/TE Premium)
Will Dissly FOR Noah Gray
Will Dissly FOR 2025 3rd
Will Dissly FOR 2025 4th
Will Dissly FOR Rasheen Ali
Will Dissly FOR 2027 3rd
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Upcoming Free Agents To Monitor At Quarterback
QUARTERBACK
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing free agents heading into 2025. With a projected QB market that’s thinner than ever, teams will likely be scrambling to fill starting roles, and Darnold could be the guy they turn to. Right now, he’s thriving as the Vikings' QB1, having a Pro Bowl-level season under Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He’s tied for fourth in touchdown passes (19) and fifth in passer rating (107.8), proving he can get it done when surrounded by the right system and talent.
Despite his strong play, Minnesota isn’t expected to re-sign him, especially with rookie J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. The Vikings drafted McCarthy to be the future, and while his rookie year has been derailed by injury, he’s expected to return at full strength next spring. Unless the Vikings make a deep playoff run this year, it’s likely Darnold will hit the open market, looking for a new home.
Potential Landing Spots
Darnold’s next stop could be pivotal for his dynasty outlook. Two teams jump out: the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans. Considering Brian Callahan’s ties to the Sean McVay coaching tree, Tennessee feels like a great fit. The Titans desperately need a steady QB presence, and Darnold checks a lot of boxes. He is just 27 years old and has the prototypical size (6’3”, 225 lbs), plus the tools and experience teams will pay for in a shallow market.
Conversely, the Giants might take a swing on Darnold if they son’t acquire one in the draft or look at this as a down class. While the fit isn’t as clean with Brian Daboll’s offense, Darnold’s upside and growth this year could make him an attractive option for a team looking to retool at quarterback.
What About Minnesota?
There’s still a chance Darnold sticks around in Minnesota. If he leads the Vikings on a deep playoff run, it’ll be tough for the team to walk away from the guy who brought them to the NFC Championship or beyond. They’re already doubling down on this season, trading for Cam Robinson after Christian Darrisaw’s injury to protect Darnold’s blindside.
However, he’s not without his flaws. Darnold has taken too many sacks this year (sixth-most in the NFL) and has already turned the ball over 13 times (10 INTs, 3 fumbles lost). These mistakes could limit his ceiling in dynasty formats, but he still projects as a solid QB2 in the right situation.
If he lands in Tennessee, Darnold could flourish in their system and provide steady value in dynasty leagues. He’s not an elite option, but in superflex formats, he could be a strong buy-low candidate with a multi-year window of productivity. Keep him on your radar as we get closer to free agency.
Dynasty Trades (12 Team SF/TE Premium)
Sam Darnold FOR D’Andre Swift
Sam Darnold FOR 2025 2nd/2025 3rd
Sam Darnold FOR Travis Etienne
Sam Darnold FOR 2025 1st
Sam Darnold FOR 2025 2nd/Jordan Addison
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
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