Top 5 Dynasty Assets Traded In January

Kevin looks at the five most traded assets in the dynasty format through the month of January!

January is one of the trickiest months for dynasty trades. With the NFL season wrapping up and managers recalibrating their rosters for the offseason, trade activity can feel sporadic. However, even in this slower trading period, some names consistently find their way into deals. Using data from FantasyCalc and Dynasty Daddy, we’ve identified the five most traded assets in Dynasty Leagues this month.

In this article, we’ll dive into each player, analyzing their value, recent trades, and what their activity tells us about the current market trends. While January provides limited data, we expect to uncover even more movement in the coming months as the offseason progresses. For now, here are the five players driving the most buzz in dynasty leagues this January.

New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave

Chris Olave’s value in dynasty leagues is at a crossroads after a disappointing 2024 season. A brutal concussion limited him to just eight games, and even before the injury, he was underwhelming, finishing as the PPR WR53 in points per game. While the talent is still evident, Olave's inconsistency, injury concerns, and contract situation have cast some doubt on his future value.

The Saints face a critical decision regarding Olave’s fifth-year option. If picked up, his 2026 cap hit would be approximately $15.1 million, which could look reasonable if he regains form but risky if his health or performance doesn’t improve. Adding to the uncertainty, the Saints could look to bolster their wide receiver corps in the draft, with players like Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan or Missouri's Luther Burden frequently mocked to them.

For dynasty managers, Olave is a hold if you believe in his talent and think he can bounce back with a new offense in 2025. However, if you’re looking to tier up or re-roll into a more reliable asset, now might be the time to explore trade opportunities while his name still carries weight. Here are some trades involving Olave that reflect his current market value.

Dynasty Trade Market for Chris Olave

Here’s how Chris Olave is valued in dynasty trades:

Dynasty Trades (12 Team SF/TE Premium)

• Chris Olave/2025 1st FOR Jaxon Smith-Njigba/2026 2nd

• Chris Olave/De’Von Achane FOR Puka Nacua/2025 2nd

• Chris Olave/Derek Carr FOR Geno Smith/DK Metcalf

• Chris Olave FOR 1.05

• Chris Olave/Christian McCaffrey FOR Joe Mixon/George Pickens

• Chris Olave/2025 1st FOR Brock Purdy

• Chris Olave FOR Terry McLaurin/2025 2nd

• Chris Olave FOR 2027 1st

• Chris Olave/Isaiah Likely FOR Rashee Rice/2025 2nd

• Chris Olave/2026 1st/2026 2nd FOR CeeDee Lamb

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy is one of the most intriguing dynasty assets on the market this month, and it's easy to see why. After missing his rookie season due to a meniscus tear suffered in preseason, McCarthy is poised to take the reins as the Vikings' QB1 in 2025. While Sam Darnold delivered a Pro Bowl season in his absence, his struggles in key moments — including a lackluster playoff performance — have likely opened the door for McCarthy to step in and prove himself.

One concern about McCarthy has been his weight loss during rehab, dropping over 20 pounds from his listed 219 pounds. However, this is a common occurrence for players recovering from major injuries, and there’s plenty of time for him to bulk back up before OTAs. What’s more important is the promise McCarthy showed during his brief preseason action, combined with the elite tools he displayed as a highly touted 2024 draft prospect. His arm strength and accuracy wowed scouts at the Combine, giving Minnesota plenty of reason to be optimistic about his future.

From a dynasty perspective, McCarthy is a must-buy. He’s entering the second year of his rookie deal with arguably the best supporting cast in football. The Vikings boast premier weapons in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, alongside an innovative offensive coaching staff led by Kevin O’Connell. Everything is set up for McCarthy to thrive, making him a potential top-12 quarterback in dynasty formats as soon as this season.

While Minnesota could hedge their bets by signing a veteran like Daniel Jones or re-signing Darnold, the long-term focus will undoubtedly be on McCarthy’s development. Dynasty managers should capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and secure him now before his value skyrockets.

Dynasty Trade Market for J.J. McCarthy

Here’s how J.J. McCarthy is valued in dynasty trades:

Dynasty Trades (12 Team SF/TE Premium)

• J.J. McCarthy/Deebo Samuel FOR Ladd McConkey/2026 2nd

• J.J. McCarthy FOR 2027 1st

• J.J. McCarthy FOR Breece Hall

• J.J. McCarthy FOR George Pickens/Mathew Stafford

• J.J. McCarthy FOR Brock Purdy/2025 2nd

• J.J. McCarthy/2025 2nd FOR Derek Carr/2025 1st

• J.J. McCarthy/2025 3rd FOR 2025 1st

• J.J. McCarthy FOR Ricky Pearsall/2025 2nd

• J.J. McCarthy FOR Geno Smith/2025 1st

• J.J. McCarthy/Ben Sinnot FOR Michael Penix/Michael Mayer

Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze

The Bears invested heavily in Rome Odunze, using a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to bring him in. As a rookie, Odunze posted 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns, but the Bears’ offense struggled with consistency under unimaginative play-calling and shaky offensive line play. Despite this, Odunze showed flashes of his potential, particularly in key moments like his touchdown against the 49ers and a crucial fourth-down conversion against the Packers.

Heading into 2025, Odunze is poised for a breakout season under new head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson’s offensive scheme could unlock Odunze’s abilities by utilizing him in a similar role to how the Lions deployed Amon-Ra St. Brown. Odunze has already demonstrated he can excel in the slot, as his rookie season metrics (1.55 yards per route run in the slot vs. 0.97 outside) suggest. With Keenan Allen likely moving on, Odunze is primed to see a significant increase in targets, building on the 96 passes thrown his way last season.

The Bears’ improved offensive line, Caleb Williams entering Year 2, and Johnson’s creative play-calling should all contribute to Odunze reaching his ceiling. His big-play ability and potential to become a trusted security blanket for Williams make him an excellent offseason buy, with the upside to become the next Jaxon Smith-Njigba fantasy asset. He’s my favorite buy of the off-season.

Dynasty Trade Market for Rome Odunze

Here’s how Rome Odunze is valued in dynasty trades:

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