There once was a time where the NFL trade deadline has about as much intrigue as watching paint dry. You would get some special teamer for a conditional pick deal, and not much else. That has changed in recent years and really took off this year, highlighted by the Amari Cooper trade to Dallas. The fantasy playoff picture is coming into focus, so you need to get a leg up on your competition. These trades send ripples out to all of fantasy, and we are here to determine who you should keep and who should be sent packing in the wake of these trades. Let’s take a look.

Fanatics Cut’em or Keep’em Week 8

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Keep’em

Amari Cooper, (Cowboys) 87% owned ESPN

Cooper’s career in Oakland ended with a whimper, as he put up only two points in his last outing there versus the Chargers. Now in Dallas after the past two games due to a concussion, Cooper looks to rebuild his status as a WR1 in a place that has no bonafide number one receiver. Fantasy players have understandably soured on Cooper over the past year, but I believe a change in scenery and the presence of Zeke Elliott will allow him to rebuild his fantasy value based on target share alone.

Javorius Allen, (Ravens) 49% owned ESPN

Allen has been largely ignored in the game plan for the Ravens over the past couple weeks. A true pass catching back, Allen was also receiving the goal line work, thus making him a worthwhile investment for fantasy players. The goal line work has seemingly dried up, as Alex Collins seems to have taken over those duties, but fear not. Allen will still hold value in PPR leagues, and I believe that if he can improve upon his YPT rate, he will once again get a share of the end zone work and become viable once again.

Tyrell Williams, (Chargers) 18% owned ESPN

Despite his low target numbers, Williams has been red hot the past couple weeks. Tyrell has made seven catches for 236 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games alone. If he continues putting up stellar numbers, the targets should increase, as LA could use a reliable target opposite Keenan Allen. Tyrell is on bye this week, which should give you the opportunity to pick him up. COming out of the bye, I believe that Philip Rivers will look for Williams more in the passing game, and he always has the chance for a game-breaking play at any given time. Stash him for next week.

Cut’em

Allen Hurns, (Cowboys) 15% owned ESPN

Hurns exists on the other end of the Cooper spectrum, as he will be the one that suffers most from the acquisition of the former Oakland wideout. Hurns is coming off his best game of the year but is now currently fighting for the spot opposite Cooper with Michael Gallup. Gallup is part of the long-term picture of the cowboys, so I expect him to get the nod over Hurns, who will tumble to number four WR on a run first team. safe to drop in all formats.

T.J. Yeldon, (Jaguars) 92% owned ESPN

Yeldon has been really good in the wake of Leonard Fournettes injury, but the time for him as a starter is fast coming to an end. Fournette should be coming back into the fold soon, and new backfield mate Carlos Hyde will be taking away some carries as well. The diminished workload will not be good for Yeldon, as he will be downgraded to no more than a flex play at best. See if you can get something for him now before his value plummets.

Cameron Brate, (Buccaneers) 23% owned ESPN

It is time to abandon the (pirate) ship that was the Brate bandwagon. The return of Jameis Winston was supposed to be a boon for Brate, but it has turned out that the OJ Howard era has finally arrived in Tampa. Brate will still be used occasionally as a red zone threat but is too unpredictable to rely on a week to week basis. See if you can trade him for a more dependable tight end.

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