Hey Nerds! The 2025 fantasy football season has reached its breaking point, and Week 12 Fantasy Football Trade Advice is here to help you make your move. Whether you’re chasing a playoff berth, surviving injuries, or preparing to reload for next year, this week’s column breaks down which players to buy low, sell high, and how to time your trades before league deadlines hit. In this article, we give you four moves to make for contending teams and four moves to make for rebuilding teams to help reshape your dynasty rosters for the future.
(Click here) Trade Targets for Rebuilders & Contenders
In past articles, I have highlighted several names as targets for contenders, including Keenan Allen, Sam Darnold, Joe Flacco, Hunter Henry, Tez Johnson, George Kittle, Dak Prescott, Aaron Rodgers, Dalton Schultz, Devonta Smith, Tyrone Tracy, and Parker Washington.
I have also highlighted several targets for rebuilders, including Elic Ayomanor, Trey Benson, Zach Charbonnet, Zay Flowers, Oronde Gadsden, Gunnar Helm, TreVeyon Henderson, Tory Horton, Kaleb Johnson, Theo Johnson, Tucker Kraft, Woody Marks, Ricky Pearsall, Cam Skattebo, Brashard Smith, and Malik Washington.
Be sure to gauge your league’s interest in these players as well. With that said, let’s get into our Week 12 Fantasy Football Trade Advice article.
Catch up with the Week 11 Trade Advice, or see Mychal’s Week 12 Waiver Wire for more players to add.
Trade Targets For Contenders | Week 12 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Davante Adams | Rams | Week 12 Trade Targets for Contenders
When going through my list over the season, it is hard to believe that I have never had DaVante Adams as a contender buy. I don’t know if it was an oversight on my part or if it seems like an obvious choice. Adams is a tricky buy, given his age of 33 in December. However, Adams is still playing at a very high level and is attached to a very favorable offense in Los Angeles.
Aaron Jones | Vikings | Week 12 Trade Targets for Contenders
Father Time eventually comes for all of us, but he’s taking his time coming for Aaron Jones. Since returning from injury, Jones is the clear favorite in the Vikings backfield. Jones has managed double-digit fantasy points in each of his last three games. He also has a favorable playoff schedule, facing Dallas, New York, and Washington, all of whom are among the worst fantasy defenses against running backs. The price to acquire Jones will vary per league, but a 2026 third-round pick for a near-31-year-old running back is reasonable. I also highlighted Tory Horton as a trade candidate for rebuilders last week, and would love that player swap that helps both teams in their dynasty process.
Chris Rodriguez | Commanders | Week 12 Trade Target for Contenders
Chris Rodriguez will be the cheapest name on this list and possibly the easiest to acquire. On a recent episode of the Dynasty Nerds YouTube channel, the crew highlighted the fantasy playoff strength of schedules. Rodriguez has the third-easiest schedule. Rodriguez may help you win a fantasy championship and shouldn’t cost you more than a third-round pick to acquire.
Matt Stafford | Rams | Week 12 Trade Target for Contenders
If you need a quarterback and have not been able to acquire the names listed above, see what the Matt Stafford manager is thinking. Heading into Week 12, Stafford is the QB6 in fantasy points per game. Stafford has upcoming matchups against Atlanta, Arizona, Carolina, and Tampa Bay, all of which rank in the bottom half of the league in pass defense. Using the Dynasty GM, Stafford is currently going for a 2026 2nd round pick.
See our latest 2026 1QB Rookie Mock Draft just released!
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Trade Targets For Rebuilders | Week 12 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Luther Burden | Bears | Week 12 Trade Targets for Rebuilders
I understand that the numbers for Luther Burden have not been eye-popping this year. However, D.J. Moore is not long for this team, and I fully expect Moore to be playing elsewhere in 2026. That will allow Burden to step into a starting role, and once he is in the starting lineup, it will be hard to replace him. Burden will be insulated with a young quarterback and an offensive-minded head coach. That sounds like a recipe for success to me. Start negotiations for Burden with a 2026 2nd round pick, or players such as Quentin Johnston or Khalil Shakir, with the possibility of also adding a later pick to your team. Also, if you are a Matt Stafford manager, I would love to swap for Burden, which would help both sides.
Jaylin Noel | Texans | Week 12 Trade Target For Rebuilders
Christian Kirk has been a thorn in Jaylin Noel’s side, as they play similar roles in the Texans’ offense. Kirk is set to be a free agent in 2026, which could open the door to Noel becoming the starting slot for Houston in 2026. Don’t forget, Houston spent third-round draft capital on Noel after taking Jayden Higgins as well in the second round of the 2026 Draft. Many of us at Dynasty Nerds, including me, actually had Noel rated as the higher prospect going into the Draft.
Khalil Shakir | Bills | Week 12 Trade Away Target for Rebuilders
The best moves you can make as a rebuilder are to trade away declining assets, and unfortunately, Khalil Shakir is becoming one. During the trade deadline, Buffalo was heavily involved in trade talks to acquire Jaylen Waddle, but was unable to get a deal done with Miami. I think Buffalo knows that they need to upgrade their receiving room in the offseason. Shakir is WR36 on the season so he is still a WR3/Flex option for playoff teams. Trade away Shakir now before his value plummets in the offseason. Playoff contending teams may be willing to deal a future second round pick for that playoff push, but a mid-3rd is acceptable.
Bhayshul Tuten | Jaguars | Week 12 Trade Target for Rebuilders
Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting potential free agents and evaluating their potential futures. One of the players that will be highlighted is Travis Etienne. Etienne is due to become a free agent leaving the door for a potential Bhayshul Tuten takeover in Jacksonville. Try to acquire Tuten now before his price increases in the offseason.
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🧠 FAQ | Week 12 Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Q1: Should fantasy managers trade for Davante Adams despite his age?
A: Yes. Adams remains a top fantasy option in a strong Rams offense and can help contenders make a deep playoff run. Just be sure not to overpay—his long-term value is limited.
Q2: Is Aaron Jones worth a trade for a 2026 third-round pick?
A: Absolutely. Jones has three straight double-digit fantasy performances and one of the easiest remaining schedules for running backs. He’s an ideal short-term acquisition for contenders.
Q3: Is Chris Rodriguez a legitimate dynasty buy before the fantasy playoffs?
A: Yes. Rodriguez’s workload and strength of schedule make him a sneaky depth piece who can win a week. He’s one of the cheapest contender buys of the season.
Q4: Should I trade for Matt Stafford in SuperFlex dynasty leagues?
A: Definitely. Stafford’s QB6 ranking and upcoming matchups against weak pass defenses make him a strong add for playoff teams needing a reliable veteran starter.
Q5: Is Luther Burden a good dynasty buy-low for rebuilding teams?
A: He is. Burden’s long-term outlook in Chicago is strong, with D.J. Moore’s contract status and offensive scheme pointing toward increased volume in 2026.
Q6: Should I move Khalil Shakir before the offseason?
A: Yes. His role in Buffalo could shrink once the team upgrades their receiving core. Rebuilders should sell now for a future 2nd or 3rd-round pick.
Q7: Is Jaylin Noel a worthwhile stash for 2026 dynasty formats?
A: Absolutely. Noel’s draft capital and potential slot role in Houston’s offense make him one of the best deep rebuild targets heading into the offseason.
Q8: Why should I trade for Bhayshul Tuten before the offseason?
A: Travis Etienne’s upcoming free agency opens a door for Tuten to rise as Jacksonville’s starter. Acquiring him early gives rebuilders a value edge before prices spike.
