FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast: Week 9 Buy Low + Sell High Running Back Targets (Ep. 1804)
Date: October 29, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Wormley (A), Andrew Erickson (B)
Episode Focus: Running Back trade targets for Week 9—who to buy low, who to sell high, with an emphasis on practical trade strategy based on team needs and playoff outlooks.
Overview
In this episode, Ryan and Andrew zero in on Week 9 running back trade targets, highlighting players they recommend fantasy managers should buy low or sell high on ahead of the deadline. They dissect recent performances, address injury concerns, and provide actionable trade tactics based on league standings and playoff needs. The show also features live responses to listener trade questions to contextualize their advice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Monday Night Football Recap & Chiefs Running Back Situation
- Kansas City Offense: Chiefs are firing on all cylinders but the backfield remains unpredictable for fantasy.
- Isaiah Pacheco injury: Monitor his knee closely. Potential opportunity for backup RBs like Kareem Hunt and Brashad Smith if Pacheco misses time.
- Quote, Erickson (05:26): “Keep tabs on Pacheco and his knee...sometimes players do this where it doesn’t look as bad during the game and then we get reports later on it swells up. That’s something to kind of monitor.”
- Rashee Rice's ascension: Now a must-start, possible top-5 WR ROS with high target share.
- Travis Kelce: Still in play due to positional scarcity, but Rice’s emergence adds volatility.
- Xavier Worthy (Buy or Sell?): Mild buy, mainly for Chiefs offensive exposure, though limited TD upside concerns both hosts.
Washington Commanders – Brief Take
- Karosky Merritt: Still starts/gets the carries but isn’t startable in tough matchups; stash for easier fantasy playoff schedule.
- Erickson (08:39): "When you look at the rest of the schedule and if there’s a chance you do get Jaden Daniels back … Giants and Cowboys in the fantasy playoffs … two great matchups for [Karosky] Merit.”
Running Back Buy Lows (With Analysis)
1. Jalen Warren (PIT)
- Why Buy?
- Consistent, safe RB2 floor (weekly finishes: RB10–RB28; never a bust).
- Efficient on the ground, offers pass-catching upside.
- Great stretch run schedule leading into fantasy playoffs (Week 11–15).
- Host Analysis:
- Ryan (12:00): “RB17, RB13, RB20, RB25, RB10 & RB28 … really highlights the floor that you are [getting].”
- Caveat: Championship weeks (Week 16–17) are tougher matchups (Detroit, Cleveland), but he may get you into the playoffs.
- Erickson (14:15): “If he gets you to the dance, should be happy … You can figure out week 16 when you get there.”
2. Josh Jacobs (GB)
- Why Buy?
- Usage temporarily down due to calf injury and emergence of Emmanuel Wilson, potentially creating a short-term buy window.
- Remains engine of a rejuvenated Packers offense; strong rest-of-season schedule.
- RB3 in Expected Points/Game; 2nd in rushing TDs.
- Trade Strategy:
- Consolidate assets (package two good but riskier RBs for Jacobs).
- Especially a target for playoff-bound teams seeking elite upside.
- Erickson (18:24): “With trades... it's always dependent ... on your record. If you’re 7-1, I can really look ahead to the future.”
- Players to Package Away: J.K. Dobbins, DeAndre Swift—both with heightened playoff risk or durability concerns.
Running Back Sell Highs (With Analysis)
1. Travis Etienne (JAX)
- Why Sell?
- Trending downward in production and snap share, especially against tougher matchups.
- Rookie Baychelle Tutin likely to eat further into his workload post-bye.
- Mediocre playoff schedule (Jets, Broncos).
- Erickson (24:44): “He does this all the time where first half of the season comes out guns blazing … and then he starts to fade."
- Host Strategy Tip:
- If you can’t trade Etienne for a comparable RB, swap him for multiple upside “lottery ticket” backs that could hit down the stretch.
- Ryan (30:07): “I’d be interested in trading him for multiple home run swings … Videl and RJ Harvey, Trey Benson, Trayvon Henderson…”
2. Chuba Hubbard (CAR)
- Why Sell (at any cost)?
- Loses efficiency battle to Rico Dowdle, who might overtake him.
- Panthers’ offensive line decimated by injury, limiting RB upside.
- Hosts strongly advocate moving on before the situation worsens.
- Erickson (33:55): “At least I’ll take the committee on a team that’s actually good.”
Listener Trade Questions & Applied Strategy
Key theme: context matters—trade advice changes based on team record, RB depth, playoff odds.
Notable Trades Discussed
- Chase Brown + Derrick Henry for Jameer Gibbs (35:25)
- Both hosts approve; only do this for top-tier RBs (not just Cook).
- Erickson: “Get the elite guy … I like Detroit’s schedule rest of season.”
- Ashton Gentry, Brock Bowers, Brian Thomas Jr. FOR Bijan Robinson, Kyle Monungai, Tez Johnson (37:52)
- Approve, especially if you have TE depth.
- Ryan: “You’re overpaying in value, but it still makes your team [better].”
- Massive 5-for-1 trade for Jameer Gibbs (39:09)
- Always favor elite assets, especially near or in the playoffs.
- Judkins for Dobbins (manager is .500 in 8th place; needs wins now)
- Varying answers—explore more markets, but if you need immediate production, Dobbins might help.
- Ryan (41:06): “Your trading strategy should be dependent on your record and your playoff outlook."
Memorable Quotes
- Erickson (05:26): “Keep tabs on Pacheco and his knee … That’s something to kind of monitor.”
- Ryan (12:00): “His [Warren’s] lowest finish … is RB28 … really highlights the floor that you are [getting].”
- Erickson (24:44): “He does this all the time where first half of the season comes out guns blazing … and then he starts to fade.”
- Erickson (33:55): “At least I’ll take the committee on a team that’s actually good.”
- Ryan (30:07): “I would trade [Etienne] for like Videl and RJ Harvey … Not for depth, but for more bites at the apple.”
- Erickson (18:24): “If you’re 7-1, I can really look ahead to the future."
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Chiefs/Commanders recap: 01:59–09:59
- Jalen Warren Buy Low: 10:28–15:21
- Josh Jacobs Buy Opportunity: 15:50–20:36
- Sponsor/Ad Break (skipped)
- Travis Etienne Sell Case: 24:43–31:30
- Chuba Hubbard Sell Case: 32:11–34:35
- Listener Trade Q&A: 34:35–41:06
Tone, Vibe & Final Takeaways
The hosts are conversational, data-driven but lighthearted, occasionally poking fun at each other and themselves (e.g., botched idioms: “death, taxes, and me botching that [bird-in-the-hand] phrase”). They encourage creativity and assertiveness in trade negotiations, emphasizing process over short-lived value and the key distinction between “contender” and “must-win now” roster management.
Core Episode Message:
- Prioritize RBs with secure workloads and strong playoff schedules if you’re a likely playoff team.
- Don’t hesitate to sell name value for multiple upside shots if your RB is trending down or faces increased competition.
- Adjust trade value targets based on your standing—aggressively buy elite options if you’re chasing a title, but don’t overlook the gritty RB2s for teams fighting to survive.
Catch part two for WR, QB, and TE trade guidance!