At some point as dynasty owners we have to decide when it is time to switch from “rebuild mode” to “win now mode”. The decision, which ever way we decide, comes with equal amounts of positive and negative results. Below are the definitions of the two different types of dynasty league owners.
REBUILD MODE
Staying in “rebuild mode” is an easy life to live. As a rebuild mode owner you rarely care about your league record, in fact, the worse you do the better because generally it increases your draft position. This owner understands their team is more than likely laden with young talent, but, not quite ready to compete for a league title. This is a great position to be in, more than likely you are stacked with solid rookie or second year prospects, and, hold incredible trade power.
WIN NOW MODE
This owner is usually top heavy with productive, middle aged talent (25-30), and, in the upper half of his league ready to battle for the crown. These owners unfortunately don’t end up with the 1.01 in their league draft; these owners usually fall into that 1.08-1.12 draft position, and, have to make the best of what comes their way. Perhaps they have some bench talent, but, more times than not their “young talent” is now a Julio Jones or Calvin Johnson 4 years later that are propelling them deep into the playoffs. If pride is worth more than future to you than by all means shift into “win now” mode.
With the two types defined let us now discuss the basis of this article; shifting from “rebuild mode” to “win now mode” using some wide receiver roster talent to do so.
Every educated owner intimately understands the value of each member of their roster. This owner should have already visualized his “core personnel”, and set aside other high end prospects he is developing or more willing to trade in the future. With the bust-rate of running backs and continuous turnover at the position, more often than not it makes sense to overload at wide receiver – a position that has far more consistency in all aspects of fantasy football. At some point our receiver bank account is going to be bursting at the seams, which is when it is time to go find pieces to fix the weak spots. So how do we play it?
HEDGING OUR FUNDS
As much as it may pain you to do, at some point you’ve got to let your golden eggs hatch. If you’ve been sitting on a John Brown, Jarvis Landry, Allen Robinson, Jordan Matthews, or Donte Moncrief and do not see them as part of your core group of wide receivers, these are prime pieces to trade away. Their value is extremely high in a dynasty league and there is always an owner who salivates at the thought of adding a “Jordan Matthews” to his aging roster. Like any bank account we do not want to completely deplete it of cash, but we also can not expect to win the league with a plethora of wide receivers and zero run game.
If your team need is running back then find an owner who is heavier at the position, perhaps transitioning into a rebuild mode and has an aging wide receiver core. Approach them with a fair offer initially but do not show all of your cards. It is better to show up with $100 in your pocket and only offer $60. Just remember to keep in mind the age, production, and situation of the player for which you are trading. There is nothing worse than hedging high-end prospects for run of the mill talent. Following these very general guidelines will give you the upper hand in most trades and the longer term talent you are looking for to round out your roster.
The sting of converting to win now mode may hurt initially, but if you are loaded at a position, it will make the transition much easier to achieve.
Good luck!
