Welcome to the dynasty trading post, where optimizing strategy, roster construction, format, and player value oscillations are examined weekly with examples and completed dynasty trades.

This week, we'll focus on the trade market for recently injured David Montgomery and Patrick Mahomes II.

All trades are Superflex unless stated otherwise.

RB David Montgomery, Detroit

The power running back duo of Sonic and Knuckles sustained an injury to David Montgomery in Week 15. First, this is a massive opportunity for Jahymyr Gibbs to have even more upside in the fantasy semifinals and championship weeks. Second, Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki are intriguing stashes for Week 17 should Gibbs sustain an injury in Week 16. Also, Reynolds may have a flex-worthy role in Week 16. From the dynasty trading front, injuries to notable players offer an opportunity in the marketplace to buy and sell based on team direction. Injured players are appealing to non-contenders and selling an injured player for production is a straight-forward venture for a still-contending team this season.

Montgomery was RB11 in PPG through Week 14 before his partial game due to injury. This is despite being in a full committee with Gibbs, one of the most talented backs in the entire NFL, on the same depth chart. Montgomery is also locked in for 2025 and has a good chance to be on the roster in 2026 considering his contract structure. While being an older running back, Montgomery is well-insulated considering the level of the offense and his contract allegiance. 

Here are a few example trades to highlight Montgomery buy opportunities:

• Montgomery for Derrick Henry
• Montgomery, Chris Olave for Josh Jacobs, Michael Pittman Jr
• Montgomery for Isaac Guerendo, Marquise Brown
• Montgomery, 1st for Josh Jacobs
• Montgomery for Aaron Jones, Adam Thielen

The Guerendo-Brown deal highlights contending teams willing to part with injured players for lineup options or even the prospect of lineup options (Brown) late in the season. The Jacobs deal is a boon for a non-contending team to pick up a future 1st and arbitraging between older running backs. The same applies to the Aaron Jones trade construction. Also, Montgomery flipped for Derrick Henry makes a ton of sense for a contender but also allows the non-contender to win once into 2025 with the younger running back.

QB Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City

The latest injury may not affect Mahomes' playing time in the fantasy playoffs, but there is enough uncertainty mid-week to add to his tepid fantasy season (QB12 in PPG through Week 15) to continue to trend line of a discount in the marketplace. Mahomes is currently QB6 by the market and has shed nearly a third of his value in Superflex since the start of the season. Discounts on elite players and profiles should always be explored, regardless of the place in the dynasty calendar or team direction. Mahomes is on track for his seventh straight season with a QB12 or better finish, five of those seven being in the top five. Plus last season and this season, the weapons around him have been lagging and the defense has been on of the best in the NFL over the span. In short, Kansas City has been winning a different way.

Buying Opportunities

• Mahomes, 1st for Joe Burrow, 2nd
• Mahomes, 1st for Jalen Hurts
• Mahomes for Jared Goff, Derrick Henry, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
• Mahomes for Sam Darnold, 1st
• Mahomes, Bryce Young for C.J. Stroud, 2nd

These quarterback-centric trades highlight how much the market has shifted since August. Mahomes is adding a 1st to 'get up to' options like Hurts and Burrow in the market. Taking a rising option like Sam Darnold and adding a pick or two for a Mahomes pivot is another strong buying opportunity. In addition to these highlight trades over the past few days, Mahomes in the mid-late 1st of Superflex startup drafts in the offseason is another appetizing opportunity.

Check out all of Chad Parsons' content at Footballguys.