5 players trending up (week 8)

Featuring Tee Higgins, D.K. Metcalf, and more

October 21, 2025

In partnership with

Yooo!

I’m currently writing this intro on the train home from work. My fiancé and I have Thai food on the way to the apartment. I have some potential dynasty trades in the works. I guess you could say things are trending up today…

Which is the lamest segue I could come up with for tonight’s “5 players trending up” newsletter.

Giddy up.

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WR - Tee Higgins (CIN)

  • Higgins has seen a significant improvement in his fantasy outlook with Joe Flacco at quarterback, achieving a 76 Utilization Score and averaging 16.4 points in their two games together. This marks a notable improvement from his previous performance, where he had become nearly unstartable with Jake Browning.

  • Based on historical comparisons, Higgins' current 76 Utilization Score with Flacco correlates to players who averaged 15 points, with 78% achieving top-24 status. The data shows 26% reached WR1 status, 53% finished as WR2s, and 21% ended as WR3s.

  • The analysis upgrades Higgins to low-end WR2 territory, with potential to perform as a mid-range to high-end WR2 for the remainder of the season. This represents a significant improvement in his fantasy outlook compared to his previous situation.

  • Our take: Things got scary for a second with Browning under center. But Flacco has shown he can support a serviceable offense and even has upside for more in some weeks (as we just saw vs PIT). Speaking of QB upgrade news for Higgins…

QB - Joe Burrow (CIN)

  • Joe Burrow is reportedly eyeing a mid-December return according to Ian Rapoport's report. The Bengals' playoff hopes remain alive, particularly after their recent big win on Thursday night.

  • The acquisition of Joe Flacco has helped maintain the team's playoff aspirations and has positively impacted the dynasty values of Chase and Higgins. The article suggests that dynasty managers should consider targeting Burrow in trades, especially from teams in contention who need an immediate starting quarterback.

  • Given Flacco's strong performance on Thursday night, the article indicates that Burrow remains a top fantasy option when healthy, suggesting high expectations for his eventual return to the field.

  • Our take: I have Burrow in one league as well and had written him off as done for the year. QBs of Burrow’s caliber don’t come at potential discounts very often. He’s an obvious buy for rebuilders and a potential buy & stash for contenders.

WR - Tez Johnson (TB)

  • Johnson emerged as the highest-scoring Buccaneers wide receiver in Week 7's loss to Detroit, receiving a season-high nine targets and converting them into four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

  • With Mike Evans suffering a major concussion and broken collarbone that could sideline him for most or all of the regular season, Johnson is positioned for increased opportunities in Tampa Bay's passing game.

  • Despite quarterback Baker Mayfield's accuracy issues in Week 7, Johnson showed promise in an expanded role. With Chris Godwin also dealing with leg injuries and struggling this season, Johnson could see significant playing time going forward as the team's receiving corps thins out.

  • Our take: We talked about Tez trending up two weeks ago as a long-term stash. It was tough to see a real opportunity with Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka all healthy. But now with Evans set to miss significant time and Godwin still out, Tez has legitimate weekly FLEX appeal. The trend continues up. 

WR - D.K. Metcalf (PIT)

  • DK Metcalf's usage has shown positive trends following the team's bye week, with his average air yards per target increasing from below 8.5 before Week 5 to over 16 in the two games since. This deeper route tree usage suggests an evolving role in the offense that could benefit his fantasy outlook.

  • Currently ranking as PFF's 13th-highest graded wide receiver, Metcalf is positioned well for the remainder of the season with what the article describes as an 'awesome' schedule ahead. The Packers matchup in Week 8 is particularly favorable for his skillset.

  • The article has shifted its stance on Metcalf from recommending him as a sell candidate before the bye week to now suggesting him as a buy candidate, particularly after a down game in prime time. The Steelers' schedule is notably favorable for WRs, ranking first overall during the fantasy playoffs with matchups against the Dolphins, Lions, and Browns.

  • Our take: It’s crazy how quickly a few games can change perception. The low aDot early in the year was a legitimate cause of concern. Here we are, a few weeks later, sounding the alarm to buy. He’s coming off a weak game vs CIN, where the entire narrative was about Aaron Rodgers favoring his TEs. Could be worth testing the market on him. 

RB - D'Andre Swift (CHI)

  • D'Andre Swift led the league in red zone carries (7) during Week 7, recording his second-highest number of red zone carries in a single game of his career. This increased red zone usage could signal better fantasy prospects ahead for Swift.

  • Despite preseason concerns about offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's previous experience with Swift in Detroit, Swift has proven to be a consistently solid performer for fantasy managers this season.

  • While rookie RB Kyle Monangai saw three red zone carries and scored a touchdown, Swift's overall production and established role make it unlikely that fantasy managers would move away from him given his strong start to the year.

  • Our take: It’s very possible that Swift is at his peak value right now. He’s not a MUST sell, but his current value has to make you at least consider it.

Yesterday’s poll results:

🥇 Best subscriber comment (1 game): “ZZZZZZZ”

Our take: As an East Coaster, there’s no shot I’m staying up to watch a SEA-HOU game that starts at 10pm. The 7pm + 8pm MNF slates aren’t terrible, but I like the idea of primetime meaning “everyone in the world is watching this 1 game.” I know that’s not obviously the case, but it makes it feel like a bigger event than when we have two games.

Today’s poll:

Who would you rather have rest of year?

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That’s all for today!

See ya pizza,

Joe

P.S. In case you missed it, catch up on our most recent newsletters and other helpful resources below: