Fantasy Football Trade Calculator
Analyze fantasy football trade values and fairness. Compare player values, assess trade balance, and make smarter trades in your fantasy football league.
Team A Gives
Team B Gives
Trade Analysis
Fairness Rating
Very Fair
Value Difference
2 pts (4.3%)
Trade Winner
Team B
Team A Value
44
Team B Value
46
Difference
2 (4.3%)
Verdict
Very Fair
Trade Tips
- • Values are estimates - consider team needs and playoff schedules
- • RBs are most valuable in standard; WRs gain value in PPR
- • Don\'t overpay for QBs unless it\'s a Superflex/2QB league
- • Elite TEs (top 3) are worth a significant premium
- • Consider buying low on underperforming stars
- • Depth matters more in larger leagues
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
Making smart trades is the key to fantasy football success. This calculator helps you evaluate trade fairness by assigning value scores to players based on position, tier, league settings, and format. Know whether you're winning, losing, or making an even swap before you accept.
Why Trade Analysis Matters: Fantasy football trades can make or break your season. A well-timed trade for an undervalued player can propel you to the championship, while an impulsive trade can leave your roster crippled. This calculator removes emotion from the equation with objective value comparisons.
How Values Are Calculated: Player values are determined by:
- Position tier: Elite players (top 3) to waiver-wire fodder
- Position scarcity: RBs are scarce in standard, WRs gain value in PPR
- League size: Larger leagues increase player value due to scarcity
- Format: Dynasty/keeper leagues value differently than redraft
What This Calculator Does:
- Assigns objective values to players in trades
- Calculates total value for each side
- Determines trade fairness and winner
- Adjusts for PPR, half-PPR, and standard scoring
- Accounts for league size and dynasty formats
Trade Philosophy: The best trades are win-win - both teams improve based on their needs. A "fair" trade by value might still favor one team based on roster construction, bye weeks, or playoff schedule.
How to Use the Fantasy Football Trade Calculator
- 1Select your league's scoring format (PPR, Half-PPR, Standard).
- 2Choose your league size (8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 teams).
- 3Indicate if it's a dynasty/keeper league.
- 4Add players to Team A (what Team A gives away).
- 5Select each player's position and tier ranking.
- 6Add players to Team B (what Team B gives away).
- 7Review the calculated values for each side.
- 8Check the fairness rating and trade winner.
- 9Consider team needs beyond raw value.
- 10Negotiate if the trade is too lopsided.
Understanding Player Tiers
How players are valued in fantasy football.
The Tier System
Tier 1 - Elite (Top 3 at position) Players like the top 3 RBs or WRs. These are season-defining assets.
- Examples: Top rushing RBs, WRs with 150+ targets
- Worth: Premium value, rarely traded
Tier 2 - Premium (Top 5) Still elite, but slightly below the very best.
- Examples: RB4-5, WR4-5, Kelce-level TEs
- Worth: High value, only trade for equivalent
Tier 3 - High-End Starter Reliable weekly producers you build around.
- Examples: RB6-12, WR6-15
- Worth: Significant, start every week
Tier 4 - Solid Starter Consistent contributors with occasional big weeks.
- Examples: RB13-24, WR16-30
- Worth: Good value, tradeable for upgrades
Tier 5 - Flex Play Borderline starters who fill flex spots.
- Examples: RB25-36, WR31-50
- Worth: Moderate, package in trades
Tiers 6-10: Bench to Droppable Handcuffs, lottery tickets, and streaming options.
- Examples: Backups, bye-week fills
- Worth: Limited, use as sweeteners
Position Value by Format
How scoring affects position importance.
PPR (Point Per Reception)
Position Priority: WR ≈ RB > TE > QB
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| WR | Most valuable with high-volume receivers |
| RB | Pass-catching backs gain value |
| TE | Elite TEs (Kelce tier) are gold |
| QB | Same as standard, don't overpay |
PPR WRs who catch 100+ balls get 100 extra points per season!
Half-PPR
Position Priority: RB ≈ WR > TE > QB
Balanced format where both positions matter equally. RBs with receiving work are premium assets.
Standard (Non-PPR)
Position Priority: RB > WR > TE > QB
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| RB | High-volume rushers are king |
| WR | TD-dependent WRs lose value |
| TE | Only elite TEs worth starting |
| QB | Stream unless you have a top 3 |
Superflex/2QB Leagues
QBs become the most valuable position. Top QBs can be worth RB1 value. Always specify if your league uses Superflex!
Trade Strategy Tips
How to approach fantasy trades like a pro.
Buying Low
Target players who:
- Had a bad game or two
- Are "underperforming" early season
- Have a soft schedule coming up
- Are returning from minor injury
Avoid panic selling your own players!
Selling High
Trade players who:
- Just had an unsustainable breakout
- Have a brutal schedule ahead
- Are injury-prone with big recent games
- Are on a team with changing QB situation
2-for-1 Trades
When to offer 2-for-1:
- You have deep bench, need starters
- Target team needs depth
- Your two players have combined value > their one
Caution: The team receiving "1" usually wins. Quality > quantity in fantasy.
Timing Matters
Best times to trade:
- After Week 3-4 (enough data, not too late)
- Before bye weeks (teams need fill-ins)
- After injuries (buy low on backups)
Avoid:
- Trading right before playoffs (roster locked)
- Trading after Thursday games (less leverage)
Dynasty vs. Redraft Values
How format changes player worth.
Redraft Leagues
Value based on:
- Current season projections only
- Age doesn't matter
- Injury history matters less
- Win-now assets are premium
Example: A 32-year-old RB with 200 touches is valuable in redraft but less so in dynasty.
Dynasty Leagues
Value based on:
- Multi-year projection
- Age is critical (younger = more valuable)
- Rookie picks have real value
- Aging stars lose dynasty value
Dynasty Premium:
- Young WRs (peak years ahead)
- Rookie RBs (full career ahead)
- QBs under 28
Dynasty Discount:
- RBs over 27 (declining phase)
- WRs over 30
- Injury-prone players
Keeper Leagues
Falls between redraft and dynasty. Value depends on keeper cost and years of control.
Common Trade Mistakes
Avoid these fantasy football trade errors.
Mistake 1: Name Value Bias
The error: Valuing big names over actual production Example: Trading away a top-10 WR for an underperforming "star" Fix: Look at stats and projections, not name recognition
Mistake 2: Ignoring Roster Needs
The error: Trading for value without considering fit Example: Trading for a WR when you have 4 good ones Fix: Consider starting lineups, not just bench depth
Mistake 3: Selling Low After One Bad Week
The error: Panic trading after a bad performance Example: Trading away a RB1 after he got 8 points Fix: Wait 2-3 weeks before making moves on underperformers
Mistake 4: Giving Up Too Much in 2-for-1s
The error: Overpaying for consolidation Example: Trading two solid starters for one slightly better player Fix: The "1" side should be clear upgrade, not marginal
Mistake 5: Not Checking Playoff Schedules
The error: Acquiring players with brutal Week 14-17 matchups Example: Trading for RB facing top rush defense in playoffs Fix: Always check playoff matchups before finalizing trades
Mistake 6: Trading for QB Too Early
The error: Overpaying for QB in 1-QB leagues Example: Trading RB2 for a top-5 QB Fix: QBs are replaceable unless it's Superflex
Reading Trade Partners
Understanding the other manager's motivations.
Identify Their Needs
Check their roster for:
- Injury holes to fill
- Bye week conflicts
- Position weakness
- Depth issues
A manager desperate at RB will overpay for one!
Assess Their Record
| Record | Motivation |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | Desperate for wins, may make bad trades |
| 2-2 | Balanced, looking for value |
| 4-0 | May sell high, preparing for playoffs |
Read Their Trade History
- Do they accept fair trades?
- Do they lowball constantly?
- Have they been burned recently?
Negotiation Tips
Starting offers:
- Don't insult with bad offers
- Leave room for negotiation
- Target their weaknesses
- Highlight your player's upside
Closing deals:
- Be willing to add a small piece
- Create urgency (other offers)
- Frame as win-win
Pro Tips
- 💡Always check the other team's roster before proposing trades.
- 💡Target managers with losing records - they may be more willing to deal.
- 💡Sell players high after big games, buy low after bad ones.
- 💡Don't overpay for QBs in 1-QB leagues - stream if needed.
- 💡Elite TEs like Kelce are worth WR1/RB1 value in PPR.
- 💡Check playoff schedules before finalizing any trade.
- 💡Leave room for negotiation - don't start with your final offer.
- 💡Consider 2-for-1 trades to consolidate value if your bench is deep.
- 💡Young RBs lose dynasty value fastest - sell before age 27.
- 💡Name recognition ≠ value. Look at actual stats and projections.
- 💡Timing matters - trade before bye weeks for maximum leverage.
- 💡A fair trade where both teams improve is the best kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fair trade is one where both sides receive similar total value based on player rankings and league settings. Generally, a trade within 10-15% value difference is considered fair. However, a "fair" trade might still favor one team based on roster needs - trading a WR for an RB of equal value helps both teams if they need that position.
