EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOver the first couple of weeks in this space, we focused on the players failing to meet preseason expectations. Justin Herbert, Colston Loveland and Marvin Harrison Jr. have had rough starts that forced managers to make tough decisions for their lineups.So, I wanted to write something more positive heading into Week 4, looking at the fantasy targets who are playing at a higher level or showing flashes that point to potential upside. Volume receivers in the pass game, a quarterback throwing with consistency from the pocket in a big-time offense and the rookies jumping off the tape.Below are eight ascending players to consider trading for or adding to your rosters.Six players to trade forDJ Moore, WR, Buffalo BillsThis is an ideal time to get Moore in a trade. He had an early shoulder injury in the Week 2 game versus Detroit that wiped out his day (minus-0.1 points), and he followed that up with six receptions for 67 yards (12.3 points) in the Bills' Week 3 win over the Chargers. But if we look deeper at the numbers, plus his route deployment, Moore has excellent value in an explosive Bills offense.In Weeks 1 and 3, when Moore played a full game, he saw at least eight targets, with a target share of 33.5%, a number that jumps to 50% on third downs. Moore is also the vertical option for Josh Allen, as he's already seen six targets of 15 or more air yards. Plus, the Bills can scheme for Moore as a motion/movement player, getting him free access off the ball to beat man coverage or targeting him on boot and screen concepts.The Bills are going to score points at a high rate, and Moore is the top target in this offense. Don't be surprised if Moore produces some WR1 weeks.Jared Goff, QB, Detroit LionsGoff is scoring 21.2 fantasy PPG despite very limited rushing totals (15 yards) because he's one of the league's best pocket throwers. Goff has completed 70.6% of passes this season, and he has at least two touchdown throws in all three games. He's a rhythm passer in an offense scoring 31.0 PPG (third most), and that Detroit defense is really struggling to find an identity (allowing a league-worst 31.7 PPG), which can lead to more shootouts for Goff.Now, can you get Goff in a trade? The arrow is pointing up, but let's look for managers in 10- or 12-team leagues who drafted Goff as their QB2. Make a move now because Goff can be used as a matchup-based starter, and his upcoming schedule (@CAR, @ARI, BYE, GB) looks really good. He's going to get you 16 to 18 points a week, and we can win with that.Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville JaguarsThe value is up for Washington, as he's scoring 16.4 fantasy PPG, while seeing a target share of 30.3%. He has caught a touchdown in two of three games played. Maybe you have to offer more than you would have at the beginning of the season. I get it. However, Washington is playing in a contract year (which matters), and his deployment in Liam Coen's system -- with inside/outside flex -- leads to weekly production.We know Washington can uncover from slot alignments, but he also brings a vertical presence to the field. Washington currently owns a vertical route rate of 45.7%, and he's caught six of 10 targets on throws of 15 or more air yards (with two touchdowns). So, you're not making a move for just a traditional slot guy here. Instead, you're getting a glider in the route tree (at multiple levels) who will see steady volume from Trevor Lawrence. He should be locked in as a WR2.Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay PackersGolden had 21 points in the Week 3 loss to the Falcons, and he's scoring 15.4 points a game. The volume is up, too, as Golden has seen 12 targets in two of three games played, which includes three end zone targets on the season. And the numbers fit for a team that has been more pass-heavy due to the lack of a difference-maker in the running back room with Josh Jacobs still on the commissioner exempt list.The Packers signed several free agent offensive linemen this week, which meshes with what I see on tape. They need better play up front (and more offensive balance). But I still see the value with Golden -- even if the volume declines a little -- as he is winning over the top, creating separation at the break point and making himself available underneath. Plus, with the injury history of Christian Watson, Golden is just a play away from taking over the No. 1 role.Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans SaintsSaints quarterback Tyler Shough is throwing the ball at a high rate, leading the NFL with 134 passing attempts, and Johnson is climbing the weekly rankings because of his overall usage. Johnson (16.1 fantasy PPG) has run at least 23 routes in each game, while seeing an average of 6.3 targets. Plus, he is getting the ball in scoring position, catching at least one touchdown (on end zone throws) in two of three games played. And those are schemed concepts designed to target Johnson.Coach Kellen Moore is really putting his tight end in a position to produce based on what I'm seeing on the tape. The numbers for Johnson (15 receptions, 173 yards, three touchdowns) back it up, too. And with three straight games of double-digit fantasy points, there is a sense of consistency based on Johnson's role in the offense. For me, Johnson should be targeted in trades as a lower-tier TE1.Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland BrownsAfter scoring at least 13 fantasy points in each of his first two games, including the 20.5 he dropped on the Tampa Bay defense in Week 2, Boston checked in with just 8.1 points in the Week 3 win over the Panthers. He caught two of four targets in that game for 41 yards (and a 2-point conversion late in the game).Despite the drop in scoring, I still see Boston as a potential trade target if he's utilized as a high-ceiling WR3. Yes, this Browns offense will remain inconsistent, but Boston has averaged five targets and produced 21.7 YPC. He's a sudden mover who can track the ball vertically. Boston's route tree will develop more branches as this season progresses, and we're seeing signs of that already on the out-cuts and crossers. There is a boom/bust element with Boston on a weekly basis, but you know what you're trading for with the rookie. It's the upside and the potential to see even more volume. He's dynamic.Two players to pick upKenyon Sadiq, TE, New York JetsThe rookie out of Oregon produced a breakout game in the Week 3 loss to the Lions, catching seven of eight targets for 105 yards and a touchdown, which was good for a career-best 23.5 fantasy points. Yes, Sadiq can run the traditional tight end route tree, finding space underneath or in the middle of the field as an outlet for Geno Smith. However, you are adding Sadiq this week (who is up to 54.9% rostered as a popular add) because of the big-play juice he brings to your lineup.Sadiq is a natural seam stretcher with speed, body control and the elite catch radius to go with his 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame. We saw that on his 24-yard touchdown grab versus the Lions, and he followed that up with 43-yard reception on a deep over route from a flexed alignment. While Sadiq might not be a weekly starter yet in 10-team leagues, there is far too much upside to pass him up, especially considering how volatile the tight end position is in fantasy.Mike Washington Jr., RB, Las Vegas RaidersI like Washington (21.8% rostered) as a deeper-league pickup at this stage of the season. The rushing volume isn't there yet (5.0 carries per game), and Washington hasn't been utilized as a receiver, either (one target on the season). But we've seen some higher-level flashes, no? Washington is a north/south runner with explosive speed. We got a peek at that in the Week 3 game versus the Saints on Washington's 36-yard touchdown run. He can go.Playing as the No. 2 in Vegas behind Ashton Jeanty limits Washington's ceiling, but if the rookie continues to produce, his overall role could expand. So, let's add him now as a bench stash. Chase the upside and get out in front of this one.
