Now let’s be real, this Fantasy Football season is far from over, but you’ve always got to keep an eye on the future. Whether you’re in the championship hunt this year or, already have an eye for next season, the name of the game is always gather assets. There are players you can buy low on that can pay off big dividends for a big run next season.

Some big ones that would have been easier earlier this year were Adam Thielen, Steffon Diggs and Tyler Boyd. The limited passing games for the Vikings and Bengals, and the transition of Cincinnati’s offense made them big time future investments. Minnesota’s offense is fresh off a big game and Boyd has stepped up for the Bengals so they are likely sitting at top dollar price.

However, Joe Mixon and John Ross present some possibly cheaper options. Ross is hurt but flashed big game potential. Could Green be gone as a free agent this offseason? Auden Tate has flashed as well, but has played well. Mixon has not produced despite the workload and could be had cheaper than he is worth. The Bengals are a bad team but he’s still the work horse and worth a long time investment.

Sony Michel is another back that hasn’t quite lived up to the high expectations, though he has been better than Mixon. The Patriots are well renowned for their fantasy killing backfields, just see Bolden vulturing touches, but he still has gotten quite a workload. Before the Redskins game I was able to get him and a 4th round pick for Kalen Ballage and what should be a late 1st. Pairing him and Mixon has me feeling confident about my backfield for 2020.

Last year a popular target to get a year early was Tevin Coleman. I made that move and felt a little disappointed early on, and decided to sell, and flipped him for Darrell Henderson. That move may be one that bites me as he has looked solid since coming back from injury. This year the Chargers backfield looks like the ‘trade for a year early’ option. Austin Ekeler has been good and will cost top dollar, but Justin Jackson is also someone to target.

Melvin Gordon is back but is also his inefficient self. He’s a free agent at the end of the season and after the Chargers backfield played so well without him could the front office decide to let him walk and invest that money elsewhere? Ekeler has been the best back for the bolts this season and could lead the split backfield of himself and Jackson next year.

A couple of other disappointing studs to target would be DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, JuJu Smith-Schuyster and James Conner. Hopkins and Evans put together solid PPR games this weekend but haven’t been what owners expect. They won’t be cheap, but could had at a cheaper than normal price. This is a lost season for the Steelers. Conner had a solid game against the Chargers and should still be a touch monster but has struggled this season, not nearly as much as Schuyster. After his solid showing for Sunday Night Football, Benny Snell could be worth a long term investment.

In Dynasty Leagues a few other youngsters to look at are Diontae Johnson from Pittsburgh, Derrius Guice from Washington, Devin Singletary from Buffalo, Jace Sternberger from Green Bay and Darrell Henderson from Los Angeles. It’s a lost year for Pittsburgh but Johnson looks like the second WR for Big Ben when he comes back next season. The Packers passing game has left a lot to be desired, outside of Davante Adams, but Jimmy Graham has gotten some targets but is long in the tooth. They took Sternberger for a reason and could be a big option next season.

For the young running backs there haven’t been a ton of snaps this season, but plenty of potential. Guice is hurt again, and a risk, but will be given every opportunity to be the lead back when he returns. How much longer does AP have? Singletary has shown some flashes but the bills are leaning on the vet Frank Gore will they push for a playoff spot. However, the writing seems on the wall for Singletary eventually taking over after the Bills cut LeSean McCoy at the start of the season.

Darrell Henderson was a darling heading in to Dynasty drafts that has shown nothing. Todd Gurley is a stud, though the Rams offense has struggled to run the ball, and Malcolm Brown seems entrenched as the backup. However, Gurley hasn’t looked right and finally Henderson got some touches against the 49ers. He fumbled could put him back on the bench a bit but looked very explosive. Brown doesn’t offer much in pass catching which could open the door for the rookie as Sean McVay looks for a spark on offense.

While a lot of these players will still cost a fair amount in compensation still, getting a stud for less than he’s worth could be the worthwhile gamble for the future. In Dynasty some teams, especially in my league, have not shown patience when it comes to their young players. If they’re competing and you have aging vets this could be the perfect match to stock up on some high potential young players.