What is a Fleece in Fantasy Football?
Understanding lopsided trades and how to avoid getting fleeced in your dynasty league.
If you've spent any time in dynasty fantasy football circles, you've probably heard someone say "that was a total fleece!" But what exactly does getting fleeced mean, and how can you avoid becoming the victim of a lopsided trade?
What Does "Fleece" Mean?
In fantasy football, a fleece is a trade where one team gets significantly more value than the other. It's a one-sided deal where someone gets robbed, similar to being "fleeced" of their wool. The team that gets fleeced gives up far more than they receive in return.
Unlike close trades where reasonable people might disagree about the winner, a fleece is obvious to most experienced dynasty managers. It's the kind of trade that makes the rest of your league wonder if collusion is involved.
Classic Examples of Fleeces
Example 1: The Superstar Swindle
Team A receives: Justin Jefferson
Team B receives: DJ Moore + a 2nd round pick
This is a fleece. Justin Jefferson is a top-5 dynasty asset. While DJ Moore is a solid WR2, the value gap is enormous. Team B got absolutely robbed.
Example 2: The Rookie Pick Robbery
Team A receives: 1.01 pick + Breece Hall
Team B receives: Travis Etienne + 2.05 pick
Team A is getting a potential generational RB prospect plus an elite young back. Team B is getting a tier-2 RB and a late second. Complete fleece.
Example 3: The Name Value Trap
Team A receives: Chris Godwin (age 29)
Team B receives: Garrett Wilson (age 23)
In dynasty, youth is king. Trading a 23-year-old ascending star for an aging veteran is dynasty suicide. Team B got fleeced based on name recognition alone.
Warning Signs You're About to Get Fleeced
🚩 They're rushing you - "This offer expires in 10 minutes!" is a classic fleece tactic.
🚩 They're overvaluing age - Trying to convince you a 30-year-old RB is worth a 22-year-old WR.
🚩 Quantity over quality - Offering you 3-4 mediocre players for your stud.
🚩 Buying high on hype - Capitalizing on one good week to steal your proven asset.
🚩 They won't negotiate - "Take it or leave it" usually means they know they're ripping you off.
How to Avoid Getting Fleeced
The best defense against getting fleeced is education and patience. Always:
✅ Use trade calculators and value charts
✅ Get second opinions from league mates or online communities
✅ Sleep on big trades before accepting
✅ Understand dynasty values vs redraft values
✅ Never trade when emotional (after a bad loss)
Use Our Trade Analyzer
Want to make sure you're not getting fleeced? Use the Fleece Factory trade analyzer to evaluate your trades before accepting. Our tool analyzes real dynasty league trades and shows you exactly who's winning the deal.
Remember: In dynasty, value is everything. Don't let someone fleece you out of your championship window. When in doubt, ask for more—or walk away from the deal.