Hit Machine: The NFL Offseason

Here at DLF, we do our best to provide the best dynasty related fantasy football information offered anywhere. We also try to have some fun now and then with some of our articles. It’s been a busy offseason and there’s really only one way to take a wide look at so many different topics of discussion going on in dynasty leagues right now. Naturally, it’s the Billboard music chart.

When you take a look at the Billboard top 100 right now, the parallels between the song titles and the storylines around the NFL stick out like a sore thumb.

Let’s take a look at ten recent hits and headlines that have popped up around the NFL in the past couple of months. We’ll keep Ryan Seacrest out of it, though.

Love the Way you Lie – Eminem featuring Rihanna
Player Represented: Brett Favre

Does anyone really believe he doesn’t know what he’s going to do?

Half the sportswriters in this country already have their articles written about his upcoming return. All we have to do is hit “submit” when he lands in Minnesota.

OMG – Usher featuring will.i.am
Player Represented: Dez Bryant

Raise your hand if you thought he’d be the first round rookie to sign first.

Yeah, me neither.

With a holdout completely out of the picture, Bryant gets into camp on day one and will begin his quest to start opposite Miles Austin. Dynasty owners are thrilled at the news. Roy Williams is disappointed.

Billionaire – Travie McCoy Featuring Bruno Mars
Players Represented: Peyton Manning and Tom Brady

These two are going to break the bank. It’s likely Manning signs first, but they’re going to get the biggest contracts in the history of the league.

There’s talk of Brady holding out, but it won’t be for long. Even with their storied history of letting their veterans go, the Patriots have to draw the line on this one.

Owners of Manning and Brady will simply sit back and enjoy the ride as they each move towards the latter part of their storybook careers.

Ridin’ Solo – Jason Derulo
Player Represented: Terrell Owens

The list of teams publicly saying they want no part of Owens seems to be increasing by the day. While it’s likely he’ll sign soon, it’s obvious he’s not a priority for anyone out there.

The combination of a cancerous locker room presence and skill set in serious decline is doing him no favors.  Dynasty owners need to evaluate the new situation on its own merit, but Owens is no longer a No. 1 receiver in reality or fantasy.

Find Your Love – Drake
Player Represented: Chad Ochocinco

Love him or hate him, you just have to laugh sometimes. After his run on Dancing with the Stars, the Ocho is currently starring in VH1’s dating show, “The Ultimate Catch.”

While his offseason escapades won’t diminish his fantasy value much, you have to wonder how much he really needs football. His value is stable, but his age and love of the entertainment industry put the twilight of his career squarely in focus.

Break Your Heart -Taio Cruz Featuring Ludicrous
Player Represented: Cedric Benson

Benson simply reminded his owners that he can’t be counted on long-term. While he enjoyed a renaissance in Cincinnati, his off the field escapades have traveled with him from Chicago.

While it’s extremely unlikely he’ll face discipline over this last bar incident, it just goes to show you he tends to put himself in some very precarious positions.

His dynasty league owners need to evaluate just how much they’re counting on Benson. He’s great as a luxury, but extremely risky if he’s considered a need on your team.

Not Afraid – Eminem
Player Represented: Chris Johnson

You have to respect Chris Johnson and the entire Titans organization.

After his incredible 2,000 yard season, Johnson wasn’t even the highest paid running back on the Titans going into the season. To avoid a nasty holdout, the Titans met him halfway and modified his contract so he could get more guaranteed money. Johnson didn’t have to go for it, but he did.

While the contract is taken care of for this season, Johnson is putting himself at risk. He wants a monster deal, but that won’t happen after this season unless he performs at or near the same ridiculous level and stays healthy while doing it.

Unthinkable (I’m Ready) – Alicia Keys
Player Represented: Tim Tebow

Thinking Tim Tebow is ready to lead the Broncos this year IS unthinkable. He’s NOT ready.

Dynasty league owners of Tebow are excited to see just how he develops. They have to hope he doesn’t see the field in 2010, though. It takes any quarterback some time to adjust to the NFL and Tebow’s learning curve isn’t just in the classroom.

He’s a great stash in a dynasty league, but temper your expectations.

Misery – Maroon 5
Player Represented: Steven Jackson

You just have to feel for the guy. On talent alone, he may just be the No. 1 running back in all of football. He’s also in the worst situation in the league.

The Rams made a huge headline by drafting Sam Bradford this offseason, but that won’t help Jackson much in the short term. By the time Bradford has defenses honest again, Jackson is likely going to be entering the last few years of his career.

Dynasty owners of Steven Jackson need to do some serious soul searching right now. If they’re not a competing team in the next couple of years, it’s time to move him and get some value.

Haven’t Met you Yet – Michael Buble
Player Represented: Ryan Mathews

It’s not an issue quite yet, but he doesn’t sound confident about getting into camp on time. The Chargers desperately need to lock him to solidify their running game. There may be no other rookie who will be counted on more this season than Mathews.

Bryant signing early could start the development of the slotting process of draft choice contracts. Mathews owners hope that’s certainly the case.

Just missed…

BMF Blowin Money Fast - Rick Ross Featuring Styles P
Player Represented: Mark Brunell

Rain is a Good Thing - Luke Bryan
Player Represented: Charlie Whitehurst