DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell

robgronkowski

The 2013 fantasy football season is now entering the playoff season. As you battle in the playoffs (or prepare for next season), it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the news. You have to pay close attention to everything to stay on top of your dynasty league. For most of us, we do well to steal some time away from our families and jobs to watch the games on Sunday. It becomes difficult to monitor the daily happenings around the league and even more demanding to process how that news affects your dynasty team. 
That’s why we’re here! Each week there are many news items that are important and helpful in the day-to-day managing of your fantasy team, yet have little affect on the dynasty value of players. Because of this, I will not be mentioning those here. 
Here is a quick look at the events of the past week and how they impact the players on your team.

 

Da’Rick Rogers, WR IND

The buzz had been building for weeks and it finally came to fruition for Colts’ rookie wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers last week as he caught six balls for over one hundred yards and two scores. The Colts’ offense had been struggling since the season ending injury to Reggie Wayne, partly due to inconsistent play for the receiver position, namely TY Hilton and Darrius Heyward-Bey. It’s unclear if Rogers can provide that consistent target for quarterback Andrew Luck, but he did show that he could be a big play threat and a valuable dynasty asset. If this type of play continues over the next month, look for Rogers to move into the top eight round of dynasty startup drafts.

 

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR MIN

Vikings’ rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson exploded with his best game as a professional, hauling in five receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, along with his impressive work on special teams. Patterson remains an inconsistent offensive weapon, but has recently flashed the talents that made him a first round draft pick. With the Vikings likely adding a new quarterback option this off-season, the potential improvement of Patterson should have dynasty owners excited. He’s a prime candidate to be next year’s breakout wide receiver.

 

Dennis Pitta, TE BAL

Baltimore tight end Dennis Pitta made his season debut after a pre-season hip injury that many thought might end his career. Instead, Pitta returned in time for a late season push and led the Ravens in targets. Pitta caught six passes for forty-eight yards and a score. Pitta was expected to play a limited number of snaps, but saw the field for much of the game and looked to be fully healthy. He can be plugged in as a starting tight end for the remainder of the season and considering the weak options at the back end of the TE1 range, Pitta can be considered a top ten dynasty tight end.

 

Knile Davis, RB KC

Getting some extra snaps in the Chiefs’ blowout win over the Redskins, rookie running back Knile Davis gained thirty rushing yards and an impressive touchdown, along with a seventeen yard reception. Davis clearly can’t be relied on as a fantasy option at this point, but has shown flashes and should be owned in the majority of dynasty leagues. As you prepare for the off-season, if Davis is on the waiver wire, make it a priority to acquire him.

 

Justin Hunter, WR TEN

Rookie wide receiver Justin Hunter continued his impressive stretch of play for the Titans, gaining over 100 receiving yards for the second time in three weeks. Hunter also hauled in his fourth touchdown of the season. Alongside Kendall Wright, the Titans now have one of the best young wide receiver duos in the game. Hunter could be one of the young receivers who see a great bump in his value over the off-season. The time to buy low on Hunter is long gone, unfortunately.

 

Jonathan Stewart, RB CAR

Panthers’ running back Jonathan Stewart suffered a torn MCL in last week’s game against the Saints, which will likely end his nightmare season. Stewart’s bad ankles kept him out of action for the majority of the season and he has looked average since returning. Though he could return for the playoffs, Stewart is way off the dynasty radar.

 

Rob Gronkowski, TE NE

Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered a torn ACL and MCL on a vicious hit to the knee. The injury has landed Gronkowski on the injured reserve list, ending his season. It’s a tough injury for all involved as Gronkowski had battled back from arm and back injuries and had regained his form as the best tight end in football. Expect him to be a great value over the early part of the off-season and strike with those buy low offers while you can.

 

Robert Griffin III, QB WAS

The Redskins have decided to shut down starting quarterback Robert Griffin III, reportedly due to concern about his health. In his place, the team will start second year man Kirk Cousins. This is, of course, part of the drama that has surrounded both Mike Shanahan and owner Daniel Snyder for years. It is clear now that this relationship will not last much longer and Shanahan is doing all he can to go out the wrong way. Griffin owners can rest on the knowledge that he will have a full off-season and more to return to full health and this makes Cousins a great stash if he is available on your waiver wire. Cousins has some favorable matchups in the final weeks. Griffin on the other hand will see a drop in dynasty value, but with a new coaching staff in town next season, he’ll get a fresh start.

 

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ryan mcdowell