DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell

cutler_rodgers

The 2013 fantasy football season is over, but the dynasty season is just beginning. As you 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! 
Here is a quick look at the events of the past week and how they impact the players on your team.

 

Aaron Rodgers, QB GB

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to the field, just in time to lead his team to the playoffs. Rodgers looked almost as good as new, throwing for over 300 yards and two scores. Both touchdowns went to wide receiver Randall Cobb, who was also making his return to game action following a broken leg early in the season. Both players look fully healthy as the playoffs begin and should follow a normal off-season schedule.

 

Jay Cutler, QB CHI

The Chicago Bears locked up starting quarterback Jay Cutler to a long-term contract extension, which will keep Cutler with the team until 2020. Cutler was set to be the top free agent quarterback, but with backup Josh McCown reportedly considering retirement and few other options, the Bears had no choice but to pay Cutler. We can expect similar production out of Cutler in the prolific offense of head coach Marc Trestman’s high-powered offense. Cutler could put up QB1 numbers at the price of a back up.

 

Cierre Wood, RB BAL

The Baltimore Ravens signed rookie running back Cierre Wood to a reserve/future contract. These are the types of contracts that teams use to sign players heading into the off-season. Think of it as NFL teams stashing players as fliers, just as dynasty owners do. The Houston Texans cut Wood after reportedly smoking marijuana in the team hotel during a road trip. He later landed on the Patriots practice squad. Both Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce will be back with the team next season, so there’s likely nothing to see here, but Wood is worth stashing in very deep leagues.

 

Chris Johnson, RB TEN

When asked about the 2014 season, current Titans’ running back admitted that he might have already played his last game with the team. Johnson is due eight million on his contract next season and made it clear he would not be willing to accept a pay cut. Johnson will have some suitors on the open market if and when Tennessee officially releases him, but with the current market for running backs, he will likely not make as much as he wants. Johnson’s dynasty value is in limbo as we wait to see where he lands, but he can no longer be counted on as a starting fantasy back. The Titans are also in limbo as they head into the off-season with both Jake Locker and Shonn Greene as probable starters.

 

Chad Henne, QB JAX

The Jaguars will reportedly attempt to re-sign soon to be free agent quarterback Chad Henne, who started the majority of the season for Jacksonville. With former first rounder Blaine Gabbert rumored to be on his way out, the team should finally address their weakness at the position, likely through the draft. Clearly neither Henne nor Gabbert have any dynasty value and the latter will be hard pressed to find a job at all in the NFL.

 

EJ Manuel, QB BUF

The Buffalo Bills brass have already announced their expectation that EJ Manuel will enter the 2014 season as the team’s starter. While it seems obvious that a player selected so early would get a second shot to show what he can do, the Jets have failed to give Geno Smith the same vote of confidence. Manuel had an up and down season and dealt with some injuries, but showed some potential and is a high upside fantasy backup in dynasty leagues.

 

Ben Tate, RB HOU

Ben Tate, who has played for the Houston Texans his entire three-year career is entering free agency and all parties involved are already acknowledging the fact that he will not be back with the team. Tate had a real shot to prove to every team in the league what he could do as a lead back when starter Arian Foster succumbed to a season ending injury. Unfortunately, Tate was mediocre and inconsistent. Some team, possibly the Browns, will still throw a nice sized contract at Tate and he will gain dynasty value as a result.

 

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ryan mcdowell