DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell

patterson

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.

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR MIN

Expectations have been high for Vikings receiver Cordarrelle Patterson since he finished the season on a tear. Things only got better for him and the rest of the offense when the team hired Norv Turner as their offensive coordinator and Turner is getting to work quickly. Reports say his first order of business was to add ten plays for Patterson. Considering Patterson’s talents and ability to score from anywhere on the field, Turner’s focus on him early has to be music to the ears of dynasty owners – he is already being valued as a WR1 in startup drafts.
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Mike Glennon, QB TB

New Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith said he would consider drafting a quarterback with the seventh overall pick in the upcoming rookie draft. While there is plenty of speculation this time of year as the draft approaches, it’s clearly not a positive sign for a young quarterback like Mike Glennon entering his second year. Glennon was one of the season’s biggest surprises as he took over for the banished Josh Freeman, though lacks upside as a fantasy option.

Andre Ellington, RB ARI

Cardinals running back Andre Ellington has been a hot commodity in many dynasty leagues this off-season as owners assume veteran starter Rashard Mendenhall will not be back with the time. While that remains to be seen, the Cardinals general manager has already explained that the team will continue to use multiple backs, rather than relying on just one. Ellington is expected to get more touches than he saw as a rookie, but is unlikely to be the lead back in the offense.

David Wilson, RB NYG

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Giants’ running back David Wilson is ahead of schedule in his recovery from recent neck surgery. Wilson is now expected back on the field in time for training camp, which is great news for a player once feared to never see the field again. Wilson has the talent, though he was struggling before going down with the injury. He remains a risky buy, but can be had for very little in most startup drafts and established leagues.

Dennis Pitta, TE BAL

The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly planning to place the franchise tag on tight end Dennis Pitta if the two sides are unable to work out a long-term contract prior to the March 3rd deadline. Pitta missed much of last season and the offense struggled in his absence. Not only are they likely to add a wide receiver through free agency or the draft, but they have to hang onto Pitta. Knowing he will remain in Baltimore, his dynasty value is stable.

Mike Williams, WR TB

It’s been a bad off-season so far for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams. There have already been reports regarding the receiver being fined by the team for missing team meetings during the season, followed by a report that he would likely have been cut if the previous regime had been retained. Now, Williams is in trouble for trashing a hotel room and doing a substantial amount of damage. It’s just another strike for Williams, who dealt with a great deal of off-filed troubles in college. The team could be considering parting ways with him, even with new head coach Lovie Smith in town.

Chris Matthews, WR SEA

The Seattle Seahawks signed wide receiver Chris Matthews to a reserve/future contract. Each team signs players to these types of contracts following the season, but this one is interesting. Matthews excelled in the CFL, posting nearly 1,200 receiving yards and earning the league’s rookie of the year award after missing last season. He has no NFL experience, but it seems everything the Seahawks touch turns to gold lately. He’s a name to monitor as the off-season continues, though he is a very deep sleeper.

Ray Rice, RB BAL

Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested following a domestic issue involving his fiancé. As the days go by since the incident, details continue to leak out and nearly all of them are bad for Rice. The Ravens back had already lost a great deal of dynasty value following his disappointing season in 2013 and though he’s never had any off-field issues, this one does not look good. It’s unlikely the team will release Rice due to the cap hit they’d take, but it would not be a surprise if Bernard Pierce saw more touches in 2014.

Fred Davis, TE WAS

There had been rumors of a suspension looming for Redskins tight end Fred Davis and it was made official this week as the troubled player was indefinitely suspended. Davis’ dynasty value was already gone thanks to his poor 2013 season and off-field troubles, but this could signal an end to his career. Davis obviously has no dynasty value.

Danario Alexander, WR FA

A report on the rehabilitation status of wide receiver Danario Alexander paints an ominous picture for the future of the talented free agent. Alexander suffered yet another knee injury early in the 2013 season and has now had a setback, requiring another surgery last month. Alexander is clearly talented, but has dealt with these types of injuries throughout his college and professional career. He’s another player whose career could be over.

Tony Gonzalez, TE ATL

Tight end Tony Gonzalez has been hired by CBS as a studio analyst and insists he will remain retired from the NFL. After reports leaked in the past few weeks that Gonzalez could return for a championship run in 2014, he saw a slight uptick in dynasty value. This deal with CBS likely squashes all of the rumors, along with the future Hall of Famer’s dynasty value.

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ryan mcdowell