The Dynasty Aftermath: Week One

Ken Kelly Posted On September 9, 2014

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Welcome to DLF’s Dynasty Aftermath. This Tuesday staple is our longest running signature piece as we have a little fun after a tough week at the Dynasty League Football office. You’ll find this article will review the week’s happenings in a variety of ways and help set you up for the coming weeks as we spin around the league in the way we know best. Opening week featured some unusually explosive performances and a few really serious and troublesome duds as well. In short, we have a lot to talk about.

Let’s take a look back at the opening week that was!

Week One Fantasy MVP

It would be pretty easy to put Allen Hurns in this spot, but if you actually had Hurns in your lineup, you’re either clairvoyant, a fantasy football wizard or just plain stupid. While he should have certainly been rostered prior to Sunday (don’t say nobody told you), it’s highly unlikely he led your team to a victory on your bench. Instead, this week’s honor goes to Julius Thomas, who torched the Colts for seven catches, 104 yards and three touchdowns, reminding everyone last year was no fluke.

Week One Fantasy LVP

This was supposed to be the week we saw Doug Martin return to his perch as an elite RB1 in dynasty leagues. Instead, he posted just nine yards on nine carries to go with one catch for seven yards before leaving the game with a lower leg injury. It’s another reminder that Martin has yet to truly establish any modicum of consistency throughout his young career. With all that being said, the real LVP of this week is Ray Rice, for obvious reasons.

Lineup Fun

The unbeatable lineup of the week…

QB Matt Ryan ATL = 448 passing yards, 15 rushing yards, three touchdowns
RB Le’Veon Bell PIT =109 rushing yards, six catches, 88 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Marshawn Lynch SEA = 110 rushing yards, one catch, 14 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Matt Forte CHI = 82 rushing yards, eight catches, 87 receiving yards
WR AJ Green CIN = Five rushing yards, six catches, 131 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Antonio Brown PIT = Five catches, 116 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Calvin Johnson DET = Seven catches, 164 receiving yards, two touchdowns
TE Julius Thomas DEN = Seven catches, 104 yards, three touchdowns

The dominant underdog lineup of the week…

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QB Jake Locker TEN = 266 passing yards, 14 rushing yards, two touchdowns
RB Justin Forsett BAL = 70 rushing yards, five catches, 14 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Chris Ivory NYJ = 102 rushing yards, one touchdown
RB Isaiah Crowell CLE = 32 rushing yards, two touchdowns
WR Allen Hurns JAX = Four catches, 11o receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Steve Smith BAL = Seven catches, 118 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Donnie Avery KC = Seven catches, 84 receiving yards
TE Anthony Fasano KC = Three catches, 29 receiving yards, one touchdown

The unexpectedly horrible lineup of the week…

QB Robert Griffin III WAS = 267 passing yards, two rushing yards, no touchdowns, one lost fumble
RB Bernard Pierce BAL = 14 rushing yards, one lost fumble, one lost major opportunity
RB Jeremy Hill CIN = 19 rushing yards
RB Doug Martin TB = Nine rushing yards, one catch, seven receiving yards
WR Jarrett Boykin GB = No catches
WR Kenny Britt STL = No catches
WR Rueben Randle ARI = Two catches, one receiving yard
TE Jason Witten DAL = Two catches, 14 receiving yards

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if I was counting on points from anyone playing on the road in Seattle. That place is a fantasy death trap.

I’d be worried if I’m selling on low on Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy or Jarrett Boykin. Clue: Read the first gut check

I’d be worried if I’m playing against Percy Harvin. Yes, the injury concerns are real. However, so is his talent.

I’d be worried if I owned Steven Jackson. He was relatively effective, but the Falcons also weren’t afraid to use their younger options.

I’d be worried if I thought this was going to be the only good game this year from Mark Ingram. He just looks different.

I’d be worried if I passed on Brandin Cooks in my rookie draft. He just has the “it” factor.

I’d be worried if I owned Bernard Pierce. The opportunity was ripe for the picking and that was a total dumpster fire.

I’d be worried if I thought that was going to be the usual line for Steve Smith.

I’d be worried if I thought Jeremy Hill was going to surpass Gio Bernard any time soon.

I’d be worried if I owned Hakeem Nicks. Yes, he scored for the first time in two years, but he doesn’t look anything close to explosive.

I’d be worried if I owned Doug Martin. I feel like we’re still anointing him (and justifying things) after one amazing game two years ago.

I’d be worried if I owned EJ Manuel. He had a great day, but his seat is still warm.

I’d be worried if I thought for a second that it would be a good idea to sell on Sammy Watkins.

I’d be worried if I was expecting anything early on from Bryce Brown. It looks like Anthony Dixon has more value to the Bills at the moment.

I’d be worried if I owned Robert Griffin III. They’re (wisely) trying to make him into a pocket passer. Ironically, that will likely extend his career and deflate his dynasty value at the same time. Three rushing attempts and 37 passing attempts is ominous.

I’d be worried if I thought anyone outside of Arian Foster was going to get much of anything in Houston. They’re going to ride Foster into the ground.

I’d be worried if I expected a lot early on from Bishop Sankey.

I’d be worried if I thought Justin Hunter was just going to take over Kendall Wright as the top option in the Tennessee passing offense.

I’d be worried if I was expecting Tim Wright to suddenly become Aaron Hernandez. He’s talented, but still a major project.

I’d be worried if I owned Stevan Ridley. Yes, James White was inactive, but Shane Vereen looks like the only viable running back option in New England.

I’d be worried if I owned Lamar Miller. He was really outplayed by Knowshon Moreno and this looks like the makings of a 2-to-1 split with Moreno getting the “2.”

I’d be worried if I thought Mike Wallace was done. He looks much better this season.

I’d be worried if I still thought I’d see Michael Vick any time soon.

I’d be worried if I owned Maurice Jones-Drew or Darren McFadden. It’s just one week, but neither look anything like players needing to be in a fantasy lineup.

I’d be worried if I was counting on any receiver on Oakland.

I’d be worried if I was ever challenged to footrace against Cordarrelle Patterson.

I’d be worried if I thought the Eagles were ever out of a game.

I’d be worried if I thought I needed to hold on to Ray Rice.

I’d be worried if I thought Jeremy Maclin was washed up.

I’d be worried if I owned Cecil Shorts. He’s going to be “Wally Pipped” by Allen Hurns if he doesn’t get healthy in a hurry.

I’d be worried if I owned Ben Tate. Yep, that was pretty much the scenario you didn’t want, but still saw coming at you like a freight train.

I’d be worried if I owned Zac Stacy. We’ve talked about this ad nauseum, but he just doesn’t look like a player that matches his gaudy ADP.

I’d be worried if I was relying on anyone in the passing game of St. Louis. They’re in real trouble, folks.

I’d be worried if I thought Brandon Myers was really going to lead Tampa Bay in receiving yards again soon.

I’d be worried if I thought Kelvin Benjamin needed Cam Newton to still be productive. Boy, that escalated quickly.

I’d be worried if I was still underestimating the value of Greg Olsen.

I’d be worried if I still thought Trent Richardson was better than Ahmad Bradshaw.

I’d be worried if I owned Jordan Reed or Tyler Eifert. This injury stuff is getting a little old.

I’d be worried if I thought that was a mirage from Carlos Hyde.

I’d be worried if I was freaking out over any down performance from a rookie.

I’d be worried if I underestimated the greatness of Reggie Wayne.

I’d be worried if I owned Andre Ellington. He’s great, but foot injuries aren’t traditionally great for running backs.

I’d be worried if I was panicking too much about anyone, especially players like Tom Brady, Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, Adrian Peterson, Aaron Rodgers, LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles. Things are always magnified after one week.

A Look Ahead to Hot Names on the Week Two Waiver Wire

Remember, we focus on the lesser names here who we haven’t mentioned much this season. We’ve talked a ton about players like Isaiah Crowell, Allen Hurns, Benny Cunningham and other “hot” names you’ll find on other sites out there.

1.) Justin Forsett, RB BAL

Bernard Pierce really blew his chance to take the running back job from Ray Rice. Meanwhile, Justin Forsett did what he always does – look great in limited action. He could very well draw the start this week and now that Rice is completely out of the picture, he has a chance for some sustained value.

2.) Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB BAL

We’ve talked a ton about Taliaferro all off-season, but he’s really roster worthy now that Rice has likely played his last down. The most likely scenario I see playing out is Forsett starting the next couple of games and disappointing, giving the job back to Pierce. If Pierce fumbles it away or is ineffective, Taliaferro is the next man up.

3.) Bobby Rainey, RB TB

Rainey could very well be owned in your league, but if not, this is a reminder that Doug Martin is not proving to be durable.

4.) Anthony Dixon, RB BUF

Dixon was active over Bryce Brown this week and ran well. He’s always been a talented runner lacking much playing time, but that could change eventually if he continues to look good in relief.

4.) Case Keenum, QB STL

The quarterback situation for the Rams is terrible. However, Keenum has shown he could be productive in stretches and would at least have a defense to back him if and when he gets the call.

5.) Alfred Blue, RB HOU

No, I don’t expect him to block a kick and score a touchdown each week. However, with all the hype surrounding Arian Foster’s fragility, few noticed Blue may have passed Jonathan Grimes on the depth chart. If you believe Foster won’t make it through the season, I really believe you’ll thank me for this later.

Players I’m resisting any type of urge to add: Ricardo Lockette, Devin Hester, Antone Smith, Niles Paul, Darrel Young, Donnie Avery, Jorvorskie Lane, Derek Anderson, Larry Donnell (but mostly because I don’t trust the Giants offense).

Projection Fun

Since it’s so much fun to manipulate some data, let’s crunch some numbers after the opening weekend.

Joe Flacco is on pace for 992 passing attempts this season.
Julius Thomas is on pace for 48 receiving touchdowns.
Matt Ryan is on pace for 7,168 passing yards.
Isaiah Crowell, Mark Ingram and Marshawn Lynch are each on pace for 32 rushing touchdowns.
Knowshon Moreno is on pace for 2,144 rushing yards.
AJ Green is on pace for 2,096 receiving yards.
Allen Hurns is on pace for 1,760 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns.
Eric Berry and Paul Worrilow are both on pace for 240 tackles apiece.

See you next week for the next edition of the Dynasty Aftermath. You can follow Ken on twitter @DLF_KenK.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK