The Dynasty Aftermath: Week Eight

Ken Kelly

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Welcome to DLF’s Dynasty Aftermath. This staple article 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.

After leaving the Dynasty Aftermath in the capable hands of Jeff Miller last week, I had an extra few days to think of a theme. This week, I think I’ve found my favorite. You see, I love Saturday Night Live.  I’m big fan of improv and sketch comedy and the show, while having some ups and downs, has provided me with some of the best laughs. This week, we pay tribute to SNL as we bring you a special Dynasty Aftermath Live edition.

Week Eight Fantasy MVP

It’s amazing someone can throw for 350 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions and clearly not even be in the running for the weekly MVP award. Still, that’s the fate for Eli Manning this week as he lost an epic shootout with Drew Brees, who threw for a mind-boggling (and NFL-record tying) seven touchdowns and 511 passing yards to lead New Orleans to a 52-49 win in the Superdome against the Giants on Sunday afternoon. Sure, his fantasy total was more than his last three weeks combined, but this was a performance for the ages and one you may not see again for a decade. Brees has both been mentioned as a player who may finally be “over the hill” and not reliable in fantasy leagues any longer. This week proved he’s not quite there and Manning matched him nearly throw-for-throw. When it ended in regulation instead of going to overtime, I felt like it was lacking the drama it deserved. In short, I had a fever for more touchdowns. And the only cure was more cowbell.

Week Eight Fantasy LVP

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I don’t like to have ties in any part of this column, but this week has to be an exception.

First, Aaron Rodgers had one of the worst performances in his historic professional career as he managed just 77 passing yards and rushed for 31 more, without throwing a single touchdown pass. The 77 passing yards represent the lowest total he’s had in his 11-year career. The Broncos made a statement about just how good their defense is this week.

Second, Reggie Bush reportedly tore his MCL on a freak play as he slipped on the Edward Jones Dome concrete and slipped after running out of bounds on a punt return. I mention Bush because he was a sneaky play this week as Carlos Hyde was inactive. In true Reggie Bush fashion, he was injured before he could take advantage of yet another opportunity.

The injury will end Bush’s season and his future in the league has to be in serious doubt. Bush will go down in history as one of the most electrifying college players of all-time and one of the most coveted rookie assets in the history of dynasty leagues. Unfortunately, his career will also go down as a major disappointment as he could never really find his way and take advantage of his freak athleticism because of injuries, schemes, coaches or his own inability to conform to the NFL game. I personally hope this isn’t the end of Reggie Bush, but I have to say I’d be surprised to see him come back from this latest ailment.

I’m sorry I couldn’t pick just one this week, but I was as perplexed as this poor judging panel. It would be nice to just flip a coin and be done with it, but we can’t do that – we’re DLF.

Lineup Fun

The Unbeatable Lineup of the Week
“Well, isn’t THAT special!”

QB Drew Brees NO = 511 passing yards, seven touchdowns, one interception
RB Todd Gurley STL = 133 rushing yards, three catches, 13 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Dion Lewis NE = 19 rushing yards, six catches, 93 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Devonta Freeman ATL = 88 rushing yards, six catches, 43 receiving yards
WR Odell Beckham, Jr. NYG = Eight catches, 130 receiving yards, three touchdowns
WR Julio Jones ATL  = 12 catches, 162 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR AJ Green CIN = 11 catches, 118 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Ben Watson NO = Nine catches, 147 receiving yards, one touchdown

The Underdog Lineup of the Week
“Only the Spartan Cheerleaders could have inspired them this much.”

QB Alex Smith KC = 145 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, three touchdowns
RB Shane Vereen NYG  = Three rushing yards, eight catches, 60 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Charcandrick West KC = 97 rushing yards, four catches, 25 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Taiwan Jones OAK  = Five rushing yards, one catch, 59 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Marques Colson NO = Eight catches, 114 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Malcom Floyd SD  = Four catches, 92 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Tavon Austin STL = 21 rushing yards, four catches, 98 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Jacob Tamme ATL  = Ten catches, 103 receiving yards, one touchdown

The Disappointing Lineup of the Week
“I found something else in that box.”

QB Aaron Rodgers GB = 77 passing yards, 31 rushing yards
RB Reggie Bush SF = No stats, one torn ACL and one career in question
RB Orleans Darkwa NYG = 23 rushing yards in a game where his team scored 49 points
RB Chris Johnson ARI = 109 rushing yards, no catches, two lost fumbles
WR Mike Wallace MIN = No catches
WR James Jones GB = One catch, two yards
WR Dez Bryant DAL = Two catches, 12 receiving yards
TE Jason Witten DAL = Two catches, 16 receiving yards

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if I owned Matt Stafford. He’s getting happy feet in a sad, sad season for the Lions.

I’d be worried if I was counting on Matt Ryan as well. He’s put up some decent numbers, but he should be better than this.

I’d be worried if I needed any Cowboys player until Tony Romo came back.

I’d be worried if I didn’t think Ben Watson could be a really good short-term dynasty asset.

I’d be worried if I hadn’t cut Reggie Bush by the time I’ve finished this article.

I’d be worried if I hadn’t listened to us in week four when we told you it was your last chance to get Jeremy Langford.

I’d be worried if I thought Philip Rivers was going to cool off.

I’d be worried if I owned Steve Smith. I think he’ll be back, but that’s a terrible injury.

I’d be worried if I had given up on Lamar Miller.

I’d be worried if I was playing against Todd Gurley. If you don’t have him now, you’ll never get him in your league.

I’d be worried if I had totally given up on Peyton Manning. He may not quite be ready to live in a van down by the river.

I’d be worried if I wasn’t paying attention to how good Derek Carr is playing.

I’d be worried if I expected any consistency from a running back for the Giants.

I’d be worried if I was thinking Willie Snead was going away soon.

I’d be worried if I was counting on Jeremy Hill or Gio Bernard.

I’d be worried if I thought Kamar Aiken was suddenly going to be a stud.

I’d be worried if I didn’t think Big Ben would pull it together.

I’d be worried if I hadn’t handcuffed CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman.

I’d be worried if I had my team built around Eddie Lacy. Sorry, but this just doesn’t look right.

I’d be worried if I have my flag planted firmly with Melvin Gordon. We’ve yet to see anything that looks remotely unordinary.

I’d be worried if I owned Matt Forte. He may only be out 2-3 weeks, but it sure would have been great to see him go to a better team at the deadline.

I’d be worried if I wasn’t sitting back and appreciating the performances of Drew Brees and Eli Manning this week.

I’d be worried if I wasn’t noticing a very quiet, but productive season for Michael Crabtree.

I’d be worried if I was still holding out hope for Bishop Sankey. Wow.

I’d be worried if I owned Colin Kaepernick. Wow, what a fall from grace.

I’d be worried if I still hadn’t really decided if my team was a contender or a pretender at this point in the season.

I’d be MOST worried if I didn’t have some quality depth for the stretch run. Players are going down like crazy.

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

Remember, we focus on the lesser names here who we haven’t mentioned much this season. Frankly, you’re too smart for us to mention. Be sure to pay close attention because we tend to be ahead of the curve.

1.) DeAngelo Williams, RB PIT
Just in case someone dropped him when Le’Veon Bell went down. If not, he’s a prime candidate for a contender. In fact, he’s perfect. If a non-contender owns him, you can likely get a temporary RB1 at rock bottom prices.

2.) Kendall Gaskins, RB SF
The 49ers are running out of healthy players and Gaskins may be the last man standing.

3.) Bennie Fowler, WR DEN
It seems the Broncos want someone new to be their third receiver each week. It seems to be Fowler’s chance at the moment.

4.) Kenbrell Thompkins, WR NYJ
I know, he’s burned us before. However, Brandon Marshall is banged up and he’s still a decent prospect.

5.) Blaine Gab

…sorry, can’t even type it without punching myself in the face.

Brandon LaFell, Derek Carrier, Lance Moore, Albert Wilson, Dion Lewis, James Jones, Travis Benjamin, Darren Fells, Rishard Matthews, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Josh McCown, Antonio Andrews, Michael Vick, Thomas Rawls, Stefon Diggs, Roy Helu, Andre Williams, Chris Thompson, Charcandrick West, Jamison Crowder, Robert Turbin, Tim Wright, Knile Davis, Zach Zenner, Chris Givens, Robert Woods, Orleans Darkwa.

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ken kelly