DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell

romo-1

Now that we are past the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s time to gear up for Christmas and the fantasy playoffs. Let your significant other focus on the holiday shopping while you stay on top of all of the NFL’s dynasty relevant news.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE TB

It appears as if Tampa Bay tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins will miss yet another game this weekend. The Bucs have been without their starter for over two months and each week, it seems to be the same story. The team expects Seferian-Jenkins to play, lists him as questionable, but yet on gameday, he’s never active. Since his shoulder injury was considered somewhat minor, this has been very frustrating for fantasy owners, and likely for the team as well. At this point, we can’t count on ASJ to suit up again this season and if he does, his role and usage will be difficult to project. Seferian-Jenkins’ dynasty value is beginning to slip due to this missed time.

Ameer Abdullah, RB DET

[inlinead]For the past two weeks, including the Thanksgiving tilt against the Eagles, rookie running back Ameer Abdullah has led the team in rushing. Abdullah has had an up and down first few months of his NFL career but remains the most talented back on the team. The Lions have made changes at offensive coordinator and other leadership positions and those seem to have paid off as the team is showing improvement. Thanks to Abdullah’s age and explosive play, he’s maintained his dynasty value through these struggles.

Tony Romo, QB DAL

The Cowboys were glad to welcome their starting quarterback, Tony Romo, back to the field in Week Eleven and helped them end a seven game losing skid. The good news didn’t last long though as a struggling Romo suffered another collarbone injury on Thanksgiving Day, ending his season. While the injury itself does not seem severe, it adds on to a growing list of issues Romo has dealt with, which has to cast some doubt on his long-term role with the team. Romo’s value takes a hit, but this seems like an ideal time to target the quarterback in a trade as there’s almost no way he won’t be the team’s starter in 2016.

Justin Forsett, RB BAL

The Ravens’ injury woes continued in Week Eleven as their starting running back, veteran Justin Forsett, suffered a broken arm on a hard tackle from Aaron Donald. Forsett was having a solid year, but not quite living up to his breakout year of 2014. At 30 years old, Forsett maybe have played his last game as Baltimore’s starter. Taking his place will be rookie Javorius Allen, the bruising former USC back who has failed to impress in limited opportunities this season. If Allen can play well, he has a chance to be the team’s starter next season.

Eddie Lacy, RB GB

After a rough stretch where many began to write him off, Eddie Lacy seems to have returned to his powerful running of old, immediately boosting his dynasty value back up. Lacy was widely considered the dynasty RB2, so his value is not all the way back, but he’s certainly still among the top ten backs for dynasty leagues. There may even still be a buy low window open for those worried about the struggling Packer offense.

Stedman Bailey, WR STL

Rams’ receiver Stedman Bailey, currently serving a four game league suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy, was the victim of a shooting earlier this week. Bailey suffered gunshot wounds to the head and hip, but is said to be in stable condition. Rams’ coach Jeff Fisher has already suggested Bailey is unlikely to play for the remainder of the season and considering the off field issues he’s dealing with, Bailey’s career is now in doubt. He has no dynasty value at this time.

Johnny Manziel, QB CLE

Just a few days after being named the Browns’ starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, a video was leaked depicting Johnny Manziel partying. According to reports, Manziel lied to the team about the video, leading to him being demoted to third string quarterback. Josh McCown will return to the starting role while Manziel is likely to be a gameday inactive. There’s also growing speculation the team could completely move on from Manziel with plans to release him this off-season. At this point, I’m not confident another team would give Manziel a chance.

Joseph Randle, RB FA

Free agent and former Cowboys’ running back Joseph Randle was arrested following an incident in a Kansas casino. Randle allegedly got into an altercation with police officials, leading to his arrest. Following his release by Dallas and league imposed suspension, Randle had been out of the spotlight. Considering he wasn’t overly impressive when handed the Cowboys’ starting running back job, Randle may never get another shot in the league.

Marshawn Lynch, RB SEA

After much back and forth, Seahawks’ veteran running back Marshawn Lynch underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia, which will keep him out of action for around a month. Lynch has struggled this season and missed multiple games due to injury. There are reports suggesting he could retire following this season, but even if that does not happen, the team may not want him back, partially due to the surprise play of rookie Thomas Rawls, who was dominant in Lynch’s place last week.

Peyton Manning, QB DEN

Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning, who missed last week’s start with a foot injury, will miss at least two more weeks, allowing Brock Osweiler some additional playing time. Osweiler played great last week, well enough to be named AFC Player of the Week, could earn the job on a permanent basis if he keeps up this level of play. Manning, on the other hand, essentially has no dynasty value left and is unlikely to play in 2016.

Joe Flacco, QB BAL

Not only did the Ravens lose Forsett for the remainder of the year, but starting quarterback Joe Flacco as well. In fact, Flacco suffered such a severe knee injury that he is in doubt for the beginning of the 2016 season. Flacco will be replaced by veteran Matt Schaub, who has been terrible in his most recent playing time. The team will have to consider adding a young quarterback during the off-season.

Colin Kaepernick, QB SF

The San Francisco 49ers placed quarterback Colin Kaepernick on the inured reserve list, ending his season. Kaepernick has been a major disappointment this season, just one part of the letdown that is the 49ers offense. San Francisco will be forced to nearly start from scratch this off-season and that includes moving on from Kaepernick for good. Considering some of the quarterbacks who are currently starting around the league, Kaepernick will definitely get another shot and a fresh start.

[ad5]

ryan mcdowell