10 Burning Questions for Dynasty Leagues
Many of the offseason issues around the league have been resolved. We
know the Patriots are not keeping Matt Cassel AND Tom Brady. We know Brandon
Jacobs is staying in New York without Derrick Ward. We’ve accepted
that LaDainian Tomlinson will likely retire a Charger. We also see that
TJ Houshmandzadeh and Matt Hasselbeck will make the most dynamic H-to-H
QB to WR combination since, well, I don’t know, Stan Humphries to
somebody! All that is history, but there is still much to unfold in the
months to come.
Let’s face it. Dynasty League owners are the professional fantasy
football players. I read blogs and posts all the time from people begging
others to stay away from dynasty leagues because “the rich get richer.”
Well, that’s true if you’re a good owner. I never see anyone
post in those same forums that they hate their dynasty league because
every year they seem to be so good. It’s just the way that it is
– it’s not for amateurs. If you can’t handle it, we
at DLF would invite you to return to the yearly drafts. That may be best
for you. If you want something more advanced, read on.
Dynasty league owners have to be thinking not only of the present, but
of the future at all times. Here are ten league questions that have serious
relevance to dynasty league owners:
Question #1: Will one of the Browns QBs be traded?
There has been much speculation going on in Cleveland regarding the supposed
QB battle between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Eric Mangini has declared
an open competition. While many speculate that’s posturing on the
Browns part in an effort to trade DA, it’s still worth monitoring.
Many also believe Cleveland could be a valuable partner in a 3-way trade
involving the Broncos and Jay Cutler. Can’t you picture a phone
call between Josh McDaniels and Charlie Weis regarding Quinn’s ability?
Dynasty Advice:
If you have one, sell or buy the other. Don’t get stuck.
I can’t remember another time where I would honestly suggest having
all or nothing in regards to a team’s QB. Having Quinn is great,
but if he loses out to Anderson (many are saying the Quinn supporters
in Cleveland are gone), his dynasty value takes a huge hit. Conversely,
having Anderson would be a coup if Quinn gets shipped away or there really
is a fair competition he wins. Thing is, the whole thing is a mess and
I would either want to be protected with both or just out of the whole
thing altogether. It’s way too volatile.
Question #2: Will Plaxico Burress go to jail?
March 31st is the next scheduled court date for the only guy I know who
packs a gun while wearing sweat pants. Rumors are swirling that Plax will
get probation, but it’s way too early to tell. Even if he does,
his behavior doesn’t exactly have the Giants salivating at his return.
The only saving grace for Plax – they were a completely different
team without him.
Dynasty Advice:
If your league has an open waiver system now, I’d go get Steve Smith
(likely not available) and Mario Manningham.
It’s very likely that Plax comes back, but the Giants are high on
both of these players. Super Mario had a tough rookie season, but his
talent and performance at Michigan is still undeniable. He could be a
great waiver wire steal. Who knows, if the cards are dealt right, Smith
and Manningham could both have a big impact next season and beyond.
Question #3: Will Anquan Boldin, Chad Johnson or Braylon Edwards
get traded?
Anquan Boldin has really started to soften his stance on staying in Arizona
and I can imagine the money will come calling soon. With Johnson and Edwards,
I don’t believe either team can afford to lose them, regardless
of how awful their respective seasons were.
Dynasty Advice:
Stand pat.
I wouldn’t hesitate a bit on saying Boldin’s value is relatively
similar wherever he goes. However, Chad Johnson and Braylon Edwards are
both in situations that are way too unpredictable. I’d usually say
buy low on both of those players, but I’m not 100% convinced their
value goes up next season. If you have them, you won’t get anything
near what you paid initially.
Question #4: How will the Jay Cutler debacle shake out?
It seems like every day brings another wrinkle to this saga. I have my
own strong opinions on who may be in the wrong on this, but that’s
not important. What is important is that there are still indications that
he could be on the move.
Dynasty Advice:
Stand pat on Cutler, but pick up Chris Simms if you have an extra spot.
I wouldn’t touch a thing with Jay. Cutler is going to be a solid
QB wherever he plays. I still believe he’ll wind up staying in Denver.
Wouldn’t it be the “Belichick way” to attempt to make
due with a backup QB like Simms, though? I think the chance of the Broncos
moving Cutler and NOT getting back a QB (be it Anderson, Quinn, or whoever)
is remote, but if you have an extra spot, it may be worth using it for
a month or so.
Question #5: Where will the rest of the free agents land?
There are still some pretty good players out there. Torry Holt, Marvin
Harrison, Deuce McAllister and others are certainly past their prime,
but they need to be monitored.
Dynasty Advice:
Wait like a Cobra to strike.
It’s likely way too late to attempt to move Harrison or McAllister.
However, I’d be VERY tempted to attempt to move Holt for something
as soon as he signs with Tennessee or any other team. His perceived value
is still relatively high with some less seasoned coaches. His name alone
may fetch you a young prospect or draft pick. Realistically, his 1,000
yard seasons are over.
Question #6: Will Tom Brady return healthy?
As coy as the Pats are with injuries, the dealing of Cassel blows their
perceived lack of confidence in Brady coming back 100%.
Dynasty Advice:
Move Tom Terrific back up your cheat sheet, but pick up Kevin O’Connell.
Why pick up O’Connell if Brady is coming back, you say? It’s
a dynasty league, my friends. QBs don’t play forever and they’re
always one play away from being back in the infirmary. O’Connell
outplayed Cassel last preseason and they wouldn’t have traded Cassel
if they didn’t have confidence in him. Who knows, he could be the
next Matt Schaub.
Question #7: Which Jets QB will emerge?
How many of you remember the Brett Ratliff to David Clowney preseason
combination last year? I sure do. Kellen Clemens has done nothing to solidify
himself as anything more than a backup.
Dynasty Advice:
Make sure Brett Ratliff is not on the wire.
I fully expect the Jets to take Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, or Matt Stafford
in the draft. However, I would be surprised if Ratliff doesn’t start
at least one regular season game. He has some talent and the Jets see
it.
Question #8: What will happen with Larry Johnson?
LJ isn’t happy with his contract or situation in Kansas City. It
has to be tough to see Willie Roaf, Will Shields and others not making
holes the size of Texas for you anymore, eh? It’s not going to be
a surprise at all if he’s not with the Chiefs anymore.
Dynasty Advice:
Move LJ as fast as possible.
Even if he went to a better team, his days if 350+ carries are over. If
you have an owner who overvalues him, I’d jump on the opportunity
to move him now.
Question #9: Will Michael Vick be suspended further?
His prison term is coming to an end and soon it will be up to Roger Goodell
to decide just how much of an example he wants to make of him.
Dynasty Advice:
Roster him in the deepest of leagues.
I believe his days as a starting QB are likely over, but he still has
athletic ability. I’d never want him for personal reasons, but that
doesn’t mean he’s no better than the 250th or 300th best player
on your rosters, right?
Question #10: Where will the rookies land?
We’ll know for certain the last weekend in April. So, we should
just sit back and wait, right?
Dynasty Advice:
Analyze your team and see if you can either put yourself in position
to protect yourself with a high draft pick, or move any players you believe
are going to be replaced (in particular, RBs). For example, I’d
be very nervous about having Tim Hightower, Jamal Lewis, or even Westbrook
and Tomlinson without having a high draft pick for their future replacements.
That’s how teams get destroyed quickly.
Those are just some of the issues you should be monitoring this offseason.
As always, you should be evaluating your roster as well as your opponents
at this time of year. Staying on top of the NFL news and their impact
on your dynasty roster is essential in building a winning franchise.
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