Fantasy seasons are over, but elite dynasty owners are always paying attention to events happening in the postseason and how they could change the landscape of their dynasty league instead of just mindlessly watching the games. Many players have great opportunities to carve a name out for themselves or solidify their positions on dynasty rosters.
Yesterday, we focused on one player from each team and highlighted the opportunities they had. Let’s rewind a bit and see how they did.
There was little doubt that Alex Smith was going to get a contract extension this offseason. After his incredible performance yesterday, there’s now NO doubt. Owners of Colin Kaepernick will have to wait.
Pierre Thomas had a chance to solidify a role as the lead back for the Saints next year during the playoffs. Unfortunately, he was knocked out on the first drive and couldn’t finish the game. It’s a tale too often told with Thomas and injuries. Mark Ingram’s owners can breathe a little easier.
Demaryius Thomas was solid again for the Broncos, even in a dreadful overall team performance. He’s climbing up the rankings and should be taken as a low-end WR2 with tremendous upside next year.
The Patriots reminded us yet again that they can’t be trusted with running backs. After seemingly taking grasp of the lead back role, Stevan Ridley had just four carries for 21 yards and was benched after losing a fumble. The Pats were led on the ground by Aaron Hernandez. That’s just not funny.
Let’s look at one player from each team who has a lot riding in regards to their dynasty values on Sunday.
Houston Texans
We know what Arian Foster, Ben Tate and Andre Johnson can do. Today’s game is all about TJ Yates. While he’s not really a threat to Matt Schaub’s job, Yates could really solidify himself as a solid quarterback prospect in dynasty leagues with a strong performance. The Ravens can certainly play defense and if Yates can avoid a faceplant, it would go a long way in his further development.
Baltimore Ravens
I have my eyes on Torrey Smith today. Smith has shown flashes of greatness, but also a tendency to disappear for long stretches in games. His long-term value is certainly tied to that of Joe Flacco, but it would be nice to see some solid performances from Smith this postseason to feel comfortable with him being a solid future WR2 on a dynasty team. It starts today.
Green Bay Packers
Where has Jermichael Finley gone? It’s amazing to reflect upon the explosiveness this offense displayed this season and realize that Finley wasn’t a big part of it for most of the season. It’s true that Aaron Rodgers distributes the ball, but nobody could have imagined that Finley would end up being the forgotten guy this season. Many dynasty league rankings had Finley as the top Tight End going into the season. He needs to show up big time to make his owners feel a little better about passing on the likes of Vernon Davis, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Aaron Hernandez, Antonio Gates or Jason Witten.
New York Giants
Victor Cruz was unstoppable this season. Hakeem Nicks was Eli Manning’s main weapon last week. Let’s see who gets the most targets today, shall we?
Enjoy the games today and remember to keep your dynasty eyes open!
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
With all due respect, your comment about nobody seeing the Finley drop off is a little off the mark. Several journalists and even some amateurs addressed it following last year. Check the content and comments in this article from your site …
http://dynastyleaguefootball.com/2011/the-finley-effect
The coaching staff telegraphed it last year.
Yeah, in some respects, they may have. The drops from Finley have been a surprise to me, personally. He started out hot as well and just tailed off at the end.
It would be interesting to see what the Packers say about that at the end of the season if he continues to see a dropoff in targets. Did the coverage dictate them going elsewhere? Was he used as a decoy? Did they lose confidence.
Time will tell, but I’m interested in seeing what happens!
I like Torrey Smith’s skillset as well. I’m just not sure I can invest in Joe Flacco and a run-first offense…
It’s amazing how the Ravens almost fight being that run-first offense at times. It’s almost as if they’re trying to prove Flacco can play. The statistics on their winning percentage when they run are pretty astounding.
I do think their personnel is going to limit Smith from being anywhere close to a WR1 and I see his ceiling as a WR2.
It’s interesting that Wade Phillips decided to shadow Smith with Jonathan Joseph today – may tell us who a defensive guru like Phillips considers the most dangerous aerial weapon in Baltimore.
Nicks… couple of my buddies are owners of Cruz and seem to think he is #1 WR in NYG. Nicks was dealing with a hammy injury most of season. Started getting healthy last 4 weeks.
I have been telling them all along the best thing about Cruz… he keeps double teams off the man with the GIANT hands .. almost 11in long hands I believe from being double teamed.
I bought low on Nicks a month ago.. loving what I see in playoffs. All the tools speed , great hands and legit red zone target.
