The Dynasty Aftermath: Week Three

Welcome to DLF’s Dynasty Aftermath. This Tuesday staple has long been one of our signature pieces 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.

There were some great performances and some real duds this week. Regardless of anyone’s personal achievements, the week will be remembered for the debacle that saw the Seahawks “beat” the Packers on Monday Night Football.

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

Week Three Fantasy MVP

He’s back!

After the Chiefs seemingly eased Jamaal Charles back into the lineup after rehabbing all off-season from a torn ACL, they finally took the training wheels off on Sunday against the Saints. Charles responded emphatically with 233 rushing yards and a touchdown on 33 carries and also added 55 yards off six catches. For those of us who were doubting if he’d ever return to his former explosive self, we now have our answer. The Saints are struggling defensively, but that was a fantastic performance from Charles.

While Charles wins the award this week, a special runner-up MVP designation has to go to Ravens receiver Torrey Smith, who recorded six catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns just hours after learning his brother had passed away in a motorcycle accident. Much can and will be said about that effort, but it was simply a terrific performance by what seems to be a terrific kid.

Week Three Fantasy LVP

If you needed just a few points from Philip Rivers to eek out a win this week, you’re likely sick to your stomach this morning. Rivers put up a total dud on Sunday throwing for just 173 yards and two interceptions. To make matters worse, he was seen yelling at pretty much anyone who would listen to him on the sideline. While I won’t dispute Norv Turner probably needs to be yelled at for a variety of reasons, it was still an awful day for Rivers and the Chargers who were wiped out by Atlanta.

Lineup Fun

The virtually unbeatable lineup of the week…

QB Ben Roethlisberger PIT  = 384 passing yards, four touchdowns
RB Jamaal Charles KC  = 288 total yards, six catches, one touchdown
RB Maurice Jones-Drew JAX   = 193 total yards, two catches, one touchdown
RB Andre Brown NYG  = 130 total yards, three catches, two touchdowns
WR AJ Green CIN  = 9 catches, 183 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Torrey Smith BAL   = 6 catches, 127 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Calvin Johnson DET   = 10 catches, 164 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Heath Miller PIT  = 8 catches, 60 receiving yards, two touchdowns

The dominant underdog lineup of the week…

QB Shaun Hill DET  = 172 passing yards, two touchdowns, no INTs
RB Mikel Leshoure DET   = 134 total yards, four catches, one touchdown
RB Jacquizz Rodgers ATL = 67 total yards, five catches, one touchdown
RB Daniel Thomas MIA  = 69 rushing yards, one touchdown
WR TY Hilton IND  = 4 catches, 113 yards, one touchdown
WR Nate Burleson DET  = 10 catches, 69 yards, one touchdown
WR Cecil Shorts JAX  =  1 catch, 80 recieving yards, one touchdown
TE Jared Cook TEN  = 4 catches, 77 receiving yards, one touchdown

The unexpectedly horrible lineup of the week…

QB Philip Rivers SD  = 173  passing yards, two INTs
RB Chris Johnson TEN  = 29 total yards, one catch
RB Stevan Ridley NE  = 37 rushing yards
RB Steven Jackson STL = 34 total yards, two catches
WR Greg Little CLE  = Two catches, 17 yards
WR Demaryius Thomas DEN = Three catches, 34 yards, one lost fumble
WR Vincent Jackson TB  = One catch, 29 yards
TE Rob Gronkowski  = Two catches, 21 yards

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if…

I own Chris Johnson.  We don’t have to go into it.

I completely wrote off Daniel Thomas. He actually played pretty well yesterday after Reggie Bush was injured.

I own Roy Helu or Evan Royster. Look, Alfred Morris has taken over and it needs to be accepted for the time being. It’s quite possible this is going to be a completely wasted season for Helu and Royster.

I’m expecting anything from Tim Tebow any time soon.

I was still holding out hope for Shonn Greene – it’s not going to happen and we’re starting to see the changing of the guard to Bilal Powell, though I don’t think the long-term Jets starter is currently on the roster.

I own Cam Newton. Now, am I seriously worried?  No. However, he obviously has a lot of maturing to do before his teammates are going to truly rally around him. You don’t pretend to fly around the end zone and act like your Superman when you’re down by 26 points in the second half. You also don’t hold a press conference where it seems like your both asleep and on the verge of a serious bout of depression.

I have Jay Cutler as my QB2. The bumping of his offensive lineman is getting overblown, but there may be one comparison I heard over the weekend that really is making sense with Cutler and his up and down behavior combined with elite passing ability – it’s Jeff George. That’s just never good.

I own Josh Freeman. His quarterback rating is actually worse this year and it’s not helping that the Bucs are really playing conservatively right now.

I have Kevin Smith on my roster. After a solid week one, he suddenly finds himself no better than third on the Lions depth chart. Ouch.

I’m still doubting the ability of Christian Ponder. I’ll admit it looks like a lot of us were wrong on Ponder, myself included – he’s been sharp this season.

I’m relying on the tandem of Philip Rivers and Robert Meachem. It’s just not working.

I have Michael Vick as my QB1.  There is absolutely no way he makes it through the year if the Eagles can’t fix their protection problems and he’s been borderline awful even when he has played.

I’m relying on anything productive from Peyton Hillis this season. Jamaal Charles had 33 carries this week and Hillis had three. THREE.

I expect anything productive from Beanie Wells. Has he ever had a two month stretch where everything below his thighs has actually been functioning properly? Ryan Williams has likely taken over and Wells is going to be lucky to see a handful of carries each week.

I’m expecting consistency from Mark Ingram. Let’s face it – if the Saints are behind, he’s completely useless.

I own Knowshon Moreno. He was a healthy scratch this week in favor of Ronnie Hillman. At this point, he needs to be released and signed somewhere else to re-coup any value.

I expect this giant resurgent season for Randy Moss. He may put up some strong games later, but he’s an afterthought at the moment.

I think Greg Little is going to develop into a viable option this season. I’ve never been enamored with Little and his drops are absolutely killing his value.

I own Austin Collie in my dynasty league. He’s now out for the season with a ruptured right patella tendon. That kid just cannot catch a break and having this end his career may not be the worst life choice for him.

….and finally

I’d be worried if I ever doubt the power of the human spirit. Thank you, Torrey Smith, for showing everyone that a person can get up off the mat and inspire others to do the same even under the most horrible of circumstances.

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

Senior Partner - Executive Editor 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

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