DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On September 28, 2012

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The 2012 National Football League season is underway. You have to pay close attention to all this to stay on top of your dynasty league. For most of us, we do well to steal some time away from our families and jobs to watch the games on Sunday. It becomes difficult to monitor the daily happenings around the league and even more demanding to process how that news affects your dynasty team.

That’s why we’re here!

Each week there are many news items that are important and helpful in the day to day managing of your fantasy team, yet have little affect on the dynasty value of players. Because of this, I will not be mentioning those here.

Here is a quick look at the events of the past week and how they impact the players on your team:

Jamaal Charles, RB KC

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles exploded in week three for nearly 300 total yards and a touchdown. Charles had dealt with nagging injuries and competition from free agent signee Peyton Hillis. Both of those challenges now seem to be in the rearview mirror for Charles as he looked healthy and Hillis was injured. Charles is in the conversation as a top five dynasty running back. It goes without saying, now is not the best time to inquire about his price.

Ramses Barden, WR NYG

New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden had a breakout game last week, hauling in nine passes for 138 yards against the Carolina Panthers. Barden had been off the fantasy radar, but this strong performance vaulted him into the forefront of dynasty owners’ minds, as he filled in for injured wideout Hakeem Nicks. With Nicks, wide receiver Victor Cruz and tight end Martellus Bennett all demanding targets, it will be difficult for Barden to maintain even close to this level of success. He is certainly worth adding if he is still sitting on your waiver wire after his strong performance over a week ago.

Travaris Cadet, RB NO

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly giving electric undrafted rookie Travaris Cadet practice snaps at wide receiver. Cadet was an impressive playmaker for the team during preseason games, but is buried on the running back depth chart. It is evident the team is looking to find a way to get Cadet on the field. He is unrostered in most dynasty leagues, but is worth monitoring as the Saints look to turn their offense around after a poor start.

Brian Quick, WR STL

St. Louis Rams rookie wide receiver Brian Quick was a healthy inactive in week three. He was bumped off the active squad as wide receiver Austin Pettis returned from his suspension. While many dynasty owners continue to hold high hopes for Quick, this could be a lost season for him. If you have been a believer in his talent, now is the time to make a trade offer for him.

Mikel Leshoure, RB DET

After earning a surprise start in his first career game, Lions running back Mikel Leshoure responded with 134 total yards and a touchdown, while former starter Kevin Smith never touched the ball. After the excellent first game and the team’s apparent commitment to Leshoure as their feature back, his dynasty stock is soaring. In one of my very competitive PPR leagues, Leshoure was dealt for Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant this week. Those are two players with value going in opposite directions.

Beanie Wells, RB ARI

Cardinals running back Beanie Wells aggravated his turf toe injury in week three against the Philadelphia Eagles and had to leave the game. In his place, running back Ryan Williams gained 95 total yards. Wells was eventually placed on injured reserve, but designated to return in mid-season. Now, Williams will get his chance as an every down starting running back. His dynasty value is rising quickly, while the value of Wells continues to plummet.

Greg Little, WR CLE

Cleveland wide receiver Greg Little continues to struggle with dropped passes and now Browns head coach Pat Shurmur admits he is considering benching the athletic wideout. While he remained in the starting lineup in last night’s week four kickoff, Little continued to have issues hauling in routine passes. Little is a player to avoid in dynasty leagues, especially if he can’t even stay on the field for a team lacking playmakers, like the Browns.

Austin Collie, WR IND

Making his season debut in week three, Colts wide receiver Austin Collie suffered a ruptured patella tendon, ending his season. Collie will be entering free agency at the conclusion of the season and is unlikely to have many suitors following his continued troubles stemming from multiple concussions. Don’t be surprised if the Denver Broncos look to reunite Collie with quarterback Peyton Manning as a replacement for veteran wide receiver Brandon Stokley. For now, Collie is not worth holding in your league, unless you have an open injured reserve spot.

Roy Helu, RB WAS

Like the Cardinals Beanie Wells, Redskins running back Roy Helu is dealing with a turf toe injury and has been placed on the injured reserve list. The difference is this ends Helu’s season in disappointment fashion. Helu was a much hyped player throughout the off-season, but was outplayed by rookie Alfred Morris after dealing with injuries. Helu is worth holding on to if at all possible as he’ll get another shot at playing time in 2013. Be on the lookout for him to be dropped in your league, though. If you have the space, scoop him up and stash him for the next few months.

Joe McKnight, RB NYJ

The Jets have decided to move running back Joe McKnight to cornerback as a result of the season ending injury to defensive back Darrelle Revis. While it is possible he still gets touches on the offensive side of the ball, it is a clear statement the team is comfortable with starter Shonn Greene and primary backup Bilal Powell. If you are holding McKnight in a deeper league, feel free to find a new project to add to your team.

Check back next week for another update on the week’s impact events! Follow Ryan McDowell on Twitter @RyanMc23.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.