DLF’s Weekly Impact Events
The 2012 National Football League season is in full swing. You have to pay close attention to everything in order 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:
Felix Jones, RB DAL
Coming in for the injured starter DeMarco Murray, Cowboys running back Felix Jones looked great and gained 92 yards on 18 carries, also catching a thirteen yard touchdown. With Murray expected to miss at least one week, Jones will have the opportunity to earn more playing time going forward this season. Jones’ value takes a small step forward and he has a great matchup in week seven against the Carolina Panthers.
Johnny White, RB GB
The Buffalo Bills waived young running back Johnny White. He has less than 100 career rushing yards, but was quickly claimed by the Green Bay Packers, who lost both starting running back Cedric Benson and reserve Brandon Saine recently. White is a long shot to earn any playing time for the Packers, but it is always a good idea to monitor young running backs.
Aaron Hernandez, TE NE
There were mixed reports regarding the playing status of Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez heading into week six. Not only did he play, but Hernandez played nearly 40% of New England’s offensive snaps, hauling in six passes for 30 yards and a score. He seems to be all the way back from the nasty looking ankle injury and can be re-inserted into starting lineups with confidence. Hernandez did not really lose any dynasty value during his missed time and he remains an elite dynasty option.
Pierre Garcon, WR WAS
Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon was a late scratch for the team’s week six matchup against the Vikings and now there are reports he is unsure of when he might return. Garcon started week one with what is still the longest receiving touchdown of the season, but was injured soon after and has not been the same since. There are now rumors that Garcon will not return until after the Redskins’ week ten bye.
Chris Givens, WR STL
We told you to expect Rams wide receiver Chris Givens to see increased playing time with the injury to top wideout Danny Amendola and that is just what’s happening. Givens is becoming a deep threat for the Rams as he has caught a 50+ yard pass in three consecutive games. In week six, he caught three passes for 85 yards. His stock is on the way up, but it’s not too late to make a play to buy him in your league.
Josh Gordon, WR CLE
Browns rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon is another player who is taking advantage of his opportunity of increased playing time. Gordon has now scored touchdowns in consecutive games and nearly broke 100 receiving yards against the Bengals in week six. His owners likely spent a high supplemental draft pick (or snagged him off the waiver wire for free), so I doubt anyone is willing to sell now that he is producing. With the Browns lacking big play weapons on offense, Gordon should continue to see increased targets and a growing role for Cleveland.
Kevin Kolb, QB ARI
Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb suffered a rib injury in the team’s week six game against the Buffalo Bills that will sideline him for up to six weeks. With former starter John Skelton now healthy, he will take over the starting job. Although the team had been winning, Kolb was largely ineffective and can now be dropped in most dynasty formats. Skelton on the other hand is worth adding if he is on the waiver wire. He played poorly in relief action in week six, but with him under center, we can expect more targets for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Jahvid Best, RB DET
Likely the biggest news of the week revolves around a player who has not stepped foot on an NFL field in over a year. The Lions announced this week that running back Jahvid Best would not be cleared for playing action this season. A decision regarding his long-term future likely will not be made for a while, but don’t be surprised if Best never plays again. In dynasty leagues, he can be dropped unless there is an open injured reserve spot to fill. Second year runner Mikel Leshoure will continue to hold down starting duties and Kevin Smith’s roster spot is safe for now.
Nick Foles, QB PHI
The Philadelphia Eagles have struggled early on this year and starting quarterback Michael Vick has had trouble with turnovers. Vick is due over $15 million in 2013 and if things don’t turn around, he will not be with the team this time next year. Rumors are already swirling that rookie backup Nick Foles will see increased practice time and possibly unseat Vick as the starting quarterback. Foles was outstanding in preseason action, and while that often does not translate to regular season, Foles may get his shot if Andy Ried determines Vick will be let go this off-season.
Danario Alexander, WR SD
The San Diego Chargers signed wide receiver Danario Alexander, formerly of the St. Louis Rams. Alexander has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career but will provide quarterback Philip Rivers with what he has been wanting – a big athletic wide receiver. Alexander has a high upside, but even a greater amount of risk, due to his health worries. He is more than likely on your league’s waiver wire and should remain there unless you are in a league with deep rosters of 26 or more.
Check back next week for another update on the week’s impact events! Follow Ryan McDowell on Twitter @RyanMc23.
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