DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On November 30, 2012

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The 2012 fantasy football regular season is winding down. 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:

Colin Kaepernick, QB SF

Following back-to-back outstanding performances, Colin Kaepernick is the new starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. The second year passer has amassed 474 yards and four total scores the past two weeks. Even more importantly, Kaepernick has led the 49ers to huge wins over Chicago and New Orleans. Kaepernick’s value is shooting up right now and many are already ranking him among the top twelve dynasty quarterbacks.

Arrelious Benn, WR TB

Tampa Bay placed wide receiver Arrelious Benn on the Injured Reserve list with multiple injuries. He played sparingly this season after failing to live up to expectations and dealing with injuries. He was a sleeper candidate last offseason as the team brought in free agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson to take the attention of the defense, but Benn failed to produce. He is a long shot to regain dynasty value, but a player to monitor considering his talent.

Dez Bryant, WR DAL

After taking criticism for underperforming early in the season, Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant continued his strong play on Thanksgiving, posting his second consecutive 145 receiving yard game, a career high. The past three weeks, Bryant has nearly 400 yards and four scores, cementing himself as a top ten dynasty wide receiver, if not top five. His offseason value should be at an all time high during dynasty start up draft season.

Jalen Parmele, RB JAX

Surprising Jaguars running back Jalen Parmele, who had a breakout game in week 11, suffered a leg injury early in the week 12 matchup. Although he did later return to the game, Parmele reinjured the leg and the Jaguars placed Parmele on Injured Reserve, ending his season and putting running back Rashad Jennings back in the role as starter. The Jaguars running game has been terrible for most of the season and none of these options hold much dynasty value, outside of injured starter Maurice Jones-Drew.

TY Hilton, WR IND

Colts rookie wide receiver TY Hilton continued his strong play of late, catching 3 balls for 33 yards and a touchdown in week 12. He also posted a score on a long punt return. Hilton’s value has been on the rise for weeks and he has become a solid weekly fantasy option.

Jarius Wright, WR MIN

Rookie Jarius Wright again led the Vikings in receiving in week 12, catching seven passes for 49 yards. Wright has seen an increase in playing time with star wide receiver Percy Harvin on the shelf with an ankle injury. The Vikings have little quality depth behind Harvin, so Wright is doing a lot to earn playing time for the remainder of the season and into 2013. If Wright is still on your waiver wire, it’s time to add him and see if he can keep up this production.

Knowshon Moreno, RB DEN

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno started in week 12, in place of the injured Willis McGahee, and surprisingly collected over 100 total yards against the Chiefs. The 85 rushing yards was the most for Moreno since week 13 of 2010. The Broncos have been unwilling to use Moreno for most of the season, so his start and production came as a huge shock to fantasy owners. As the fantasy playoffs begin soon, any running back getting consistent carries has fantasy value. Moreno is due a big raise in 2013, so he could wind up being released if the Broncos don’t like what they see these final weeks of the season.

Mohamed Sanu, WR CIN

Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu continued his hot streak in week 12 as he caught five passes for 29 yards and two touchdowns, including a one handed over the shoulder catch in the end zone. With wide receivers Andrew Hawkins and Marvin Jones missing time due to injuries, Sanu is taking advantage and his dynasty value is on the rise.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB PIT

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their revolving door at the running back position in week 12 as Rashard Mendenhall entered as the starter, but struggled. He only managed six yards on four carries and lost a fumble. Following the game, the team announced that Mendenhall had been demoted to third string behind Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman. This could signal the end of Mendenhall’s tenure with the Steelers, as he enters free agency following the season. Mendenhall is a great buy low target as he could sign with a new team and is still only 25 years old. Meanwhile, the Steelers seem to lack confidence in their running game. The future of the position may not currently be on the roster.

Andre Brown, RB NYG

Giants running back Andre Brown suffered a broken left fibula, ending his breakout season. Brown has always struggled with injuries, but has played a big role for the Giants running game this season with starter Ahmad Bradshaw dealing with injuries and rookie David Wilson struggling to adapt to the NFL game. Brown has shown enough to maintain some dynasty value, even with the serious injury. If you have an IR spot, Brown can be stashed there. If not, it might be a tough decision as roster spots become very valuable as the playoffs approach. Expect the Giants to give Wilson another shot and a chance to increase his dynasty value.

Beanie Wells, RB ARZ

Cardinals running back Beanie Wells returned to action in week 12 and played well, rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns. Wells dynasty value had hit a low point this season as he struggled and then landed on the injured reserve list. It will take more games like last week for dynasty owners to trust him again.

Terrelle Pryor, QB OAK

Raiders head coach Dennis Allen is reportedly considering giving quarterback Terrelle Pryor some playing time in the last few games of the season. The Raiders have already been eliminated from playoff contention and can begin looking toward 2013. Starter Carson Palmer has posted impressive passing and fantasy statistics as the team routinely falls behind their opponent, but his future with the team is uncertain. I don’t expect Pryor to have much success, but if you have a spare roster spot, he could be worth stashing for the final six weeks of the season.

Bryce Brown, RB PHI

Along with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the other player who has seen his value skyrocket recently is Eagles rookie running back Bryce Brown, who started the week 12 game in place of LeSean McCoy. Brown gained nearly 200 total yards and scored two touchdowns against the Panthers. While Brown was very impressive, now is not the time to acquire him, even for McCoy owners. With the Eagles’ season all but over, it is conceivable that they rest McCoy and continue to use Brown as an every down back.

Kendall Hunter, RB SF

49ers running back Kendall Hunter suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the remainder of the season, as San Francisco placed him on the injured reserve list. Hunter is likely to miss much of the offseason workouts and potentially portions of training camp. Rookie LaMichael James is expected to see an increased role in the running game. Both James and Hunter make good buy candidates this offseason.

Cedric Benson, RB GB

The Packers announced that running back Cedric Benson will miss the remainder of the season with his Lisfranc foot injury. There had been hopes that Benson would return near the end of the season, but after undergoing surgery this week, his season is over. The Packer running game has struggled all year, only scoring two rushing touchdowns on the season. Considering how long it took Benson to find work this season, added to the severe injury, he can be safely dropped in all dynasty leagues.

Michael Vick, QB PHI

According to local reports out of Philadelphia, Michael Vick’s concussion symptoms are getting worse. It’s terrible news for Vick and means we are not likely to see Vick take a snap for the Eagles ever again. Due a huge $15.5 million salary in 2013, Vick is likely to be a cap casualty. Rookie Nick Foles continues to struggle and it is widely assumed the coaching staff will be replaced. The Eagles entire organization is in rough shape. Vick’s dynasty value rests on where he might land if he is released. It is difficult to imagine any team handing him a starting job.

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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.