DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On March 22, 2013

The 2013 fantasy football off-season has begun. 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!

Now that we’ve entered the off-season, the next few months will be filled with rumors. Much of the “news” will be speculation about the futures of individual players. While this can be important, it can also be a challenge to determine the validity of certain reports. I will included many of these reports and share my opinion about how the player’s value might be affected, for better or worse.

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

Brandon Lloyd, WR FA

In a move that surprised nobody, the New England Patriots released wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who despite some impressive statistics had a disappointing season for the Patriots, including some off the field concerns. Lloyd is already 31 and his dynasty value has evaporated. Most are still holding him on their roster with hopes he lands in a nice spot, but he may never be a fantasy starter level player again.

Donnie Avery, WR KC

Free agent wide receiver Donnie Avery signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and has already been named by local beat writers as the favorite to start alongside Dwayne Bowe. Avery was a solid, yet unspectacular option for both the Colts and fantasy owners last season. With his downgrade at quarterback from Andrew Luck to Alex Smith, it’s hard to envision his statistics improving.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB IND

Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was released by the Titans and subsequently signed by the Indianapolis Colts. Hasselbeck will backup Andrew Luck and barring an injury will get little playing time. Hasselbeck has proven during his time as a backup that he can step in and have success. While it was a very smart signing for the Colts, he only has dynasty value in the deepest of leagues.

Tim Tebow, QB NYJ

It has been well known the Jets and backup quarterback Tim Tebow would be parting ways this off-season and he has been on the trade block with no known suitors. Now, there are unsurprising reports that Tebow will be released if the Jets cannot find a trade partner. A season ago, only the Jets and Jaguars were interested in Tebow and the Jags seem to have lost interest, even with the potential affect he could have on ticket sales. Tebow is maintaining a slight bit of dynasty value as he is rostered in many leagues I am involved with or follow, but it might be time for him to consider a position switch if he can find a team willing to take a shot on him.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB TEN

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, recently released by the Buffalo Bills, has signed with the Tennessee Titans to serve as Jake Locker’s backup. Titans coach Mike Munchak has already made it clear that Fitzpatrick will not threaten for Locker’s starting job. Many dynasty owners had already given up on Fitzpatrick as a fantasy option and he had tumbled down rankings. Even though Locker has been somewhat of a disappointment early in his career, Fitzpatrick offers very little upside for dynasty owners. He should only be rostered by Locker owners, and maybe not even in that case.

Devin Hester, WR CHI

Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman revealed this week that Devin Hester would return to an exclusive role as a returner and would not be used as a wide receiver. Hester was given a shot as a pass catcher over the past few years, but mostly because the team was desperate for wide receiver help. Now, they have Brandon Marshall dominating targets and youngster Alshon Jeffery to go along with new tight end Martellus Bennett. Unless you are awarded points for return yardage, Hester belongs on your waiver wire, though he was likely there already with his poor performance at wide receiver.

Drew Stanton, QB ARI

Newly signed quarterback Drew Stanton is reportedly the frontrunner to start for new head coach Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals. Arians has repeatedly praised Stanton every chance he’s gotten and seems content with the quarterback depth chart. The connection between Stanton and Arians is clear as they were both with the Colts last season, so he is familiar with the offensive system the Cardinals will have in place.

Arrelious Benn, WR PHI

Wide receiver Arrelious Benn was traded by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Philadelphia Eagles along with a swap of late round picks. Benn has struggled in his time in Tampa, but at only 24 years old and now with a chance at a fresh start, Benn should be given a shot at playing time. While he would clearly play behind DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, there have been trade rumors about both of those players. The Eagles also wasted no time in extending Benn’s contract an additional year through 2014. Likely to be found on the waiver wire in most leagues, Benn is worth stashing for the next few weeks in case one of the Eagles’ veterans is dealt.

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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.