DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell

emmanuel_sanders

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 players on your team:

Emmanuel Sanders, WR PIT

The New England Patriots have signed restricted free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to a one-year offer sheet – this means the Steelers have until Monday to match the offer. If they refuse, Sanders will help fill the void at wide receiver for the Patriots, while the Steelers would receive a third round pick and some salary cap relief. A move to New England seems promising for Sanders’ dynasty value, though he would only be the fourth option in the passing game, behind tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, along with another new wide receiver Danny Amendola. Each of those three, along with Sanders, have lengthy injury histories. The Pats are almost certain to add a wide receiver through the draft regardless of the outcome with Sanders.

Mike Goodson, RB NYJ

ESPN considers free agent signee Mike Goodson as the favorite to start at running back for the New York Jets after they allowed former starter Shonn Greene to leave town for Tennessee. Even though he is in line to start in 2013, Goodson carries very little value in dynasty leagues, especially with the draft looming. The Jets’ offense was a disaster in 2012 and they have not improved any offensive skill position.

Rob Gronkowski, TE NE

One of the big stories of the week was the revelation that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowksi is still experiencing complications from his broken left forearm, specifically an infection. Our own Dr. Scott Peak had a great explanation of the injury, so I will focus on how this setback affects Gronkowski’s value. The top tier of three tight ends is still firmly intact, although it would be no surprise if Saints tight end Jimmy Graham overtook Gronkowski as the top valued dynasty tight end. As Tim Stafford mentioned on this week’s DLF Podcast, it is not the time to sell Gronkowski. If someone is willing to sell him cheaply, take advantage.

David Nelson, WR CLE

The Cleveland Browns signed free agent wide receiver David Nelson, formerly of the Buffalo Bills. Nelson missed much of the 2012 season after tearing his ACL. Nelson could see action in the slot for Cleveland; though it’s hard to see their passing offense producing more than one viable fantasy pass catcher, and young wide receiver Josh Gordon is the leading candidate for that position.

Brady Quinn, QB SEA

The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Brady Quinn to compete for the backup position behind young starter Russell Wilson. Quinn has disappointed with every opportunity he’s been given, so the Seahawks may not be satisfied handing him the backup job. He has no dynasty value and should be on the waiver wire, even in the deepest of fantasy leagues.

Julian Edelman, WR NE

While they are waiting for the Steelers’ decision, the Patriots wasted no time and re-signed their own free agent, Julian Edelman to a one-year deal. Edelman earned more playing time early last season, but then battled injuries, eventually falling behind veteran Wes Welker. Edelman is another Patriots pass catcher with a recent injury history, though he has also shown he can be an admirable fill-in when given the opportunity. He is worth a roster spot in dynasty leagues, but only offers depth at the wide receiver position unless he earns a starting spot for New England.

Rashad Jennings, RB OAK

Free agent running back Rashad Jennings signed with the Oakland Raiders. A year ago, Jaguars starter Maurice Jones-Drew was holding out and Jennings was enjoying more fantasy buzz than he truly deserved. Once Jones-Drew returned, Jennings was relegated to backup duty, and even then had to deal with injuries and disappointing play. Jennings is not a sure bet to win the backup job behind starter Darren McFadden, but if he does, he has value. Even Marcel Reece showed us last year the importance of rostering McFadden’s understudy.

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