DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell

rob_gronkowski

The 2013 fantasy football off-season is in full swing and dynasty drafts are in progress. 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 and have completed the NFL Draft, 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 include 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:

Rob Gronkowski, TE NE

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowksi underwent a fourth arm surgery, which was deemed successful. Gronkowski is also scheduled to have back surgery in the next month. The injuries are piling up for the stud tight end, yet he remains a top two option in dynasty leagues – that speaks to the lack of star power in the current crop of NFL tight ends. Gronkowski is an excellent buy low, as it seems some dynasty owners are becoming very worried about his status for the 2013 season.

Mike Glennon, QB TB

There have been reports and rumors for months regarding the lack of confidence the Buccaneers coaching staff has in starting quarterback Josh Freeman and there was another blow this week. Head coach Greg Schiano said again that Freeman would face competition from rookie quarterback Mike Glennon and that he is “not against” Glennon winning the job. Based on all the comments from Schiano throughout the off-season, Glennon is worth stashing in most dynasty leagues.

Mark Harrison, WR NE

Last time, we told you that former Rutgers wide receiver Mark Harrison had failed his physical with the Bears and was released. This week, the Patriots swooped in to sign Harrison. This should not come as a surprise considering the affinity Patriots head coach Bill Belechick has for the Rutgers program. The Patriots have a lot of questions about the wide receiver position, but suddenly have a lot of competition there, signing Danny Amendola and drafting Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, along with Harrison. Harrison is worth a flier in deep leagues, but don’t get your hopes up as he may not even make the opening day roster.

Deonte Thompson, WR BAL

Local beat writers are giving the very early edge in the starting wide receiver competition to Deonte Thompson. Following the trade of Anquan Boldin to San Francisco, the starting spot opposite Torrey Smith is an open competition. Thompson played sparingly in his rookie season last year, but is a big target and possesses plenty of speed. For now, he’s only a option in very deep leagues.

Michael Crabtree, WR SF

49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon during OTA workouts. While the team is refusing to admit Crabtree could miss the entire season, it is highly unlikely that we see Crabtree on the field in 2013. Crabtree has missed just five games in his four year career. Still just 25 years old, Crabtree has plenty of dynasty value. Owners may want to use this as an opportunity to buy low. At the same time, the injury is a big boost to the value of AJ Jenkins and Quinton Patton.

James Casey, TE PHI

Eagles tight end James Casey underwent knee surgery that will keep him out of action until training camp. Casey has been pegged as a sleeper as dynasty owners consider how new coach Chip Kelly might use the former Houston Texan. Casey will also compete with Brent Celek and rookie Zach Ertz for playing time. He has little dynasty value at the moment.

Ramses Barden, WR NYG

The New York Giants have re-signed wide receiver Ramses Barden. After saying that it would be better if he found a new team this off-season, Barden had no interest on the open market. Barden is likely to play a smaller role than he did in past seasons for the Giants. Barden has no dynasty value, even in the deepest leagues.

Pierre Garcon, WR WAS

Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon recently underwent surgery to repair a labrum injury. Garcon has already recovered and should be a full participant in training camp. Garcon missed six games last season, but should be healthy for the start of the 2013 season. Despite his missed time last season and this most recent surgery, Garcon’s dynasty value remains very high.

Robert Meachem, WR SD

Local beat writers out of San Diego have speculated that wide receiver Robert Meachem could be put on the trade block if he has a strong preseason. Meachem was a free agent bust for the team a year ago and he has a salary that will make any trade a long shot. Don’t be surprised if the team cuts ties with Meachem when they have no luck on the trade market.

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ryan mcdowell