DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On June 14, 2013

willis_mcgahee

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:

Willis McGahee, RB FA

The Denver Broncos released veteran running back Willis McGahee this week, leaving the team with rookie Montee Ball, second year man Ronnie Hillman and Knowshon Moreno left to fill out the depth chart. Ball is expected to be the team’s starter at running back. McGahee has already stated he plans to play in 2013 and there are a lengthy list of teams that could use a veteran backup running back. Cleveland would be a great landing spot for the veteran.

Tarvaris Jackson, QB SEA

The Buffalo Bills released quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who then wasted little time by returning to one of his former teams, the Seattle Seahawks. Jackson signed a one-year contract to compete for the backup job. He could have an advantage over Brady Quinn considering Jackson is similar to starter Russell Wilson. Barring a Wilson injury, neither Jackson nor Quinn have any dynasty value.

Tim Tebow, QB NE

Quarterback Tim Tebow signed a two-year deal with the New England Patriots this week. The deal contains no guaranteed money, so Tebow will have to earn his roster spot during training camp. The team did confirm they signed the former Jet and Bronco as a quarterback. He obviously has no affect on starter Tom Brady and it is hard to see him beating out the talented Ryan Mallett as the primary backup. Tebow may not even make the team’s final roster and has little to no dynasty value.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB IND

The Indianapolis Colts signed former Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw to a one year, $1.1 million deal. After an off-season of doubt and another foot surgery, Bradshaw lands in a perfect situation. He’ll play alongside (and likely in front of) second year running back Vick Ballard. Ballard was solid as a rookie starter for the Colts, but lacked the big play ability the Bradshaw possesses when healthy. Their dynasty value does just what you would expect. Bradshaw gets a slight bump, while Ballard takes a solid hit. Don’t overreact on either player. Bradshaw is likely just a one year options for the team, while Ballard could still have a big role as Bradshaw nurses his foot injury.

Devery Henderson, WR WAS

Former Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson signed with the Washington Redskins, who also signed Donte’ Stallworth. The team seems to have a firm pecking order at the wide receiver position, led by Pierre Garcon. Following Garcon are Josh Morgan, Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss and Aldrick Robinson. Morgan and Hankerson have both been disappointing players and neither Henderson nor Stallworth are the answer. Despite some name depth, there is little dynasty value outside of Garcon found on the receiving depth chart of the Redskins.

Danny Woodhead, RB SD

Running back Danny Woodhead, formerly of the New England Patriots, is expected to play the majority of third down snaps for the team this season – this means the team no longer views presumed starter Ryan Mathews as an every down back. Woodhead is an excellent sleeper in all formats this year and could end up starting some games, considering Mathews’ recent injury history.

Santonio Holmes, WR NYJ

Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes has yet to begin running after undergoing foot surgery eight months ago. The Jets offense is in shambles and everyone involved with the team is fighting for a job, yet Holmes looks like he may not be ready for training camp, or possibly even the beginning of the regular season. Holmes has been a solid value late in dynasty drafts, but could turn into a waste of a roster spot if he can’t get back to action soon.

Jonathan Stewart, RB CAR

Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart reportedly could miss the beginning of training camp following off-season surgery on both ankles. Stewart dynasty owners are still holding out hope that the team will part ways with veteran back DeAngelo Williams, but that won’t happen as long as Stewart is on the mend. This is a situation to avoid altogether.

Mike Kafka, QB JAX

After his release from the New England Patriots, the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed quarterback Mike Kafka. Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell quickly claimed Kafka had a chance to earn the starting job. This statement says more about the current crop of quarterbacks employed by the Jaguars, which includes Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne and Matt Scott. None of the four are the long-term answer for Jacksonville and none have any dynasty value, either. Expect the Jaguars to use the early pick they earn in 2013 on a new starting quarterback.

Rueben Randle, WR NYG

One hot name among dynasty owners as of late is second year wide receiver Rueben Randle of the Giants. Randle has drawn praise from offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride who claims Randle will play a lot this year. It sounds like Randle has a lock on the third wide receiver job for New York and dynasty owners are already looking ahead to 2014 when one, or both, starting wide receivers could be gone. Both Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks are currently seeking new long-term contracts and it seems doubtful both will be with the team beyond the 2013 season.

We’ve mentioned this already, but now is the time to buy Randle.

Robert Meachem, WR SD

According to reports out of San Diego, Chargers wide receiver Robert Meachem, who was a top free agent signee just a season ago, is not faring any better this off-season. Meachem was described as “buried” on the wide receiver depth chart, behind teammates Danario Alexander, Vincent Brown and Malcom Floyd. The team also drafted rookie Keenan Allen, and it would be no surprise if he too overtook Meachem in training camp. Meachem has no dynasty value.

Stephen Hill, WR NYJ

One local beat writer for the New York Jets pegged second year wide receiver Stephen Hill as a minicamp dud, along with fellow wide receiver Jeremy Kerley. It’s a major concern for the Jets as these two, along with injured Santonio Holmes, are expected to be the team’s top three wide receivers. It will surprise no one if the Jets end the season as one of the worst teams, and it could be largely due to their lack of talent on offense. Dynasty owners should also be concerned about Hill, who has suffered a minor injury and struggled with drops during OTAs. He struggled at times last season, but was given somewhat of a redshirt year coming from the unconventional Georgia Tech offense. Dynasty owners have high expectations from Hill in his second season and he is off to a bad start.

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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.