DLF’s Weekly Impact Events
The 2013 National Football League season is underway. You have to pay close attention to everything 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:
LaMichael James, RB SF
Second year running back LaMichael James is currently dealing with a MCL sprain that will keep him sidelined for the next few weeks. If local beat writers are correct, James should get used to those sidelines as he will reportedly be a gameday scratch, even when he returns. Obviously, veteran Frank Gore will hold down the starting role and Kendall Hunter looks to be all the way back from his injury. James can be dropped in shallow dynasty leagues.
Devon Wylie, WR FA
In somewhat of a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs waived wide receiver Devon Wylie. Wylie was a fourth round pick in 2012 and a sleeper favorite of many, but he failed to produce and was beaten out for a spot by the newly acquired Chad Hall. Wylie can clearly be dropped in all dynasty leagues.
Brandon Jackson, RB FA
Cutdown weekend always brings rapid decisions. Just when it appeared that Brandon Jackson would be the primary backup to starter Trent Richardson, the Cleveland Browns claimed a pair of young runners, Dennis Johnson and Bobby Rainey, followed by the release of Jackson. Jackson will likely garner little interest around the league, but both of the Browns young backups are intriguing and worthy of grabbing in deep dynasty leagues.
Da’Rick Rogers, WR IND
It came as a surprise to many when the Buffalo Bills waived talented rookie Da’Rick Rogers and was then an even bigger surprise when his small rookie contract was not claimed by any other team. Finally, the Indianapolis Colts signed Rogers as a practice squad player. With only TY Hilton looking like a long-term option at the receiver position for the Colts, Rogers has a good opportunity. With his talent, it is clear he only needs to correct his attitude in order to earn a spot on the active roster. Rogers is worthy of stashing in deep leagues and monitoring for all dynasty owners.
Seneca Wallace, QB GB
It’s been a busy few weeks for quarterback Seneca Wallace. First, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers and was expected to compete for the prime backup position. Instead, he failed to beat out Colt McCoy and was released. Wallace was then signed by the Green Bay Packers and appears to be their backup to starter Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have released both Vince Young and BJ Coleman. None of these players have much, if any, dynasty value, but with Rodgers’ concussion history, it is important to monitor Wallace.
Chris Harper, WR SF
When the Seattle Seahawks waived rookie wide receiver Chris Harper, they evidently thought they would be able to stash him on their practice squad. Instead, division rival San Francisco offered Harper a spot on their week one roster and he is now a 49er. Don’t expect Harper to play a major role this season, but the 49ers do reportedly view him as a player who can play multiple positions in their offense. Harper is only worthy of stashing in deep dynasty leagues while we wait for him to develop.
Tyler Wilson, QB OAK
The Oakland Raiders waived rookie quarterback Tyler Wilson, who was beaten out by undrafted rookie Matt McGloin. Wilson, whom the Raiders selected with a fourth round pick, surprisingly passed through waivers unclaimed and was added to the Raiders practice squad. It is still evident that the long-term starter is not on the team. Wilson can be dropped in all dynasty formats.
Andre Brown, RB NYG
We mentioned the leg injury to running back Andre Brown last week, but more details have since been released. Following breaking his leg, Brown has been placed on the injured reserve list, with the designation to return. Brown will not be eligible to play until week ten at the earliest. While this is good news for Giants fans and Brown owners, it is still a big blow to his long-term value, when considering the past injuries he has endured. Meanwhile, starter David Wilson will see a boatload of carries as a three down back. The Giants have been in contact with some free agent running backs, but have yet to sign anyone.
Robert Meachem, WR NO
The New Orleans Saints signed veteran wide receiver Robert Meachem, who was cut earlier by the Chargers. Meachem played for the Saints for the first four years of his career before signing with San Diego. He was a huge bust for the Chargers, catching only fourteen balls during the 2012 season and then being let go, even though his contract was guaranteed. Meachem is obviously familiar with the Saints system, though it is unclear of the role he will play for the team. Youngsters Nick Toon and Kenny Stills have both been impressive this preseason and it would be a surprise to see Meachem ahead of either, consider the Saints’ need to groom some younger options at wide receiver. For now, leave Meachem on your league’s waiver wire and don’t hesitate to add either Toon or Stills should they be dropped.
Benny Cunningham, RB STL
The St. Louis Rams backfield competition has been one of the stories of the off-season. Fantasy experts and dynasty owners have made their choice, be it Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead or even rookie Zac Stacy. While Richardson will start in week one, one of the surprises has been undrafted rookie Benny Cunningham. Cunningham has been a favorite of the metrics-based dynasty players, but he earned his roster spot thanks to his play on the field. He easily outplayed Stacy this pre-season and came from behind to earn a spot on the final 53 man roster. With Pead suspended for week one, it is possible that Cunningham could see snaps in relief of Richardson this week. Cunningham is a great player to stash on deep dynasty teams, even though the situation is murky for the Rams.
Ryan Broyles, WR DET
Detroit Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles generated a lot of buzz from dynasty owners thanks to early off-season positive reports regarding his rehabilitation of his torn ACL. Once training camp began though, the talk died down as it became clear that Broyles was still dealing with the affects of the injury. The second year wideout is currently behind veteran Nate Burleson and undrafted rookie Patrick Edwards on the wide receiver depth chart, though still offers more upside than that pair if he can get healthy. Broyles is a player to target while he continues down the comeback trail.
Daniel Thomas, RB MIA
While Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin continues to insist the competition for the starting running back position is a close one, most dynasty owners seem ready to call his bluff. For most of the off-season, Philbin has praised Thomas, despite past disappointing play, while challenging second year back Lamar Miller. For this week, Miller earned the starting nod, but Philbin claims the two will receive a similar number of snaps. Thomas has shown us over and over that he is not a difference making runner, while Miller has the youth and upside to have a great deal of dynasty value. All of this talk has finally affected Miller’s value and he may now actually be considered a buy low. Grab him while you can and don’t waste the roster spot on Thomas.
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