DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On September 27, 2013

joique_bell_wide

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.

Joique Bell, RB DET

Taking over for the injured Reggie Bush, Lions running back Joique Bell gave his fantasy owners another fantastic day, totaling 132 yards and a touchdown. Bell’s impressive play early on this season has relegated former starter Mikel Leshoure to the bench and allowed the Lions to give Bush a week off to nurse his injured knee. Though Bush is likely to play this week, expect to see a significant role for Bell as his dynasty value continues to grow.

Brian Hoyer, QB CLE

The Cleveland Browns started Brian Hoyer at quarterback for the injured Brandon Weeden, but there were reports prior to the game that Hoyer could claim the full time job with a solid performance. Hoyer was even better than that as he threw for over 300 yards and three scores, with all touchdowns going to tight end Jordan Cameron. Hoyer relied on his best young playmakers in Cameron and newly reinstated wide receiver Josh Gordon. As a twenty-seven year old journeyman quarterback, there is little long-term value in Hoyer, but he seems to have won the job for the remainder of the season, fully eliminating any dynasty value once held by Weeden.

Johnathan Franklin, RB GB

With rookie starter Eddie Lacy still out of action due to a concussion, veteran James Starks got the start for the Packers, but was forced out of action himself with a knee injury. The Packers then turned to another rookie, Johnathan Franklin from UCLA. It was the first action of the season for Franklin, who had struggled in training camp and preseason action. He did not disappoint this time, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown on just thirteen carries. Franklin’s dynasty value was in the gutter and he was already appearing to be a bust, but this one game gives a major boost to his value and the Packers’ running game bears watching as Lacy is expected back following the team’s week four bye.

Kenny Britt, WR TEN

In the Titans’ week three game against the San Diego Chargers, wide receiver Kenny Britt was held without a catch, continuing a terrible three game stretch to open the season for the former first round pick. Britt is in a contract year and most expect him to find a new home this off-season, if not sooner. As expected, when combining his poor play with his injury history and off-the-field trouble, Britt’s dynasty value is falling through the floor. Based on the comments of offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, rookie Justin Hunter is expected to take over for Britt. If you believe in Britt’s talent, now is the time to buy with the expectation a new team will be a good thing for Britt.

Josh Gordon, WR CLE

Not only was the Browns’ week three matchup with the Vikings the season debut for second year wide receiver Josh Gordon, it was also his breakout game, as he had career highs in targets, receptions and receiving yards. On top of Gordon’s return from a two game suspension, his name has also surfaced in trade rumors. The Browns, of course, dealt running back Trent Richardson last week, then over the weekend, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns are willing to deal both Gordon and fellow wide receiver Greg Little. With a better quarterback and a more established offense, Gordon’s value could go through the roof with a possible trade. Based on the off-season hype and the results of his first game back, Gordon could be considered a top ten dynasty wide receiver.

Christine Michael, RB SEA

Rookie running back Christine Michael made his season debut in the Seahawks rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Michael racked up 37 yards on nine carries, playing as the lead back once starter Marshawn Lynch exited the game. Michael is a perfect stash in dynasty leagues, though his price remains fairly high, based on the off-season hype. If the Michael owner in your league is the impatient type, do what you can to get him on your team.

Heath Miller, TE PIT

Steelers tight end Heath Miller returned to action this week, catching three passes for 35 yards. At his age and with the recent knee injury that cost him all of the pre-season along with the Steelers’ first two games, Miller does not have a lot of dynasty value, but he could still be a great short term option for contending teams. Surprisingly, he still seems to be available in many leagues and it should not take long before he reestablishes himself as the favorite target of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Nate Burleson, WR DET

Lions’ wide receiver Nate Burleson suffered a broken arm as result of a car accident earlier this week. Burleson hopes to be back by November, but it’s a big blow to the Lions’ offense. Burleson was on pace for career highs in both receptions and receiving yardage. Expect Ryan Broyles to take his spot and see plenty of targets as the Lions second option in the passing game. The team desperately needs another reliable pass catcher, which was true even before Burleson’s accident. Don’t be surprised to hear continued rumors of the Lions acquiring a wide receiver. Burleson is a player with only short-term value, so he can be dropped at this time.

Josh Freeman, QB TB

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they’ve benched struggling quarterback Josh Freeman in favor of rookie Mike Glennon. The writing was on the wall for months, as soon as the team chose not to extend Freeman’s deal and followed that up by selecting Glennon in the third round of the 2013 draft. It is very likely Freeman has played his last down for the Buccaneers and he will be a free agent this upcoming off-season. It would be surprising if any team handed him the starting job, but he should be able to find a team willing to allow him to compete for the lead role. Glennon, meanwhile, should be rostered in all dynasty formats. He has a big arm and two top targets in Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson.

Follow @RyanMc23 on Twitter

Author
Recent Posts

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.