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.
Quinton Patton, WR SF
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Quinton Patton suffered a fractured foot in last week’s Thursday night matchup with the Rams. It is unclear if Patton will land on the injured reserve list, but he will clearly be out of action for some time. Though he had earned a starting role, Patton has been almost invisible through the season’s first four games, totaling one reception for no yards. The team is desperate for depth at the wide receiver position, so don’t be surprised if they keep Patton on the active roster as he recovers. For now, Patton is near worthless in shallow leagues though he makes an excellent stash in deeper dynasty leagues.
Alshon Jeffery, WR CHI
Second year wide receiver Alshon Jeffery enjoyed his best day as a Bear in week four, hauling in five catches for over one hundred yards and a touchdown. This was the first time Jeffery had eclipsed the one hundred yard plateau and in the up tempo offense of head coach Marc Trestman, expect these numbers to be more common for Jeffery. With quarterback Jay Cutler spreading the ball around more this season, Jeffery should have more and more targets, unlike last year when star wideout Brandon Marshall dominated the entire passing game.
Robert Woods, WR BUF
Bills rookie wide receiver Robert Woods enjoyed a pair of nice games in week four and five, catching nine balls for 124 yards and a touchdown over the two game span. Woods nearly had a second touchdown in week four, but stepped out of bounds and the play was reversed. Woods seemed to be forming a nice bond with fellow rookie EJ Manuel and has played more snaps than Stevie Johnson for three consecutive weeks, partially due to Johnson’s back injury on Thursday night. Woods’ value is on the rise and should be targeted by all dynasty owners, if it’s not too late.
Jake Locker, QB TEN
Titans quarterback Jake Locker suffered a hip injury that will keep him out of action for up to six weeks. It’s a huge blow to the Titans and Locker, who was playing the best ball of his career in leading the Titans to three wins in their first four games. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over for the next few weeks, but has no dynasty value. Despite the injury, Locker’s value should continue to rise based on his impressive early season play. It could be a savvy move to use this period of rehabilitation to acquire Locker.
Mychal Rivera, TE OAK
The Raiders rookie tight end enjoyed his best game in his young career, catching two balls for 44 yards and a score. Rivera has had at least two catches in all four games this season. He is not worthy of consideration as a fantasy starter, but should be rostered in deep dynasty leagues, as he has beaten out fellow rookie Nick Kasa for the pass-catching tight end role. David Ausberry, who was expected to be the team’s starter, has been placed on the injured reserve list and will miss the remainder of the season.
Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ
Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has opted for surgery to repair his torn right labrum and will be out of action somewhere between four and six months. This effectively ends Sanchez’ Jets career. While Sanchez has no dynasty value, it will be interesting to see which team, if any, takes a chance of the former Trojan. Not only has Sanchez struggled mightily throughout his career, but he’ll now be coming off this serious injury.
Da’Rel Scott, RB NYG
In a surprising move, the Giants waived running back Da’Rel Scott. While Scott had not been overwhelming anyone with his ability, he was the team’s second leading rusher and thanks to the struggles of David Wilson, had received plenty of carries. Wilson enjoyed his best game of the season in week four, so this is a sign the team is ready to commit to the young back as their workhorse. The Giants kept Michael Cox and veteran Brandon Jacobs over Scott, who has no dynasty value and can be dropped in all dynasty leagues.
Matt Flynn, QB OAK
Following a disappointing performance in week four, the Raiders have demoted quarterback Matt Flynn to be their third quarterback, behind starter Terrelle Pryor and undrafted rookie Matt McGloin. It puts a nail in the coffin of Flynn’s dynasty value, who never really deserved the perceived dynasty value or the contracts he’s been given. Flynn is a backup level player and to fall behind an inexperienced player like McGloin is obviously a bad sign. Flynn can be dropped in all formats.
Josh Freeman, QB FA
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released former starting quarterback Josh Freeman amid much controversy. The team had attempted to trade Freeman following his benching last week in favor of rookie Mike Glennon, but was obviously unsuccessful due to his guaranteed contract, among other reasons. Freeman is now free to sign with any other team and will likely be scooped up for the remainder of the season. As more information comes out, it is becoming evident that most of the troubles arising from this situation can be attributed to head coach Greg Schiano. Freeman’s dynasty value was fading fast and this release actually gives him a chance to regain some value. He should still be rostered in most dynasty leagues as we wait to see where he lands. No matter which team signs him, it will be a better situation for Freeman and his future.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB IND
Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw has seen a specialist to get a second opinion regarding his neck injury. There is a chance Bradshaw will need surgery, which would end his season. Though that has yet to be determined, it is safe to assume that he will be out of action for some time. The Colts will continue to lean on Trent Richardson, who has struggled during his brief time with the team following the trade that sent him out of Cleveland two weeks ago. Adding this neck injury to the recurring foot injuries Bradshaw has dealt with and this could signal the end of his career.
Zach Sudfeld, TE NYJ
The New England Patriots surprisingly released rookie tight end Zach Sudfeld. Despite his cult like status as a preseason fan favorite, Sudfeld barely played once the season started. With Rob Gronkowski nearing his return and the team taking a chance on Austin Collie, they needed a spot and chose to let Sudfeld walk. The Jets wasted no time in claiming the rookie from their division rival. With Kellen Winslow and Jeff Cumberland, the Jets have little long term upside, so there’s a chance Sudfeld could carve out a role in New York. For now, he can be held in deep dynasty leagues, but is a safe drop otherwise.
EJ Manuel, QB BUF
In Thursday night’s action, Bills rookie quarterback EJ Manuel suffered a knee injury, labeled as a LCL sprain. Manuel is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks. The rookie signal caller has been inconsistent as the Bills leader, which should be expected. He still has plenty of long-term upside and this injury really does nothing to his long-term value. If you can use this as a chance to buy low on him, take advantage of that.
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