DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On November 1, 2013

The 2013 National Football League season is more than halfway over. 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.

Ronnie Hillman, RB DEN

The Broncos backfield was a mystery throughout the off-season as dynasty owners tried to predict which young running back would carry the load. Would it be second year man Ronnie Hillman or rookie Montee Ball? As it’s turned out, the answer was neither. Just like last year when a veteran claimed the starting role, Knowshon Moreno has led the team and will likely continue throughout the season. Last week, the roles became a little more defined as Hillman was benched, reportedly due to his trouble hanging onto the ball. Hillman had fumbled in back-to-back games and head coach John Fox was not going to give him another chance. With Ball and Moreno clearly ahead of him, Hillman’s dynasty value is in the gutter. He’s worth hanging onto in dynasty leagues, but don’t expect much for the remainder of the season.

Calvin Johnson, WR DET

Lions’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson doesn’t show up in this column too often, maybe because dynasty owners take his greatness for granted. If there was any doubt about his status as the best in the game, he reminded us last week. In a huge offensive showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson caught fourteen passes for 329 yards and one score. Johnson’s receiving yards marked the second best single game performance in NFL history and he posted over fifty-two points in PPR leagues. He could have had even more as he was stopped at the one-yard line on multiple occasions. While this fantastic performance has little effect on Johnson’s overall dynasty value, it’s a pleasure to watch an athlete such as him perform. Of course, it makes it even better if he’s on your dynasty team.

Kenny Stills, WR NO

Saints’ rookie wide receiver Kenny Stills had another huge game last week. Though he only had three receptions, they were good enough for 129 yards and two scores. Even though veteran Lance Moore returned to the field and even caught a touchdown of his own, quarterback Drew Brees was able to find Stills on a couple of deep pass plays. With Moore and fellow starter Marques Colston both showing their age this year, it’s very possible Stills is a future starter in one of the top offenses in the league. His dynasty value is quickly on the rise.

Marvin Jones, WR CIN

Though Calvin Johnson had the biggest game of last week, the biggest breakout game belongs to Bengals second year wideout Marvin Jones. Jones caught eight passes for 122 yards and an amazing four touchdowns. Jones had quietly been emerging and separating himself from Mohamed Sanu in the Bengals offense, but this put his name in the forefront of all dynasty owners’ minds. Jones is an emerging talent and over the past three weeks, quarterback Andy Dalton has shown that he can support multiple receiving options. Keep an eye on Jones, but don’t buy high after what could be the best game of his entire career.

Andre Ellington, RB ARZ

Arizona Cardinals starting running back Rashard Mendenhall was ruled out earlier in the week, which means rookie Andre Ellington drew his first career start. Ellington had played well all season with limited opportunities, especially having an impact in the passing game. Ellington carried fifteen times for over 150 yards and a touchdown. While his performance was outstanding, reports already have Mendenhall returning to the starting lineup. Coach Bruce Arians seems determined to limit Ellington’s touches for some reason. As a result of his big game last week and his play throughout his rookie season, Ellington’s value is on the rise, but can still be had at a reasonable price down the stretch of the season.

Mike Williams, WR TB

The Buccaneers placed wide receiver Mike Williams on the injured reserve list after he suffered a torn hamstring. Williams has been an underrated fantasy starter, but has struggled this season amidst the many issues in Tampa Bay. Obviously, this injury hurts Williams’ dynasty value, but he makes a great stash as the team is expected to have a new coaching staff and likely a new quarterback in 2014.

Ryan Broyles, WR DET

Lions’ wide receiver Ryan Broyles suffered a torn Achilles, which will cost him the remainder of the season. This is the third consecutive season Broyles has endured a serious injury, casting huge doubts about any future dynasty value he could possess. Broyles never looked fully healthy this year and we may never see him fully recovered. In his place, Kris Durham becomes locked in as the starter opposite Calvin Johnson. Broyles can be dropped in the majority of dynasty formats, other than very deep leagues or leagues with multiple injured reserve spots.

Zac Stacy, RB STL

The Rams running game has been a very confusing situation all season for dynasty owners. With Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead and even Benny Cunningham getting their chance as the lead running back in the Rams’ offense, the team turned to rookie Zac Stacy and he has performed well. Stacy enjoyed the best game of his young career last week when he gained 134 yards on the ground. His upside is limited by a small role in the passing game and the team’s overall struggles, but his value is on the rise nonetheless. Stacy is a solid second or third running back as we head towards the fantasy playoffs, though I still have my doubts if he’s the long-term answer in St. Louis.

Sidney Rice, WR SEA

Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice suffered a torn ACL in the team’s Monday night matchups against the Rams and was placed on the injured reserve list. Rice has had a long history of injuries, which has decimated his dynasty value. Rice had not played well this year and, like Broyles, can be dropped in nearly all dynasty formats. Jermaine Kearse will have a chance to show what he can do until Percy Harvin returns.

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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.