DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On January 31, 2014

The 2013 fantasy football season is over, but the dynasty season is just beginning. As you prepare for next season, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the news. 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!  Here is a quick look at the events of the past week and how they impact the players on your team.

Joique Bell, RB FA

Free agent running back Joique Bell, coming off the best season of his career, hopes to remain with the Lions and sign a long-term contract with the team this off-season. Bell also stated he believes the Lions’ interest in mutual. Though Bell had a very impressive season with nearly 1,200 yards from scrimmage, he will be turning twenty-eight years old before the 2014 season begins, so there will likely not be a huge market for his services. Expect Bell to have similar dynasty value in the upcoming season as he did in 2013.

Bernard Pierce, RB BAL

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce underwent shoulder surgery this week that will sideline him for up to five months. The surgery is no surprise and should not keep Pierce out of camp, but will not help his dynasty value, which was already hurting due to a down 2013 season. Pierce was being hyped in dynasty circles as many expected a straight committee with Ray Rice. Instead, both backs, along with the Ravens’ offense as a whole, struggled. Pierce should be a great buy low target via trade or draft in dynasty leagues this off-season.

Knowshon Moreno, RB DEN

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported this week that the Denver Broncos are not expected to re-sign impending free agent Knowshon Moreno. Moreno will conclude his best season as a pro in this weekend’s Super Bowl, having already accumulated over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage and found the end zone on thirteen occasions. With his upcoming free agency somewhat of a hot topic all year, it seems that many dynasty owners have been expecting him to leave town and the running back friendly offense led by quarterback Peyton Manning. This move looks like a done deal and would have huge implications. Not only would one of 2013’s top five running backs be on the move, but it creates a huge opportunity for a player like Montee Ball, who could see his dynasty value soar.

Jordan Reed, TE WAS

It seems that the news has been all bad for Redskins tight end Jordan Reed since he suffered a serious concussion in week eleven against the Eagles. Finally though, some good news. New head coach coach Jay Gruden has promoted tight ends coach Sean McVay to the position of offensive coordinator and a report surfaced this week, to the surprise of no one, that McVay loves Reed and his ability. Reed has already put up numbers showing he can be a fantasy TE1, so the only question now is his health status.

Peyton Manning, QB DEN

Facing a vast media contingent this week leading up the Sunday’s Super Bowl, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning said he plans to play in 2014 regardless of the outcome of the team’s matchup against Seattle. As is often the case with an aging star player, there had been some speculation that a Super Bowl win could coax Manning into retirement, but that does not appear to be the case. Manning maintains a high value for dynasty contenders, but is nearly worthless, or even has a negative value, for building teams.

Chris Johnson, RB TEN

It was announced this week that Titans running back Chris Johnson suffered a knee injury way back in week three and recently had surgery to correct this issue. It’s surprising to hear of an injury like this so far after its occurrence, but Johnson’s durability cannot be questioned. Unfortunately, with rumors that the Titans will release him rather than pay his large 2014 contract, the surgery comes at a bad time. He should be healthy by the time free agency begins, but don’t expect much of a market for his services. Would an eventual signing in Oakland surprise anyone?

Danny Amendola, WR NE

Patriots beat writers consider wide receiver Danny Amendola a candidate to be cut this off-season due to his contract combined with his lack of production. Amendola signed a long-term deal a year ago, but again dealt with injuries and was clearly outplayed by Julian Edelman, who will be a free agent this off-season. With Amendola’s continued injury issues, it’s doubtful he gets another big contract offer from another team if he is let go. He’ll have to play a full healthy season to prove himself in the league.

Kyle Rudolph, TE MIN

With the Vikings recent hiring of Norv Turner as offensive coordinator, expectations for tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson are through the roof. Turner was not retained after one season in Cleveland, a season which saw breakout years from both Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon. While we may not see the same statistics from the pair of Vikings, it is safe to expect improvement. Patterson was already a player on the rise, being drafted as WR10 in January mocks, and this could make him virtually unattainable in existing leagues.

Benny Cunningham, RB STL

ESPN’s Rams reporter suggests Benny Cunningham is the favorite to earn the primary backup job behind Zac Stacy in 2014. Cunningham was an unknown last year as running backs Isaiah Pead, Daryl Richardson and draft pick Stacy were all being talked about. Surprisingly, Stacy stole the job and Cunningham began to earn more touches than the pair of disappointing backs. Also, there are rumors that Pead may not even survive the off-season with the team.

Fred Davis, TE FA

Free agent tight end Fred Davis, who has spent his entire career with the Redskins, is rumored to be facing a six game suspension due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. For a player facing free agency and coming off a disappointing season, it’s a crushing blow. Jordan Reed quickly beat out Davis this past season and reports of Davis being late for meetings along with other unprofessional behavior surfaced. It’s difficult to envision any team signing Davis before his suspension ends, meaning he’ll be facing an off-season of working out and preparing for football away from a team’s camp. This is rarely a good option. Davis has no dynasty value, even in deep or tight end premium leagues.

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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.