DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On February 28, 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.

Marshawn Lynch, RB SEA

Seattle Seahawks starting running back Marshawn Lynch pled guilty to a lesser charge related to his DUI arrest in 2012. Since Lynch has had multiple run ins with the law, there has been some concern that he could be facing a suspension, but with the plea arrangement, it seems that will be avoided. Lynch should continue to be the focal point of the Seattle offense, but with wide receiver Percy Harvin returning and Christine Michael having a year under his belt, expect a more balanced offense.

Ryan Williams, RB ARZ

Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim had some positive things to say about backup running back Ryan Williams this week, at least as positive as it gets for a player who has battled injuries and struggles throughout his short NFL career. There had been some speculation that the team would go ahead and part ways with for the former second round pick, but it seems that will not be the case. The team drafted two backs last season, with Andre Ellington enjoying a breakout rookie season, but could still use an upgrade at the position. Veteran starter Rashard Mendenhall struggled and is now said to be considering retirement. Williams has been left for dead on most dynasty waiver wires, but could be worth stashing for one more off-season.

Sidney Rice, WR FA

The Seattle Seahawks released veteran wide receiver Sidney Rice, who missed much of the season with a torn ACL. With young wide receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse stepping up and performing during the team’s Super Bowl run, this was an easy decision for Seattle. It’s also a money saving decision that could help the team re-sign wide receiver Golden Tate or defensive end Michael Bennett. With his injuries piling up, Rice may have difficulty finding another job in the NFL. He has little to no dynasty value.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE FA

Much of the news from the NFL Combine has already been thoroughly covered by our own Andy Miley, but I did want to review the news surrounding former Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who sat out all of the drills at the combine due to a broken bone in his foot. This is bad news for a player who had already fallen behind fellow rookies Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro after a disappointing junior season. There was also a report that this injury would cost Seferian-Jenkins his pro day as well. He could end up being a value on draft day if he’s unable to work out for teams beforehand.

James Jones, WR FA

A report from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel this week says that veteran free agent wide receiver James Jones won’t be back with the Packers. This had been the prevailing assumption for the past year, but it seems this is closer to being official. The Packers still have some nice depth at the position with stars Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, in addition to Jarrett Boykin, who had a nice season in 2013. Expect those to be the top three pass catchers for the team, who will likely lose tight end Jermichael Finley, along with Jones. Jones has been somewhat forgotten in the talented Packers’ offense, but could be a value for some NFL team, along with many dynasty teams.

Steve Smith, WR CAR

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera made some comments this week that make it sound like veteran wide receiver Steve Smith may not be in the team’s plans much longer. Considering that Smith has been the team’s only real threat at the receiver position for years, it’s a curious comment to make. The Panthers off-season will certainly include adding some receiving threats for quarterback Cam Newton. At age thirty-five, Smith could opt for retirement rather than looking for a new team, if he were to be released by the Panthers.

Riley Cooper, WR PHI

The Philadelphia Eagles have re-signed veteran wide receiver Riley Cooper to a five year contract paying him a total of $25 million. It’s a great turnaround for the veteran who had his best season in 2013 following some off-the-field trouble he brought upon himself. There were many calls for his job, but the team had no choice but to keep him when they lost Jeremy Maclin for the season. Cooper does not have a lot of dynasty value despite his breakout season. In the Eagles pass happy offense, it’s safe to predict another season just like last year.

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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.