DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Karl Safchick

kaep

It seems as if this time of year is littered with injury news. It may be more advantageous to have your favorite players not end up in an article about dynasty news. While some players are sitting out, others who were expected to be sidelined, are participating. I guarantee it won’t be all bad news this week.

Colin Kaepernick, QB SF

News: The San Francisco 49ers came to an agreement with Kaepernick on Wednesday. The deal is reported to be for six years and worth $126 million. What was initially thought to be the biggest contract ever signed by a quarterback, is actually quite team friendly. The 49ers can opt out of the deal at any time for any reason other than injury. The signing bonus ($12.3M) is relatively cheap also.

Analysis: Kaepernick has benefited from an amazing surrounding cast over his first few years in the league. The 49ers offensive line is one of the best in the game, Vernon Davis is one of the league’s best pass catching tight ends and Michael Crabtree has been the best wide receiver in that division north of Arizona. Normally a deal this large is a great indicator of how much commitment the team is willing to give a young signal caller, but with the team being able to opt out at any point, I’m not sure what to make of it. Currently, Kaepernick has no more, or less, value than he did on Tuesday.

Daryl Washington, LB ARI

News: Washington has been suspended for the entire 2014 campaign for violating the leauges substance abuse policy. The Arizona Cardinals are reported to be extremely upset and may pursue legal action to retrieve parts of Washington’s bonus money.

Analysis: Another player considered to be a fantasy football superstar is gone for the year. This is the game we play, folks. When considering factors like height, weight, injury history and ability, we need to now consider the likelihood our players will indeed conform to NFL policy. Washington should be considered a “hold” as you will likely not get the value you deserve in trading him.

The biggest beneficiary of this suspension is Kevin Minter. Minter only played one snap in 2013, but was learning behind Washington and IDP superstar Karlos Dansby. The Cardinals are already using Minter as a starter in practice and he is reportedly calling all of the plays in the defensive huddle. If you’re looking for other potential replacements, check out the DLF IDP rankings.

Julio Jones, WR ATL

[inlinead]News: While Jones is not participating in Falcons OTA’s, he has been with the team running routes and cutting on the sideline. It has been reported that Jones should be a full go by traning camp.

Analysis: While Jones is undoubtedly one of the best wide receivers in the NFL today, there is reason to be cautious when considering his value. Our Dynasty Doctor, Scott Peak, did some great analysis on Jones last year in which he quoted how likely Jones’ foot is to be injured a third time. Outside of Calvin Johnson, every player in the league has reasons to be cautious and I’m keeping Jones in my top five dynasty assets.

Marqise Lee, WR JAX

News: Both second round rookie wide receivers for the Jaguars are missing OTA’s. Lee has an ankle injury and has been seen with a walking boot. He is considered to be day-to-day and may not miss significant time. Allen Robinson has a hamstring injury and will miss a few weeks.

Analysis: Remember folks, dynasty fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. These two youngsters are missing time, and it shouldn’t be considered a good thing, but these injuries are not considered significant in any way. If we were playing redraft, you could move them down your boards a bit. In the long haul of an NFL career, this isn’t enough to move the needle.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB IND

News: Colts team doctors have cleared Bradshaw to participate in OTA’s following his offseason neck surgery. The team has not yet put Bradshaw through contact drills, but likely will in training camp.

Analysis: The starting running back job is likely on lockdown by Trent Richardson, but even he underwhelmed in limited duty last year. The Colts want to run the ball to set up the play action, and even if we are considering Richardson to be a lock for starter carries, there is middling talent behind him. Vick Ballard could be in the mix for possible carries, but Bradshaw is a name to keep an eye on in training camp. If he can beat out Ballard, he may even be able to make his case for eight-to-ten touches a game.

Lamar Miller, RB MIA

News: Despite the Miami Dolphins signing free agent Knowshon Moreno this off-season, Miller has been spotted taking first team reps in OTA’s. Coach Joe Philbin has publicly displayed displeasure over Moreno’s conditioning. Philbin has also stated how he appreciates Millers skillset, saying “(Miller) can do all three things you want a running back to do.” Presumably Philbin means Miller can run, catch and block.

Analysis: I find Miller and Moreno to be in a virtual tie for the chance at starter carries in Miami. While Miller is younger, Moreno is proven. Both hold value in dynasty leagues as they can both be acquired for fairly cheap. This is a true training camp battle to monitor as I don’t believe Daniel Thomas will factor into the starter’s role.

Geno Smith, QB NYJ

News: Earlier this week, fellow Jets quarterback Michael Vick stated the Jets are not in a quarterback competition and the job would be Smith’s.

Analysis: I’ve been on record as saying I’m a fan of Smith. He can be had for pennies in many dynasty leagues. Late last year, Smith showed he has the ability to be a serviceable starting quarterback. With upgrades at the skill position in Eric Decker and Jace Amaro, Smith is in for a possible breakout season in 2014.

I mentioned it earlier, but I will again. Dynasty is a marathon, not a sprint. Players suffer minor injuries frequently, even during the offseason. While most dynasty owners know this already, many panic. Use that to your advantage. Contact the Lee or Robinson owner in your league. Make the injuries sound bad. See if you can acquire elite talent on the cheap. These are the days teams are made into dynasties.

Follow me on Twitter: @KarlSafchick

[ad5]