DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On October 17, 2015

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We’re set for another important week of fantasy matchups and we’ve got you covered with the latest news and views from a dynasty perspective.

Johnny Manziel, QB CLE

After admirably filling in for veteran starter Josh McCown earlier in the season, things had been quiet for second year quarterback Johnny Manziel. That ended earlier this week when the former Heisman winner was pulled over following a domestic issue involving his girlfriend. While this does not seem to be a major issue and no charges were filed, it is another mark on Manziel’s off the field list and could be viewed as another sign of immaturity on Manziel’s part. If McCown continues to play as he has the past three weeks, we won’t be seeing much of Johnny Football this season.

Tyrod Taylor, QB BUF

It looks as if the breakout season of quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be interrupted by an MCL injury. After essentially ruling him out for this weekend’s game, the Bills now consider Taylor to be questionable. Whether he plays this week against the Bengals or not has little affect on his long-term value, but if he is dealing with a more serious, multi-week injury, his dynasty value would take a hit.

Karlos Williams, RB BUF

Bills’ rookie running back Karlos Williams will miss another week with the concussion that kept him out of action in Week Five. Pairing this with the early return of veteran LeSean McCoy and the dynasty value of Williams is fading quickly, after looking strong just a couple weeks ago. I like Williams’ talent even considering this injury, so if his price has dropped back to the preseason going rate, I’d be a buyer, but in general, this is a situation I’m avoiding altogether.

Devonta Freeman, RB ATL

[inlinead]The Falcons’ second year running back Devonta Freeman is just not letting up. Freeman totaled 156 yards and two scores in the team’s Thursday night loss to division rival New Orleans. While the loss was a disappointment for the Falcons, the stat line Freeman posted in a game that wasn’t all that close has to be even more encouragement for his owners. With a near historic pace of almost 150 fantasy points in the past four games, Freeman has to be considered among the top fantasy backs in football.

Sammy Watkins, WR BUF

This week, Bills’ wide receiver Sammy Watkins shared his disappointment with his limited role in the offense, basically blaming his quarterback for his lack of looks in the passing game. Watkins has been one of the biggest disappointments for fantasy owners through the first few weeks of the season. Part of that is due to injuries, but even when he’s been on the field, Watkins hasn’t looked like a difference maker.

Christine Michael, RB DAL

There has been a great deal of conversation this week centering around running back Christine Michael of the Cowboys. Even after acquiring Michael, the Cowboys have sparingly used him through the first five games, but some comments from the Dallas coaching staff have led many to expect an increase in touches for Michael once the Cowboys return from their bye week, specifically, running backs coach Gary Brown has said its time to “take the reins off.” It’s seems like we’ve heard this song before, but maybe this is the chance Michael has been waiting for. Personally, I’ve given up the idea that Michael could become a major fantasy factor, so “selling high” sometime over the next week would be something I’d consider.

DeSean Jackson, WR WAS

Just when it looked like Redskins’ receiver DeSean Jackson was set to return to action, he was forced to exit practice early after he re-injured his hamstring. There have been few updates since concerning Jackson’s status, but he’s losing dynasty value quickly, especially with the surprisingly effective play of rookie Jamison Crowder.

Lamar Miller, RB MIA

Coming off of a bye week and now with a new head coach, we get to see how the offense of the Miami Dolphins might look different. The player expected to feel the biggest impact is running back Miller, who was being used sparingly under former head coach Joe Philbin. He had only 14 combined carries in the past two games prior to the firing of Philbin. Miller’s dynasty value has taken a hit as a result, but all he needs is a couple of big games to back in the good graces of dynasty players.

Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB BAL

Second year running back Lorenzo Taliaferro of the Baltimore Ravens was placed on the injured reserve list this week due to a foot injury. This is especially important news to dynasty owners who had been hanging onto rookie Buck Allen, who is now the Ravens’ primary backup behind starter Justin Forsett. Taliaferro can be dropped in most dynasty leagues, while Allen suddenly has some juice, especially in the short-term, considering Forsett’s status for Week Six is in some doubt.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB IND

After weeks of rumors and assumptions, veteran Ahmad Bradshaw signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, the team he played for a year ago before suffering a season-ending injury. The Colts felt good about their running back depth prior to the season, but veteran starter Frank Gore has just been average and rookie Josh Robinson has been a let down. It’s the latter that likely forced the Colts to make this move and Bradshaw could take advantage of the opportunity immediately. With his age and injury history, he has almost no long-term value, but should still be owned in all dynasty leagues. Look for him to claim the Colts’ passing down role and maybe more.

Jamaal Charles, RB KC

The biggest news of the week came from the Week Five Chiefs game against the Bears when veteran running back Jamaal Charles suffered a torn ACL, ending his season prematurely. Charles’ value obviously takes a major hit as he likely falls out of the top ten running backs. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will turn to some combination of young back Charcandrick West and Knile Davis. Davis is obviously the more well known player, but it appears as if West will be the next man in line to take the majority of backfield touches. West was the hot name in all dynasty leagues this week as owners hit the waiver wire and spent big to get him on their team.

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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.