DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On November 14, 2015

welker

With only a few weeks left in the fantasy football regular season and injuries continuing to mount up across the league, now is the time to make a push for a playoff spot, or a better draft pick in 2016. Regardless of your current position, never stop working to better your team. Here’s the news to know for this week.

Josh Robinson, RB IND

Rookie running back Robinson struggled so much earlier in the season that the Colts were forced to re-sign veteran Ahmad Bradshaw to backup starter Frank Gore. Robinson has been a non-factor since the addition of Bradshaw and was waived by the team this week. He was later re-signed to the team’s practice squad, but failing to maintain his spot on the active roster is not a good sign for his long-term prospects. He’s still worth stashing in deeper leagues as neither Bradshaw not Gore will be in Indy much longer.

Wes Welker, WR STL

In somewhat of a surprise move, the St. Louis Rams signed veteran slot receiver Welker, formerly of the Broncos and Patriots. He hadn’t drawn much interest since his tenure in Denver ended following the 2014 season, but with the four game suspension of wide receiver Stedman Bailey, the Rams scooped him up. I don’t expect Welker to make much of an impact in the weak Rams’ pass offense, but he might be worth grabbing off the waiver wire for the final few weeks of the season.

Zac Stacy, RB NYJ

[inlinead] Jets’ backup running back Stacy suffered a broken ankle in the team’s week ten matchup on Thursday night, ending his season. He had very little dynasty value, playing a backup role to starter Chris Ivory, but was the next man up on the crowded depth chart. With this news, he can be released to the waiver wire in all dynasty formats. With Stacy going down, former Patriot Stevan Ridley could see increased playing time.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB PIT

In week nine, Steelers’ quarterback Roethlisberger suffered another injury that will keep him out of action for at least one week. He went down with a lower leg injury and there was an instant fear of a Lisfranc injury, or even worse. Fortunately, Big Ben and the Steelers seemed to have dodged another bullet and there is a chance the quarterback could return following the team’s week 11 bye. In the meantime, Landry Jones will start in Roethlisberger’s place.

James Starks, RB GB

While Eddie Lacy continues to struggle and battle nagging injuries, veteran James Starks is playing some of the best football of his career. This has earned him the Packers’ starting running back job, and his dynasty value is at an all-time high. The way dynasty owners should handle Starks seems very simple. If you’re a contender, hang onto him and continue to start him, depending on Lacy’s status. If you’ve given up on making the playoffs this year, now is the time to sell Starks to the highest bidder. I still consider it very likely Lacy reclaims the starting role sooner or later.

Jay Ajayi, RB MIA

Rookie running back Ajayi made his long overdue debut in week nine and quickly turned heads. He only carried the ball five times, but totaled 41 yards and has already earned more touches going forward, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Ajayi’s value is on the rise after that performance, while there is some potential for him to hurt the production and value of starter Lamar Miller.

Dion Lewis, RB NE

One of the top stories of the NFL and fantasy football season has been Patriots’ running back Dion Lewis, who has become a viable fantasy asset and quickly climbed the dynasty ranks. Unfortunately, Lewis’ season ended in week nine as he suffered a torn ACL. His value clearly takes a hit, but he proved enough to have a role going forward in 2016, meaning he should still be a solid trade target going forward. Second year back James White is expected to get the first shot at Lewis’ role as his value gets a boost.

Andrew Luck, QB IND

A surprise news report hit the wire Tuesday afternoon as it was announce Colts’ quarterback Luck had suffered a lacerated kidney in the team’s week nine win over the Broncos, which will keep him out of action for up to six weeks. That timetable means his fantasy football season is essentially over. Luck and the Colts’ entire offense has struggled this season, and injuries could be at the root of the issue. Even with his disappointing performance and this injury, he has maintained his value with many other young quarterbacks also playing poorly. If you find the Luck owner is discounting him at all due to this injury, he should be the top trade target in the game.

Jeremy Langford, RB CHI

Taking over for an injured Matt Forte, rookie running back Langford put up a huge performance against the Chargers in week nine. He totaled over 140 yards and also scored a touchdown against the weak San Diego run defense. With Forte expected to be out of action another week or two, Langford should see more action as the every down back. Over the past week, he is likely the one player who has gained the most dynasty value. I don’t expect him to overtake Forte as the starter, but he should have the chance to prove he’s next in line.

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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.