The Dynasty Aftermath: Week Ten
Welcome to DLF’s Dynasty Aftermath. This staple article is our longest running signature piece as we have a little fun after a tough week at the Dynasty League Football office. You’ll find this article will review the week’s happenings in a variety of ways and help set you up for the coming weeks as we spin around the league in the way we know best.
When I was 21 years old, I went to Las Vegas for my birthday (thanks for looking me up again, Jeff Miller) and was subsequently mugged on the Las Vegas strip. To make a long story short, I had been out way too late celebrating and things didn’t end well. Thing is, when we were jumped and my friend was thrown to the ground, a funny thing happened. Immediately I felt as if I somehow had mystical kung-fu powers. I had never been in a fight before and when you’ve never been in a scrap, you really don’t know how you’d fare. In the end, I threw about 20 punches and landed less than two, making Ronda Rousey’s fight against Holly Holm look like a pretty even battle. I found out the hard way that I have no future in drunken street fighting. I blame one thing – The Karate Kid.
You see, I grew up in the 80s and as a kid growing up in the country, I had my fair share of chores. I really figured all the lawn mowing, car washing and firewood stacking would add up to some kind of roundhouse kicking skills, but alas, I was sorely mistaken. I think Mr. Miyagi just had a bunch of stuff he needed done around the house and found a willing victim. Still, The Karate Kid remains one of my favorite movies and today we’ll pay tribute today
As a side note, why didn’t they just stop at The Karate Kid, Part II? The series jumped the shark after that. After all, you can’t fight to the death against Chozen over a girl you met that weekend, then finish up going back to the All Valley Karate Championship fighting for three points. C’mon, producers, Daniel LaRusso fought to the death and now you’ll just bringing him back to California to fight for three points? Plus, the girl he fought for just up and dumps him to pursue dance classes in Okinawa? He fought to the DEATH for you and Bryan Adams sang a ballad for you on top of it. Seriously!?! If I was Daniel, I’d think twice about another weekend fling. Oh, and another thing. I totally tried that hand rubbing Mr. Miyagi trick on my black eye in Las Vegas and was very disappointed in the lack of healing results.
Anyway, on to this week in fantasy football. Expect some references.
Week Ten Fantasy MVP
This week’s award has to go Jeremy Langford of the Chicago Bears. A week after his coming out party on Monday Night Football, Langford torched a tough St. Louis Rams defense for 73 rushing yards, seven catches, 109 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the road. Yes, a big chunk of his yardage came on one long touchdown play, but Langford has quickly shown Chicago he could just be the heir apparent to Matt Forte they’ve been searching for the past few seasons. It’s way too early to start anointing him the Bears starter in 2016, but he’s looking like a steal in 2015 rookie drafts at the moment. There were a few late round gems this year (Stefon Diggs is another), but Langford could be the best.
Week Ten Fantasy LVP
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I have been (and always will be) a huge Peyton Manning fan. He’s done more for the game than most who have ever played it and been a true ambassador for the NFL. He’s going to be remembered for gaudy statistics, playoff failures and now, quite possibly, a quick and painful deterioration. Manning just can’t physically make the plays he needs to in order to be successful and the wheels really fell off the cart this week as he posted just 35 passing yards and threw four interceptions against Kansas City, thus providing anyone who started him negative points in most leagues. Manning now has nine touchdown passes and 17 interceptions on the year, which would be more than enough to get anyone without “Manning” sewn on their jersey a quick trip to the bench for the rest of the year. It’s now being reported he has a torn plantar fascia and could miss time beyond this week. Denver will never say it, but it’s probably a relief. I could have totally seen Gary Kubiak talking to an opposing coach and whispering, “Sweep the leg.”
Lineup Fun
The Unbeatable Lineup of the Week
“Cobra Kai. Cobra Kai. Cobra Kai.”
QB Aaron Rodgers GB = 333 passing yards, two touchdowns
RB Jeremy Langford CHI = 73 rushing yards, seven catches, 109 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Adrian Peterson MIN = 203 rushing yards, two catches, 13 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Lamar Miller MIA = 43 rushing yards, six catches, 50 receiving yards, one touchdown=
WR Antonio Brown PIT = 10 catches, 139 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Michael Floyd ARI = Seven catches, 113 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Brandin Cooks NO = Five catches, 98 receiving yards, 11 rushing yards, two touchdowns
TE Rob Gronkowski NE = Five catches, 113 receiving yards, one touchdown
The Underdog Lineup of the Week
“What? Daniel LaRusso’s gonna fight!?!”
QB Kirk Cousins WAS = 324 passing yards, four touchdowns
RB Charcandrick West KC = 69 rushing yards, three catches, 92 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Matt Jones WAS = 56 rushing yards, three catches, 131 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Andre Ellington ARI = 61 rushing yards, three catches, 27 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Doug Baldwin SEA = Seven catches, 134 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Dwayne Harris NYG = Six catches, 82 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Jamison Crowder WAS = Four catches, 60 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Zach Miller CHI = Five catches, 107 receiving yards, two touchdowns
The Disappointing Lineup of the Week
“Karate Kid, Part Three”
QB Peyton Manning DEN = 35 passing yards, four interceptions
RB Isaiah Crowell CLE = -5 rushing yards, one catch, four receiving yards
RB Brandon Bolden NE = One catch, -3 receiving yards
RB Jeremy Hill CIN = 15 rushing yards, one catches, three catches, five receiving yards
WR Pierre Garcon WAS = Two catches, ten receiving yards
WR Tavon Austin STL = 18 rushing yards, two catches catches, five receiving yards
WR Sammy Watkins BUF = Three catches, 14 receiving yards
TE Kyle Rudolph MIN = One catch, seven receiving yards
Gut Checks
I’d be worried if I was still holding out hope for now free agent Christine Michael.
I’d be worried if I thought Hakeem Nicks would suddenly re-emerge.
I’d be worried if I owned Nick Foles. I’ll admit I get a LOT of things wrong in fantasy football (and in this column), but I’ve never been a believer in Foles.
I’d be worried if I was relying on any Texans player outside of DeAndre Hopkins.
I’d be worried if I was Ralph Macchio and this was one of the first images you’d find of me when you search Google for The Karate Kid. It looks like they went to Sears after the filming.
I’d be worried if I was still hanging on to Josh McCown. He shouldn’t see the field again unless Johnny Manziel gets hurt. If you’re Cleveland, you’ve either found your quarterback of the future or you’re going to tank the rest of the season. Either way, you’re a winner.
I’d be worried if I owned Peyton Manning. I don’t need to elaborate.
I’d be worried if I tried to wear one of those Cobra Kai skeleton costumes on Halloween. No, it doesn’t look good on you.
I’d be worried if I thought I had the New England running game figured out. Ever.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t trying to trade Jordan Reed before the ceiling collapses.
I’d be worried if I was worrying about Aaron Rodgers.
I’d be worried if I had Justin Hunter. The injury just clouds his already murky future.
I’d be worried if I ever underestimated how good Ben Roethlisberger is for everyone playing with him.
I’d be worried if I didn’t think Tony Romo was going to finally ignite the Cowboys offense and all their skill players. If you’re not a contender, move Darren McFadden now.
I’d be worried if I owned Darren McFadden, wasn’t a contender and you’ll still reading this column instead of trying to move him.
I’d be worried if I tried to break through ice with my hand. Nope, doesn’t work.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t noticing how productive Dwayne Harris has been.
I’d be worried if I owned Julius Thomas. It may be next year until this thing clicks.
I’d be worried if I was expecting anything from CJ Spiller.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t thinking of really exploring moving Martavis Bryant while the iron is hot. Remember, he’s one incident away from a nice little suspension.
A Look Ahead to Hot Names on the Waiver Wire
Remember, we focus on the lesser names here who we haven’t mentioned much this season. Frankly, you’re too smart for us to mention. Be sure to pay close attention because we tend to be ahead of the curve.
1.) Danny Amendola, WR NE
I would expect Amendola would be on rosters, but just in case.
2.) Case Keenum, QB STL
I always believe any starting quarterback should be on a roster in most leagues and Keenum suddenly qualifies.
3.) Wes Welker, WR STL
I hope he stays healthy. If he does, it won’t take the Rams long to start utilizing him.
4.) Tre McBride, WR TEN
This is sneaky pickup, but I really like McBride’s raw talent. With the Titans receivers going down like crazy, he could get a look here soon.
5.) Rod Smith, RB DAL
With the Christine Michael era in Dallas ending less ceremoniously than the Emmitt Smith one, Smith could be in line for a few carries.
6.) Keshawn Martin, WR NE
The Patriots really like him and when healthy he could slide into the slot role left by Julian Edelman if New England wants to shake things up with Amendola moving outside.
7.) Rashad Greene, WR JAX
It just looks like Marqise Lee is a bust.
8.) Brock Osweiler, QB DEN
I really don’t believe he’s the future in Denver. Perhaps it’s because I’ve always honestly found him to be creepy. Still, he’s a starting quarterback on a team with an elite defense.
Brandon LaFell, Derek Carrier, Lance Moore, Albert Wilson, Dion Lewis, James Jones, Travis Benjamin, Darren Fells, Rishard Matthews, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Josh McCown, Antonio Andrews, Michael Vick, Thomas Rawls, Stefon Diggs, Roy Helu, Andre Williams, Chris Thompson, Charcandrick West, Jamison Crowder, Robert Turbin, Tim Wright, Knile Davis, Zach Zenner, Chris Givens, Robert Woods, Orleans Darkwa, DeAngelo Williams, Kendall Gaskins, Bennie Fowler, Kenbrell Thompkins, Glenn Winston, Shaun Draughn.
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Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
