I’m a list guy. I make “to do” lists, follow “honey do” lists, and will take time to read a top ten list of almost anything. This series of articles will bring you a top five ranking about a myriad of topics in the world of dynasty football.
This year, maybe more than any other, presents dynasty owners with a large number of players who have value this week. They have value next week. Do they have value come week seventeen though? When the off-season is fully underway and we are looking for players to stash on our roster, will these players who have made an impact in the latter half of the season still have dynasty value?
In a famous Seinfeld episode, Elaine was faced with some important decisions about who she found “worthy.” Dynasty owners must do the same thing. We often overlook the value of roster spots, especially in the off-season, so making these decisions early could make a big difference.
Let’s take a look at a few of the players we’ll have to make some tough decisions about and if they are roster worthy.
Ted Ginn, WR CAR
After being drafted in the top ten by the Miami Dolphins back in 2007, Ginn was viewed as a major bust. After three subpar seasons in South Beach, Ginn moved on and bounced around before landing in Carolina in 2013 when he scored a career high five receiving touchdowns. After one year out of Carolina, Ginn is back this season and enjoying his best year as a pro. Ginn is currently the WR28 in PPR leagues and has a solid bond with quarterback Cam Newton. I expect Ginn’s numbers to drop in 2016 with Kelvin Benjamin back, but Ginn could prove to be a quality fantasy WR3 or flex option. Entering the off-season, I’m hanging onto Ginn.
Roster Worthy? Yes [inlinead]
Kamar Aiken, WR BAL
In his fourth year in the league, Aiken is establishing himself as a quality NFL wideout. He was already on his way to besting his career receiving totals when the Ravens’ top receiver, veteran Steve Smith suffered a season ending injury. Since that time, Aiken has been the top option in the Baltimore passing game. Since week ten, the Ravens first without Smith, Aiken is the WR17. With Smith set to retire, pending a change of heart, Aiken should again be an important part of the Baltimore offense. At just 26 years old, he has plenty of time left to become a solid fantasy receiver.
Roster Worthy? Yes
Shaun Draughn, RB SF
The San Francisco 49ers have had a tough year, especially on offense. They benched starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick and have been without star running back Carlos Hyde for much of the season. After cycling through their backups, the Niners eventually signed former Browns’ back Draughn. Over the past month, Draughn has played well, scoring just outside the RB1 range at RB13. Much of Draughn’s scoring has come as a receiver, boosting his PPR value. With the terrible season in San Francisco, there is a chance of an overhaul on the coaching staff and with Hyde expected to be back at full strength in 2016, there is little room for a 28-year-old journeyman. Even if Draughn can stick as the passing down back, I’m not sure that offense can support two fantasy relevant backs.
Roster Worthy? No
Spencer Ware, RB KC
Like the 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs have faced some adversity at the running back position in 2015. First, star runner Jamaal Charles, the team’s best player, went down with an ACL tear. Next up was little known runner Charcandrick West, who played surprisingly well. Later, West also got hurt and was replaced by Ware, the big back from LSU. Ware has been in the league for a couple of years, but had only gained ten yards from scrimmage in his career entering this season. While Ware is just 24 years old, West seems to be the better fit for the Chiefs’ offense. Clearly, Charles will be the man again in 2016, so it is doubtful that both West and Ware will play a significant role for the Kansas City offense.
Roster Worthy? No
Ben Watson, TE NO
This might seem like an easy decision. After all, Watson, the Saints’ veteran tight end, is already 36 years old and may not even play in 2016. With just three weeks left in the season though, Watson is the TE8 in PPR leagues and is on pace to set new career highs in receptions and receiving yards. The Saints still have youngster Josh Hill, though Watson has easily outplayed him this season. With so much volatility at the tight end position, it’s difficult to hang onto Watson for the entire off-season.
Roster Worthy? No
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Nice choices for this article as I am sure the owners of these players were thinking the same thing, Worthy. Just wanted your opinion on James jones? He has played surprisingly well in GB this year with Jordy out. But does he even make this team next year is the question. Thought?
Jones is an interesting one and could’ve easily made this list. I’m going to try to keep him, but I primarily play in leagues with 25+ roster spots. If you have less than that, its probably safe to let him go.
Agree – nice article and good timing. I’m certainly dropping Draughn, but how do you feel about CJ Anderson? In my shallow league he’s on the border. Any chance of a resurgence in 2016? I seriously can’t believe he from dominant in 2014 to JAG in 2015. Maybe he’ll be better with Manning out or is he just a poor fit for Kubiak’s “scheme”.
I think Anderson is definitely worth hanging onto, but it always depends on the number of roster spots. I wouldn’t be surprised if we continue to see a mix of Anderson and Hillman in 2016, limiting the value of each.
great read, but you didn’t address a few of my players i’m struggling with. i think roddy white is a drop over the off season, but what about K. Britt (he’s still has his youth), and C Gillmore (i own Maxx)
Thanks! Yeah, I think you can dump White for sure. I’ve seen Britt on the wire in leagues with 26 roster spots and no one is rushing to grab him. I kind of like Gillmore if you have 25+ roster spots.
I’d rank those 3 Britt, Gillmore, Roddy
Got a 16 team 25 player roster league…would you keep Khiry Robinson or Josh Huff. I am well cover at WR and RB they would just purely be prospects. I was thinking Khiry just because he could possibly be out of New Orleans soon.
great series. keep them going.
12 team, 22 roster flex ppt league
how about stills, ellington, Stevie Johnson, Osweiler and McKinnon?
McKinnon would be the most obvious keep to me, he’s a potential starter next year with great athleticism and has shown well the past 2 seasons in limited touches. Ellington would be next even though I think he’s only a David Johnson handcuff next year but there’s value in that since he has talent and it’s a high scoring offense. After that I’d probably go Stevie for decent depth and then pick em from Stills/Osweiler – don’t expect either to be FF relevant.
McKinnon a potential starter next year? From the info I have found he is under contract until 2017. Are you saying if Peterson retires or if McKinnon is traded ect…or would the value be in 2 years?
I can see people thinking West is a “better fit” to replace Charles but Ware has looked far superior running the ball IMO and isn’t a dud in the passing game. West is a slightly better receiver but nowhere near the runner. As you said though, you’re basically projecting the handcuff anyway because neither is close to Charles.
