DLF’s Weekly Impact Events
We’re early in the season and every fantasy team is still in contention, but things move fast in the NFL. Here’s what you need to know for week three of the 2016 season.
Adrian Peterson, RB MIN
In what ended up being the headline of a horrendous Week Two, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suffered a torn meniscus that will cost him the remainder of the 2016 season. At age 31 and due a whopping $18 million in 2017, the knee injury may not only his season, but also his entire Minnesota career. This greatly affects Peterson’s dynasty value as he was already considered a short-term asset. Peterson is barely worth a roster spot in leagues that don’t have an injured reserve spot.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE FA
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins after he was arrested early Friday and charged with driving under the influence. Seferian-Jenkins had multiple issues throughout the off-season, including a blowup that resulted in him being removed from a team practice. The Bucs had clearly had enough. The talented tight end showed lots of promise during his time in Tampa, but didn’t prove worthy of the headaches. I suggest dynasty owners make a similar decision.
Jonathan Stewart, RB CAR
Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart aggravated a hamstring injury early in last week’s game and was forced to exit the game. Stewart was replaced by veteran Fozzy Whitaker and despite his success, rushing for 100 yards, second-year back Cameron Artis-Payne will draw the start this week. It’s a huge opportunity for Artis-Payne, who struggled in limited action a season ago. He’s worthy of a roster spot in most dynasty formats just in case he shows some improvement.
Cody Kessler, QB CLE
After losing their second quarterback in two weeks, thanks to Josh McCown’s shoulder injury, the Cleveland Browns will turn to Cody Kessler for the foreseeable future. Kessler, the former USC quarterback, was not expected to see any action this season and even the Browns coaching staff recently said he was not nearly ready to play. Now, with injuries to McCown and Robert Griffin III, the team has no choice. The outlook is not great for Kessler, but I am still willing to stash him in most league formats, just in case he’s the answer to the Browns 20 year drought at the quarterback position.
Jordan Howard, RB CHI
The winds of change seem to be blowing in the Windy City. Second year running back Jeremy Langford has failed to impress early this season and rookie Jordan Howard seems to be gaining on him. A Bears beat writer suggests Howard will soon start taking carries from Langford and Chicago’s offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains added that Howard had a good week of practice. Many saw the downfall of Langford coming a mile away, but it might not be too late to buy Howard in dynasty leagues, but it could be after this weekend.
Corey Coleman, WR CLE
Browns rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman suffered a broken hand in practice this week and will miss some time. Fortunately, Coleman will not require surgery, though he is still out of action for up to six weeks. Coleman is coming off his best game if his very short career, scoring a pair of touchdowns in his second career game. The Browns will greatly miss Coleman, but this has little to no affect on his dynasty value. If you can find someone willing to sell Coleman due to this injury, make the leap!
Josh Gordon, WR CLE
This was a rough week for the Browns as an arrest warrant was issued for currently suspended star Josh Gordon. The warrant was related to a year-old paternity test order that had been ignored by Gordon, who took care of the issue in short order. The warrant was rescinded, but this is just another mark on Gordon’s record. He’s set to return to the field after Week Four and his value could greatly increase if he returns to his old form.
Jay Ajayi, RB MIA
After veteran running back Arian Foster left the game last week with a groin injury, second-year man Jay Ajayi was next in line. Unfortunately, he quickly fell out of favor as he lost a fumble. Ajayi then split carries with rookie Kenyan Drake going forward. With Foster ruled out for this week, and possibly longer, Miami head coach Adam Gase could consider a full on running back by committee, featuring the two young backs, and maybe even veterans Damien Williams or Isaiah Pead. Given’s Ajayi’s struggles and his reported poor attitude, I could see the Dolphins moving on from him quickly. This is a situation to avoid in all formats.
Ameer Abdullah, RB DET
The Lions were yet another team to lose their starting running back in Week Two as Ameer Abdullah departed the game with a foot injury. It has not yet been reported exactly what happened to Abdullah, but the team did place him on the injured reserve list after he got a second opinion on the injury. Requiring surgery, Abdullah will miss the remainder of the season. Pass-catching back Theo Riddick was already playing a prominent role in the Lions offense and that will continue. The big beneficiary could be rookie Dwayne Washington, who has been used as a short yardage back early this season.
Ronnie Hillman, RB MIN
The Minnesota Vikings, after losing Peterson for the season, signed former Bronco Ronnie Hillman. After playing well enough to steal carries from CJ Anderson last season, Hillman failed to make Denver’s final roster. With Peterson gone, the Vikings are expected to rely on Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata, with Hillman expected to be the third back. He’s not worth a roster spot, even with this news.
Donte Moncrief, WR IND
Colts receiver Donte Moncrief, who seemed primed for a breakout season, suffered a broken scapula, which will keep him out of action for up to six weeks. This is a bit of a ding to Moncrief’s dynasty value, but he’s still well worth an investment, especially if his price drops as a result. While Moncrief is out, second year speedster Phillip Dorsett should see a big upgrade in his opportunity and dynasty value.
Danny Woodhead, RB SD
The Chargers lost yet another player to an ACL tear, his time veteran running back Danny Woodhead. Sophomore back Melvin Gordon was already looking like a breakout player and now will have all the touches he can handle. His value is quickly climbing in dynasty leagues, as he’s already scored three touchdowns on the season. Woodhead may not be back with the Chargers, considering his age and the serious nature of the injury. He has very little, if any, dynasty value remaining. The team did add veteran Dexter McCluster, who they hope will do his best Woodhead imitation for the remainder of the season.
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