The Dynasty Aftermath: Week Five
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.
After five weeks of action, it’s going to start getting tougher and tougher to start fooling yourself into thinking you’re a contender if you have a poor record or believing you’re not if you’ve started on a hot streak. While any team can string a couple of wins together or suffer a couple of disheartening losses, teams that sit more than two games over or under .500 at this point need to accept the fact their roster assessments may have been wrong going into the year, for better or worse. In short, it’s time to be a transformer and accept what’s happening.
The key for a good dynasty owner is making the proper moves and doing what it takes to maximize what you have.  For example, a team that sits at 4-1 right now and surprisingly competing may want to start looking for some veterans who could produce well to help them out this season but also those who don’t cost a small fortune (Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald) just in case the bottom falls out.  Teams with poor records who hoped to compete this year may need to start shedding some of their veteran assets and start stockpiling some later draft picks. My word of caution this week is really all about “overtransforming.”  It’s not time to panic, it’s only time to re-assess. This is a great time for coaches to start working the trade market to start making some of those smaller moves to see if they can take advantage. However, it’s not time to sell or buy the farm.  It’s a dynasty league and every move needs to be well thought out because the ramifications could be significant.
Let’s get to it. Expect some Transformer references.
Week Five’s Fantasy MVP
As always, there are a lot of ways to go with this. However, Tom Brady deserves it this week. After sitting at home and tweeting passive aggressive cartoons for the last month, Brady returned to throw for 406 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns. It’s obvious he still has a lot left in the tank and he’s one player to fear each and every time you play him.
Week Five’s Fantasy LVP
I get it. Minnesota is really good defensively. However, I’m really concerned about Lamar Miller and am starting to believe he was simply overhyped before the season. I read this week that Miller had more touches without a touchdown through four games than anybody in NFL history. Add to that a game where he rushed for just 20 yards this week and we have a problem. Brock Osweiler isn’t scaring anyone and Miller now has a robust 115 total touches without a touchdown. If he doesn’t have a big game this week against the Colts, his owners are going to Starscream. Without question, he’ll be the one player with the most to prove this week.
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Lineup Fun
The Unbeatable Lineup of the Week
“Lineup: Optimus Primed”
QB Ben Roethlisberger PIT  = 380 passing yards, four touchdowns
RB David Johnson ARI  = 157 rushing yards, three catches, 28 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Ezekiel Elliott DAL = 134 rushing yards, three catches, 37 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Tevin Coleman ATL = 31 rushing yards, four catches, 132 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR T.Y. Hilton = Ten catches, 171 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Amari Cooper OAK = Six catches, 138 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Larry Fitzgerald ARI = Six catches, 81 receiving yards, two touchdowns
TE Marcellus Bennett NE = Six catches, 67 receiving yards, three touchdowns
The Underdog Lineup of the Week
“More than meets the eye.”
QB Marcus Mariota TEN = 163 passing yards, 60 rushing yards, four total touchdowns
RB Jordan Howard CHI = 118 rushing yards, three catches, 45 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Matt Asiata MIN = 55 rushing yards, three catches, 46 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Jalen Richard OAK = 31 rushing yards, six catches, 66 receiving yards
WR Sammie Coates PIT = Six catches, 139 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Brandon LaFell CIN  = Eight catches, 68 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Adam Thielen MINÂ =Â Seven catches, 127Â receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Crockett Gilmore BAL = Four catches, 28 receiving yards, one touchdown
The Disappointing Lineup of the Week
“We miss Megatron.”
QB Ryan Tannehill MIA = 191 passing yards, two interceptions
RB Jeremy Hill CINÂ =Â 12Â rushing yards
RB Lamar Miller HOUÂ =Â 20Â rushing yards, one catch, four receiving yards
RB Isaiah Crowell CLE = 22 rushing yards, one catch, 18 receiving yards
WR Jaron Brown ARIÂ =Â No catches
WR Kenny Stills MIAÂ =Â No catches
WR Will Fuller HOU = One catch, four receiving yards
TE Jacob Tamme ATL = One catch, one receiving yard
Gut Checks
I’d be worried if I thought Marcus Mariota was out of the woods.
I’d be worried if I thought I had anything in this Raiders backfield figured out.
I’d be worried if I had given up on Steve Smith. The dude’s been balling since Transformers was an afternoon cartoon.
I’d be worried if I was hoping for the DeVante Parker explosion. See the next bullet.
I’d be worried if I had Ryan Tannehill.  How long is that leash?  It’s been five seasons now.
I’d be worried if I had Isaiah Crowell. The Browns are starting me at quarterback this week.
I’d be worried if I was expecting consistency from Tajae Sharpe.
I’d be worried if I was hoping for more from Dexter McCluster.
I’d be worried if I was thinking Derrick Henry would take over any time soon.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t paying attention to how Sammie Coates has turned it around. Talk about a transformation!
I’d be worried if I was rooting for the Chargers.  You’re likely going to end up in the ER.
I’d be worried if I had DeAngelo Williams. So much for a time share.
I’d be worried if I’m not exploring the market for Melvin Gordon. Again, those numbers are touchdown inflated.
I’d be worried if I was playing against Ezekiel Elliott. The future is now in Dallas.
I’d be worried if I owned Tony Romo. Again, future. Now.
I’d be worried if I was underestimating Travis Benjamin.
I’d be worried if I was still counting on Antonio Gates. The Chargers have finally found his heir apparent in Hunter Henry.
I’d be worried if I didn’t read all our columns each week. Kudos to Jacob Feldman who put Cameron Meredith on the radar last week.
I’d be worried if I had any running back on the Giants.
I’d be worried if I thought Cole Beasley was a fluke.
I’d be worried if I’m not paying attention to Jordan Howard.
I’d be worried if I’m playing against Ben Roethlisberger.
I’d be worried if I didn’t think Brian Hoyer could help me in a bye week.
A Look Ahead to Hot Names on the Waiver Wire
Remember, we focus on the lesser names here. There’s really no need to be telling people of your skill level to pick up players you undoubtedly have like Spencer Ware, Chris Hogan, Mohamed Sanu or Tyrell Williams. We’re also not going to list obvious names you likely have rostered like Wendell Smallwood. Pay close attention because we tend to be ahead of the curve.
1.) Cameron Meredith, WR CHI
Hopefully you caught our “Bear Market” article last week before the games, but just in case. Unfortunately, it’s going to cost you some bid dollars now.
2.) Jacquizz Rodgers, RB TB
Doug Martin is expected back, but Rodgers could get another opportunity this season.
3.) Andrew Hawkins, WR CLE
I hate chasing points, but the Browns are getting wiped out. If Terrelle Pryor has to take snaps, someone has to catch passes.
Previous suggestions: Jalen Richard, Quincy Enunwa, Cole Beasley, Tyreek Hill, Dwayne Washington, Jeremy Kerley, Jacoby Brissett, Cody Kessler, Fozzy Whittaker, Colt McCoy, Kenny Britt, Kenneth Farrow, Trey Burton, Colin Kaepernick, Orleans Darkwa, Raheem Mostert, Trevone Boykin, Cameron Brate, Zach Zenner, Terron Ward, Eddie Royal, Brice Butler, Xavier Grimble, Chester Rogers.
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Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
