The Dynasty Doctor: Week Seven

Scott Peak Posted On October 25, 2016

Editor’s Note: Injuries are a huge part of winning and losing each year in fantasy leagues. Staying abreast of injury situations is key, as knowing what to expect from your players health-wise in the short term can help you make educated decisions in managing your team. Lucky for us, we have a Doctor in the house. Dr. Scott Peak is an ABPN board certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist. He is also a dynasty football addict and a Senior Writer for Dynasty League Football. He’s excited to lend his expertise in medicine with hopes he may help the DLF Team and its followers better understand medical conditions and injuries that may impact NFL players and dynasty football owners.

If you have a question for The Dynasty Doctor, just click here. Please remember The Dynasty Doctor is geared towards questions regarding medical science, injuries to players and their collective impact in fantasy football. Stay tuned each week as we’ll post his thoughts each and every Tuesday.

LeSean McCoy, RB BUF

McCoy tried to play on an injured hamstring, but unfortunately aggravated it and was removed from the game. Hamstring injuries can be tricky. It takes time to heal and scar tissue can build up. Depending on the extent of injury, hamstring strains can be multi-week injuries, especially when it is an aggravation. Expectations were high for Mike Gillislee, but he was a disappointment (five carries for 20 yards). If McCoy misses games, perhaps rookie Jonathan Williams may get a shot.

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Arian Foster, RB MIA

Foster abruptly retired this week. This is probably best given Foster is breaking down. Jay Ajayi’s resurgence has already driven his dynasty value sky-high. Damien Williams is worth adding in dynasty and redraft formats. Williams had four carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. Williams is likely available on waivers, and his price is practically free right now.

Tevin Coleman, RB ATL

Coleman injured a hamstring and may not play next week. As noted with McCoy, hamstring injuries can be unpredictable. We’ll see if Coleman misses time. After the game, head coach Dan Quinn didn’t exactly strike an optimistic tone. Devonta Freeman should get a boost while Coleman is out, especially in PPR leagues. It might surprise some that Coleman is the RB7 in PPR formats this year. I’d send out offers and see if he can be acquired at a discount.

Geno Smith, QB NYJ

Smith didn’t last long as the new quarterback for the Jets, injuring a knee and left the game. Smith has a torn ACL and is out for the year. Ryan Fitzpatrick took back his job and didn’t have any turnovers, so that’s good. Fitzpatrick had a lackluster game otherwise (nine completions, 120 yards, one touchdown). Brandon Marshall had a subpar game (three receptions for 39 yards on eight targets), but getting Fitzpatrick back might be a boost to his targets.

Cody Kessler, QB CLE

Kessler has a concussion and will be enrolled in the NFL concussion protocol. He will need resolution of symptoms and clearance from medical providers before returning. The Browns have given up the third most sacks in the NFL this year (21). Kevin Hogan entered the game and didn’t fair well as a passer (12 completions, 100 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions) but he did get 104 yards rushing and a touchdown. Of course, nobody started Hogan but it is interesting to see the rushing component of his game. Hogan could end up being a viable QB streamer purely for that reason, especially in super-flex leagues. Hogan isn’t exciting but is worth a waiver wire pick-up in deep dynasty super-flex leagues.

John Brown, WR ARI

Brown was diagnosed with sickle-cell trait, a generally benign condition but patients with it are carriers of a mutation that can be inherited. Sickle cell trait is present in 2.5 million people in the United States. While generally a benign condition, occasional complications can occur, such as at high altitudes or with prolonged exercise. It’s not necessarily a contraindication to play sports, but Brown may need a modified training program. Whether sickle-cell trait is related to his injured hamstring is hard to prove. There are NFL players with sickle-cell trait who play at a high level, such as Geno Atkins and Tevin Coleman. I don’t think having sickle-cell trait should significantly drop Brown’s dynasty value.

Eddie Lacy, RB GB

Lacy underwent surgery for an ankle injury. High ankle sprains can sometimes require surgery, and if so recovery from surgery can take three months or longer. Lacy was placed on IR. He is eligible to return in eight weeks. Lacy is not likely to help fantasy owners this year, as he will return right as the fantasy playoffs start, and maintaining good condition has never been a strength of Lacy. The dynasty value for Lacy is dropping, and I’m not a buyer. Injuries are adding up for Lacy and he will be a free agent in 2017.

Jamaal Charles, RB KC

There were public reports describing swelling in Charles surgically-repaired knee. Reports also noted MRI scans were obtained on both knees for soreness. It’s hard to rely on Charles, and reports continue to be murky on what is ailing his knees. If there is swelling present, that suggests an underlying structural source. Charles is set-up for a compensatory injury, and that might explain both knees being an issue. We’re all guessing at this point, but whether there is a degenerative condition or residual instability, there is significant concern about Charles’ capacity to be a productive fantasy option this year. Dynasty value is dropping and I’m not a buyer.

Hunter Henry, TE SD

Henry has a concussion and will be enrolled in the NFL concussion protocol. We’ll see if he can get cleared in time, but his playing status for week eight is questionable. No adverse impact on his dynasty value. Antonio Gates may regain some relevance on a hot San Diego offense. The Chargers play at Denver this week, and the Broncos defense has given up good games to tight ends. Gates had five receptions for 38 yards on ten targets. Gates may be worth a cheap price for contenders who need help at tight end.

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