DLF’s Weekly Impact Events
We are now just a few weeks from the fantasy playoffs in most dynasty leagues. This means nearly every team now has a good idea if they will be contending for a dynasty league title or getting a head start on their off-season plans. Regardless of which situation you find yourself in, it is necessary that you closely follow the latest NFL news to improve your dynasty team. Here’s what you need to know for week eleven!
Robert Griffin III, QB CLE
Thought to be lost for the season after a week one shoulder injury, Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III has been cleared to return to practice and will join his teammates next week. The Browns have already used several quarterbacks this season and are currently flip flopping between rookie Cody Kessler and veteran Josh McCown. The starter of the future is almost certainly not on the roster and the Browns seem content to finish out their currently winless season with aspirations of the top overall pick. Even with him impending return, Griffin has no dynasty value and looks to be nothing more than an NFL backup.
Bryce Petty, QB NYJ
The New York Jets are currently dealing with their own issues at quarterback, choosing between second-year man Bryce Petty, who made his starting debut last week, and veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. The vet has been a shell of his 2015 self, throwing interceptions by the boatload, but his teammates seem to prefer him and head coach Todd Bowles is now in a tough spot. Drawing attention for carrying four quarterbacks on their active roster, the Jets should be searching for an upgrade this off-season as well. Needless to say, none of the Jets signal callers have any dynasty value.
Austin Hooper, TE ATL
Rookie tight end Austin Hooper has been filling in admirably for veteran Jacob Tamme during his recent absence and his playing time is expected to continue following season-ending surgery for Tamme. Hooper has gone over 40 yards in two of the past three games and makes an ideal player to stash in all dynasty formats. The Falcons have been searching for a quality tight end since Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez retired years ago.
Jamaal Charles, RB KC
Veteran running back Jamaal Charles underwent a second knee surgery earlier this week, this time on his left knee. After being placed on the injured reserve list, Charles had his right knee scoped. The Chiefs are still not willing to admit his season is over though, but regardless, he won’t be an asset to fantasy players this season. There is also a strong chance Charles may have played his last down for Kansas City. With his future in flux, Charles dynasty value is fading. He’ll make an attractive target for wide receiver heavy dynasty teams.
Christine Michael, RB GB
It has been a wild ride for running back Christine Michael. After being the leading ball carrier for the Seahawks through the team’s first nine games, Michael was surprising waived as Seattle is set to welcome back last year’s star Thomas Rawls. The running back needy Packers wasted no time in scooping up the back, who is now expected to partner with James Starks to man the Green Bay backfield going forward. Even with Starks and a healthy Eddie Lacy earlier in the season, the team was struggling to establish a run game, so I’m not expecting that to change. Michael is barely worthy of a roster spot after yet another team has decided he’s unworthy of a roster spot.
Isaiah Pead, RB FA
Running back Isaiah Pead, who once looked like a promising player for the Rams and recently played for the Dolphins, suffered serious injuries in a car accident last week. After reportedly being in critical condition, it was later explained that Pead lost part of his left leg in the crash. This brings a sad end to Pead’s career. Hopefully he can make a full recovery from this point.
Tony Romo, QB DAL
Cowboys veteran quarterback Tony Romo essentially bowed out of any quarterback controversy there may have been in Dallas, admitting rookie Dak Prescott had earned the right to be a starter. It was a classy move from an underrated player. Barring an injury, we’ve likely seen the last of Romo in a Dallas uniform. Considering all the poor quarterback situations around the league, Romo should draw plenty of interest when he and the Cowboys ultimately part ways. Prescott should be considered a top ten dynasty quarterback moving forward, while Romo is worth hanging onto in deeper league while we wait to see if and for who, he plays in 2017.
Jared Goff, QB LA
In a long overdue move, the Los Angeles Rams announced they would start number one overall pick Jared Goff, with veteran Case Keenum having been benched. The team has struggled to produce anything on offense for most of the season, yet their defense has kept them competitive in many games. Fantasy owners are holding out hope the move to Goff can somehow help the struggling running game and superstar Todd Gurley.
Alshon Jeffery, WR CHI
The stunning news of the week came from Chicago as Bears star receiver Alshon Jeffery was suspended four games for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. The suspension will keep the already struggling receiver on the shelf until Week Fifteen. This may actually be a relief for Jeffery owners as he was providing very little production, yet his name value kept him in most weekly lineups. Jeffery’s dynasty value is up in the air right now, considering this new revelation of an off-field issue and his impending free agency. While I have my concerns about Jeffery, this is an ideal time to buy low on the Bears star.
Matt Jones, RB WAS
It had already been announced that undrafted rookie Rob Kelley would be the new starting running back for Washington, replacing the struggling Matt Jones. On gameday though, we learned that Jones was not part of the team’s plan at all, as he was a healthy scratch. Jones has always been an iffy dynasty prospect and this nearly seals his fate. He’s barely even worthy of a roster spot in most dynasty leagues, even though I don’t consider Kelley the long-term answer either. The Redskins are in a prime spot to use a day two NFL Draft pick on a new running back.Â
- Monday Mocks: 2024 Landing Spots - April 15, 2024
- Five Landing Spots That Would Tank Rookie WR Value - April 13, 2024
- Monday Mocks: 2024 Backup Quarterbacks - April 8, 2024