DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On January 21, 2017

Welcome back to DLF’s Dynasty Impact Events. With the dynasty off-season now underway, it is crucial for the most competitive dynasty owners to stay on top of the recent news. I’m here to weed through the latest and give you the dynasty spin on how that news impacts the players, the teams and most importantly, your dynasty squad!

Sammy Watkins, WR BUF

After dealing with foot issues for most of the 2016 season, star receiver Sammy Watkins recently underwent a second surgery on his foot to repair a fracture. The Bills say Watkins should be ready for training camp. Watkins’ upside is sky high, but this has been frustrating for dynasty owners who essentially got nothing out of the former first rounder this season. While Watkins ADP continues to maintain a late first round/early second round status, he is difficult to trust as a cornerstone piece on contending teams.

Ladarius Green, TE PIT

Steelers tight end Ladarius Green returned to practice this week as the Steelers prepare to face the Patriots in the AFC Championship. For dynasty owners, this news is less about Green’s status going forward in the playoffs and more about his long-term availability. Green has multiple documented concussions and he reportedly considered retiring soon after inking a free agent deal with Pittsburgh last off-season as he dealt with long-lasting effects of a head injury. Much like Jordan Reed, I fear the next hard hit Green takes could be his last before being forced to end his career early. While Reed has proved he can produce at very high levels when on the field, Green only has potential to point to and that hasn’t been enough for dynasty owners, who are beginning to give up on Green.

Tony Romo, QB DAL

While some reports have claimed that trading veteran quarterback Tony Romo is the top off-season priority for the Cowboys, one Dallas beat writer seems to think Romo is strongly considering retirement. This seems to go against all other reports, but it has to at least be a consideration for Romo, who will continue to deal with a bad back. The top rumored landing spots for Romo have been Houston and Denver. Either spot would allow Romo to quickly increase his short-term dynasty value, presuming he can stay on the field.

Andrew Luck, QB IND

Colts superstar quarterback Andrew Luck underwent a recent shoulder operation that will keep him out of action for the next six months, meaning he will miss the majority of the off-season workouts. Luck is not expected to miss any regular season time and this should not affect his dynasty value. The Colts retaining both head coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson should be more of a concern for Luck’s dynasty owners.

Brandon Marshall, WR NYJ

There have already been reports about players who could be surprise members of the upcoming free agent class as potential cap cuts. One of those players is Jets veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who recently explained that he was not willing to take a pay cut. After suffering through the disastrous season, Marshall should be excited about the possibility that he could be let go and given the choice of where he finishes his career. Even after a down season, Marshall would likely be in demand by many contending teams. His dynasty value has clearly dropped quite a bit, but this just makes him a nice buy low for fantasy contenders.

Ryan Mathews, RB PHI

Eagles running back Ryan Mathews is another player who local beat writers consider a potential cap casualty. Mathews is due $4 million next season and after yet another season filled with injuries and inconsistency, the team may not be willing to pay that price. Mathews is dynamic when on the field, but couldn’t showcase that this season. With veteran Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood coming off a solid rookie season, the Eagles starter might not currently be on the roster. This is a team who has been rumored to be an option for Florida State back Dalvin Cook in the first round.

Julius Thomas, TE JAX

Jaguars veteran tight end Julius Thomas is yet another player rumored to see his team dump him before his contract expires. Thomas has been a disappointment for the Jags and hasn’t be able to even come close to matching his production in his final two seasons in Denver. Thomas could see his fantasy stock improve with another club, but for now, he essentially has no dynasty value.

Danny Woodhead, RB LAC

Pass catching running back Danny Woodhead, who missed nearly the entire season with a torn ACL, is reportedly several weeks ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Woodhead should be fully ready for training camp and will continue to be undervalued in dynasty leagues. If Woodhead landed on your league’s waiver wire following his injury, now is the time to take a shot on him.

Martavis Bryant, WR PIT

Suspended wide receiver Martavis Bryant has applied for reinstatement to the league after missing the entire season. Bryant, suspended for at least one year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, is no lock to have his application granted. Commissioner Roger Goodell has shown in the past that one year away does not automatically mean a return to the field is immanent. As we’ve seen with Browns receiver Josh Gordon in the past, if Bryant is welcomed back to the league, his dynasty stock will quickly increase, making him a prime sell candidate in my book.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARZ

Cardinals veteran and future Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald continues to dodge questions about his future. Fitzgerald has repeatedly said he doesn’t know about his status for next season. This is an obvious sign that Fitz is likely considering retirement. After leading the league in receptions this season, he clearly has plenty left in the tank, but his dynasty value is in flux as we await his decision.

Kenny Britt, WR LAR

Yahoo reporter Charles Robinson recently suggested that the Rams would let many of the free agents, who have been pegged as “Jeff Fisher’s guys” walk. This includes veteran wide receiver Kenny Britt, who enjoyed the best season of his career in 2016. Britt was severely underrated throughout the season despite high-level production and that should be the case throughout the off-season. He makes a nice trade target as we see how free agency plays out.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.