Dynasty Injury Impact: Week Two

Posted on September 18, 2018

In this series, we’ll cast a wide net to cover many different injuries that occurred during each week of the NFL regular season and what the implications are for your fantasy teams. If there were large injuries during the week, we’ll be sure to have a detailed piece in addition to this article.

This piece is written before the Monday game(s) each week. If there is an injury on your mind that you believe I missed or occurs during the Monday slate, please feel free to comment below and I’ll give you my thoughts!

Week two lived up to many of the expectations week one set for us. The Cleveland Browns almost won again, Patrick Mahomes continued his explosive start, and Fitzmagic continued as the Tampa Bay Bucs improved to a surprising 2-0.

Fortunately for fantasy owners and NFL players alike, there weren’t many significant from this past weekend’s action. However, every minor injury comes with an opportunity for others to potentially make an impact. Without further delay, let’s delve into this week’s injury impact.

Joe Mixon, RB CIN

Injury: Knee

Mixon has been a pleasant surprise in weeks one and two of the NFL season for those who drafted him at the end of the second round in both dynasty and redraft alike. He left the game on Thursday night for a brief period but returned to seemingly full strength while racking up 21 carries on the day: the second most in his career.

We learned after the game that Mixon will be sidelined a projected two-to-four weeks after a minor surgical procedure. Luckily, Mixon played on Thursday night, so it’s possible he returns as early as week four.

In the meantime, Giovani Bernard will undoubtedly lead the Bengals in running back touches. Bernard averaged 16 fantasy points in the two games that Mixon missed entirely in 2017. He should be considered for flex positions until Mixon returns. For us dynasty owners, we should also get at least a small look at Mark Walton over the coming weeks.

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Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARZ

Injury: Hamstring

The Cardinal’s elder star wide receiver left with what’s being reported as a minor hamstring injury on Sunday’s blowout loss to the Rams. We don’t know the full details of the severity quite yet, but the injury is likely one Fitzgerald will try to play through the season with.

The Cardinals as a whole have been woeful to start the 2018 season, to put it lightly. The team may – and should – look to rookie Josh Rosen in the coming weeks. Fitzgerald should still produce WR3 fantasy numbers throughout the course of the season but look for other, younger options like Christian Kirk or Chad Williams to be more involved if and when the season gets out of reach for this team. Kirk would be my preferred option in dynasty formats.

LeSean McCoy, RB BUF

Injury: Ribs

McCoy has had quite the rough past couple months. Besides for major off the field rumors, his fantasy appeal on an all-around dreadful Bills team has been waning ever since. This rib injury reportedly will not keep McCoy sidelined long, if at all, and the Bills have no clear dynasty prospect at running back for fantasy owners to look forward to seeing more action from.

In the short-term, Chris Ivory would stand to benefit from any time McCoy misses. Even so, Ivory would be no more than a true desperation bye-week flex if this is the case. The Bills remain one of the worst – if not the worst – teams from a dynasty fantasy value perspective. Do your best to avoid the injured McCoy or any of his backups.

Mike Wallace, WR PHI

Injury: Broken Leg

Wallace hasn’t contributed in the box score at all this fantasy season. However, in week one, Wallace finished with over 100 air yards (per airyards.com) and logged over a 90% snap rate. While it’s unclear how long specifically Wallace will be out, this will undoubtedly open up opportunities for other wide receivers on the team.

It remains to be seen if other Eagles wideouts can carve out a bigger role in the offense than what Wallace did in week one. With Carson Wentz reportedly coming back against the Colts, better opportunities should be in store for all Eagles pass catchers. However, with Alshon Jeffery, Mack Hollins, and now Mike Wallace out in their receiving room, it’s likely Kamar Aiken’s turn to try to fill the void. He’s an upside play next week against a porous Colts defense but doesn’t offer any legitimate long-term fantasy upside.

Devonta Freeman, RB ATL

Injury: Knee

I briefly mentioned Devonta Freeman’s injury as one to be aware of in last week’s article, but it seems that he will be sidelined longer than originally thought. We already know that Tevin Coleman will serve as the lead back while Freeman is sidelined, so luckily there isn’t much unknown for fantasy players here. Freeman’s long-term value is still strong, so I would recommend using this as an opportunity to test the buying market.

Other injuries to be aware of, but not of large significance: Todd Gurley (Cramps), Dalvin Cook (Hamstring), and Keke Coutee (Hamstring).

Hopefully, your fantasy teams were able to avoid the injury bug again in week two, and even if so, there’s always moves to be made on the waiver wire to stay one step ahead of the competition. We’ll be back next week to discuss week three injuries and their impact on your fantasy teams.

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