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. Expect it each and every week.
I’ve written this column for over fifteen years and I really do enjoy it. I love combing through the stats of the week, putting together ridiculous lineups, picking MVPs/LVPs and discussing things to worry about.
That’s not all.
I also really love sharing little bits of my life with the community of DLF and picking a theme for this column each week. You really never know what you’re going to get. In fact, I’ll reserve the right to change my theme ideas if something cool happens like my friend peeing their pants at the Goodwill. If you missed one this year, click below:
Week One: The time I ordered The Peloton
Week Two: The time I went Vegan
Week Three: The time I went snowboarding without a Sherpa
Week Four: The time I found my Lack of Mystical Kung-Fu Powers
Week Five: The time my Mom thought she was going to prison for Bootlegging
Week Six: The time my Cousin’s friend turned into Lee Harvey Oswald
Week Seven: The Time I turned into Ben Matlock in Juvenile Court
Week Eight: Election Day
The world lost an icon when longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek passed away this weekend. He amazingly hosted over 8,200 episodes over 37 seasons of the show – that’s almost as long as Frank Gore has been in the National Football League.
My favorite Jeopardy! reference is actually from my Cousin’s wedding. My Cousin Rex is “wicked smaht” and watched Jeopardy! every night. His brother Ryan was giving the toast and said he’ll always remember sharing an apartment with Rex while they were in college and being amazed at him knowing the answer to every question. Rex responded in the way Alex would be proud of by saying, “I’m sorry Ryan, but I think you mean the question to every answer.” I loved it and that’s a great way to start this.
This week’s edition is dedicated to Alex, an American icon and a staple of households across America for decades. If you were to be given the question of who will be missed, the answer is clearly Alex Trebek and fantasy footballers will miss moments like this below:
With that said, let’s roll through the league the way Alex would have loved. I’m going to give some answers and questions to some relevant dynasty issues out there.
Question: Who is James Robinson?
I get it. I honestly do. Dynasty owners are stubborn people and are still having trouble believing in Robinson. After all, he’s an undrafted free agent playing on one of the worst teams in the league. However, let’s break down some arguments I believe just don’t hold much water.
#1 = The Jaguars don’t have much invested in him and can move on easily.
While they don’t have much invested in him in terms of draft capital, they did move Leonard Fournette and fail to add veteran free agents like Devonta Freeman this year, signaling a confidence in Robinson. While there isn’t any draft capital they’re missing here, they’ve also hitched their wagon to him. Yes, they can move on easily. However, why should they? They have a productive running back on a cheap contract. A new coach wouldn’t be so obtuse not to see that as well.
#2 = He’s not that impressive.
Huh? While Robinson will not be the next Alvin Kamara or Dalvin Cook, consider the following:
- He has more points than any other non-quarterback in this year’s rookie class by almost four points per game.
- His yards per carry average of 4.4 is more than the likes of James Conner, Kenyan Drake, Mike Davis, Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Joe Mixon and a whole host of others this season, and that’s with being ranked sixth in the league in terms of carries, not exactly a small sample size.
- In terms of ppg, only Aaron Jones, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook and Christian McCaffrey have been better on a game-by-game basis.
#3 = He’ll be replaced by a premier running back from the draft next year.
Again, why? The Jaguars have a ton of other needs and running back isn’t at the top of the list.
Even if the Jaguars draft another running back this off-season, I can give you two prime examples of how even that doesn’t necessarily signal the end of things for Robinson – one is Chris Carson and the other is Arian Foster. Both of these running backs were late round or undrafted running backs who saw their teams draft running backs highly (Ben Tate and Rashaad Penny) only to outplay them and solidify their spot at the top of the depth chart. Even if the Jaguars address the position, someone has to outplay him. Just look at Phillip Lindsay. The Broncos signed him as an afterthought to Royce Freeman and he outplayed him as a rookie – the NFL is about production, not pedigree.
I know I’ve been the James Robinson apologist on Team DLF and have even made some deals including him lately. In one, I acquired Robinson and Keelan Cole for Leonard Fournette and Henry Ruggs. In the other, I traded him away, along with Mike Williams and Darren Waller in exchange for Chase Claypool and Travis Kelce. I honestly feel pretty good about both of those.
In short, I believe dynasty owners can get stuck in their ways sometimes. We may be overvaluing some rookies taken highly and dismissing what we’ve been seeing with our own eyes. Yes, Robinson could flame out. However, the sentiment that it’s a given is far from reality. If he was taken on the first couple of days of the NFL Draft or the first couple of rounds in a rookie draft, my bet is people would feel a lot different about him even if he had the exact same production.
I don’t believe Robinson is close to a top five running back asset in dynasty leagues. However, I also don’t see him just fading away – he’s done too much so far just to disappear. The fact is, he’s a better asset than more than half of the players taken in the first two rounds of rookie drafts.
Question: Who is Davante Adams?
Every year we see players who simply dominate their position. Dalvin Cook, Travis Kelce and Davante Adams are all fitting into that category at the moment. Over the past three weeks, Adams has averaged nearly 37 fantasy points and that’s simply insane.
Question: Who is Curtis Samuel?
Yes, that Curtis Samuel, who has been used as a runner and a receiver. While many had given up on ever seeing a true breakout, this is getting very, very interesting.
Question: Who are Christian Kirk, Jakobi Meyers and Travis Fulgham?
In a year full of surprises, the last month has seen Kirk (22.2), Meyers (17.63), and Fulgham (17.2) all start to really excel for their teams. While we need to see a lot more from all of them to have confidence moving forward, this has been a significant development.
Question: Who are Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey and Aaron Jones?
As stated above, this is the cream of the crop this year. Even more surprising? There were three who accomplished this last year – McCaffrey, Cook and Jones. If you want to build your team around a running back, these four are currently the best to do that with.
Question: Who is this week’s MVP, Travis Kelce?
With George Kittle on the shelf, it’s hard to see anyone touching Travis Kelce on a week-to-week basis in terms of tight end production. Kelce was over eight points better than the next best tight end (Jimmy Graham) this week and did that without scoring a touchdown. There are few players who can give you the kind of statistical advantage Kelce can and he’s poised for a monster second half.
Question: Who is this week’s LVP, James Conner?
After posting six straight games with at least 15 fantasy points, James Conner was poised for a monster day against a Dallas defense that had been carved up by just about every offense they’ve faced this season. Instead, he laid a massive egg with just 22 rushing yards, two catches and -2 receiving yards, creating a disaster for fantasy owners.
Question: Who is this week’s unbeatable lineup of the week?
QB Kyler Murray ARI = 283 passing yards, 106 rushing yards, four total touchdowns
RB Dalvin Cook MIN = 206 rushing yards, two catches, 46 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Christian McCaffrey CAR = 69 rushing yards, ten catches, 82 receiving yards, two TDs
RB Alvin Kamara NO = 40 rushing yards, five catches, nine receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Davante Adams GB = Ten catches, 173 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Tyreek Hill KC = Nine catches, 113 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR DJ Chark JAX = Seven catches, 146 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Travis Kelce KC = Ten catches, 159 receiving yards
Question: What is this week’s underdog lineup of the week?
QB Drew Lock DEN = 313 passing yards, 47 rushing yards, three total touchdowns
RB JD McKissic WAS = 17 rushing yards, nine catches, 65 receiving yards
RB Kalen Ballage LAC = 69 rushing yards, two catches, 15 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Rex Burkhead NE = 56 rushing yards, three catches, 11 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Richie James SF = Nine catches, 184 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Jakobi Meyers NE = Twelve catches, 169 receiving yards
WR Breshad Perriman NYJ = Five catches, 101 receiving yards, two touchdowns
TE Jimmy Graham CHI = Six catches, 55 receiving yards, one touchdown
Question: What is this week’s disappointing lineup of the week?
QB Tom Brady TB = 209 passing yards, three interceptions
RB Le’Veon Bell KC = Eight rushing yards, one catch, -5 receiving yards
RB Phillip Lindsay DEN = 23 rushing yards
RB James Conner PIT = 22 rushing yards, two catches, -2 receiving yards
WR Corey Davis TEN = No catches
WR Henry Ruggs LV = Ten rushing yards
WR Keelan Cole JAX = One catch, six receiving yards
TE Rob Gronkowski TB = One catch, two receiving yards
Question: What are this week’s gut checks?
I’d be worried if I was playing against Kyler Murray.
I’d be worried if I was expecting consistency from Marvin Jones.
I’d be worried if I was counting on any Vikings pass catcher while Dalvin is, well, cooking.
I’d be worried if I thought Antonio Brown was just going to come in and dominate.
I’d be worried if I owned Chase Edmonds. He’ll get more work, but that was disappointing.
I’d be worried if I owned Christian McCaffrey. Another injury?
I’d be worried if I was still starting Ronald Jones.
I’d be worried if I owned Kareem Hunt. We expected a lot more with Nick Chubb out.
I’d be worried if I owned Jonathan Taylor. I’m not saying you should bail, but this has not been good.
I’d be worried if I thought Joe Flacco was going to make those Jets reeivers relevant.
I’d be worried if I was ignoring the recent production from TJ Hockenson.
I’d be worried if I was a non-contender and wasn’t looking to move Will Fuller.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t looking at this as a prime time to buy Deebo Samuel.
I’d be worried if I owned Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys are a mess and Tony Pollard has honestly looked better.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t paying attention to Chris Conley.
I’d be worried if I wasn’t also looking to buy soon-to-be free agent Allen Robinson.
I’d be worried if I thought Corey Davis had completely turned the corner.
I’d be worried if I was expecting consistency from Mark Andrews.
I’d be worried if I thought Gardner Minshew was still a great asset. I told you all I had a feeling about Luton.
I’d be worried if I owned Joshua Kelley or Justin Jackson. Really? Kalen Ballage? Really?
Question: Who are the top scoring rookies through week nine?
I’m adding the scoring change from week-to-week so you can see how each performance is affecting their averages – this could help you in determining any buy or sell opportunities.
1.) Justin Herbert QB LAC = 28.41 (-0.29)
2.) Jake Luton QB JAX = 25.50 (+25.50)
3.) Joe Burrow QB CIN = 22.96 (No change)
4.) James Robinson RB JAX = 18.94 (-0.43)
5.) Chase Claypool WR PIT = 15.01 (+0.04)
6.) Justin Jefferson WR MIN = 14.59 (-2.36)
7.) Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB KC = 14.11 (-0.22)
8.) CeeDee Lamb WR DAL = 13.87 (+0.41)
9.) Brandon Aiyuk WR SF = 13.71 (+1.56)
10.) Antonio Gibson RB WAS = 13.70 (+0.11)
11.) Jonathan Taylor RB IND = 12.93 (-0.21)
12.) Tee Higgins WR CIN = 12.82 (No change)
13.) D’Andre Swift RB DET = 12.71 (No change)
14.) Jerry Jeudy WR DEN = 11.30 (+2.03)
15.) Zack Moss RB BUF = 9.92 (+0.58)
16.) Jalen Reagor WR PHI = 9.27 (No change)
17.) Laviska Shenault WR JAX = 9.23 (-1.13)
18.) Darnell Mooney WR CHI = 8.64 (+0.08)
19.) Joshua Kelley RB LAC = 8.63 (+0.33)
20.) Tua Tagovailoa QB MIA = 8.25 (+4.25)
Notable players not in the top 20 of rookie scorers: Denzel Mims (8.20), JK Dobbins (8.05). KJ Hamler (7.57), Henry Ruggs (6.87), Michael Pittman (5.5), Lamical Perine (4.74), Devin Duvernay (4.26), Bryan Edwards (3.73), Cam Akers (3.18), Ke’Shawn Vaughn (2.88), Van Jefferson (2.64), Jalen Hurts (1.10).
Question: Who are the current members of the rookie top 20?
Always check our latest rankings to see the updates through the week. I take these from the rankers who input their information the quickest after the end of the week.
1.) CeeDee Lamb, WR DAL (Four catches, 71 receiving yards, one touchdown) (Previous Ranking: 2)
The running back class as a whole has just not been that impressive and after half the season, we need to accept that. Lamb may not have the season we were hoping for, but we’ve seen enough to know he’s going to be a solid asset moving forward.
2.) Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB KC (14 rushing yards, three catches, 20 receiving yards, one touchdown) (1)
While still a solid building block, CEH just hasn’t had the imapct we had hoped for thus far. He’s been solid, but the expectations for him were just too high. He’s not even close to a bust, but he also doesn’t look like the next big thing, either.
3.) Justin Jefferson, WR MIN (Three catches, 64 receiving yards) (6)
He’s been struggling a bit lately with the lack of passing need for the Vikings, but that could change in any given week.
4.) JK Dobbins, RB BAL (30 rushing yards, two catches, five receiving yards) (4)
The hope was he’d be unleashed with Mark Ingram on the shelf. He just hasn’t and that’s been a major buzzkill.
5.) D’Andre Swift, RB DET (64 rushing yards, three catches, 33 receiving yards) (5)
He continues to be the best back in the Detroit stable.
6.) Jonathan Taylor, RB IND (27 rushing yards, two catches, seven receiving yards, one touchdown) (3)
If you’re still thinking Taylor is a top three dynasty asset, you probably drafted him. I know that sounds harsh, but Jordan Wilkins has looked better as of late and Taylor has simply looked ordinary so far. You can’t panic, but you also need to look at reality. You can’t sell low, but Taylor has not taken advantage of a great opportunity so far this season.
7.) Tee Higgins, WR CIN (Bye week) (9)
He’s been the most consistent of all rookies and may just have the highest floor in this whole class.
8.) Jerry Jeudy, WR DEN (Seven catches, 125 receiving yards, one touchdown) (7)
Finally had his breakout game this week. It will be exciting to see if he can follow that up.
9.) Chase Claypool WR PIT (Eight catches, 69 receiving yards) (8)
Another solid week for Claypool. There is concern for his short-term viability, but he’s primed for a big role moving forward if and when Juju Smith-Schuster moves on.
10.) James Robinson, RB JAX (99 rushing yards, one touchdown) (13)
It’s time to just see it for what it is. He’s outperformed just about every rookie this season.
11.) Antonio Gibson, RB WAS (20 rushing yards, three catches, 35 receiving yards, one touchdown) (15)
While he hasn’t posted a signature game as of yet, we’ve seen enough to feel pretty confident in him moving ahead.
12.) Henry Ruggs, WR LV (Ten rushing yards) (10)
I’m not sure why the Raiders drafted a player they seem to refuse to target.
13.) Jalen Reagor, WR PHI (Bye week) (12)
He has to overtake Travis Fulgham in the pecking order, but Reagor looks the part.
14.) Brandon Aiyuk, WR SF (DNP) (16)
He’s no Richie James apparently, but don’t overreact.
15.) Cam Akers, RB LAR (Bye week) (11)
Along with Taylor, he looks like the biggest disappointment at the halfway mark.
16.) Laviska Shenault, WR JAX (One catch, -1 receiving yard) (14)
Injuries will be the only thing that hold him back. Let’s hope this one isn’t too bad.
17.) Joe Burrow, QB CIN (Bye week) (19)
I could make a case for Burrow and Herbert both being higher on this list.
18.) Michael Pittman, WR IND (Four catches, 56 receiving yards) (17)
He’s back from injury and dynasty owners are clearly hoping for a solid second half.
19.) Justin Herbert, QB LAC (326 passing yards, two touchdowns) (20)
If you took him, he’s your QB1 for a long time.
20.) Denzel Mims, WR NYJ (Four catches, 62 receiving yards) (18)
Again, it’s tough to judge anyone on this team, but Mims has had some solid moments. He’s a second half “move up” candidate now that he’s healthy.
…and if you ever wondered what it looks like in a day of the life of Alex Trebek, watch below. Rest in peace, our friend.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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Great article and I will miss Alex Trebek like so many others, he seemed like a genuinely good person, which is rare.
Fantastic article and tribute to a true Canadian icon.
Great article. I’d say the best of the year so far!
Love the article, Ken… as always!! Awesome tribute too!!
As Rich Eisen said, “The greatest game show host of all time!” … “Who is Alex Trebek?”. Nicele done by Rich there!!
