The Dynasty Aftermath: Debbie Downer

Ken Kelly

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 the past sixteen years and I love it. I enjoy combing through the stats of the week on Monday night, putting together ridiculous lineups, picking MVPs/LVPs and discussing things to worry about.

That’s not all. I also really love sharing observations, little bits of entertainment or some stories with the community of DLF and picking a theme for this column each week. You really never know what you’re going to get.

After six weeks into any fantasy football season, there are inevitably people in your league who have had disappointing starts and sit at 1-5 or even 0-6. As a reminder to everyone, it’s a long season. There are bound to be ups and downs and while a slow start always stinks, you can’t be a “Debbie Downer” like below:

The best way to avoid it?  Here are four solid tips:

1.) Continue to work the waiver wire and trade market. Be active and involved. Set yourself up for next season.
2.) Don’t complain about how bad your luck has been. Nobody cares.
3.) Keep setting your lineups and staying engaged. While you may be down on your luck, nobody wants to win a league where owners are disengaged.
4.) Re-assess your roster. Have you truly been unlucky or are your players simply underperforming?

Most of all, embrace the tank if you have to and don’t be a “Debbie Downer” in your league. This upcoming draft is loaded with players who look like future dynasty stars. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, folks!

Let’s get to it!

Fantasy MVP of the Week

There are really only a handful of players who can absolutely take over a football game and win a week for in fantasy football nearly on their own. One of those is clearly Ja’Marr Chase and he proved it once again with his seven catches, 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The choice between Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase as the WR1 is a total toss-up.  In the end, it doesn’t really matter – you’re a contender in your league if you have either of them.

Fantasy LVP of the Week

What in the world has happened to Elijah Moore? After an impressive rookie season, big things were expected out of Moore, who saw his ADP rise all the way up to 35 earlier this off-season. Now, it’s on its way down. WAY down. After six games, he’s posted just 16 total catches for 203 scoreless yards in six games. Cue up Debbie Downer, who would simply say, “Yeah, feline AIDS is bad, but I drafted Elijah Moore.” Whah. Whah.

The Unbeatable Lineup of the Week

QB Joe Burrow CIN = 300 passing yards, 25 rushing yards, four touchdowns
RB Rhamondre Stevenson NE =
76 rushing yards, four catches, 15 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Christian McCaffrey CAR =
69 rushing yards, seven catches, 89 receiving yards
RB Leonard Fournette TB =
63 rushing yards, six catches, 38 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Ja’Marr Chase CIN =
Seven catches, 132 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Stefon Diggs BUF =
Ten catches, 148 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Tyreek Hill MIA =
Twelve catches, 177 receiving yards
TE Mark Andrews BAL =
Seven catches, 106 receiving yards, one touchdown

2022 members of the list: Tyreek Hill (3), Justin Jefferson (3), Austin Ekeler (3), Mark Andrews (3),  Stefon Diggs (2), Leonard Fournette (2),  Josh Jacobs (2), Davante Adams (2), Tua Tagovailoa (1), Patrick Mahomes (1), Jared Goff (1), Josh Allen (1), Lamar Jackson (1), Joe Burrow (1), Saquon Barkley (1), Jonathan Taylor (1), D’Andre Swift (1) Aaron Jones (1), Nick Chubb (1),  Miles Sanders (1), Derrick Henry (1), Devin Singletary (1), Cordarrelle Patterson (1), Rhamondre Stevenson (1), Christian McCaffrey (1), DeVonta Smith (1), Marquise Brown (1), Chris Olave (1), Cooper Kupp (1),   Jaylen Waddle (1), Mike Evans (1), Gabriel Davis (1), Ja’Marr Chase (1), Travis Kelce (1), TJ Hockenson (1), Taysom Hill (1)

The Underdog Lineup of the Week

QB Matt Ryan IND = 389 passing yards, three touchdowns
RB Deon Jackson IND =
42 rushing yards, ten catches, 79 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Kenyan Drake BAL =
119 rushing yards, one catch, eight receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Ezekiel Elliott DAL =
81 rushing yards, one catch, five receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Brandon Aiyuk SF =
Eight catches, 83 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Chase Claypool PIT =
Seven catches, 96 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster KC =
Five catches, 113 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Mike Gesicki MIA =
Six catches, 69 receiving yards, tw0 touchdowns

2022 members of the list: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (3), Geno Smith (2), Jamaal Williams (2), Trevor Lawrence (1), Jared Goff (1), Matt Ryan (1), Carson Wentz (1), Dontrell Hilliard (1), Deon Jackson (1), Kenyan Drake (1), Ezekiel Elliott (1), James Robinson (1), Tony Pollard (1), Damien Harris (1), Khalil Herbert (1), Tevin Coleman (1), Rhamondre Stevenson (2), JK Dobbins (1), Raheem Mostert (1), Mack Hollins (1), Zay Jones (1), Russell Gage (1), David Njoku (1), Devin Duvernay (1), Robbie Anderson (1), JuJu Smith-Schuster (1), Jahan Dotson (1), OJ Howard (1), Garrett Wilson (1), Friggin’ Mike Williams (1), Dyami Brown (1), Khalil Shakir (1), Marvin Jones (1), Amari Cooper (1), Brandon Aiyuk (1), Chase Claypool (1), Jamal Agnew (1), Josh Reynolds (1), Corey Davis (1), Irv Smith Jr (1), Mo Alie-Cox (1), Hayden Hurst (1), Mike Gesicki (1)

The Disappointing Lineup of the Week

QB Carson Wentz WAS = 99 passing yards
RB Kareem Hunt CLE =
12 rushing yards
RB JK Dobbins BAL =
15 rushing yards
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC =
33 rushing yards
WR Elijah Moore NYJ =
No catches
WR Garrett Wilson NYJ =
One catch, eight receiving yards
WR Curtis Samuel WAS =
Two catches, six receiving yards
TE Tyler Higbee LAR =
One catch, seven receiving yards

2022 members of the list: Cam Akers (3), Carson Wentz (2), Darnell Mooney (2), Elijah Moore (2), Trevor Lawrence (1),  Matt Ryan (1), Aaron Rodgers (1), Jared Goff (1), Damien Williams (1), Elijah Mitchell (1), Rashaad Penny (1), Tyler Allgeier (1), Kenneth Walker (1), Tony Pollard (1), Jonathan Taylor (1), David Montgomery (1), Darrell Henderson (1), Raheem Mostert (1), Chase Edmonds (1), Damien Harris (1), Tee Higgins (1), DeVonta Smith (1), Chase Claypool (1), Julio Jones (1), Amari Cooper (1) Alec Pierce (1), DeVante Parker (1),Skyy Moore (1), Mecole Hardman (1), Robbie Anderson (1), DJ Moore (1),  Christian Kirk (1), Dawson Knox (1), OJ Howard (1), Dalton Schultz (1), Gerald Everett (1), Kareem Hunt (1), JK Dobbins (1), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (1), Garrett Wilson (1), Curtis Samuel (1), Tyler Higbee (1)

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if I thought Gabe Davis wasn’t a WR1.

I’d be worried if I was ignoring the production of Michael Pittman.

I’d be worried if I was ignoring the consistency of Zach Ertz.

I’d be worried if I was needing points from either Green Bay running back.

I’d be worried if I was still starting James Robinson. It’s weird.

I’d be worried if I taking chances with Mad Cow disease.

I’d be worried if I was still holding out hope for Julio Jones.

I’d be worried if I thought Desmond Ridder was going to see the field soon.

Same with Denzel Mims.

I’d be worried if I needed anything from Dalton Schultz at the moment.

I’d be worried if I had Cam Akers.

I’d be worried if I thought James Conner was going to be 2021 James Conner.

I’d be worried if I had Marquise Brown.

I’d be worried if I was wearing a Pluto costume at Disneyworld without hydrating.

I’d be worried if I was playing against Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews.

I’d be worried if I didn’t think Robbie Anderson was smart to get out.

I’d be worried if I missed out on Breece Hall.

I’d be worried if I thought the Chargers weren’t going to start leaning harder on Austin Ekeler.

I’d be worried if I was starting Aaron Rodgers.

I’d be worried if I needed anything from Chase Edmonds. Yuck.

I’d be worried if I

I’d be worried if I thought this was the year for CEH. I fell into the trap, too.

I’d be worried if I was relying too much on Najee Harris.

I’d be worried if I thought that was the start of something huge for Kenyan Drake.

I’d be worried if I had any Washington receiver.

I’d be worried if my favorite ride was The Hall of Presidents.

Because I’d be worried if I thought Carson Wentz wasn’t toast.

I’d be worried if I hadn’t handcuffed Rashaad Penny to Kenneth Walker.

I’d be worried if I needed Keenan Allen at the moment.

I’d be worried if I needed anything from anyone on Denver at this point.

Still, I’d be worried if I had JK Dobbins. Something just ain’t right here.

I’d be worried if I thought Michael Carter was still “1B.” He’s now “2.”

I’d be worried if I had Elijah Moore. See the LVP above.

I’d be worried if I needed to start DJ Moore. Bad year for players with “Moore” as their last name.

I’d be worried if I didn’t just think of Mary Tyler Moore.

I’d be worried if I needed consistency from Seattle receivers.

I’d be worried if I had waited on grabbing Greg Dulcich. We’ve been on this one for a while.

I’d be worried if I traded for Melvin Gordon the past couple of weeks.

I’d be worried if I wasn’t looking to buy low on a few underperforming rookies like Garrett Wilson or Isiah Pacheco.

The Top Rookie Scoring Averages

1.) Breece Hall, RB NYJ = 16.76 (+4 spots)
2.) Kenny Pickett, QB PIT = 16.43 (-1 spot)
3.) Chris Olave, WR NO = 15.58 (-1 spot)
4.) Dameon Pierce, RB HOU = 15.58 (-1 spot)
5.) Jahan Dotson, WR WAS = 13.30 (+2 spots)
6.) Garrett Wilson, WR NYJ = 12.64 (-2 spots)
7.) Drake London, WR ATL = 12.52 (-1 spot)
8.) Romeo Doubs, WR GB = 11.28 (no change)
9.) Bailey Zappe, QB NE = 10.93 (no change)
10.) Alec Pierce, WR IND = 9.30 (+7 spots)
11.) George Pickens, WR PIT = 8.40 (no change)
12.) Skylar Thompson QB MIA = 7.30 (up from UR)
13.) Kenneth Walker, RB SEA = 7.13 (+7 spots)
14.) Khalil Shakir WR BUF = 6.93 (up from UR)
15.) Daniel Bellinger, TE NYG = 6.46 (no change)
16.) Treylon Burks, WR TEN = 6.03 (-2 spots)
17.) Tyler Allgeier, RB ATL = 5.73 (-4 spots)
18.) Rachaad White, RB TB = 5.60 (-2 spots)
19.) Christian Watson, WR GB = 5.10 (-7 spots)
20.) James Cook, RB BUF = 4.52 (up from UR)

Notable players not in the top 20 of rookie scorers: Isiah Pacheco, Jelani Woods, Kyle Philips, Isaiah Likely, Tyrion Davis-Price, Hassan Haskins, Skyy Moore, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jaylen Warren, Malik Willis, David Bell, Zamir White, Jerome Ford, Danny Gray, Jordan Mason, Trey McBride, Pierre Strong

The Rookie Top 20

Always check our latest rankings to see the updates through the week. These rankings are simply my own.

1.) Breece Hall, RB NYJ (last week: 1)
Rising in the overall rankings quickly now.

2.) Garrett Wilson, WR NYJ (last week: 2)
Would love to see more consistency.

3.) Drake London, WR ATL (last week: 3)
He’s cooled off just a touch.

4.) Chris Olave, WR NO (last week: 4)
Scary head injury after watching Tua.

5.) Kenneth Walker, RB SEA (last week: 7)
Hey now!  That’s what we’ve been waiting for!

6.) Jahan Dotson, WR WAS (last week: 5)
Get well soon.

7.) Jameson Williams, WR DET (last week: 6)
You two.

8.) Treylon Burks, WR TEN (last week: 8)
You three.

9.) Dameon Pierce, RB HOU (last week: 9)
Would love to see more catches. If so, he’ll rise even more.

10.) Brian Robinson, RB WAS (last week: 10)
Slow start, but I wouldn’t be doing much if I got shot, either.

11.) Rachaad White, RB TB (last week: 11)
Every time he pushes Fournette, Lenny pushes back.

12.) George Pickens, WR PIT (last week: 12)
Overshadowed by Claypool this week.

13.) Romeo Doubs, WR GB (last week: 13)
Needs more chances.

14.) Wan’Dale Robinson, WR NYG (last week: UR)
You have to love what you saw this week.

15.) Alec Pierce, WR IND (last week: 17)
Movin’ on up now.

16.) James Cook, RB BUF (last week: 14)
Not this year.

17.) Skyy Moore, WR KC (last week: 15)
Same.

18.) Jelani Woods, TE IND (last week: 18)
Becoming a pretty solid goal line threat now.

19.) Malik Willis, QB TEN (last week: 19)
Would love to get an extended look here.

20.) Kenny Pickett QB PIT (last week: 20)
It’s still his job, despite the heroics of Trubisky.

Notable players not in my current top 20 rookie rankings: Christian Watson, Isaiah Likely, Isiah Pacheco, Calvin Austin, John Metchie, Zamir White, Jaylen Warren, Isaiah Spiller, Trey McBride, Tyler Allgeier, Tyrion Davis-Price, Jalen Tolbert, David Bell

See you next week!

ken kelly
The Dynasty Aftermath: Debbie Downer