Dynasty Blueprint: Week Two

Editor's Note: Ryan debuted the Dynasty Blueprint term all the way back in 2014, focusing on his personal dynasty strategy and philosophy. He introduced ideas like punting running backs and the now-common productive struggle. This series expands on the original, providing an in-depth look inside his dynasty mind.

This is my personal weekly Dynasty Blueprint. Here, you’ll find my “Game Notes,” which comes directly from my fantasy football notebook, along with multiple post-game conversations with others. In the “Game Play” section, I’ll explain what I’m doing with my personal dynasty teams, including waiver wire targets and trade ideas. Finally, “Game Theory” will focus on dynasty strategy.

GAME NOTES

Eagles vs Vikings

Remember that movie from the 80s, Twins? The Eagles wide receiver duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith kind of reminds me of that classic film. While their respective physiques could not be more different, their recent production has been a mirror image. Going back a year, Smith goose-egged in the 2022 season opener and someone I know was ready to completely give up on the former Heisman winner as a dynasty asset. Okay, that was me. Oops. Moving on…In the 18 regular season games since Week One, 2022, check out the numbers for the Twins.

What doesn’t align is the receivers’ current value. While Smith has been steadily closing the gap over the past several months, there’s an argument that the younger Smith should actually be valued above Brown. Here’s a look from our ADP Comparison Tool. Brown is currently the WR5 in our latest dynasty ADP, while Smith is the WR14. DLF rankers are a bit higher on each player but there is still a gap, as Brown holds the WR3 spot and Smith is the WR10. The Eagles flexed their muscles and held on for a big win over the Vikings to begin Week Two. While the running game was the highlight of the night (more on that soon,) it was wide receiver DeVonta Smith that caught my eye. Smith caught a pair of deep balls, including a 63-yard-touchdown, on his way to a 4/131/1 night and yet another weekly WR1 finish.

With Kenneth Gainwell out in Week Two with a rib injury, the Eagles turned to former Lions back D'Andre Swift. That move paid off in a major way. Swift set a new career-high with 175 rushing yards, earning his first-ever weekly overall RB1 finish. This is even more surprising following Swift’s career-worst 1.3 fantasy point performance in the season-opener. Fantasy managers are left to wonder which is the real Swift and if this performance was good enough for the veteran to keep the job when all backs are healthy. Once a first-round startup pick, Swift’s dynasty value has dropped like a rock in recent months. Don’t forget, Swift has a lengthy injury history of his own. Explore selling Swift after his breakout performance.