The Dynasty Aftermath: Jimmy Buffett Tribute
Those of you who have been around these parts for any amount of time likely know of my weekly regular season column called The Dynasty Aftermath. Within that article, I typically talk about crazy lineups, have some fun with numbers, name an MVP or LVP for the week and make some general comments. My favorite section is entitled, “Gut Checks,” where I list the things I’m most worried about. With preseason games now done and the season quickly approaching, let’s review the preseason that was. One of the things I’m also typically known for is coming up with some kind of whacky or weird theme each week but this week is kind of sad.
Folks, we have lost Jimmy Buffett.
For those of you who are too young to know who he is, we’re talking about a musical icon who was transformational in his craft. If you don’t know who he is, you certainly know this song from his famous appearance on The Tonight Show. And please, it’s BUFF-ETT, not BUFF-A. A buffet is where you go to engorge yourself by eating foods you normally wouldn’t.
With Jimmy in mind, let’s honor him with a look back at the preseason with a Jimmy-song themed Aftermath.
Margaritaville
These players are worth celebrating if you have them on your roster.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR SEA
The rookie clearly looked the part this Summer and while you may need to wait a bit to see him on the field, it surely looks like it will be worth it.
Sam LaPorta, TE DET
Speaking of rookies who looked the part, LaPorta could be a TE1 early.
Calvin Ridley, WR JAX
Time will tell here, but patience could be rewarded for those who hung on to him.
Sean Tucker, RB TB
No real surprise here for those who have seen him play. The heart issue was a concern but he put together a nice Summer and looks to have earned the RB2 spot in Tampa.
Fins
You got fins to the left, fins to the right…. These players are in danger of losing some real value at the beginning of the season as there could be blood in the water.
Cooper Kupp, WR LAR
This could be a pivotal moment in his career. He just can’t shake his hamstring issues and while the Rams may be downplaying things, I have real concern over his future.
Dalvin Cook, RB NYJ
This could have been a monster year but Breece Hall seems to be healthier than most expected so it could be pretty disappointing.
Jonathan Taylor, RB IND
I’m really not sure where we go from here but he’s clearly unhappy.
Najee Harris. RB PIT
I don’t buy the whole “Jaylen Warren is going to start” thing but I do have some serious concerns.
Quentin Johnston, WR LAC
It’s too early to make too many calls on rookies but Johnston looks pretty far away from dynasty relevance.
Changes in Latitudes
With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same. These are players who I’ve changed my opinion on, for better or worse.
Dameon Pierce, RB HOU
I just don’t see him being the guy for the long haul in Houston. I think it may be time to cash out.
Tyreek Hill, WR MIA
He’s still dominant but any non-contender is going to have to be ahead of the curve in terms of cashing out.
Kenneth Walker, RB SEA
The drafting of Zach Charbonnet simply dropped him too far. He looks like a bargain to me at the moment.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB NE
I don’t think Ezekiel Elliott eats into his workload much. However, the fact they brought him in throws some cold water on his value.
Deneric Prince, RB KC
He sure did look like the sleeper of the year. Now, not so much.
Cheeseburger in Paradise
I like mine with lettuce and tomato…these are players who look like sleepers to me.
Jaylen Warren, RB PIT
Again, I don’t think he takes over this season. Still, I wouldn’t be shocked.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB DEN
Should be owned everywhere.
Chase Brown, RB CIN
Don’t think it couldn’t happen.
Jake Bobo, WR SEA
Now we’re getting silly. Still, few players made this kind of move in camp and you don’t read these articles for the same info you get elsewhere.
LINEUP FUN
My prediction for the best lineup of the season.
QB Patrick Mahomes KC
RB Christian McCaffrey SF
RB Austin Ekeler, LAC
WR Justin Jefferson, MIN
WR Ja’Marr Chase, CIN
WR Davante Adams, LV
TE Travis Kelce, KC
My prediction for sleeper lineup of the season.
QB Justin Fields, CHI
RB Alexander Mattison, MIN
RB Miles Sanders, CAR
WR Calvin Ridley, JAX
WR DeAndre Hopkins, TEN
WR DJ Moore, CHI
TE Sam LaPorta, DET
My prediction for rookie lineup of the year.
QB Bryce Young, CAR
RB Bijan Robinson, ATL
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA
WR Rashee Rice, KC
WR Zay Flowers, BAL
TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF
It’s almost time. Let’s go!
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
