Five in Five: Week One Dynasty Storylines
Over the years, we’ve done several different weekly preview articles and love to give new things a try. This is the time of year when it’s nearly information overload with every nook and cranny of the internet flooded with all kinds of fantasy football opinions and advice. Instead of following the herd and doing the same thing you’re used to, we’re going to go a little off the wall this year with our “Five in Five.” This is going to be a weekly written preview of the five biggest storylines of the week encompassed in a five-section theme and in the way I love to do it – weird. It will also be a bit of a preview for my weekly Dynasty Aftermath – the longest running dynasty series in the business as we hit year #17 in 2023.
We lost an American icon this week when former Price is Right game show host Bob Barker passed away. Bob was a huge part of my childhood as I battled allergies every Summer and really couldn’t go outside much. My TV was ready to rock at 10AM every weekday when we were ready to “Come on Down” and watch America’s favorite game show. With that in mind, it’s time for a Bob Barker-themed “Five in Five” as we look at five big stories in Price is Right fashion and honor the late, great Bob Barker.
It’s in the Bag?
The addition of Bijan Robinson into the fantasy landscape has been the biggest storyline of the Summer. As the undisputed 1.01 in rookie drafts, much is expected of Robinson this upcoming season and many dynasty managers either traded the farm to get him or refused some seriously big offers to maintain the right to take him. With Tyler Allgeier still very much in the mix, it’s a question as to just how much the Falcons are going to utilize Robinson. Chances are his usage increases throughout the year but the idea that a dynasty championship is In the Bag is very much in debate. Just where he ends up in the final rankings is sure to be a great story all season.
Danger Price
It’s danger time for a lot of veterans moving forward. Players like Travis Kelce, Cooper Kupp, DeAndre Hopkins, Dalvin Cook, Najee Harris, Derrick Henry and a whole host of others are all in danger of losing some value here very quickly. Contending teams love having these players but there is real risk with all of them (and more) because the bottom could really fall out at any moment. How will they do this week (though Kupp and Kelce are already out). Are they being valued accurately or are we looking at a Danger Price.
Time is Money
The Jets are all in. Like all in. With Aaron Rodgers, Dalvin Cook and a whole host of other veterans on board, the time is now for New York and they spent the farm to assemble a team they think can win. Rodgers is a Hall of Famer but coming off one of his worst seasons of late. Can he return to form and lead the Jets to the promised land or is this yet another failed experiment by a franchise that’s seemed doomed since the days of Joe Namath. This is going to be fun to watch as the Jets are banking on the fact Time is Money.
Dice Game
There is simply no bigger roll of the dice this year than Anthony Richardson, the rookie quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. On one hand, he has an athletic profile unrivaled in the league and unseen since the days of Michael Vick. On the other, he’s inexperienced and very, very raw. He’s being thrown into the fire in week one and while he could succeed early, dynasty managers may need to exhibit some serious patience with him. This is one of the most anticipated quarterback debuts we’ve had in a long time as the Colts play The Dice Game with their coveted quarterback position.
Barker’s Bargain Bar
There are bargains to be had out there right now but those are going to dry up in a hurry after this week’s games. Which rookies or players are going to step up and have bigger roles than expected? Is Jaleel McLaughlin for real? Is Rico Dowdle going to get some actual playing time? Can Sean Tucker make good on his preseason performance? This is going to be a huge story tomorrow and grabbing any bargains now is going to be very, very wise as you go shopping at Barker’s Bargain Bar.
Well, there you have it. Five big stories here from week one in the NFL. The answers will start to materialize tomorrow. Let’s go!
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
