Dynasty Trending Observations: Anthony Richardson, Jameis Winston and George Pickens
Despite being a week away from the trade deadline, there were still plenty of trends happening on social media. Below are some more notable ones and what they mean for your dynasty team this year and beyond.
That’s (A-)Rich
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson on leaving the game for one play in the 3Q:
“Tired, I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn’t think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told (HC Shane Steichen) I needed a break right there.” pic.twitter.com/EMUtiSLIvm
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 27, 2024
Welp. After a game where his performance was roundly criticized, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson made things worse by this comment. Fair or not, it will be used to prove that Richardson is not a franchise quarterback and that the Colts made a mistake drafting him fourth overall last year. Them benching him this week won’t help either.
Hopes were high after that draft since Richardson had one of the best NFL combine performances ever. Between his arm strength, size, speed, etc, he was viewed as the complete package coming out of Florida. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Colts, who had thrown out veteran after veteran as stopgaps until their future could be found. But if the first season-and-a-half is any indication, the Colts may need to keep looking. Through the ten games Richardson has started, he’s thrown just seven touchdowns and has added five on the ground. But he’s also thrown eight interceptions, lost two fumbles, and is questionable to start in 1QB fantasy leagues. He’s still just 22, but the doubts are increasing that he’ll be able to get it together.
Dynasty Impact: Dynasty leaguers were willing to overlook his brief, mediocre rookie season and still classify Richardson as an elite dynasty quarterback or, at least, on track to be one. But that is no longer the case after his shaky start to his sophomore season.
So, where do his current dynasty managers go from here? Unfortunately, there’s just not a lot of options. Richardson’s value is at an all-time low now that he’s on the bench. He’s a sit/hold, even in Superflex leagues, in the hopes that he can improve either throughout the season or the next. That is the one good thing about a quarterback taken so highly in the draft – he’ll have several chances to right the ship.
Famous Jameis
300-yard passing days as a starter for the #Browns:
* Deshaun Watson: 0-of-19
* Joe Flacco + Jameis Winston: 6-of-7 pic.twitter.com/OXJhZEmLsB— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 28, 2024
Maybe the problem was DeShaun Watson, after all? The Browns started Jameis Winston at quarterback this week, after Watson suffered a season-ending injury, and the offense came alive. Not only did they score a season-high 29 points in Week 8, but it was the first time they scored more than 18 points in a game all season. And Jameis was a revelation, throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns to be one of the top fantasy quarterbacks of the week. He also transformed other Browns players into fantasy-relevant contributors like receiver Cedric Tillman – who recorded 99 yards and two touchdowns – and tight end David Njoku – who had 61 yards and another touchdown – both of whom were top-10 players at their position this week.
And because of the finality of the injury to Waston, we know that Winston will be the starter for the rest of the season and possibly beyond. But how do we assess his dynasty value, not knowing exactly how long he’ll start?
Dynasty Impact: At 30 years old, Winston is relatively young for a quarterback. Yes, he’s on this third team and probably isn’t a franchise quarterback anymore, but he is now a bona fide veteran who is at least average and has bought himself a few more years in the NFL. Think of the veteran quarterbacks just this year who have started for teams and have played well, at least from a fantasy standpoint, including Sam Darnold in Minnesota and Joe Flacco in Indianapolis. Winston is no different and will play plenty this season now that Watson is done for the year.
From a fantasy standpoint, the Browns have nothing to lose, allowing Winston to sling it like he always has. It could mean a few interceptions, but it’ll also mean games like he had in Week 8, where he threw for over 300 yards. Winston is an excellent value if your Superflex dynasty team needs a second quarterback. Using our DLF Trade Analyzer, Winston is currently valued as a late third-round rookie pick. He may cost more after this week, but even if it’s a second-round rookie pick, it might be worth it if you’re making a playoff push. The upside is too high to ignore.
Take Your Pickens
Russ to Pickens. What a throw. What a catch. 🎯
📺: #NYGvsPIT on ESPN/ABC/ESPN2
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/zbMQPqm3hF— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2024
Perhaps no one is happier to see Russell Wilson under center than Steelers receiver George Pickens. Before Wilson’s return, Pickens was averaging nearly 14 yards per reception, which was a couple of yards less than his career average. In the two games since Wilson’s return, Pickens is averaging over 20 yards-per-reception and his season average is more in line with his career average of 15.7. The catch above is just one example of how Wilson is much better than George Pickens.
For Pickens’ dynasty managers, they now have hope that Pickens has a quarterback who can consistently utilize his ability to catch the deep ball. Up to this point in Pickens’ career, Steelers quarterbacks included such ‘studs’ as Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. It’s impressive that Pickens was able to rack up the stats that he did. But with Wilson, Pickens could finally break out from just a good receiver to an elite one.
Dynasty Impact: Pickens’ dynasty value was already on the rise heading into this season. He recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 2023 with that illustrious group of quarterbacks mentioned above and finished as a low-end WR2 in fantasy leagues. And with Wilson and Pickens showing flashes of a beautiful friendship, Pickens’ stock is going up.
Using our DLF Trade Analyzer, Pickens is currently worth a first-round rookie pick in 2025. Whether your dynasty team is about to rebuild or pushing for a playoff spot, that’s a reasonable price. Pickens will be just 24 by the time next season rolls around. Furthermore, the wide receiver class of 2025 isn’t on track to have nearly the same number of first-rounders in the draft as 2024 did, which means the chances are lower you can draft a substitute for Pickens anyhow.
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