Dynasty Implications - Week 3

Posted 9/22 by Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive for Footballguys.com

This will be a weekly feature looking at the dynasty implications from some of the events of the week's games. We will look at the happenings of the weekend and identify some winners and losers in dynasty leagues. The focus will be on the players that are not elite, nor top players having big games this week. You do not need me to tell you to trade for Adrian Peterson or Drew Brees when they have a big game.

Kyle Orton does not look like a NFL starting passer. He is inefficient and does not look down the field with confidence. Yes, the Broncos are 2-0, but it has not been pretty against the likes of Cincinnati and Cleveland. Orton has one season to prove to the Bronco coaches that he deserves a new contract this offseason. The future starter for the Broncos is likely not yet on the roster, unless Tom Brandstater can develop. Further, the poor production of Orton has an ill-effect on the Bronco receivers. The passes are spread out to four wide receivers. Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall have yet to get into any type of a groove with Orton. The timing looks clumsy. The spreading of the targets basically eliminates the upside potential for all of the Bronco wideouts until the situation solidifies.

Matt Hasselbeck left Sunday's game with a fractured rib. He was even hospitalized later on Sunday before being released. Seneca Wallace came in relief. This change obviously has a negative effect on the Seahawks receivers. Mike Teel is a player to watch if this injury lasts very long. But, in the meantime, lower expectations for the Seattle offensive personnel until Hasselbeck can make it back into the lineup.

Steve Slaton is proving to not be an automatic Top 10 fantasy back. Yes, the latest disappointing game came against the Tennessee Titans. But, this is now two weeks in a row. It is time to lower expectations for dynasty owners. In addition, Chris Brown was used often down the stretch. Fantasy owners used to be able to depend on Slaton being involved in the passing game, but that cannot be counted on anymore. Yes, the Texans have faced the Jets and Titans in consecutive weeks, but I expected more for a consensus elite dynasty back.

Frank Gore is showing his mettle so far this season. The 49ers have faced the two best defenses in the NFC West and Gore has enjoyed a couple of big fantasy games. His 207 rushing yards against the Seahawks was very impressive. This total could have been much higher if Gore would not have exited the game early due to a sprained ankle. He is making a case to be mentioned as a Top 5 fantasy back.

LaDainian Tomlinson's injury led to Darren Sproles getting the start at running back for the Chargers and many fantasy lineups. Sproles was able to break a very long reception for a touchdown, but did little else. It is becoming apparent that he is a great scat back, but does not possess the ability to run the ball between the tackles like Leon Washington or other "smaller" rushers wanting to be a primary runner. While the Chargers did face a strong and aggressive defense in the Ravens, it was a test for Sproles to assert himself as a primary back. The Chargers have always stated that they did not view the diminutive Sproles as a primary runner. Now, I think we should believe them. This takes nothing away from him as a player, but does give perspective as to his upside, especially since he is not under contract for next season.

Fred Jackson is showing he is more than just a backup running back. He has enjoyed two straight good games against decent defenses. This week, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson accumulated 98 total yards in just the first half alone. He finished the game with 188 total yards. Jackson is carving out a role in the Buffalo offense, even when Marshawn Lynch comes back from suspension. But, fantasy owners should expect Lynch to be the primary runner upon his return.

Keep an eye on the injury status of Jerious Norwood. This is his second head injury in a short time frame for the speedy Falcon. This could become a serious problem soon. In dynasty leagues, Norwood might be a player to trade to the Turner owner looking for the handcuff. The Falcons are saying that Norwood is now "fine", but repeated head injuries make me nervous.

Justin Forsett is forging a bigger role in the Seahawks offense. It is partially because of the ineptitude of Julius Jones and partially because he gives the Seattle offense a well-needed playmaker. Forsett is a good receiver at the running back position. It may not take much for him to pass Jones or at least solidify a larger role in the offense very soon. In the game against the San Francisco 49ers, Forsett played more plays (with 30) than either Julius Jones (with 28) or Edgerrin James (with 7). This could have been due to the Seahawks playing in obvious passing situations, trying to come back in the game. The outcome is still that Forsett is a player to watch. In PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues, Forsett is a great sleeper. His role should grow as the season progresses.

Willis McGahee will give fantasy football owners fits this season. The Ravens are using him in situations close to the goal line. He should have double-digit touchdowns this season. Ray Rice was effective, but it appears that the Baltimore coaching staff feels more comfortable with McGahee in short yardage situations. There is good news in regard to Rice. The price to acquire him is much lower with McGahee getting the scoring runs. Rice is very good in the passing game. His receptions, and receiving yardage, will help him be a productive fantasy RB2/3 most weeks.

Mike Bell was enjoying a very good game against a tough Eagle defense before leaving the game with a knee sprain. Ironically, it is a similar injury to what Pierre Thomas suffered and is now said to be recovered. Bell had played very well, winning the accolades of the coaching staff. This is an intriguing situation for dynasty owners. For those that believe in Bell, this injury will provide an opportune time to buy him at a reduced price. For those that believe in the ability of Thomas, he will now get a chance to show that he is the superior back.

Antonio Bryant is still recovering from a balky knee that flared up in the second half of the week one game against the Dallas Cowboys. The injury could be a lengthy one since it is swelling from a past surgery. Many, including yours truly, expected Michael Clayton to have a big game after his showing in the Cowboy game. But, his presence was nonexistent versus the Bills. It was former Golden Domer Maurice Stovall who stepped up with an 80-yard outing. Rookie Sammy Stroughter also saw some targets. But, it appears that no wideout will be fantasy startable while Bryant is out of the lineup. The team is void of talent at the position. No Tampa Bay wide receiver was able to catch more than three balls this past week. The main beneficiary is tight end Kellen Winslow. He has now caught a touchdown in successive weeks.

Mike Sims-Walker has emerged as a fantasy viable receiver once again. He looks to be over his knee injury. Sims-Walker saw much of his action after Troy Williamson was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury. Williamson is now out for the remainder of the season. In addition, most of the statistics were generated in garbage time. Nevertheless, it is good to see signs of life from the sleeper receiver. He is now the unquestioned WR2 in Jacksonville. Much of his upside is tied to quarterback David Garrard, so I would not expect consistency.

Lance Moore is battling a balky hamstring injury. He should be fine in the next week or so. Devery Henderson is the beneficiary. The interesting point for dynasty leaguers is that it is Henderson, and not Robert Meachem, getting the targets. With the way Drew Brees is throwing the ball, Henderson could actually fulfill all of the potential fans have hoped for years. He is definitely a player to watch. Moore is used primarily as the slot receiver in three-receiver sets. He made the most of his over-the-middle routes last season. Henderson and he do not play the same position. Henderson mostly lines up wide. The Saints do use multiple formations in a game to take advantage of mismatches. Henderson benefits from the increase in targets.

Don't look now, but Laurent Robinson has become the top receiver in St. Louis. He now has two very good games in a row. Maybe Donnie Avery is slow coming back from the foot injury. Maybe not. But, it is obvious that Robinson has carved out a big role in the Ram pass offense. It is amazing that Robinson has been able to be productive with the very poor play from quarterback Marc Bulger.

Johnny Knox led the Bear wide receivers in targets and yardage Sunday against the Steelers. Quarterback Jay Cutler looked his way when he needed a big play and Knox was able to deliver. He has tremendous speed and was not awestruck at all by the aggressive Pittsburgh defense. Against two stout defenses, the Packers and the Steelers, Knox has totaled over 150 receiving yards. He is a legitimate wideout for the Bears. In addition, it was Knox, not Earl Bennett, who starter at split end Sunday. This looks to be a sign of the future.

Julian Edelman played in place of Wes Welker Sunday. He will be a hot pick up this week. Edelman does favor Welker in stature and playing style. Edelman is a rookie from Kent State and a converted quarterback. He is a player with considerable upside if Welker misses time, especially in PPR leagues. But, in dynasty leagues, the first-year player is one to stash in deeper leagues even when Welker comes back. Catching eight passes for 98 yards against the stingy Jet defense was a great way to start his career. He led the Patriot receivers in yardage for the game. Tom Brady has confidence in the youngster.

Bobby Wade will be a hot item on waiver wires this week. It appears as though he has passed Mark Bradley on the depth chart. But, we need to remember that this was against the Raiders. Wade is not a long-term option in dynasty leagues. Let someone else roster him unless you may need an emergency spot starter some weeks. Wade will have some decent games this season, but it would be unwise to rely on the WR2 in the Chief passing game.

Mario Manningham is making a case to be the WR1 in New York. He has now scored touchdowns in both games. After starting his career slow, the ex-Michigan star is quickly gaining the trust of quarterback Eli Manning. Manningham was able to embarrass the Dallas secondary with a whopping ten grabs for 150 yards and the touchdown. He is fearless in traffic and looks the part of a NFL WR1. With Hakeem Nicks out with the foot sprain, Manningham has a few more weeks to solidify his hold on the WR1 spot. It will be Hixon who loses the starting job when Nicks returns.

It is time to start worrying about Santana Moss. He is not getting the targets from Jason Campbell that Moss needs to be a productive fantasy WR3 or WR4. I know Moss is streaky, and could blow up this week, but I had high expectations for Moss against the Rams. I even believed coach Zorn when he said the Redskins needed to get the stud receiver more pass targets. Shame on me.

Brandon Pettigrew had two targets on opening drive. One was a screen. The Lions were trying to get the rookie tight end involved early in the game. He finished with 40 receiving yards, the second most on the team. Pettigrew will be a good NFL tight end, but it will take a year or so until he can be a viable fantasy player.

Brent Celek is quietly off to a fast start to the season. The Eagles have integrated Celek into the passing game. He was able to eclipse the 100-yard mark this past week. If you are weak at the tight end position, Celek is a player to put on your radar. He is inexpensive and produces like a TE1.

Kellen Davis looks good as the TE2 in Chicago. While he may never surpass Greg Olsen on the depth chart, Davis showed that he has talent. He is a player to stash in deep leagues for when Desmond Clark is retired or no longer a Bear.