Dynasty Preseason Players To Rent
Posted 8/21 by Jeff Tefertiller - Exclusive to Footballguys.com
Many dynasty owners discount players that seem to be on their last legs. Fantasy owners can address the short-term needs of their dynasty teams inexpensively. This happens often with good dynasty teams. A dynasty owner has a team that he feels has a chance to go far, and has good young talent on the bench. He does not want to trade any of the young players with potential to upgrade his starters. So, the best option might be to acquire a cheap starter upgrade which allows the young players to develop on the bench. These cheaper options are usually older players with limited years left on their career or the long-term situation does not look strong. But, these players are great to "rent" for a season or two to address deficiencies.
Jake Delhomme - Delhomme is a player that is still a viable fantasy QB1/2 with upside. He has a stud receiver in Steve Smith and the veteran presence of Muhsin Muhammad. The running game in Carolina may be the focal point in the Panther offense, but Delhomme is capable of being a worthy fantasy option. He is no worse of a fantasy quarterback than many drafted as low-end QB1. Delhomme is very reasonable to acquire via trade. For the minimal investment, he gives similar (within 1 point per game on average) production as those taken as lower QB1 (Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, etc). Why not trade for the cheaper option and let someone else overpay for the sexier options?
Chad Pennington - Pennington gets no respect in fantasy circles. While he was not a world beater in New York, he really surprised in Miami. With no viable wide receivers, the ex-Jet still finished as QB10 in fantasyland. No, the Dolphins did not upgrade the receiver position, but there is little reason to think his numbers will drop dramatically. Everyone remembers the Dolphins using the "Wildcat" offense, but it did little to take away from Pennington's production. Pennington only finished three fantasy points behind Tony Romo in 2008, and ahead of several who are worth more in dynasty leagues. He is a player to acquire if your starter goes down. It is advisable to try to get Chad Henne thrown into the deal if possible.
Shaun Hill/Alex Smith - The San Francisco 49ers are a team in transition. They are adjusting to Raye's new offense after having Mad Martz directing the offense. The odds are that Hill will win the starting job. But in the end, neither are long-term options for the 49ers. Many expect the team to address the quarterback position next offseason. This makes the Hill/Smith combo a one-year fix. But, because of that, they are cheap to acquire. The San Francisco passers make a productive and inexpensive fantasy QB2.
Kyle Orton - Orton was brought to the Mile High city by coach Josh McDaniels. He has high expectations while replacing All Pro Jay Cutler. One thing is for certain, Denver will throw the ball a lot. The Denver offense will be playing catch up often with the porous defense. Orton has two very good receivers in Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall as weapons. He could easily be a Top 10 fantasy passer in 2009. But, this is the last season the former Bear is under contract. Also, Chris Simms has a chance to find playing time. Both are playing for the 2010 job with possibly a new contract. Kyle Orton is a player to trade for if you are not comfortable with your QB1. He has potential to be a very good fantasy thrower at a relatively cheap price. Try to get Simms, too, with the way Orton played in week one of preseason.
Fred Jackson - Jackson is a player that emerged last season as a good option in the Buffalo running game. He will start the first three games of the season with the suspension of Marshawn Lynch. Jackson is expected to be the third down back when Lynch returns. He will probably see additional carries, but as the backup. Jackson makes for an affordable running back starter for three games. Fantasy owners know it is important to get off to a good start to the season, so Jackson makes for a cheap starter early on. Yes, the Bills' offensive line is horrific. It is a good thing that Jackson is a very good receiver out of the backfield. He is a player that can be had for a song right now and can be a starter early in the season. What more can you ask for next to nothing?
Cedric Benson - Benson was left out to dry by the Bears last year. He signed with the Bengals and played surprisingly well. Benson is a player that could be a great short-term fantasy RB2. He may have two good seasons as a Top 20 ball carrier. His price is low because many still doubt because of his days in Chicago. There are a couple of things working against Benson. With the pass-happy Bengal offense, the best he can hope for is a Rudi Johnson-type role. The catch is that Johnson was much more talented ... not to mention ran tough between the tackles. The other thing that hurts Benson is that he is not a good receiver. He will come out of the game on third downs or when Cincinnati is behind. This limits his upside unless he can run tougher.
Jamal Lewis - Lewis has been forgotten by many. The new regime in Cleveland will want to run the ball often. Let's not forget that the Mangini-led Jets ran Thomas Jones to a prolific 2008 season. The Browns do not have near the offensive line as New York, but Lewis can still be a viable fantasy RB2 for an incredibly cheap price. He was RB6 just two seasons back so he is capable for next to nothing in terms of investment.
Fred Taylor - Taylor signed in New England for a chance to get a championship ring. He should lead the Patriots in carries. Taylor is in great shape for his age and gives New England a legitimate primary ball carrier. His receiving ability will allow him to bolster his stats on Tom Brady dump-offs. Taylor is a player worth very little in fantasy leagues. He has been discounted due to his age and injury history, but can still run.
Chester Taylor - Taylor was highly valuable before Adrian Peterson came to town. He has value still, though. Even as a backup, Taylor still finished the 2008 season as fantasy RB35. He has RB1 upside if Peterson misses considerable time. The Vikings like to run the ball a lot behind their stud offensive line. He is a player to acquire and stash. At worst, he is a bye week starter. At best, he benefits if Peterson is out of the lineup. Taylor can still be very productive in Minnesota. He is in the last year of his contract and will be looking to have a big season.
Derrick Mason - Mason gave fantasy owners a scare with his brief retirement in July after the tragic death of longtime friend Steve McNair. He is now back in the fold and ready to have another productive season. The Ravens have little else at the receiver position. Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams cannot stay healthy. Baltimore relies on its three-headed running game to take the pressure off Joe Flacco. The young passer relies on his veteran receiver for the clutch reception. Mason can be had for a song now, after the retirement. But, fantasy owners get a pass receiver that finished as WR22 last season. He makes a great fantasy WR3/4 with WR2 upside.
Donald Driver - Driver has been quietly productive the last few seasons. The Packers have drafted three young receivers to encroach on his production, but it has yet to happen. Driver continues to press on with 1,000-yard seasons. He is a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers. The Packers need its aging star to make the big reception in crunch time.
Hines Ward - Ward, like Mason and Driver, is not worth much in dynasty leagues because of age. But, all three produce fantasy WR2 numbers. Ward is a great buy this season as many remember the tremendous postseason of teammate Santonio Holmes. Holmes is expected to surpass Ward this season. But, I just do not buy it. Big Ben looks to Ward for the clutch reception. The veteran receiver will continue to be a vital part of the Steelers offense. He finished as WR15 last season but is being sold for peanuts because of Holmes. The irony is that Holmes finished as WR32 in 2008. While the two should finish close together in 2009, Ward offers great value to those that acquire him. He is only 33 years old and could have a couple productive seasons left in him.
Joey Galloway - Joey Galloway has quietly found himself in an ideal situation. Yes, he is old ... but how can you top playing opposite Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Galloway will see consistent single coverage for the first time in his career. He can be a decent depth receiver who is available on many a waiver wire. Galloway can be a Top 40 fantasy receiver for almost nothing, even via trade. Little invested so little expected. If something were to happen to Moss, Galloway could be huge in the Patriot offense.
Randy McMichael - McMichael is a tight end available on most waiver wires that has Top 10 upside. The Ram offense is void of receivers and will need production from McMichael just to move the ball. The injury to Donnie Avery illustrates how thin the Rams are at wide receiver. They only have unproven youngsters (Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton) and an ineffective veteran (Ronald Curry) at the position. McMichael was a Top 12 fantasy tight every season from 2002 through 2006. He has the upside to put up 50 catches for 500 yards and be a spot starter off of the waiver wire.