Dynasty Recap – Week 4 – Patriots escape Falcons, 30-23

Patriots rookie receiver Kenbrell Thompkins is quickly becoming Tom Brady’s favorite target not named Gronkowski. Thompkins still is learning, which is evident when you consider Thompkins had 11 targets but only six catches. But he offers the most ability for Tom Brady and is the receiver to own in dynasty circles.
With Stevan Jackson still out, the Falcons continue to split running back duties, giving Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling equal billing. Whoever wins the battle to the death is the backup to own in Atlanta as Stevan Jackson, as we’ve seen, might be breaking down more and more.
Patriots running back Stevan Ridley continues to be downplayed by Bill Belichick. At this point last year he had 74 carries. This year? 47. Something is up but until Ridley has a breakout game, He’s a risk. Of course, his value has also taken a dive so he’s a good hold candidate at the moment.

Dynasty Recap – Week 4 – Broncos obliterate Eagles, 52-20

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning did Peyton Manning things and threw for 300+ and four touchdowns. Even though he’s 37, Manning is still a strong buy candidate. 300 yards and three touchdowns appears to be automatic and consistency is golden in fantasy football. Just be sure to grab Brock Osweiler while you can.
As for the running game, Denver still had their backs carry it about evenly with 12, 11, and eight carries. It’s a situation to avoid for now but Ball, with the most years left on his deal and the highest drafted, is still the guy to own. Now might be a good time to buy low.
For Philadelphia, quarterback Mike Vick had a decent game with 248 yards to go along with 41 yards rushing. If he makes it to the end of the season, he’s a great contributor for 2013 but you’d be wise to trade him for an asset if you’re able.
Denver defensive back Duke Ihenacho had his best game since his surprise game one performance. His nine tackles this week were the most since his week one, 12-tackle performance. With only seven tackles combined in weeks two and three, Ihenacho just isn’t a reliable defensive back for dynasty purposes.

Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had his first sub-300 yard game this year – but the Redskins got their first win. The team also ran the ball just as much as it passed which is more like the Redskins way. Griffin will still be a value but it’ll be in small doses.
Speaking of the running game, Redskins running back Alfred Morris had 4.4 YPC after 16 carries but was knocked out with an injury to his ribs. Roy Helu only averaged 3.3 YPC so Morris’ job is plenty safe. Morris is a guy to own in dynasty circles.
Washington receiver Leonard Hankerson has established himself as the receiver to have opposite Pierre Garcon. He had just as many targets as Garcon (7) to go along with his four catches and 49 yards. Again, Washington is a run-first team so a second receiver in this offense won’t have nearly the same value as others but Hankerson is someone to stash for dynasty purposes.
I’d just avoid anyone on offense in Oakland. Done and done.
Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had two more sacks to give him five for the year. Just 25 and signed through 2014, Kerrigan is a strong play for sacks / big play IDP dynasty leagues.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray continues to be efficient with a 5.0 YPC but only got 14 carries. Now, he did get five catches, in addition to the 14 carries, but until Dallas consistently goes to Murray, he can’t be considered a RB1 in dynasty circles.
San Diego’s offensive continues to have a renaissance between Philip Rivers (400 yards, three touchdowns) and Antonio Gates (10 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown). While you could ride both of them to championships this year, it would be advisable to trade them for something of value while you can.
Meanwhile, San Diego rookie receiver Keenan Allen had his best day as a pro with five catches for 80 yards.
On the other side of the field, Dallas rookie receiver Terrance Williams had his best day as well with seven catches on eight targets. He did have a costly fumble towards the end but Williams should be able to produce from the third receiver spot (see: Robinson, Laurent; Ogletree, Kevin).
Any doubt you may have had about Sean Lee’s status as a LB1 should be gone after his 18 tackle night. Lee is just a beast and, at 27, should be that way for a while.