Updated Dynasty Linebacker Rankings – January 2014

Click here for the latest dynasty linebacker rankings.

The top of the rankings stay mostly the same with Luke Kuechly, NaVorro Bowman, and Lavonte David making up the top three. Bowman’s status will be closely monitored after destroying his knee in the NFC Championship game.
The big risers this month include the Eagles Mychal Kendricks, Buffalo’s Kiko Alonso and the Bengals Vontaze Burfict. All are coming off strong seasons and will enter 2014 under the age of 24. They will be heading in to the top ten soon.
Drops this month include the 49ers Patrick Willis (age/injury) and the Cowboys Bruce Carter (pass protection) and Tampa’s Mason Foster (new scheme). These are guys you should look at trading to see what you get.

Dynasty Recap – Week 16 – Cowboys escape Redskins 24-23

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray ran for 96 yards on 22 carries for a 4.4 YPC with three catches for 15 yards. Murray is extremely effective this year with a 5.5 YPC. If the Cowboys do make a coaching move, hopefully the new regime utilize him more.
Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon had 11 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. With his age and talent, Garcon is a low-end WR1 heading in to 2014 but is more of a high-end WR2. Washington should also solidify its quarterback situation as well.
Cowboys linebacker Bruce Carter led the team in tackles with 11. Carter’s had an uneven season and is highly questionable to return with many changes expected in the Cowboys defense.

The Saints ran all over the Cowboys with continual fantasy disappointment Mark Ingram thrashing them for 145 yards on just 14 carries. Pierre Thomas added 87 yards on 17 carries. Don’t get too excited, however, as the Cowboys have one of the worst defenses in the league. Sell high on either one if you can.
The passing game also did damage but that was no surprise. Quarterback Drew Brees distributed the ball fairly evenly with Marques Colston leading the way in targets, catches and yards. It’s still a week-to-week guess who Brees’ favorite is with the exception of tight end Jimmy Graham. There just isn’t a receiver in New Orleans reliable enough to count on.
Cowboys safety Barry Church had 14 more tackles to give him 80 on the year putting him on pace for 128. Of course, with the Cowboys pass defense so abysmal, it’s not hard to envision any safety on the Dallas defense having a lot of tackles. It will remain to be seen if Church will still be around after the inevitable shake-up coming n the off-season.
Cowboys linebacker Bruce Carter had a good day with 12 tackles, giving him 60 for the year. He’s now on pace for 100 tackles but, like Church, it remains to be seen if he’ll be around in Dallas in 2014.