Stop me if you’ve heard this before but Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski looks like he’ll be healthy enough to start the season. Gronkowski has constantly teased dynasty owners the past few years.- As if the Darren Sproles crowd didn’t need another blow, it looks like Eagles backup running back Chris Polk might see an uptick in touches. Polk is the backup to own in Philly.
- For you IDPers, new Titan Wesley Woodyard will be one of the starting LB’s in their new 3-4 defense. He’s quietly averaged about 100 tackles per year the last three years and should keep that pace up in the AFC South.
- For those that think Roy Helu is the obvious choice for third down duties in Washington, think again. Chris Thompson could emerge as the more dynamic playmaker in Jay Gruden’s offense and eventually beat out Helu long-term.
Tag Archives: chris thompson
Daily Dynasty Update – August 6th
Here’s what already happened so take note!
- Eric Berry could lead the Chiefs in interceptions AND sacks (!). Berry may be undervalued at #6 in dynasty ranks.
- Danny Amendola has become dependable (sound familiar?). Amendola appears to be vastly underrated at #32 and could be a WR1 in PPR leagues.
- DeAndre Hopkins keeps getting better. It wouldn’t be a stretch to make him the first receiver off the dynasty fantasy boards.
- Sean Weatherspoon dislocated his finger but is expected to be fine. Injuries to the fingers aren’t nearly as big a problem for linebackers. Weatherspoon is a still a go to be a LB2 in dynasty leagues for many years to come.
- With the injury to Jeremy Maclin and the absence of Riley Cooper, somebody had to step up in Philly. It appears that person might be Russell Shepard. He’s turned in good practices and made the #2 spot his to lose.
- Julius Thomas has been playing with the first team as the ‘receiving’ tight end in Denver. While this year it may be tough to get looks after Wes Welker, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. Julius is #39 in current dynasty ranks but could improve upon that this year.
- Ryan Williams injury in Arizona is making his roster spot dicey. As we looked at the rookie runners, Arizona has two potential replacements for Rashard Mendenhall’s backup.
- Rookie running back Chris Thompson continues to recover from a knee injury. Thompson is an intriguing pick but ideally as a taxi squad player on a team with Alfred Morris.
- Tyler Wilson is now 4th on the Raiders depth chart (that includes Terrell Pryor and now Matt McGloin). It’s time to move on from any thoughts of Wilson being a dynasty asset.
And remember, if you’re able to read this, it’s the best day ever.
Dynasty Rookie Running Backs – Part III
Six backs were selected in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. All would be considered sleepers in dynasty fantasy leagues. Let’s take a look:
- Denard Robinson (JAC) – Originally a quarterback at Michigan, Robinson was drafted 135th overall. Truly a jack of all trades, it seems as if Robinson’s speed is probably best suited at running back seeing as he ran a 4.34 unofficial 40-time at the combine. He grew into the role in rookie camp but it still adjusting after dropping a pass and fumbling a handoff. Robinson would be the #3 running back on the depth chart and should be stashed by all MJD owners in the event his contract isn’t renewed.
- Stepfan Taylor (ARI) – Drafted 140th overall out of Stanford, Taylor currently sits behind Rashard Mendendhall and Ryan Williams on the depth chart. With coach Bruce Arians already calling the running back race for 26-year old Mendenhall, and the team sticking by 23-year old Ryan Williams, there doesn’t seem to be a clear path for Taylor. In addition, thanks to the NFL’s graduation rules, Taylor is also starting behind the other backs. Only draft Taylor if you have either Mendenhall or Williams on your current roster.
- Joseph Randle (DAL) – Drafted 151st overall by Dallas, Randle has already been anointed the backup to DeMarco Murray and expected to carry the load, should it come to that. Randle is still recovering from thumb surgery but should be ready to go. While nothing special in college, the fact that he’s backing up one of the most brittle. Additionally, Randle now becomes a part of the revolving door of Dallas running backs which has had four different leading rushers in 7 years. This could be a gift and a curse for Randle but, for now, don’t pin your hopes on him.
- Chris Thompson (WAS) – Going 154th overall to Washington, Thompson is a massive unknown. He broke his back and college and tore his ACL in consecutive years at Florida State. But Washington feels like he can do it all. At the moment, there’s a pileup in the Washington backfield but Thompson is one to remember simply because Shanahan is so unpredictable. After all, incumbent Alfred Morris was drafted in the 6th round.
- Zac Stacy (STL) – St. Louis traded up to 160 to pick Stacy out of Vanderbilt after averaging 5.5 YPC on over 200 carries in the tough SEC last year. Stacy proved he can handle the load there but will have to compete with Daryl Richardson (23) and Isiah Pead (23). Richardson is projected as the starter after averaging 4.8 YPC on about 100 carries in his rookie year. However, coach Jeff Fisher indicated he’s not opposed to a running back by committee approach. Stacy is talented but will have to beat two young, good players first to get noticed.
- Mike Gillislee (MIA) – Picked 164th out of Florida, Gillislee was nothing special coming out of the draft with the look of a long-time backup. He’s also not caught up to number two Daniel Thomas as of yet and would start the season as the third running back if it started today. Gillislee is off the dynasty radar at the moment unless you’re a concered Lamar Miller owner.
For Part I click here. For Part II click here.
Dynasty Fantasy Football Central 