Welcome to Week 11 of The Docket, a weekly column that will highlight rule and policy issues effecting players as well as offer strategy and advice on a select few players that you should be targeting or avoiding.
ON THE STAND
This is where we look at issues that could have an impact on your season.
Adrian Peterson (RB) – I wrote in depth about Peterson’s situation last week, which you can check out here. Since then, the NFLPA filed a grievance on behalf of Peterson to have him come off the Commissioner’s Exempt List immediately. The hearing is set for Monday and then the Commissioner’s office has five days to rule on the issue. If Peterson wins the ruling, which he very well may, the Commissioner can still hand down a suspension of 6 games or more under the leagues brand new Domestic Violence Policy. One major factor is that the Viking’s organization may not want Peterson back and since the trade deadline has passed, having him sit out the rest of the year may be in their best interest. The Viking’s can then trade him in the off-season for some value instead of having to cut him for nothing this year. Once again, if Peterson is on the waiver wire, pick him up, but keep expectations in check.
CASE PENDING
This is where we look at select players who are on the verge of an upgrade or downgrade.
Damien Williams (RB, Mia) – For those in dynasty leagues, it is worth adding William’s to your roster. William’s is a big kid, standing 6’0”, 222 pounds and ran a 4.45 forty at the combine with a huge 38” vertical. Williams has gone largely unnoticed because he is an undrafted rookie that was suspended and eventually dismissed from Oklahoma for "Violations of University Policy." However, Williams is known as a hard worker and his talent has never been in question. He has good vision, speed, can catch the ball well and is good in pass protection. While Lamar Miller has been great this year, he is not an elite back, and William’s has a legitimate shot to steal the job next year or emerge as a solid compliment.
Christine Michael (RB, Sea) – Marshawn Marshawn is a beast. And no, I didn’t forget his last name, no need. One of the more interesting situations to watch in the off-season will be if the Seahawks bring back Marshawn for the final year of his contract, where he is set to make $8.5 million. While it would be great for Marshawn to finish his career with the team, there is a good chance they decide to move on and go with the supremely talented Michael. We got a taste of Michael’s talent this past weekend when he had 4 touches for 71 yards, and looked like he was being shot out of a cannon. With the Seahawks needing to sign Russell Wilson to a long term contract there just may not be enough money to keep Marshawn as well. Then again, he is the heart and soul of the team. At some point Michael will be the guy in Seattle and he will be an immediate RB1. Although, whether that is in 2015 or 2016 we will just have to wait and see.
Mohamed Sanu (WR, Cin) – Sanu has been great this season with Marvin Jones out for the year, Tyler Eifert injured and AJ Green missing a few games and being limited in others. With AJ Green back in the saddle Sanu’s production took a hit, it’s also that time of the year when Andy Dalton starts falling apart. Sanu is a solid player, but he is best relied on as a low-end WR2 going forward and probably a WR3 next year when the team is back to full strength. So if you can get legitimate value for him, I would make that trade. In Dynasty, sell high.
CASE DISMISSED
This is where we highlight players that are looking particularly good.
Mark Ingram (RB, NO) – For some unknown reason, the Saints declined Ingram’s fifth year option. That mistake is on them as Ingram has shown to be a true foundation back this year, running with speed and power. Over his last four games, Ingram is averaging over 17 points in PPR leagues and that includes his tough matchup against the Lions where he only gained 29 yards. He’s a weekly starter this year and could be an absolute stud if he continues to be featured next season or moves to a team that will feature him. For the rest of this season, his schedule also looks particularly good: @PIT, CAR, @CHI, ATL
THOUGHTS FROM THE BENCH
Here is where we highlight situations or strategies that are worth monitoring.
2014 Rookie WR Class: I wrote on this a few weeks ago, but after seeing some more out of these guys, I present my updated rankings. This is how I rank this year’s rookie receiving class for the rest of this season and beyond:
This Season (PPR)
- Sammy Watkins
- Mike Evans
- Kelvin Benjamin
- Odell Beckham Jr
- Brandin Cooks
- Jordan Matthews
- Martavis Bryant
- John Brown
- Davante Adams
- Marqise Lee
- Jarvis Landry
- Donte Moncrief
- Paul Richardson Jr
Dynasty Rankings (PPR)
- Sammy Watkins (The cream of the crop, A.J. Green type talent)
- Mike Evans (He’s a beast and Vincent Jackson very well may be traded next year)
- Odell Beckham, Jr (Can play any WR position, ceiling higher than Antonio Brown’s)
- Brandin Cooks (A PPR beast going forward, on pace for 85 catches this year and Colston essentially done)
- Donte Moncrief (if he is starting, he will be beastly. Greg Cosell compared to Andre Johnson and Josh Gordon)
- Kelvin Benjamin (Better than expected this year and should get better. Hands an issue, but uses size well)
- Jordan Matthews (A young Marques Colston, has to hope Zach Ertz doesn’t start getting on the field more)
- Cody Latimer (Erick Decker 2013 is his floor)
- Martavis Bryant (If he improves his route tree, real stud potential)
- John Brown (Depends if they keep Fitz, will be great if starting in 2 WR sets, TY Hilton type stats possible)
- Allen Robinson (Going to be a PPR stud and their WR1 for years to come. Scheme and team keep him here, could rank higher)
- Davante Adams (They run a ton of 3 WR sets and enough to go around. I think they keep Cobb, if not, he's an every week WR2)
- Marqise Lee (Has a ton of talent, but as a smaller WR, will take a year or two).
- Jarvis Landry (Ryan Tannehill loves throwing to the slot)
- Paul Richardson Jr (this offense caps his upside, poor man's Desean Jackson)
- Jeff Janis (probably two years off, but a Jordy Nelson clone)
Song of the Week
This week I present, Logic, who just released his debut album Under Pressure. Check out “Buried Alive” below:
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