Intro/Methodology
In this weekly piece, I will bring you some risers and fallers from a dynasty lens. Whether it’s injuries, performance, or value, I want to discuss how players have moved around. Based on the week’s events, I’ll give some advice on how to act on the market’s movement, whether it’s buying, selling, or holding. Even in the playoffs, dynasty values still change weekly.
I won’t limit myself to talking about any specific players or teams because I want to have the freedom to discuss whatever is most relevant. Of course, there are more risers and fallers than those I’m listing. With that said, let’s jump into the risers first, followed by the fallers.
Risers
Leonard Fournette
I’ve seen Fournette talking on Twitter and other social media about “Playoff Lenny,” relating to how he’s played better in the playoffs. In three playoff games, Fournette has 48 carries for 211 yards and two touchdowns and 14 receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. Even though he had a couple of drops this week, he still played well, scoring an impressive 20-yard touchdown.
Typically, as one running back rises on a team, the other players fall, and I choose one side of the backfield to highlight. However, I don’t think that’s the case here. Ronald Jones has struggled with a calf injury throughout the playoffs, and he isn’t 100% healthy. Jones was the locked-in starter during the season, relegating Fournette to a bit-part role. Additionally, Ke’Shawn Vaughn didn’t even suit up for this game, making him a non-threat to either player.
But, Fournette is starting to show more of the promise he displayed in Jacksonville and at LSU. I think he’ll sign elsewhere in free agency, potentially garnering more work than he would in Tampa Bay. Therefore, he is a dynasty riser.
Dawson Knox
The Bills lost to the Chiefs 38-24, but Knox was a clear bright spot. Knox had eight targets, which he turned into six catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. The Bills utilized Knox as their third target in the passing game, behind Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley.
I loved Knox after his rookie year, where he flashed talent, although he was inconsistent. Now, Knox struggled through COVID-19 and other injuries throughout his second season, but the Bills wanted to involve him in the offense when he was healthy. Knox recently turned 24 years old, and the Bills represent an ascending offense. I think Knox should be on dynasty owners’ radars as a cheap tight end late in drafts.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
There weren’t many great choices for a third riser this week. Most of the players who performed well or shined were already among the top-tier assets, like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and Patrick Mahomes. However, I just wanted to highlight Valdes-Scantling, who had four catches on six targets for 115 yards and a touchdown.
I don’t know what the Packers will do for their offense throughout the offseason. We always expect them to acquire another wide receiver, but who knows if they will do that? Valdes-Scantling seems to have earned some trust from Aaron Rodgers, and he could compete for a role in 2021. He’s not a colossal riser, but I think he’s solidly worth a roster spot going into the offseason.
Fallers
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
I don’t want people to overreact to Edwards-Helaire’s performance. He clearly wasn’t entirely healthy coming off hip and ankle injuries, and the Chiefs had a reliable alternative running back in Darrel Williams. Oddly, Edwards-Helaire out snapped Williams 32-30, but Williams took 13 carries to six for Edwards-Helaire. Both players scored touchdowns, although Williams converted his 13 carries into 52 yards while Edwards-Helaire had just seven yards on his six carries.
At this point, I’ve given up on the idea that Edwards-Helaire will ever be a workhorse back in this Chiefs’ offense. I’ve dropped him out of my top couple of tiers in my dynasty running back rankings. However, I still rank Edwards-Helaire at RB10 simply because of his age, first-round draft capital, and upside. But, I recognize that mid-RB1 value is likely his ceiling, with an RB2 floor moving forward.
Devin Singletary
Unlike Edwards-Helaire, I don’t think that Singletary is a talented player. The Bills haven’t had Zack Moss available for the previous two games, leaving Singletary as the only significant running back on the roster. Singletary totaled a miserable 13 carries for 42 yards and five receptions for 21 yards in those two contests. Singletary even lost time to T.J. Yeldon this week, who looked far more dynamic on the field.
The Bills only spent a third-round pick on Singletary in the 2019 NFL Draft, representing the same capital that they spent on Moss in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, that combination of capital will not stop the Bills from adding a running back in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft. Neither Moss nor Singletary impressed me in 2020, although Singletary was far worse. Therefore, if the Bills add a significant running back, I think Moss’ value goes down, while Singletary’s goes to virtually zero.
Rob Gronkowski
Let me start this segment by saying that Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends of all time. Travis Kelce has had an outstanding fantasy football career, but Gronkowski is also one of the best blockers on top of his fantasy success. However, that blocking role is more of what I expect from Gronkowski moving forward.
Gronkowski has two total receptions on seven targets for 43 yards in the Buccaneers’ three playoff games. Gronkowski remains the Buccaneers’ every-down tight end, but Cameron Brate has seen more receiving production. I fully expect Gronkowski to return for the Buccaneers in 2021 alongside Tom Brady. But, the Buccaneers will likely either retain Brate or O.J. Howard to play the receiving role, with Gronkowski serving as a solid blocker. I’m not sure dynasty owners can count on Gronkowski for fantasy football in 2021 at all.
Thanks for reading this article. You can find me on Twitter at @DFF_Karp. I love to interact with anyone in the community, so reach out at any time! I take fantasy questions and help with all formats, so keep sending those questions my way.
Previous Risers and Fallers: Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 13, Week 14, Week 15, Week 16, Week 17, Offseason Edition, Wild Card, Divisional
