Author name: PaulRyan15

Brock Bowers

The Assembly Line, Vol. 4: Dynasty Football Factory Newsletter

All Access, Dynasty / By /

Week 1 is FINALLY here, and with two games already in the books, Sunday can’t get here fast enough! The Game of the Week has to be Western Michigan and Michigan. I mean, a last-second (2nd?) Hail Mary; it doesn’t get any better than that…but did Western Michigan get cheated out of a win? Injuries have taken their toll on some big names already, but it’s too early to panic.

The Assembly Line, Vol. 4: Dynasty Football Factory Newsletter Read More »

baker

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: NFC South Edition

Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my “One Question” series, and thank you to everyone who read last week’s AFC South edition — are you buying Cam Ward’s redemption story? Let’s stay in the South, but make our way to the NFC. The NFC South has no shortage of playmakers — guys like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Chris Olave, Travis Etienne, Emeka Egbuka, Tetairoa McMillan, and Jonathan Brooks have fantasy players in a frenzy to add them to their teams. The only real question with this division is: what will their quarterbacks do this year? Can Baker earn another payday with Tampa Bay, or will his contract situation linger into the season? Can Bryce Young take the next step, or is he who we think he is? Will either QB in Atlanta be good enough to elevate their skill players? And is Tyler Shough the real deal, or was 2025 just a flash in the pan?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like the team to beat in the NFC South, but was last year’s brutal Week 18 loss to division rival Carolina Panthers the beginning of the end? Tampa Bay has been active this offseason, bringing in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and signing running back Kenneth Gainwell. But there’s been no shortage of drama, as Baker Mayfield (QB – TB) goes into the season without a new deal and has been vocal about his displeasure. Two-time Pro Bowler Vita Vea (DT – TB) requested a trade after not getting a new deal — thankfully, that got reconciled quickly with a one-year contract. Between the new OC, the loss of Mike Evans (WR – SF), Emeka Egbuka’s (WR – TB) toe injury, and a disgruntled quarterback, a lot is riding on 2026 in Tampa. And it starts with figuring out Mayfield’s future.

My question for the Buccaneers is: Should Tampa Bay re-sign Baker Mayfield?

After a promising start in Cleveland, things went south for Baker out of nowhere. After winning their first playoff game in 26 years, he suffered an injury the following season, played through it rather than have surgery, and it likely cost him his job. Things got worse when the Browns pursued Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE) while Baker was still on the roster. Cleveland traded for Watson, dealt Baker to Carolina, and the rest is history.

Baker joined former first-round pick Sam Darnold (QB – SEA) in what looked like a fresh start. It didn’t last. He won the job over Darnold in the preseason, suffered another injury, and played through it again. The Panthers went a dismal 1-5 in games he started. He requested a release, and the Rams picked him up — and that’s when things turned around.

Baker landed with a Rams team, the defending Super Bowl champions, desperate at quarterback of their own. It only took 48 hours for him to make his presence felt. Starter John Wolford, playing through a neck injury, went three-and-out on the Rams’ first series, and the coaching staff pulled him to protect him. Baker took over and led the Rams back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit, capped by a 98-yard drive with no timeouts to steal the win.

Baker’s Rams stint ended at 2-3, highlighted by a Christmas Day 51-14 win. His next opportunity wasn’t far behind. In 2023, he was part of another QB battle, this time in Tampa Bay, on a one-year “prove-it” deal against Kyle Trask (QB – TB). He won the job, helped the Buccaneers win the division and a playoff game, and earned a three-year, $100 million extension the following offseason.

But as resilient as Baker is…can he win when it matters? In five playoff appearances, he’s 2-3, and his teams held fourth-quarter leads in two of those three losses. In the divisional round against Washington, a bad exchange with Jalen McMillan (WR – TB) led to a fumble and a short-field touchdown. His playoff woes go back to Oklahoma too, where he lost both of his playoff games.

But does that mean he’s not a franchise quarterback? Not so fast! Let’s look at Baker’s resume: the first walk-on player in college football history to win the Heisman, led Oklahoma to two playoff appearances, was the number one overall pick, guided Cleveland to their first playoff victory in 26 years, won a QB battle, won two playoff games, and won two division titles after taking over for Tom Brady.

My question for Tampa Bay: Should they re-sign Baker Mayfield?

My answer: If they don’t, someone else will — and he’ll make you regret it.

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: NFC South Edition Read More »

noel

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: AFC South Edition

Dynasty / By /

Houston Texans

Let’s start with the Super Bowl contender Houston Texans. My question for the Texans is: Is Jayden Higgins’ replacement already on the roster?

News broke earlier this week that Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU) suffered a torn ACL in practice and will miss the entire season. With Super Bowl aspirations stronger than ever, losing the up-and-coming receiver was an unexpected hurdle. But when you look at the Texans roster, do they have the depth to make it work before making a panic move?

Star receiver Nico Collins (WR – HOU) has made a name for himself as one of the best in the NFL, with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. After losing Stefon Diggs (WR – NE) and Tank Dell (WR – HOU) to injury over the past two seasons, Houston used premium 2025 draft capital on Higgins and Jaylin Noel (WR – HOU) to fortify the room around Collins. Xavier Hutchinson (WR – HOU) started next to Collins for most of 2025 before Higgins overtook him late in the year — proof this room has real competition, not just names on a depth chart. Noel didn’t have a big rookie season as a receiver, but he proved his worth on special teams, and Dell remains a proven veteran when healthy.

The loss of Higgins hurts for fantasy, and for the Texans, but between Hutchinson (17 games played in 2025), Noel (elite return production), and Dell (a Day Two pick with real upside when right), things could be a lot worse.

Do the Texans have Higgins’ replacement on the roster? Yes.

If I had to pick one, give me Blazin’ Jaylin Noel. He made his name on special teams in 2025, but he was also a Day Two pick who ran a 4.39 at the combine — one of the fastest receivers in his class — and profiles as a polished route runner who pairs precision with explosive speed, the kind of player who turns a short slant into six.

*At the time of this writing, Noel had returned to practice after dealing with hamstring and pinkie injuries. He was being ramped up and was in no danger of missing Week 1.*

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: AFC South Edition Read More »

tucker

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Las Vegas Raiders Edition

Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my ‘One Question’ series, and as always, thank you to everyone who read last week’s edition — are you buying or selling RJ Harvey? As we round up our final team in the AFC West, we make our way to Las Vegas (fun fact: I’ve never been, have you?). #RaiderNation has a lot to be excited about this season. They drafted their quarterback of the future (hopefully) in Fernando Mendoza (QB – LV), hired a Super Bowl-winning offensive guru as their new head coach in Klint Kubiak, have one of — if not — the best tight end in football in Brock Bowers (TE – LV), and last but certainly not least they have a STUD running back waiting to be unleashed in Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV).

My question to the Raiders: Can we trust any Raiders wide receiver in fantasy?

Although the 2025 season was a disaster for the Raiders, they did attempt to improve their offense for then-quarterback Geno Smith (QB – NYJ) when they drafted running back Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV), used two third-round picks on offensive linemen, and addressed wide receiver by drafting Jack Bech (WR – LV) out of TCU in the second round and Dont’e Thornton Jr. (WR – LV) out of Tennessee in the fourth round. As we know, the Raiders’ offense was one of the worst in the NFL, and it only took 11 games before the Raiders decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. It’s hard to judge the Raiders’ wide receivers off of last season’s outcome, but the Raiders have signaled how they feel about the position this year.

The Raiders were one of the teams heavily pursuing Alec Pierce (WR – IND), and it was reported that Las Vegas was the most aggressive team seeking his services. Pierce eventually re-signed with Indianapolis, becoming the highest-paid wide receiver free agent in NFL history — and that was after he took less money than he was offered from other teams.

After missing out on Pierce, the Raiders signed veteran wide receiver Jalen Nailor (WR – LV). While Nailor isn’t the most exciting player, the Raiders needed a veteran presence, and he is a professional receiver who showed flashes of potential his last two years in Minnesota, scoring a combined 10 touchdowns in 2024 and 2025 in a limited role (per Sleeper).

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Las Vegas Raiders Edition Read More »

RJ Harvey

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Denver Broncos Edition

Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my ‘One Question’ series, and thank you to everyone who read my piece on the Kansas City Chiefs — are you buying or selling Travis Kelce (TE – KC) in 2026? We’re staying in the AFC West, which looks to be a division filled with players that we all want for fantasy, and this week’s team is no different. Let’s take a look at the Denver Broncos, who are fresh off a season in which they made it to the AFC Championship Game and added former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (WR – DEN) this offseason to bolster their wide receiver room in a blockbuster trade. Even with Bo Nix (QB – DEN) returning from an ankle injury he suffered in the AFC Divisional Game, all arrows are pointing up for Nix and the Broncos offense in 2026.

But, like most teams, the running back is a key component in the success or lack thereof of NFL offenses, and picking the right one on draft day in your fantasy league can be the difference between making the playoffs and being a true contender.

Last year, the Broncos signed J.K. Dobbins (RB – DEN) and drafted RJ Harvey (RB – DEN) with their second-round pick. After a strong start to the season, Dobbins suffered a season-ending injury. Harvey would immediately pay dividends on the Broncos’ second-round investment, scoring 12 touchdowns, catching 47 passes, and totaling nearly 900 yards from scrimmage.

Fast forward to the 2026 offseason, and the Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins to a two-year deal and beefed up their running back room by drafting Washington running back Jonah Coleman (RB – DEN), who scored 27 touchdowns his last two years in college.

These moves would imply the Broncos aren’t ready to give RJ Harvey an expanded role in 2026.

But, should they?

My question for the Broncos is: Is RJ Harvey a buy-low in fantasy?

Yes, the Broncos re-signed Dobbins and drafted Jonah Coleman, but do those moves hurt or help Harvey? Of course, adding a running back to the room could potentially cause another running back to lose touches — but is Coleman taking touches away from RJ Harvey or J.K. Dobbins?

When you compare their running styles, body type, and speed, Jonah Coleman is more like J.K. Dobbins and not like RJ Harvey. Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt was quoted as saying this about Jonah Coleman: “a physical, downhill runner” who “fits our style, fits what we have in our running back group right now.” He also said the comparison between Coleman and J.K. Dobbins was “very valid.”

As we know, J.K. Dobbins’ career has been altered by injuries. Since being drafted in 2020, Dobbins has played a total of 47 games, and in two of his six seasons he’s missed 10 or more games. Dobbins hasn’t been healthy for an entire season since his rookie year.

I’m not saying Dobbins is bad, but as the saying goes, “the best ability is availability” — and Dobbins has shown that he’s not always available. That’s why I believe Denver drafted Jonah Coleman not to replace RJ Harvey, but as the future replacement for J.K. Dobbins.

We’ve seen that the age of the workhorse running back isn’t as prominent as it once was, and while having one is nice, the one-two punch running back systems are better for offenses and great for fantasy!

Sean Payton is notorious for using a two-back system. In his 15 years with the New Orleans Saints, a running back had 200 or more rushing attempts just five times. However, he has eight instances where multiple running backs had 150 or more touches (2006-2009, 2011 and 2013, 2017 and 2018, and 2023). Here are some quotes from Sean Payton on running a two-back system:

“I understand the committee. I’m used to having two running backs. We’re going to have more than just one back. We’re going to stack that position group. It’s too hard in our league to play with just one — rarely does a team do it. Occasionally, it happens.” — Sean Payton, end-of-season press conference, 2024

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Denver Broncos Edition Read More »

kelce

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Kansas City Chiefs Edition

Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my One Question series. As always, thank you to everyone who read my “One Question” for the Los Angeles Chargers — are you buying into the Justin Herbert (QB – LAC) hype? We’re staying in the AFC West this week, and we’re headed to Kansas City! The Chiefs and Andy Reid have always been a team that has rewarded fantasy players. But can we say the same this season? Both Patrick Mahomes (QB – KC) and Xavier Worthy (WR – KC) are set to return fully healthy in 2026, Rashee Rice (WR – KC) resolved his legal issues and won’t face a suspension from the NFL, and the Chiefs signed Super Bowl winner Kenneth Walker (RB – KC) to a massive deal this offseason! There’s a lot to be excited about in #ChiefsKingdom. However, one player gets overlooked and underappreciated in fantasy drafts this season, and I don’t understand why. With an ADP of TE30?

My question for the Chiefs is: Is Travis Kelce (TE – KC) the biggest STEAL in fantasy football?

Travis Kelce (TE – KC) has become an acquired taste since he started dating mega pop star and phenom Taylor Swift. For a while, you couldn’t watch a Chiefs game without seeing her on the Jumbotron. I’ll admit, if I were dating Taylor Swift, I’d show her off too (no offense to my beautiful wife Hannah. If I were an NFL star, I’d show you off too, honey). But I’m not dating Taylor Swift, and it was annoying after a while seeing her face after EVERY big play the Chiefs made. That said, has the hate gone too far? Sure, he’s on the wrong side of 35, but tight ends age like fine wine, and we’ve seen tight ends who were past their prime have top-12 seasons.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane:

Tony Gonzalez (TE – ATL): Posted top-five PPR finishes every year from age 34 to 37 (2010-2013), highlighted by a TE2 overall finish in 2012 (age 36) with 93 receptions, 930 yards, and eight touchdowns.

Antonio Gates (TE – LAC): Was the TE4 in PPR scoring in 2014 at age 34 (69 receptions, 821 yards, 12 touchdowns). In 2016, at age 36, he was the TE11 (53 receptions, 548 yards, seven touchdowns).

Greg Olsen (TE – CAR): Secured a TE6 finish in 2016 at age 31 (80 receptions, 1,073 yards, three touchdowns).

Jason Witten (TE – DAL): Had multiple TE1 seasons in his 30s. He recorded top-12 finishes at age 30 and 31, and later returned from a brief retirement to record a TE11 finish in 2019 at age 35 (63 receptions, 529 yards, four touchdowns).

Yes, Kelce is 36, but history shows that age doesn’t matter nearly as much for tight ends as it does for other positions.

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Kansas City Chiefs Edition Read More »

Justin Herbert

One Question for EVERY NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers Edition

All Access, Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my weekly series, and as always, thank you to everyone who read last week’s Philadelphia Eagles edition — what are you doing with Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) in Dynasty leagues? The NFC East was a fun division to look at and is always fun for fantasy! Now we’re heading out West to take a look at the AFC West, one of the more FanDuel Sportsbook and fantasy-friendly divisions of years past.

Our first stop will be in sunny Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re a Chargers fan or a fantasy football enthusiast. The Chargers may have made the best offseason move with the hiring of Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. When you consider the success McDaniel had in Miami with Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA), Jaylen Waddle (WR – DEN), De’Von Achane (RB – MIA), and Tua Tagovailoa (QB – ATL), pairing McDaniel with Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC), Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC), Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC), Oronde Gadsden (TE – LAC), and Justin Herbert (QB – LAC) feels unfair! The biggest beneficiary of the McDaniel hire is Justin Herbert.

However, despite all of that optimism, the fantasy market hasn’t fully caught up yet. When looking at Herbert’s 2026 Superflex ADP on Dynasty Football Factory, he’s the ninth quarterback taken off the board and the 60th overall player. I believe Herbert is being undervalued given everything I mentioned above.

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

One Question for EVERY NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers Edition Read More »

hurts

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles Edition

Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my One Question series, and thank you to everyone who read last week’s Washington Commanders edition — which Commanders running back are you drafting this season? We’ve now asked the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders their questions. That only leaves one team — the one and only Philadelphia Eagles!

After a drama-filled 2025 season and early playoff exit, it’s been quite the offseason for the Eagles. It feels like so long ago when Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) and his teammates were celebrating their Super Bowl LIX victory. Fast forward to today, and the Eagles have traded away three-time All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown (WR – NE), and Hurts’ future with the team is in question. With a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion — who just so happens to be Hurts’ 11th offensive coordinator dating back to his time in college — trading up to draft Makai Lemon (WR – PHI), what looks to be a prove-it year, and this being the final year of guaranteed money on his contract, all of the off-field drama, questions about his leadership, and his ability as a passer, in addition to an uncertain future in Philadelphia, has led fantasy managers to unload him off of their rosters before the 2026 season.

My question for the Philadelphia Eagles is: Is now the time to BUY Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) in fantasy?

No Stranger to Adversity

Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) is no stranger to adversity. He was the first true freshman to start a game for the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading the team to consecutive National Championship game appearances in 2016 and 2017. In 2017, he would have his first real experience with adversity when he was benched in the second half in favor of Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA), and Alabama would go on to win the game without him.

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles Edition Read More »

Malik Nabers

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: New York Giants Edition

Dynasty / By /

When we look at the Giants, it’s easy to get excited, concerned, and confused. When will Malik Nabers (WR – NYG) be back? How good of a season can Jaxson Dart (QB – NYG) have without his number one wide receiver? Is Isaiah Likely (TE – NYG) the best bet to make in the Giants’ offense? Can both Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG) and Tyrone Tracy (RB – NYG) be fantasy viable this season? Is John Harbaugh the missing link to the Giants’ return to glory?

Those are all legitimate questions, concerns, and reasons to be optimistic about the Giants’ offense in fantasy.

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: New York Giants Edition Read More »

jcm

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Washington Commanders Edition

Dynasty / By /

Welcome back to my One Question series, and thank you to everyone for reading my first installment. I’d love to know what you’ve done or plan to do with George Pickens (WR – DAL) this year. This week, we’re staying in the NFC East.

After a disappointing season following their appearance in the 2024 NFC Championship Game, Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS) and the Commanders didn’t live up to the hype due to an injury-riddled season. After firing offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and promoting David Blough, the offense is headed in a new direction — and there is genuine excitement within the organization about the new offensive style.

My question to the Commanders is: Who is the RB1?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)

Jacory Croskey-Merritt — aka “Bob” — was a Twitter darling last offseason with only Brian Robinson Jr. in his way, playing alongside 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. What’s not to like? He was primed to take over the Commanders’ backfield and be a league-winner, or so we thought.

Daniels got injured early in the season, tried to fight through it, and ultimately played just seven games. However, even on a bad team with a struggling offense, Croskey-Merritt played all 17 games, totaled almost 900 yards from scrimmage, and scored eight touchdowns — all while playing second fiddle to Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez for most of the season.

Robinson is now with the Atlanta Falcons, and Rodriguez took his talents to Jacksonville. Surely Croskey-Merritt is the favorite to finally make good on his promise as the Commanders’ lead back, right?

One would think. But with Washington adding veteran running backs Rachaad White (RB – WAS) and Jerome Ford (RB – WAS), then drafting sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen (RB – WAS), the question becomes: is Croskey-Merritt the running back on this roster we should trust — or should we take a deeper look at the competition?

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Question For EVERY NFL Team: Washington Commanders Edition Read More »

George Pickens

One Fantasy Question For EVERY NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys Edition

Dynasty / By /

As the offseason progresses and news from OTAs enters the echo chamber that is the fantasy community on Twitter (or X, if you’re weird and literal) not all news is good news, unless you’re a Parker Washington stan and more importantly, not all news is relevant for fantasy, and should always be taken with a grain of salt.

We must remember, these guys are running around without pads on, playing seven on seven. We’re all excited for news updates and with the latest trades of A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots and Myles Garrett going to the Los Angeles Rams (my favorite team to win the Super Bowl, fyi) it’s hard not to get excited about any and all NFL news, especially for us fantasy guys.

To access the rest of this article, login or become a member. control room correct size

To access the rest of this post, you must login or purchase a DFF Membership.

One Fantasy Question For EVERY NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys Edition Read More »