Tim Lazenby

NFC North Best Values

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NFC North Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

One of the biggest issues plaguing fantasy football managers is a lack of knowledge on tough decisions to be made.  Sure, the experienced, knowledgeable and savvy of us out there know what to do or at least have an inkling of what to do moving forward into the off season, but there are many out there who struggle with what to do when the season is done.  This off season, instead of sitting idle or, even worse, making terrible decisions, look for the best possible values to seek out.  The elite options are too expensive and many flier options have too much uncertainty.  Here is a player from each team in the NFC North that should be drafted or traded for due to their substantial dynasty value.

 

Chicago Bears: Tight End – Cole Kmet

Much like Kenneth Gainwell, Cole Kmet is the other player I simply have to acquire everywhere if at all possible.  But even more than Gainwell, Cole Kmet is a must have prize piece as the tight end position is almost as maddening as the kicker, (if you’re crazy enough to play with them).  A great source of frustration for many managers, it’s feast or famine at tight end, save the elite few.  So, finding a tight end at a discount is essential to a fantasy championship caliber team, and I think this rings even truer in dynasty.

It’s glaringly apparent to me, but in case that isn’t ringing true for you, Cole Kmet is arguably the best value in the entire league.  I preached the absolute need to acquire him as the gospel truth in the dynasty dilemma I wrote, if you want more detail.  The situation is perfect, his age is divine and the skill set is incredible, so why isn’t everyone and their mom aching to acquire such a talent?  One main reason is that the average person doesn’t have the knowledge on how to find great tight ends.  The other is the fact that Cole Kmet scored exactly zero touchdowns last season.  Touchdowns are the most volatile statistic in the fantasy game, so take that with a grain of salt.  If you are ever going to listen to my ravings, this is the one you can take to the bank.

 

Detroit Lions: Quarterback – Jared Goff

I don’t believe there are many who are excited about the former first overall pick.  The name Jared Goff doesn’t bring inspiration and desire to most fans, regular and fantasy alike.  And looking at the team overall, it’s not one that most people have penciled in for success.  The problem is that the argument that Jared Goff is trash is simply not logical.  It’s a thought process based entirely on emotion.  Whether you just don’t get excited by the apparent lackluster play or there is some hateful notion from real life fanhood, we have to keep our heads about us as fantasy managers.

It’s quite irrational, because everyone knows just how good of a pass catcher D’Andre Swift is.  Many have him crowned as a top three option in dynasty among running backs.  It’s also no secret just how good TJ Hockenson is.  And many have high hopes for Amon-Ra St. Brown, albeit it’s a mixed jury.  If all are so good, how can the quarterback do so poorly?  Now, I’m not saying that Jared Goff will ever be a bonafide game breaker, but as most people are playing superflex, getting a quarterback, even a number two is not cheap.  There is a chance that Detroit goes after a quarterback in the draft, but even if Goff is only around one more season as a starter, at his price, he’ll do nicely as a temporary fix.  And if he does get traded, he can’t be dead at only 27 years old.

 

Green Bay Packers: Wide Receiver – Amari Rodgers

Since Matt Lafleur came to town, the Green Bay Packers have won 13 games each and every season.  It’s no small feat in today’s NFL to achieve such a standard with parity being what it is.  Moving forward into next season, I’m sure that trend will not continue.  Finding talent on the Packers’ squad in fantasy is not impossible, but most of the talent is priced too highly to get a good value.  Sure, you can go for Aaron Jones as he’s getting older and AJ Dillon is emerging, but in dynasty, we want more of a long term solution if we can help it.

As both Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have moved on from the team, it begs the question as to whom Aaron Rodgers will be throwing to.  I think most have tagged Alan Lazard as the top bet for most targets, but I’m sure Rodgers will be throwing to more than he and Aaron Jones.  So, we have to turn to someone else.  I say, have a little faith in the other A. Rodgers.  Amari Rodgers has done admirably as a kick returner and although he hasn’t seen the opportunity really outside of special teams, he’s the one I’m most excited about.  Any receiver catching from A-Rod is worthy of a gamble.  And even though he’s unproven, this makes Amari Rodgers the best value on the Packers.

 

Minnesota Vikings: Running Back – Alexander Mattison

Much like Chuba Hubbard, Alexander Mattison is stuck behind one of the league’s most elite workhorses.  Dalvin Cook reigns supreme on the ground in Minnesota and I don’t believe he has plans of stopping that trend any time soon.  The Vikings also have who some consider the pass receiving tandem in the league in Justin Jefferson and Adam Theilen.  The depth is also one of the best in the league at wide receiver.  So with so many hurdles to overcome for his success, Alexander Mattison will have a difficult time shining right now.  But in dynasty, however, this situation is ideal for grabbing him at his current value.

Again, similar to Hubbard, Mattison is in a situation where he is behind an oft injured running back.  And Mattison shares another similarity to Hubbard, as Mattison performed well in his time as the temporary starter.  I do see less of a chance of Dalvin Cook’s workload going down, but I also see more of a chance of long term value in such a good system.  While Mattison’s value may not ring true immediately save a Cook injury, the long term potential is too good at his current discounted value.  If you’re looking for value on the Minnesota Vikings, look no further than running back, Alexander Mattison.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

NFC South Best Values

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NFC South Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

Well, we’re well into the offseason and most of us are sitting around waiting for the rookie draft.  As we eagerly await the additions to our real life favorite teams, there is still work to be done for those of us entrenched in dynasty football formats.  Whether we’re drafting or making moves on our already established teams, savvy owners are always looking to wheel and deal for the best possible return on our investments.  Today we look at the best values in the NFC South.  Although this is looked at almost universally as the weakest division, there is always talent to be had.  And in good news, these teams offer nicer prices while the stock is down in such a poor division.

Atlanta Falcons: Quarterback - Marcus Mariota

What a weird time to be a Falcons fan.  Since almost tossing the Patriots to the curb in the Super Bowl just a few years ago, the situation has continued to spiral ever since that 2:08 remaining in the third quarter.  The team continued to crumble as they lost long time legend Julio Jones.  And now lifelong Falcon, Matt Ryan has packed his bags.  The situation is uncharted and now Marcus Mariota takes the helm in this desolate land.  With so few options to utilize his talents, is there a point in attempting to claim Mariota for your own?  I believe so.

Sure, Calvin Ridley is suspended and at this point Olamide Zaccheaus is arguably the top option.  And it is also true that 31 year old “wideback” Cordarrelle Patterson is leading this rushing attack.  Also, the offensive line and defense leave much to be desired, but that’s exactly why you need to move on Mariota.  He isn’t near one of the best options at the position in the NFL, but the price is fantastic.  With so little to turn to in Atlanta, Mariota will rely on his legs for any chance of success and in fantasy, that’s a key element to quarterback success probability.  It seems like he’s been in the league forever, but the former 2nd overall pick is still only 28, leaving the team plenty of time to build around him.  If he sticks around long term, this dirt cheap option among his position is well worth paying for.

Carolina Panthers: Running Back - Chuba Hubbard

It’s very strange in a way to put Chuba Hubbard on this list.  For the most part, his value is almost nothing as Christian McCaffrey is one of the most elite options at not only his position, but all of fantasy overall.  While McCaffrey is on the field, any other Carolina running back is obsolete.  But here’s the kicker: we all know McCaffrey is a constant injury risk.  Either through his usage or through his natural body, or possibly both, he’s shown in the NFL that he will always be an injury risk.  So, it does make sense to want Hubbard on your team, even if he is warming the bench.  But aside from that, there is even more reason to chomp at the bit for Chuba.

As I said before, Hubbard performed admirably in McCaffrey’s absence.  As the season wore on, he gained more and more confidence and his game showed it for fantasy managers.  But, I think we’re blind if we don’t see the possibility of value even with McCaffrey on the field.  Matt Rhule is on a short leash to be sure.  He simply has to adapt his strategy for long term life with the Panthers.  As much as you want McCaffrey on the field for every play, I think it’s time to limit his usage.  This would extend his life and with Chuba showing he can be leaned on in some capacity, this makes complete sense.  Invest in Chuba while he costs next to nothing even to sit and do nothing.

New Orleans Saints: Running Back - Alvin Kamara

Warning: I know there are about to be torches and pitchforks coming my way, so if you’re near me, take cover.  Why would I put Alvin Kamara on this list on dynasty discounts?  He is the most expensive player by a country mile in this set of articles.  And while I know I look crazy, there are valid reasons why he is the player of choice in New Orleans.  Grab a seat and let me list them and then, if you still disagree, you can come at me.

Firstly, the New Orleans Saints lack guaranteed talent, so any player I could choose is too much of a gamble.  I’d be tempted to put Michael Thomas here, but if we’re being honest, he won’t be near the man he was.  Jameis Winston is no slouch, but he’s also not in the same stratosphere as Drew Brees.  Alvin Kamara is also 26, so many managers will be looking to unload this “senior citizen” at the position.  But, more than anything, last year was not a success to many.  I believe he performed as well as he could with what happened last year, but it’s hard for many to overlook his “regression”.  If I can get him for anything less than his normal value, it’s a good buy.  I wrote a dynasty dilemma advising to hold, but it’s now time to buy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback - Kyle Trask

Oh Tom Brady… There are no words.  I can’t recall a time where there were so many emotions attached to a player in real life and fantasy alike in such a short amount of time as that of Brady.  The man retires while still under contract and managers panic.  Then, once the waters had settled, he unretired and caused even more panic as many managers picked him up for free.  For the quick clickers, many claimed Kyle Trask for next to nothing only to see his value plummet to zero.  But, going for Kyle Trask now is still very wise.  He’s also the best value for the Buccaneers right now.

While his value this season will amount to nothing, let’s not forget that Tom Brady will be 45 heading into next season.  And while Tom Brady is an anomaly when it comes to age, even the great TB12 will eventually age like normal people.  It’s only so long until another takes the helm in Tampa Bay.  There are some like me who believe in Kyle Trask, but many think that Tampa Bay will employ someone else as the starter once Brady actually retires.  You need to grab hold of Trask now that he amounts to almost nothing to many managers.  He may in fact not work out, but I want to secure an exit strategy and so should you.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

NFC West Best Values

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NFC West Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

The National Football League offers excitement, intrigue and amazement, but one of the best things it offers is one that is indirectly their doing.  Fantasy football is becoming bigger and bigger every year and dynasty is the absolute best way to do it in my humble opinion.  But, in order to succeed we must make wise decisions when evaluating talent.  It’s easy to see who the best player on each team is, but a savvy manager knows where to find the best deal.  Although some of these players are not cheap, they are still the best deal you can find on their respective teams when considering talent versus cost.  Today, we dive into the best values in the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals: Wide Receiver – Rondale Moore

Many teams have faced drama this off season, and the Arizona Cardinals are no stranger to it.  Quarterback Kyler Murray was front and center when he removed all Cardinals association on his instagram, but he told us that apparently it didn’t mean anything.  Now that we can move on from that, we want to find the best value on a team featuring one of the league’s best young quarterbacks.  It’s hard not to love the young wide receiver, Rondale Moore.

 With Christian Kirk off to his new team, the sky’s the limit for the 21 year old Moore.  And while DeAndre Hopkins is still quite relevant, there is plenty of room for a strong option at number two.  Last season, we saw Kyler rush less and focus more on his arm and playmaking talents.  Even though Kyler Murray is still going to be one of the best rushing quarterbacks moving forward, I believe we’re going to see more of his passing talents displayed moving forward.  Truthfully, Rondale Moore wasn’t sensational in his rookie season, but he’ll be leaps and bounds better with more opportunity.  Take advantage of those who don’t see just how good this young man will be moving forward.

 

Los Angeles Rams: Wide Receiver – Allen Robinson

I know it’s usually bad when someone says, “Hear me out now”, but hear me out now.  I know that Allen Robinson was a complete bust last season.  In fact, he nearly killed one of my own keeper teams.  But, if we’re honest, we have to ignore last season as an anomaly.  The other issue is that even though he’s on this best values list, he won’t be cheap.  Many managers haven’t given up hope now that he’s moved on to greener pastures.  I preached to buy him at the end of the season while he was dirt cheap, but even though he’s way more expensive now with Matthew Stafford, he’s still undervalued.

While he will not supplant Cooper Kupp, there is still room for two top flight receivers in Sean McVay’s offense.  We’ve seen this come to fruition since he came to the Rams.  We’d also be foolish to forget which quarterbacks Robinson has had so far in his career.  I don’t want to list them as to not be disrespectful, but you know the names.  Matthew Stafford was perennially underrated, and even with the Super Bowl win, he’s still not recognized as he should be.  Make no mistake, Robinson will shine more now than ever and you want him on your dynasty fantasy squad moving forward.

 

San Francisco 49ers: Running Back – Trey Sermon

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the rare teams in the NFL that are not easy to find values in fantasy football.  The top tier options are very expensive and the depth at the skilled positions is not as deep as other teams.  So finding the best value on the team has to be that of running back, Trey Sermon.  I’m not blind, as I know Elijah Mitchell is not moving as top dog and Kyle Shanahan doesn’t have much love for Sermon.  Before you call me a lunatic, Trey Sermon isn’t dead yet, and here’s why.

Although the 49ers are the most maddening team to have one of their fantasy running backs on your squad, they are valuable.  And now that Trey Lance is taking the helm, his play style is better suited to have even more of a rushing offense.  I can see Shanahan employing a lot more two running back sets to block and deceive offenses.  But, above all else, not only has Elijah Mitchell shown he is an injury risk, Trey Sermon has too much stock to give up on after only one season.  While it’s possible he’ll never succeed at the top level, he’s essentially free, so you have to pounce.

 

Seattle Seahawks: Wide Receiver – DK Metcalf

In my most expensive choice so far, it may seem insane to list him as the best value, but it’s quite sane I assure you.  Let’s not forget that DK Metcalf before last season was a top five option at wide receiver in dynasty for many experts.  As an owner, the situation is far from ideal, but as a buyer or drafter, his situation is quite appealing.  For some reason, people think that DK Metcalf had a bad year last season.  If you look at consistency, you can see some merit with that logic I guess, but with Russell Wilson injured for a great portion in 2021, Metcalf still cleared almost 1000 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.  The false narrative should bring in the vultures.

Now that Wilson is playing in the mile high city, the man at the helm is not even close to the same man that used to be throwing to the likes of Metcalf.  So with the doom and gloom situation, how can you not take a chance on DK Metcalf.  Talented players have shown time and time again that they will overcome their situation.  And we haven’t even talked about how he may get traded.  If this happens, his value will skyrocket.  I am trying to buy DK Metcalf everywhere and, at this price point, I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

NFC East Best Values

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NFC East Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

Each and every season, dynasty football managers have tough decisions to make.  Whether it be who to draft, when to trade a player or what time to make a move to acquire a talent, the life of a fantasy manager is rich with many choices.  In the off season, as some of us are drafting and others are making moves on our established teams, there are choices to make nonetheless.  Your dynasty season, and future frankly, relies on smart decisions and some of these are finding the best values possible in drafts or trades.  There are better players to choose from than the list I’m going to give, but none are better at their value on their respective team.

Here are the best values for each team in the NFC East in dynasty.

Dallas Cowboys: Tight End - Dalton Schultz

There are two common themes for Dalton Schultz heading into next season.  While some say that he is just hitting his stride, others say he is heading for regression.  Before the departure of Amari Cooper, although I disagreed, I could see the merit behind this thought.  After the trade, however, I simply cannot see a regression coming.  Aside from the fact that he’s only 25 in a barren wasteland of a position in fantasy football, there will be more of a need than ever to employ his talents.  

While all the accolades in the receiving game go to CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz quietly put up TE1 numbers, even with Amari Cooper still employed.  Michael Gallup should gain more targets, but make no mistake that the tight end is the second best option for Dak Prescott.  I already wrote a dynasty dilemma article on his merits, so it’s no surprise that I’d see things this way.  Check it out for more detailed information if you’re curious.

New York Giants: Wide Receiver - Kenny Golladay

It wasn’t too long ago that Kenny Golladay was a bonafide top ten in dynasty among wide receivers.  Catching balls from Matthew Stafford while in Detroit was a better situation than the one he’s in now, but talent is talent.  The 6’4” speedster still has plenty left in the tank and after such injury ridden years last season and the one before, many managers will have written him off.  Let’s not forget that he’s only two years removed from a near-1200 yard, 11 touchdown season.  

Daniel Jones has to throw the ball to someone, and the other options are much less appealing.  Sterling Sheppard has been serviceable at best, and Kadarius Toney is unproven and often injured, Golladay is a much more feasible option on your fantasy team.  When looking for a top option at wide receiver, there aren’t too many cheaper than Kenny Golladay.  And while it’s possible that he’s not quite what he used to be, he’s still the top dog in New York.  You should cash in now.

Philadelphia Eagles: Running Back - Kenneth Gainwell

This is a secret to no one who knows me or has read anything I’ve written when I say that I love this kid.  One of two guys that I just have to have everywhere, the name Kenneth Gainwell isn’t grabbing at managers as he should.  Sure, the situation isn’t perfect and he’s yet to show what he could do as a starter, but if you look at what he’s done with the little opportunity he’s had, you have to give him credit.  It doesn’t hurt that he is only 23, with lots of years left to give to you on your fantasy team. 

The Philadelphia Eagles are the top rushing team in the NFL, and although they had quite a logjam of running backs last season, it all comes down to Kenneth Gainwell and Miles Sanders moving forward.  And while he hasn’t been terrible, last season Miles Sanders didn’t do himself any favors; paving the way for Gainwell to creep his way into more and more play time.  In fact, I wrote a dynasty dilemma about him too.  Check it out if you want more in depth facts.

Washington Commanders: Quarterback - Carson Wentz

This last choice in the NFC East won’t be the cheapest if you play in a two quarterback or superflex league, but it’s the right one.  With Antonio Gibson and Terry Mclaurin being all that people want to talk about in fantasy in Washington, don’t forget about the former Colt.  While he’s certainly had his negative moments, Carson Wentz was one of the quieter success stories in fantasy before the last few games of the season and he’s certainly an improvement over Taylor Heinicke.

Let’s not forget that at one point Carson Wentz was in discussions as a bonafide keeper early on in his career.  Lately, he hasn’t looked like a second overall pick, but he certainly hasn’t been a bust either.  I believe there is still plenty left in the tank and a sizable chip on his shoulder.  I am sure that Carson Wentz is looking to prove Philadelphia, Indianapolis and everyone else that doesn’t believe in him wrong.  And it’s also important to know that, like in real life, if you don’t have a starting quarterback, you’re dead in the water.  And among starters, his price point right now is quite appealing.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

Dynasty Dilemma: Ronald Jones 

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Dynasty Dilemma: Ronald Jones 

By Tim Lazenby

 

Let’s be honest with ourselves here.  This has been the most exciting and earth shattering off season ever.  I can’t recall when the National Football League has seen so many names shifting, let alone franchise faces up and leaving with almost no prediction.  The swirling tornado of trades and signings, while exciting, can be frustrating at the same time.  For some, it is joyous or depressing based on real life favoring a team or player, but for others in dynasty, it can be maddening to assess the value of players whom we either own or want to roster.  Since NFL inception, Ronald Jones has been perplexing, and more than ever, managers want to know what to do.

 

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers truly believed in the greatness of Ronald Jones.  The running back out of the University of Southern California was simply brilliant.  And even though his receiving game wasn’t on top, his rushing was exceptional; crossing 1500 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground in his senior season.  It all came crashing down his rookie season in the NFL, where in nine games he rushed for a measly 44 yards.  He’s had his moments for sure, but overall, it hasn’t matched his college profile.

 

Lack of Trust

With Doug Martin slowing down, a replacement was inevitable.  In fact, since his rookie season, The Buccaneers hadn’t had much luck on the ground.  Enter the 2018 NFL Draft.  Like any season, with holes to fill, Tampa Bay elected to take the fifth running back off the board.  And while first round pick Vita Vea panned out quite nicely, the second round pick had one of the worst rookie seasons ever.  Since then, he has improved, but hasn’t become that starter they had hoped for.  After only one season as the starter, Tampa Bay brought in Leonard Fournette.  Can Jones ever be a true starter?

 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Finally a free agent, and showing promise after sharing the backfield essentially his whole NFL career, the sky was the limit this off season for Ronald Jones.  Well, the sky indeed had a limit as he signed with a team that already had a starter.  While the Chiefs have one of the best running games in the league, so did the Buccaneers.  And while Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn’t have complete trust, he has to be more trusted than the newly signed Jones.  Some are pretty sure they’ve seen the ceiling on Jones, especially in a committee backfield, because after all, we’ve seen it before.

 

 

For some, it seems as though Ronald Jones has been in the NFL for a long time, but even though it will be his fifth season in 2022, he’s still only 24 at the time of my writing.  It is true that his rookie season was historically terrible, but he was so young at the time and has had time to learn and evolve.  It’s important to look at how he improved after the rookie season.  And in his only season as the starter, it was pretty good.

 

The 2020 NFL Season

To truly assess Ronald Jones, we need to look at the 2020 NFL season.  This was the only season, thus far in his professional career, that he was technically a starter.  Despite sharing the backfield with Leonard Fournette even then, his numbers were trustworthy.  In only 14 games, he was just shy of the 1000 yard mark in rushing and still managed to be involved in the passing game.  His eight total touchdowns and 5.1 yards per rush were even more astounding considering the number of weapons he needed to share with.  No disrespect to the Chiefs, but they don’t have the talent of the 2020 Bucs.

 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

No, I haven’t gone crazy here.  One of the reasons to sell him is one of the reasons to buy him.  I may be one of the biggest Clyde Edwards-Helaire truthers out there, but even I need to acknowledge the shaky ground he treads on moving forward.  Even though the Chiefs invested a first round pick, the backfield has been given to the likes of Derrick Gore, Darrel Williams and even Jerrick McKinnon last season.  In fact, in the playoffs, Andy Reid trusted Jerrick McKinnon over CEH.  It’s also important to note that even if you don’t start as running back for the Chiefs, you have value.  I think the opportunity is better than ever for Ronald Jones to take the reins.

 

At the beginning of the off season, I was preaching to buy Ronald Jones.  Largely due to the fact that Leonard Fournette was a free agent and Ke’Shawn Vaughn is unproven.  So if Jones resigned and Fournette walked, it was worth the gamble.  There was also the opportunity to sign as a starter with another team.  Now that he has signed in Kansas City, does my opinion change?  I think not.

 

Although there is a crowded backfield, it’s clear, much to my dismay, that the team has no faith in Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the starter.  And, as I mentioned earlier, even if CEH is the starter, not only is he often injured, any running back has value in an Andy Reid system.  Most people also don’t have much faith in Ronald Jones, so the price is right for the taking.  Make the right decision and grab Jones while he’s affordable.

Dynasty Dilemma: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

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Dynasty Dilemma: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

By Tim Lazenby

 

As we wait eagerly for the NFL season to start anew, many have nothing to do but twiddle their thumbs.  We in the dynasty community, however, never rest in our quest for glory.  With the constant ebb and flow of the off season, many names have swapped teams, making their value change.  And while some players are easier to assess than others, there are a few that can be quite mind boggling to figure out their worth.  Moving from Aaron Rodgers to Patrick Mahomes, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is one of these.

 

Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been somewhat disappointing in dynasty to be honest.  Always having a chance to be the second choice for Aaron Rodgers, he never seemed to grasp the great opportunity given to him.  While he had been there longer and should have been more trusted, others always seemed to grab the low hanging fruit, leaving MVS owners frustrated and often cutting their losses.  With the move to Kansas City, can we really expect him to break this mold of perennial underachievement?

 

Never at the Top

Marquez Valdes-Scantling is heading into his fifth season and has never had more than 38 receptions in a season.  In case that didn’t sink in, his career equates to 30 receptions per season.  Add to that, he was catching balls from whom some consider the best quarterback in the game today, it’s a little tough to expect him to succeed now with a new offense and uncharted waters.  His touchdowns were also undesirable, at 13 in four seasons.  It’s possible that we’ve seen all he can do at the professional level.

 

Terrible Efficiency

If his stats weren’t appalling enough before, it’s even worse when you consider he only catches about half the balls thrown his way.  In four years, he’s yet to have a catch rate of 53% or better.  And it can’t be understated that he was catching balls from Aaron Rodgers.  We can forgive some stars who are receivers on terrible teams with less than accurate quarterbacks, but it’s hard to swallow these facts.  While it’s true his chances may change under Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, it’s tough to believe it.  If MVS is on your squad, it’s hard to trust him even in a best ball format, let alone a dynasty team.

 

Photo Swap by CameronWallaceDesigns

 

While it’s true that the National Football League hasn’t been too kind to MVS, it’s not like he isn’t talented.  After all, the number of players who make it are scarce and the number of players who can last even four seasons are even fewer.  In South Florida, MVS showed what he could do, scoring 7 touchdowns in 12 games and a respectable 73 yards per game.  In Green Bay, it didn’t go the best, but can he shine for the Chiefs?

 

Deep Threat Machine

Statistics can be deceiving.  Yards, touchdowns and even catch rate are only relevant if you understand the schemes and opportunities that spawned them.  Sure, Valdes-Scantling could have done better, but when you are a deep threat specialist, there is a higher probability of a missed catch than that of a slot receiver.  While he’s had drop issues in the past, it’s all more likely with a cornerback hanging over your shoulder.  It doesn’t hurt either that he led the league in yards per catch before and he’s now catching from who many consider the one of the best arms in the game today.

 

The True Opportunity

With Tyreek Hill no longer calling Kansas City home, one of the league’s biggest roles must be filled.  The Cheetah really could do it all and he did for Andy Reid, but one of the best parts to his game was his speed and deep threat ability.  While fellow new signing JuJu Smith-Schuster has been anointed by many as the replacement, he doesn’t have the deep threat ability that MVS does.  The scheme for the Chiefs is much more friendly to the style of game that Valdes-Scantling has than it was for the Packers.

 

 

In truth, before the off season, Marquez Valdes-Scantling had little to no dynasty value.  Only once Davonte Adams left did air be wooshed into the sails of MVS.  And now that he has moved on to Kansas City, you can argue that his value has never been higher.  I actually inherited a team recently with him on it.  And while I was wanting to hold him for a bit, I relented and rightfully so.  A package was made and a deal was done.

 

Although he should do much better, he’s never going to be that top tier talent, let alone a consistent WR3.  If there is a deal to be made when his value is at its best, you simply have to move on it before the season starts.  With all the excitement of possibly the busiest offseason ever, dynasty owners are more active than ever.  Now’s the time.