Tim Lazenby

AFC North Best Values

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AFC North Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

Isn’t dynasty the best format for fantasy football?  I don’t know why anyone plays any other version.  There’s just something about managing a team that will be with you for as long as you see fit.  And while some like the “reset” that each new year brings in redraft, I’ll never understand the appeal of losing what I worked so hard to get.  No matter what type of fantasy football you choose to play, finding values is essential.  For those of us who play dynasty, we can pretty much make moves whenever we want, so this is a big advantage over those who hibernate from fantasy football in the offseason.  Today, let’s delve deep into the caverns of the AFC North to look for the best value player each team has to offer.  This is my second favorite division, so I’m excited.

 

Baltimore Ravens:  Wide Receiver - Marquise Brown

If we’re being honest, the Baltimore Ravens overall are underrated.  Aside from Mark Andrews, many of their skilled players just aren’t given the respect they are due in drafts and trades.  So finding values is a lot easier on this team than others.  The only issue is picking the best value in Baltimore, and for me it has to be Marquise Brown.  While so many are flocking to Mark Andrews when it comes to seeing talent, don’t be foolish and overlook Hollywood.  In fact, among wide receivers, he’s one of the better values in the entire National Football League.

Marquise Brown, despite all his talent, will always be seen as that guy who is the team’s top wide receiver, but one that will always struggle for consistency.  Whether it is Mark Andrews taking so many of Lamar’s targets or the butter fingers that Brown showed last season, not many have the faith that they should in Baltimore’s top wide receiver.  If I’m being completely honest, will Marquise Brown be a top ten wide receiver next season?  The answer is not likely.  But that doesn’t mean that he won’t be a solid WR2 with upside for a WR1.  And if one more person tells me that Rashod Bateman is taking over, I might lose my marbles.  Make no mistake, not only will Marquise Brown be a steal for you, he’s the best steal on the Ravens roster.

 

Cincinnati Bengals: Tight End - Hayden Hurst

I can still hear “who dey” in my sleep after last season’s Super Bowl appearance for the Cincinnati Bengals.  I’m not sure where all these fans came from, but they sure did make an appearance.  I am a little biased here as the Bengals are my second favorite team, but if you don’t at least own a piece of this offense, you are doing yourself a great disservice.  It would make sense to put the likes of Tyler Boyd or even Tee Higgins here, as many seem to forget anyone other than superstar Ja’Marr Chase are in Cincinnati, but I’m going to suggest Hayden Hurst as the best value here.

I know it sounds crazy to say it.  After all, despite being a first round draft pick by the Ravens, he hasn’t had the success that Baltimore predicted when they took him before they even took Lamar Jackson.  And his time in Atlanta certainly didn’t bear fruit, so why believe in him now?  If you saw what Joe Burrow did with CJ Uzomah last season, you’ll see the logic.  Uzomah was always a good tight end, but his stats didn’t reflect it.  Last season, in his only full go with Burrow, we watched Uzomah crush career numbers and be leaned on in critical situations.  I think Hayden Hurst is headed for a resurgence in one of the league’s most high flying offenses and, at the hardest fantasy position, he’s probably gathering dust on the waiver wire as we speak.

 

Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver - Donovan Peoples-Jones

We’re headed for a new era in Cleveland here, folks.  Although Baker Mayfield is still with the team, Deshaun Watson is now in town and they will revamp anything and everything for him to be successful.  If you’ve forgotten or didn’t know, the haul that the Browns gave up for a guy who hasn’t played in over a year, had massive legal issues and problems with his old front office is truly unprecedented.  I’m not going to comment on any of it, but I’m just saying, the Browns are completely invested in Watson.  Although the Browns will most likely bring in wide receiver talent through free agency, trading or the draft, I think we should be investing in what’s there now.

 

The days of OBJ and Jarvis Landry are history.  Until there is new movement, the top option for Deshaun Watson is none other than Donovan Peoples-Jones.  The statistics aren’t jaw dropping, but let’s consider he was playing behind one to three other players at times last year and was receiving from a quarterback who didn’t best utilize his talents.  Under this new offensive regime, I am completely certain that  Peoples-Jones will crush it.  Now's the time to pounce and grab a guy who did very well considering his circumstances last season.  I also believe, though it saddens me, that Nick Chubb will be a little less involved considering Watson’s style of play versus Mayfield’s.  The path is clear for Peoples-Jones to shine and shouldn’t it be for your team?

 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide Receiver - Chase Claypool

Up until two years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers were my real life favorite team.  I have seen so many Big Ben to Antonio Brown touchdowns that I can’t even count.  Many fans haven’t even seen their team win a championship and I’ve seen a few, so they were good times.  Needless to say, I’ve moved on to another team we’ll discuss in the next article so I feel that, for the first time, I can be completely unbiased about Pittsburgh and what they have to offer for your fantasy team as far as values.

It is very tempting to put MItch Trubisky’s name here, but I just can’t until after the draft.  If I knew that Pittsburgh had not taken one in the draft, I’d be writing about Trubisky, but I can’t sell the farm on him just yet.  With that in mind, I turn to Chase Claypool.  I have the world of respect for Diontae Johnson, and although he is undervalued, the blindness toward Claypool’s talents is even greater.  Mad respect for Big Ben, but it wasn’t good these past couple years, so Claypool’s value will not go down in the receiving game.  It will go up substantially as JuJu is gone and Claypool is the true number two option.  I also love the fact that Chase is so involved in the rushing game.  While he’s not at Deebo Samuel level, Claypool’s no slouch in that regard.  With uncertainty at quarterback and an attempt to save Najee’s strength a bit, I think Claypool is more used as a rusher as well.  Make the move for Chase Claypool.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

AFC South Best Values

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AFC South Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

Now that we’re knee deep into the off season, many of us are looking for any taste of fantasy football relevance whatsoever.  A wise dynasty manager, however, needs more than just a taste to satisfy their football hunger pains.  We, as managers, should always be looking to improve our ever evolving fantasy franchises.  Whether you are trying to get out of the basement, finally be a playoff contender or even repeat as champion, the common thread is that a winning manager doesn’t sit on his riches.  And in this crucial time before the NFL Entry Draft, you should be looking at value players to add to your team.  Today, let’s dive into the best values for each team in the AFC South.

 

Houston Texans: Quarterback – Davis Mills

What a whirlwind it’s been for the Houston Texans.  The drama of Deshaun Watson seemed to have overtaken every aspect of the team’s story, but now that Watson has moved on with the Cleveland Browns, we can finally think about anything else in Houston.  The situation is quite dire on the outside, but if we dig a little deeper, there are diamonds covered in coal dust.  There weren’t many players last season as unrecognized for their efforts as Davis Mills.  Even with all the drama, haters, and lack of weapons, Davis Mills quietly put together a nice rookie season.

It must have been crazy for Mills.  Here you are, drafted to a team with seemingly no chance to play, and suddenly, you are thrust into the limelight with fantasy and real life fans alike demanding greatness.  Anyone who says the Houston Texans skilled players are near the bottom of the league aren’t wrong, but even with them, Davis Mills actually performed better than most think.  There are obvious differences, but under a more stringent microscope, Mills compares closer to fellow rookie, Mac Jones.  You also have to discount Mills’ first six games where he got booed by his own fans for not being named Deshaun Watson.  As the season grew, Mills did more with so little than most other quarterbacks.  Moving forward, he’s not a top tier QB1, but he’s surely got a shot at being a decent, dependable QB2.  The price is right for picking.

 

Indianapolis Colts: Wide Receiver – Parris Campbell

There was a time when the name Parris Campbell brought nothing but excitement.  In 2019, the Indianapolis Colts took Campbell as the seventh wide receiver off the board and for many, he was a total steal.  In his senior year, he absolutely exploded from his norm and this was what many thought was just things to come.  At the NFL level, however, he’s yet to show anything close to those “true colors”.  He’s also been injured each and every year.  Most critics have already written him off, but I think there’s a world in which Parris Campbell still holds value.

Admittedly, the exodus of Carson Wentz was somewhat shocking to me.  I knew that there was a chance, but with what the Colts invested to get him, I was sure it was too soon to cut him loose.  Once I saw the Matt Ryan move, it all made sense.  And, this is the same reason why moving for Parris Campbell makes sense.  Matt Ryan ain’t no spring chicken, as they say, but he’s far from done.  Now in a strong system, with tons of support, we’ll see something closer to the Matt Ryan of old.  While everyone feigns for Michael Pittman like they always should have, everyone will forget about the forgettable Parris Campbell.  After Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, Matt Ryan will turn to someone and I believe it will be Campbell; who’s essentially free in most leagues.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Tight End – Evan Engram

I have to confess something.  I’ve been an Evan Engram truther since I rostered him in his historic rookie season.  He was nothing short of amazing and when I say, “historic”, I’m not exaggerating.  In his rookie season, not only did he score six times, which is incredible as a rookie tight end, but he also had the 7th most receiving yards of all time.  And while I still love to watch him, I had to come to the realization that his rookie season was a fluke and he’ll always be injured or underutilized or both.  That was, until he came to Jacksonville.

While I still have faith in Daniel Jones, I have even more faith in Trevor Lawrence.  The Clemson product is elite, despite what people are saying because of his rookie season.  Jacksonville is doing what they can to build around him and Evan Engram will suit him nicely.  The receiving core isn’t among the league’s best and Etienne hasn’t played a snap in the NFL, so Lawrence will need a good safety valve to rely on.  Many managers will be coveting Dan Arnold, so there will be many opportunities to trade for Engram for next to nothing.  There’s a chance that Engram’s elite days are over, but I’m willing to try one last time in this better situation and price.

Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver – Robert Woods

The Tennessee Titans featured one of the best receiving corps in football last season.  AJ Brown is a top three dynasty wideout for many and Julio Jones is absolutely legendary.  The depth is also fantastic with so many young options to choose from.  But, it’s almost criminal how that team couldn’t make Julio Jones shine in his only season away from the Atlanta Falcons.  I know there were injuries, but it was just insane how strongly the regression took place.  Now that he’s gone, the Titans turn to former Rams stud, Robert Woods.

While Robert Woods is no Julio Jones in his prime, he is a fantastic number two under AJ Brown.  He’s a perfect example of how to succeed in a shared receiver offense as he did it with Cooper Kupp for many years.  And while he’s not young, at 29, Woods still has lots of time to prove he’s still got it after last year’s injury.  Derrick Henry can’t be the entire offense anymore and this will force the ball to others, like Robert Woods.  We also can’t forget that Robert Woods looked so good catching balls from the likes of Jared Goff.  No disrespect to Goff, but Tannehill has to be considered an upgrade by many.  Acquire him at a WR4 cost and watch him blossom as a low end WR2 with upside.

 

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

AFC East Best Values

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AFC East Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

It’s official.  April is one of the strangest months as a dynasty fantasy football fan.  It’s been long enough after the season to have done tons of start ups and mock drafts, but we’re still a long way away from the NFL Entry Draft.  So even though we’ve done tons of drafts, made many moves and performed our best tricks to improve our squads, we’re at the point where many are pretty much done.  Here’s the rub: if you’re done now, you’re sleeping on primetime to make moves.  With so many managers in neutral gear, now’s the time to rev it up.  Every team offers values for your fantasy squad and the AFC East is no different.  Here are the best values in the AFC East in dynasty.

 

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver - Jamison Crowder

It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills are the team to beat in this division.  Boasting the best quarterback in the league for many doesn’t hurt.  Add in a deep receiving core, throw in an underrated running game and sprinkle in a dominant defense that keeps the Bills offense on the field, everyone should want a piece of this team in fantasy.  Everyone knows Stefon Diggs is good and it’s common news that Gabriel Davis is the “breakout” on so many lists right now, but there’s a name that not many are even talking about.  I didn’t even notice that Jamison Crowder had signed with the Bills at the time, but you should take notice.

Jamison Crowder isn’t the most exciting name in fantasy, but if he was ever on your squad while healthy, you know exactly what he brings to the table.  It is true that he has struggled with injuries, but the talent is fantastic when he’s on the field.  Truthfully, Crowder has never been able to benefit from elite quarterback play up until now.  Despite receiving catches from subpar talent, he’s performed extremely well in the slot.  And now that he’s with one of the best, he’ll shine even more.  You can argue that the slot receiver is undersized, but he’s bigger and younger than Cole Beasley.  Beasley, also a slot receiver, is now gone; vacating his plus 100 targets every season with Josh Allen.  It’s time for Crowder to feast, and he’ll cost you pennies on the dollar.

 

New England Patriots: Wide Receiver - Jakobi Meyers

Bill Belichick is a genius, that much can’t be debated.  His mind is just different from anyone else in the game and his resume is proof of it.  Even though I question his moves sometimes, because I’m just a schlub, he clearly knows more than me.  I wondered why certain players just couldn’t stick or highly drafted talents weren’t given more opportunity, but if it’s my mind versus Bill’s, I have to concede defeat.  It’s for this reason that I continue to buy Jakobi Meyers everywhere I can, as Belichick trusts him on the field.  Some of you may argue that Meyers was a bad buy before Davante Parker came to the Patriots and Meyers should be avoided even more now.  But to that I say, the timing is even better.

Jakobi Meyers is never a name that instills excitement in the fantasy community.  But there is one main reason that he excites me.  Despite playing for a rookie quarterback who took time to learn and grow, Meyers was very consistent.  And while he lacked the touchdowns last season, I have faith this statistic will improve.  We’re also forgetting that Davante Parker, while extremely talented, is incredibly inconsistent.  While this is largely due to injury, I’d rather have a steady player like Meyers.  While others are pawing at the “discount” in Parker, make sure you get the real discount in Jakobi Meyers.

 

Miami Dolphins: Quarterback - Tua Tagovailoa

Amid all the controversy and excitement of this offseason, some names are getting a lot of press.  Real life scandals and big trades have taken the forefront, so it’s even harder to focus on what makes our fantasy squads better.  The Miami Dolphins are a team that I thought would contend last season.  And while I looked very foolish early on, as the season drew to a close, I was looking more intelligent.  There were many players to take the blame for Miami’s losses last year, but I don’t think anyone blamed Tua Tagovailoa more than any other player on the Dolphins.

“So if he’s so terrible, why are you suggesting him as a player to acquire?”, asks the eager reader.  We have to remember that we are looking for values in this article.  If I were looking for a top tier starter, Tua wouldn’t be on this list, but as a discount QB2, he’s right at the top.  If Jaylen Waddle is so good, we have to place a value on Tua.  Miami has made many supporting moves this off season to give Tua his best chance at success.  And, the biggest reason of all, the Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill.  These moves should have made owner’s salivate at the chance to roster him, but in the backs of most people’s minds, they’ll still say, “but it’s Tua”.  Don’t be one of those fools who can’t see the sure progression of the guy Miami took instead of Justin Herbert.  They’re invested and you’d be foolish to not invest at this price.

 

New York Jets: Running Back - Michael Carter

There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of the New York Jets.  The real life fans have been through the fire with this franchise.  It must be truly maddening watching such highly touted prospects flop or leave your team in the basement.  But make no mistake, there is still treasure to be dug up on the Jets squad.  The most valuable Jets player is one of two in most people’s eyes.  One being wide receiver Elijah Moore and the other being running back, Michael Carter.  It’s funny in a way, because I see Moore as overpriced in drafts, while Michael Carter is not.  And even though he’s not “cheap”, he offers the best value on this team.

2021 was in many ways a terrible year for Michael Carter.  The Jets were, once again, one of the worst teams in the NFL.  Carter also spent a large portion of his rookie season on the mend.  But while others might see him as an injury risk playing on a horrible team, see him for the talent that he is.  The path for Carter to succeed is clear.  He’s young, has no true competition and is one of the only talented options to lean on.  Finding a starting running back for a discount is not easy, so it’s essential to take advantage when you can.  There are hurdles for sure, but Michael Carter is not one who is being held with tight fists by many managers.  This opens the door for you to make an attempt at gaining Michael Carter for way cheaper than he should be.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

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.

 

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