Dynasty News: Reacting to the Preseason

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We are nearing the season opener and the news from training camp is beginning to pour in. In today’s  “Dynasty News,” we will examine some items from the recent training camp news and the dynasty implications. This is not an exhaustive list, but dynasty managers must understand the impact of these situations as these circumstances are very fluid.

Dynasty News: J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota

In a disappointing turn of events, Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus in the preseason game where he was just beginning to show real promise. McCarthy was placed on injured reserve after surgery was needed to repair – not trim – the meniscus.  This means the youngster will miss his rookie season but should be ready for offseason activities. Veteran Sam Darnold is now the Vikings starting quarterback for 2025. We expect coach O’Connell to maintain the pass-heavy offense he showcased last season, even with lesser passers under center. Do not downgrade the receivers as this is a rebuilding team that will throw the ball often. This injury should give dynasty managers a “buy” opportunity, especially if rebuilding. McCarthy may be a better prospect than any quarterback in next year’s dynasty rookie drafts.

Dynasty News: Gardner Minshew II, Las Vegas

Last week, Tom Pelissero broke the news about the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback job, “The #Raiders are naming Gardner Minshew II their starting QB, per sources. Coach Antonio Pierce just informed the QBs of his decision after a camp battle between Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Minshew Mania continues in Las Vegas, which opens Sept. 8 vs. the #Chargers.” Minshew’s presence is a great sign for Adams, Meyers, Bowers, and the receiving corps. However, we expect both he and O’Connell to start games this season. Further, it is likely that the Raiders have a poor record and select a quarterback high in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This move has little dynasty impact other than on the pass catchers.

Dynasty News: Cincinnati RBs

The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to add talent and depth to their running back depth chart in the next few weeks. After letting Joe Mixon depart to Houston, Cincinnati signed Zack Moss to complement Chase Brown. But these are the only viable backs after Chris Evans was diagnosed last week with a torn patellar tendon. He will miss the entire season and may not be ready for next year’s offseason activities.  and will miss the 2024 season. This is a career-threatening injury. While Evans was not expected to start or garner meaningful playing time, his loss highlights the team’s lack of depth at the position. Since Samaje Perine was released at the final cutdown, we expect the Bengals to be in the mix. If nothing else, this should signal that Joe Burrow will be throwing the ball often.

Dynasty News: Nick Chubb, Cleveland

Monday morning, Jordan Schultz broke the news about Nick Chubb starting the season on the shelf," Sources: The #Browns will leave All-Pro RB Nick Chubb on the reserve/PUP list to begin the season, which means he will miss at least the first four games. Chubb is coming off a devastating Week 2 knee injury but remains ahead of schedule and set to return in 2024." This is good news, as it means that Chubb will not be rushed back to the field. Expect Jerome Ford to be the primary ball carrier while Chubb is out. Just a warning that this offense could be a big dumpster fire with uncertainty at quarterback and a tough schedule.

Dynasty News: Braelon Allen, NY Jets

During a press conference last week, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh gushed about rookie running back Braelon Allen, “We picked him for a lot of reasons because he’s actually really good out of the backfield and route-running, he’s really good in protection, too. We think he’s an all-around good back, and he’s a very powerful runner, too, and he’s displaying that, down in and down out.” Allen is Breece Hall’s backup and has a bright future in the NFL. Dynasty managers should seek to acquire Allen on the cheap if Hall gets off to a fast start, taking the focus off Allen. New York has a promising pair of young backs that leaves dynasty managers hoping for a long-term improvement in the team’s ability to run the ball.

Dynasty News: LA Chargers RBs

While many dynasty managers argue Gus Edwards versus J.K. Dobbins for the Chargers' starting running back job, keep an eye on rookie Kimani Vidal. Vidal flashed big-time dynasty potential a week ago in the preseason contest against the Rams, gaining 49 yards on 11 carries. Coach Harbaugh loves his veterans so it might take a few impotent weeks from the veterans before the rookie gets a solid shot, but he is worth betting on in dynasty.

Dynasty News: Kendre Miller, New Orleans

New Orleans tailback Kendre Miller is talented but seems to have found himself in the coaching staff’s doghouse. Speaking to the media last week, coach Dennis Allen had this to say about Miller, “All I can go off of is what I’ve been able to evaluate and, quite frankly, since we drafted him, there hasn’t been a whole lot of new information other than what I saw on the college tape, because he hasn’t been available. … He’s talented. I know he’s talented. But I don’t know if he can learn the system, I don’t know if he can pick up the system,  because I haven’t seen him out there.” Miller was buried on the depth chart throughout training camp and was placed on injured reserve to start the season, meaning he will miss the first four games. The good news is that the second-year player has talent and is playing behind two aging veterans, Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. In dynasty, the price to acquire should be very low and could be a worthwhile target. Coach Allen is trying to motivate the youngster and we are hoping it works.