Dynasty News: Week 12

Dynasty News has been a part of Footballguys for well over a decade. Our Jeff Tefertiller combines strategy with relevant NFL news to help dynasty managers excel with their teams. It examines some of the larger happenings of the week from a dynasty perspective. The news may be injury- or performance-related.

Dynasty News: Caleb Williams, Chicago

Much ink has been spilled regarding Caleb Williams' middling rookie season. Last week, Jeff Howe rocked the boat even more when he said that he believes "midseason offensive regression has raised concerns over Caleb Williams' long-term viability as a franchise quarterback." While this may be a stretch, it is an interesting thought exercise after seeing several high-first-round quarterbacks fail to live up to their promise. Howe interviewed several NFL executives, including one who told him, "He could get away with running around, throwing the ball up for grabs, throwing across his body, and he had some success doing that. You don't get away with that at the NFL level too often. I'm a little surprised they haven't been able to clean some of this up." Williams' future will be a popular offseason topic as there will be many theories on how to "fix" Williams' game for the NFL. He played well in Sunday's loss to Green Bay. Maybe the change in offensive coordinator will help the situation. 

Dynasty News: J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota

Last Wednesday, beat reporter Kevin Seifert tweeted, "NEWS: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy had a 2nd surgery on his right knee this week to address swelling that developed after an uptick in rehab activity, per source. As part of the procedure, he was given a biologic injection. No changes to recovery timetable." Many "experts" hypothesized about the prognosis. It was fellow-beat Ben Goessling, who offered context, "Source confirmed @SeifertESPN's report that J.J. McCarthy had a biologic injection to deal with intermittent swelling in his knee. No change to his recovery timeline." The injection is just part of the process and indicates that there has been no setback. Dynasty managers will be conflicted about whether to go after McCarthy in the offseason, but we encourage doing so now while most are focused on – and enamored with – Sam Darnold.

Dynasty News: Daniel Jones, NY Giants

Last Tuesday, Adam Schefter opined that Giants quarterback Daniel Jones "will never play another down" for the team. The crux of Schefter's comments originated from how coach Brian Daboll phrased the situation in Monday's press conference. Schefter said the benching is more about the $23 million in injury guarantees than the on-the-field play, though the two are difficult to separate. Monday morning, Ian Rapoport broke the news officially, "Sources: The #Giants are benching QB Daniel Jones, officially moving on from their starter. Out of the bye week, with the team 2-8, Jones now heads to the bench in what the team has said would be a football decision." A football decision is a loose translation for "we do not want to get stuck with those injury guarantees." The Giants are 24-44-1 with Jones as the starter. Rapoport later reported that Tommy DeVito, not Drew Lock, would assume the starter's role. Jones' tenure as the starter will not be remembered fondly in New York. Mike Clay tweeted out some context on Jones' offenses:

The Giants ranking in offensive TDs since Jones was drafted:
2019: 15th
2020: 31st
2021: 32nd
2022: 15th
2023: 30th
2024: 32nd
Overall: 31st (32nd since 2020) https://t.co/tDYL8NlRwo

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 18, 2024

The New York offense is a desert for dynasty managers outside of the three rookies, Nabors, Tracy, and Johnson. A new quarterback will make each a strong buy in the offseason, so dynasty managers are encouraged to buy these youngsters now while everyone is loathing the team's offense.

Dynasty News: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville

The Jaguars ruled quarterback Trevor Lawrence out early last week, indicating that he was not close to playing through the left shoulder injury. Jacksonville has a bye this coming week and there is a good chance that the star passer is back in the lineup. Mac Jones has not played well in Lawrence's stead. There is hope Lawrence can return in Week 13.                

Dynasty News: Braelon Allen, NY Jets

Late last week, Jets play-caller Todd Downing was asked about Braelon Allen's role and why he was not more involved. Downing responded, "Taking Breece [Hall] off the field when he's getting going isn't certainly something we're looking for reasons to do… I believe that as we start playing with a lead and start being a little bit more efficient on offense, he'll get more opps." It sounds like Downing does not have a plan to rotate his backs. The Jets offense is struggling, even with many big names in the lineup. It will be interesting to see who the next coach is and his plan for utilizing the many weapons. Allen has played very well and should be considered a "dynasty buy" for the long term.

Dynasty News: MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay

MarShawn Lloyd has seen his share of bad luck during his rookie season. He has been on injured reserve, trying to come back from hamstring and ankle injuries and was near returning when beat reporter Rob Demovsky tweeted, "RB MarShawn Lloyd woke up this morning with appendicitis, Matt LaFleur said. Since Lloyd's 21-day practice window opened already and an appendectomy usually requires several weeks recovery, the Packers are talking to the NFL to see if there's a way he can still play later on." It is likely that Lloyd's season is done. He is a quality player who will start the 2025 season behind veteran Josh Jacobs. We advise dynasty managers to pursue Lloyd while most are dour on his career. These injuries are not upside-limiting and he flashed potential in the preseason. Jacobs has carried the ball almost 1,500 times in his career, and the end is not far off. Lloyd could be the heir apparent. Do not be fooled by Jacobs' four-year, $48-million contract. Only $12.5 million is guaranteed. The team is not married to him long-term.

Dynasty News: Gabe Davis, Jacksonville

After Sunday's shellacking against the Lions, beat reporter Michael DiRocco tweeted Monday morning, "Forgotten moment from yesterday in the aftermath of the worst loss in franchise history: Jaguars WR Gabe Davis left the locker room on crutches with his left leg in a brace. Suffered a knee injury during the game against Lions." Monday morning, Ian Rapoport tweeted an update, "#Jaguars standout WR Gabe Davis, is believed to have suffered a meniscus tear on Sunday, per me and @TomPelissero. They are still assessing the injury, but Davis is expected to have surgery. During the procedure, doctors will determine if it's a full repair or just a trim.

Dynasty News: Tyquan Thornton, New England

On Saturday, Adam Schefter broke the news that the New England Patriots were releasing receiver Tyquan Thornton. He was a surprise second-round pick, 50th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.  Thornton is worth a preemptive pick-up from the waiver wire as he could land in a favorable situation.

Dynasty News: Tyler Higbee, LA Rams

Tyler Higbee tore his ACL and MCL in the Rams playoff loss to the Lions last January. Beat reporter Sarah Barshop tweeted an update last Friday, "Sean McVay said TE Tyler Higbee is 'a couple weeks away' from returning from a torn ACL and MCL." This is great timing for the team's playoff run. They signed Colby Parkinson this offseason from Seattle, but Davis Allen has passed him on the depth chart. Higbee could be a solid fantasy starter after a few weeks of getting up to speed. Dynasty managers are encouraged to see how cheap Higbee will be to acquire before his season debut.