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: Daniel Jones, Minnesota

There has been much discussion as to why the Vikings claimed Daniel Jones. Analysts are overcomplicating the conversation. Jones becomes quality insurance for a team hoping for a Super Bowl. Also, Sam Darnold is on a one-year deal and will likely command a large contract in the offseason. Even if Minnesota loses both Darnold and Jones, they will get two quality comp picks for their losses. The Jones signing is a win-win scenario. The Giants are paying all but the minimum of Jones’ 2025 salary and the Vikings either re-sign him on the cheap or get a comp pick in return.

Dynasty News: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

Those watching Sunday Night Football cringed in unison as Christian McCaffrey was carted off the field against the Buffalo Bills. Coach Kyle Shanahan later confirmed that McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury. This is typically a multi-week injury and there is a chance that the star tailback will miss the remainder of the season, especially given San Francisco’s 5-7 record. There is no reason to rush him back as long as the 49ers are not in the playoff chase. Tom Pelissero summarized the situation quite well, “And so it appears a frustrating season for #49ers star Christian McCaffrey ends like this: 4 games. 348 yards from scrimmage. 0 touchdowns. 2 significant injuries. He’s due $16.2 million in 2025, when he’ll be 29 years old.” Given that San Francisco will have to pay quarterback Brock Purdy soon, the team is at a crossroads knowing their Super Bowl window is closing fast.

Dynasty news: James Conner, Arizona

Adam Schefter was the first to report on James Conner’s new contract, “More time together: Cardinals are signing RB James Conner to a two-year contract extension, per source. Conner was scheduled to be a free agent after this season, but no longer.” The Cardinals have a good offense and have a strong chance of winning the division this year. This contract extension should lead most dynasty managers to pump the brakes on Trey Benson being the starter in 2025. Conner makes a great “buy” for dynasty managers looking to “win now” and want a cheap starter. Conner is underrated every season.

Dynasty News: J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers placed their starting running back, J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve last Saturday afternoon after he suffered an MCL sprain the Monday night before. Dobbins is still just 25 years of age and should be back for the NFL playoffs. He will miss at least the next three games. Until then, we expect the Chargers to use a backfield committee, frustrating the fantasy community.

Dynasty News: Austin Ekeler, Washington

Austin Ekeler has suffered multiple concussions this season and his last one landed the veteran tailback on injured reserve. He will miss three more games. Brian Robinson Jr played a larger role in Washington’s large victory over Tennessee on Sunday. Concussions might be the reason for an early retirement, depending on how Ekeler responds in the next few weeks. Washington would love to have their receiving back and returner back for the playoffs.

Dynasty News: Marquise Brown, Kansas City

Over the weekend, Ian Rapoport gave an update on Marquise Brown’s recovery timeline, “More help is on the way for the Kansas City Chiefs offense. Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, the electric wide receiver who was among the biggest acquisitions of the 2024 offseason, is expected back soon from his preseason shoulder injury, and sources say it's likely that he plays before the regular season ends. Brown has an appointment in Week 15 with his surgeon to potentially gain final clearance, per sources. At that point, if all goes as well as it has been, he's expected back on the practice field and could even play in Weeks 16 or 17 … A former Ravens first-rounder who played for the Cardinals last season, Brown suffered a sternoclavicular shoulder joint injury in the Chiefs' preseason opener in August. The initial plan was to rehab and return, but he didn't heal as well as first hoped and underwent surgery in early September.” Kansas City has limped through the past few games and could use another playmaker on offense.

Dynasty News: Brandin Cooks, Dallas

Brandin Cooks was activated before the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day victory over the Giants. The Dallas offense looked much better with a viable receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb. Cooks even caught a touchdown in the game. He will be a borderline fantasy starter for the fantasy playoffs.  

Dynasty News: Devaughn Vele

Last week, Denver head coach, Sean Payton, was asked about rookie receiver Devaughn Vele’s growing role in the offense. Payton responded like a proud father, “Very quickly, we've seen his growth. He's been really good. The strengths for him certainly are his hands. ... He's a guy that plays well over the middle. He reminds me a lot of Marques Colston.” With Courtland Sutton a free agent after the season, Vele has a great chance to be the Colston of this Denver offense for years to come. He is a great trade target for rebuilding teams. The price will be low and the ceiling is high.

Dynasty News: Taysom Hill

In Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans lost their best play-maker, Taysom Hill, after he took a helmet directly to the knee. He was diagnosed with a torn ACL and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. This Saints offense flows through the tight end position so we expect Juwan Johnson to have an expanded role the final few games of the season, especially with the team’s top two receivers, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, on injured reserve.

Dynasty News: Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Higbee began practicing last Wednesday and looks to play soon, possibly as early as this week. Before the game against New Orleans, coach Sean McVay said Higbee “is probably ready, but we’re going to be smart with him.” Higbee adds another receiver to an offense that is getting healthy at the right time of the year. He could be a low-end fantasy starter for the fantasy playoffs.

Dynasty News: New York Giants Tight Ends

Last Monday, Denver beat reporter, Parker Gabriel, tweeted, “#Broncos waived TE Greg Dulcich, per the wire … Dulcich showed a lot of promise as a rookie but the hamstring injuries marred his 2023 season. Didn't do much early this year and then was a healthy scratch after the first four weeks.” Dulcich was claimed by the New York Giants. This transaction came days before New York rookie tight end, Theo Johnson, suffered a foot injury on Thanksgiving and will miss the remainder of the season. The Dulcich claim is a good low-risk transaction for a team lacking talent at many positions. Dulcich and Johnson are both athletic players who could become legitimate NFL and fantasy starters with adequate development. The new regime in New York will have one more puzzle piece to work with.