Dynasty News: Week 15

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: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville

Trevor Lawrence tried to play through a left shoulder injury but was knocked out of the game against Houston in Week 13. He left that game with a concussion. Last Wednesday,  Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The #Jaguars have placed QB Trevor Lawrence on IR with a concussion. He also can allow his left shoulder to heal. His season is almost certainly over.”  Rapoport added, “#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is expected to have surgery to repair his significant AC joint injury in his left shoulder in the coming weeks, sources say. His season is over.  Lawrence will make a full recovery for 2025.” This is a disappointing end to a disappointing season for Lawrence and the Jaguars offense. Jacksonville struggled to gain momentum on offense, but there is hope for 2025 with young players on the rise like Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr., Jr., Travis Etienne Jr., and Evan Engram.

Dynasty News: Jonathon Brooks, Carolina

After the loss to Philadelphia, Carolina head coach, Dave Canales, told reporters that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks had pain in his knee but the team will have to do the full battery of tests to get a better understanding of the full injury. Canales announced Monday that Brooks re-tore his ACL. So disappointing for a talented player. Brooks was just activated from injured reserve a couple of weeks ago and now miss the remainder of his rookie season. Dynaasty manager should not expect Brooks back until next November. Expect Chuba Hubbard to continue to lead the Panthers backfield until Brooks comes back. 

Dynasty News: Diontae Johnson, Baltimore

Dynasty managers expected receiver Diontae Johnson to make an immediate impact after his acquisition from Carolina. But, Johnson has just one reception (on five targets) since joining the Ravens. Last week, Baltimore suspended the mercurial pass catcher. General Manager, Eric DeCosta, released a statement, “We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team. Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles." Given the bye week, the timing is optimal for the two sides – team and player – to put this behind them for the playoff stretch. Jordan Schultz tweeted some context to the situation, “It is my understanding that Diontae Johnson has been frustrated in Baltimore due to his lack of usage since arriving in a trade. Baltimore has taken action by suspending him for a game, but more conversations are likely to happen as they head into their bye week, determining whether moving on would make sense. The #Ravens still believe Johnson could help them down the stretch, but they need everyone to be fully committed and team-focused. Johnson is in a contract year.” Even if he does not play another down for Baltimore, Johnson would command a high enough salary for the Ravens to reap a comp pick for permitting him to walk in free agency. The team is in control of the situation and does not have to make a rash decision. However, this brouhaha will give dynasty managers an optimal opportunity to acquire the talented receiver at a discount.

Dynasty News: Mike Williams, Pittsburgh

Many expected Mike Williams to be more involved in the Pittsburgh pass offense. He is losing playing time to Van Jefferson so there must be more going on behind the scenes. Last week, Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, talked to reporters about Williams’ role, “It’s gonna happen. It’s simply a matter of time. I was really encouraged by the playmaking that he made during the week, in preparation for the game. And, oftentimes, when you’re making plays in preparation, it ultimately shows up in play.” Even with George Pickens inactive, Williams only garnered 4 targets, catching 3 passes for 36 yards. It was quite disappointing for those expecting Williams to step up. As Pittsburgh plans for the playoff push, they must know that opposing defenses will shadow George Pickens and Pittsburgh needs another receiver to step up.

Dynasty News: Josh Reynolds, Jacksonville

Last week, Denver beat reporter, Mike Klis, tweeted, “Per wire, Broncos have waived WR Josh Reynolds. Team sticking with kid WRs. Reynolds to be paid $4.3M for 12 catches. He's been on IR (finger) since gm 5 vs Raiders. 12 days later Reynolds was victim in drive-by shooting. Deadline to activate was WED. Instead, waived. #9sports.” This move shows a sign of support for Devaughn Vele, especially, and the rookie is playing well. Mike Garafolo tweeted an update, “The #Jaguars have claimed veteran WR Josh Reynolds off waivers from the #Broncos, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Reynolds gives Jacksonville’s injury-riddled receiving corps some production and experience for Mac Jones.” Given the injuries to Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis, the Jaguars were thin at the wide receiver position. His dynasty upside is limited with Mac Jones under center so he is merely an upside stash to monitor over the offseason. Chris Tomasson helped with the financial context, “The Jaguars now assume Josh Reynolds pro-rated $2.25 million base salary for the remainder of the year, which would have been guaranteed regardless since he is a vested veteran. His signing bonus remains on #Broncos cap. So they'll have a $1 million dead cap hit on him next year.” Reynolds is a free agent after the season. Dynasty managers should see receiver-depth-needy teams - like Detroit and Denver – releasing Reynolds as a bad sign for his upside.

Dynasty News: Treylon Burks, Tennessee

Treylon Burks entered the NFL with high expectations. He was drafted to fill the void after the Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Eagles for a first-round pick. Since the trade, Burks has 699 receiving yards and 1 touchdown while Brown has 3,745 yds receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Philadelphia looks to be the winner of that trade. Matt Harmon had this to say about that situation, “There's certainly an alternate universe where Burks could have been worked out as an NFL receiver, but there was almost 0.0 evidence based on his college film that he could replace AJ Brown's role in the Titans offense. They were just...the same size.” Ouch! The third-year receiver recently had knee surgery after injuring his ACL in Week 6, according to Tennessee coach Brian Callahan. In addition to his general ineffectiveness, Burks has struggled to stay on the field, playing no more than 11 games in any one of his three professional seasons. His best season was as a rookie when the youngster had 444 receiving yards. As he enters his final year under contract, we expect the Titans to seek a trade partner for Burks. A change of scenery might do him well.

Dynasty News: Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia

Dallas Goedert has struggled with injuries this season. He was injured in the Week 14 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. On Saturday, Ian Rapoport tweeted, “#Eagles standout TE Dallas Goedert is headed to Injured Reserve because of his knee injury, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. The plan is for him to be back at full speed heading into the playoffs.” Grant Calcaterra makes a solid desperation play for dynasty managers needing a tight end replacement in a given week. He did catch a short touchdown against the Panthers on Sunday.

Dynasty News: Brevin Jordan, Houston

Brevin Jordan is an athletic tight end, brimming with dynasty upside. He tore his ACL in Week 2 and should be ready for offseason activities. The Texans think enough of Jordan’s skill to give him a contract extension last week, ensuring the 25-year-old tight end will be in Houston in 2025. The Texans have a crowded tight end room with veteran Dalton Schultz, rookie Cade Stover, and Jordan.  Dynasty managers are encouraged to stash Jordan and trade Schultz away. Jordan has upside as a receiver. Stover is talented. The net effect will limit Schultz’s fantasy impact.